KRRM - Local News

BCC Approved Position Reclassification, Contract Amendment, Heard Efficiency Proposal

The Board of Commissioners approved a Community Corrections position reclassification and Contract Amendment.

Public Health presented a Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Synergy Contract Amendment to the board, saying a dietician is necessary for the organization to run properly. An additional $30,000 will come from WIC's budget to provide the position. A motion to approve the amendment passed 3-0.

Also approved unanimously was a Transit work order for Electric Vehicle batteries to extend the bus's range. About $3,100 will be spent from the Transit budget. Following an Economic Development Committee discussion, Human Resources presented a position reclassification for a Community Corrections Case Specialist, which was approved without objection.

The board will see how the county can ease back into the Association of O&C Counties, then were presented a proposal for a government efficiency pilot program. This would be an assessment for government departments, with recommendations provided on how the county can save money and improve processes via automation.

Commissioner Smith wanted to see an example of a corporation or county where these methods have been utilized, and the outcome. He was also concerned with the idea of fewer department employees being necessary. Gary expressed it as a way to lighten the load on employees rather than letting any go. Colleen recommended Legal Counsel review the idea. Further discussion will take place.

Posted on 8/11/26 3:32PM by Alex Bauer

Commissioner’s Consider $.93 5-Year Jail Levy

A $.93 5-year local option tax to partially fund the Josephine County Jail is the only action item on the Board of County Commissioners agenda for tonight's Weekly Business Session. Should the resolution pass, County voters will decide basically to renew the current levy. Following the vote, the agenda outlines normal items including citizen’s comments and Commissioner’s response, plus the consent agenda that contains the minutes of several meetings. Other matters may be introduced by the Board.
The Business Session convenes at 5:30 p.m. tonight in the Anne Basker Auditorium on Northwest 6th Street.

Posted on 8/11/26 2:13PM by Chuck Benson

Attempt to Exchange Used Boots without Paying Results in Second Degree Theft Arrest

Grange Co-Op loss prevention detained a subject after he stole $100 worth of merchandise.

A call to 911 reported the man, Daniel Anaya-Alvarez, was cooperative after being taken into custody by loss prevention at the 1710 W Schutzwohl Lane store at 2:16 p.m. He reportedly didn't speak English, and had tried to exchange his used boots for a new pair without paying.

Grants Pass Police officers responded to the scene and took Anaya-Alvarez into custody. He was transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged for Second Degree Theft. He was later released on his own recognizance.

Posted on 8/11/26 11:53AM by Alex Bauer

Emergency Crews Knock Down Yale Creek Road Fire

Firefighters knocked down the Yale Creek Road Fire shortly after the grass fire broke out south of Buncom this morning.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews arrived at the scene of the blaze that was burning at a moderate rate of speed. Multiple ground resources worked alongside agency partners and two Type 2 helicopters to extinguish the fire.

It held within the footprint of about 1.5 acres, and crews are continuing to work the fire and secure the area as of 10:55 a.m.

Posted on 8/11/26 11:52AM by Alex Bauer

Deputy Lodged Man Camping Outside Dollar Mountain Trailhead for Warrants

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man wanted on two out-of-county warrants Monday.

A member of the Parks Department called 911 at 7:55 a.m. to report two individuals sleeping in a silver Toyota Corolla at the Dollar Mountain Trailhead. The two appeared to have camped there overnight, and law enforcement responded.

The deputy contacted both suspects at the trailhead, and found one of them to be wanted on two misdemeanor warrants. One out of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for DUII, and one from the Roseburg Police Department for a Dangerous Drugs charge.

The suspect, Johnny Doig, was detained and read his rights. Both warrants were confirmed, and he was transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for his warrants.

Posted on 8/11/26 11:52AM by Alex Bauer

City Announces Overlay's Construction Notice, Road Work and Closures

Now through Monday, August 31st, the Overlay’s project will be performing construction on Churchill, Gladiola, and sections of “N” Street according to the City website.

Crews will lower utilities now through the 14th, then grind and pave N Street Monday the 17th. The schedule continues with the grinding of Churchill Street the 18th, then Gladiola Street the 19th. Thursday the 20th, paving will be done on Gladiola, followed by Churchill Friday the 21st. From Monday, August 24th through the 28th, crews will raise utilities.

Motorists are advised to look for changing road conditions including lane closures, road closures and delays throughout the project. For more information, call 541-779-4916.

Posted on 8/11/26 10:28AM by Alex Bauer

60% Containment on Fork State Park Fire as Crews Complete 80-100 Feet Mop-Up

The Fork State Park Fire is now at 60% containment and remains at 11 acres per the Oregon Department of Forestry. Firefighters have completed mop-up between 80 and 100 feet into the interior and continue systematically gridding and searching the burned area to ensure heat is found and extinguished as they work farther from the perimeter. Overnight, three 20-person hand crews, three Type 6 engines, two water tenders, and a falling resource were assigned to the fire. The same level of resources are planned for the day shift as firefighters continue increasing containment. Temperatures over the next several days are expected to remain cooler than when the fire started. The official cause of the Fork State Park Fire remains under investigation.

Posted on 8/11/26 6:22AM by Alex Bauer

Woodrat Fire at 60% Containment, Further Mop-Up Continues

Firefighters continued making progress on the Woodrat Mountain Fire, bringing it to 60% containment. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports crews have completed mop-up to 300 feet around the entire perimeter of the blaze, with crews reaching as far as 400 feet into the burned area. The fire remains mapped at 282 acres. Firefighters continue to grid the fire, checking for remaining heat and ensuring nothing was missed that could lead to a rekindle. Hazardous snags are still being encountered. Resources included two 15-person suppression modules, three falling modules, eight 20-person hand crews, six Type 6 engines, five water tenders and two dozers. Overnight, three more Type 6 engines were assigned to the blaze, continuing operations. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Posted on 8/11/26 6:17AM by Alex Bauer

Structure Fire Tragically Kills Mother, Three Children

A structure fire in rural Eagle Point has tragically claimed the lives of a mother and her three children under the age of 10. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, at this preliminary stage of the investigation, the fire is believed to have been a tragic, non-criminal accident. Dispatch received a call Sunday at 12:47 p.m. for a structure fire in the 600 block of Leafwood Drive in Eagle Point. Before first responders arrived on scene, the fire had fully engulfed a fifth-wheel camper with four family members trapped inside. Tragically, a mother and three juveniles died as a result of the fire. One surviving family member was able to escape with minor injuries. Deputies along with Jackson County Fire District 3, Jackson County Fire District 4, and Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District firefighters responded to find the fire spreading to nearby structures and wildland. Firefighters extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby forest lands. Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains responded to provide support services.

Posted on 8/11/26 5:51AM by Alex Bauer

ODF Crews Tackling Lower Wolf Creek Road Fire

The Lower Wolf Creek Fire has been GPS mapped at 3 acres and is holding within established lines. A Level 1: BE READY warning is now in effect for Zone JCU-302-B, while Zone JCU-303 has returned to normal status. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, a quick, coordinated response from firefighters on the ground and aircraft overhead helped stop forward progression despite the steep terrain. Night resources are arriving and will continue mop-up operations, working to locate and extinguish remaining heat and further secure the fire overnight. Resources include two 20-person hand crews, two water tenders, one Type 3 engine and three Type 5 engines. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Posted on 8/10/26 6:36PM by Alex Bauer

BCC Agrees on Original Jail, Juvenile Justice Levy, Refined Language Headed to WBS

The Board of Commissioners will move forward with the current Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention Five-Year Local Option Tax, with refined language to be brought to the next Weekly Business Session. A discussion was held at 1:30 p.m. to consider a potential shift or pivot to a Jail tax levy of 89 cents that would exclude the Juvenile Justice Center. During the meeting, Sheriff Dave Daniel said overtime and correction deputies are being burned up, with calls for service increasing as well. Legal Counsel mentioned health care for deputies is more than it has been. Commissioner Gary Richardson suggested a potential 87 cent levy, while Commissioner Colene Martin said a deeper dive into the numbers would help provide a clearer picture of the department needs. Following a half hour recess, the meeting continued with both Martin and Commissioner Ron Smith in agreement on keeping the original 93 cent levy as is. Familiarity with the voting public was cited as a primary reason for the decision. It was determined the refined levy language would be brought to the Weekly Business Session for a final decision before the August 14th deadline, then the meeting adjourned.

Posted on 8/10/26 3:37PM by Alex Bauer

Suspect Arrested by GP Police after Causing $1,000 in Damage Downtown

Grants Pass Police arrested a man after he caused an estimated $1,000 in damage Saturday afternoon.

The complainant called 911 after driving by the suspect, who was reportedly throwing traffic cones around, walking into traffic, and kicking a shopping cart near Our Stuff at 203 SE H Street around 12:45 p.m. Despite the caller telling the man to stop, he proceeded to hit nearby construction signs.

The suspect was soon located by law enforcement after reportedly pulling the sign off of a building. He was identified as Jake Thompson, and taken into custody. After being placed in a patrol car, he began kicking the headliner and dome light inside.

Officers applied a wrap, and Thompson was issued a 30 day downtown exclusion. He was transported to the Adult Jail Facility, and lodged for First and Second Degree Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and a Parole Violation Detainer.

Posted on 8/10/26 2:44PM by Alex Bauer