KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Fire Season Regulations Remain despite Cool, Rainy Conditions in the Forecast

Despite cooler conditions and rain in the forecast, fire season regulations are still in effect. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest District says debris burning of any kind remains illegal during fire season, and is incredibly dangerous when warm, windy weather returns to the forecast. The US National Weather Service Medford office issued a wind advisory for the majority of Josephine County for winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour. Debris burns or any new fire start will grow in these conditions, even in cooler weather. Not only is debris burning in piles and barrels banned during fire season for these risks, but also because piles can easily reignite days, weeks, or months later when the right conditions occur. Protect your home and neighborhood by waiting until fire season is over to burn. Forest officers are ready to respond to calls of illegal burns or other violations as needed. Firefighters also remain ready to respond to any new fire starts across Josephine and Jackson counties. Prevent fires now and in the future by following all current regulations. Learn more at www.swofire.com.

Posted on 9/29/25 11:28AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehended Man on Stolen Motorized Cart from Walmart

Grants Pass Police arrested a man driving a stolen motorized cart from Wal-Mart Sunday afternoon.

Officers received a call reporting an intoxicated man had taken a motorized shopping cart from the store on 135 NE Terry Lane and was heading towards the AM PM gas station against traffic.

The caller wanted to pursue charges of theft and trespassing. Officers intercepted the suspect near Game Stop. He wouldn't speak with officers and was found to have an open bottle of wine in the cart.

The suspect was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center, then subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail for DUII, First Degree Theft, First Degree Trespassing, and Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle. Wal-Mart management recovered the stolen cart.

Posted on 9/29/25 11:04AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Reported to Apartment Complex, Arrested Suspect on Assault Charge

An anonymous caller reported a disturbance in an apartment complex on Medart Lane, telling officers the altercation sounded physical and verbal.

Grants Pass Police officers arrived and contacted the suspect who was reportedly under the influence. She didn't want to talk with officers, but they observed broken and scattered items in the apartment's kitchen.

The victim was also contacted. He gave little information to officers but had scratches and other physical injuries from the altercation. He refused medical treatment.

The suspect was being uncooperative and stated she had no injuries. They took her into custody for Fourth Degree Assault and lodged her in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 9/29/25 10:48AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested a Woman at McDonalds Drive-Thru for Assaulting Victim

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to an assault at McDonalds Sunday night.

Just after 9 p.m., officers received calls from both the assault victim and the manager of the McDonalds located at 204 NE Beacon Drive regarding the assailant.

The victim told officers a woman attacked him in the drive-thru, stating he had significant pain and believed he had a broken bone. He said the suspect had also hit his vehicle several times.

The McDonalds manager called officers and wanted the woman trespassed from the location, saying she was still on the property running up to other vehicles.

Officers arrived and contacted the suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. She told officers she believed the victim had stolen her children.

During a consent search, officers found the suspect to be in possession of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. She was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Fourth Degree Assault, Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, and Meth Possession.

Posted on 9/29/25 10:23AM by Alex Bauer

Josephine and Jackson Counties Air Quality Affected by Moon Complex Smoke

Air quality in Josephine and Jackson Counties has been negatively affected by the Moon Complex fire. Jackson County Public Health encourages everyone to protect themselves from wildfire smoke by being aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid places with the highest concentrations. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions, stay indoors with doors and windows closed, use air conditioning, keep your car windows and vents closed with the air on recirculate, and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside when air quality is poor, wearing a “particulate respirator” mask can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. You can check the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Index map to see real-time air monitoring data, or download their mobile app.

Posted on 9/29/25 6:45AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Arrest Woman with Court Order for Parole Violation

Josephine County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance Sunday afternoon.

The caller reported from the 800 block of Glenlyn Drive that a homeless woman with a court order to stay away from the property had arrived and was screaming.

The suspect had been sitting in the caller's yard and was threatening to hurt herself. Officers learned she didn't injure herself and soon left the property. She was later found in the 100 block of Pennington Creek.

Upon contact, the suspect admitted to being at the caller's property and having a meth pipe with residue. Officers warned her for Meth Possession and, after contacting her parole officer, took her into custody on a Parole Violation Detainer.

She was lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 9/29/25 5:40AM by Alex Bauer

SO Trade Careers Expo's 5th Biennial Event Coming to Seven Feathers Convention Center

The Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo returns for its 5th Biennial event at the Seven Feathers Convention Center.

Tuesday, September 30th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane in Canyonville, more than 2,500 attendees are expected to explore hands-on career pathways, live demonstrations, and direct connections with employers.

The Expo immerses participants in real-world experiences with tools, technology, and skills across industries including agriculture, engineering, healthcare, public safety, transportation, and more.

With over 140 employers, unions, and training programs, it is Oregon’s largest interactive career event focused on living-wage careers that don’t require a four-year degree.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but all are asked to bring a résumé.

Posted on 9/29/25 5:04AM by Alex Bauer

Board of Commissioners to Discuss Library, Opioid Settlement, Dimmick Lease at Workshop

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will discuss the Library, National Opioid Settlements, and the Dimmick Street Property during Tuesday's Workshop. Along with these topics, the Legal Counsel update will also review real property auction results. The Sheriff's Office will give a report and recommendation for approval of auction forfeited items and discuss the Consume Drug Take-Back Program. The board will then hear from the Community Justice department. There will be a bylaws revision and appointment of both the Mental Health Director and Victim Services Representative for the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council, plus coverage of a lease agreement and application for Real Property Tax Exemption. Public Health will discuss outreach and a Women, Infant, and Children Lease for Curry County office space, followed by the Finance Department's report in lieu of audit for the 4-H/OSU Extension service, fee changes, and an update on the Treasury Audit.

Posted on 9/29/25 5:01AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Apprehended Trespassing Suspect Hiding in Dumpster

Grants Pass Police officers responded to a trespassing complaint over the weekend.

Saturday night, officers received a call stating a man was trespassing at 550 SW 6th Street, and was behind the building in the ally.

The suspect, identified by officers as Robert Smith, was located, but took a fighting stance before fleeing on foot across 7th Street where he obstructed traffic.

A citizen flagged officers down and advised them that Smith was hiding in a dumpster. Smith refused to exit the dumpster, and resisted officers with physical force while being taken into custody.

Smith was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Trespass, Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest.

Posted on 9/29/25 5:00AM by Alex Bauer

Illinois Valley Fire District Responds to Cave Junction Structure Fire

The Illinois Valley Fire District responded to a commercial fire in Cave Junction early this morning.

At 12:42 a.m. at 406 South Redwood Highway, IVFD, AMR-Josephine County, and Rural Metro Fire Department were called out to a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, the incident was escalated to a second-alarm fire, prompting the dispatch of Grants Pass Fire.

Crews extinguished the fire, which is currently under investigation.

Posted on 9/29/25 4:59AM by Alex Bauer

Grants Pass City Council to Tackle Short Workshop Agenda after Executive Session

The Grants Pass City Council will meet in Executive Session before convening for a short workshop agenda Monday morning.

After the session, the council will discuss non-bargaining compensation and classification along with the Caveman Pool, followed by an agenda review.

Monday morning's Executive Session and Council Workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street.

Posted on 9/26/25 1:17PM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Nab Thief for Stealing Bicycle Outside Safeway

Grants Pass Police officers were alerted to a theft outside Safeway Thursday night.

The caller stated his electric bike was stolen in front of the Safeway in the 1600 block of Williams Highway. The suspect was heading towards the Abby's Pizza in the same parking lot.

Officers found the bike in front of an RV and contacted the suspect, identified as Justin Stout. Stout confessed to taking the bike, so he was taken into custody.

Officers lodged Stout in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Theft.

Posted on 9/26/25 12:48PM by Alex Bauer

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