KRRM - Local News

Employment in Josephine County Unchanged in August

Total payroll employment in Josephine County was unchanged in August over the month and was estimated at 26,830.

According to the Oregon Employment Department, local government education had the largest estimated increase, up by 70 jobs in August. Private education and health services added 20 jobs as well. Job losses were posted in leisure and hospitality (-40), retail trade (-20), and financial activities (-20).

Government had a net gain of 50 jobs with the increase in local government education slightly offset by a loss of 10 jobs in both federal and non-education local government. Over the past year payroll employment in the Grants Pass fell by 70 jobs, a loss of 0.3%. Private education and health services had the largest gain, up by 360 jobs.

Job growth was also estimated in professional and business services (+80), and other services (+30). Job declines were estimated in leisure and hospitality (-220); financial activities (-60); retail trade (-50); manufacturing (-40); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-40); and construction (-20).

Government employment fell by 110 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-130), while state (-20) and federal government (-20) also lost jobs over the year. Non-education local government added 60 jobs since August 2025.

Josephine County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was estimated at 7.0% in August, unchanged over the month and slightly below the August 2025 rate of 7.4%.

Posted on 9/22/26 11:10AM by Alex Bauer

Anderson Butte Road Fire at 40% Containment, Mop-Up Continues

Containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire has now reached 40% following another night of great progress by firefighters working to strengthen control lines and extinguish remaining heat. The Oregon Department of Forestry reports the fire remains at 78 acres, with no spot fires or slopovers reported overnight as crews continue to hold it within its established perimeter. Firefighters have extended mop-up 50 to 75 feet inward from the perimeter, while snagging operations have now been completed 150 feet into the burned area around the entire fire. Crews will continue gridding for remaining heat and extinguishing hot spots as they work to increase containment. Steep slopes, dense vegetation and dead snags continue to present challenges. Resources assigned to the fire include four 20-person hand crews, one falling module, four Type 6 engines and seven water tenders. Aircraft are also available to support suppression efforts if needed. Temperatures are expected to be cooler today than the previous three days, providing even more favorable conditions for firefighters. The investigation into the official cause of the Anderson Butte Road Fire is ongoing.

Posted on 9/22/26 8:02AM by Alex Bauer

Further Progress Made on Anderson Butte Road Fire, 30% Contained

Firefighters have reached 30% containment on the Anderson Butte Road Fire following another day of strong progress. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fire remains at 78 acres, with hose now in place around 100% of the perimeter, and mop-up completed 15 to 20 feet into the burned area around the entire fire. Two small slopovers happened yesterday when fire crossed established control lines and began burning vegetation on the other side. Both were aggressively attacked by firefighters and are now 100% mopped up, with no change to the fire’s overall acreage. Steep terrain continues to challenge suppression efforts, particularly in areas of dense vegetation and dead snags characteristic of the Applegate area. Approximately one-third of the fire burned through grass, allowing crews to make quicker progress with mop-up operations. Hazardous snags have now been addressed around the entire perimeter, allowing firefighters to safely work farther into the burned area toward a goal of 100 feet of mop-up. Resources assigned to the night shift included four 20-person hand crews, one Type 6 engine and two water tenders. The investigation is ongoing for the official cause of the fire.

Posted on 9/22/26 5:43AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Help in Locating Missing Woman

UPDATE: Tabatha has been located safely.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing woman. Tabatha Jones was last seen near Three Rivers Medical Center September 17th, 2026. Her direction of travel is unknown, however she had been staying in the Cave Junction area. It is unknown if she's with her vehicle, but she has a tan early 2000's Toyota Camry with the grill missing. Tabatha is described as a 47-year-old 5'8" Caucasian woman with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 150 pounds. She has a nose piercing and tattoos on her arm and neck. It is possible she has dyed her hair red. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-25832.

Posted on 9/22/26 5:38AM by Alex Bauer

Intoxicated Altercation Involving 10 Individuals Resulted in One Arrest

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched Saturday to a fight between approximately 10 reportedly intoxicated people, with one of them being arrested.

The caller reported the altercation around 10:50 p.m., saying men and women were throwing glass bottles and screaming at each other in a parking lot in the 300 block of S Junction Avenue. Some individuals entered a bus in the lot, while one entered a van on the property.

All of the suspects were in a gated area when law enforcement arrived. During the investigation, one individual, Steve Pendleton, kept interfering. He was detained and told he would be placed in the patrol vehicle. He resisted, and while deputies attempted to place him in a wrap, Pendleton spit on one of their foreheads.

The ten suspects were trespassed from the scene, and Pendleton was transported to and lodged in jail for Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Harassment to a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest.

Posted on 9/21/26 1:39PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Negotiate Restraining Order Violation Suspect Down from Roof, Lodge Him in Jail

Grants Pass Police arrested a man after he was reported to be in violation of his restraining order.

Sunday night around 10:05, dispatch was alerted to the incident, where the suspect, Ryan Davidson, was refusing to leave the caller's residence in the 1200 block of NE Dudley Drive.

Davidson was the respondent in an active restraining order filed by the caller, who said the suspect had two charges of contempt against him. Officers responded to the scene to find Davidson on the rooftop of the residence. Following negotiations, he came down and was arrested.

He was taken into custody and lodged in the Adult Jail Facility for two charges of Contempt of Court according to jail logs.

Posted on 9/21/26 12:50PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Lodge Separate Trespass Suspects in Jail

Two women were lodged in separate trespassing reports by Grants Pass Police Sunday night.

The first incident was reported at 8:45 p.m., when the owner of a residence in the 200 block of Rogue River Highway called 911 to report two individuals were at the rear of the property in a shrub area. It was requested both be removed and trespassed.

Officers arrived and contacted Shelley West. She had been warned for trespassing at the same location approximately six and a half hours earlier. She was subsequently arrested for Second Degree Trespass, and police transported West to jail for lodging. She was additionally charged with Methamphetamine Possession.

That same night around 9:33 p.m., Carly Jensen was reported to dispatch after having broken into both the complainants and the next door neighbor's homes in the 1700 block of SW Bridge Street.

Dispatch was told that Jensen could be under the influence. She had made a mess in the bathroom and bedroom of the complainant's home, and was passed out on a bed at the time of the report. She was taken into custody around 9:46 p.m. and lodged for First Degree Trespass and Third Degree Criminal Mischief charges by officers.

Posted on 9/21/26 11:53AM by Alex Bauer

Suspect in Amazon Prime Vest Lodged on Warrant While Reportedly Looking to Steal Packages

A man wearing an Amazon Prime delivery vest was taken into custody Sunday after he was believed to be scoping out homes looking for packages.

Dispatch received notice that the suspect, wearing a red mask or bandana, sunglasses, and an Amazon vest, was walking northbound on SW Hall Street near SW G Street around 2:45 p.m. The caller believed the suspect was looking to steal packages while stopping by houses, checking them, then continuing to the next residence.

An officer response was requested, and police located the suspect, Zachary Gatten, near Hall and Isham Streets. While he denied stealing packages, he was found to be wanted on an Oregon Parole Board warrant for Larceny.

His parole officer was advised, and law enforcement took Gatten into custody at the scene. He was lodged for his warrant in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 9/21/26 11:35AM by Alex Bauer

Continued Land Use Hearing Ends in Failed Motion, Director's Decision Stands

Commissioners Ron Smith and Gary Richardson met in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium at 10 a.m. for a continued land use hearing.

Up for discussion was the request for an appeal objecting to the director's decision to deny the placement of non-farm dwelling on the property off Lower River Road located in the Exclusive Farm zone.

The applicant was asking to use the southern portion of the land as the dwelling. The opposition stated there was an abundance of evidence showing the portion of land as being farmable.

A motion to deny the appeal to the director's decision was proposed, but was not seconded. Legal counsel advised that the decision reverts back to the planning director.

The board's findings of fact will be written, explaining the motion made without a second, confirming the director's decision of denial stands. The meeting was then adjourned at 10:17 a.m.

Posted on 9/21/26 10:29AM by Alex Bauer

The Salvation Army Grants Pass Welcomes New Leaders

The Salvation Army Grants Pass welcomes Majors Mark and Dora Stearns as its new Corps Officers, bringing decades of Salvation Army leadership and ministry experience to Josephine County.

Throughout their years of service, Majors Stearns have dedicated their lives to helping individuals and families in need, leading Salvation Army programs and operations, building strong community partnerships, and sharing the mission of The Salvation Army.

One of the Stearns' primary objectives will be to double the membership of The Salvation Army Grants Pass Advisory Board, strengthening the local leadership and community connections needed to support the growing demand for services.

Over the past year, The Salvation Army Grants Pass has more than doubled the number of people it serves, reflecting the increasing number of local individuals and families turning to the organization for help. As that need continues to climb, expanding the Advisory Board has become increasingly important.

Posted on 9/21/26 9:31AM by Alex Bauer

ODF Crews Tackling Anderson Butte Road Fire, 78 Acres, 100% Lined

Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District crews are tackling the Anderson Butte Road Fire, last estimated at 78 acres. According to ODF, firefighters built on the progress made during yesterday’s aggressive initial attack, completing line around 100% of the fire and extending hose along 80% of the perimeter. Fire activity diminished overnight as cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity provided more favorable conditions for suppression efforts. Crews took advantage of these conditions to strengthen existing lines and secure the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters have begun mop-up operations, working inward from the fire’s perimeter to extinguish remaining heat and reduce the potential for the fire to spread. Resources assigned to the fire today include four Type 6 engines, one dozer, eight 20-person hand crews and six water tenders. Temperatures are expected to remain warm today, although slightly cooler than yesterday. Aircraft are available to support ground resources if needed, including a Type 1 and Type 2 helicopter. Firefighters remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across the district while suppression efforts continue. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Posted on 9/21/26 8:02AM by Alex Bauer