KRRM - Local News

Suspect Yelling, Threatening Business Arrested by JoCo Sheriff's Deputies

A man caused a disturbance outside a business, leading to his arrest by Josephine County Sheriff's deputies.

Sunday around 5:13 p.m., the manager of the undisclosed business in the 2400 block of Rogue River Highway reported a man came in complaining about being injured. He was cussing, yelling, claiming his sister had stabbed him, and threatened to burn down the building.

Dispatch was then told the suspect had scared a customer away, and a request was made for him to be trespassed. The manager was advised to go back inside the business and lock all the doors. The suspect then reportedly walked away along the highway.

Deputies located and apprehended the suspect, identifying him as Nicholas Stephey. He was taken into custody for Second Degree Trespassing, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was trespassed from the business, and lodged in jail.

Posted on 7/27/26 1:36PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Lodge Man for Meth Possession after Riverside Park Argument Response

Officers with the Grants Pass Police Department arrested a man for Methamphetamine Possession after responding to an argument in Riverside Park Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred at the river's edge below 200 Lewis Avenue regarding a dog that was off its leash. One of the men, Peter Rivera, was reportedly holding a pistol in his hand during the argument. Video provided by the other man showed Rivera never threatened him with the firearm, but was already holding it upon the man's arrival.

Rivera denied having a firearm, but rather a black CO2 pellet pistol resembling a real firearm, was located near the incident location by a camp. A clear glass pipe with a burnt residue and small clear bag with a white crystalline substance were both located near the camp where Rivera and the dog's owner were sitting.

Rivera's parole officer was contacted, and a detainer was requested. The substance in the clear bag was field tested and showed positive results for Meth.

Officers then took Rivera into custody at the scene and transported him to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility. He was lodged for Possession of Meth and his detainer.

Posted on 7/27/26 1:18PM by Alex Bauer

Traffic Stop Leads to Incarceration of Two Men for Fentanyl Possession Warrants

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies pulled over and lodged two suspects for Fentanyl Possession warrants Sunday.

A traffic stop was conducted on a white Chevy at the Liberty Pentecostal Church in Fruitdale around 3:39 p.m. It initially took off from law enforcement in the 1500 block of Hamilton Lane, and the two men in the vehicle were contacted and detained.

Deputies found both men, Jeffery Haile, and Stephen Jarrard were both wanted out of the Sheriff's Department for Possession of Fentanyl warrants. They were taken into custody at the scene. Jarrard had a detainer placed on him per his parole officer.

The girlfriend of one of the suspects arrived to retrieve the vehicle. Haile and Jarrard were lodged in the Adult Jail Facility for their warrants.

Posted on 7/27/26 12:33PM by Alex Bauer

BCC Meets for County Communication Discussion

The Board of Commissioners held a meeting to discuss County communication needs. The meeting began at 10 a.m., with the purpose laid out to cover department needs, potentially create a coordinated plan, and find out where coverage can be increased. It is yet to be determined if other tower sites can be added for communication coverage. The possibility to purchase property for added sites was mentioned, with another option to co-locate with other sites and lease the space. Day Wireless' recommendation to the board was to build out a controlled communication system as the base with a backup system. The ballpark cost could be around $5 million with added support services and no additional sites. To qualify for grant funding to support the ballpark cost, a P25 system would be required. Any users of the system must have digital P25 radio equipment. It was highly suggested the County have a primary and secondary form of communication. A list will be provided by Day Wireless of all considerations made today for the board to narrow down. Further collaboration and deliberation will take place.

Posted on 7/27/26 11:53AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Lodged Man for DUII Warrant during Traffic Stop

Grants Pass Police arrested a man wanted on a warrant following a traffic stop Sunday morning.

The suspect driver was pulled over at the corner of SE 6th Street and SE G Street around 1:25 a.m. He was contacted due to illegal display of plates, and identified himself as Joshua Foster.

He was found to be wanted on a warrant out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and was subsequently detained. Due to a lack of insurance, police had Foster's car towed from the scene to be impounded.

He was transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on his warrant. He was also cited for traffic violations.

Posted on 7/27/26 11:31AM by Alex Bauer

Progress on East Evans Creek Fire Brings 66% Containment, Florida Team Takes Over

Firefighters made steady progress throughout the weekend on the East Evans Creek Fire, with containment lines being further reinforced, continued suppression repairs, and more than 300 feet of mop-up taking place along the perimeter. The latest Oregon Department of Forestry update reports the fire is 15,580 acres and is 66% contained. Crews took advantage of good overnight relative humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations. Light interior smoke remains as pockets of unburned vegetation continue to smolder. Infrared mapping was used to assist with today's mop-up efforts. The Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the East Evans Creek Fire this morning. Weather will again elevate fire conditions, with mid to upper 80s temperatures and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes and remain ready for any new starts. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.

Posted on 7/27/26 9:56AM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Foundation Awards $340,000 in Grants to PNW Nonprofits

The Pacific Power Foundation awarded funds to organizations across the Pacific Northwest, with Josephine and Jackson County nonprofits receiving grant funding.

Throughout the region, local nonprofit organizations are expanding STEM and educational opportunities for teachers, students and their communities. To support these efforts, the foundation awarded $343,800 in grants to 93 organizations across Oregon, Washington and California.

The grants support an array of projects that inspire career readiness, improve literacy and empower skill development. Josephine County organizations receiving funding include Youth 71Five Ministries, Our Foster Kids, Inc., and Project Youth+. Recipients in Jackson County include Britt Rock Camp, Medford School District South High School, and Talent Maker City.

The Pacific Power Foundation’s Education and STEM grant cycle is just one of several funding opportunities throughout the year. Interested organizations may learn more about applying for the Arts and Culture grant cycle at PacificPower.net/Foundation by September 15th, 2026.

Posted on 7/27/26 9:35AM by Alex Bauer

Teens Encouraged to Join Remaining Bad Artists Club Sessions at the Library

The Josephine Community Library is inviting teens ages 13 to 17 to join the remaining Teen Bad Artists Club sessions at the Grants Pass and Illinois Valley branches during the Summer Reading Program.

The sessions will take place Thursday, July 30th and Thursday, August 6th at the Grants Pass branch and on Friday, August 7th at the Illinois Valley branch.

The Teen Bad Artists Club invites any and all artists to explore creative arts in a low-pressure environment. Participants enjoy art activities, music, snacks, giveaways, and opportunities to build friendships while celebrating the creative process.

Remaining Teen Bad Artists Club sessions and their themes for the 2026 season include the Teen LEGO Challenge from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Grants Pass branch.

Additionally, teens will have a chance to make Miniature Art from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. August 6th at the Grants Pass branch and from 1 to 2 p.m. August 7th at the Illinois Valley branch. Teen participants are welcome to attend as many or as few sessions as they want.

The 2026 Teen Bad Artists Club series is made possible through a grant from Josephine County Cultural Coalition. This program is free and open to the public and is part of the 2026 Summer Reading Program. A library card is not needed to participate. For more information about library programs, visit josephinelibrary.org.

Posted on 7/27/26 5:36AM by Alex Bauer

Rural Metro, GP Fire, ODF Dispatched to Early Weekend Fires

Fire crews responded to a structure fire and shed fire Friday and Saturday respectively.

A detached garage was destroyed by fire around 11:53 a.m. at a residence near Griffin Park Friday. Electrical contractors in the area spotted the smoke and immediately deployed their fire equipment required for their job site, and worked to control flames.

The crew kept up the fight until relieved by multiple units from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, and the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District.

The fire tried to advance into surrounding dry vegetation, but was halted at 1/10th of an acre. The main house was not damaged and there were no injuries. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is assisting Rural Metro with the cause determination.

Saturday around 6:48 a.m., a Colonial Valley fire originated inside a pump shed also involved a wood pile and approximately 1/10th acre of vegetation. Firefighters with Rural Metro, Grants Pass Fire and ODF Southwest Oregon District converged on the scene on Granite Hill Road near Winona Road, and completed full extinguishment and mop-up operations.

Posted on 7/27/26 5:27AM by Alex Bauer

IVFD, Emergency Crews Responded to Weekend Grass Fire, Two Traffic Accidents

Emergency crews were dispatched to traffic accidents and a grass fire over the weekend.

The first accident occurred near the intersection of Redwood Highway and Draper Valley Road in Selma Friday at 12:25 p.m. The Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response, and the Oregon State Police responded to the two-vehicle incident.

Two individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were subsequently transported for medical attention. OSP conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

Then, Saturday at 10:45 p.m., a single-vehicle rollover traffic accident occurred on Redwood Highway near Reeves Creek Road in Cave Junction. Again, IVFD, AMR, and OSP promptly responded to the incident.

One individual was transported to the hospital via ground ambulance. OSP lead the investigation into this matter.

Lastly, Sunday around 1:32 a.m., IVFD and the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District responded to a reported grass fire in the 5500 block of Caves Highway in Cave Junction.

Upon arrival, units encountered a 20x20 foot fire in light grass, which was slow-moving. The incident was effectively managed by the units present on the scene, and the fire was successfully extinguished and mopped up. An investigation will be conducted by ODF.

Posted on 7/27/26 5:19AM by Alex Bauer

Steady Progress Made by East Evans Creek Fire Crews, Containment at 54%

Saturday, fire crews continued forward progress on containment lines on the East Evans Creek Fire, with more than 200 feet of mop-up adjacent to the fire perimeter. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, firefighters continued overnight patrolling for any signs of smoke. The fire is 15,580 acres and 66% contained. Monday at 6 a.m. ODF's Complex Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command of the fire to Florida Complex Incident Management Team 1. Weather today will bring elevated fire conditions with temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s and breezy winds. Firefighters will watch for changes in fire behavior and be prepared for any new fire starts in the area. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.

Posted on 7/26/26 9:12AM by Alex Bauer

East Evans Creek Fire Perimeter Holds, 15,580 Acres and 46% Contained

Firefighters continued securing and mopping-up the East Evans Creek Fire perimeter yesterday, while improved accuracy in mapping showed the reduced acreage for the incident at 15,580 acres with 46% containment. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews overnight continued mopping up adjacent to the control line, gridding for hot spots or visible smoke. Today, operations will continue increasing mop-up depth along the perimeter. Seven helicopters are assigned to the incident, available to support ground resources for aerial reconnaissance and water drops. Temperatures in the upper 80’s, improved relative humidity and shifting winds are expected to create elevated fire conditions today. Traffic is heavy along the roadways in the fire area as crews continue to patrol and mop-up the fire edge, use caution when traveling the area around the fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1 is transitioning command of the fire to a Florida Complex Incident Management Team on Monday at 6 a.m. The following evacuations are active by level:
- Evacuation Level 1 Be Ready: Zones JAC-016, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-109, JAC-124, JAC-126, JAC-147, JAC-148, JAC-149, JAC-158, and JAC-203-B.

Posted on 7/25/26 9:25AM by Alex Bauer