KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Unidentified Human Remains in JoCo Confirmed to be Man Missing since 1974

On February 2, 2026, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office Human Identification Program confirmed that unidentified human remains found in Josephine County in 1978 were a match to Mark Smith, who had been missing since he was 19 years old.

On May 9, 1978, a logging crew discovered the partial remains near Williams, Oregon, in the area of Holcomb Peak. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to the recovery site. Despite investigative efforts, the individual could not be identified.

The recovered remains were examined by a forensic pathologist and odontologist who believed the remains may have belonged to a female between the ages of 16 and 18. Then in 2020, the investigation was reinvigorated, and missing male profiles were searched for a match. Unfortunately, no matches were made.

In the same year, the medical examiner’s Human Identification Program partnered with DNA Labs International (DLI) to pursue forensic genetic genealogy identification services.

Through 2023 into 2024, the first genealogical leads were produced by DLI and forwarded to the Human Identification Program. The program collaborated with a Josephine County medicolegal death investigator who contacted the family of Mark to inquire about any missing relatives. They confirmed he had been missing since 1974.

On February 25, 2026, DLI confirmed the family reference samples and tooth were a sibling level match, identifying the remains as those of Mark Smith. No evidence has been found to suggest foul play; however, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death remains open.

Posted on 3/25/26 4:35AM by Alex Bauer

Jackson County Organization Recipient of America 250 Oregon Commission Grant

The America 250 Oregon Commission is proud to announce the recipients of its third round of grant funding, with Jackson County as one of the recipients.

Nearly $60,000 are being awarded to 21 organizations across Oregon for projects and programs that commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

One recipient includes Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology in Baker, Grant, and Jackson Counties. The funds will support a series of free public programs and pop-up exhibits during SOULA’s summer field school, sharing archaeological research with rural communities through events, performances, and accessible interpretive materials.

In partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, the commission is awarding these grants in addition to the previous two rounds of funding.

The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. These grant awards of up to $3,000 will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts.

A fourth funding cycle will open on Monday, April 13th, at 9 a.m., and will remain open until all funds are expended. A total of $60,000 in funding is available in this fourth and final cycle, with 50% dedicated to rural communities.

Posted on 3/25/26 4:10AM by Alex Bauer

Board Appoints Interim Manager, will Send 2025 Budget Officer Contract Letter

The Board of Commissioners moved to send a letter to Simon Hare regarding the 2025 Budget Officer Contract, citing breaches of said contract, then appointed Sheriff Dave Daniel as Interim Emergency Manager at today's workshop. Commencing at 1:30 p.m., the board began with Legal Counsel business, moving 2-1 to sign both Dimmick property documents as presented, with Commissioner Ron Smith dissenting. A decision to transfer 250 E Hanby Lane to Cave Junction was moved to the next Weekly Business Session. A motion passed 3-0 to send out the notice of termination for the 210 Tacoma rental agreement. The board agreed to approve the board order regarding the News Media Attendance Policy, and to have legal counsel move forward with drafting an Administrative Policy change without objection. Public Health presented their Health Assessment and Plan, with a contract needing approval with a business referred to as Exhibit A. Funds would be covered by the Modernization Grant. The board approved the contract, as well as Public Works' WECO invoice and amendment to a Wolf Creek Bridge agreement with ODOT.

Posted on 3/24/26 3:06PM by Alex Bauer

Suspect Known by GP Police Arrested on Trespass and Meth Possession Warrants

An officer with the Grants Pass Police Department arrested a woman wanted on two warrants early this morning.

At 3:58 a.m., law enforcement contacted Bobbie Jo Langdon, who was known to the officer by sight, at the Newman United Methodist Church. She was found to have two warrants out of the police department for her arrest.

Charges against Langdon included Second Degree Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Methamphetamine. After her warrants were cleared, the officer promptly took Langdon into custody and transported her to the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility.

Posted on 3/24/26 12:29PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Stop Wrong-Way Cyclist, Lodged Him for Two Warrants, Providing False Info

While traveling with no lights, a cyclist was arrested by Grants Pass Police on warrants and for providing false information.

At 7:57 p.m. Monday, officers stopped a man riding his bike against traffic and with no lights at the corner of NW 2nd Street and NW A Street. When contacted, the suspect's driver's license photo didn't match the name he provided officers.

He was ultimately identified as Brandon Lewis, and found to have two warrants out for his arrest: an Oregon State Parole Board warrant for First Degree Sodomy, and a Linn County Sheriff's Office warrant for Obstructing Police.

Lewis was taken into custody and lodged in jail for his warrants and a charge of Providing False Information to a Police Officer.

Posted on 3/24/26 12:23PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police, OSP Responded to Disturbance, One Arrested for Drug Charges

Law enforcement responded to a disturbance between two individuals Monday afternoon outside the Oregon State Police office.

One Grants Pass Police Department captain, two OSP lieutenants, and an OSP Fish and Wildlife Sergeant responded outside the 1463 NE 7th Street location to contact the suspects. One individual alleged the other, identified as Laurie Momney, took jewelry items belonging to them.

Momney denied the theft and pushed the other person during the argument. When asked for identification, Momney dropped a small baggie of suspected methamphetamine on the ground. She consented to a search of her property, and additional clear baggies plus a pink container were located, all with suspected meth inside.

Momney estimated the total amount at about 10 to 12 grams, and admitted to taking a larger bag and breaking it down into three smaller bags. The substance in the dropped baggie tested positive for meth.

Both suspects refused to press charges for the physical altercation, but Momney was arrested by Grants Pass Police. She was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for the Possession, Manufacture, and Distribution of Meth, and a probation violation.

Posted on 3/24/26 12:12PM by Alex Bauer

City and County Monthly Update Looks at Future Topics, Economic Development

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners met with City Council President Rob Pell and City Manager Aaron Cubic during their City and County Monthly Update meeting.

At 11 a.m., the group discussed how meetings like this have gone in the past, being opportunities for the two policy boards to discuss topics of mutual interest and look into group projects.

There were no agenda items for this first meeting, but later discussion points could include, as mentioned in the meeting, a property acquisition for Dollar Mountain, Emergency Management, Firewise, the Bikeways and Walkways Commission, and Dimmick property.

Economic development was mentioned as the main point of the collaboration, as well as being a potential starting point in rebuilding trust in local government.

Posted on 3/24/26 11:27AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Searching for Missing Man, Requesting Public's Assistance

The Grants Pass Police Department is requesting the public's help in locating a missing person. Cheyne Blydenburgh, a 32-year-old male of Grants Pass, has been missing since March 10th, 2026. He is 5 feet 11 tall, weighs 134 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He has been reported to be in the Southern Oregon area since his disappearance. Blydenburgh may be driving his dark colored Infiniti coupe. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you see Mr. Blydenburgh, so that his welfare can be assessed.

Posted on 3/24/26 10:57AM by Alex Bauer

Walmart Robbery Suspect Lodged for Theft, Meth Charges by GP Police

Walmart loss prevention alerted Grants Pass Police to a shoplifter Monday morning.

The suspect was reported to be in the 135 NE Terry Lane parking lot near the Taco Bell at 10:36 a.m. He was wearing a grey baseball cap, a blue t-shirt over his face, and a red sweatshirt. Dispatch learned he had stolen anywhere between $50 and $200 worth of merchandise.

Loss prevention then reported the suspect in the WinCo parking lot, but officers initially couldn't locate him inside. Video evidence showed the suspect, whom officers recognized as Ely Smith, committing the crime, stealing jewelry and garden tools before passing all points of sale.

Smith was contacted outside the grocery store and taken into custody for a charge of Second Degree Theft. He voluntarily handed officers a pack full of stolen merchandise, as well as a baggy of crystal residue he advised was methamphetamine.

Smith admitted to smoking earlier and stealing the Walmart merchandise. After a positive field test, officers lodged Smith at the Josephine County Jail for Meth Possession and his theft charge. He was later released due to a lack of jail resources.

Posted on 3/24/26 9:39AM by Alex Bauer

Josephine County Emergency Manager Steps Down, Sheriff Steps In Temporarily

Effective immediately, the Josephine County Emergency Manager has stepped down from the position.

According to a release from the Board of County Commissioners, there will be no interruption to emergency services. County Sheriff Dave Daniel has agreed to temporarily step into the role.

The board said the city has agreed to help in any way necessary to support the community during this transition period, and the process of selecting a new Emergency Manager begins. Public safety remains their highest priority.

Posted on 3/24/26 4:06AM by Alex Bauer

Oregon Stewardship named Organization of the Year by Oregon Community Trees

The Medford-based non-profit Oregon Stewardship has been named Organization of the Year by Oregon Community Trees (OCT).

According to a release, each year, OCT honors one organization in the state for outstanding work to engage Oregonians in caring for their urban forests and natural areas.

This year’s recipient, Oregon Stewardship, works with school districts and teachers on watershed projects involving students in Jackson, Josephine, Curry, and Coos counties.

Oregon Stewardship leads students on hands on projects near their schools. On these projects, they can plant trees and gardens and create nature trails. Students design and build the trails, create an informational brochure, and place sign along the trails. Projects that students create are maintained in following years by later students at the same school.

High school students that work with Oregon Stewardship are eligible for scholarships for college or vocational education.

Posted on 3/24/26 3:47AM by Alex Bauer

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