KLDR - Local News

Burglar Alarm at Downtown GP Pawn Shop Led to Arrest of Frequent Offender

A burglar alarm at a downtown Grants Pass pawn shop led to the arrest of a well-known criminal offender early yesterday. Grants Pass Police responded to an audible alarm at the Cash Connection store on SW 6th Street just before midnight on Wednesday. Police said multiple units established a perimeter around the pawn shop gated area where the alarm company stated they observed a female subject within the outdoor fenced yard. Multiple subjects were detained on the sidewalk near the business. A review of video surveillance showed only one of the subjects had entered the fenced area -- a 34-year-old female subject who is well-known to law enforcement from previous arrests. The suspect told police she was looking for cigarettes. She was placed into custody and lodged in jail without bail for 2nd-Degree Criminal Trespass. The other subjects were warned for trespassing.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:56AM by Sam Marsh

Several Lightning Caused Wildfires Remained Active on Rogue-Siskiyou Forest

Several lightning-caused fires remained active on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on Thursday. The Donomore Fire in the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District is burning along the Oregon-California border four miles south of Dutchman Peak. It was mapped at about 35 acres including numerous spot fires identified during the initial attack. There was minimal growth on the wildfire as crews established containment lines while extinguishing heat near the lines. Resources included four crews, multiple engines, the Galice Wildland Fire Module, one bulldozer, two water tenders and various aircraft. An unmanned aerial system drone will be used today to identify heat signatures or spot fires in the area. The Springs Fire in the High Cascades Ranger District was mapped at less than one-quarter of an acre when smokejumpers and an engine responded yesterday. The Spruce Fire is fully-contained at 1/100th of an acre. The Bear Fire in the Wild Rivers Ranger District was contained at one-quarter of an acre. The Comm Fire was also contained at one-quarter of an acre. A new start near Silver Creek was reported yesterday, with a helicopter and rappellers ordered. On the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts, the Snow Fire was burning in very rugged and remote terrain that is inaccessible by ground. Rappellers were inserted by helicopter. The Buck Fire is estimated at one acre, with containment and mop-up efforts underway.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:55AM by Sam Marsh

IVFD and ODF Crews Extinguished Two Small Vehicle Fires in Cave Junction

The Illinois Valley Fire District and Oregon Department of Forestry extinguished two small vehicle fires in the Cave Junction area on the same night this week. On Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., IVFD and ODF responded to a single-vehicle fire on Golf Club Drive at Redwood Highway near the Illinois Valley Golf Course. IVFD officials said the occupant was able to get himself and his dog out of the vehicle before the flames started. They said the blaze was put out and the cause was under investigation. On Wednesday at 7:09 p.m., IVFD and ODF responded to a second small vehicle fire in the 500-block of Martin Road. Officials said the fully-engulfed vehicle spread flames to nearby brush and ODF crews were able to stop further spread of the fire into the surrounding wildland while IVFD crews doused the burning vehicle. According to IVFD, they were able to utilize more personnel on these two fires due to a recent Oregon State Fire Marshal Wildland Staffing Grant.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:47AM by Sam Marsh

Applications Being Accepted for Historical Buildings & Sites Commission Seat

Applications are being accepted for an open position on the Grants Pass Historical Buildings & Sites Commission (HBSC). The position expires in December 2026. The HBSC's purpose is to review proposed alterations to any historic district or designated structure in the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary, to promote the community's historic preservation, to advise other interested agencies on matters related to historic preservation, and to identify areas of archaeological significance and buildings of historic or archaeological significance. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and a City of Grants Pass resident. This position is for a representative who owns a business in the city's Central Business District. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, August 23rd.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:46AM by Sam Marsh

Fed Lawmakers Urge Biden Administration to Invest in Housing after SCOTUS GP Ruling

Following the US Supreme Court's recent decision to criminalize public camping in Grants Pass vs. Johnson, US Senator Ron Wyden and US Representative Suzanne Bonamici -- both of Oregon -- said they are leading colleagues in urging the Biden administration to advance evidence-based solutions to help people experiencing homelessness. The lawmakers wrote President Biden: "Punishing unhoused individuals for sleeping outside when there are no adequate shelter or housing options does not solve homelessness or address its causes. It is cruel and cynical to impose penalties on people who may be facing real, human challenges like unaffordable rent, financial emergencies, or health and mental health challenges." According to Wyden, homelessness increased by 23% in 2023 nationwide -- and it increased even more in Oregon -- due to the lack of affordable housing, the lack of health care resources, and an end to effective pandemic relief measures like rent assistance, among other challenges. Wyden said punishing people for existing while unhoused -- while no shelter or housing options exist -- is demonstrated to worsen homelessness and can cost more than providing housing. He held a press conference at AllCare Health in Grants Pass on Thursday.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:41AM by Sam Marsh

Rogue Community College Board Proposes $60.3 Million Bond for November 2024 Ballot

The Rogue Community College Board of Education has voted to put a $60.3 million bond measure on the November ballot in Josephine and Jackson counties. RCC officials said the bond measure aims to fund various projects across the three campuses in both counties while enhancing resources and programs to better serve the community. The proposed bond measure would support the expansion and improvement of manufacturing, welding and nursing programs. It would introduce an automotive program at the Table Rock Campus in White City, and bring EMT and diesel technology programs to the Redwood Campus in Grants Pass. In addition, funds would be allocated to improve the Student Success Center and classrooms at Medford's Riverside Campus plus enhance safety, accessibility and infrastructure lifespan at all campuses. To pass, the RCC bond measure requires a 50% plus-one majority from the combined district spanning both counties. In addition to the $60.3 million from the bond, RCC will receive $15 million in matching funds from the state, provided the bond is approved by local voters.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:39AM by Sam Marsh

GP/JoCo Chamber of Commerce Adds July 30th Concerts in the Park Date with New Band

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce has added another Concerts in the Park date with a new performer. Due to the cancellation of the July 9th concert due to an Excessive Heat Warning, the Chamber has added an extra concert set for July 30th. With the rescheduled date, the Chamber learned that Danielle Kelly Soul Project will not be able to perform this season. They look forward to including this band in the future. For the final concert of the season, the Chamber announced they will be featuring another Pacific Northwest favorite -- Gunstock RED. Their mixture of Southern rock, country and blues music is guaranteed to close out the series with a terrific show. Bring the family for outstanding music, delicious food, dancing and fun for all ages. This free family event features local food trucks, kid activities, vendor booths as well as Wild River Brewing's Tap Trailer. Concerts in the Park is held at Midway Park at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Posted on 7/19/24 6:30AM by Sam Marsh

ODF Reports Most of Josephine County Lightning Fires Extinguished Overnight

Firefighters worked overnight on numerous small lightning-sparked fires along the lower Rogue River in Josephine County, making good progress on most incidents and completely extinguishing others. Following thunderstorms this week, the Oregon Department of Forestry said 10 fires were reported on the steep terrain northwest of Rand and Galice. Resources from ODF, the Medford District BLM and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest immediately responded. As a result, all fires have been caught or being held at one acre or less and only three remain active with crews engaged. Resources today include numerous hand crews, engines and helicopters of various sizes. As of this morning, the active fires included the Horseshoe Bend Fire north of Horseshoe Bend Campground, the Big Windy Fire near Windy Creek and the Trout Creek Fire north of Trout Creek. All were a half-acre or less in size. Fully-extinguished incidents included the Crooks Creek Fire, Hewett Creek Fire, Howard Creek Fire, East Fork Big Windy Fire, Montgomery Creek Fire, Missouri Creek Fire and Long Gulch Fire. ODF Public Information Officer Natalie Weber said this will be the final update for these fires unless conditions significantly change. She said chances for thunder and lightning are once again predicted for the coming weekend. Please be aware of and follow all current restrictions to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

Posted on 7/18/24 11:25AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Man for Six Crimes after Domestic Violence Call near City Park

Grants Pass Police incarcerated a man for a total of six crimes yesterday following a domestic violence incident at a residence near Riverside Park. The Police Department reports officers arrested the 37-year-old male subject for the incident at a home in the 1300-block of SE Vista Drive on Wednesday shortly after 11 a.m.. Police said the subject contacted a woman at her residence despite a court order protecting her from him. They said he walked into her home as she was leaving. After a verbal altercation, he grabbed a black Glock BB gun out of his vehicle, pointed it in her direction, and threatened to kill her and himself with the weapon. According to the report, the man then left the scene in a vehicle and was located a short time later parked across the street at the city park. He was placed into custody and the BB gun was seized as evidence. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Domestic Menacing, Stalking Order Violation, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 7/18/24 11:23AM by Sam Marsh

Josephine County Corrections Client Surrendered on OR Warrant at GP Office

A Josephine County corrections client was jailed on a statewide felony warrant yesterday after he surrendered to police at the Grants Pass office. Grants Pass Police arrested the 47-year-old male subject at the Corrections Office on NW 4th Street on Wednesday at 3:53 p.m.. Police said the man went to the local corrections office to turn himself in on an active Oregon State Parole Board warrant for Parole Violation stemming from a conviction for Felony 2nd-Degree Assault. The man's corrections officer detained him until officers arrived on scene and placed him into custody. After the warrant was confirmed, the suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on a no-bail detainer.

Posted on 7/18/24 11:21AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Man on Warrant during Patrol Check near Caveman Bridge

Grants Pass Police jailed a man wanted on a local felony warrant yesterday during an early morning patrol check near Caveman Bridge. According to the Police Department, officers were patrolling Redwood Highway near West Park Street when they spotted the 30-year-old male subject standing on the corner at 1:44 a.m. Wednesday. Officers contacted the subject and discovered that he was wanted on a Grants Pass felony warrant for failing to appear in court for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was also found to be in possession of a glass pipe with a white crystal residue that he admitted was methamphetamine. It was seized for destruction. The suspect was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the warrant and was being held on $30,000 bail. He was also cited for the narcotics violation.

Posted on 7/18/24 11:18AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Aggressive Man for Punching Vehicle in Downtown Area

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for punching a vehicle while demonstrating aggressive behavior in the downtown area yesterday. According to the Police Department, officers responded to the incident at the corner of SE 6th and I streets on Wednesday around 3 p.m.. Police said a 39-year-old male subject caused public alarm, annoyance and inconvenience when he engaged in tumultuous and violent behavior. They said he walked into traffic and punched a vehicle, intentionally ran into a person with his shoulder and then challenged a Dutch Bros employee to fight with him. Officers arrived on scene and placed the man into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Disorderly Conduct and was being held without bail.

Posted on 7/18/24 11:16AM by Sam Marsh