Local News

Grants Pass Police officers tracked down a suspect wanted on two out-of-county warrants Sunday evening.

The suspect, Matthew Linschoten, was spotted by officers at the corner of NE Mill Street and NE "E" Street. He was known to have the warrants out for his arrest from Central Point and Curry County.

Linschoten was later spotted inside the Ross on NE Beacon Drive, where he was attempting to steal merchandise. Officers contacted and trespassed him from the location.

During a consent search, officers found drug paraphernalia including a glass pipe with residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. They also found a large machete in his camo backpack.

Linschoten was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on his warrants. A charge of Meth Possession was referred to the District Attorney's office.

 

The United States Department of Agriculture is investing $6.4 million in a loan and grant to Rogue Valley Sewer Services. Today, USDA Rural Development Oregon State Director Jim Carmack announced the agency is investing $6,237,000 in grant and $250,000 in loan to make improvements, including a critical sewer pipeline connection from Gold Hill to the Medford Regional Water Reclamation Facility. This project with Rogue Valley Sewer Services will ensure wastewater services comply with safety regulations and will replace the city’s treatment plant by transferring service to a more modern and capable facility. This project is funded through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs, which focus on rural water and waste infrastructure needs of rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less.

 

Despite cooler conditions and rain in the forecast, fire season regulations are still in effect. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest District says debris burning of any kind remains illegal during fire season, and is incredibly dangerous when warm, windy weather returns to the forecast. The US National Weather Service Medford office issued a wind advisory for the majority of Josephine County for winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour. Debris burns or any new fire start will grow in these conditions, even in cooler weather. Not only is debris burning in piles and barrels banned during fire season for these risks, but also because piles can easily reignite days, weeks, or months later when the right conditions occur. Protect your home and neighborhood by waiting until fire season is over to burn. Forest officers are ready to respond to calls of illegal burns or other violations as needed. Firefighters also remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across Josephine and Jackson counties. Prevent fires now and in the future by following all current regulations. Learn more at www.swofire.com.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man driving a stolen motorized cart from Wal-Mart Sunday afternoon.

Officers received a call reporting an intoxicated man had taken a motorized shopping cart from the store on 135 NE Terry Lane and was heading towards the AM PM gas station against traffic.

The caller wanted to pursue charges of theft and trespassing. Officers intercepted the suspect near Game Stop. He wouldn't speak with officers and was found to have an open bottle of wine in the cart.

The suspect was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center, then subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail for DUII, First Degree Theft, First Degree Trespassing, and Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. Wal-Mart management recovered the stolen cart.

 

An anonymous caller reported a disturbance in an apartment complex on Medart Lane, telling officers the altercation sounded physical and verbal.

Grants Pass Police officers arrived and contacted the suspect who was reportedly under the influence. She didn't want to talk with officers, but they observed broken and scattered items in the apartment's kitchen.

The victim was also contacted. He gave little information to officers but had scratches and other physical injuries from the altercation. He refused medical treatment.

The suspect was being uncooperative and stated she had no injuries. They took her into custody for Fourth Degree Assault and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to an assault at McDonalds Sunday night.

Just after 9 p.m., officers received calls from both the assault victim and the manager of the McDonalds located at 204 NE Beacon Drive regarding the assailant.

The victim told officers a woman attacked him in the drive-thru, stating he had significant pain and believed he had a broken bone. He said the suspect had also hit his vehicle several times.

The McDonalds manager called officers and wanted the woman trespassed from the location, saying she was still on the property running up to other vehicles.

Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. She told officers she believed the victim had stolen her children.

During a consent search, officers found the suspect to be in possession of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. She was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Fourth Degree Assault, Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, and Meth Possession.

 

Air quality in Josephine and Jackson Counties has been negatively affected by the Moon Complex fire. Jackson County Public Health encourages everyone to protect themselves from wildfire smoke by being aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid places with the highest concentrations. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions, stay indoors with doors and windows closed, use air conditioning, keep your car windows and vents closed with the air on recirculate, and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside when air quality is poor, wearing a “particulate respirator” mask can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. You can check the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Index map to see real-time air monitoring data, or download their mobile app.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance Sunday afternoon.

The caller reported from the 800 block of Glenlyn Drive that a homeless woman with a court order to stay away from the property had arrived and was screaming.

The suspect had been sitting in the caller's yard and was threatening to hurt herself. Officers learned she didn't injure herself and soon left the property. She was later found in the 100 block of Pennington Creek.

Upon contact, the suspect admitted to being at the caller's property and having a meth pipe with residue. Officers warned her for Meth Possession and, after contacting her parole officer, took her into custody on a Parole Violation Detainer.

She was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

 

The Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo returns for its 5th Biennial event at the Seven Feathers Convention Center.

Tuesday, September 30th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane in Canyonville, more than 2,500 attendees are expected to explore hands-on career pathways, live demonstrations, and direct connections with employers.

The Expo immerses participants in real-world experiences with tools, technology, and skills across industries including agriculture, engineering, healthcare, public safety, transportation, and more.

With over 140 employers, unions, and training programs, it is Oregon’s largest interactive career event focused on living-wage careers that don’t require a four-year degree.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but all are asked to bring a résumé.