KLDR - Local News

GP Police Jailed Man for Breaking Windows at Options Complex on Fruitdale Dr.

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for breaking windows at the Options for Southern Oregon facility in the south part of the city. The Police Department reports officers arrested 26-year-old Nick Dustin Farmer on Saturday for the Friday morning incident in the 200-block of Fruitdale Drive. Police said Farmer was captured on video surveillance intentionally smashing three windows at the Options complex. They said the video showed him picking up rocks from surrounding landscaping and using them to break the windows. Total damage estimate from the glass repair company was more than $1,000. Farmer was located on Saturday afternoon behind Donut Land in the same general area of the crime. He was placed into custody after he admitted to breaking the windows. He did not provide a reason for doing so. Farmer was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief and he was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/9/25 6:33AM by Sam Marsh

Rogue Valley Strike Team Dispatched to Assist with Vegetation Fire in Phoenix

Rogue Valley Strike Team 1 was dispatched to assist with a fast-moving weekend vegetation fire near downtown Phoenix. The Medford Fire Department reports crews first responded to the vegetation fire in the area of Houston and Rose streets in Phoenix on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.. The fire was burning in tall grass with moderate spread and the potential to impact as many as 100 structures. By 6:15 p.m., crews had stopped forward progress of the fire and air support was canceled. More than 20 apparatuses remained in the area to reinforce containment and to monitor for flare-ups. The blaze was declared fully contained by 7:35 p.m.. In a final update on Sunday morning, authorities reported the fire was contained at 35.3 acres and Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuations in three zones had been lifted. The Oregon Department of Forestry had completed a bulldozer line around the fire perimeter to further secure the area. One crew remained on scene to ensure no flare-ups. Rogue Valley Strike Team 1 is made up of resources from Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, Rural Metro Fire Department, Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District #1 and the Applegate Valley Fire District. Officials remind residents that fire danger in southwest Oregon has increased to "moderate." Please use extra caution with any outdoor activities.

Posted on 6/9/25 6:32AM by Sam Marsh

RR-Siskiyou Forest Increases Restrictions to Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has increased restrictions to Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1 on all five of its ranger districts. The fire danger rating across the local forest is currently "low," although the Oregon Department of Forestry has increased the local fire danger level on lands it protects in Josephine and Jackson counties to "moderate." Under IFPL 1, fire precaution requirements go into effect for commercial and industrial operations on the forest. A fire watch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived. Restricted operations include timber harvests and commercial firewood cutting. Fire management officials are urging caution for all those participating in outdoor activities this season. The right conditions can mean that just one small spark from an unattended campfire, operating equipment or the catalytic converter from a vehicle is all that is needed for igniting fine fuels like grasses and dry plants. If you're planning to recreate or utilize equipment on public lands this summer, please keep current regarding fire safety notifications and regulations in southwest Oregon. Remember to avoid parking over dead grass and vegetation, do not allow tow chains to drag on pavement, make sure campfires in designated campgrounds are dead out prior to departure and fireworks are prohibited on public lands.

Posted on 6/9/25 6:21AM by Sam Marsh

National Weather Service Posts Heat Advisory for SW Oregon and NW California

The National Weather Service has posted a Heat Advisory for southwest Oregon and northwest California -- including Josephine and Jackson counties -- that runs until 8 o'clock this evening. High temperatures of 95 to 102 degrees are expected throughout the region. Slight relief will occur on Tuesday, with high temperatures predicted to be below 100. Public health officials encourage people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency -- call 9-1-1. Area rivers remain cold and dangerous due to ongoing mountain snowmelt. Be careful if seeking relief from hot temperatures in area waterways.

Posted on 6/9/25 6:19AM by Sam Marsh

City of GP Accepting Applications for 2 Seats on Compensation & Classification Panel

The City of Grants Pass is accepting applications for two positions on the new Non-Bargaining Compensation and Classification Task Force. Appointments are for the duration of the task force. The purpose of the task force is to review and evaluate non-union compensation and classification restructuring for certain City of Grants Pass employees. The Task Force shall review the proposed salary study and recommended structure in detail, identify potential modifications or alternatives, and develop and present formal recommendations to the City Council for consideration. Special qualifications for these at-large positions is experience in large payrolls. 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. this Friday, June 13th. The appointments will be made by the Grants Pass City Council at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, June 18th.

Posted on 6/9/25 6:18AM by Sam Marsh

Chamber of Commerce Opens Concerts in the Park Season with Classic Rock Band

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce will host the first Concert in the Park of the 2025 season on Tuesday evening. Concerts in the Park has returned to Riverside Park in a temporary location on the Pavilion Lawn until the new Bandshell is completed. It runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Tuesday's featured entertainer is "A Band of Brothers," which specializes in classic rock favorites. Chamber of Commerce officials have requested concert-goers adhere to a "Code of Conduct." They are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic-style dinners, but they are encouraged to leave pets at home. If pets are brought to the concert, they must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Seating and parking are on a first-come, first-served basis. A drop-off lane is available near the lower Gazebo. For more information, please visit "grantspasschamber.org."

Posted on 6/9/25 6:16AM by Sam Marsh

National Weather Service Posts Heat Advisory for SW Oregon & NW California

The National Weather Service has posted a Heat Advisory for southwest Oregon and northwest California -- including Josephine and Jackson counties -- that runs until 8 p.m. Monday. High temperatures of 95 to 103 degrees are expected throughout the region. Slight relief will occur on Tuesday, with high temperatures predicted to be below 100. Public health officials encourage people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency -- call 9-1-1. Area rivers remain cold and dangerous due to ongoing mountain snowmelt. Be careful if seeking relief from hot temperatures in area waterways.

Posted on 6/8/25 11:52AM by Sam Marsh

Medford BLM District Shutting Down Galice Access Road Due to Active Slide

The Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management is closing a section of Galice Access Road as the result of an ongoing landslide. BLM officials suggest that travelers use US Highway 199 or Peavine/Serpentine Springs Road as alternate routes. Officials said the landslide initially developed after heavy winter rains and BLM crews have already cleared the road several times. While they continue to work to keep access open, public safety and crew availability may lead to a road closure without further notice. Justin Kelly, BLM Grants Pass Field Manager, said the slide continues to be very active. He said large boulders -- some the size of trucks -- continuing coming down the hill onto the road. Kelly said they're closing the road for everyone's safety and crews are continuing to monitor the slide area. For updates on the status of Galice Road, call the Grants Pass Field Office at (541)-471-6500.

Posted on 6/6/25 1:52PM by Sam Marsh

Deputies Jailed Motorcyclist Who Tried to Outrun Them in Redwood Area of GP

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office jailed a motorcyclist who tried to outrun deputies in the Redwood area of Grants Pass early yesterday. The Sheriff's Office reports deputies eventually arrested 34-year-old Timothy Cruz Garcia in the 1800-block of Hubbard Lane on Thursday around 3 a.m.. Deputies said they tried to stop Garcia for a traffic violation while he was riding a Yamaha motorcycle on Redwood Avenue near Willow Lane, but he sped away at over 100 miles per hour before turning onto Hubbard. Following the traffic stop, Garcia was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police and Reckless Driving. His motorcycle was towed to an impound yard. During booking at the jail, Garcia was found to be in possession of fentanyl so that charge was added to his criminal bill and he was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/6/25 11:22AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Man for Assaulting Older Woman at West Harbeck Residence

Grants Pass Police jailed a man for assaulting an older woman at a south-city residence late last night. The Police Department reports officers arrested 23-year-old Joseph Randall Bakewell for the incident at a home in the 400-block of West Harbeck Road on Thursday at 10:33 p.m.. Police said Bakewell threw a plastic water bottle at the 60-year-old female victim before grabbing a hard plastic water bottle and striking her several times, causing swelling, light bruising, pain and numbness to the woman's body. It was unclear in the report if the suspect and victim are related. According to the report, the victim's daughter called 9-1-1 after her mother texted her pictures of injuries from the attack. She said Bakewell recently stopped taking his medication and has been acting erratically. Bakewell was found hiding in a kitchen closet, he refused to exit and had to be pulled to the floor where he was secured in handcuffs and placed into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 4th-Degree Assault and was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/6/25 11:20AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Man for Roughing Up Girlfriend at Morrison Centennial Park

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for roughing up his girlfriend at a city park last night. According to the Police Department, officers responded to a reported disturbance at Morrison Centennial Park on Rogue River Highway on Thursday at 7:26 p.m.. Police said they contacted a woman who reported her boyfriend -- 43-year-old James Allen Bendickson -- had grabbed her during a heated argument between the two. She advised she was in pain from the incident that was witnessed by several people in the park. One witness told police the man shoved the victim into a fence. Bendickson initially denied any physical contact with his girlfriend, but he later admitted to putting his hands on her. Bendickson was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Physical Harassment. He was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/6/25 11:19AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Arrested Man for Vandalizing Occupied Vehicle in SE Part of City

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for vandalizing an occupied vehicle near Baker Park yesterday. The Police Department reports officers responded to the incident involving 31-year-old Shane Codyglen Weidman at the intersection of Parkdale Drive and the Grants Pass Parkway on Thursday around 1:20 p.m.. Police said multiple witnesses saw Weidman intentionally push a shopping cart into a vehicle and then punch a side mirror. The female driver told officers the suspect also cussed at her and spit on the vehicle. She said the man had a bag of bottles and was heading toward the recycling center on Rogue River Highway. According to the report, damaged to the vehicle was greater than $100. Weidman was located at the Bottle Drop Center and placed into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for 2nd-Degree Criminal Mischief and was being held without bail.

Posted on 6/6/25 11:17AM by Sam Marsh