KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Ground Breaking for GP’s Water Treatment Plant Thursday at 10 a.m.

The City of Grants Pass will break ground on the replacement water treatment plant at 755 SE J Street at 10 AM tomorrow. Parking at the site will be limited. Once the parking area is full, people will need to park on the street. The distance from the area of limited parking to where the groundbreaking will take place is approximately 100 yards. The site is currently dirt and gravel; closed-toed footwear is required.
The remarks and ceremonial first shovel turn should last no longer than 30 minutes. Touring the site afterwards should take no longer than 90 minutes. The site will close to visitors at 12 P

Posted on 7/16/25 5:34AM by Chuck Benson

Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team Busts Illegal Pot Grow in Eagle Point

Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant the morning of Thursday, July 10, at a black-market cannabis grow on a farm in rural Eagle Point. During the execution of the warrant in the 15200 block of Highway 62, detectives seized approximately 988 illegal marijuana plants, 22 lbs. of processed cannabis, and $3000 cash. One suspect was detained on scene and charges of felony marijuana manufacture and possession are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office..There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $15,000 in fines to the landowner. The fines were issued for failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, utilizing RV’s for dwelling purposes within a marijuana grow site, solid waste, an unpermitted second dwelling, and multiple unsafe and non-permitted electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural installations.

Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section Watermasters also responded to investigate the property’s water usage. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for the unlawful use and appropriation of groundwater for the cultivation of an unpermitted crop. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

Investigations are open and ongoi

Posted on 7/16/25 4:56AM by Chuck Benson

Firefighters Hold Grizzly Fires within Perimeters

All Fires in the Grizzly Complex are 100% lined and in various stages of mop up. Crews are focusing on removing snags, strengthening lines and extinguishing hot spots along fire perimeters. Acreage on individual fires was updated due to an infrared flight last night giving more accurate area information.
Despite high temperatures and gusty conditions Tuesday, crews held the fires within their current footprints and increased mop-up operations and total containment within the complex.Late last night, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) quickly redeployed one CAL FIRE strike team of firefighters to assist at the rapidly growing Hagelstein Fire, 14 miles north of Klamath Falls near Highway 97.The ODF Southwest Oregon District continues suppression efforts on additional fires within the district. Resources remain available to respond to new fire starts within the complex area.Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation notices remain in place for zones JAC-542, JAC-558, and Zone JAC-536. One lane of Interstate 5 is closed to protect firefighters between mile markers 8.5 and 10.5 on southbound lanes only. Check tripcheck.com for up-to-date traffic information.For fire local information anytime, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Posted on 7/16/25 4:39AM by Chuck Benson

Warrant Arrest Lands Female in Jail; 4th Arrest in 5 Weeks

A Grants Pass Police officer contacted 38-year-old Vanessa Kay Schutt at 8:35 a.m. Monday morning in the 1100 block of Northeast D Street, knowing there was a valid warrant for her arrest. Her identity was confirmed along with the warrant so she was placed under arrest and transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged with bail set at $25,000. She is currently facing three charges: criminal trespass, disorderly conduct II and possession of methamphetamine. It is her fourth arrest since early June for the same offenses plus Burglary I-residence and theft III. She remained in custody Tuesday morning.

Posted on 7/15/25 9:00AM by Chuck Benson

GPCC to Act on FEMA-Required Program for Floodplain Property

The Grants Pass City Council is poised to act Wednesday night on a resolution authorizing the City’s Floodplain Manager to execute the FEMA-required pre-implementation compliance measures on a permit basis. The Federal program enables property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance while requiring local governments to enforce minimum floodplain requirements. The City has approximately 1.088 properties that would be subject to the regulations if property owners choose to develop or redevelop. On average, the City’s planning department reviews and issues about three floodplain permits annually. Councilors have three different FEMA options to choose from. The Council will also consider annexing a Roguelea Lane parcel into the City Limits. The City Council’s business session is Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 101 Northwest 6th Street.

Posted on 7/15/25 7:42AM by Chuck Benson

Donation Drive for Local Troops Overseas Launched by Weekend Beer Company

The Weekend Beer Company has launched Operation Gratitude, a donation drive aimed at supporting one of their own Beer Club Members currently deployed overseas, along with 68 of his fellow soldiers. Through July 19th Weekend’s taproom will serve as a drop-off point for care package items—including non-perishable snacks and comfort items from home—to remind our troops they’re in our thoughts. They will be putting these boxes together with the rest of our Beer Club Members later this week and toasting Kurt, a husband and dedicated father to twins, and a long time Club Member who is currently deployed overseas.The community is encouraged to check the full donation list and bring items to the taproom during regular business hours. If you can’t afford to purchase an item, Weekend encourages you to write them a card or wear a RED Friday, that’s for Remember Everyone Deployed, shirt on Fridays in honor or their sacrifice.Drop off donations at the Weekend Beer Company 1863 NW Washington Blvd, now through Saturday. Weekend Beer Company is a Veteran and Brewer owned craft brewery located in Grants Pass, Oregon. For more information or to get involved, email cheers@weekendbeercompany.com or send us a message on Facebook/Instagram @weekendbeercompany

Posted on 7/15/25 4:53AM by Chuck Benson

Groundbreaking Ceremony is this Morning for Medford’s Hope House Expansion

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Salvation Army’s Hope House Expansion in Medford takes place this morning. The ceremony is at 10:00 AM at 1065 Crews Rd, Medford, and all community members are warmly invited to attend.Every day, families arrive at Hope House with little more than the clothes on their backs and the courage to ask for help. This expansion will add seven fully furnished studio apartments, providing safe, welcoming spaces where hope is restored, and transformation begins. This $1.4 million project has been generously funded by AllCare, Jackson Care Connect, The City of Medford, Emerging Leaders, Junior League, Ben B. Cheney Foundation, Carrico Family Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, WAFD, West Family Foundation, and many generous individuals and companies in the community. Outlier Construction is serving as the general contractor and has donated substantial resources to the project, along with KSW Architects.
Commissioner Colleen Riley, who oversee The Salvation Army’s Western Territory, will be honored guests at this special celebration along with Divisional Commanders Jonathan and Vickie Harvey. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments and learn more about the vision for Hope House Lofts.

Posted on 7/15/25 4:50AM by Chuck Benson

Women’s Crisis Support Team Receives $1,000 Neighborhood Grant

Women’s Crisis Support Team is honored to be selected as a recipient of a $1,000 Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. This grant recognizes the Crisis Support Team’s work providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Josephine County and was awarded through the advocacy of a local Starbucks partner. Since 1977 the Women’s Crisis Support Team has served as Josephine County’s primary provider of domestic and sexual violence advocacy services, offering confidential support, safe housing, legal and medical advocacy, housing assistance, prevention education, and rural outreach. The Team partners with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to build a safer, more connected community. The Neighborhood Grant will support their 24/7 crisis response and emergency shelter programs—ensuring survivors fleeing abuse have access to safe shelter, support, and hope.

Posted on 7/15/25 4:45AM by Chuck Benson

Weather Service Extends High Heat Advisory Through Wednesday

The National Weather Service has extended the high heat warning through Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. High temperatures of 96 to 105 expected in the valleys of western Siskiyou County. Low temperatures will be mainly in the mid-60s.The areas most affected in California are Central Siskiyou County and Western Siskiyou County. In Oregon, Eastern Curry County and Josephine County and Jackson County. This includes the Rogue, Illinois, Scott, Shasta and Klamath River Valleys as well as the communities of Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, Cave Junction, Yreka, Montague, and Happy Camp.An increased chance of heat related illness for those without access to cooling facilities. Warm overnight temperatures will limit relief from hot daytime temperatures.

Posted on 7/15/25 4:38AM by Chuck Benson

Firefighters Gain on Grizzly Complex in the Face of High Temps and Low Humidity

Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 3 is in command of a group of lightning fires known as the Grizzly Complex that started July 7th. Monday crews were seeking out and cooling hot spots identified overnight from an infrared flight. Fires showed minimal fire activity along incident perimeters, allowing crews to focus on hazard tree removal and mopping up.Many of the fires have a large number of dead trees, known as hazard trees or snags, that require extra mitigation to reduce safety risks. Crews completed hazard tree removal along roads within the Neil Creek Road and Jim Me Peak fires, allowing easier access for water tenders.Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reduced the Level 2 – Be Set evacuation notices for zones JAC-542, JAC-543, JAC-546, JAC-558 and JAC-559 to a Level 1 – Be Ready notice. Zone JAC-536 remains at a Level 1. One lane of Interstate 5 is closed to protect firefighters between mile markers 8.5 and 10.5 on southbound lanes only. Check tripcheck.com for up-to-date traffic information.Temperatures are expected to remain at or near triple digits this week, which will naturally increase fire activity and risk. The ODF Southwest Oregon District continues suppression efforts on additional fires within the district. Resources remain available to respond to new fire starts within the complex area.For fire local information anytime, visit the district’s Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest or website, www.swofire.com.

Posted on 7/15/25 4:31AM by Chuck Benson

River Glow Float on Rogue Ends with Citations Issued After Mishap

An unauthorized event on the Rogue River, advertised as a River Glow Float resulted in dangerous accidents in the river. Last Saturday, at 12:16 AM, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office along with three other emergency responders were dispatched to the Robertson Bridge Road and Lower River Road area for a report of a possible drowning. Several hundred people were participating in the nighttime event. During this event, several people between the ages of 5 and 47 years old became trapped on a large log in the river. Some lost their floatation devices, and several did not have their required safety equipment with them. During this incident, numerous people were separated from their groups and reported missing. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy responded and worked with other responders to safely rescue 5 individuals and assisted 7 others with getting to safety. Several miles of the river were checked and no other individuals in need of assistance were located. By the time first responders cleared the scene, all subjects previously reported missing were located and accounted for. As the follow up investigation continues, several citations have been or will be issued as a result of this night float. So far, 13 people have been cited for Unsafe Boating Operation, 2 for Recklessly Endangering, 1 for Disorderly Conduct and 1 for Hosting an Event Without a Permit.

Posted on 7/14/25 3:02PM by Chuck Benson

Salvation Army’s Hope House Medford Expansion Breaks Ground

The Salvation Army has announced the official groundbreaking of the Hope House Lofts Expansion, a milestone in its mission to support local families and older youth experiencing homelessness. The event will take place Tomorrow at 10:00 AM at 1065 Crews Rd, Medford, and all community members are warmly invited to attend. Every day, families arrive at Hope House with little more than the clothes on their backs and the courage to ask for help. This expansion will add seven fully furnished studio apartments, providing safe, welcoming spaces where hope is restored, and transformation begins. This $1.4 million project has been generously funded by AllCare, Jackson Care Connect, The City of Medford, Emerging Leaders, Junior League, Ben B. Cheney Foundation, Carrico Family Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, WAFD, West Family Foundation, and many generous individuals and companies in the community. Outlier Construction is serving as the general contractor and has donated substantial resources to the project, along with KSW Architects.Commissioner Colleen Riley, who oversee The Salvation Army’s Western Territory, will be honored guests at this special celebration along with Divisional Commanders Jonathan and Vickie Harvey. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments and learn more about the vision for Hope House Lofts.

Posted on 7/14/25 11:40AM by Chuck Benson

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