KRRM - Local News

GPCC Workshop Interviewed UAPC Applicants and New Multi-Modal Paths

City Council’s workshop Monday began with interviews for a position on the Urban Area Planning Commission, then transitioned to Bikeways/Walkways motions. A presentation on motions from the Bikeways/Walkways committee outlined proposals to enhancements for Highland Avenue multi-model traffic. The presentation included changes to the bike lanes on Highland Avenue that affects traffic and parking along specific areas at the same time connecting with the Dollar Mountain Trails. Sidewalks, retaining walls and traffic islands were all outlined for the Council. Approximate costs for the sidewalks would be in the $100,000 range and an estimated $2 million for street modifications.
The Council approved a motion to go forward with new bike lanes and pedestrian crossings on Highland Avenue after monitoring traffic flows and parking on South Highland and alerting residents that on street parking may be eliminated.Councilors interviewed three candidates applying for one position on the Urban Area Planning Commission. Rich Akers, J.W. Ohler and Keith Trahern all were available with Mr. Akers appearing telephonically. A Council decision is on the agenda for Wednesday night’s Council meeting. The meeting was continuing with GP Nexus Incubator Grant.

Posted on 12/1/25 1:59PM by Chuck Benson

Juvenile Arrested by OSP after Eluding City Police

A juvenile driver and his maroon Hyundai were located by an Oregon State Police Trooper after the driver had eluded the Grants Pass Police. The Trooper found the vehicle and initiated contact at milepost 53 on Interstate 5 at 1:19 a.m. Saturday morning. The vehicle had to be spiked multiple times to cause the Hyundai to stop and the driver to be arrested without incident. Troopers observed multiple indicators of impairment and arrested the 14-year-old assessing charges of reckless endangering, reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants and attempting to elude. The Hyundai was impounded and towed.

Posted on 12/1/25 9:51AM by Chuck Benson

Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are a wonderful time, unfortunately, they can also bring a greater risk of a home fire. In a typical November and December, nearly 400 people in the Cascades Region will rely on the Red Cross after a home fire. December is also the peak month for home fires caused by candles and festive decorations. As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember fire prevention is key. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights. Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose connections. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.TREE SAFETY If you plan to decorate with a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add water to the tree every day. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. If you buy an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees. Think about using

Posted on 12/1/25 9:11AM by Chuck Benson

Bad Driving in Front of Patrolman Results in Stay in Crowbar Hotel

A turn onto the Grants Pass Parkway from Northeast Terry Lane in front of Grants Pass Patrol Vehicle caused the Officer driving to brake to avoid a crash resulted in a traffic stop. The officer had more than probable cause to initiate the stop because the Dodge Durango was displaying no license plates. The driver, 27-year-old Anthony Michael Moreno, was driving while suspended so he was cited for both infractions, warned for a dangerous right turn, failing to yield and the Durango was impounded. Moreno’s Jackson County parole officer then requested a detainer, so the suspect was then lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 12/1/25 8:23AM by Chuck Benson

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest & Jail Time

Just after midnight Monday morning a Grants Pass Police Officer stopped a black Jeep at the intersection of Lewis Avenue and West Park Street displaying an expired registration.The driver, identified as Christian Anne Nissen, 42, was found to be driving suspended and uninsured so her Jeep was impounded. After her identity was confirmed it was discovered she was wanted on a Central Point warrant on a charge of theft II. Nissen was then placed into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail on the out of county hold warrant.

Posted on 12/1/25 8:03AM by Chuck Benson

Multiple 911 Calls lands Repeat Offender in Jail

Multiple calls about disorderly conduct and trespassing landed 38-year-old Kyle Jenrette in the Josephine County Jail Sunday afternoon. According to the police log Jenrette was asked to leave two businesses after being asked to vacate the premises. Calls to 911 sent officers to the location who took the suspect into custody for disorderly conduct II and two charges of trespass II. During a search officers located metal knuckles concealed in his waistband. The knuckles had a spring-loaded knife inside the handle. Officers added a charge carrying concealed weapons. The arrest was Jenrette’s third since June. He remained in custody Monday morning.

Posted on 12/1/25 7:48AM by Chuck Benson

BLM Asks for Input on Rogue River/Gold Hill Tree Thinning

Some 4,000 acres of timber north of the cities of Rogue River and Gold Hill is being targeted by the Bureau of Land Management for a tree thinning and wildfire fuels reduction project and your input is needed. The Daily Courier is reporting the project is designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and add to the District’s mandated timber quota while the 5.5 million board feet of timber would provide supplies for construction, add local jobs and stimulate economic activity. The Bureau has scheduled a public meeting for this Thursday at the Rogue River Library at 412 East Main Street beginning at 5:30 p.m. The public comment period closes on January 6th.

Posted on 12/1/25 6:55AM by Chuck Benson

GPPD Officers Incarcerate Three Saturday Afternoon in Separate Incidents

Grants Pass Police Officers were busy Saturday afternoon arresting and lodging three suspects while attending to the rest of their duties that included three other citations. Just before 3:00 p.m. officers spotted Steven Robison,40-years-of-age, at the Alibi Bar. Upon being contacted Robison provided Officers with a fake name, however he was identified by tattoos and ear piercings plus a booking photo. He was taken into custody on a failure to appear warrant plus a charge of possession of methamphetamine. It was his fifth arrest since June. Just after 5 p.m. Officers spotted 38-year-old Andrew K. Urenda in Resting Sight 6-North at which time he fled to a tent in Resting Sight 6-South. He was located and arrested on a possession of meth warrant. He consented to a search and was found to with a pipe/tooter that tested positive for meth drawing an additional charge. It was the third arrest for Urenda since August. Officers made the third arrest of the evening at 8:44 p.m. at Flespy’s Bar on Fruitdale Drive. 59-year-old Danny Priebs was contacted and knows to an active Sheriff’s Office warrant for failure to appear on a contempt of court charge. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail and posted b

Posted on 11/30/25 4:08PM by Chuck Benson

County Commissioners to Discuss Surplus Property Usage and County Banking at Workshop

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will discuss the usage of surplus property and county banking during Tuesday's workshop. Other board business includes the potential approval of Anne G. Basker Auditorium rental applications from Josephine County Circuit Court, and the Josephine County Republican Party. During department business, the board will hear requests from the Sheriff's Office, Community Development, Finance, Community Justice, Public Works, Airports, and Human Resources. Pending other matters from the board, the meeting will adjourn. Tuesday's County Administration Workshop will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room, and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those wishing to attend in person must abide by the clear bag policy.

Posted on 11/30/25 3:22PM by Chuck Benson

Lengthy Agenda Awaits City Councilors in Monday Workshop

The Grants Pass City Council faces a full agenda in their Monday workshop including candidate interviews and two grants. First Councilors will interview candidates for the Historical Sites and Building Commission followed by interviews for applicants for the Urban Area Planning Commission. Two different grants, one for the Urban Renewal Agency grant and catalyst project and one for the GP Nexus Incubator Grant. Councilors will consider motions from the Bikeways/Walkways Committee before planning further agendas for future meeting

Posted on 11/30/25 3:19PM by Chuck Benson

Following Brief Chase, GP Police Apprehended Suspect for Warrant and Meth Possession

Officers with Grants Pass Police identified a suspect wanted on a warrant for Third Degree Escape and First Degree Criminal Mischief early this morning.

At 1:04 a.m., Ely Smith was observed behind Star Auto Body with another man before leaving the area quickly. Officers knew he had a warrant out for his arrest, but Smith fled the scene when he was located near Franz Bakery Outlet.

Officers tracked Smith down to the corner of NE Mill Street and D Street. A taser was deployed, which prompted compliance from Smith. During a search of his person, a cylindrical glass pipe with a burnt residue was located. The substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

He was detained and transported to the Josephine County Jail, where he was lodged for Meth Possession and his warrant.

Posted on 11/28/25 11:43AM by Alex Bauer