KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Early Morning Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Drugs, Felon Firearm Possession, Warrant

Officers with Grants Pass Police stopped a driver for a violation, then lodged him in jail for an out-of-county warrant, and possessing drugs and a firearm.

Early Monday around 12:46 a.m., a black Chrysler was pulled over at the corner of NE 7th Street and NE Manzanita Avenue for failing to display plates. The driver, Austin Jackson, was contacted by officers, and found to be driving while suspended.

A consent search yielded a tooter with residue that field tested presumptive positive for a Schedule II controlled substance. Officers then conducted a search of the vehicle, which located a firearm in a backpack on the passenger seat. A small tin was also found that contained about 10 grams of methamphetamine.

Jackson was taken into custody at the scene, and his vehicle was towed for impounding. Officers proceeded to transport Jackson to the Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for Felon in Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Fentanyl, and a Jackson County Sheriff's Office warrant for Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.

A Meth Possession charge was referred to the District Attorney's Office.

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

Tourism Advisory Committee Seeking to Fill Positions for 2 and 3 Year Terms

Applications are being accepted for two positions on the Tourism Advisory Committee due to term resignations.

One position is for a 2-year term, and one is for a 3-year term. The goal of the Committee is to encourage visitors and residents to engage in community activities while enhancing the positive image of our City through marketing, promotions, and destination management.

The Committee's purpose is to review and advise the work of the City’s Tourism Contractor. This includes reporting findings and recommendations to City Council as needed. Special qualifications for this position include an interest and/or experience in tourism promotion.

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 no later than 5 p.m. November 27th. They will be reviewed by the committee December 1st, and appointments will be made by the Council January 6th.

Posted on 11/3/26 10:40AM by Alex Bauer

Parker's Place Receives Letter of Support from City, Outlines Plans, Calls for Service Providers

Parker's Place Village has shared a Letter of Support from the City of Grants Pass.

According to a release, The Do Good Foundation, an Oregon 501(c)(3) assisting Parker's Place, joined Elk Island Trading Group in addressing three community priorities: oversight, trained staff, and toilets and showers.

Parker's Place operates under a grant agreement with the City. Elk Island and the Foundation met with City staff October 28th to review items listed in an August 6th addendum to be addressed by November 13th, along with other concerns that have come up in recent months as operations began.

That meeting produced written responses to the City's questions on fencing, sleeping arrangements, intake policies and portable toilet maintenance. Fencing and striping is scheduled for completion by November 13th.

Also covered were policies related to staff, background checks, site safety, and service provider agreements, a plan to complete the stormwater system with an approved contractor, and a follow-up meeting scheduled with the City to discuss long-term operations funding. The City has also offered to write application-specific letters and to sponsor or co-sponsor applications for operations funding. The project continues to move forward toward completion.

Within the next 90 days, subject to availability, staff will receive additional training in de-escalation, Mental Health First Aid and/or crisis management. Permanent toilets and showers remain a top priority.

Parker’s Place invites local service providers to partner with the Village through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Agencies and organizations interested in partnering can call (458) 212-3303 for a copy of the MOU agreement.

Posted on 11/3/26 10:35AM by Alex Bauer

City of Grants Pass Seeking Additional Vendors for Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Grants Pass has announced there are additional spaces available for craft vendors at the Tree Lighting Ceremony coming up December 4th.

According to the City's Facebook page, the application portal will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 5th, for craft vendors, who will be in the Owl Plaza during the ceremony.

It's anticipated the remaining spaces will fill quickly, so don’t delay if you wish to be a vendor. The fee to vend is $60 for one space and $115 for two spaces.

Once the limit is reached, plus several on a waiting list, the portal will close. If the portal is closed after the launch date, it means a sufficient number of applicants have been received.

Apply here after 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 5th: bit.ly/GPTLC2026

Posted on 11/3/26 8:11AM by Alex Bauer

Josephine County Opens Applications for Agricultural Education Funds

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners opened the application period for the 4-H/Extension Service District Agricultural Education Grant Program Monday.

According to a release, the Board approved $30,000 in funding for the program on October 15th. The money will be used to help fund agricultural education projects or facility projects related to an agricultural education program.

While the Board anticipates funding three to four projects, it may award the entire sum to one worthy project. The deadline for applications is November 30th. Applicants may find more information and the application form on the County’s website, www.josephinecounty.gov.

Posted on 11/3/26 7:24AM by Alex Bauer

Vehicle Reported in Ditch after Attempt to Avoid Deer, IVFD, AMR Responded

Emergency crews responded Monday to a single vehicle accident that occurred on Redwood Highway near Reeves Creek Road in Kerby.

The Illinois Valley Fire District and American Medical Response were dispatched to the scene after the 7 p.m. report. Upon arrival, responders located the vehicle partially in a ditch. The occupants had successfully evacuated the vehicle and sustained no injuries.

The incident was reportedly attributed to a collision occurring while the driver attempted to avoid a deer.

Posted on 11/3/26 6:54AM by Alex Bauer

MFD Crews Dispatched to Structure Fire, One Individual Transported to Hospital

Crews with the Medford Fire Department arrived at the scene of a working structure fire Monday in the 1200 block of Court Street.

The incident occurred near E McAndrews Road around 9:20 p.m. Several fire units arrived and successfully knocked down the blaze 20 minutes later. During an initial search, firefighters located and rescued an individual who was transported to a nearby hospital by Mercy Flights Inc.

No other injuries were reported. Fire marshals investigated the cause of the blaze with assistance from Medford Police and Jackson County Fire District 3.

Posted on 11/3/26 6:43AM by Alex Bauer

Vehicle Destroyed in Fire, Rural Metro Provides Extinguisher Tips

A faulty fire extinguisher led to the destruction of a vehicle in the 100 block of Lance Drive Monday at 10:24 a.m.

The driver was able to exit safely, and fire didn't spread to nearby vegetation. The engine compartment was fully-involved upon arrival of Engine 7502 from Rural Metro Fire's North Valley Station. The driver attempted to extinguish the flames when the fire was small, but found the fire extinguisher was inoperable.

The cause of the fire is believed to be an undetermined mechanical failure while in motion, since there were no signs of a problem prior to the fire. Rural Metro says having a fire extinguisher in a passenger vehicle isn't as common, and it is only good if properly maintained.

Similar to the reminder to check smoke alarms when changing the clocks, the same is true with fire extinguishers. Here are the basic tips:
1) Be sure nothing has clogged the discharge tip or hose.
2) Be sure the gauge needle is in the green.
3) Turn it upside down and loosen the powder inside with a few taps.
4) Seek professional assistance if unsure.

Posted on 11/3/26 6:27AM by Alex Bauer

Ballots Come In before Tonight's General Election

Ballots have been coming in for the November 3rd General Election, with results to be posted throughout the month. According to the County website, unofficial results for tonight's election will be posted on the Oregon Secretary of State Website & Josephine County Website: https://results.oregonvotes.gov. As of the latest report, a total of 30,331 ballots have been accepted of the 32,770 received, showing a participation rate of 46.62%. Results will first be announced after 8 p.m. this evening on the County website and KAJO, KLDR, and KRRM. The final certified results will be posted no later than Monday, November 30th, by 5 p.m.

Posted on 11/3/26 5:58AM by Alex Bauer

Two Theft Suspects Fled Walmart towards Fred Meyer, Apprehended by Police

Police lodged two suspects located near Fred Meyer that stole almost $800 worth of Walmart merchandise Saturday afternoon.

Dispatch was alerted by loss prevention at the 135 NE Terry Lane store that a man wearing a black beanie, long sleeve, and jeans was heading towards Fred Meyer. He had attempting to leave with a cart full of stolen items, all of which were recovered by staff.

A second suspect was also described as wearing a green hat, blue shirt, and black pants. The two were walking on foot near the Fred Meyer gas station while their vehicle was still at the Walmart.

Grants Pass Police contacted the two men, Martin Librado-Gonzalez and Juan Valdez-Villa, and detained them. There was probable cause to charge both for Second Degree Theft, so they were transported to the Josephine County Jail.

Both were lodged on the theft charge, with Valdez-Villa being given an additional charge of Methamphetamine Possession.

Posted on 11/2/26 2:15PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Located Arrested Hit and Run Suspect for Mischief, Reckless Driving, DUII

Grants Pass Police lodged a man after he drove his vehicle into the Sweet Breeze Inn's parking lot, damaging another vehicle and stair railing in the process.

Saturday at 11:19 p.m., the suspect was seen via security camera driving a gray Camaro onto the business premises. He reportedly hit a Toyota Tundra, and the railing of the stairs on the outside of the building. He then proceeded to head north on Sixth Street.

The Camaro was soon located at an AutoZone by officers around 11:42 p.m. The driver, Thomas Whiteaker, was contacted and found to have beer in the vehicle. He was arrested and lodged for Second Degree Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run causing Property Damage, and DUII.

Posted on 11/2/26 2:02PM by Alex Bauer

City Council Favors Moving Forward with Municipal Court, Further Discussion to Come

The Grants Pass City Council will move forward with potentially implementing a Municipal Court.

During today's 11:45 a.m. workshop in Council chambers, the establishment proposal was presented with best cost and revenue estimates. Benefits of the court included faster processing of City cases, greater responsiveness to community needs, increased operational flexibility, and an ability to tailor court practices to local priorities.

The three phase process would begin this month by preparing a facility, hiring a judge and supervisor, then continue with development between March and May, followed by operations at the end of 2027. Cases could then be filed and processed, hearings would be held, and revenue would be received.

Potential revenue was estimated around $450,000 per year, but would likely take three years to reach the full stream. Court fine allocations would include $50 to the State, $16 to the County, and the rest to the City.

The estimate for One-Time Start-Up Costs totaled about $122,500 for violation Court, and about $134,500 for Misdemeanor Court. Approximately $85,000 in operations costs could be incurred in FY 2026-27, with costs increasing over time. Other General Fund Allocations include a Legal Budget Addition, and the Police Department.

Council favored moving forward with a Municipal Court, and had strong favor to continue with the Court handling Violations, Misdemeanors, and Hearings Officer matters. The topic will return to Council in the next few weeks with job descriptions and classifications for positions needing to be hired. Budget concerns could be further discussed as well, pending the results of tomorrow's election and the Jail Levy.

Posted on 11/2/26 1:42PM by Alex Bauer

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