GPCC Passes City Budget & Modifies Ordinances Helping Law Enforcement
The Grants Pass City Council's business session Wednesday night began with a public hearing to approve the fiscal year '27' budget, followed by various actions related to the budget, amended many sections of the municipal code and approved commercial activity in Riverside Park. The City's fiscal year 2027-28 budget is $297,247,088 as presented by the budget committee was passed along with a resolution to receive state shared revenues in the amount of $390,800. A Resolution to impose taxes and categorizing taxes, at the same level as passed years, for FY '27 passed. All vote were unanimous. The City Council passed an ordinance amending several sections of the city's municipal code including public decency, sleeping on sidewalks, obstructing traffic, over 10 sections, as a sample of all that was dealt with. The move is the first step deal with anticipated situations as the low barrier Shelton opens and the current resting sites are closed. The ordinance passed unanimously. Councilors also approved commercial activity in Riverside Park and a fee waiver for the 2026 Cruise the Rogue event scheduled to begin July 23rd. The City Council, acting as the Urban Renewal Agency, approved the agencies FY'27 budget. Council adjourned and went into executive session. ...Read more

MPD Identified Victim in Fatal Assault Case, Suspect Arrested

The Medford Police Department received reports of what was believed to be a serious assault occurring near the railroad tracks in the area of West Jackson Street and Welch Street. As officers responded Tuesday around 3:30 p.m., witnesses located an adult female suffering from severe head injuries. Officers and emergency medical personnel immediately began life-saving efforts, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Based on witness statements and video evidence gathered during the investigation, officers identified and located the suspect, 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo. He was seen walking near West McAndrews Road and Summit Avenue about 20 minutes after the initial call for service. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez, and investigators believe the suspect and victim were acquainted. Next of kin have been notified. No additional information regarding their relationship or the circumstances surrounding the incident will be released at this time. ...Read more

One Dead after Fatal Highland Avenue Vehicle Crash

Grants Pass Police were dispatched to a fatal car crash in the 2700 block of Highland Avenue Tuesday following a call to 911 around 8:15 a.m. The caller reported two vehicles colliding in the roadway, with one of them catching fire after the crash. Bystanders provided help in the time between the crash and the arrival of first responders. One of the motorists was confirmed deceased at the scene. Detectives and a Crash Reconstructionist assisted with the investigation. It was determined that Gabriel Davis, a 22-year-old male, died when his car veered into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The occupant of the other car was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is complete, though anyone with information can call the police department at 541-450-6260. ...Read more