Local News

The County Commissioners discussed an Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Levy and approved a letter opposed to the proposed removal of Murphy Dam.

During the 1:30 p.m. workshop, both the Sheriff's and Juvenile Justice Departments presented the renewal of a 93 cent levy with additional general fund support for both agencies. It would last a year, then go back to the public to determine the next amount.

Following a discussion between either the levy or a proposed service district, the topic will continue with Legal Counsel during Thursday's scheduled update at 10 a.m.

During board business, a letter drafted by Commissioner Ron Smith opposed to the removal of the Murphy Dam on the Applegate River was approved without objection. The letter will be sent out to the departments. Also approved was an Anne G. Basker Auditorium Rental application, and a motion for the Silverbrook Phase 2 Plat Map Subdivision. It passed 3-0. Union Negotiations will take place with a deadline of June 30th, and the board giving the final sign off.

A Recreation Grant Agreement request for Horse Racing in the amount of $1 million was approved unanimously. The monies come from Oregon State Legislator House Bill 5204, giving counties that hold horse races the amount to be used for races only. The Oregon Racing Commission will monitor the funds usage.

Immediately after the workshop adjourned, the board reconvened in Executive Session to consider personnel matters, confidential records exempt from public disclosure, and to consult with legal counsel regarding the county's legal rights and duties.

A motion to proceed with issuing a paid administrative leave as discussed in the executive session passed 2-1, with Commissioner Ron Smith the lone dissenting vote.

 

The Board of County Commissioners met with City Manager Aaron Cubic for today's City and County Monthly Update.

Following their appearance on KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show, the board and city manager discussed the 6th and 7th Street Banner Approval Process at 11 a.m. It was determined the Oregon Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the process, and that any potential change would come from the organization. Further discussion will be taken to Legal Counsel.

Plans for the 250th 4th of July Celebration were brought up, including the City's celebration at Reinhart Volunteer Park, and a proclamation July 1st recognizing 250 years of independence.

The board discussed Devil's Slide and the potential purchase, transfer, or appraisal of the property. Cubic said he would provide a concept of how the property would be used under City control with regards to multiplying and adding to the trail system. He would also get clarification on if there's willingness to partner with a split on the appraisal cost.

Lastly, Commissioner Gary Richardson brought up partnering with the city regarding sewage infrastructure. A larger sewage treatment facility in the North Valley Industrial Area was discussed, as well as grant funds for the potential development.

 

Emergency crews responded to a commercial structure fire early yesterday morning.

The fire was reported Monday at 5:04 a.m. in Cave Junction. The Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response, and Rural Metro Fire were dispatched to the scene at 201 S Redwood Highway.

Upon arrival, crews successfully contained the blaze to the building's exterior and subsequently extinguished it. Internal inspections were conducted to ensure no fire extension had occurred.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the investigation.

 

Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 200 jobs in May, with job gains estimated in leisure and hospitality (+140); other services (+30); and financial activities (+20).

According to the Oregon Employment Department, employment was essentially flat in other published industries. Government employment also showed little movement in May. Local government education employment fell by 20 jobs and federal government added 20 jobs over the month.

Over the past year payroll employment in the area decreased by 180 jobs, a loss of -0.7%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries, excluding private education and health services, which gained 290 jobs.

Job declines occurred in retail trade (-90); leisure and hospitality (-80); manufacturing (-70); information (-40); and construction (-30). Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment decreased by 60 jobs since May 2025.

Government employment fell by 140 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-120) while federal government also lost 20 jobs over the year.

Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 6.7% in May, unchanged over the month and down slightly from the May 2025 rate of 7.1%.

 

Parker's Place Village, Elk Island Trading Group, LLC and Alternative Living Solutions, Inc.'s project in partnership with the City of Grants Pass, signed in 44 people.

According to the village's Facebook page, the individuals signed intake agreements and were assigned semi-private rooms with a bed, door, and lock. New picnic tables were purchased and assembled yesterday, and north fence posts were installed.

Today, the water system is scheduled to be finished and a meter installed, another step towards the finished 150 bed village.

 

Cruise the Rogue, Southern Oregon’s first all-genre automotive festival, arrives in Historic Downtown Grants Pass and Riverside Park on July 23rd through the 26th. Presented by Main Street Grants Pass, the four-day event brings together over 300 registered vehicles across 12 classes from pre-war classics and muscle cars to JDM tuners, custom builds, and motorcycles. The festival’s celebrity guest lineup features Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins of Gas Monkey Garage, alongside Alan Taylor, host of The Drive radio show and a founding board member of the event. Rawlings and Collins will present awards live at the Sunday ceremony. The event begins with the Long Table VIP Dinner Thursday, July 23rd, followed by Cars and Coffee, Downtown Show and Shine, and the Applegate Valley Poker Run Friday, July 24th. Cars and Coffee and the Applegate Valley Run continue Saturday, July 25th, followed by the Riverside Salon de l'Automobile and Saturday Night Cruise. Sunday, July 26th, is the Riverside Park Show and Awards Ceremony.

 

Grants Pass Police contacted and arrested a man sleeping under a covered sidewalk for trespassing.

The suspect, Johnnathon Adams, was located by a passerby at the Downtown Welcome Center Sunday around 8:06 p.m. He was laying on the G Street side of the building, and reportedly hadn't moved in three hours.

Adams was described to dispatch as having gray hair, and wearing a tan and black shirt, dark pants, and work boots. Officers responded and contacted him, finding he had been trespassed from the area on the 18th.

Adams' identity was confirmed, and he was taken into custody. Officers lodged him in jail for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, but later released him due to a lack of resources.

 

One of two shoplifting suspects was arrested by Grants Pass Police at Walmart Sunday.

Loss prevention at the 135 NE Terry Lane store detained a man after he and a woman stole over $252 worth of items. The two suspects reportedly placed lower marked stickers on higher priced items, then passed all points of purchase without paying for the correct price.

The woman, Rita Cimfl, left the scene in a maroon sedan towards Grocery Outlet while the man, Douglas Knudtson, was detained in the loss prevention room around 1:20 p.m. The manager wished to pursue charges.

Officers arrived to take Knudtson into custody. Attempts to locate Cimfl were unsuccessful, but Knudtson was taken to the Josephine County Jail and lodged for Second Degree Theft. Due to a lack of jail resources, he was later released.

 

Grants Pass Fire Rescue will begin its annual fire hydrant testing program this month, helping to ensure hydrants across the community are operating correctly and can deliver the water needed to protect lives and property during an emergency. According to GPFR, hydrant testing includes flowing and measuring water output, verifying mechanical function, and documenting maintenance needs. Residents may notice crews working in their neighborhoods and may experience temporary water discoloration or minor pressure fluctuations. These conditions are normal and should be cleared quickly. If discoloration persists, residents are encouraged to briefly run their cold water taps until the water clears. Accurate and up-to-date water flow information is critical for emergency response. Firefighters rely on precise data to determine how much water is available during a fire, which directly affects firefighting strategy and safety. In addition, hydrant flow data plays an important role in the community’s Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification rating.