Local News

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office lodged a man following an elude attempt on a sports bike.

Saturday around 8:48 a.m., the suspect passed law enforcement at a high rate of speed, just over 130 mph, heading northbound on Interstate 5 at milepost 66. Patrol lights and sirens were activated, and the suspect attempted to elude.

He was stopped on Sunny Valley Loop and reportedly held at gun point, then taken into custody without further incident. The suspect, Taylor Volkema, was charged for Felony Elude, and cited for speeding. He was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. His brother later arrived to pick up the bike.

 

The American Association for Women in Community Colleges at Rogue Community College is seeking donations of clean, gently used clothing for its fall clothing sale.

The "A Buck to Benefit Student's" $1 clothing sale will take place October 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass, then on the 22nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside Campus in Medford. All are welcome to attend.

Donations of clean, gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children of all ages are being accepted. Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at all three RCC Campuses:

- The Redwood Campus at 3345 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass.
- The Riverside Campus at 101 S Bartlett Street in Medford.
- The Table Rock Campus at 7800 Pacifica Avenue in White City.

All donations are appreciated, with an additional need for men's clothing and accessories to help expand the sale's selection. The sale is hosted by the organization's volunteers, with proceeds benefitting the RCC Foundation to help fund student scholarships.

 

A man and woman were arrested Thursday morning after Grants Pass City Police responded to the report of the pair smoking drugs near the railroad tracks and 3rd Street. The officer observed the woman 33-year-old Ruby Rose Satya Loha Yamoona, smoking a tooter from foil. She was placed into custody as well as her companion, Steven Elijah Robison, 41. The investigation found Yamoona in possession of fentanyl, confirmed from a field test of the foil she tried to hide when the officer approached. She was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and trespassed from the location. Robison was arrested and lodged on a charge of criminal trespass I. Both Robison and Yamoona have had several arrests for both drugs and trespass in the last year and both remained incarcerated Friday morning.

 

Art Along the Rogue Festival kicks off this afternoon at four in historic downtown Grants Pass in the newly renovated Owl Plaza with this year's theme of "Reflections".This year's festival boasts of 17 featured chalk artists creating their visual magic on the city's pavement, along with 25 volunteer artists. The festival will feature 10 live bands with the music starting at 4:30 this afternoon with the rock and rolls sounds of Josephine Jukebox. The music turns funky at 6:15 p.m. with Mr. Vale's Math Class followed by the soul sounds of Rudy Love and the Encore. Four more bands entertain on Saturday from 2:30 through 7:30. Three more music groups wind of the music on Sunday from 11 a.m. with the last performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.The Festival will have 67 craft vendors, four food trucks, live dance performances and goodie bags for the kids.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners Thursday met for a legal counsel update and will further consider and take action at the next Weekly Business Session. Revisions to the Administrative Policy were discussed regarding the use of social media and public records. There was reported concern about inconsistencies and a lack of clarity on how social media should be handled. The Board felt the policy was out of date and revisions should be considered. In regards to the Public Records policy, the Board felt the goal is to clearly define when an elected official is making decisions on their own, and how that becomes severable from the records management officer's authority. The Board also wants the records process to be clarified. Both will be dealt with at the October 7th Business Session. Legal counsel will proceed with a draft of a Departmental Procedure amendment to personnel policy for the Board. The Commissioners are meeting this afternoon in an executive session to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection at 1:30.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies conduct two warrant arrests Thursday afternoon. Deputies contacted 58-year-old Julie Herr in the 3000 block of Pearce Park Road and placed her under arrest on a Medford Police Department warrant on a charge of attempting to elude, reckless driving and resisting arrest. An additional charge of criminal trespass II was added locally. She remained in custody Friday morning. Just after three that same afternoon Deputies located Jordan Haas, 39, was located in the 1900 block of Northeast 'F' Street. He was arrested on a Jackson County Sheriff's warrant after failing to appear on an original charge of failure to report as a sex offender.

 

A missing front license plate and speeding gave a Sheriff's Deputy probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver "took off" according to the Deputy's report.The attempt to elude up Crow Road Thursday morning at 10:35 was quickly ended and the suspect, identified as Clifford J. Mazza, 40, as detained, arrested and transported to the Josephine County Jail.Mr. Mazza remained in custody Friday morning with a charge of attempting to elude police at a felony level facing him.

 

Josephine Country Deputies arrested a 28-year old man on harassment/assault charges after investigating a domestic violence call. Deputies were sent to the 100 block of Twilight Lane just after midnight Thursday morning when dispatch overheard the man yelling at the victim with a 16 month old child in the home. The man, whom the caller stated was intoxicated, allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat and her wrist. Deputies arrived and the victim denied needing medical attention. The man was arrested and lodged in the adult jail facility facing a charge of harassment-assault-intimidation/threat and remained in custody Friday morning.

 

The Josephine County OSU Extension Office is moving to the Rogue Community College Redwood Campus this fall.

According to a release, following the last day of operations at the Colonial Square location, the office will open at Building V on the campus Wednesday, October 21st. The transition period will provide the team with time to establish and prepare the new space.

During this transition, faculty and staff will still be available by email, phone, or scheduled appointment. Extension programs and services continue throughout Josephine County.