KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

MPD Arrested Suspected Arsonist for Causing Series of North Medford Fires

Medford Police arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for multiple arson fires that occurred early this morning in North Medford.

At approximately 4 a.m., officers responded to a reported fire at the Jack in the Box located near North Pacific Highway and Table Rock Road. The fire was quickly extinguished, resulting in minimal property damage.

Then at around 6 a.m., officers were dispatched to another fire on Lynn Road near North Pacific Highway. Upon arrival, officers found three vehicles fully engulfed in flames, as well as evidence consistent with arson.

A drone was immediately deployed to search the surrounding area for additional fires or possible suspects. Another active fire was located at Wild River Brewing on North Pacific Highway.

As officers responded to that scene, yet another fire was observed near a residence on Berrydale Road. While checking the area, officers contacted 45-year-old Tina Marie Fonseca, who was seen leaving the vicinity of the latest fire.

Fonseca fled on foot but was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. She was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for five counts of First Degree Arson and six counts of Reckless Burning.

Posted on 11/26/25 12:43PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Conducted Welfare Check on Woman in Road, Arrested Her on Detainer

Grants Pass Police were called out to a welfare check Tuesday afternoon regarding a woman standing in the middle of the road.

At about 4:57 p.m., the woman was reported to be in the 1600 block of Carnahan Drive stumbling in the road. She kept walking back and forth between the caller's and a neighbor's properties.

Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, identified as Jessica Knowlton, still stumbling in the middle of the road. Her parole officer was contacted, who then placed a detainer on her.

Knowlton was taken into custody by officers and lodged on the detainer in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 11/26/25 11:42AM by Alex Bauer

MPD Recover High-Value Radio Equipment, Suspect Arrested on Theft, Burglary Charges

Medford Police Department officers were contacted November 6 by members of the Medford Fire Department regarding a burglary at one of the city’s fire stations.

An unknown suspect had forced entry into secured storage containers and stolen several thousand dollars’ worth of radio equipment.

On November 20, Medford Fire reported a second burglary involving another storage container. Additional radio equipment being stored in preparation for upcoming radio system upgrades was stolen. MPD detectives immediately began investigating both incidents.

On November 24, detectives identified Christian Tommis Jacobson, 33, as a possible suspect. Detectives contacted Jacobson, who ultimately admitted to committing multiple thefts, including several not previously linked to him.

During the investigation, more than $141,000 in stolen radio equipment connected to multiple burglaries was recovered. Detectives also cleared several additional theft cases throughout Jackson County, in which Jacobson is suspected of stealing high-value tools and selling them to local pawn shops.

Jacobson was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges, including First Degree Aggravated Theft, Second Degree Burglary, and Theft in the First Degree.

This case has been forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Posted on 11/26/25 11:20AM by Alex Bauer

BLM Seeks Input for Timber Project near Gold Hill, Schedules Public Meeting

The Bureau of Land Management is asking for input on proposed forest management activities near Gold Hill.

The Queens Gold project proposes commercial thinning and hazardous fuels reduction on approximately 4,000 acres of BLM-administered lands. The project is designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and to contribute to the Medford District’s timber quotas as mandated by the O&C Act.

The estimated 5.5 million board feet of timber produced by this work will also provide critical supplies for construction, support local jobs and stimulate economic activity.

On December 1, the BLM will open a 36-day public scoping period to receive public input that will help guide the environmental assessment of the project. A public meeting is scheduled for December 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rogue River Library, 412 East Main Street.

Posted on 11/26/25 11:05AM by Alex Bauer

Grants Pass Family YMCA Hosting 12th Annual Turkey Trot

The Grants Pass Family YMCA is inviting the public to join them for the 12th Annual Turkey Trot.

Check in will begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at 1,000 Redwood Avenue. There's a 2 Mile Fun Run or a 5K Race beginning at 8:30 a.m. for the community to participate in.

There will be hot chocolate, coffee, music, and t-shirts for sale. The public is encouraged to dress up for the Ugly Sweater and Costume Contests, with prizes awarded for Best Stroller, Best Animal, Best Group, and Most Unique.

There is still time to register at the YMCA or at www.grantspassymca.org. Call 541-474-0001 for more information.

Posted on 11/26/25 8:18AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Arrested Man on Multiple Charges after Reported Fight

Deputies with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a suspect following a reported fight early Tuesday morning.

Dispatch was alerted to a disturbance in the 600 block of Cedar Flat Road. At 1:15 a.m., the caller said her son was outside the property being threatening and fighting with her friend.

The possibly physical fight ended, and the caller wasn't sure where the suspect had gone, but she said he was highly intoxicated. She also said she has been trying to obtain a restraining order against her son.

Deputies located the suspect, James Jinks, and took him into custody. He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Strangulation, First Degree Animal Abuse, and Fourth Degree Assault.

Posted on 11/26/25 5:31AM by Alex Bauer

Applications Now Being Accepted for Grants Pass Budget Committee

Applications are being accepted for four positions on the Budget Committee.

The City of Grants Pass Budget Committee receives and reviews the Recommended Budget and approves a Budget for the Council’s consideration.

Half of the members are elected officials, and half are applicants from the community at large. The committee representation welcomes divergent views of the community. Qualifiers must be residents and electors of Grants Pass.

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

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. January 2. Candidates will be interviewed by the City Council on Monday, February 2. Appointments will be made at the City Council meeting Wednesday, February 4.

Posted on 11/26/25 4:32AM by Alex Bauer

Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Released From Hospital, Lodged In Jail

The suspect in Sunday's Medford Police Department officer-involved shooting has been released from the hospital and lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The suspect, Shane Wesley Smith, 30, of Medford, received treatment at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the incident and has since been cleared for confinement.

Smith is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Interference with Making a Report, Attempting to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, and DUII. The incident will be presented to the Jackson County Grand Jury.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are leading the investigation. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Posted on 11/25/25 1:54PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehended Suspect on Warrant at JoCo Community Corrections

Grants Pass Police apprehended a suspect on a valid and active warrant at Josephine County Community Corrections Monday.

Around 2:32 p.m., the suspect, Christopher Wilson, was in the 510 NW 4th Street location's lobby. An officer arrived and took him into custody on his warrant for Crimes against a Person, Parole Violation and Third Degree Assault.

After being positively identified, Wilson was transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged on his warrant.

Posted on 11/25/25 1:21PM by Alex Bauer

AllCare Health Contributes Over $240K to Local Food Banks, Community Food Partners

AllCare Health, in partnership with its three Community Advisory Councils, has distributed over $241,700 to help local food banks and food distribution partners purchase food for residents and families throughout Southwestern Oregon.

Funding was directed to 12 organizations across Jackson, Josephine, Curry, and Douglas counties, with a focus on the major food banks in each region.

Multiple organizations received funding, including the Josephine County Food Bank, Access in Jackson County, the Community Care Food Pantry in Glendale, Rogue Food Unites, and the Ashland Food Bank.

AllCare’s investment focused on local county food banks because they are not only direct providers of food, but also key suppliers for other community efforts, including schools, churches, and other local food programs.

AllCare also prioritized funding organizations that serve more specific geographic areas or culturally specific communities.

Posted on 11/25/25 12:29PM by Alex Bauer

Rogue Community College Continues to Grow Amid Capacity Challenges

Enrollment continues to climb at Rogue Community College, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a release, RCC said their fourth-week headcount this fall was 5,560 students, a 7% increase over fall 2024, according to enrollment data from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

This fall marks the first time that RCC’s full-time equivalent enrollment has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with a fourth-week FTE of 1,349 compared to 1,271 in 2019.

RCC’s continued growth reflects its strong alignment with community and industry needs. The college’s innovative programs and partnerships, particularly in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing and technology, are helping students prepare for meaningful, well-paying careers close to home.

While community demand remains strong, RCC’s ability to expand access is constrained by state funding caps under the growth management formula and by space and facility limitations across its campuses, such as a need for science lab space at Table Rock Campus to support expanding healthcare programs.

For more information about Rogue Community College, visit roguecc.edu.

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

City Council Approves Parade Application Fee Waving and Sponsorship Request

The Grants Pass City Council met for a special meeting following an executive session Monday.

A request was made to have an $800 parade application fee waved, and for the city to sponsor $3,000 for traffic abatement. A motion to approve the request passed, with the $3,000 coming from the Lands and Buildings Project.

Also on the agenda was the topic of people volunteering their vehicles for the Christmas Parade, December 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 48 vehicles are needed, with half already volunteered.

This effort would work to prevent any vehicles breaking through barriers of the parade, potentially causing harm. More coordination will continue during a December 2 organizational meeting at 4 p.m. where vehicle positions will be assigned.

Posted on 11/25/25 11:35AM by Alex Bauer

Local News