KRRM - Local News

OSP Nabbed Two Motorists for DUII after Separate Stops near Merlin and in CJ

The Oregon State Police arrested two motorists for impaired driving last night following separate traffic stops on Lower River Road and in Cave Junction. According to OSP, the first incident occurred on Wednesday at 6:46 p.m. when state troopers pulled over a Kia Optima driven by a 55-year-old man near milepost 12 of Highway 260. Troopers said they stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and the driver showed strong signs of impairment. They said the driver refused to participate in sobriety tests, so he was transported to the Grants Pass Sobering Center where he provided a breath sample that was nearly three times the legal driving limit. The suspect was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering. Possession of his car was given to one of his passengers. The second incident happened on Wednesday at 11:44 p.m. when troopers pulled over a Dodge Ram pickup driven by a 30-year-old man near the intersection of Kerby Avenue and Lister Street. Troopers said they stopped the vehicle for multiple traffic violations and the driver displayed signs of impairment. They said he refused to participate in sobriety tests, so a search warrant was obtained and he was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center for a legal blood draw. The suspect was then lodged at the Josephine County Jail for DUII and Reckless Driving. His pickup was impounded.

Posted on 10/3/24 11:19AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Trespassed Trio and Confiscated Loose Dog at Downtown Campsite

Grants Pass Police evicted three people and confiscated a dog during a patrol check at the 6th & A Street designated campground on Wednesday. During a patrol check of the designated campground, officers cited a woman for Illegal Camping, a man for Utilization of Open Space and another woman for Scattering Rubbish. All three were trespassed from the campsite for 30 days. An unaltered male pit bull dog was running loose at the campground. It was caught and transported to the Josephine County Animal Shelter. Six campsites were posted and an e-mail was sent to United Community Action Network (UCAN). Several new campers were contacted and added to the call.

Posted on 10/3/24 11:18AM by Sam Marsh

Applications Being Accepted for Vacant Seat on GP Tourism Advisory Committee

Applications are being accepted for a position on the Grants Pass Tourism Advisory Committee due to a vacancy. This position expires on March 31, 2025. The goal of the Tourism Advisory Committee is to encourage visitors and residents to engage in community activities while enhancing the positive image of the city through marketing, promotions and destination management. The purpose of the committee is to review and advise the work of the city's Tourism Contractor. This includes reporting findings and recommendations to the Grants Pass City Council as needed. Special qualifications for this position includes members representing river guides, area attractions, realtors, restaurants, the media, marketing and citizens-at-large. 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 by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1st. Applications will be reviewed by the committee on Tuesday, November 5th, and the appointment will be made by the City Council on Wednesday, November 20th.

Posted on 10/3/24 10:09AM by Sam Marsh

JMET Arrested Suspect during Raid on Illegal Cannabis Grow near Cave Junction

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) arrested a suspect while raiding an illegal cannabis growing operation in the Cave Junction area this week. On Tuesday, JMET -- with assistance from Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety -- served a search warrant in the 1,000-block of Holton Creek Road. During execution of the warrant, approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana and over 70 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. In addition, six bags of psilocybin mushrooms, a large amount of marijuana concentrate, a large amount of mushroom extract, a container of THC gummies and a large amount of cash were also seized as evidence. Josephine County Public Health & Building Safety located multiple electrical, water and solid waste code violations on the property. JMET detectives said 42-year-old Ahron Lee Wilson was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Appropriation of Water. He was being held without bail. Detectives said the investigation is ongoing and no further details on the case are being released at this time.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:30AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Incarcerated Woman for Attacking Husband in Front of Young Child

Grants Pass Police jailed a woman for attacking her husband in front on their child at a home in the Redwood area this week. The Police Department reports officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Raydean Drive on Tuesday night. Police said a man called 9-1-1 to report his wife was attacking him, following him and would not leave him alone. The intoxicated caller said they both threw each other to the ground, adding that he was bleeding but did not want an ambulance. According to the report, the couple's 5-year-old child witnessed the altercation. Upon arrival, officers observed the male caller trying to get away from his wife as she was pursuing him and yelling. The woman admitted that her husband was trying to defend himself after she kept coming at him. She was placed into custody. The 34-year-old female suspect was found to be the primary aggressor. She was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 4th-Degree Domestic Assault and was being held without bail.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:29AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Pair for Drug Possession after Contact in Walmart Parking Lot

Grants Pass Police arrested two people for drug possession this week following an encounter in the Walmart parking lot. The Police Department reports officers contacted a 31-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman while they were performing a patrol check at the store on NE Terry Lane on Monday night. Police said David Anthony Wong was located on the northeast corner of the property, rummaging through a backpack and taking out items. They said he was surrounded with tin foil with burnt residue and he admitted the residue was from smoking fentanyl. According to the report, Mary Lynn Tognoni arrived on scene and she admitted ownership of the drug paraphernalia items as well. A consent search of both suspects yielded additional drug-related items that were seized for destruction. Wong and Tognoni were both placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Fentanyl Possession. Wong was being held without bail while Tognoni was eventually released.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:19AM by Sam Marsh

IVFD & ODF Crews Battled Grass Fire Behind USFS Building in Cave Junction

The Illinois Valley Fire District and Oregon Department of Forestry battled a grass fire in Cave Junction last night. On Wednesday at 8:37 p.m., IVFD and ODF crews were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in a field behind the US Forest Service building at 336 South Kerby Avenue. Arriving units found the fire to be moving at a moderate spread in the thick brush, so commanders requested another IVFD engine as well as an engine from Rural Metro Fire Department for structure protection at a nearby trailer park. The US Forest Service also assisted suppression efforts with a manned ATV that was equipped with a water pump. The fire was quickly extinguished and mopped up at approximately one acre. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:18AM by Sam Marsh

Alert Citizen Helped Crews Get Jump on Small Fire near New Hope Christian

An alert citizen helped firefighters get the jump on a small fire near New Hope Christian School early yesterday. Rural Metro Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Forestry were dispatched to the fire in the woods behind a home on Hidden Valley Road on Wednesday at 4:27 a.m.. With aid from nearby residents, Rural Metro and ODF crews quickly contained and extinguished the blaze, holding it to just 1/100th of an acre. Officials said the time of day and a quick response were key in keeping the fire small. ODF was investigating the cause of the fire after collecting evidence at the scene and obtaining statements from residents.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:16AM by Sam Marsh

Public Works Announces West Side Road Closure in CJ to Last about 9 Days

Josephine County Public Works has announced that a section of West Side Road in Cave Junction will be closed for approximately nine days for construction. Starting today, West Side Road approximately 1.35 miles south of Finch Road is closed for a large cross culvert installation. Dietrich Construction will be installing the culvert and the closure is expected to last about nine days. It will affect all traffic including emergency vehicles. The travelling public is advised to find alternate routes around the work zone. Public Works officials understand this is a significant inconvenience for residents and the travelling public, and they appreciate your patience and understanding during the project. For more information, contact Josephine County Public Works at (541)-474-5460.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:15AM by Sam Marsh

GP City Council Approves Reimbursement Districts, New Committee & New Campground

The Grants Pass City Council last night took action on four items related to extending infrastructure to new developments, a new advisory committee and a new designated campground for the unhoused population. Following public hearings, the City Council approved two ordinances that create reimbursement districts for the Buckmaster Subdivision Water Main Extension and the E Street Sewer Extension. The Council also passed a resolution creating a Public Safety Advisory Committee whose focus will be to study the needs and resources available in the community to help educate themselves and the public as they propose a long-term stable plan to fund public safety in Grants Pass. The committee will be composed of one member of the Chamber of Commerce, one Budget Committee member, one downtown business owner, one business owner inside the city limits, one city resident who is not a business owner, two citizens at-large, a police/fire liaison and one City Council liaison. After lengthy discussion from the Council and public comments on the merits of closing the 6th & A Street campground and adding a new location next to the Grants Pass Police Department on NE 7th Street, the resolution passed.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:13AM by Sam Marsh

Commissioners Okayed Future Property Sale and Updates to Josephine County Code

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners took action on a future property sale plus ordinances pertaining to the County Code following four public hearings on Wednesday. The Board voted 2-0 to approve the sale on nine county-owned properties, most of which were acquired through foreclosure for unpaid property taxes. Board Chair John West was absent so Vice-Chair Herman Baertschiger officiated the meeting. County Property Manager Helene Lulich testified two of the properties have been logged by the Forestry Department. They are 160-acre parcels on Caves Camp and Munger Creek roads. She said a Sheriff's Sale will liquidate all the properties, with sealed bids due on November 13th and the auction scheduled for November 14th. The Commissioners continued working on modifying the Josephine County Code by approving an order updating a 30-year-old chapter related to ballot measures to put it in line with Oregon Revised Statutes. They also repealed two ordinances regarding genetically engineered plants and loitering at the county jail. Assistant County Legal Counsel Leah Harper said both ordinances were outdated.

Posted on 10/3/24 6:11AM by Sam Marsh

2024 "Art Along the Rogue Festival" Kicks Off Friday in Downtown Grants Pass

The 2024 Art Along the Rogue Festival starts tomorrow in downtown Grants Pass. Oregon's premier street chalk and music festival begins Friday at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday at 6 p.m. at 5th & H streets. This creative event features local and regional street painters as well as a variety of great music from regional bands. The theme for 2024 is "Unsolved Mysteries." The goal behind the theme is to reminisce and embrace the unsolved mysteries of our world. Inspired by the 1990s television show "Unsolved Mysteries," this theme will allow artists to be creative while exploring our world history and culture. Art Along the Rogue is a yearly event that occurs on the first weekend of October. Its start this year coincides with the First Friday Art Walk in the downtown area. The hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Art Along the Rogue is sponsor-supported and free to the public. Dozens of local and regional businesses sponsor the event. Grants Pass loves the arts – and it really shows. For more information, please visit "artalongtherogue.com."

Posted on 10/3/24 6:09AM by Sam Marsh