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Jackson County Mosquitoes Tested Positive for West Nile Virus in NW Central Point

Jackson County Vector Control reports West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected on July 23rd in northwest Central Point. It's the first West Nile virus detection in Jackson County this year. In August 2023, the virus was identified in 10 mosquito samples. The mosquitoes were collected by the Vector Control District as part of a routine surveillance program. Residents are advised to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms -- especially in people over 50 years of age with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Health care providers can contact the Jackson County Health Department for information on West Nile virus. Testing is available at private laboratories. The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated farm animals. Horse owners should get their animals vaccinated for West Nile virus. Horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. The Jackson County Vector Control District suggests several steps to protect against mosquitoes.

Posted on 7/30/24 5:58AM by Sam Marsh

Grants Pass Airport Getting Small Part of $17.3 Million in Federal AIP Funding for State

US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $17.3 million to the state under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The AIP grant program funds airport infrastructure projects such as improvements to runways, taxiways, passenger boarding bridges,, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings to strengthen the nation's aviation infrastructure. By far the largest recipient of AIP funding is the Portland International Airport, which will receive over $7.7 million. The Bend Municipal Airport will receive $3.75 million and the Roseburg Regional Airport will get over $2.1 million. The Grants Pass Airport is the only airfield in Josephine and Jackson counties to receive AIP funding. The airport near Merlin will get $274,180 for unspecified infrastructure improvements. Wyden said Oregon airports play a key role in emergency response along with their everyday reliability for medical supplies, passenger travel and moving small business products. He said he's gratified that these airports have secured federal funding that will enable them to achieve these goals more safely and effectively.

Posted on 7/30/24 5:57AM by Sam Marsh

Salvation Army Grants Pass Welcomes New Corps Officers Taurean & Yohani Ortiz

The Salvation Army in Grants Pass is pleased to announce the appointment of Captains Taurean and Yohani Ortiz as its new Corps officers. Bringing a wealth of experience and a heartfelt dedication to service, the Ortiz family is ready to lead and inspire the community. Captain Yohani Ortiz hails from Honduras in Central America. Her journey to service began with personal challenges including the loss of her father and a move to California at the age of seven. During a particularly difficult Christmas, The Salvation Army provided gifts and food for her family, leaving a lasting impression of hope and kindness on her young heart. Born in Portland, Captain Taurean Ortiz experienced his first encounter with The Salvation Army when he received a Seattle Mariners plush teddy bear during a challenging period in his childhood. This simple act of compassion ignited his lifelong passion for service. The couple attended Crestmont College for Officership Training where they were commissioned and ordained as ministers.

Posted on 7/30/24 5:55AM by Sam Marsh

Nuggets Lose to Doc Stewart's Ending Championship run

The Grants Pass Nuggets AAA American Legion baseball team’s Cinderella run in the state tournament came to an end this afternoon when they lost to the Roseburg Doc Stewarts 9 to 8 in a game with several lead changes.

The Nuggets won a play in game over Dallas 6 to 2 to get into the championship tournament and then lost their 1st game to Eugene 6 to 2. Then in the loser’s bracket the Nuggets eliminated the Medford Mustangs yesterday with a 6 to 5 win at Swede Johnson Stadium in Eugene.

The Doc Stewarts next face either Portland or Eugene tomorrow in a game where the winner advances to the Championship on Wednesday.

Posted on 7/29/24 3:03PM by Chuck Benson

OSP Jailed Man on Warrant for Felony Marijuana Crimes after Interstate 5 Stop

The Oregon State Police jailed a man on an outstanding warrant containing felony marijuana charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 5 near Grants Pass late last week. OSP reports state troopers pulled over a Hyundai Palisade driven by a 42-year-old male subject in the southbound lanes of I-5 near milepost 53 on Friday afternoon. Troopers said they stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and quickly learned that the driver was wanted on a local felony warrant. Charges contained in the warrant included Felony Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana and two counts of Felony Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. According to OSP, the subject was cooperative while being taken into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail and he was being held without bail.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:35AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Man for Probation Violation after Violent Outburst at Church

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for violating terms of his probation after a weekend trespassing complaint at a local church. The Police Department reports officers arrested a 50-year-old male subject at Parkway Christian Center off NE Beacon Drive on Sunday at 9:15 a.m.. Police said the man wandered onto the property prior to the start of church services and became verbally aggressive by screaming in people's faces. They said the situation started escalating when he started getting physical with church security. According to the report, the man's violent and tumultuous behavior caused public concern, so he was placed into custody and his corrections officer was contacted. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and the resulting Probation Violation related to previous arrests for Disorderly Conduct and Public Indecency. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:34AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Nabbed Woman on Local Felony Warrant after SE Neighborhood Call

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman on an outstanding felony warrant during a weekend incident in a southeast city neighborhood. According to the Police Department, officers were looking for the 51-year-old female subject when they located her abandoned vehicle near the intersection of SE Grandview Avenue and Sky Crest Drive on Sunday shortly after 1 a.m.. Police said the subject was not there, but a short time later they learned that she was involved in a disturbance at a nearby apartment complex. Officers responded and located the woman who was wanted on a Josephine County felony warrant for Parole Violation. The related conviction for unspecified crimes occurred in 2021. The woman had sustained injuries when she was bitten by a dog on Saturday evening, so she was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center for treatment. After being medically cleared at the hospital, the suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail and she was being held on a no-bail detainer. The dog that bit her was reportedly hurt in a fight with another dog on Saturday night.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:32AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Felon for Parole Violation after Trespass Call at Apartments

Grants Pass Police arrested a felon for violating his post-prison supervision while investigating a weekend report of suspicious activity near the shopping center. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a citizen report of two people sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex on NE Victoria Street on Friday at 10:20 p.m.. Police said an apartment occupant called 9-1-1 to report a dark-colored sedan containing two people that was parked behind their patio door for 90 minutes. The caller requested they be contacted and warned for trespassing. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the vehicle occupants, including a 30-year-old man who was found to be wanted on a Marion County warrant for failing to appear in court for shoplifting. The man -- who was determined to be a convicted felon -- was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant plus Felony Parole Violation. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:30AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Collared Man on Local Felony Warrant after Vehicle Break-in Report

Grants Pass Police apprehended a man wanted on a local felony warrant after he was seen breaking into a vehicle on the west side of the city -- his own. The Police Department reports officers arrested a 42-year-old male subject near the corner of SW Greenwood Avenue and Bridge Street on Saturday at 8:42 a.m.. Police said the subject was contacted after he was seen using a coat hanger to get into a minivan. They determined that he was the registered owner of the van. They also determined that he was wanted on a Josephine County felony warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a conviction for Felon in Possession of a Weapon. The suspect was transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:29AM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Jailed Motorcyclist after Weekend Chase that Ended in Downtown GP

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a motorcycle rider following a weekend pursuit that ended when he collided with another vehicle in downtown Grants Pass. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the 21-year-old male subject at the corner of SE 7th and I streets on Saturday at 3:08 p.m.. Deputies said they attempted to stop a 2015 Yamaha motorcycle for a traffic violation, but the rider refused to yield and led them on a high speed pursuit into the downtown area where he collided with another vehicle. No one was hurt. The Grants Pass Police Department handled the crash investigation. The motorcyclist was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police and Driving While Suspended. His motorcycle was towed to the impound yard. His backpack was dropped off at a Park Street address at his request.

Posted on 7/29/24 10:27AM by Sam Marsh

First Responders Rescued Hiker with Medical Problems on Cathedral Hills Trail

Emergency first responders rescued a hiker experiencing a medical problem on the Cathedral Hills trail system. On Saturday at 8:20 a.m., Rural Metro Fire Department and American Medical Response were dispatched to the incident on the Timber Riders Trail. The initial access and extraction point was believed to be from the Sky Crest Trailhead. Assistance was provided from several other hikers and runners on the trail, including a local guide with Huntfluent Guide Service. Using the OnX mapping program, quicker access to the patient was gained from a nearby residence. This shortcut was instrumental in getting the patient extracted to the ambulance in less time than tracking back to Sky Crest. The unidentified patient was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center. Local rescue crews urged hikers and users of the Cathedral Hills trail system to identify alternative exit points in the event of an emergency such as this one. Officials said learning how to "pin and share your location" using basic Google maps with responders, greatly accelerates access, delivery of care and extraction.

Posted on 7/29/24 6:11AM by Sam Marsh

Multiple Agencies Halted Galice Road Fire above Hellgate Canyon on Sunday

Multiple agencies halted a roadside fire above Hellgate Canyon early yesterday. On Sunday at 5:56 a.m., Rural Metro Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to the reported fire on Galice Road between Hog Creek Boat Landing and Hellgate Overlook. Rural Metro officials said there was no threat to nearby structures. By 8:40 a.m., crews were nearing completion of mop-up efforts. The final size of the blaze was 1.3 acres and ODF was handling the investigation. Assisting Rural Metro, GP Fire & Rescue and ODF on scene were Jackson County Fire District #1, the Oregon State Police, Josephine County Sheriff's Office and Josephine County Emergency Management. Agencies called in to cover additional calls were the Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District and Williams Rural Fire Protection District.

Posted on 7/29/24 6:02AM by Sam Marsh

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