KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Medford Fire Department Stops Backyard Sauna Fire

At approximately 12:17 a.m. on December 14, the Medford Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the area of West 13th Street.

Crews arrived on scene to find the fire in a backyard area involving a homemade, wood-burning enclosed sauna that was attached to a small deck and hot tub area. Neighbors and the occupant were actively using garden hoses to control the fire prior to crews’ arrival.

Firefighters initiated an offensive attack and were able to quickly contain the fire. The fire did not extend to the main residence or nearby structures. The homemade sauna and attached deck sustained significant damage. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

The Medford Fire Department reminds the public to use only approved saunas that are properly installed by certified professionals. Be sure that, when using wood-burning or other heat-producing equipment, you ensure fires are fully extinguished and equipment is completely shut off after used.

Posted on 12/15/25 5:33AM by Alex Bauer

I.V. Fire District, AMR Responded to Vehicle Accident in Cave Junction

The Illinois Valley Fire District and AMR-Josephine County were dispatched to a vehicular accident Saturday morning on Holland Loop Road and Hays Cutoff Road in Cave Junction.

Upon arrival around 8:06 a.m., the vehicle was discovered on its side, with no individuals present at the scene. A thorough search was conducted but no one was found.

The vehicle was subsequently marked for identification, and the Sheriff's department was notified.

Posted on 12/15/25 5:05AM by Alex Bauer

MPD Detectives Arrested Suspect in Shooting Case

Medford Police Department (MPD) detectives made an arrest in connection with a shooting that occurred on December 5, near the intersection of Marie Street and Stevens Street.

On December 11 at approximately 4:35 p.m., MPD detectives, with assistance from the MPD SWAT Team and MADGE, apprehended 19-year-old Audrik Darling of Medford in the Medford Center parking lot.

Darling was identified as a person of interest in the December 5 shooting and was also wanted in connection with a separate kidnapping, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon incident that occurred October 11. Darling was interviewed at the Medford Police Department and lodged on charges related to the October incident.

On December 12, MPD detectives additionally filed charges related to the December 5 shooting. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered.

The shooting occurred at approximately 5:46 p.m., when MPD officers responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of Marie Street and Stevens Street.

While officers canvassed the area, Providence Emergency Department notified law enforcement that an individual had arrived with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. At the scene, officers located several spent shell casings. Their investigation revealed that the suspect and victim were known to one another and that the shooting was not a random act.

Darling, along with four additional suspects, was indicted by a Jackson County Grand Jury on December 9 in connection with the October incident. Overall, Darling was lodged on assault charges, First Degree Kidnapping, First Degree Criminal Mischief, Attempted Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Posted on 12/15/25 5:00AM by Alex Bauer

Courier Investigation Shows Public Meeting Law Violation by City

Following an investigation by the Daily Courier and a series of public records requests, the city of Grants Pass admitted it violated public meeting law with behind-the-scenes emails about hiring a facilitator to finish the city manager's performance evaluation. The facilitator would then issue a "report suitable for public release." According to the Courier, such a report would thwart the ability of the press and public to view individual performance evaluations of City Manager Aaron Cubic written by the eight members of City Council. The Courier's request for the performance evaluations is pending. The evaluations will be released after a vote to finalize and adopt them is made at the City Council meeting Wednesday, according to the city recorder. This week, in response to an Oregon Public Meets Law violation grievance filed by the Courier with the city, City Attorney Stephanie Nuttall sent a response to the Courier.

Posted on 12/12/25 3:58PM by Alex Bauer

City Prepares for "Miracle on 6th Street" Christmas Parade

The City of Grants Pass is preparing for the annual Christmas Parade Saturday night.

Starting at 6 p.m., this holiday event from 6th and C Street to 6th and L Street downtown is a Grants Pass tradition. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the sights and sounds of the parade. Those in attendance will need to park on the outside of 7th and 4th streets as roads will be blocked off.

For safety reasons, parents, make sure your kids are on the sidewalks once the parade has started. Participants walking in parade will have candy, and no candy will be thrown from vehicles.

Those wishing to volunteer can still email officialgpchristmasparade@hotmail.com the day of the parade. Volunteers will need to show up in front of the court house at 3:30pm Saturday.

Don't miss the Miracle on 6th Street Christmas Parade from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Posted on 12/12/25 3:57PM by Alex Bauer

Buy-a-Brick Campaign Launching for Owl Parking Lot

In 2026, the Owl Parking Lot at 5th and H Streets will undergo a major reconstruction and be converted to a joint parking lot and public plaza for community events.

The City of Grants Pass is launching the “Buy-a-Brick” campaign before construction begins. For $250, people wishing to add a brick to the Owl Plaza can purchase one with up to three lines of text engraved on a brass plaque and embedded in the brick.

The bricks will form part of the patio base of the Owl Plaza near the 5th and H Street sidewalks. Currently, approximately 470 bricks are expected to be available for purchase.

Civic groups and businesses headquartered in Josephine County are also eligible to purchase a paving brick. For this campaign, the City is restricting the lines of text to names only, not slogans, quotes, or phrases of any kind.

Forms can be filled out online at www.grantspassoregon.gov/formcenter, or picked up in Suite 202 at City Hall.

Posted on 12/12/25 3:57PM by Alex Bauer

GameStop Thief and Woman Wanted on Warrant Arrested by GP Police

Grants Pass Police arrested two women near the Fred Meyer gas station late Thursday night.

One suspect, Sabrina Willet, had taken an unknown amount of keychains from the nearby GameStop at 144 NE Terry Lane Wednesday.

She admitted to taking $12 worth of the merchandise, and after law enforcement viewed surveillance footage from the store showing Willet passing all points of sale, she was taken into custody.

Willet and the second suspect, Sierra Wright, both had active warrants out for their arrest. Wright's warrant out of the Medford Police Department charged her with Possession of Narcotics.

Willet's warrants out of both the Josephine County Sheriff's Office and Grants Pass Police Department charged her with Larceny, and Property Crimes. During a consent search of her person, law enforcement located used needles, burnt plastic straws, and a clear plastic container.

The container had a white residue, which field tested presumptive positive for the presence of Methamphetamine. Charges for Meth Possession were referred to the District Attorney's office.

Wright was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for her warrant, and Willet was lodged on two counts of Second Degree Theft, Third Degree Theft, and Unlawful Entry into a Vehicle.

Posted on 12/12/25 12:39PM by Alex Bauer

BCC Meeting Continues despite Commissioner Smith Absence

Commissioner Ron Smith wasn't present for this morning's General Discussion. In a statement, Commissioner Chris Barnett read that the meeting was properly noticed, but a quorum wasn't present as required by the Josephine County Charter. No official meeting could occur, nor any deliberation. No decisions or votes could be made. The statement continued that only information would be provided for transparency and public awareness. Any items requiring board action will be addressed at a future meeting when a quorum is present. Commissioner Barnett, with Assistant County Legal Counsel Leah Harper present via Zoom for further clarification in regard to the full board, endeavored to bring clarity to any potential confusion regarding the recusal process, governor involvement, and a potential temporary board of elected officials appointing a new commissioner, pending no quorum due to vacancies on the board. Applications for the one vacancy are available at www.josephinecounty.gov.

Posted on 12/12/25 11:41AM by Alex Bauer

BLM Reopens Lower Table Rock Trails after Initial Improvements

The Bureau of Land Management has re-opened the Lower Table Rock trail and Oak Savannah ADA Loop trail.

This follows the completion of the first phase of a major trail improvement project designed to expand safe, accessible recreation opportunities.

The trails closed November 12 to complete initial upgrades, including grading, draining improvements, and installation of a layer of base gravel.

The trail will close again for a short period in late spring 2026, when it is warm enough to lay the final asphalt surface.

The Table Rocks are designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern because of their cultural and biological significance. More than 50,000 visitors annually hike the Table Rocks, making it one of the most popular hiking locations in southern Oregon.

Posted on 12/12/25 10:34AM by Alex Bauer

BLM Seeking Input on Proposed Gold, Silver, Platinum Mine near Cave Junction

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments for a proposed gold, silver, and platinum mine on 22 public acres near Cave Junction in Josephine County.

If approved, Roarick Mining could conduct placer mining, without chemicals or solutions, of unconsolidated gravel deposits in an area mined previously.

The BLM designed the project to ensure mining activities would occur responsibly while considering overall land health and protection of natural resources. The comment period will close Jan. 7, 2026.

Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, or by calling 541-471-6500.

Posted on 12/12/25 5:00AM by Alex Bauer

I.V. Fire District, AMR, and JoCo Sheriff's Office Respond to Head-On Collision

The Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR-Josephine County, and Josephine County Sheriff's Office were dispatched at 4:52 p.m. yesterday to a reported traffic accident

Upon arrival, first responders observed a head-on collision involving two vehicles in the 400 block of Laurel Road, Cave Junction. One individual required extrication from their vehicle.

One patient was transported to the hospital, and the roadway was closed during the incident.

The Sheriff's Department requested two tow trucks from Jerry's Towing to remove the involved vehicles.

Posted on 12/12/25 4:42AM by Alex Bauer

Council Workshop Followed by Executive Session for Real Property Transactions, Negotiations

The Grants Pass City Council's Monday workshop will be followed by an executive session for real property transactions and negotiations.

Before convening, the Council has non-bargaining compensation and classification, and direction for the Comprehensive Fee Schedule on the agenda.

The agenda review will cover a Public Safety Advisory Committee motion, a Business meeting, and the calendar.

Monday's City Council Workshop will begin at 11:45 a.m. in City Council Chambers, 101 NW A Street, and will be streamed at www.grantspassoregon.gov.

Posted on 12/12/25 4:34AM by Alex Bauer

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