MADGE Detectives Busted Large Cocaine Trafficking Operation in Eagle Point Area

The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE) team arrested two people while making a large narcotics bust in the Eagle Point area late last week. Last Thursday, MADGE detectives served a search warrant at a residence on Ponderosa Way following a two-month investigation into cocaine distribution. The investigation was initiated after multiple community complaints were received. During execution of the warrant, investigators seized more than 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms including "ghost guns", approximately $48,000 in cash, four vehicles and one motorcycle. Two residents were placed into custody and lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Fifty-five-year-old Ulysses Timothy Chappel, III, was charged with Unlawful Manufacture, Possession and Delivery of Cocaine as well as Felon in Possession of a Firearm, while 52-year-old Stacy Lyn Cramer was also charged with Unlawful Manufacture, Possession and Delivery of Cocaine. The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts and dismantles local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven and prosecutor-supported approach. ...Read more

Grants Pass City Council Exploring Transfer of Caveman Pool to GPSD or YMCA

The Grants Pass City Council is exploring the possible privatization of Caveman Pool. During the Monday workshop session, Parks Superintendent Josh Hopkins gave an update on potential renovations to the city-owned municipal pool located near the campus of Grants Pass High School. Hopkins reminded the Council that a Caveman Pool Committee was appointed in May 2023 and the committee came up with a $6.5 million proposal to renovate the facility in September 2024. However in January of this year, the newly-seated City Council voted to halt the project and redistribute the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improving public safety communications. Hopkins presented a new plan to renovate Caveman Pool at a total cost of just over $1.5 million, but it was not well-received by members of the Council. Councilor Kathleen Krohn floated the idea of transferring ownership of the pool to the Grants Pass School District or Grants Pass Family YMCA. It was decided that City Manager Aaron Cubic will reach out to the school district and YMCA to see if they might be interested in taking over the municipal pool. ...Read more

Britt Festival Announces Final Summer Lineup of Performers and Kids Concerts

Britt Music & Arts Festival is sharing some exciting announcements with the community regarding this summer's events. The time has come for Britt to release its final official list of shows for the 2025 season. This installment brings the summer season to 37 shows including 29 Britt "Live" concerts and eight Britt Festival Orchestra performances. Tickets for most Britt concerts are already on sale to the general public including shows featuring Natasha Bedingfield, Wynonna Judd, Andy Grammer, Taj Mahal, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago. The Britt Education Department is also sharing its summer schedule of free kids concerts. This year's roster offers a dynamic mix of artists and musical styles, with shows available in both Jackson and Josephine counties. As part of its work to expand its reach, several Britt Kids Concerts will be held at Riverside Park in Grants Pass. For more information on all concerts and tickets, please visit "brittfest.org." ...Read more