KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

The Britt Festival Orchestra Announces its 2026 Season

The Britt Festival Orchestra has announced its 2026 season, with three weeks of outdoor programming in historic Jacksonville.

From June 18 through July 3, 2026, and under the leadership of Music Director Norman Huynh in his inaugural season at Britt, the Orchestra’s 64th season highlights orchestral favorites that showcase the power, beauty, and thrill of live symphonic music.

The season features four guest artists: Pianist Olga Kern, soprano Janai Brugger, Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble Time For Three, and violinist William Hagen.

Performances include Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Holst's The Planets, Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Time For Three, and Richter’s Four Seasons and Copland 3.

Britt will also be featuring a film live with orchestra for the fourth year in row. The movie selection will be announced in December.

Posted on 11/20/25 1:49PM by Alex Bauer

Homeless Shelter Grant Approved by City Council

The Grants Pass City Council Wednesday night approved a resolution to create a low barrier homeless shelter at 210 Redwood Highway. The resolution authorized a notice of intent to award and execute a grant agreement from the city of Grants Pass to Elk Island Trading group to create a managed shelter with a capacity for up to 150 homeless in renovated Conex containers. The grant is for up to $1.2 million to be dispersed on a reimbursement basis. Elk Island has met all the requirements the city put forth and their provisions for repayment should Elk Island fail to meet all portions of the agreement. The resolution passed on a 5 to 3 vote with Councilors Marshall, Schloegl and Krohn dissenting. Earlier, the Council upheld the appeal of the Urban Area Planning Commission’s decision to deny changes to the approved site plan for Bowman’s Choice Auto at 899 Rogue River Highway. Council felt the changes, although in conflict with city code, were minor and created no adverse situations for the city. Councilors approved an ordinance creating a reimbursement district for the Harbeck Meadows Subdivision. The developer will install sewer main, storm drain, water main, and 679 feet of street on Southwest Emery Way from Allen Creek Road west. The developer will be reimbursed for those applying for a building permit along the road. A second ordinance was also approved for a public installed reimbursement district for the Allen Creek Road Regional Stormwater Pond. The pond will serve 10.61 acres and, as building permits are issued, their share of the cost of the pond will be assessed.

Posted on 11/20/25 11:45AM by Alex Bauer

Rural Metro Fire Department Responded to Two Vehicle Fires

Rural Metro Fire Department responded to two vehicle fires early this week

On Monday at 11:25 a.m., a diesel pusher suffered significant damage after a fire broke out in the 200 block of Sky Way.

Quick suppression and mop-up actions by Rural Metro Fire and Grants Pass Fire minimized fire spread. Firefighters identified the origin area near the on-board generator and hydraulic components. No injuries were reported.

Then on Tuesday at 1:06 p.m., an excavator clearing property for new construction in the Mountain Pine Drive neighborhood suffered a melt down after a hydraulic system failure.

The operator was able to escape the cab before it was consumed by flames.

Posted on 11/20/25 11:08AM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Alerts Public of Potential Scammers before Holiday Season

Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives before activity ramps up during the holidays.

In a release, Pacific Power said customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware that scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30 to 60 minutes.

Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnecting their service the same day. Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you demanding on-the-spot payment.

Fraudsters may also ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone. Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments that way. If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.

Scammers have increasingly used text messages as a means of targeting victims, but Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message.

Scammers can make it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up if you receive a suspicious or concerning call, then get in touch with customer service at 1-888-221-7070.

Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam call received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.

Posted on 11/20/25 11:00AM by Alex Bauer

OSP Arrested Woman on Bench Warrant Out of Jackson County during Traffic Stop

Oregon State Police conducted a traffic stop and arrested the passenger on a bench warrant Wednesday night.

Around 7:29 p.m., troopers pulled over a BMW for a traffic violation on 6th Street near Morgan Lane. The driver, Sean Silva, was suspended and his vehicle was uninsured.

Silva's passenger, Andrea Fitzsimmons, was found to have a misdemeanor warrant out of Jackson County. Troopers took her into custody and lodged her at the Josephine County Jail.

The BMW was towed from the scene. During a search of the vehicle, meth was found inside. Charges of Meth Possession and Supplying Contraband for Fitzsimmons were referred to the District Attorney's office.

Posted on 11/20/25 10:44AM by Alex Bauer

Land Use Hearing Appeal Approval Motion Not Seconded, Resulting in Non-Action

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners were at a stalemate following a failed appeal motion during Wednesday's land use hearing. The hearing was a continuation from October 13, regarding a request for an appeal of the decision to allow a boat manufacturing business in a residential neighborhood. Commissioner Chris Barnett recused himself from the hearing due to his connection with one of the involved parties. The applicant for the appeal, Andie McCarty, claimed issues with the business at 176 Devon Drive included draining issues, noise incompatible with the residential cul de sac, and the accumulation of aluminum shavings. The opponent of the appeal request and owner of the property, Douglas Williams, said he has gone through the right avenues to create his business legally and claimed he has been harassed by some of his neighbors. In summation, Douglas thanked the board for their time, and Andie said she wants the business to be successful, but in a more appropriate space. Commissioner Andreas Blech felt the biggest issue was noise, and asked if the two parties could come to an easement. Andie didn't think an easement would solve the problem. Douglas felt most of the noise would be mitigated if he had power rather than using a generator.

Posted on 11/20/25 5:22AM by Alex Bauer

$956 Laundry Thief Arrested by GP Police, Charged and Trespassed from Laundromat

Grants Pass Police arrested a suspect in a laundry theft worth over $950 Tuesday afternoon.

At 1:24 p.m., the manager at Steamboat Coin Laundry reported to dispatch saying a suspect had been loitering inside the 2037 NW Vine Street laundromat. The suspect had been asked to leave and she left her belongings behind.

After observing surveillance footage, it was found the suspect had removed someone else's clothing from a dryer. The victim was contacted, and it was determined the stolen clothes were worth about $956.

Officers were able to locate the suspect, Sabrina Willett, on Morgan Lane. She was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Theft. She was also issued a trespass warning for the laundromat.

Posted on 11/19/25 11:44AM by Alex Bauer

Tourism Advisory Committee Applications Now Being Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for two positions on the Tourism Advisory Committee due to vacancies.

These positions expire on March 31, 2028. The goal of the Committee is to encourage visitors and residents to engage in community activities while enhancing the positive image of Grants Pass through marketing, promotions, and destination management.

Special qualifications for this position include members representing river guides, area attractions, realtors, restaurants, the media, marketing, and citizens-at-large.

Applications are available at the City Administration Office, 101 N.W. A Street, or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on January 2, and will be reviewed by the committee on January 6. Appointments will be made by the Grants Pass City Council at the January 21 meeting.

Posted on 11/19/25 11:25AM by Alex Bauer

2026 JoCo Fair Theme Announced: Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes

The Josephine County Fair Board has unanimously selected the theme for the 2026 Josephine County Fair. In recognition of our Nation’s historic 250th birthday, the 2026 theme will be
“Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes.” The decision was made during the Fair Board’s regular monthly business meeting Tuesday. As part of the celebration, the Fair Board is developing a Wall of Heroes, where community members will be invited to display photos of current and past family members who have served in any branch of the military. The wall will also include a dedicated section honoring first responders. The 2026 Josephine County Fair will take place Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 2. Additional details about the Wall of Heroes, entertainment, and special activities will be announced at a later date.

Posted on 11/19/25 10:57AM by Alex Bauer

Employment Reports Delayed Again After Federal Government Shutdown

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has resumed production of the monthly employment reports for the nation on a delayed schedule after the lapse in federal government appropriations that began on Oct. 1, 2025. In a release from the Oregon Employment Department, the most recent update from the BLS today says they will not publish an October 2025 Employment Situation news release. Establishment survey data from the Current Employment Statistics survey for October 2025 will be published with the November 2025 data. Household survey data from the Current Population Survey could not be collected for the October 2025 reference period due to a lapse in appropriations. The household survey data is not able to be retroactively collected. The collection period for November 2025 data will be extended for both surveys, and extra processing time will be added. According to the release, as of August, preliminary estimates showed Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0%, and employers added 6,900 jobs to non-farm payrolls.

Posted on 11/19/25 10:40AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Trespassing Suspect Found Eating in Caller's Kitchen

Grants Pass Police were alerted to a trespassing complaint regarding a woman eating cereal in the caller's kitchen Tuesday.

At 7:21 a.m. in the 1300 block of NE 10th Street, the caller told dispatch the suspect, Dion Cleek, was trespassing on their property, even after having been trespassed before.

The caller wasn't at the property, but a babysitter and the caller's kids were. It was unclear where Cleek was on the premises or if she had any weapons.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Cleek in the kitchen eating cereal. She was taken into custody for First Degree Criminal Trespass. She was also known to have a valid warrant for her arrest, also charging her with Criminal Trespass in the First Degree.

Cleek's parole officer was contacted and issued her a detainer. She was subsequently transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for the detainer, the warrant, and her trespassing charge.

Posted on 11/19/25 10:26AM by Alex Bauer

Rogue River School District Superintendent Announces Resignation

The Rogue River School District superintendent, Patrick Lee, announced that he is resigning at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

During the district's board meeting, KDRV reports Lee told board members and community members in attendance that he has chosen to retire at the end of the school year following 18 years as an administrative leader.

He has served in education for 32 years, and he said he is excited to spend more time with his family and move onto "greener pastures."

He will continue out his duties through the year and help aid the board in filling the role.

Posted on 11/19/25 6:44AM by Alex Bauer

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