KRRM - Local News

Two Lodged for Second Degree Criminal Trespass Charges by GP Police

Grants Pass Police lodged two suspects in separate cases on Second Degree Criminal Trespass charges.

Tuesday morning at 7:01, an employee of The 238 Bar called 911 to report a man sitting out front that wasn't leaving. He kept trying to get in the door despite being asked twice by employees to leave.

An officer arrived at the 1620 Williams Highway bar to find the suspect, Jeffrey Richards, sitting on a bench outside the premises. He was taken into custody for his Criminal Trespass charge, then found to be wanted on a valid and serviceable felony warrant out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

Richards was wanted on a Probation Violation for Criminal Mischief. The officer transported him to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on his warrant and Second Degree Trespass charge.

Early this morning at 4:08, law enforcement then contacted a man sleeping under the awning of the Horny Goat Gastro Pub at 207 SW K Street. The officer recognized him as Christian Peckham due to a previous interaction at the same location where he had been trespassed.

Police took Peckham into custody for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, and lodged him in the Adult Jail Facility.

Posted on 5/6/26 2:40PM by Alex Bauer

2025-26 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget Approved, Solid Waste Operations Reinstated

The Budget Committee approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget, reinstating Solid Waste operations at 1:30 p.m. today. Commissioner Gary Richardson was voted in as Chair, with Marc Kirby being chosen as Vice Chair of the Committee. Commissioner Ron Smith was absent. The supplemental budget was then presented, with the item for consideration regarding the Solid Waste Division. The Board of County Commissioners had agreed to bring back the Solid Waste Department under Public Health. With the Supplemental Budget being approved, operations will be reinstated before the end of Fiscal Year 2026. This will be funded by a $31,000 transfer from the general fund, covering the program for until July 1st. The annual cost of the program will be about $176,000, this including personnel costs, materials, and services. A grant to help minimize the use of general funds, as discussed in the previous Commissioner workshop, will provide $155,000 each year if approved.

Posted on 5/6/26 2:20PM by Alex Bauer

Man Lodged for Del Norte County Weapon Offense Warrant, Crack Charge Referred

A man was pulled over for defective lighting, then arrested on a Del Norte County, California warrant.

A Grants Pass Police officer observed the driver, Blaine Case, driving a dark colored X-Terra with no headlight or license plate light around 12:38 this morning. He was pulled over in front of the 7-Eleven at 790 SW 6th Street, where the officer learned Case was wanted on a valid and serviceable warrant.

The officer took Case into custody, during which time a knife was observed by the driver's seat. Case consented to the officer opening it, which showed a white coated substance on the knife. The officer also located a black pouch in the driver's side door, which Case opened to show a digital scale, crack pipe, and a white, flaky, crystal like substance.

He told law enforcement he had used crack three days prior to the incident, and was subsequently taken to jail. Case was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on his Del Norte County Sheriff's Office warrant for a weapons offense. A charge of Crack Cocaine Possession was referred to the District Attorney's office.

Posted on 5/6/26 12:44PM by Alex Bauer

Evergreen Elementary, Lorna Byrne, I.V. High, SOSA West CJ Campus at Secure Status

Evergreen Elementary, as well as Lorna Byrne Middle School, Illinois Valley High, and SOSA West Cave Junction Campus were on Secure Status following a phone threat this morning. As of the latest report on the Josephine County Sheriff's Office Facebook page at 11:50 a.m., all internal operations at Evergreen occurred as normal, with outdoor activities being restricted. The schools remained on Secure Status until the end of the school day. Deputies remained on scene at the Illinois Valley schools. Parents and/or Guardians were encouraged to contact the schools in order to make arrangements to pick up their students. The initial report at 10:21 a.m. stated Evergreen Elementary received a phone call threatening the school, leading to the response from law enforcement.

Posted on 5/6/26 12:25PM by Alex Bauer

Man Illegally Possessing Methadone Arrested by GP Police during Welfare Check

Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department conducted a welfare check, leading to the arrest of a man in possession of drugs.

A call to 911 around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday reported a man on NW 5th Street and NW F Street. The caller requested a welfare check as he rode by the scene on a skateboard.

The suspect, Steven Hughes, was contacted by officers and appeared to be under the influence. He denied any medical care and was able to answer law enforcement's questions appropriately.

Hughes consented to a search of his person, and officers located a Methadone prescription. The drugs had not been prescribed to him, however, so he was taken into custody.

Officers transported Hughes to the Josephine County Jail where he was subsequently lodged for Methadone Possession.

Posted on 5/6/26 11:42AM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Working Toward Rate Stability for Oregon Customers

Pacific Power has filed a general rate case with the Oregon Public Utility Commission.

According to Pacific Power, the plan would be to keep rates stable in the near-term, deliver lower rates in early 2027, and delay a minimal residential rate increase until the third quarter of 2027.

Under the proposal, residential customers would see stable bills in 2026, followed by decreases in the first half of 2027 and a minimal net rate increase in July 2027. If approved, interim rates would take effect June 5th, 2026, and remain in place while regulators review the full general rate case.

The company’s proposal addresses the rising costs of doing business and ensures critical investments in the grid, while keeping rates stable for customers. More information is available on the company’s Oregon rate proposal page.

While reflecting Pacific Power’s commitment to affordability, the proposal also acknowledges several cost pressures affecting the delivery of safe and reliable electric service, including higher cost of materials needed to maintain and replace power lines, poles and other equipment, as well as rapidly rising insurance costs for wildfire risk.

Posted on 5/6/26 11:11AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Searching for Missing Salem Man

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing person. Cameron King was last seen on New Hope Road Monday, May 4th, around 2 p.m. The Sheriff's Office reported he was supposed to return to his home in Salem but has not arrived. Cameron is described as a 40-year-old 5'9" white male weighing 145 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was driving a white Ford F-150 with Oregon plate 711MEY. Cameron is known to always wear a hat. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office, at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #26-12265.

Posted on 5/6/26 10:55AM by Alex Bauer

BCC Proclaims National Police Week, Approves Budget Committee Resolutions

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 10th to the 16th as National Police Week at the start of today's Weekly Business Session.

A public hearing followed in the matter of two annexations to the Josephine Community Library District by petition of the landowners. The board moved to approve both petitions unanimously.

The public brought topics to the board including criticism of a recent group gathering, a Freedom of Information Act request, and concerns for school districts. The consent calendar was approved by the board, and two agenda items from yesterday's workshop were voted on.

The board moved in favor of approving a resolution in the matter of Termination of the Budget Committee, and a resolution regarding Appointments to the Budget Committee.

Commissioner Gary Richardson urged the public to sign up for Citizen Alerts and to Know Your Zone. He also emphasized Full Time Equivalent (FTE) information on the County website, showing the current FTE Trend graph that will be updated monthly.

Posted on 5/6/26 9:52AM by Alex Bauer

I.V. Fire District Extinguished Fire, Responded to Traffic Accidents Tuesday

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to three incidents Tuesday, a grass fire, and two traffic accidents.

The fire was reported at 2:13 p.m. in the 2200 block of Redwood Highway. Crews learned it originated from an escaped open burn. The fire was successfully extinguished and mopped up, and no injuries were reported.

With fire season approaching, I.V. Fire is advising the public exercise caution with burn piles, especially on warm and windy days.

Crews were then alerted to a single-vehicle traffic accident at 6:04 p.m. at the corner of Laurel Road and Redwood Highway in Cave Junction.

According to I.V. Fire, it is suspected the individual involved may have experienced a medical incident before the accident. Oregon State Police are investigating. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Then at 9:18 p.m., a second traffic accident was reported in the 25,000 block of Redwood Highway in Cave Junction. I.V. Fire, AMR, and OSP were dispatched to the scene.

The vehicle was located off the roadway after having impacted a guardrail. No occupants were reported at the scene. OSP is conducting the investigation.

Posted on 5/6/26 5:51AM by Alex Bauer

Interim Finance Director Position to be Filled Pending Contract

Former finance director Arthur O'Hare will fill an interim finance director position pending a contract. The discussion was held following an executive session during the Board of Commissioner's 1:30 p.m. workshop. The board commenced the meeting by approving a grant request submission for consideration by the Solid Waste Agency. A motion to approve a grant request of $155,000, with clarification on whether the amount is annual passed 3-0. A personnel action for the solid waste specialist lead was brought to the board for later signing. Human Resources requested approval regarding the current CDL Driver's retiring from PERS, then to bring him back to the county to work three days a week. The current budget covers the position, and a motion to approve was unanimous. The board moved to pay an Ogletree invoice in the amount of $31,446, and will consider resolutions in the matter of Tobacco Retail Enforcement and Budget Committee Terminations and Appointments when the documents become available.

Posted on 5/5/26 3:53PM by Alex Bauer

ODOT Announced U.S. Highway 199 Shoulder and Drainage Work, Drivers Cautioned

Work to maintain the highway shoulders and drainage systems on a 27-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 199 begins tomorrow morning.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, travelers can expect short delays in the work zone. Crews start work near milepost 14, just south of Wonder.

The work zone will move south on U.S. Highway 199 toward the Oregon-California border as crews make progress. The project is scheduled for completion by early June, weather permitting.

Daytime lane and shoulder closures are to be expected Mondays through Thursdays, with traffic being controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Drivers can expect potential delays of less than 20 minutes.

ODOT reminds the community to drive with caution through the work zone. Slow down and watch for workers and equipment in the roadway. Crews will pause work between Wednesday, May 20th, and Wednesday, May 27th, to help reduce impacts for Memorial Day weekend travelers.

Visit TripCheck.com for the latest information on road conditions and closures.

Posted on 5/5/26 2:45PM by Alex Bauer

Medford Fire Department Responded to, Extinguished Recreational Vehicle Fire

The Medford Fire Department responded to and put out a structure fire in the 3000 block of Table Rock Road Monday around 9:20 p.m.

Crews arrived to find a trailer on fire that was also threatening a nearby residence. The fire was knocked down within eight minutes of arrival. Medford Police, Mercy Flights, and Jackson County Fire District 3 assisted.

No civilians or firefighters were injured at the scene, but one resident was displaced as a result of the fire. The cause is believed to be related to the use of an outdoor fire pit, where embers likely ignited nearby combustible materials.

The fire spread from pallets and other items to the recreational vehicle, causing extensive damage to the RV and minor damage to the exterior of the home. The MFD reminds the public that, as warmer, drier weather approaches, fire risk increases.

Use a screen on outdoor fires when burning wood, choose approved propane free-standing fire pits rather than wood fueled options, keep combustible materials at least 15 feet away, and discard cigarettes, ash, embers, and any other smoldering materials in a non-combustible container filled with water.

Posted on 5/5/26 2:42PM by Alex Bauer