KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries Gives Presentation on County Work

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries gave a presentation to the community in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium regarding work to be done in the County.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the agency discussed the important minerals found in Josephine County, highlighting critical minerals like carbon, silver, nickel, cobalt and chromium among others.

A first step for the agency before going to workshops is taking inventory of what's known, like the long history of mining in Oregon. The Northeast and Southwest regions have been known hot spots over the years, with copper, mercury, and nickel having been heavily produced. A statewide assessment is then put together, showing regions where prospective critical commodities are located.

Current projects focused on critical minerals, mapping, and assessment in the County include a 2025-2028 Mine Waste Assessment, an Area Electric Magnetic survey over the next year, and pending proposals including the 2027 Geologic Mapping Project. The generation of geologic hydrogen was discussed, and a data gap analysis is underway.

When asked why the county is struggling financially despite the mineral wealth in the area, it was said that work being done with industrial partners could help the county financially, but that it's still a work in progress.

Further information can be found at www.oregon.gov/dogami.

Posted on 10/30/26 10:50AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Contact Man on ODOT Property, Lodged Him for Meth Possession, Trespassing

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for methamphetamine possession and trespassing after contacting him on Oregon Department of Transportation property.

This morning at 3:30, the suspect, Elijah Shanor, was contacted while standing on the bike path near Grants Pass Equipment Rentals with his belongings on the ground. He had been trespassed from the location back previously, and was taken into custody for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.

A consent search was conducted, and a glass pipe with burnt residue was located on his person. The burnt white substance field tested presumptive positive for meth, so Shanor was also charged with Meth Possession. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 10/30/26 10:32AM by Alex Bauer

Rogue Basin, South Coast Winter Steelhead Anglers Validation, Harvest Tags on Sale Nov. 1

Anglers who plan to fish for winter steelhead in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast can begin purchasing the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation and wild steelhead harvest tags November 1st.

The validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in these areas from December 1st to April 30th. A separate wild winter steelhead harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead.

To purchase these products, change the purchase year to 2027 when entering the product catalogue in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Electronic Licensing System. To continue using the validation and harvest card after January 1st, remember to buy a 2027 Angling License, Combination License, or Sports Pac.

Visit the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation webpage for more details including how to report any wild winter steelhead harvested and answers to frequently asked questions.

Anglers should note that wild harvest regulations vary, and some locations don’t open to wild winter steelhead until after December 1st. Check the regulations before you go or contact the ODFW Gold Beach office (541-247-7605) or Central Point office (541-826-8774).

Posted on 10/30/26 9:42AM by Alex Bauer

Ashland Officer Justified in Use of Deadly Force, Suspect Indicted by Grand Jury

Evidence and testimony was presented to a Jackson County Grand Jury related to the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on "A" Street in Ashland October 26th. According to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, at approximately 2 a.m. that Monday, Ashland Police Department officers Alex Vela and Lorenzo Elder responded to a business alarm on A Street and encountered Phillip Battaglia, 36, armed with a knife. He threatened the officers upon their arrival, ignored repeated commands to drop the knife, and advanced toward Officer Vela. When Battaglia reached the front of Vela’s patrol vehicle still holding the knife, Vela fired two shots, striking Battaglia in the leg and stopping his advance. Even after being shot and while still on the ground, Battaglia swung the knife in the direction of Officer Elder and continued refusing commands. He eventually dropped the knife, and officers immediately provided medical aid until Ashland firefighters arrived.

Posted on 10/30/26 9:26AM by Alex Bauer

Rural Metro, AMR, JoCo Sheriff's Office Dispatched to Vehicle Crash

A vehicle crash was reported on Highland Avenue near the Interstate 5 overpass around 10:01 p.m. Thursday.

According to Rural Metro, the vehicle ended up in the ditch after taking out a tree and catching fire. A Good Samaritan who was first to arrive was able to pull the occupants from the vehicle to escape the flames.

Firefighters suppressed the flames as American Medical Response treated the injured. The roadway was temporarily blocked as emergency crews processed the scene. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

Posted on 10/30/26 8:55AM by Alex Bauer

IVFD, Rural Metro, AMR Respond to Fully Involved Trailer Fire in Cave Junction

Emergency crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 3300 block of Rockydale Road this morning.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, Rural Metro Fire, and American Medical Response arrived at the scene shortly after 6:42 a.m. of a fully involved trailer fire with minimal wildland extension in Cave Junction.

The fire has been contained, and the fire crews are in mop-up operations. An investigation into the incident is pending.

Posted on 10/30/26 6:53AM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Reaches Settlement, Customers Could See 0.3% Rate Increase

Pacific Power reached a settlement with Oregon Public Utility Commission staff and other parties in the company’s 2027 Oregon general rate case.

Pending final approval by the Commission, residential customers would see a net average increase of about 0.3% in April 2027 compared with April 2026. Power cost decreases and other price changes in 2026 and early 2027 would almost entirely offset a 9% general rate case increase that would take effect in April 2027.

Over the same period, commercial and industrial customers would see a net average decrease of about 6.5%. The settlement reflects higher costs for poles, wires and other equipment, rising wildfire insurance costs and completed infrastructure projects. If approved, new rates would take effect April 5, 2027.

Posted on 10/30/26 4:50AM by Alex Bauer

Man Lodged on Warrant after Trespassing, Consuming Fentanyl

Grants Pass Police arrested a man trespassing on an empty lot and wanted on a warrant Wednesday after he consumed fentanyl.

A call to 911 around 4:25 p.m. reported about six individuals were at 1110 SW Foundry Street, after having been there the day before. The owner of the lot was advised and requested everyone be removed and trespassed.

Police arrived and contacted Robert Lowden, who was uncooperative. He was given a use of force warning, and taken into constructive custody. Officers learned he had an Oregon Parole Board warrant charging him with a parole violation.

Lowden said he needed an ambulance at 4:50 p.m. because he had consumed fentanyl and "felt weird". A safety check yielded paraphernalia for destruction, and Lowden was ultimately lodged in the Josephine County Adult Jail Facility for his warrant at 6:14 p.m.

Posted on 10/29/26 1:00PM by Alex Bauer

WinCo Theft Suspect Apprehended by Loss Prevention, Lodged by GP Police

WinCo loss prevention reported a theft to dispatch, leading to the suspect's arrest.

Wednesday at 6:47 a.m., staff at the 231 NE Terry Lane grocer detained Logan Diaz after he neglected to pay for over $16 worth of merchandise, including two Lunchables, chocolate milk, and a frozen TV dinner. He had reportedly been trespassed from the store back in May, and was cooperative with staff who wished to pursue for theft.

Grants Pass Police responded to the scene and contacted Diaz. He was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for First Degree Criminal Trespass and Theft in the Third Degree. His backpack was entered into safekeeping, and he was trespassed from the WinCo.

Posted on 10/29/26 12:25PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Suspect that Broke Into Oilstop and Caused $2,000 in Damage

Officers with Grants Pass Police lodged a man after he caused over $2,000 in damage breaking into the Oilstop building on SE Mill Street.

According to the police report, Wednesday around 11:39 p.m., dispatch was notified that the suspect, later identified as Michael Frey, used a pry bar to enter through the building's door leading to the garage. While inside, he pushed open the crawl space door and entered the premises.

He proceeded to barricade himself in the attic, causing damage to the wall and door upon entering. Officers arrived, and K-9 Kick was deployed to assist with clearing the building. Frey ultimately came down from the attic space and was taken into custody without incident.

He was charged for Burglary in the Second Degree and First Degree Criminal Mischief before being lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 10/29/26 12:02PM by Alex Bauer

No Threat after Unfounded Rogue River High School Report of Student with Gun

Rogue River Junior Senior High School has returned to normal operations after an unfounded report of a student with a firearm on the way to school prompted a precautionary “secure status” this morning. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Rogue River Police Department officers responded and determined there was no credible threat to the school. The “secure status” was lifted shortly after 8 a.m., and there is no further threat to students, staff, or the school community. Law enforcement responded to a report of a Rogue River High School student potentially carrying a firearm in their backpack on the way to school this morning at 7:31 a.m. The report prompted school officials to place the school in a “secure status” as a precaution while law enforcement investigated and ensured the safety of students and staff. Law enforcement contacted the student after a parent dropped them off at school, but before the student entered the building, it was confirmed the student did not have a firearm. There is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the school community. JCSO takes all reports of potential threats to school safety seriously.

Posted on 10/29/26 11:39AM by Alex Bauer

MFD Encourages Safe E-Bike Practices as State sees 118% Bike Fire Increase Since 2020

Medford Fire crews responded to three e-bike fires in October.

According to the MFD, these incidents are part of a larger safety concern, as the state has recorded 111 e-mobility fires between 2020 and 2025, an increase of 118%.

To help reduce these risks, the MFD is encouraging the public to use only the charger designed for your bike or one approved by the manufacturer. Be sure to charge outside whenever possible, and if you must charge indoors, stay nearby and keep exits clear.

If a battery hisses, smokes, or catches fire, call 911. Prioritize escaping over trying to extinguish the fire, as battery fires can release toxic gases that may cause confusion or loss of consciousness. The batteries can also explode, causing injuries or additional fires.

Posted on 10/29/26 10:49AM by Alex Bauer

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