KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Rogue River City Council Deals with Lengthy Agenda Wednesday Night

The Rogue River City Council will convene a regular meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. facing a lengthy agenda. The meeting will begin with the approval of minutes for seven meetings dating from July through November followed by ten committee reports. The new business portion of the agenda includes a resolution declaring support for an application for a grant to review parking management, followed by a canvass of November general election votes. The council will then decide on two local government recommendations to the OLCC regarding liquor licenses.

Posted on 12/28/23 4:36AM by Chuck Benson

Local Job Losses in November Typical

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 130 jobs in November according to the Oregon Employment Department. Private-sector industries with estimated losses included leisure and hospitality down 110 jobs, construction and professional and business services were each down 30. On the other hand, industries posting jobs gains over the month were private education and health services (+40), retail trade (+20), and transportation, warehousing, and utilities up a total of 80 jobs. Government employment was little changed with a gain of 40 jobs in local government offset by losses in state and federal government for a net loss of 10 jobs. Over the past year, payroll employment in the Grants Pass Metropolitan Service Area rose by 440 jobs, an increase of 1.6%. Industries adding jobs since November 2022 included private education and health services

Posted on 12/28/23 4:34AM by Chuck Benson

OSP Busy with 100+ mph Speeders, DUII’s & Warrants Since Christmas

The Oregon State Troopers have been busy with speeders, DUII drivers and warrants since the Christmas holiday. Tuesday morning just after ten a Trooper stopped a red Honda Civic for going 109 miles per hour in a 65 zone on Interstate-5 near milepost 64 southbound. The driver, 43-year-old Jeramiah Scott Ballard, was cited for speed, driving uninsured and failure to register the vehicle. The Civic was towed. At 2:43 that afternoon Troopers were dispatched to investigate a crash at milepost 78 on I-5 but the vehicle was found to be disabled. The driver later identified as 28-year-old Colton Jerome Shults fled into the woods when the Trooper arrived. His female passenger provided his name and it returned with a wanted warrant. The vehicle was towed as a hazard. At 8:42 Tuesday night a Trooper stopped a Dodge R-15 at the intersection of Front Street and Tavis Road in Merlin because of warrants for the registered owner. The owner, 45-year-old Mark Lonnie Eaves Jr. was taken to the County Jail and lodged on the warrants, then released after being cited for driving while suspended misdemeanor. Just after nine that night a Trooper investigating a single vehicle crash at milepost 4 of state route 46, Cave Junction observed the driver showing signs of impairment. The driver, Damon Trey Brooks, 46, was arrested, taken to the Cave Junction Substation where he submitted a breath sample confirming .16 blood alcohol content. He was issued a criminal citation and released.

Posted on 12/27/23 10:44AM by Chuck Benson

GP Police Lodge Argentinian National for Theft II

An Argentinian National is in the Josephine County Jail facing theft II charges following an incident at Wal-Mart. At 3:53 Tuesday afternoon City Police were notified that Wal-Mart loss prevention personnel had detained a cooperative suspect for shoplifting. Investigating officers were informed that Andres Carcar, 31, of Argentina, was observed skip scanning and price tag switching in the store and at self-checkout, in an effort to deprive the store of merchandise worth $332.78.

Posted on 12/27/23 10:02AM by Chuck Benson

Couple Detained and Lodged for Trespass in Empty Jack-In-The-Box

A man and woman were jailed early Wednesday morning after being found in the vacant Jack in the Box location at Hillcrest and 7th Street. The incident began with City Police being notified by Concierge Security at 11:13 p.m. Tuesday that they suspected people may be in that building. The caller stated the door was open and blocked by a metal umbrella and assistance was requested to confirm if people were inside. The door has been checked earlier in the day and found to be locked at that time. The security guard, while standing by at AllCare Health, called again stating he had eyes on the intruder in the hot water room facing 7th Street. Responding officers chall

Posted on 12/27/23 9:21AM by Chuck Benson

Construction Impacts Highland Avenue

Construction of a sewer lateral installation will impact traffic flow on Highland Avenue. Beginning this morning and continuing through Thursday Highland Avenue between Copeland Drive and Pleasant View Drive will be down to one lane with flagger-controlled traffic, for a sewer lateral installation. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes. Emergency vehicles will be allowed through. For more information contact Moser Inc at (541) 479-2424.

Posted on 12/27/23 6:27AM by Chuck Benson

Man Jailed for Creating Traffic Hazard

A local man was jailed Tuesday night after creating a traffic hazard by jumping in front of vehicles on the Grants Pass Parkway, including a Sheriff’s Deputy. At approximately 9:44 Tuesday night a Josephine County Deputy was outbound on the Parkway near ‘M’ Street and observed a man on the side of the road, As the Deputy drove closer, traveling at about 45 miles per hour, the man jumped in front of the Deputy’s vehicle. The Deputy was able to slow enough to miss the man, identified as 43-year-old Robert Michael Musella, As the Deputy was stopping Musella proceeded to jump in front of another vehicle on the opposite side of the Parkway. The Deputy arrested Musella and lodged him in the Josephine County Jail on disorderly conduct charges.

Posted on 12/27/23 5:51AM by Chuck Benson

US Forest Service Publishes Notice of Intent to Amend Northwest Forest Plan

The US Forest Service has published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement on the proposal to amend 17 land management plans of the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) that provide direction for the management of those national forests and grasslands. The process will be informed by robust engagement with stakeholders across all affected geographies to address urgent land management concerns including wildfire resilience, climate change adaptation and greater tribal inclusion. While the plan has guided important progress over the past three decades, changed ecological and social conditions are challenging the effectiveness of the plan. This action launches the public process of amending the Northwest Forest Plan with a 45-day public comment period. The NOI identifies changed conditions that are driving the need to amend the plan. The process will focus on five key areas: wildfire resilience, climate change adaptation, tribal inclusion, sustainable communities, and conservation of old growth ecosystems and related biodiversity. Amending or otherwise strengthening the effectiveness of the Northwest Forest Plan can incorporate the latest science and help forests adapt to social, economic, cultural and ecological changes. The Forest Service intends to preserve elements of the plan that are working well.

Posted on 12/27/23 5:00AM by Chuck Benson

GP Police Nabbed Motorist for DUII after Christmas Night Stop on SW L Street

Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving on Christmas after he was observed committing multiple traffic violations on the west side of the city. According to the Police Department, officers pulled over a Ford pickup driven by 32-year-old Kyle Christopher Dovel near the corner of SW 5th and L streets on Monday shortly after 9 p.m.. Police said Dovel was the subject of citizen complaints about an erratic motorist who spun out into someone's yard, ran through several stop signs and nearly hit some other vehicles. One citizen followed the suspect vehicle and copied down the license plate so officers were able to track it to his home on SW L Street.

Posted on 12/27/23 4:58AM by Chuck Benson

GP Police Snared Woman for Probation Violation after Trespassing Complaint

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for violating terms of her probation by trespassing on her mother's property. The Police Department reports officers responded to a trespassing complaint involving 42-year-old Dion Micki Cleek in the 1300-block of NE 10th Street on Christmas Day at 11:50 a.m.. Police said a woman called 9-1-1 to report that her daughter was in a shed on her property against her wishes and that she was under the influence of narcotics. The suspect had been trespassed from the family home on October 24th. Officers arrived on scene, found Cleek in the shed and placed her into custody.

Posted on 12/27/23 4:57AM by Chuck Benson

GP Man Jailed for Committing Domestic Violence against Estranged Girlfriend

A Grants Pass man was jailed early yesterday for committing domestic violence against a woman he is legally prohibited from having contact with. The Grants Pass Police Department reports officers arrested 30-year-old Damien Michael Clark on Tuesday at 3:48 a.m for the incident that occurred at a home in the 500-block of SE 9th Street. Police said Clark is legally prohibited from contacting his ex-girlfriend, but he went to her residence and -- after a significant amount of methamphetamine use -- an argument erupted. They said he grabbed the woman by the ears and told her he wanted to kill her. He also grabbed her throat with one hand and squeezed enough that she was unable to breathe for a few seconds. The victim refused medical help.

Posted on 12/27/23 4:52AM by Chuck Benson

Wind Advisory for Parts of Southwest Oregon Remains in Effect

The National Weather Service’s has Wind Advisory for Josephine, Jackson, Douglas and eastern Curry counties remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. Southwest winds from 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour are expected. Areas expected to be affected by wind include the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the foothills of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains including US Highway 199 near O'Brien, the southern Rogue Valley along Interstate 5 between Medford and Ashland, Butte Falls and the higher terrain of eastern Jackson and Douglas counties. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Driving may be difficult for high-profile vehicles during the advisory period.

Posted on 12/27/23 4:39AM by Chuck Benson

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