KRRM - Local News

Perimeter Line Completed on I-5 MM 57 NB Fire, Containment Strengthened

Fire crews strengthened containment and improved fireline around the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire overnight, completing line around the perimeter of the estimated 96 acre blaze. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported an infrared-equipped UAS drone mapped the fire, providing an accurate measure of the fire's size. Approximately 125 personnel are assigned to the incident today, including five 20-person hand crews, five Type 6 engines, five water tenders, and five dozers. On the north flank of the fire, crews have completed 10 feet of mop-up from the fire's edge. Work on the south flank is progressing through heavier, denser fuels, where lingering heat and thick vegetation require more time and attention. Firefighters will be working in steep terrain. Despite cooler temperatures expected today, wind gusts this afternoon could still support spot fires. A Type 1 helicopter and a Type 2 helicopter are assigned to the incident today, with additional aircraft available if needed to support suppression efforts. A Level 2: BE SET Evacuation Warning is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is also in effect. As a reminder, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Drones are prohibited. Northbound traffic is reduced to one lane as cars travel past the fire area.

Posted on 8/2/26 8:07AM by Alex Bauer

Fire Crews Continue Progress on I-5 MM 57 NB Fire despite Strong Wind, Steep Terrain

Firefighters continue to build off the good progress made on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire despite strong wind gusts and steep terrain. A Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation Order is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is in effect as well. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire is currently estimated at 75 to 80 acres. Multiple hand crews and Type 6 engines have arrived to reinforce suppression efforts and continue strengthening containment. No additional structures have been lost. With firefighters making steady progress, aircraft is beginning to be scaled back. The majority of the fire activity is currently concentrated on the upper left shoulder of the fire, where crews and aircraft continue suppression efforts in tandem.

Posted on 8/1/26 8:11PM by Alex Bauer

Firefighters Conducting Aggressive Initial Attack on I-5 Grass Fire Near GP

Emergency crews continue their aggressive initial attack on the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire. A Level 3: GO NOW Evacuation Order is in effect for Zones GRA-022, GRA-034, GRA-036, and JCU-422-B. A Level 1: BE READY Evacuation Order for Zone JCU-422-C is in effect as well. The fire is currently estimated at 75 to 100 acres according to the Watch Duty app. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters are utilizing an extensive combination of suppression resources, including retardant drops, bucket drops from helicopters, dozers, water tenders, hand crews, and two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System aircraft, all working together to slow the fire's spread and strengthen containment. The fire is 30% lined from a mix of hand line and dozer line. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area. Do not fly drones. Unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to be grounded, delaying suppression efforts and putting firefighters at greater risk.

Posted on 8/1/26 4:47PM by Alex Bauer

City of Grants Pass to Limit Number of Food Trucks for Art Along the Rogue

If you operate a food truck and wish to apply for a space at Art Along the Rogue, the food truck application portal will open at 8 am on August 17, 2026, and close at 5 pm on August 28, 2026. Please note a few changes have been implemented this year. Recognizing the types of hot prepared cuisine and iced/frozen dessert options available at brick-and-mortar restaurants in proximity to Art Along the Rogue, we are reducing the number of food trucks and cuisine options that we’ve had before. The City has space for four food trucks this year, each serving different cuisine.
If the type of cuisine you primarily serve is not one of the available options listed below, it's because similar cuisine is already available within the zone. The cuisine options for this year are:
• BBQ/Southern/Soul Food
• Chicken
• Crepes (savory, not just sweet)
• Hot Dogs/Sausages/Brats
• Indian (Asia)
• Italian (not pizza)
• Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern
• Mexican/Latin American
• Sandwiches and Subs
• Seafood
• Vegan or vegetarian
Beginning at 8 am on August 17, follow this link to apply: bit.ly/AATR

Posted on 7/31/26 2:07PM by Chuck Benson

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Located, Lodged Man for Trespassing and Detainer

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office located a man on the railroad tracks and lodged him for a detainer and trespass charge.

The suspect, Michael Cheek, was observed by law enforcement on the tracks near the 4,000 block of Foothill Boulevard. He was occupying a small camp and detained at the scene.

The deputies contacted Cheek's parole officer, who requested a detainer. Cheek was then taken into custody and transported to the Adult Jail Facility. He was lodged on his detainer and a Second Degree Criminal Trespass charge.

Posted on 7/31/26 11:23AM by Alex Bauer

Commissioners Choose SRS Funding Over O & C Timber Harvest Monies

The Josephine County Commissioners met Friday morning and decided to accept Secure Rural Schools funding, known as SRS, as opposed to fifty percent of timber receipts from Oregon and California lands, known as O & C Lands. A decision had to be made today because of imposed federal deadlines. Commissioners considered the low prices being paid for timber currently and the fact that two weeks ago it was being suggested the shared receipts from O & C lands the county’s share would have been 75%.The SRS funds due the county this fiscal year are anticipated to be just over $2 million dollars.

Posted on 7/31/26 11:01AM by Chuck Benson

Dispatch Notified of Transient Activity, GP Police Lodge One for Trespassing

Transient activity was reported at Debo Park Thursday, garnering a response from Grants Pass Police and the arrest of one man for trespassing.

A call to 911 at 5:23 p.m. reported two transients at the 510 SW G Street park. The caller reported items were strewn all around the area, and one of the individuals was walking around with knives in his hands.

He appeared highly under the influence, erratic, and was slashing at tree limbs and throwing the knives at the trees. The caller told dispatch the suspect had items stashed in the trees, and handed a knife to another man.

At the time of the call, the park was empty save for the two subjects. By 5:34 however, there were reportedly six individuals all smoking meth. The suspect with the knives took off from the scene, but responding officers soon located him in front of the Oregon Futbol Academy.

He was identified as Daniel Hall, and taken into custody for a charge of Second Degree Trespass. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail at 6:29 p.m.

Posted on 7/31/26 10:50AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Man Wanted on Warrant after Request He Vacate a Residence

Officers with Grants Pass Police lodged a man for an out-of-county warrant Thursday after receiving a request that he leave a woman's residence.

Dispatch was notified at 7:07 p.m. that the owner of the home in the 1800 block of Medart Lane wanted the suspect out of her home. She reported he did not live at the residence and nothing physical occurred, but when asked further questions, the woman said to "just forget it," and hung up.

Officers arrived at the scene. The woman was advised to confirm with officers she was ok, and the suspect was advised he was under arrest for a warrant out of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

He exited the residence and was taken into custody, but he believed he didn't have a warrant since he had received a text to report to the County Courthouse in August. Officers proceeded to lodge him in the Josephine County Jail on his Weapon Offense warrant.

Posted on 7/31/26 10:38AM by Alex Bauer

Man Transported from Colorado, Served Sex Abuse Warrant upon Arrival

An adult in custody was served with a secret indictment warrant Thursday night.

James Jones warrant had yet to be cleared. He was already lodged at the Josephine County Jail after being transported from Colorado Corrections. The warrant was served around 8:29 p.m., with five counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree against Jones.

His identity was confirmed by his name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Jones remains in custody at 1901 NE F Street for the warrant.

Posted on 7/31/26 10:20AM by Alex Bauer

IVFD, AMR Dispatched to Vehicle and Pedestrian Incident, OSP Investigating

Emergency crews were dispatched to a vehicle and pedestrian incident Thursday night

The Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response reported to the traffic accident Thursday at 10:09 p.m. It had occurred at the intersection of Redwood Highway and Illinois River Road in Selma.

One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently transported for medical attention. The vehicle involved in the incident was not present at the scene upon the arrival of fire units.

The Oregon State Police are currently conducting an investigation into this matter.

Posted on 7/31/26 10:07AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Lodge Woman on Two Warrants after Unattended Juvenile Report

Grants Pass Police responded early this morning to reported juveniles unattended in a vehicle, leading to the arrest of a woman wanted on two warrants.

A call to dispatch around 2:22 a.m. reported there were children in the backseat of a gold Chevy Blazer outside the front sliding doors of WinCo. The caller said a female subject in the vehicle was possibly under the influence and was slurring her speech.

She was nodding off and on, and no paraphernalia was seen inside the vehicle. Officers arrived and contacted Alexandria Millwood in the Blazer, knowing she wasn't a juvenile, but wanted on two warrants.

One was out of the Grants Pass Police Department for a Dangerous Drugs Charge. The other charged her with Fraud out of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office in Yreka.

Officers confirmed Millwood's identity and warrants, and took her into custody. She was transported to the Josephine County Jail for lodging

Posted on 7/31/26 9:56AM by Alex Bauer

Traffic Stop Results in Out-of-County Warrant, Weapon Charge Arrest

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man on an out-of-county theft warrant and weapon charges following a traffic stop.

Deputies pulled over a Honda CRV at the corner of Cashmere Drive and Kellenbeck Avenue Thursday at 9:52 a.m. The driver was stopped for making an illegal U-Turn and having an unreadable month sticker on his license plate.

He was identified as James Branson, and deputies found he was wanted out of the Eagle Point Police Department. Branson had a warrant out for his arrest charging him with Misdemeanor Theft in the Second Degree. He was also charged with two counts of Felon in Possession of a Weapon.

Despite Branson's threats, he was successfully transported to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility. Jail records show he was only lodged on one Weapon Possession charge and his warrant.

Posted on 7/31/26 7:00AM by Alex Bauer