Joint Operation by GPPD and DEA Arrests 16 while Seizing Narcotics and Money

The Grants Pass Police Department and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Tuesday announced a joint operation that resulted in the arrests of 16 suspects across Southern Oregon following the execution of numerous search warrants. Those arrested were charged with drug and weapon violations. During the operation, law enforcement personnel seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 1/4-pound of heroin, one ounce of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana, nine firearms, over $100,000 in cash and two vehicles. Thirteen of the arrestees are Josephine County residents while two are Jackson County residents and one is from California The months-long investigation found a suspected group of narcotics dealers was coordinating the trafficking of large amounts of drugs in Josephine and Jackson counties. Detectives were able to gather enough evidence to apply for warrants. GPPD and DEA -- along with personnel from the Central Point Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement, Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives -- significantly impacted the availability of narcotics in Southern Oregon communities. ...Read more

US Forest Service and BLM Rescind Campfire Restrictions on Lower Rogue River

Due to wet weather patterns and the official end of the 2024 fire season in southwest Oregon, federal and state officials have elected to rescind all campfire restrictions within the boundaries of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have rescinded the public use restrictions of the Wild and Scenic Rogue as well as the Industrial Fire Precaution Level. The Wild Section flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. The BLM administers the stretch of river between Grave Creek and Marial while the Forest Service manages from Marial downriver to Watson Creek. Fire pans are required year-round for all campfires within 400 feet of the Rogue River. A shovel and bucket are required for all rafting parties. Cutting firewood is prohibited. Although several fires on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District started this past weekend, fire behavior is now low, having been significantly moderated by recent precipitation. ...Read more

Library Partners with WorkSource Oregon to Offer Free Computer Basics Classes

Josephine Community Library and WorkSource Oregon are offering a Computer Basics Lab open to the public every other Thursday in Grants Pass. The Computer Basics Lab is being held from 2-3:30 p.m. at WorkSource Rogue Valley, which is located at 1569 NE F Street. The program provides an opportunity to improve computer skills in a hands-on environment. No library card or WorkSource enrollment is required. Topics range from Basic Computer Usage to Using Word and Excel programs. Tomorrow, October 31st, the topic is "Files, Folders and Online Storage." The topic on November 14th will be "Using the Internet and Internet Safety." The topic on December 5th will be "Email Setup and Use." The topic on December 19th will be "Word and Excel." No registration is required, but space is limited. For more information, contact Josephine Community Library at (541)-476-0571. ...Read more