KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

OHA Urges Caution To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Winter Months

As temperatures drop and Oregon households rely more on wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources, the Oregon Health Authority reminds people to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In winter, carbon monoxide risks increase due to tighter home ventilation and increased use of heating appliances. Carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

With care, incidents can be prevented. Take steps to have wood stoves, chimneys and vents inspected and cleaned annually by certified professionals. Ensure all wood-burning devices are properly vented to the outside, and never use outdoor heating or cooking devices, such as camp stoves, charcoal grills or generators - inside homes, garages or enclosed spaces.

For additional safety tips, visit oregon.gov/oha.

Posted on 12/24/25 5:59AM by Alex Bauer

Sheriff Dave Daniel Updates Citizens on Staffing Status in Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Dave Daniel informed Josephine County citizens Tuesday on the status of staffing within the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2023, Josephine County residents passed a Law Enforcement Service District (LESD) supporting Patrol Operations, Dispatch services and Evidence services. The intent was to provide stable funding and “enhance” service levels within the Sheriff’s Office.

Immediately after its passing, the Sheriff's Office began recruiting and vetting candidates. Beginning December 28th, the Sheriff’s Office will begin conducting 24-hour, 7 days a week, patrol operations.

Currently, they have two School Resource Officers (SRO’s) assigned to the Three Rivers School District. There are seven new deputies still in training for the next several months, and upon their completion, two deputies will be promoted to Major Crimes Detectives.

The Sheriff’s Office thanks citizens for their overwhelming support, and promises to continue to “Protect with Courage and Serve with Compassion”.

Posted on 12/24/25 5:29AM by Alex Bauer

Main Street Grants Pass Seeking Full-Time Executive Director

Main Street Grants Pass is searching for its first full-time Executive Director.

According to KDRV, the community-driven nonprofit organization recently secured funding from the City of Grants Pass and a private donor to hire the position, which will focus on downtown revitalization, community events, fundraising and day-to-day engagement with local businesses and partners.

According to the job application, the role is a full-time, one-year funded position, with a strong commitment from the organization to continue the position based on performance and success in building sustainable funding.

Seth Benham, President of the Main Street Grants Pass Board of Directors and City Councilor of Grants Pass, said the executive director will play a key role in supporting the board and building relationships within the downtown area.

The application has been open for less than a week, and Benham says they’ve received between 10 and 15 applications so far. The hiring effort comes as downtown Grants Pass continues to grow. More than 60 new business licenses have been issued this year alone.

You can apply now at www.mainstreetgrantspass.org/executive-director.

Posted on 12/24/25 5:14AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Officers Arrested Possibly Intoxicated Man for Fentanyl Possession

Grants Pass Police observed a man leaning over himself and displaying signs of impairment at 935 Rogue River Highway Monday morning.

The man was seen bent over on the ground and possibly intoxicated between the 76 gas station and Lil Pantry around 11:43 a.m. The suspect was breathing but there was concern he had overdosed.

Officers contacted the man, Michael Johnson, and took him into custody. There was a small baggie with a white substance located within arm's reach which tested presumptive positive for fentanyl.

Johnson was transported and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. His Parole Officer was advised.

Posted on 12/23/25 1:59PM by Alex Bauer

Taco Bell Trespasser Arrested by GP Police

Grants Pass Police were notified of a trespasser at the 195 NE Terry Lane Taco Bell Monday morning.

At 6:33 a.m., an employee called 911 to report a man was outside the building. He was laying on the ground by the door, and had been asked by the employee to leave multiple times when she tried to open the restaurant for the day.

She requested the man be trespassed. Upon arrival of officers, the suspect, Jake Thompson was contacted and warned trespass. He continued refusing to leave and was taken into custody for Second Degree Trespass.

Thompson's Parole Officer was contacted and a detainer was issued. He was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 12/23/25 1:31PM by Alex Bauer

Anonymous Oregon Community Foundation Donation Helps House IVCanDo

The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization has a new and permanent home.

The Daily Courier reports the new building, located at 287-289 Hamilton Avenue in south Cave Junction, is the former home of Dave's Outdoor Power Equipment. IVCanDo purchased the building for $475,000 using $500,000 from an anonymous donor given through the Oregon Community Foundation.

The economic development agency is currently headquartered in two adjacent offices at 341 Cottage Park Drive. Plans for the new building include visitor amenities, staff offices and a meeting space, landscaping, and a metal roof with solar power.

Posted on 12/23/25 1:18PM by Alex Bauer

$65 Million Investment for Behavioral Health Beds, $6 Million for Southern Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek announced a $65 million statewide investment to add and maintain behavioral health treatment beds on Monday.

KDRV reports the investment, funded through House Bill 2059, includes up to 146 new residential treatment beds and the continuation of 128 existing beds. A total of 14 projects were selected for funding based on local urgent needs. All projects with new beds are expected to be completed between December 2026 and January 2028.

Two projects in Jackson County are receiving funding. Both are operated by Continuum, formerly known as OnTrack. The projects include SUD Residential Treatment Facility & Withdrawal Management, receiving over $5.5 million for 21 new beds, and SUD Residential Treatment Facility receiving $150,000 for 10 new beds.

An additional $1.2 million project in Southern Oregon will be operated by NiBBus. This Residential Treatment Home could provide between eight and 16 new beds.

Oregon Health Authority has been working with community partners to determine what services are needed most in different regions of the state, helping shape how the investment is used.

Posted on 12/23/25 11:46AM by Alex Bauer

Commissioner Smith Leaves Meeting, Sites Litigation against Him, County

Commissioner Ron Smith departed during the initial roll call of the 8th Commissioner meeting stating there was litigation filed against him and the county. Applause from present community members followed, and since there was no quorum, no business could be conducted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Chris Barnett remained present but didn't proceed with discussion or questions from the community. Legal Counsel Wally Hicks confirmed the active litigation and didn't recommend further discussion. Commissioner Smith has been absent for the last eight meetings, but according to the Daily Courier, he announced Monday he will "reengage" in the process of filling the open seat, based on new legal guidance. However, he also said he continues to object to the process.

Posted on 12/23/25 11:31AM by Alex Bauer

OSP Trooper Conducted Traffic Stop for Violations, Arrested Suspect on Warrant

The Oregon State Police stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on I-5 near milepost 71 Monday afternoon.

Before the traffic stop, the registered owner was observed next to the vehicle while parked. The trooper knew the suspect, Donald Denny, 44, of Williams, had a U.S. Marshal warrant out for his arrest.

The warrant was confirmed and, upon contact, Denny was detained and transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was transferred to a Rogue River Police Department officer for the arrest.

Denny's vehicle was released to his passenger.

Posted on 12/23/25 8:21AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Captures Suspect, Arrested on Two Warrants, New Charges

After eluding deputies, a suspect wanted on two warrants was arrested by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.

On Sunday around 8:47 a.m., Eric Rice was at the Bottle Drop on the corner of Rogue River Highway and Parkdale Drive. He then drove into Morrison Centennial Park towards Fruitdale Drive. He continued to elude deputies by running on foot through nearby apartments, but was soon detained.

Deputies brought Rice to the ground. They initially requested medical assistance for an injury to Rice's forehead, but later cancelled the request. After removing a smoking battery in Rice's car, deputies took him into custody.

He was wanted on an Oregon Parole Board warrant for Parole Violation and the Manufacture and Delivery of Meth. Rice also had a US Marshals warrant charging him with Parole Violation and Weapon Possession.

He was transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was further charged with Reckless Driving, three counts of Reckless Endangerment, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Elude, and Escape.

Posted on 12/23/25 7:34AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Office Apprehended Suspect on Warrant with Multiple Charges

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies took an adult into custody at their facilities, 1901 NE F Street, Monday afternoon.

The suspect, Xander Strow, had a warrant from the Oregon Parole Board charging him with First Degree Burglary, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Aggravated Harassment, and Meth Possession.

He was subsequently lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 12/23/25 5:20AM by Alex Bauer

OEM Encourages Safe Travels this Holiday Season

As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions. A series of weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow, and increasingly strong winds through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions across the state and may bring additional power outages. According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds, and a potential for strong inland winds may impact travel, particularly over mountain passes, on the coast and along the I-5 corridor. Be prepared for any potential flooding and hazardous water conditions. Recent heavy rainfall has also

Posted on 12/23/25 4:54AM by Alex Bauer

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