KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

BCC Discuss Department Review at Workshop, Postpone Mining Ordinance Decision

The Board of Commissioners met to discuss their Department Review at today's 1:30 p.m. workshop. Commissioner Ron Smith was absent due to a family matter.

Commissioner Gary Richardson presented the review as a first example before other County Departments participate. Key figures highlighted adopted actions, minutes approved, commitments, records requests, and vacant advisory seats.

The board reviewed their budget status, and commitments including reassessing the 4-H/Extension levy, Sheriff's Office radio system, and the County solid waste program. Four of five staff positions have been filled, and Commissioner Gary Richardson discussed what processes were in place should a County function like meeting notices or public records intake stop or degrade if one position were unavailable.

Some departments will participate in the reviews over the next four to five weeks, as well as provide feedback to the board. The board then decided to postpone a decision on the potential repeal of a Mining Ordinance.

Public Information Coordinator Thomas Gray gave a Communications update, remarking on continued promotion for the Agricultural Education Grant Program and Operation Greenlight. A webpage for the grant program is live on the County website, and a video is being put together informing the community on the Election Process.

The board approved position requisitions and personnel actions from Human Resources. Richardson clarified the Facilities Director Performance Improvement Plan was signed by the Commissioners, and Commissioner Colene Martin will have oversight responsibility as established in the signed plan.

Posted on 11/3/26 2:29PM by Alex Bauer

Safeway Suspect on Bike Stopped by Law Enforcement, Cited to Appear for Theft

Following a shoplifting attempt at the South Safeway Monday, law enforcement issued the suspect a citation for Second Degree Theft.

Dispatch was notified of the suspect filling up a backpack with stolen food items around 3:17 p.m. He passed all points of sale without paying, and after denying the theft to the caller, the suspect left the scene on a bicycle southbound on Harbeck.

Grants Pass Police soon located the suspect and made contact. It was determined he had stolen over $106 worth of items from the 1640 Williams Highway grocer. He was arrested and the items were recovered and returned. Officers then issued the suspect a citation to appear in court for Theft in the Second Degree.

Posted on 11/3/26 12:30PM by Alex Bauer

GPPD Officers Lodge Man Illegally Camping for Meth Warrant

Grants Pass Police arrested a man illegally camping for a methamphetamine possession warrant Monday.

The suspect was identified in his tent on Leavitt Family Corporation property around 2:41 p.m. He had an active warrant out of the Police Department, and upon confirmation of both his identity and warrant, officers arrested Ryan Velasquez at the scene.

He was taken into custody, trespassed from the property, and lodged for his Meth Possession warrant. His tent and personal property were entered into safekeeping.

Posted on 11/3/26 11:45AM by Alex Bauer

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.

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

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