KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Merlin Resident Makes 1st Court Appearance for Crimes in Portland ICE Protests

A Josephine County resident is among three defendants who made their first appearances in federal court yesterday after committing various offenses during ongoing protest gatherings near a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in south Portland. The US Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon reports 20-year-old Aziel Chambers of Merlin has been charged with the misdemeanor offenses of Assault on a Federal Officer, Creating a Hazard on Federal Property and Failing to Obey a Lawful Order. According to court documents and information shared in court, several individuals gathered near an ICE office where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers with threatening statements, discharging pepper spray, and throwing rocks, trash and bricks. On June 24th, Chambers allegedly pointed a laser pointer at a federal officer, striking the officer in the eye. Chambers was also charged with failing to comply with an officer's orders to leave the premises on June 17th and for throwing an object at federal property on June 20th. Chambers was released on conditions pending future court proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI and ICE. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:43AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Suspect for Domestic Violence against Girlfriend and Children

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for committing domestic violence against his girlfriend and her two children at a southwest city home early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers arrested 50-year-old Wayne Anthony Overton for the incident on SW Heather Drive on Thursday at 2:01 a.m.. Police said a juvenile caller reported Overton and their mother were in a verbal argument which escalated when the woman told Overton he needed to leave. The caller said the man pushed their mother against the wall and called her names. An investigation determined that Overton placed the victim in fear of imminent physical injury by placing his hand on her head and pushing her into the wall. Both the victim's son and daughter witnessed the incident and tried to get him to stop, but the children were also pushed by the suspect. According to the report, Overton also took the victim's phone and kept it from her. Overton was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Menacing, two counts of Harassment and Interfering with Making a Police Report. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:41AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Frequent Flyer for Indecent + Disruptive Downtown Behavior

Grants Pass Police arrested a well-known offender for indecent and disruptive behavior in the downtown area this week. The Police Department reports officers arrested 38-year-old Kelcey Edwin Cummings near the corner of SE 6th and G streets on Wednesday night. Police said they initially contacted Cummings regarding a report that he had his pants down and was exposing himself near GPPD headquarters on 6th Street. The suspect fled the area on his bicycle toward the downtown area and then fell, but got up and kept going. Cummings reportedly rode his bike in circles at the intersection of NE 6th and F streets, creating a hazard for motorists. He was advised that he was under arrest in PA announcements, but continued to flee before he was placed into custody. He was said to be "highly intoxicated." Cummings was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest plus the resulting Probation Violation related to previous arrests for Theft and Criminal Trespass. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:40AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Man for Old and New Drug Crimes at Homeless Rest Site

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for old and new drug crimes at a downtown resting site this week. According to the Police Department, officers contacted 20-year-old Justis Ivan Cory at the 6th and A Street homeless encampment on Wednesday evening. Police said they observed Cory in the southwest corner of the resting site and knew that he was wanted on a Grants Pass warrant for failing to appear in court for Methamphetamine Possession. They said a tin box containing a white crystal substance was located on the suspect. He admitted that it was meth and it was seized as evidence. Cory was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant plus a new charge of Meth Possession. He was also trespassed from the resting site for 30 days.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:39AM by Sam Marsh

OSP Nabbed Jacksonville Woman for Impaired Driving after Highway 238 Stop

The Oregon State Police arrested a Jacksonville woman for impaired driving late this week after a traffic stop on Highway 238 between Grants Pass and Murphy. According to OSP, troopers pulled over a Jaguar FPC driven by 35-year-old Sarah Suzanne Diemert near milepost 4 of Williams Highway late Wednesday night. Troopers said they stopped Diemert for a traffic violation and she displayed signs of impairment. They said she performed poorly in field sobriety tests, but refused to provide a breath sample so she was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw. A Josephine County Judge granted the search warrant. Based on the results of the blood draw, Diemert was lodged at the Grants Pass Sobering Center for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Her Jaguar was impounded.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:29AM by Sam Marsh

State Fire Marshal Urges Oregonians to Know Fireworks Rules and Obey Restrictions

With fireworks sales now underway, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate Independence Day responsibly and legally. The 2025 fireworks retail sales season in Oregon runs from June 23rd until July 6th, and the agency's message is clear: "Keep it legal, keep it safe." As Oregonians make plans for the holiday, they're urged to check local rules and restrictions on both the sale and use of fireworks -- whether celebrating at home or traveling. Local governments across Oregon may set additional restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires. It's the responsibility of those using fireworks to understand and follow local laws. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit from the State Fire Marshal. Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or are found to be responsible for them causing damage may be held financially responsible for fire suppression and other costs. Parents can also be held liable for damage caused by their children.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:19AM by Sam Marsh

Campfire Use Restrictions Now in Effect on Wild & Scenic Section of Rogue River

Federal and state agencies have begun restricting campfire use on lands located within the boundaries of the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry enacted campfire restrictions today on the Wild Section of the Rogue that flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. The order became effective today at 12:01 a.m. and it runs until November 30th, unless rescinded sooner. The restrictions prohibit the building, attending or use of a fire in most cases. But campfires are permitted within a raised fire pan or similar device that will contain the fire and its residue, free of natural vegetation and below the high-water mark on the wild section of the river. All ashes are to be carried out. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is strictly prohibited. Additional restrictions may be put in place as fire season progresses.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:16AM by Sam Marsh

Southern Oregon "Top 10" Adult and Student Leaders Received Honors and Recognition

Southern Oregon gathered last week to celebrate excellence in leadership at the "Top 10 Emerging Leader and Student Leader Awards Gala at the Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford. This year's event honored 10 outstanding leaders and four exceptional student leaders from across the region for their demonstrated excellence and dedication to community betterment. The honorees were formally recognized by local and national officials including US Congressman Cliff Bentz, State Senator Jeff Golden and Jackson County Commissioner Colleen Roberts. The 2025 cohort exemplifies leadership and a deep commitment to social responsibility. In a powerful partnership with The Salvation Army, the honorees raised over $100,000 in just 10 weeks to support efforts addressing homelessness and food insecurity -- making a big impact on vulnerable community members.

Posted on 6/27/25 6:14AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Suspect for Domestic Violence against Girlfriend and Children

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for committing domestic violence against his girlfriend and her two children at a southwest city home early today. The Police Department reports officers arrested 50-year-old Wayne Anthony Overton for the incident on SW Heather Drive at 2:01 this morning. Police said a juvenile caller reported Overton and their mother were in a verbal argument which escalated when the woman told Overton he needed to leave. The caller said the man pushed their mother against the wall and called her names. An investigation determined that Overton placed the victim in fear of imminent physical injury by placing his hand on her head and pushing her into the wall. Both the victim's son and daughter witnessed the incident and tried to get him to stop, but the children were also pushed by the suspect. According to the report, Overton also took the victim's phone and kept it from her. Overton was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Menacing, two counts of Harassment and Interfering with Making a Police Report. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/26/25 11:27AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Frequent Flyer for Indecent + Disruptive Downtown Behavior

Grants Pass Police arrested a well-known offender for indecent and disruptive behavior in the downtown area last night. The Police Department reports officers arrested 38-year-old Kelcey Edwin Cummings near the corner of SE 6th and G streets on Wednesday at 8:13 p.m.. Police said they initially contacted Cummings regarding a report that he had his pants down and was exposing himself near GPPD headquarters on 6th Street. The suspect fled the area on his bicycle toward the downtown area and then fell, but got up and kept going. Cummings reportedly rode his bike in circles at the intersection of NE 6th and F streets, creating a hazard for motorists. He was advised that he was under arrest in PA announcements, but continued to flee before he was placed into custody. He was said to be "highly intoxicated." Cummings was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest plus the resulting Probation Violation related to previous arrests for Theft and Criminal Trespass. He was being held on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 6/26/25 11:24AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Woman for Causing Violent Disturbance at Downtown Store

Grants Pass Police arrested a woman for causing a disturbance at a downtown business yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to the incident involving 55-year-old Lisa Ann Jones-Stearns at the St. Vincent de Paul store on SE H Street on Wednesday around 12:35 p.m.. Police said Jones-Stearns caused public alarm and annoyance at the business by throwing items and acting in a violent and tumultuous manner. Witnesses reported that she was throwing drinks and trying to hit people before fleeing the scene. Officers located Jones-Stearns at the downtown Safeway and placed her into custody. She was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/26/25 11:23AM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Apprehended IV Man Wanted on Statewide Warrant in Cave Junction

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended an Illinois Valley man wanted on a statewide felony warrant in Cave Junction yesterday. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested 54-year-old Michael Jason Phillips in the 200-block of Caves Highway on Wednesday at 2:47 p.m.. Deputies said they were looking for Phillips who was wanted on an Oregon State warrant for Parole Violation stemming from convictions for Felony Attempt to Elude Police and an unspecified traffic offense. He was placed into custody without incident. After the warrant was confirmed, Phillips was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 6/26/25 11:21AM by Sam Marsh

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