Local News

Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett will receive $100,000 from online publisher John Oliver Riccio after a court judgement.

The Daily Courier reports the Josephine County judge signed the ruling for the payment plus 9% interest for each year the debt isn't paid.

The ruling also awards attorney fees and costs to Barnett and dismisses the libel, false publication, and tortious interference case he filed against Riccio.

According to a written complaint from Barnett and his lawyer, they say Riccio uses his news site "to smear political candidates that he does not like. Riccio is targeting Barnett with a stream of lies that he makes up and publishes on his website."

Barnett said the lawsuit hasn't been about the money, but defending his reputation. In the Courier's attempt to contact Riccio about the judge's final decision in the case, he said, "No comment."

 

TheThe Josephine County Commissioners will further discuss proposed fee changes for multiple departments after Tuesday's workshop. The finance department presented a list of six departments with fee changes effective January 1st. The departments include Public Works, Surveyor, Recreation, Animal Shelter, Public Health, and the Board of County Commissioners. The board postponed deciding on the Human Resources resolution to refer unused sick hours to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System until the Weekly Business Session. They also tabled the District Attorney's non-competitive grant and the Sheriff's request for approval of auction forfeited items pending further explanation. The commissioners did approve the Sheriff's Department's Bureau of Land Management memorandum of understanding, as well as the US Marshal Service memo modification.

 

The Josephine County Commissioners covered the potential library lease and Dimmick Campus during their workshop's Legal Counsel Update. Wally Hicks confirmed rent for the library would be at $27,687. Commissioner Andreas Blech recommended extending the current lease, while Commissioner Ron Smith didn't want to move forward until the Library was able to see the new draft and respond. Commissioner Blech said he would be willing to go with a 90 day termination clause if the library would consider a concession as well, and the board agreed to further discuss the lease during next Tuesday's meeting. With the Dimmick Campus being on the market for a year with zero offers, the commissioners considered a price change dropping from the current $3.25 million to about 10% less. A motion was made to approve the price change at $2.925 million with a 6 month extension and land sell contract option. It passed unanimously.

 

Grants Pass Police officers arrested a man per his parole officer Monday night.

The suspect, Brent Corliss, was issued a detainer after officers contacted his parole officer. Corliss was subsequently arrested and consented to a search of his person.

During the search, Corliss started sweating and passed out. He later declined an ambulance, and consented to a search of his vehicle.

Officers found a bag with a white powdery substance in plain view. Upon testing, the substance returned positive for cocaine. Corliss was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on his detainer and Cocaine Possession charge.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man on an out of county warrant at a local park early this morning.

Officers contacted Travis Blake at Baker Park. He was found to have a Jackson County warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Blake consented to a search of his person. Officers located a glass pipe with white residue which field tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Blake was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant and a charge of Meth Possession.

 

A nonprofit organization aims to honor America’s veterans with a trip to visit memorials dedicated to their service.

Through the commitment of their volunteers and the generosity of supporters, Honor Flight of Oregon aims to recognize those who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War with a free trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the places built in their honor.

Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans. Honored veterans always travel free of charge.

While initially focused solely on America’s World War II era veterans, Honor Flight Network expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War eras.

The Honor Flight TLC program also honors veterans of any service era who are critically ill. Transporting approximately 22,500 veterans annually, Honor Flight Network has flown over 300,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. since its inception.

To learn more about their next trip, call (541) 450-9807. Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve their mission.

 

A Grants Pass software company has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Rentec Direct is one of only two Southern Oregon businesses on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Their achievement highlights Grants Pass as a hub for entrepreneurship, business vitality, and economic growth in Oregon. This year marks Rentec Direct’s ninth consecutive year on the list, recognized for remaining independently owned, maintaining 20 percent year-over-year revenue growth, and generating over $15 million in revenue for Southern Oregon's economy in 2024. Nathan Miller, Founder and CEO of Rentec Direct, said “Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for almost ten years is a true testament to our incredible team and the support of our community. We are proud to call Grants Pass home and show that a small business can compete on a national stage while contributing meaningfully to the local economy.”

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a stalking report Monday afternoon.

Officers received a call from a woman saying her landlord, whom she has a stalking order against, had tried to block her driveway and prevent her from taking her husband to work.

At one point the suspect was hitting the window of the woman's car with his cane and trying to open the door. She returned to the location to get her kids and go stay with a friend. The suspect's son was outside pacing.

Officers contacted the son who took them to the suspect, identified as Donald Park. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Stalking, and on a warrant for Stalking plus two counts each of Attempt to Commit a Felony and Assaulting a Public Safety Officer.

 

Rural Metro Fire Department responded to a car accident last night.

The two vehicle collision on Upper River Road at Pinecrest Drive sent the driver and passenger of one vehicle to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The intersection was closed down while rescuers processed the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not located. Witnesses reported 3 dogs, a Rottweiler, Akita, and a Weiner dog, had also fled the scene.

Firefighters searched the area using thermal imaging equipment, but didn't find the dogs or the missing driver.

Anyone with information or reports of a sighting are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at (541) 474-5123.