KLDR - Local News

Oregon Organizations Awarded Federal Funding To Improve Rural Healthcare

A total of 12 health care training projects in Oregon are expected to receive federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), these projects include a school nursing access pilot that will involve the Oregon School Nurses Association and North Central, Southern Oregon, and Wallowa County educational service districts. OHA is also preparing to release additional funding in the coming months.

The 12 projects are expected to collectively receive up to $6.5 million this year. OHA is directly providing this specific pool of rural health funding, which OHA has named Immediate Impact Awards. OHA expects to determine the exact funding for individual projects by May, after budget negotiations are completed.

Through May 26, eligible organizations can also propose their innovative projects for a competitive Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program funding pool known as the Catalyst Awards. OHA expects to grant a total of about $80 million per year for up to two years, pending federal approval, toward Catalyst Award-supported projects.

Up to 80 proposals will be funded by early July through this opportunity. More information is at www.oregon.gov/oha.

Posted on 4/13/26 5:30AM by Alex Bauer

MPD Cited Driver after Single-Vehicle Crash Injured Passengers, Caused Outage

Medford Police officers responded early Sunday morning to a reported single-vehicle crash at N Oakdale Avenue and W Main Street, leading to a citation for the driver.

A driver had struck a power pole, severing it at the base and bringing down power lines. The damage caused a large power outage in the surrounding area. Pacific Power crews responded and restored service to much of the area.

Two passengers sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver was transported for medical care, consented to a blood draw, and was later cited and released for DUI, Third Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Assault, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief. His vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene.

Posted on 4/12/26 4:37PM by Alex Bauer

Country Legend Clay Walker to Perform at Josephine County Fair

The Josephine County Fair Board has announced legendary Country Artist Clay Walker will headline the Josephine County Fair.

The multi-platinum country star will hit the grandstands Thursday, July 30th, to help celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

In honor of the celebration, advanced tickets will be $17.76 each for general admission, and $30 for VIP tickets, all made possible by the Josephine County Fair's sponsors Evergreen Federal Credit Union and Southern Oregon Sanitation.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 541-476-3215.

Posted on 4/10/26 1:58PM by Alex Bauer

Chamber of Commerce Announces Concerts in the Park Dates, Line-Up

The Grants Pass and Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate 40 years of Concerts in the Park.

The Chamber is bringing the community five free concerts each Tuesday beginning June 16th through July 14th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Riverside Park.

This year's line-up includes Gunstock Red on June 16th, Simple Dreams Oregon June 23rd, The Pozitronics June 30th, Evening Shades July 7th, and the John Dough Boys July 14th.

Bring the family for an evening of great music, delicious food, dancing, and fun for all ages. There will be local food trucks, vendor booths, Wild River's Tap Trailer, and plenty of activities and giveaways for the kids.

The concerts will be in the same location as last year near the Pavilion, offering shade and convenient parking access.

Join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce as they honor four decades of music, community, and joy in Grants Pass with Concerts in the Park. If you are interested in being a sponsor, call 541-226-3101, or email cswafford@grantspasschamber.org.

Posted on 4/10/26 1:48PM by Alex Bauer

Council Meeting Protocol, Pump Track Presentations, Executive Session on Workshop Agenda

The Grants Pass City Council will hear presentations on Council meeting protocol and the Reinhart Volunteer Park pump track before meeting in Executive Session Monday.

The council workshop agenda includes updates on the Destination Marking Organization, Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc., Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, and the Small Business Development Center.

After the protocol and pump track presentations, the board will review the agenda that includes a motion regarding the Public Safety Advisory Committee. The workshop will adjourn, and the council will convene for an Executive Session covering real property transactions and negotiations.

Monday's workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street. Those wishing to attend may do so in person or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov.

Posted on 4/10/26 1:07PM by Alex Bauer

Urban Tree Advisory Committee Seeking Applications for One Position

Applications are being accepted for a position on the Urban Tree Advisory Committee.

This is for a vacancy, and the term will expire on September 30, 2027. The purpose of the committee is to review, develop, and implement programs and activities that promote, protect, and enhance the urban forest as a part of the Tree City, USA program.

Applications are available at the City Administration Office, 101 N.W. A Street, or online at www.grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. June 4th.

Applications will be reviewed by the committee June 8th, and appointments will be made at the City Council meeting July 1st.

Posted on 4/10/26 12:25PM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Arrested 911 Caller for Making a False Report

Josephine County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a man on someone's roof, only to arrest the caller for making a false report.

The caller reported to dispatch Thursday around 8:34 p.m. that someone was on his roof. He said he had proof the subject was on his roof, including video evidence. The caller was heard yelling for the person to get off his camper.

He also requested the same deputies respond that came out the previous night. He then proceeded to call Oregon State Police, claiming lasers were coming through his trailer.

Deputies with the sheriff's office arrived and took David Wright into custody. He was charged with Misuse of 911, and Making a False Report. He was subsequently transported to the Josephine County Jail and lodged.

Posted on 4/10/26 11:55AM by Alex Bauer

Adult in Custody Served GPPD Warrant for Felony Driving While Suspended

An adult in custody was served a Grants Pass Police Department warrant Thursday after having been lodged in jail the day before.

A deputy with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office served Andre Cotton a felony warrant charging him with Criminal Driving While Suspended while he was lodged in the 1901 NE F Street facility.

Cotton remains in custody on his warrant, a separate Felony Driving While Suspended charge, and two counts of Reckless Endangerment.

Posted on 4/10/26 11:34AM by Alex Bauer

Britt Releases Final Multi-Concert Announcement of 2026

Britt has unveiled its last multi-show lineup announcement for the 2026 summer season.

Performances include Rock icon David Lee Roth, Dark Star Orchestra, hip-hop duo Atmosphere, Portugal. The Man, and singer-songwriter Allen Stone joins funk band The Dip.

In addition to these newly announced performances, Britt will also host its fourth annual, free pre-season celebration, The Hill Is Where the Heart Is: Neighborhood Kick-Off Party.

Featuring live music from local Southern Oregon band The Rogue Suspects, this community gathering invites neighbors and music lovers alike to come together and celebrate the start of the next summer season at Britt. In lieu of tickets, Britt will be collecting non-perishable food items to help fight hunger in Jackson County.

All tickets are available through britt.org, the Box Office at 541-773-6077, or in person at 216 W Main Street in Medford. Fans are reminded to always visit the official website directly to ensure that their tickets are valid and the best price.

Posted on 4/10/26 11:10AM by Alex Bauer

SOLVE Earth Month Announces April Cleanup and Restoration Projects

Earth Month is bringing volunteers together across Southern Oregon for hands-on cleanup and restoration projects throughout April.

As part of SOLVE’s Earth Month celebrations, more than 200 volunteer projects are taking place across Oregon and Southwest Washington throughout April. In Southern Oregon, volunteers can join recurring community cleanups, restore pollinator habitats, remove invasive species, and help protect the Bear Creek watershed.

Featured Earth Month Events in Southern Oregon include the Clean Sweep Community Cleanup April 11th in Selma, Pick It Up, Medford at the Pear Blossom Park April 22nd, and Bear Creek Stewardship Day on April 25th.

Other clean up events will take place at the Wranglers Arena in Ashland, Lynn Newbry Park in Talent and Blue Heron Park in Phoenix, and the
Bear Creek/Rogue River Confluence & Pine Street in Central Point, as well as multiple Medford locations along the Bear Creek Greenway.

Those wishing to get involved can get more information or register at www.solve.org/oregon-spring.

Posted on 4/10/26 9:32AM by Alex Bauer

Medford Man Sentenced for the Illegal Possession of Firearms

A convicted felon was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for illegally possessing firearms.

Devon James Wright, 31, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Wright was caught on two separate occasions with firearms. First, on June 23rd, 2024, Wright was in a car that was stopped for a traffic violation. Police found a semi-automatic pistol and a full magazine in his backpack. At the time, Wright was on parole for a previous conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Second, on October 26th, 2024, Wright was stopped in a stolen vehicle and before exiting placed a loaded handgun inside the purse of another occupant next to a fully loaded extended magazine.

A federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment March 6th, 2025, charging Wright with felon in possession of a firearm. Wright pleaded guilty to both counts December 8th, 2025.

Posted on 4/10/26 6:00AM by Alex Bauer

JCSO Found Missing Man Deceased at Lower Table Rock Cliffs

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a 28-year-old man died at the Lower Table Rock Tuesday, April 7th. JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) received a report from dispatch at 9:38 p.m. of a man missing and last seen at the Lower Table Rock trail. Wednesday morning, deputies and volunteers located the man deceased from an apparent fall from the Lower Table Rock cliffs. SAR coordinated the recovery of his body. This case is under investigation. At this time the death appears to be non-criminal and there is no evidence of foul play. Next of kin has been notified. There is no further information available for release.

Posted on 4/10/26 5:44AM by Alex Bauer