KRRM - Local News

Commissioner Recall Election Authorized by Clerk Following Validated Signatures

A special election was announced Wednesday for January 6, 2026, by the County Clerk following validated signatures for the recall campaign against Commissioners Andreas Blech and Chris Barnett. According to the Daily Courier, notifications sent from the Clerk's office to the Commissioners and chief recall petitioner Jim Goodwin Wednesday said the petition for Commissioner Blech had 6,711 valid signatures. The petition for Commissioner Barnett had 6,728 valid signatures. Both were more than the 6,445 signatures required under state law. The two Commissioners have until Monday to submit a written resignation, or submit a "statement of justification." Also on Wednesday, Barnett filed suit against Goodwin, and County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels in her capacity as clerk, saying the petition was "legally insufficient," and asking the court to halt the recall process. In his lawsuit, Commissioner Barnett alleges the recall effort violates a separation agreement Goodwin signed when he left the county. Barnett is seeking an injunction blocking the election.

Posted on 12/4/25 2:29PM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Commissioners Approve Grant Agreements, Contracts, and Radio Replacements

Following the approval of the 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget, the Board of County Commissioners approved multiple grant agreements, contracts, and a radio replacement purchase request during the Weekly Business Session.

Seven new replacement radios for vehicles and a base radio for dispatch were requested by the Community Justice Department to be paid for with state pass through dollars. The board approved the request 2-0, as well as a grant agreement between Oregon and Josephine County for the Justice Reinvestment program in the amount of over $2.3 million to fund parole officer, deputy district attorney, and Sheriff's department positions.

Contracts for Personal Services between Josephine County and both the Women's Crisis Support Team and Illinois Valley Safe House for Victim Assistance Services, funded by grant award JRP monies, were approved by the board.

The board continued by approving Treatment Court Grant Agreements between Oregon and the Josephine County Adult Drug Court and Family Treatment Court, with JPR dollars funding positions, and peer and administrative services. An agreement with the state and Josephine County Mental Health Court with funding through the Criminal Justice Commission was approved as well.

A motion to approve a 3.7% Cost of Living Adjustment increase for the Non-Union Personnel passed, and the matter of amending administrative policy regarding approval authority failed due to no motion from the Commissioners.

The board approved the consent calendar, and during requests and comments, the public brought topics including the recall effort and potential board candidates, thanks to the commissioners for their work, criticism of the board, and helping our fellow man.

Posted on 12/4/25 11:58AM by Alex Bauer

BCC Approved Staff Direction to Fill Any Board Vacancy, 2025-26 Budget

In a brief County Administration Workshop at 9 a.m. this morning in the BCC Conference Room, the Board of County Commissioners motioned to allow staff to move forward with the process of filling any vacancy on the BCC. The direction is to allow staff to continue advertising for this position, to require applications to be due at 9 a.m. and interviews at 1 p.m. Monday. The motion carried 3-0. The Weekly Business Session then commenced at 10 a.m. with a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Commissioner Chris Barnett was excused. The budget increase is just over $1.4 million, and two full time equivalents as approved by the budget committee. The only affect to the general fund is the addition of one prosecutor for the DA's office. A motion to approve the budget passed 2-0.

Posted on 12/4/25 11:15AM by Alex Bauer

SOCET Serves Child Sexual Abuse Material Search Warrant

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant Tuesday morning in rural Central Point. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. SOCET served the search warrant December 2 at a mobile home park in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in Central Point. SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for further evidence of child exploitation. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time.

Posted on 12/4/25 4:34AM by Alex Bauer

GPCC Approves CDBG for PY2024 for Spending Over $414,000

The Grants Pass City Council heard and accepted a resolution accepting the Community Development Block Grant’s 2024 Annual report. The City receives funding from Housing and Urban Development, HUD, and regulations require the City to annually assess the programs accomplishments. The City received just over $381,000 for activities beginning October 1st, 2024 and running through September this year. A large portion of the funds were used in the weatherization and rehabilitation program that resulted in 26 single-family homes being refurbished. Some of those repairs included new roofs, HVAC repairs, window replacements, electrical upgrades and ADA improvements to bathrooms and wheelchair ramps installed. Other areas that benefited from the funds include the Boys and Girls Club, Hearts with a Mission, and the Maslow Project. The St. Vincent DePaul Mobile Kitchen supported 354 Homeless persons. Seven households were saved from eviction or the loss of utility services. Physical year 2024 expended over $414,000 including remaining funds from 2023. Just over $100,700 remains in the fund that will be applied to physical year 2025.

Posted on 12/3/25 7:52PM by Chuck Benson

GPCC Advance New Library Building, OK City Housing Standard Change & Land Purchase

The planned new library building moved a bit closer to construction when the City Council approved and ordinance vacating the property lines creating one tax lot on the block between Southeast 6th and Southeast 7th Streets and on Southeast ‘J’ and ‘K’ Streets. Currently the area has a parking lot and an older building that is planned to be demolished. The Vote was four to two with councilors Marshall and Schloegl casting the dissenting votes. A final vote will be held at the next business meeting because an ordinance must have two votes to pass. The proposed homeless shelter facility that was recently approve by council that intends to use modified intermodal shipping containers as housing is forcing the small change of the transitional housing standard to accommodate the proposed design. The resolution passed also on a four to two vote again with Councilors Marshall and Schloegl casting dissenting votes. Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution okaying the purchase of property at 207 Southwest Oak Street to eventually improve the intersections of and Dimmick for a price of $97,000. The City’s annual cost of living adjustments for the comprehensive fee schedule was tabled to allow councilors more time to study the fees line by line. Councilors made several appointments to several committees. Keith Trahern was appointed to the Urban Area Planning Commission. Reed Beaumont and Valerie Lovelace were appointed to the Parks Advisory Committee. Adrianna Reinhart and Donald Fasching were appointed to the Public Safety Advisory Committee.

Posted on 12/3/25 7:51PM by Chuck Benson

Owner of Suspect Vehicle Arrested by GP Police for Cocaine Possession and Warrant

Grants Pass Police officers responded to a vehicle complaint Tuesday night.

The reported vehicle had been parked at the Southern Oregon Aquatics and Pond property at 710 SW Foundry Street for over a week without moving. Trash surrounded the vehicle and the door was open with the light on.

A welfare check was requested, and officers arrived, contacting several potential suspects. One of the suspects, Kayanna Snyder, was found to be the owner. Officers, following a search of Snyder, also found her to be in possession of cocaine.

Snyder was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on a charge of Possession of Cocaine, plus a warrant for Parole Violation and Larceny out of the Oregon State Parole Board.

Posted on 12/3/25 2:46PM by Alex Bauer

Suspect Observed at Resting Site 6 Arrested on GP Police Department Warrant

Grants Pass Police contacted a suspect at Resting Site 6 while on an unrelated call Tuesday morning.

The suspect, Jason Oachs, was observed in the 704 NW 6th Street site. He was known by officers to be wanted on two valid warrants.

Both warrants charged him with Theft in the Second Degree, and said to not cite and release Oachs, nor release him due to overcrowding.

Oach's identity was confirmed, and officers transported him to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged.

Posted on 12/3/25 2:35PM by Alex Bauer

Suspect Responsible for Multiple Law Enforcement Calls Apprehended by GP Police

Dispatch received multiple calls for service regarding a woman at Walmart this morning.

Around 1:04 a.m., one caller said the woman seemed to be having a mental health issue on the east side of the 135 NE Terry Lane store. She was pacing back and forth, screaming, and pulled up over 15 vehicle's windshield wipers.

Officers arrived, contacted the woman, and subsequently took her into custody. No damage was observed on any of the vehicles.

On the way to the jail facility, she began hitting her head and spitting on the windows of the patrol vehicle.

She was lodged in the Josephine County Jail, and a charge of Third Degree Criminal Mischief was referred to the District Attorney's Office.

Posted on 12/3/25 2:29PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Suspect Parked at Grover's on Eagle Point, GP Warrants

A Grants Pass Police officer observed a man with a knife in his vehicle parked at Grover Electric and Plumbing Tuesday.

The man was moving things into the back seat of the vehicle while parked at the 1001 Rogue River Highway store, and the officer saw a large knife in the suspect's left side pocket.

The suspect's vehicle was boxed in and he complied with officer's commands. He was contacted and identified as James Johannes. Officers learned he had two warrants, one out of the GPPD, and one from Eagle Point, charging him with Attempt to Elude Police, Second Degree Theft, and Shoplifting.

Johannes was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on his warrants and for a charge of First Degree Theft.

Posted on 12/3/25 2:20PM by Alex Bauer

2020 Labor Day Wildfires Survivors Last Call for HARP Applications

December marks the final opportunity for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires to apply for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP).

KDRV reports that, since opening in March 2024, HARP has assisted 70 survivors in buying a new home, and has reimbursed 31 other homeowners.

The program is part of ReOregon, funded by a $422 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has expanded eligibility criteria for recovery pathways to help more survivors apply before the December 31 deadline.

Those wanting to learn more or to apply can call the ReOregon Call Center at 877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938.

Posted on 12/3/25 1:56PM by Alex Bauer

Commissioners Hear Economic Development Funding Request Presentations

During a general discussion, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners heard four presentations from four applicants regarding economic development.

Chamber President and CEO Terry Hopkins presented to the board the Business Retention and Expansion committee business survey, with a request for $5,000 to allow for research. The survey's purpose would be to gather the voice of local businesses. The board moved to approve the request.

Next, Chad Hanson with Patriot Solutions, LLC advocated to be the arms, hands, and feet to put economic development dollars to work in the county. He requested $125,000 that would be used for personnel as needed. A motion to support Patriot Solutions for the first six months of operations for $62,500 paid upfront, then have a review session at the end of the six months to assess before moving to the next step passed 3-0.

Connor Kirkpatrick with 2 Guys 1 Truck, LLC and Thrift Right Here 501c3, requested $68,145 for a used 30-yard commercial dump truck and dump trailer with three bins, aiming to create 5 new, entry level, full time jobs.

The positions would include labor and hauling specialists, crew leader drivers, and a sorter/thrift store runner. A motion to approve his request carried 2-1, with Commissioner Ron Smith the lone dissenting vote.

Toni Webb with Josephine County Economic Development presented to the board a 6 month economic development project plan that could then be followed by evaluation.

The plan included preparation for the tourist season, and outreach to companies to consider opening divisions here or relocating, as well as having a focus on remote work. The board agreed to a proposal that she come back after six months to revisit the plan.

Posted on 12/3/25 1:29PM by Alex Bauer