KLDR - Local News

GP Police Lodge The Haul Trespasser in Josephine County Jail

Grants Pass Police responded to a trespassing complaint at The Haul Monday afternoon, leading to the suspect's arrest.

Officers were notified the suspect, later identified as Thomas Ehens, was in the alley just south of the 121 SW H Street restaurant at noon. He had been warned for trespassing 15 minutes prior, and was contacted sitting against the building.

He was taken into custody by law enforcement and transported to the Josephine County Jail. He was lodged on a charge of Second Degree Trespass.

Posted on 7/14/26 11:19AM by Alex Bauer

Salvation Army's Hope Lofts Dedication and Grand Opening Ceremony Friday

The Salvation Army will celebrate the Dedication and Grand Opening of Hope Lofts, seven new studio apartments, this Friday.

According to a release, the celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Hope House Transitional Living Program, 1065 Crews Road, in Medford. During the event, the Salvation Army will present the first set of keys to a Hope House participant preparing to move into one of the seven new, fully furnished studio apartments.

The Salvation Army officially broke ground on Hope Lofts July 15th, 2025. Donors, foundations, businesses, government representatives, and community partners gathered at the Hope House campus to launch the nearly $1.46 million expansion. Just over a year later, the property is ready to welcome its first families and participants.

The expansion responds to a critical shortage of transitional housing in Jackson County, where homelessness has increased by 132 percent over the past five years. Hope House has frequently maintained a waiting list for its studio apartments, which provide an important next step for people who need a smaller, independent living space while continuing to receive supportive services.

The July 17th celebration will include the formal dedication, ribbon cutting, presentation of the first keys, donor wall unveiling, guided tours, and refreshments. Community members, donors and partners are invited to attend and help celebrate this historic milestone.

Posted on 7/14/26 10:27AM by Alex Bauer

Oregon Broadband Office Awards Grant for Public Use Computers at Libraries

Josephine County residents who use the internet-enabled computers at the Grants Pass and Illinois Valley branch libraries can now enjoy new and modern computers.

According to a release, the update comes courtesy of a $74,796 grant from the Oregon Broadband Office awarded to Josephine Community Library District in May.

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program grant, through the Oregon Broadband Office, has funded the replacement of 15 public access computers at Grants Pass library, six each at the Illinois Valley and Wolf Creek libraries, and two at the Williams library, for a total of 29 computers. The replacement computers at the Wolf Creek and Williams libraries will be available for public use by the end of this month.

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program grant has also funded eight laptop computers, which are now available for checkout at all four library branches. In addition to access to technology devices, the library provides a variety of computer training and support.

The computers being replaced were funded in 2018 by the Oregon Community Foundation, Four Way Community Foundation, and Josephine Community Library Foundation.

Posted on 7/14/26 10:14AM by Alex Bauer

East Evans Creek Firefighters Face Challenging Conditions, Acreage around 5,370

Crews are braced for another demanding day on the East Evans Creek Fire, as hot and dry conditions combine with the potential for gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update says extreme fire behavior and spotting created challenging evening conditions across the north, northwest, and northeast areas of the blaze, now estimated at around 5,370 acres. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office reported that, due to successful firefighting efforts today, the Evacuation Level 3 for Zone JAC-148A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Level 2: Be Set. Zone 148 is no longer split into A and B sections. The entirety of Zone JAC-148 is at a Level 2. Hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, overhead personnel, and aviation resources ordered by ODF and the Oregon State Fire Marshal reflect the incident's complexity. Smoke from the fire may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, reducing visibility and impacting air quality in nearby communities. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, and JAC-147, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-124 remain in effect.

Posted on 7/14/26 9:58AM by Alex Bauer

Jackson County Public Health Encouraging Preparedness for Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality

Jackson County Public Health is encouraging community members to prepare for potential air quality impacts from the East Evans Creek Road Fire. According to Jackson County Health and Human Services, smoke levels can rise or fall quickly depending on changing weather conditions. It is important for people to stay alert and monitor air quality throughout wildfire season. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose, and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Those known to be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposures include children less than 18 years, Adults 65 or older, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with chronic health conditions. During a wildfire smoke event, Jackson County Public Health officials advise people to take precautions like staying aware of smoke concentrations and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Drink plenty of water, and keep

Posted on 7/14/26 5:30AM by Alex Bauer

Jackson County Fire District 3 Crews Dispatched to Two Pile Fires

Jackson County Fire District 3 reported to pile fires that occurred around the same time period Monday afternoon.

Crews were on scene at Biomass in White City, 2350 Avenue G around 2:31 p.m. where a pile fire was reported The Avenue between Agate Road and Highway 62 had closed during the incident. By 2:49 p.m., the fire was upgraded to a third alarm, with traffic being routed to Antelope Road and Linn Road.

Firefighters remained actively engaged with suppression efforts by 3:45 p.m. Engines, an aerial ladder truck, multiple heavy brush and brush units were utilized, and the fire was contained to vegetation piles. A wind shift drove smoke to the south, creating visibility challenges.

Extensive overhaul operations remained as firefighters worked to fully extinguish hotspots on the pile fire. Avenue G reopened by 6:05 p.m., with units clearing the scene by 7:25 p.m. Biomass continued mop-up operations.

During the Biomass fire fight, crews from Fire District 3, Medford Fire Department, and Jacksonville Fire Department were on the scene of a smoldering bark fire on Blackwell Road around 5:10 p.m.

The incident occurred at Pacific Fibre Products and Hilton Landscape Supply. The pile was contained and units cleared the scene. Suppression was conducted by the owner of the property and work was done to reduce the pile size while removing interior heat.

Posted on 7/14/26 5:29AM by Alex Bauer

Fire Activity Increased on East Evans Creek Fire, Potential Thunderstorms Forecasted

Fire activity increased on the East Evans Creek Fire as crews prepare for potential thunderstorms. According to the latest Oregon Department of Forestry update, firefighters adjusted suppression tactics and ordered additional resources. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office increased Zone JAC-124 to a Level 3 evacuation zone. The Watch Duty app shows the fire to be about 5,369.2 acres. ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 ordered firefighting resources to arrive today for another potentially active day on the line. Crews will continue constructing, improving, and holding containment lines. Structural task forces have been strategically assigned where structures faced the greatest potential threat. An incident occurred on the fire involving a wildland vehicle, no personnel were injured, and an investigation is being conducted. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect.

Posted on 7/14/26 5:12AM by Alex Bauer

JCSO Upgrades Zone JAC-124 to Level 3: Go Now for East Evans Creek Fire

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has upgraded Zone JAC-124 from Level 2 to Evacuation Level 3: Go Now as the fight against the East Evans Creek Fire continues. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, firefighters are experiencing increased fire behavior on the north end of the blaze due to hot weather, gusty winds, and steep terrain. The fire's acreage is reported to be an estimated 3,628.2 per the Watch Duty app. Crews are utilizing Type 1, 2, and 3 helicopters, as well as air tankers and, according to Watch Duty, a Very Large Air Tanker. Resources are being used to help slow the fire's progression via control line with water bucket drops and retardant.

Posted on 7/13/26 6:49PM by Alex Bauer

Council Moves for Lodging Tax Allocation, Tourism Grant Program to Remain the Same

The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of the current Lodging Tax Allocation, thanks to a tie breaking vote from Mayor Clint Scherf. During the 11:45 a.m. workshop, council heard a presentation on the tax allocation, with funding utilized for Fire and Police Division operations, as well as Economic and Downtown Development. House Bill 4148, which allows net local transient lodging tax revenue to be used for resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry, will go into effect January 1st, 2027. This move follows amendments to an Oregon Revised Statute, and could lead to the potential change in the allocation of about $43,900. Next was a Tourism Grant Program review. $35,000 have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2026, and the Tourism Advisory Committee recommended updates to the program like changes to scoring and application, plus the expansion of location criteria. Council moved 5-3 to not accept the recommendations, keeping the program in place, and to bring on a council liaison to the committee. Council continued their Owl Plaza discussion regarding plaza use policies and

Posted on 7/13/26 3:05PM by Alex Bauer

Man Screaming and Carrying a Stick at Safeway Apprehended by GP Police

A man trespassing at a local Safeway was arrested by Grants Pass Police officers after he was located in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dispatch was alerted to the suspect's presence at the 115 SE 7th Street grocer by an employee at 10:28 a.m. It was reported the suspect, later identified as Michael Carrero, had been trespassed from the business twice the week prior.

The employee said Carrero was screaming while carrying a big stick. At one point he had been screaming at a family, and had hit the building and a tree with the stick. He was seen heading west on G Street, and officers were able to quickly locate him.

Carrero had attempted to shoplift the grocer earlier, but the items were retrieved. Officers contacted his parole officer, and a detainer was requested. Carrero was then promptly taken into custody.

A search of his person revealed a clear, unused pipe and an unused syringe in his possession. Officers transported Carrero to the Adult Jail Facility where he was lodged for his detainer, and Second Degree Criminal Trespass. The drug paraphernalia was later discarded.

Posted on 7/13/26 11:34AM by Alex Bauer

Two Walmart Suspects Arrested by GP Police, Lodged then Released

Officers with the Grants Pass Police lodged two women caught in a robbery attempt at Walmart Sunday.

Loss prevention at the 135 NE Terry Lane store stopped both suspects, Gennette Hudgins and Fawn Cromwell, after they had passed all points of sale without paying around 1:55 p.m.

The two were cooperative while being detained, and loss prevention wished to pursue theft charges against them. The merchandise, valued at just under $100 and consisting of shoes and Kinder eggs, was retained.

Law enforcement reported to the scene and took Hudgins and Cromwell into custody. Both were trespassed from the business, and transported to the Josephine County Jail. Hudgins was lodged for Second Degree Criminal Trespass, while Cromwell was lodged on a Third Degree Theft charge.

Both were soon released due to a lack of jail resources.

Posted on 7/13/26 11:18AM by Alex Bauer

Progress Continues on East Evans Creek Fire, Acreage Estimated at 3,629

Firefighters worked all night continuing to build on progress across the East Evans Creek Fire. The blaze, estimated at 3,628 acres as of the latest Oregon Department of Forestry update, continued to burn fuels within an area with difficult access on the northwestern edge in the Spignet Butte area. Resources held lines and connected those sections with new line on the northwestern edge, as well as the southern side, where the majority of homes are located. Today, Oregon State Fire Marshal structural resources will continue to mop up 100 feet adjacent to homes within the fire. Wildland crews are continuing work along the south and eastern parts of the perimeter. Weather conditions will potentially pose a challenge to firefighters today, with instability in the forecast slightly increasing the chance for thunderstorms. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect.

Posted on 7/13/26 10:58AM by Alex Bauer