KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Library District Urges Board of Commissioners to End Delays and Approve Lease

The Josephine Community Library District is urging the Board of Commissioners to end all delays and approve a lease agreement for the Grants Pass branch. The local library district issued a press release on Thursday afternoon, directly after the Commissioners -- led by Board Chair Andreas Blech -- inexplicably delayed consideration of the lease agreement until next Thursday. JCL leaders said the postponement prolongs over seven months of uncertainty for thousands of library users. It all began January 6th when the Board -- then led by recalled Commissioner John West -- unexpectedly voted to terminate the $1 per year lease for the Grants Pass library branch. It's the headquarters of the county library system which has operated at its current location since 1959. Library officials said the proposed lease is the product of many hours of meetings between Commissioner Chris Barnett -- as the Board's designee -- and the library district's leadership along with its legal counsel. They said the draft reflects a fair compromise, with the library agreeing to assume financial responsibility for landscaping, routine maintenance and repairs, and an amortized contribution toward the roof replacement. In return, the County maintains its $1 per year lease commitment for the next five years. JCL Board Vice President Rachele Selvig said they've reached a fair agreement through good-faith negotiations. She said the longer the decision is postponed, the longer the community remains without the stability it needs. The district is calling on the Board of Commissioners to bring the lease to a vote as soon as possible and end the instability for library patrons, staff and volunteers.

Posted on 8/15/25 12:25PM by Sam Marsh

RR-Siskiyou Forest Crews Responding to New Fire on Gold Beach Ranger District

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was responding to a new wildfire on the Gold Beach Ranger District today. The US Forest Service reports the Peavine Fire is approximately one mile south of Winchuck. One hand crew backed by three engines, one helicopter, rappellers and a fixed-wing air attack plane were on the way to the new incident. Resources from Coos Forest Protective Association were also responding. The Scenic Fire on the High Cascades Ranger District was 60% contained as of this morning. The fire -- located near National Creek east of Highway 230 -- was last reported to be 75 acres while burning in dense timber and thick brush. Lines have been constructed around the entire perimeter of the wildfire and mop-up is underway. Resources on scene today are eight hand crews including one Hot Shot team, 16 engines, water tenders and heavy equipment. Four crews and five engines will be released at the end of today's shift as resources work toward full containment. Both fixed- and rotor-wing air support is available if needed. Motorists are advised to expect travel delays on Diamond Lake Highway. They are urged to watch for firefighters working in the area.

Posted on 8/15/25 12:24PM by Sam Marsh

Campfire Restrictions Increased to Stage 3 on Wild Portion of Lower Rogue River

The recent heat wave along with extremely dry fuel conditions have prompted federal and state agencies to increase campfire restrictions on lands located within the boundaries of the wild and scenic section of the Rogue River. Effective immediately, there is a complete prohibition on building, maintaining or using a fire on the Wild Rogue that stretches from Grave Creek Boat Landing to the mouth of Watson Creek. In addition to the campfire ban, the use of charcoal briquettes is also prohibited. Commercially-produced stoves that use liquid fuel or propane are allowed, but cooking areas need to be naturally cleared of vegetation and all groups traveling on the river must have a shovel and bucket. The Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management administers the Rogue between Grave Creek and Marial where the Oregon Department of Forestry provides initial attack on new fires. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest manages from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek. These new restrictions will be in place through November 30th, unless rescinded sooner. Additional fire restrictions may be put in place as fire season progresses. As hot and dry conditions across southwest Oregon persist, public land managers are reminding the public to be aware of fire danger, fire restrictions and their important role in preventing human-caused fires.

Posted on 8/15/25 12:22PM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Jailed Murphy Area Felon for Threatening Wife and Brandishing Firearm

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a Murphy area felon for threatening his wife while brandishing a firearm last night. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 57-year-old William Alden Malotte for the incident in the 1900-block of Southside Road on Thursday at 9:06 p.m.. Police said a property owner called 9-1-1 to report a male tenant just drove up intoxicated and was looking for his gun. The caller said the tenant's wife called her and requested that she contact law enforcement. The tenant's son also called 9-1-1, said his stepfather has a bad temper and has a history of violence with his mother. Deputies responded and found Malotte's wife had locked herself in the attic of their home for her safety. He was yelling at her from the other side of the wall. She told deputies her husband was very intoxicated and upset over "life in general." The armed suspect was challenged before he was subdued and placed into custody. Malotte was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Domestic Harassment. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 8/15/25 12:20PM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Apprehended Out of Compliance Sex Offender on State Felony Warrant

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man wanted on a statewide felony warrant and added new criminal charges after he fought with them in an attempt to escape early yesterday. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies eventually arrested 32-year-old Skylar William Jones during the incident in the 12,100-block of Lower River Road on Thursday at 1:54 a.m.. Deputies said they were attempting to serve an Oregon State warrant on Jones for Parole Violation stemming from a conviction for Assault on a Peace Officer. The suspect tried to run away from deputies and struggled with them as he was placed into custody. It was later determined he was an out of compliance sex offender. Jones was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant plus new charges of Resisting Arrest, Attempted Escape, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and Furnishing False Information to Police. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:57AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Offender for Twice Breaking into Williams Highway House

Grants Pass Police arrested a well-known offender for breaking into a house twice yesterday while eating food and stealing items from the occupant. The Police Department reports officers responded to the incident involving 45-year-old Nicholas John Knox Knowles in the 2500-block of Williams Highway on Thursday around 9 p.m.. Police said an investigation determined Knowles had unlawfully entered the home earlier in the day and helped himself to hot dogs and Top Ramen in the kitchen. They said the first incident was not reported, but the victim bought cameras that caught the suspect accessing the attached garage. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Knowles fled into the woods. The area was searched with a K9 officer and the suspect was not found, but he was placed into custody when he returned to the residence for the third time. He was found to be in possession of property stolen from the residence valued at about $80. Knowles was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts each of 1st-Degree Burglary and 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass plus a charge of 3rd-Degree Theft. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:56AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Nabbed Woman for Stealing Restaurant Sign and Drug Possession

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman yesterday for stealing a sign from a downtown business and being in possession of narcotics. According to the Police Department, officers responded to the reported theft at Ohana Grindz on NE E Street on Thursday during the noon hour. Police said employees of the restaurant reported earlier in the day that a female subject had stolen an advertising sign from in front of the business on Tuesday. The workers posted surveillance photos of the suspect on Facebook and a citizen reported seeing her near the A-1 Market & Deli on SE 8th Street. Officers searched the area and located 36-year-old Shannon Marie Dendy in a nearby alley actively smoking a substance that she freely admitted was fentanyl. She also admitted to stealing the sign. Dendy was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 2nd-Degree Theft, Fentanyl Possession and the resulting Felony Probation Violation. She was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:55AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Woman for Drug Possession after Bad Behavior Incident

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for drug possession during a bad behavior investigation near Hellgate Jetboat Excursions early yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to reports of a female subject standing on SW 5th Street near Central Avenue who was screaming at people in passing vehicles on Thursday around 6:25 a.m.. Police said they observed 45-year-old Misty Blue Beebe waving her arms around frantically while standing in a ditch and shouting. They contacted her and she exhibited extreme signs of impairment. She admitted to consuming alcohol and using drugs. During a consent search of Beebe's purse, officers found a small bag with a white crystal substance that tested positive as methamphetamine. It was seized as evidence and for destruction. Beebe was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Meth Possession.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:53AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Cited Motorist after She Struck Woman at RR Highway Gas Station

Grants Pass Police cited a motorist after she struck and injured a pedestrian at a Rogue River Highway gas station yesterday. Police officers and emergency crews responded to the incident at U-Save Gas in the 900-block of Highway 99 on Thursday at 2:25 p.m.. Police said a 55-year-old woman they identified as "Yount" was walking on the sidewalk of the gas station parking lot when she was hit by a Nissan Altima driven by a woman they identified as "Keeshan." Yount was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with a possible broken leg. According to the report, Keeshan left the scene to retrieve her young child from a babysitter but returned. She told officers she did not seen Yount on the sidewalk as she was attempting to enter the highway. Yount did not want to press charges and was content to have Keeshan's insurance cover her medical care. Keeshan was cited for Driving While Suspended and warned for Failure to Yield Before Entering a Roadway.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:52AM by Sam Marsh

OSP Investigating Hit & Run Crash that Hurt Pedestrian on RR Highway in GP

The Oregon State Police was investigating a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in southeast Grants Pass last night. OSP reports troopers and emergency crews responded to the incident on Rogue River Highway near Fruitdale Drive on Thursday around 8:30 p.m.. Troopers said the preliminary investigation indicated a 24-year-old Grants Pass woman was walking north along the shoulder when a blue vehicle struck her from behind. They said the unknown-type of vehicle immediately left the scene. According to OSP, the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and she was transported by ambulance to Three Rivers Medical Center for treatment. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to dial *OSP.

Posted on 8/15/25 11:51AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Incarcerated Serial Arsonist for Setting More Fires in Downtown Area

Grants Pass Police jailed a serial arsonist for setting more fires in the downtown area this week. The Police Department reports officers arrested 56-year-old Shannon Dixon Beckett on railroad property between SE 8th and 9th streets early Wednesday morning. Police said three separate calls for service were generated for fires Beckett started at 210 SE 8th Street, 130 SE J Street and SE 9th Street at the tracks. They said a dumpster in the alley behind Point S Tire was set on fire and burned part of the fence at the Eagles Lodge. Damage estimates were not available. Beckett was contacted on railroad property from which he had been trespassed. He was in possession of a hat with soot on the bill and one glove plus a lighter was found that he admitted belonged to him. He admitted to lighting the fire on railroad property, causing damage to vegetation. He also admitted to lighting cardboard boxes in the alley on SE 8th Street. A citizen used a fire extinguisher to put it out. All the fires had been fully extinguished by 6 a.m. and Beckett was immediately identified as the primary suspect. He has intentionally set numerous fires in Grants Pass and Medford in recent months. He has been trespassed from the City of Medford for his actions. Beckett was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 2nd-Degree Arson, Reckless Burning and 1st-Degree Criminal Trespass. He was being held without any scheduled bail.

Posted on 8/15/25 6:43AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Man for Getting Physical with His Father at Downtown Home

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for getting physical with his father at a downtown area residence early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers arrested 47-year-old Christopher Ryan Fletcher for the incident at a home on NW B Street on Thursday at 2:52 a.m.. Police said Fletcher's father called 9-1-1 to report that his son just attacked him and "choked him out." An investigation determined the suspect pushed his father into a chair and held him there by applying pressure to his father's neck with a forearm. According to the report, the victim was able to breathe during the altercation, denying any pain or injury -- but he desired criminal prosecution of his son. Upon arrival, officers placed Fletcher into custody although he claimed his father attacked him with a stick. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Domestic Harassment and was being held without bail.

Posted on 8/15/25 6:42AM by Sam Marsh

Local News