Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance in finding a missing Illinois Valley man. The Sheriff's Office reports 57-year-old Christopher Lloyd Simas was last seen on June 29th near the intersection of Redwood and Caves highways. He was reported missing on July 1st. Simas was on foot and is believed to be still in the Cave Junction area. Simas is described as a white male adult, 5-feet-8-inches tall and 236 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Christopher Simas is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at (541)-474-5123. Please reference Case #24-14391.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a felon for unlawfully entering a parked vehicle in the northwest part of the city this week. The Police Department reports officers responded to the car-clouting incident in the 1800-block of NW Highland Avenue early Monday morning. Police said the 44-year-old male subject opened the passenger door to an unlocked Dodge Caravan, looking for a cigarette lighter and other valuables. The auto alarm sounded and he attempted to flee, but was observed by the homeowner. Officers located the subject at the Highland Market and he eventually admitted his involvement in the criminal offense. He was placed into custody without incident. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle and the resulting Parole Violation stemming from past convictions for Burglary and Criminal Trespass. He was being held without bail. Jail records show the man has been arrested 10 times for Parole and Probation violations since July 15th of last year.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man who climbed to the top of a Redwood tree in the downtown area this week. The Police Department reports officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew were dispatched to the incident in the 300-block of SE I Street on Monday morning. Police said a 40-year-old male subject climbed the Redwood tree and was at least 50 feet off the ground, causing significant public alarm. The law enforcement and fire response blocked traffic while several citizens and business owners gathered in the area. A ladder truck was used to remove the man from the tree. He admitted to drinking alcohol and showed other signs of impairment consistent with the use of a narcotic stimulant. The tree-climbing suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and he was being held without bail.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners may finally sell the Pipe Fork property near Williams during its weekly business session this morning. Under Administrative Actions, the Board will consider a purchase and sale agreement with The Conservation Fund for the 320-acre forested property. The Commissioners will also consider a contribution agreement covering funds from the Williams Community Forest Project for the former Josephine County timber property. Total purchase price for Pipe Fork is just over $2.3 million. The Board will open the session with the monthly recognition of employees and an Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District presentation on its agricultural water quality monitoring program. Today's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.

 

A major heat wave predicted to hit southwest Oregon and northern California on Independence Day has become a certainty and it will last longer than expected. The National Weather Service has upgraded an Excessive Heat Watch to an Excessive Heat Warning that runs from 8 a.m. Thursday through 9 p.m. Monday. The Weather Service reports dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 110 to 115 degrees are expected. The warning is for Josephine, Jackson and eastern Curry counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou County, California. This includes the entire Rogue Valley and the cities of Medford, Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Merlin and Butte Falls. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Area rivers will be cold and can cause shock to swimmers. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles for any reason. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 

Grants Pass fire officials are urging residents to use an abundance of caution in their outdoor activities with the upcoming heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning, indicating temperatures are expected to reach extreme levels in Grants Pass and surrounding valleys. Low humidity and afternoon breezes are expected through the weekend, increasing the potential for fire growth. As we approach Independence Day, Grants Pass Fire Marshal Joe Hyatt said it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when using fireworks. Legal fireworks are only allowed in the city limits from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4th, and they are not permitted in designated wildfire hazard zones, city parks and schools. Local hazard zones are located generally north of Interstate 5 and west of Highland Avenue. Hyatt said all fireworks are prohibited if the National Weather Service posts a Red Flag Warning. This would include the fireworks show at Reinhart Volunteer Park.

 

Forecasted temperatures well above 100 degrees have triggered a City of Grants Pass Severe Weather Event Declaration, which will open a public cooling shelter. The Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT) plans to provide cooling services starting tomorrow at the organization's Parker Place location at 218 Redwood Highway. The Grants Pass Cooling Center will be open between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on July 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th -- Thursday through Sunday. The City of Grants Pass does not operate severe weather event shelters, but assists groups that can operate such shelters. In December 2023, the City of Grants Pass issued a standing Severe Weather Event Declaration that is automatically triggered when certain weather conditions are forecast. In this case, the declaration occurred due to forecasted high temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners may finally sell the Pipe Fork property near Williams during its weekly business session tomorrow. Under Administrative Actions, the Board will consider a purchase and sale agreement with The Conservation Fund for the 320-acre forested property. The Commissioners will also consider a contribution agreement covering funds from the Williams Community Forest Project for the former Josephine County timber property. Total purchase price for Pipe Fork is just over $2.3 million. The Board will open the session with the monthly recognition of employees and an Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District presentation on its agricultural water quality monitoring program. Wednesday's public meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for felony hit-and-run yesterday after he crashed into another vehicle in the southeast part of the city and fled the scene. The Police Department reports officers and emergency personnel responded to the two-vehicle collision near the intersection of Rogue River Highway and Parkdale Drive on Monday around 12:45 p.m.. Police said the 28-year-old male driver of a Ford Explorer crashed into the back of a Dodge Caravan and drove away without providing the information required when involved in a motor vehicle accident. One of the passengers in the Dodge was hurt and was treated by medics at the scene. No one was else was injured. Officers was able to track down the suspect driver at his place of employment. He admitted to the crash and was placed into custody. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Hit-and-Run and 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief. He was being held without bail. He was also cited for No Operator's License and No Insurance.