KLDR - Local News

Weather Conditions and Diverted Attention May have Contributed to Multiple Crashes

The Oregon State Police responded to two separate accidents Tuesday afternoon, one that generated minor injuries to two drivers. Just after noon Gini Maia Alexis Queen, 25, of Glendale, lost control of her Pontiac on a wet curve at milepost 80 of Interstate 5, left the roadway, crashed into the embankment and then back on to the road, blocking the freeway. The vehicle was towed and Ms. Queen was cited for driving uninsured. Then just before one p.m. Troopers responded to a two vehicle crash with injuries on milepost 19 on U.S. highway 199. Scene evidence and driver statements indicated a black Crown Victoria was following a white Ford F-250 too closely when the pickup slowed for construction flaggers. The driver of the Crown Victoria, Aimie Jean Earley, 20-years-old, of Selma, was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the pickup. Both Ms. Earley and 60-year-old Ronald Keith Fuller were transported to a hospital with suspected minor injuries. Ms. Earley was cited for following too closely. Both vehicles were towed.

Posted on 4/22/26 2:15PM by Chuck Benson

Driver Arrested for DUII after Slowing the Drive Thru at In & Out

A 55-year-old man was arrested just after five o'clock Tuesday afternoon after a call to City Police from In-&-Out Burger at 124 SE Morgan Lane about black Land Rover holding up the drive thru. Officers contacted Lawrence Amon Ocain in the driver's seat of the running SUV. Ocain admitted to driving the vehicle and presented numerous indicators consistent with the use of depressants. He consented to field sobriety tests and showed additional indicators of impairment. He was taken into custody and consented to a breath test. A drug recognition expert was requested but none were available. Ocain then refused consent for a urine test. The Range Rover was impounded and Ocain was lodged in the county jail for DUII-controlled substance and remained in custody Wednesday morning

Posted on 4/22/26 9:07AM by Chuck Benson

One Jailed on Drug Charges Following Altercation between Uncle and Stepdad

Reports of a child abduction, threats being made, car chases and the brandishing of a firearm led to one man jailed on drug charges. Dialog on the Grants Pass police log was disjointed but it appears Tuesday morning at 10:46 dispatch was notified an altercation between an uncle and a stepfather occurred because the uncle believed a missing juvenile was in the stepfathers van. The stepfather left the scene and reported two vehicles followed him to the Lincoln Road area. During the incident, the suspect, 45-yeare-old Jason Richard Durham allegedly stated he had a firearm and was going to shoot the stepfather. City Officers located all parties at the Redwood Center where things had calmed down and the stepfather declined to press charges against Durham and both men apologized. However, the manager of the Redwood Center advised Durham hid an item by the vehicle. The items was retrieved and turned out to be Durham's methamphetamine and a pipe. There was no other mention of a firearm.He was arrested, lodged and remained incarcerated this morning.

Posted on 4/22/26 8:40AM by Chuck Benson

City of GP Seeks Public Input on Redevelopment of Washington-Midland Property

The City of Grants Pass and its Urban Renewal Agency is seeking input on the public's vision for the redevelopment of city owned property. The city has launched the Washington-Midland Redevelopment Opportunity Plan, a community-driven effort to shape the future of approximately eight acres of City-owned land in North Grants Pass, located along 6th Street, bordered by Midland Avenue on the south and Washington Boulevard to the west. Community input is a central part of this project. The City and the consultant team held a community forum on Thursday, April 16, 2026, where they provided information and solicited input from attendees. A survey was available to those in attendance and is currently available on the City's website.

Posted on 4/22/26 6:49AM by Chuck Benson

Legal Counsel Update Slated for Board of County Commissioners Thursday A.M.

Josephine County's Board of Commissioners have scheduled a legal counsel update Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the conference room in the court house. The agenda lists the policy regarding news media attendance along with consideration of approving accredited media representatives. The agenda also lists the 2025 Budget Officer Contract and agreement for the National Opioid Settlement. The Board will then go into Executive Session to deal with several legal and real estate matters. Following the Executive Session the Board will reconvene and deal with the Josephine County case of Gabbert et al versus the county, plus the proceeds from the sale of foreclosed property, then handle a foreclosure on the Powell Creek Cabin. Commissioners will also deal with county property on Southeast "N" Street before handling facility leases at 500 NW 6th Street and 370 Bowhill Road. Baring other matters introduced by the Board, that will conclude the meeting.

Posted on 4/22/26 6:32AM by Chuck Benson

Two Library Annexations Leads BCC’s Business Session

Annexations to the Library District leads the Josephine County Commissioner’s agenda for today’s Weekly Business Session. There are two properties that are petitioning the Commission to annex them to the district without election, a total of almost 70 acres. The remainder of the agenda is basically house keeping items including the consent calendar plus requests and comments from citizens. The Business Session will convene at 9:00 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium and will be live streamed on the county’s website at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.The Commissioners will also hold a general discussion meeting at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon also in the Anne Basker that will be primarily a 2026 Fire Season Workshop. It will also be streamed live for those who cannot attend.

Posted on 4/22/26 5:01AM by Chuck Benson

Yes Votes Dominated BCC Tuesday Workshop

The Josephine County Commissioners Tuesday approved all business matters during their County Administration Workshop. County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels presented two invoices: One from Ryder Election Services, LLC for the May Primary Election, and a second from Clear Ballot Group, Inc., a maintenance fee for the ballot system. Both were approved unanimously. The Board also approved were all personnel requisitions from Human Resources, as well as a board resolution from the Assessor in the matter of participation in the County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Grant. The grant provides State monies in support of assessor offices throughout Oregon. An FAA Grant Application from the Airports Department to help cover costs incurred from the general fund was also approved, while also requesting a timeline for best and worst cases.Lastly, a board order regarding the Establishment of the County Economic Development Grant Advisory Committee was approved by motion 3-0.

Posted on 4/22/26 5:00AM by Chuck Benson

Two Library Annexations Leads BCC’s Business Session

Annexations to the Library District leads the Josephine County Commissioner’s agenda for today’s Weekly Business Session.There are two properties that are petitioning the Commission to annex them to the district without election, a total of almost 70 acres. The remainder of the agenda is basically house keeping items including the consent calendar plus requests and comments from citizens. The Business Session will convene at 9:00 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium and will be live streamed on the county’s website at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream.The Commissioners will also hold a general discussion meeting at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon also in the Anne Basker that will be primarily a 2026 Fire Season Workshop. It will also be streamed live for those who cannot attend.

Posted on 4/22/26 4:16AM by Chuck Benson

BCC Approves Invoices, Grant Advisory Committee Establishment at Workshop

The Josephine County Commissioners approved all business matters during their County Administration Workshop.

County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels presented two invoices: One from Ryder Election Services, LLC for the May Primary Election, and the other from Clear Ballot Group, Inc., a maintenance fee for the ballot system. Both were approved without objection.

Also approved were all personnel requisitions from Human Resources, as well as a board resolution from the Assessor in the matter of participation in the County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Grant. This provides State monies in support of assessor offices throughout Oregon.

The board approved an FAA Grant Application from the Airports Department to help cover costs incurred from the general fund, while also requesting a timeline for best and worst cases.

Lastly, a board order regarding the Establishment of the County Economic Development Grant Advisory Committee was approved by motion 3-0.

Posted on 4/21/26 2:54PM by Alex Bauer

Emergency Crews Responded to Two-Vehicle Traffic Accident in Selma

A traffic accident occurred today at 12:51 p.m. in the 17,000 block of Redwood Highway in Selma.

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation responded, with additional support from bystanders who assisted with traffic control.

Upon arrival, crews identified a two-vehicle collision within a designated construction zone. One individual was transported by ambulance, while another sustained no injuries and was released from the scene.

The Oregon State Police are conducting the official investigation.

Posted on 4/21/26 2:29PM by Alex Bauer

Three-Vehicle Crash Leads to OSP Response, One Passenger Injured

Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route 238 Monday.

Troopers were alerted to the incident that occurred near milepost 5 heading westbound. Evidence at the scene and statements from the drivers indicated an orange Chevy HHR was following too closely to a gold Toyota Corolla.

The Corolla was yielding to the shoulder for a black Chevy Traverse following too closely at the time of the incident. Minor injuries were sustained by one passenger as a result of the crash.

The victim was transported to an area hospital, and all three drivers received a crash report. Two of the involved vehicles were towed from the scene.

Posted on 4/21/26 12:46PM by Alex Bauer

GPPD Lodged Suspect on Warrants with One Escape, Four Meth Charges

Officers with Grants Pass Police apprehended a man wanted on five warrants Monday afternoon.

An officer on patrol observed the suspect, Travis Davenport, walking near the corner of SW 6th Street and SW G Street around 2:08 p.m. He was seen wearing a black hoodie and black jeans, and the officer knew Davenport had five valid and serviceable warrants out for his arrest.

He was later contacted at the Wonder Bur Steakhouse, 116 SW H Street. Police detained Davenport for his Grants Pass Police Department warrants, four charging him with Possession of Methamphetamine, and one for Third Degree Escape.

His identity was confirmed, and he was subsequently transported to and lodged in the Josephine County Jail.

Posted on 4/21/26 11:51AM by Alex Bauer