GPCC Enacts Exclusion Zone for Downtown Business Section
Grants Pass City Councilors unanimously passed an ordinance essentially adopting a civil exclusion zone for the downtown business section and declaring an emergency. The exclusion zone would include the areas between 4th Street and 9th Streets extending from A Street to the Rogue River. The ordinance allows police to exclude individuals who commit crimes or other violations in that area for a period of time. Individuals that have been excluded and are found within the exclusion zone can be arrested and charged with trespass. It was declared an emergency to make the ordinance effective immediately. The Council opened their business meeting with a public hearing to debate a local sign code appeal. A request has been made to erect an 80-foot-tall free-standing sign along Foothill Boulevard and Grants Pass Parkway. The proposed 80-foot sign has two, separate four-sided cabinets, one for Dutch Bros and one for Les Schwab. Neither sign meets the code standards. To meet the standards the sign would be 25 feet tall and 100 square feet. Council tabled the appeal pending the completion of a flag test. The council then tabled an ordinance amending several development code articles to implement state statutes regarding middle housing land division required by the state. The Urban Area Planning Commission recommended approval however additional recommendations will be considered. Councilors approved a resolution supporting modification or repeal of senate bill 48 to enhance public safety. The bill established a pretrial release system that results in the routine release of individuals charged with many felonies and class A misdemeanors, often on personal recognizance contributing to a catch and release cycle.
Ward Warren was reappointed to the Historical Buildings and Sites ...Read more

BLM Reminds of Restrictions Ahead of 4th of July Weekend Celebrations

With national firefighting resources already stretched to their limits, statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. According to the Bureau of Land Management, and with Independence Day Weekend celebrations on the way, officials warn that individuals responsible for starting wildfires face up to $100,000 in fines, 12 months in prison, and liability for all firefighting suppression costs. The following items remain strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington: Fireworks and sky lanterns, exploding or metallic targets, tracer or incendiary devices, and steel component ammunition. For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, visit www.blm.gov/orwafire. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Lodged One in Deer Creek Road Homicide Case

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report Saturday regarding a gunshot wound to a female located in the Deer Creek Road area in Selma. The reporting party had poor cell service and ultimately lost signal. The exact location was not given and the caller left the scene and called from another location. Attempts were made to re-contact the caller, however, they were unsuccessful. Deputies and Troopers with the Oregon State Police continued searching for the wounded individual but were unable to find her. Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Oregon State Police began an investigation into the incident Sunday. A Sheriff’s Office BLM Deputy, assisted by two BLM Rangers, resumed searching for and located a deceased female, Veronica Gray, in a remote area of Upper Deer Creek Road. During the initial investigation, Detectives conducted ...Read more