Local News

Commissioner Ron Smith, in a statement, aimed to reassure the community that "county government continues to function." He continued, saying essential services are still in place, there isn't any disruption to regular operations, and "the current situation is temporary." Smith echoed these statements during KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show this morning. The process of appointing a new commissioner will "occur in the very near future", Smith said. "Any commissioner appointed will serve only to ensure continuity of county government and will hold office until the general election this November." According to a call to the County Clerk's office, there will be no confirmation on future meetings of the Temporary board until the recall election of Former Commissioner Chris Barnett is certified. The election results will be posted to the county website no earlier than 5 p.m. January 28th, but no later than February 2nd.

 

The Grants Pass Police Department is participating in the Safety Belt Overtime Blitz now through the beginning of February. Officers are expected to conduct enforcement activities at various locations throughout town, including school zones and major thoroughfares. Now until February 8th, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use this time to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2023, 1,972 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 11 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. Of the 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2022, 50% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017, an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with a harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is receiving reports of phone scams in which callers are telling community members they missed federal grand jury duty.

The callers are pretending to be “Sergeant Will Shopp”, one of JCSO's Detective Sergeants. JCSO said in their Facebook post that, if he is calling you, it’s likely for something far worse than missed jury duty.

The community is reminded to not send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement over the phone. All legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call to collect money and will never request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.

If you receive a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately and contact JCSO directly at 541-774-6800.

 

Oregon State Police responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 46, in Jackson County Saturday at 3:59 a.m. The preliminary investigation of the two-vehicle incident indicated a southbound Nissan Altima, driven by Ana Azuchena Villa-Rodriguez, 31, of Medford, attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by a southbound Dodge Ram 2500, driven by Kenneth George Brito, 50, of Grants Pass. Villa-Rodriguez was declared deceased at the scene. Brito was reportedly uninjured. OSP conducted the on-scene investigation, which impacted the interstate for approximately four hours. Rogue River Fire Department and ODOT assisted.

 

A man drove his vehicle through the gate at Cascade Self Storage Sunday evening.

According to security footage, the incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. The gate was bent in half when a silver Subaru Forester drove through. The manager of the 2450 NW Vine Street storage facility reported to dispatch at 9:30 p.m. that damages were estimated to be around $3,500.

The suspect was locked inside the facility and drove through the gate when his code didn't work. Arriving officers were able to photograph the damage and seize a mirror part lying on the ground at the gate as evidence.

Reviewing the security footage identified Jason Reynolds as the suspect. His vehicle was recognized from a prior call for service, and officers were able to locate him at Motel 6. Damage to Reynold's vehicle was consistent with damages to the gate.

Reynolds was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Criminal Mischief.

 

Grants Pass Police conducted a traffic stop, leading to the arrest of a suspended driver.

On Sunday at 4:02 p.m., officers pulled over a white Dodge Pickup at the corner of the Grants Pass Parkway and SE M Street. Kevin Palmerton was identified as the driver, and he was found to be driving while suspended.

He was arrested, and a search of his person located a bindle with a white crystal substance. A charge of Meth Possession was referred to the District Attorney's office, and Palmerton's Parole Officer was notified.

Palmerton was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for a Misdemeanor charge of Driving While Suspended. His license was seized, and his vehicle was impounded.

 

Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department apprehended two theft suspects Sunday during separate instances.

At 1:28 p.m., dispatch received report of the theft, and that the man fled on foot. He had taken about $74 worth of merchandise from the Walmart at 135 NE Terry Lane and bypassed all points of sale.

Officers were able to locate and detain the suspect, Shane Barton, at the corner of NE Fairview Avenue and NE Terry Lane. He admitted to the theft, and the merchandise was recovered. Barton was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Third Degree Theft. He was also trespassed from Walmart.

An hour later, dispatch was alerted to another Walmart theft at 2:28 p.m., this time for over $1,000 of stolen merchandise. An employee said the suspect was detained but refused to give his identification. It was reported the suspect also had a weapon in his possession.

Officers arrived and positively identified Jordan Campbell as the shoplifter. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of First Degree Theft and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He was trespassed from the Walmart.

 

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a man walking in and out of SE 6th Street and SE H Street Sunday morning.

A caller reported to dispatch around 10:59 a.m. that the suspect was in and out of the street. The caller tried to tell the man to get back on the sidewalk, but he didn't seem to understand. At one point he stopped in front of the caller's vehicle.

A welfare check was requested, and an officer responded to the scene. The suspect, Robert Smith, was contacted and was making nonsensical statements that the officer couldn't understand. Smith couldn't answer simple questions and was taken into custody for the Sobering Center.

While conducting a search for weapons and means of escape on Smith's person, a broken glass pipe with white residue was located in his front right pocket. The substance field tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. The officer transported and lodged Smith in the Josephine County Jail for Possession of Methamphetamine.

 

Commissioner Chris Barnett posted a video to his Facebook page this morning saying he is concluding his service as County Commissioner. In the video, Barnett said his decision to conclude his service was made "after a thoughtful reflection and with respect for this office." He thanked county employees for their service and citizens for their engagement. As of today, there are no further meetings on the Board of Commissioner's calendar. Commissioner Ron Smith has confirmed he will appear on KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.