Local News

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for felony drug possession after a weekend welfare check in the downtown area. The Police Department reports officers arrested 34-year-old Jacob Neil Woodward in the 100-block of SE K Street on Saturday afternoon. Police said a citizen called 9-1-1 to report a male subject passed out in a black Jeep Liberty parked next to River City Grill. The caller told dispatchers the man had been there for more than 40 minutes and he did not look well. Officers located the Jeep parked diagonally across two parking stalls and observed Woodward sleeping with drug paraphernalia in plain sight. They contacted the man and found him to be in possession of about 20 grams of methamphetamine. The meth was seized for evidence and eventual destruction. Woodward was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Possession of Meth. He was being held without bail.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for becoming violent with her mother at a Williams Highway residence last weekend. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2100-block of Highway 238 on Saturday night. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 to report her adult daughter has mental issues and when she came home, the daughter was throwing items at her and hitting her. One of the items that struck the woman was a Bible which caused pain but no injuries. The mother wished to press charges against her 57-year-old daughter who was holding the Bible when officers arrived on scene. She denied attacking her mother. Probable cause was established and officers placed the daughter into custody. She was booked into the Josephine County Jail for Physical Harassment Constituting Domestic Violence and was being held without bail.

 

After 26 years of serving Josephine County, Jail Commander Lieutenant Vincent has been promoted to retirement. Lieutenant Vincent started as a Reserve Deputy and was hired as a Corrections Deputy shortly after that. He spent about four years as a Deputy, Corporal and Sergeant in the adult jail facility. Vincent transferred to Patrol Deputy for 10 years before moving back to Corrections as the Jail Commander. The new Josephine County Jail Commander -- Lieutenant Stubbs -- joined the Josephine County Sheriff's Office in 2019 as a Jail Deputy and earned her way through the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant at the jail. She is the third female Jail Commander in the history of the Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Selby has been a Corrections Deputy since 2018 filling various special assignments. He was promoted to Corporal in 2023 and has now earned the post of Jail Sergeant. Sheriff Dave Daniel congratulates all three on their accomplishments.

 

With spring break here and the summer travel season approaching, the Oregon Health Authority encourages people to make sure they are protected against the measles. OHA officials said getting the MMR vaccine -- for measles, mumps and rubella -- is the most effective tool against the highly contagious virus. Twelve US states -- including California, Texas and New Mexico -- have reported cases of measles since January 1st. While Oregon has no cases so far in 2025, the state reported 31 confirmed cases last year -- the highest measles count in more than 30 years -- during an outbreak among unvaccinated people. Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA's Public Health Division, said "measles is an amazingly contagious virus that unfortunately has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated." Dr. Dawn Nolt, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU School of Medicine, said the good news is that there is a highly safe and effective vaccine. She said it is the strongest line of defense to keep you, your children and your community safe. Dr. Cieslak said anyone planning travel to countries or states where measles is circulating should get the MMR vaccine before they go. He said it will allow you to start building immunity prior to your trip.

 

In a significant step toward protecting consumers from deceptive ticketing practices, House Bill 3167-3 recently had its public hearing in the Oregon House Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee, bringing forward legislation designed to enhance transparency in the event ticket market. The bill -- championed by Ashland State Representative Pam Marsh -- aims to address longstanding issues related to hidden fees, speculative ticketing and misleading resale practices that have plagued Oregon's arts, entertainment and "live" event industries. Under House Bill 3167-3, ticket sellers will be required to disclose all fees upfront, preventing the frustration of last-minute price increases. The bill also prohibits speculative ticketing where resellers list tickets they do not actually own, and it ensures clearer labeling so buyers understand when they are purchasing from a secondary marketplace. For venues like Britt Music & Arts Festival that host thousands of fans each year, the passage of HB 3167-3 is a major step in ensuring fair ticketing practices. Britt President and CEO Abby McKee said deceptive resale tactics not only confuse consumers but also damage the relationship between venues, artists and audiences.

 

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce has announced that tickets are now available for the 2025 Wine Stroll in May. This delightful event takes place in downtown Grants Pass on Saturday, May 10th, from 2 to 6 p.m.. The Rogue Valley's premier walking wine tour is set for Mother's Day Weekend. Bringing wineries, eateries and vendors all together in downtown businesses, it creates a unique experience allowing participants to leisurely stroll from business to business, sampling great wines and delicious food while taking in local wares. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are $45 presale and $50 the day-of. Tickets can be purchased online at "grantspasschamber.org" or at the Chamber of Commerce located at 1995 NW Vine Street in Grants Pass. Beware of scammers. The Chamber does not sell tickets through third-party sites, only through their verified server "Chambermaster.com."

 

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for felony drug possession after a weekend welfare check in the downtown area. The Police Department reports officers arrested 34-year-old Jacob Neil Woodward in the 100-block of SE K Street on Saturday at 12:41 p.m.. Police said a citizen called 9-1-1 to report a male subject passed out in a black Jeep Liberty parked next to River City Grill. The caller told dispatchers the man had been there for more than 40 minutes and he did not look well. Officers located the Jeep parked diagonally across two parking stalls and observed Woodward sleeping with drug paraphernalia in plain sight. They contacted the man and found him to be in possession of about 20 grams of methamphetamine. The meth was seized for evidence and eventual destruction. Woodward was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Possession of Meth. He was being held without bail.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for becoming violent with her mother at a Williams Highway residence over the weekend. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 2100-block of Highway 238 on Saturday around 7:35 p.m.. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 to report her adult daughter has mental issues and when she came home, the daughter was throwing items at her and hitting her. One of the items that struck the woman was a Bible which caused pain but no injuries. The mother wished to press charges against her 57-year-old daughter who was holding the Bible when officers arrived on scene. She denied attacking her mother. Probable cause was established and officers placed the daughter into custody. She was booked into the Josephine County Jail for Physical Harassment Constituting Domestic Violence and was being held without bail.

 

A motorist escaped serious injury when their vehicle struck a tree in the Illinois Valley over the weekend. On Saturday at 6:31 p.m., the Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on Holland Loop Road at Holland Corner near Cave Junction. IVFD officials said arriving units found a vehicle that had collided with a tree. They said the single occupant self-extricated and refused medical treatment. Officials said the driver made their own arrangements for removing the vehicle from the scene. It was unclear whether there would be any investigation into the cause of the crash.