KRRM - Local News

Terry Hopkins Nominated for Oregon Business and Industry Board of Directors

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Terry Hopkins, has been nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for Oregon Business & Industry (OBI).

In a press release from the Chamber, Terry said he is honored to represent Southern Oregon businesses. “While this role expands my involvement in statewide business advocacy, my commitment to our local community and to fostering economic growth and leadership here in Grants Pass and Josephine County remains unwavering."

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to supporting local businesses and strengthening the community’s economic future, while also engaging in broader policy issues that impact business growth and prosperity across Oregon.

OBI exists to strengthen Oregon’s economy and promote prosperity, competitiveness, and opportunity for businesses across the state. Through advocacy, research, and education, OBI provides leadership on critical public policy issues, and plays an active role in political advocacy.

Posted on 2/4/26 10:31AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Courts Warn Public of Jury Duty Scammers

The Josephine County Circuit Court is warning the public to be wary of scammers calling residents and claiming they owe money because they missed jury duty. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, reports have come to the court regarding scammers threatening residents with arrest if they don't pay a fine after supposedly missing jury duty. The scammers can sometimes make it appear the call is coming from the court's phone number and pretend to represent the court.As a reminder, Oregon's state courts will never threaten you or demand money in relation to jury service. They won't require you to pay money to respond to a jury summons or to complete your online questionnaire. The courts also won't require you to provide sensitive information over the phone, email, or text. Oregon state courts may text you with jury notices and reminders. However, these texts will not request personal information, make threats, or demand money. If you get a call or other message that demands information or money, hang up, and do not reply directly to the text or email, click on any links, or open any attachments.

Posted on 2/4/26 8:18AM by Alex Bauer

MPD Searching for Suspect in High-Dollar Medford School District Theft

Medford Police are investigating a high-dollar theft that occurred January 19th at the Medford School District 549C Facilities Yard. During this incident, a suspect broke out the rear window of a van and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools and equipment. Surveillance video captured the suspect, but his face was covered at the time of the theft. As part of the investigation, Medford Police Detectives distributed informational bulletins to 10 south Medford markets and gas stations. On January 22nd, a Dakota Street resident contacted police after recognizing the suspect from a bulletin and provided additional information that led detectives to a residence. Later that day, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of Dakota Street. As a result, officers recovered multiple stolen items from several unrelated cases, including a Milwaukee LED tower light, two chainsaws, two mountain bikes, and clothing items believed to have been worn during the school district theft. Detectives were able to identify Nicholas Thomas Mitts, 24, as the suspect.

Posted on 2/4/26 5:24AM by Alex Bauer

Emergency Crews Responded to Structure Fire, One Occupant Injured

Emergency crews were alerted to a structure fire in the 4,600 block of Takilma Road in Cave Junction late Tuesday night.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Rural Metro Fire Department, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene at 11:23 p.m.

Upon their arrival, the structure was fully engulfed in flames, and one occupant sustained burn injuries. They were transported from the scene by AMR.

Pacific Power was notified and subsequently confirmed the deactivation of electrical services. Extensive overhaul operations were conducted, and the incident is under investigation.

Posted on 2/4/26 5:08AM by Alex Bauer

36th Annual Ross Roe Memorial Youth Tree Plant Begins Thursday

The Josephine County Forestry Department is preparing for the 36th Annual Ross Roe Memorial Youth Tree Plant in Grants Pass.

Beginning Thursday and running through Saturday, hundreds of youth from local schools, units, and scout troupes will participate, planting trees in the Stringer Gap Site in the southwest city limits.

Schools participating include Woodland Charter School, Patrick Elementary, St. Mary's, Sams Valley, Mae Richardson, Jewett Elementary, Sunny Wolf, Fort Vannoy, Riverside Elementary, Parkside, Central Point, Redwood, and St. Anne's Catholic School.

Other organizations taking part include Rogue Sidekicks, Cub Scout Packs 17 and 3029, Central Point Cub Scout Pack 50, and Pack 29

According to the county website, more than an estimated 100,000 trees have been planted from over 23,000 youth since 1990.

For more information, call the Josephine County Forestry office at 541-474-5291.

Posted on 2/4/26 4:51AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Deputies Arrested Man for Felony Elude Following Vehicle Pursuit

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man following a vehicle pursuit Tuesday morning.

At 3:29 am, deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 199 and Lone Mountain Road on a red GMC Sonoma pickup. The truck had no front license plate, and the rear license plate was partially obscured.

The driver, identified as Gavin Moore, had a felony warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine. When Moore was told he was under arrest and to turn off the truck, he fled the scene out Lone Mountain Road.

Moore soon slid off the roadway. He initially placed his hands out the windows to give up, but then backed his truck towards deputy vehicles until his truck slid sideways and again got stuck in the ditch.

Moore subsequently complied with commands and exited the truck where he was taken into custody without further incident. Moore was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and on his warrant.

Posted on 2/4/26 4:45AM by Alex Bauer

Customer Dispute Resolution, Amendments, Appointments on Council Agenda

The Grants Pass City Council will commence today's meeting with a Public Hearing regarding a complaint against Republic Services. The complainant, Konnor Kirkpatrick, filed against the sanitation company. He said his business has been improperly prohibited from accessing the transfer station since they fall within exemptions from the Franchise Agreement. In accordance with the Customer Dispute Resolution Process, the hearing will determine if Kirkpatrick's complaint is unfounded, or if Republic Services should be ordered to allow access to his business. After the hearing, the Council will consider an ordinance amending the Development Code regarding property line vacations. Next on the agenda is a motion to appoint four new members to the Budget Committee. Following Public Comment, the Council will consider motions approving the Development Code Text Amendment, and meeting minutes. Before adjourning, a member of the Council will be appointed to the First Forty Feet Citizen Advisory Committee.The meeting will begin today at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street.

Posted on 2/3/26 1:20PM by Alex Bauer

ODOT GP Conducted Brush Burning and Clearing Operations

Thanks to mild weather, the Oregon Department of Forestry's Grants Pass crew conducted maintenance along the highways.

ODOT's Facebook page said that, on Monday, they cleared and burned brush along U.S. Highway 199 near milepost 21, and on Caves Highway. This work, performed selectively by crews, provides better sight distance for drivers.

Burning these roadside fuels during winter in controlled conditions also helps prevent wildfire from spreading in the summer. ODOT checks with the local fire authority to see whether it’s a “burn day," then keeps their burn piles small and spaced out to prevent large smoke plumes that impact visibility.

Posted on 2/3/26 12:35PM by Alex Bauer

Woman with Two Assault Warrants Apprehended by GP Police

A woman with two warrants was apprehended by Grants Pass Police Monday morning.

At 9:50 a.m., officers located the suspect, later identified as Michelle Hoover, inside a property in the 500 block of SE L Street. She opened the window and began screaming at officers on the scene. Hoover was subsequently detained.

She had two warrants, one out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office charging her with Assault, and the second out of the Grants Pass Police Department, charging her with Felony Assault. Both of her warrants were faxed to the Josephine County Jail, where she was later transported and lodged.

Posted on 2/3/26 11:51AM by Alex Bauer

Convicted Felon Arrested by GP Police following Welfare Check

A neighbor requested a welfare check on a man seen passed out on a porch Monday morning.

The man was slumped over in a seat on the property in the 1100 block of SW Major Drive. The neighbor wasn't there at the time of the call, but reported to dispatch that the man was seen there moving the night before.

Grants Pass Police arrived at the scene and determined the man, Christopher Davis, was conscious and breathing. His Parole Officer was contacted, who then said he would detain Davis.

Davis fled the scene. Officers were able to locate him soon after however, and identified a bag with what appeared to be a white powdery substance sticking out of his jacket pocket. Also found on Davis's person was a dagger hidden around his neck, and a pocket knife in his pocket.

It was confirmed Davis was a convicted felon, and he was lodged for a detainer, Possession of Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Concealing a Weapon.

Posted on 2/3/26 11:35AM by Alex Bauer