Local News

Grants Pass Police officers were notified of an attempted dine-and-dash Thursday night.

At 8:00 p.m., an employee with Taqueria Mexico at 137 SE H Street told dispatch a man had ordered and eaten over $40 worth of food. He didn't pay and then attempted to leave the restaurant.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the suspect, Jake Thompson, who stated he didn't have the money to pay for his meal. His parole officer was contacted and advised he be placed on a detainer.

Thompson was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for a charge of Third Degree Theft and his Parole Violation Detainer.

 

The Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of US Highway 199 and Midway Avenue Thursday afternoon.

Scene evidence and witness statements indicated the driver of a black Toyota Rav4 attempted to turn left in front of traffic, subsequently causing a blue Toyota Sequoia to crash into the passenger side of the Rav4.

The driver of the Rav4 was transported to the hospital for minor injuries, and was later cited for a dangerous left turn. Both vehicles were towed from the scene

 

Discarded woodstove ash ignited a wood pile and spread through dry grass up to the foundation of a house Thursday afternoon.

Thanks to the tall cinder block foundation, there was minimal flammable content next to the house in the 8600 block of Monument Drive in the North Valley Area. The structure was not damaged.

Rural Metro Fire says this is an early seasonal reminder that current conditions can still allow fires to occur from seemingly routine tasks around the house. Forecasted rainfall should help significantly lower this risk.

Tips for disposal of woodstove ash include using a metal can for collection, then leaving it in the can while it cools down. If unsure when cool, check with your bare hands or fill the can with water.

If dumping ash right away, be sure it is in a gravel, dirt, or paved area free from any flammable materials or vegetation. Do not dispose of ash in a paper bag, cardboard box, or plastic container, and do not leave it next to the house.

 

Following a review of applications and an interview process Thursday, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted in two new Public Works Managers. During their General Discussion in the BCC Conference Room, the commissioners voted 3-0 to give Richard Pike the Engineering, Roads, Operations, and Fleet Manager Position, and Shannon Tok the Administration, Budget, and Accounting Manager Position. The board approved without objection all financial requests from Snell & Wilmer, Options Mental Health, M&M, and Knife River. Two patrol corporal positions with the Sheriff's Office were promoted, and a Public Health WIC Certifier and Human Resources Generalist were approved to fill vacancies in their respective departments. Personnel actions approved were Step Increases for positions in the Community Corrections, District Attorney, Juvenile Justice, Prevention, Public Health, Transit, and Recreation Departments, and the Sheriff's Office.

 

Online Publisher John Oliver Riccio has asked a Josephine County Court Judge to vacate judgments in two libel lawsuits.

The Daily Courier reports Riccio blamed "mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect" for the orders of default and sizable judgements against him in two civil lawsuits brought by local politicians totaling over $500,000.

Riccio said he believed he had properly participated as a defendant after Commissioner Chris Barnett and former County Commissioner John West sued him in October and November 2024.

Both politicians sued Riccio for false publication, libel, and tortious interference. Judge Lauri R. Norman declared Riccio in default in both cases in June 2025, and ruled he would have to pay both West and Barnett's attorney fees and court costs.

Last week, Riccio filed objections to both attorney's fees, saying he hadn't been given the opportunity to contest the fees. He said Barnett and West had sent service papers to addresses where he didn't live and used an email different from the one he listed in his court pleadings.

Riccio said in his court filing that he has "diligently contacted numerous attorneys across the state of Oregon" to help in his case.

 

Dispatch was notified of a mail theft, prompting a response from Grants Pass Police Wednesday morning.

A woman called at 9:10 a.m. to report she had photographic evidence and video surveillance of the suspect stealing her mail out of her USPS mailbox. Officers reviewed the footage and identified the suspect as Bobbi Jo Langdon.

That afternoon, officers were able to locate Langdon near the intersection of NE 7th Street and NE "B" Street. Upon contact she admitted to stealing the mail that morning. Her parole officer requested she be put on a parole violation detainer.

Langdon was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Mail Theft and the detainer.

 

Grants Pass Police were called out to a disorderly conduct complaint downtown Wednesday afternoon.

At 5:20 p.m., a report came in to dispatch regarding a man running in and out of the street around 132 SW "L" Street. He reportedly had his hands in his pants and was acting in a crude fashion.

Officers arrived and identified the suspect as Zane Hatcher. He was reportedly too impaired by stimulants to properly care for himself. His parole officer told law enforcement to put him on a detainer.

Officers took Hatcher into custody and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners discussed the proposed property for a future shelter during this morning's Weekly Business Session. No decision has been made on the property yet. Commissioner Ron Smith believes the property's proximity to Riverside Elementary and Gladiola High School is a problem. Commissioner Chris Barnett wants to find a solution, and Commissioner Andreas Blech appreciated hearing other location suggestions during public comment. Commissioner Blech requested time to do research on a potential property proposed to him by a local land owner. The viability of said property for sheltering is unknown at this time. The board commenced the meeting with a public hearing for an ordinance amending the Josephine County Code. New language provides a process for the board to revoke OLCC land-use compatibility statements when certain standards haven't been met. A motion to approve the ordinance to go to the second reading on November 13th passed 3-0.

 

Grants Pass Police apprehended a suspect after a hit and run complaint Wednesday afternoon.

A caller reported their mailbox was knocked over after a woman backed up her vehicle, hit it, and then drove away.

Officers were able to track the suspect down in the 1800 block of Rogue River Highway. They contacted Tina Serpa who was stumbling and admitted to drinking alcohol.

Serpa was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. Officers charged her with Hit and Run Causing Property Damage.