KRRM - Local News

Rural Metro Fire Now Hiring Reserve Firefighters

Rural Metro Fire is recruiting local men and women for their part-time, call-back program.

Their state-accredited training program covers all-hazard topics like structural and wildland suppression, technical rescue, and medical skills.

Work schedules can vary based on call volume and shift availability, but will require a minimum 36 hours of active participation per quarter. This program starts at Oregon minimum wage.

To qualify, you must be 18 years of age, be able to show proof of your high school diploma or GED, and a valid Oregon driver's license, reside within Rural Metro's Response area or 30 minutes from the administration office, 807 NE 6th Street, in Grants Pass, successfully complete a physical abilities test, interview, drug screen, and background check.

Rural Metro invites you to join their team of firefighters and rescue professionals. Send them a letter of interest detailing why you want to join, your name, home address, email, and phone number to firejobs@ruralmetrofd.com.

Posted on 9/17/25 6:45AM by Alex Bauer

Jackson County SO Responded to Crash Involving Overturned Log Truck

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a major traffic crash involving an overturned log truck trailer Monday

The truck spilled its load of timber, crushing three vehicles and injuring two drivers. The incident occurred on Avenue G near the intersection of Highway 62 at approximately 10:15 a.m., September 15.

The initial report came in at 10:04 a.m. when a concerned motorist called 911 to report a log truck driving erratically on Highway 62, with its trailer wobbling severely.

Shortly thereafter, multiple 911 calls reported the trailer flipping at the intersection west of Highway 62, dumping heavy logs onto the roadway. A JCSO Deputy arrived on scene and discovered three vehicles crushed by the logs – a Ford F-150, a Hyundai Elantra, and a Nissan cargo van.

The driver of the F-150 suffered life-threatening injuries and the driver of the Elantra was also injured. Both were taken to medical facilities for care. The driver of the van did not require medical transport.

The investigation is being led by the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team. The operator of the log truck and the trucking company are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. No further information has been released at this time.

Posted on 9/17/25 5:01AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehend Man at Local Rest Area after Consent Search finds Fentanyl

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to a man observed at a local resting area.

Camera footage captured the suspect at 704 NW 6th Street smoking something off of burnt aluminum foil. He was then observed dropping his body weight randomly, a behavior consistent with opioid use.

Officers contacted him and, during a consent search, found a plastic bag and foil with residue on them. More foil with residue was found in his backpack.

He was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Fentanyl Possession.

Posted on 9/16/25 12:31PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrest Previously Trespassed Male for Theft at Grocery Store

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for theft at a local grocery store he was previously trespassed from.

Officers contacted the suspect and a woman at 231 NE Terry Lane after they bypassed all points of sale with stolen merchandise.

While the store didn't pursue charges for the woman on account of her buying a large quantity then returning the stolen items, they did pursue charges for the man. Both parties were trespassed from the location.

Officers took the man into custody and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail for Third Degree Theft.

Posted on 9/16/25 11:59AM by Alex Bauer

Oregon-Wide Scam Targeting Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards

A new scam is becoming increasingly common throughout the state. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield warned Oregonians about an uptick of scams involving card skimmers placed on payment machines at grocery and convenience stores across the state, especially in rural areas. These devices allow thieves to steal data from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are used by thousands of Oregon families to access food and cash assistance. Law enforcement has identified a traveling group targeting Oregon retailers, especially discount stores and small markets, by installing skimmers that capture card and PIN information. Once stolen, this information is used across the country to make fraudulent purchases, often draining families’ benefits before they realize what has happened. The Oregon Department of Human Services has seen a reported 50% increase in dollars stolen from EBT cards in the first half of September compared to July and August combined.

Posted on 9/16/25 11:49AM by Alex Bauer

Grants Pass Educators' Program Receives $2,000 from Voya Financial Grant Program

Local teachers are receiving some financial help towards their new internship program. Voya Financial, Inc. announced that a group of educators at Gladiola High School in Grants Pass, has received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2025 Unsung Heroes awards competition. They are the only winners in the entire state of Oregon and one of only 50 winning submissions to receive the award to help fund their program. The group receiving the grant from Voya includes teachers Robin Beierle, Gary Miller, Jalynn Dinkins, and volunteer Doug Walker. The team's internship program hopes to not only provide students with high school credit, but earn a wage, according to Beierle. Selected from hundreds of applications Voya received from throughout the United States, these educators will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place from Voya Financial.

Posted on 9/16/25 11:37AM by Alex Bauer

Mop-Up Nears Completion on Kelsey Peak Fire, Containment Increases To 85%

Mop-up operations are nearing completion on the Kelsey Peak Fire, bringing containment to 85%. The fire, located 15 miles west of Glendale along the Lower Rogue River Corridor, has been burning since September 3rd. The fire is at 1,039 acres. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation order for Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and Marial to Level 1 – BE READY. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management's Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notice for Zone JCU-801 remains in place. Yesterday, a Type 1 helicopter was used to drop water and cool some hot spots in the interior of the fire on the southern end. Weather has transitioned to a warm dry trend with higher temperatures, lower humidities, and windy conditions. This weather may fan smoldering embers in the interior of the fire.

Posted on 9/16/25 10:35AM by Alex Bauer

Josephine County Fair Board to Consider Committee Reports during Evening Meeting

The Josephine County Fair Board will consider committee reports and other business during this evenings meeting.

Following approval of their agenda, minutes, and public input, the board will discuss reports from the Auction Committee, Facilities Committee, Friends of the Fairgrounds, and the Director.

Business will cover a review complaint of the Beef Class Breakdown process, proposed usage fee increases, along with the Arts and Crafts Building name change and adoption of a name for the Community Learning Center.

The board will cover what to do for a 150 year celebration, discuss other business, and then adjourn.

The Josephine County Fair Board will hold their meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the Floral Building, 1451 Fairgrounds Road.

Posted on 9/16/25 7:36AM by Alex Bauer

City Council Moves Forward with Altered Main Street Funding Proposal During Workshop

The Grants Pass City Council moved forward with all agenda items with some changes during yesterday’s workshop. Main Street Funding was the major agenda topic. The council was presented with potential funding sources to benefit downtown businesses. The request would bring in a 3-year total of $270,000 from potential providers: The General Lands and Buildings Projects at $40k, Industrial & Downtown Loan Fund at $40k, and the Economic Development General Fund at $20k. Chamber President and CEO Terry Hopkins urged the council to approve, and after much deliberation, the revised motion passed with all but one yes. The first year of funding would be granted, with the second and third to be considered later with other funding sources. The Infill Housing Development Incentive Program was presented next, with goals to incentivize naturally occurring affordable housing developments to buy or rent long term on lots not needing new city infrastructure.

Posted on 9/16/25 5:13AM by Alex Bauer

Ashland PROS Plan Seeking Public Input for Future Parks and Recreation Development

The Ashland Parks and Recreation Department is working on a plan to guide the Department's direction over the next decade.

The PROS (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Senior Services) plan will establish Levels of Service goals for these benchmarks, helping the department assess its performance and compare it with other communities.

Public input is critical to shaping the priorities and future development of Ashland Parks and Recreation. An initial public meeting was held this past spring, and a second meeting will take place Wednesday, September 17th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ashland Senior Center, 1699 Homes Avenue.

The meeting will include a review of draft key findings from survey data collected for the PROS Plan thus far, a presentation of the draft Level of Service framework for each key service area, and a Q&A session.

A draft PROS Plan will be released for public review in early 2026. For more information, visit ashlandoregon.gov/PROS.

Posted on 9/16/25 5:12AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Apprehends Man for Trespassing, More Charges

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a trespassing complaint late last night.

Officers received a call just before 10 p.m. saying a man was trespassing and threatening people on 5804 Williams Highway. The caller said the suspect was restrained on the ground and was yelling.

When officers arrived, the man was inside the property. He was contacted and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Second Degree Criminal Trespass, and Stalking.

He attempted to run while officers detained him, and a charge of Third Degree Escape was added. Officers alerted the jail that the suspect was known to slip out of his handcuffs. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 9/16/25 5:10AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Apprehended Woman Causing Disturbance with Man Saturday

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance over the weekend.

Saturday afternoon, two people were arguing outside 711 NW 5th Street. A man was kicking the woman's items into the street while the woman yelled.

Officers contacted them both, and didn't report any crimes regarding the disturbance. The woman, however, did have a warrant out for her arrest through the Sheriff's office.

She was transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged on a warrant for Unlawful Entry into a Vehicle, and Second Degree Theft.

Posted on 9/15/25 11:19AM by Alex Bauer