Local News

Jackson County Public Health has issued an alert for accidental overdoses or poisonings related to illicit opioids -- specifically fentanyl. This alert is being issued based on an increase in law enforcement and emergency medical service responses, emergency department admissions and suspected fatal overdoses related to illicit opioids from October 27th-November 2nd. Illicitly-manufactured fentanyl started to become more common in the Rogue Valley beginning in 2018. In early 2021, fentanyl became the predominant illicit opioid sold and used in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fentanyl can be sold as counterfeit pills such as oxycontin or in a powder form, which can look like other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. It can also be mixed with other illicit opioids such as heroin. The increased presence of fentanyl in the local drug supply increases the risk of poisoning or overdosing for people who are experimenting with drugs, who use recreationally and are not intentionally using fentanyl. Health officials are encouraging the medical community, community partners, parents, family and friends, people who occasionally use recreational or party drugs, and people with an active substance abuse disorder to be aware of the increase in overdoses associated with illicit opioids.

 

Voters in the Rogue Community College service district this week decided against Measure 17-119, the proposed $60.3 million RCC Bond in Josephine and Jackson counties. Measure 17-119 was designed to fund essential capital projects across RCC's three campuses in Grants Pass, Medford and White City. The ballot measure was aimed at supporting the expansion and improvement of key workforce areas such as manufacturing, welding, transportation and health care programs. It was also designed to improve the student experience well into the future with projects that enhance classroom spaces and Student Success Centers, and to enhance safety, accessibility and infrastructure lifespan at all campuses. RCC President Dr. Randy Weber said although the bond measure did not pass, they remain dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs and supporting the needs of their students, the local economy and the community. Information and updates on RCC's ongoing efforts will be available on the college website at "roguecc.edu."

 

Trail work continues at Dollar Mountain in northwest Grants Pass, with the contractor making steady progress on the first phase of construction. The trails remain closed to the public, with limited test rides beginning for the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA). The controlled test rides help to identify areas needing more attention -- especially with the wet weather. Grants Pass parks staff attended the annual Oregon Parks and Recreation (ORPA) Conference last week with an RVMBA member. Earlier this year, parks officials nominated RVMBA for the Volunteer Service Award, which they secured for their continual efforts in maintaining the B Street Jumps and commitment to the Dollar Mountain Trail Project. This statewide award honors individuals or organizations whose volunteer efforts significantly contribute to parks and recreation. The RVMBA has been an outstanding community partner that advocates for biking throughout the Rogue Valley, completing service projects across multiple counties.

 

The Medford Police Department has arrested two Josephine County teenagers for a shooting that occurred late last month at a private party. MPD officers arrested the two 17-year-old boys Wednesday after an investigation connected them to the October 27th incident in the 2600-block of Bullock Road. Investigators said the juvenile suspects reportedly entered the private event and were escorted out following a disturbance. That's when one of them retrieved a handgun from their vehicle and fired at those who removed them from the party. A 37-year-old security guard and a 17-year-old boy were struck and taken to a Medford hospital where they were treated and released. No one else was injured. Detectives identified the suspects as Josephine County residents and arrested them in Grants Pass. One is believed to be the shooter and the other was the driver. Both suspects were lodged at the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges of 1st-Degree Assault. The driver was additionally charged with Hindering Prosecution. Anyone with video of the incident is encouraged to contact MPD detectives at (541)-774-2230.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended an out-of-state fugitive last night and charged him with three more felony crimes. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 59-year-old James Raymond Hanes in an unspecified location and booked him into the Josephine County Jail around 6:25 p.m. Wednesday. Few details were available about the incident, but Hanes was wanted as a fugitive from another state. Jail records show he was additionally charged with felony-level crimes of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Identity Theft and 1st-Degree Theft. Hanes was being held on $65,000 bail pending extradition proceedings.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a young man for stealing alcohol from a Cave Junction supermarket yesterday. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the shoplifting complaint at Shop Smart on West Watkins Street at about 2 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies said 20-year-old Joshua Polk stole a bottle of wine valued at $25 from the store and he also ate some candy without paying for it. They said the incident was captured on video surveillance. After searching the area, deputies located Polk and found him with the stolen wine concealed in the waistband of his pants. He admitted to the theft and knowing that it is wrong to steal. Polk was transported to Grants Pass and booked into the Josephine County Jail for 3rd-Degree Theft. He was being held without bail.

 

The Oregon State Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving in Josephine County early yesterday. OSP reports troopers pulled over a vehicle driven by a 45-year-old male subject in an unspecified location on Wednesday shortly after midnight. Few details were disclosed about the incident, but troopers said they stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and the driver displayed signs of impairment. He performed poorly in field sobriety tests and was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. He was released later in the day, but his vehicle was impounded.

 

Grants Pass Police cited a motorcyclist and warned a bicyclist during a traffic stop near the J Street Campground early today. According to the Police Department, officers pulled over one man identified as "Carney" and another man identified as "Palomino" in the 700-block of SE J Street at 4:15 this morning. Police said Carney was operating a motorcycle without a helmet and Palomino was riding a bike with no lights. Carney was cited for Driving While Suspended, No Motorcycle Endorsement, No Insurance and No Helmet. The motorcycle was impounded. Palomino was warned for the nighttime bicycle violation. While on scene, officers spotted an abandoned bicycle on the side of the road. Its owner retrieved the bike a short time later.

 

An Illinois Valley motorist escaped injury early yesterday when he wrecked his vehicle on Caves Highway in Cave Junction. The Oregon State Police reports troopers, the Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response were dispatched to the single-vehicle crash on State Route 46 near Laurel Road on Wednesday at 9:33 a.m.. Upon arrival, emergency units found a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup on the side of the highway with the 37-year-old male occupant outside and unharmed. Troopers said the driver stated that he was momentarily blinded by the sun and thought he saw something run across the road, which caused him to swerve off the road, hit a utility pole and wind up in a ditch. The damaged pickup was hauled into town by Jerry's Towing. No citations were issued.