KAJO 99.7FM - News Story

Suspect in Tenant Landlord Feud Arrested by JoCo Sheriff's Office Deputies

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a dispute between a landlord and their tenant early Thursday morning.

The tenant told dispatch their landlord, Boyd Swan, was outside the property in the 300 block of Cheney Creek Road. Swan was reportedly beating on the door and had turned off the power.

The tenant said he was living in the shed, and that Swan had broken windows of the property. He continued to tell dispatch that he was "done" and wanted the landlord arrested. He was advised though that, at that time, the situation didn't meet callout criteria.

The tenant stated he was in fear for his safety, and was advised to call back if the situation escalated, but to stay inside until a deputy could contact him.

Law enforcement arrived and detained Swan. After investigating the matter, it was determined the tenant and landlord were in a feud after their dogs got into a fight on the property days prior.

Since then, according to the police report, Swan attempted to get the tenant off the property through fear and intimidation by throwing a brick through the tenant's window and boarding up the front door knowing the tenant was inside.

Swan was taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Probation Violation, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Felony Attempt to Commit a Crime.

Posted on 12/19/25 1:51PM by Alex Bauer

Due to Hazardous Conditions, Bear Camp Road to Close December 22nd

The Bureau of Land Management will close the gate on Bear Camp Road, located near Galice, on Monday, December 22.

The gate, which is closed annually for public safety due to the hazards of driving in winter weather, will remain closed until snow conditions allow for safe passage in the spring. Travelers are advised to use Highway 199 as an alternate route.

Bear Camp Road, which is managed by both the BLM and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, is a remote, mountainous route that connects the Rogue Valley to coastal areas. It is not plowed during the winter, and weather conditions can often change quickly, making road conditions hazardous.

The BLM and the RRSNF remind the public that it is crucial to Know Before You Go this time of year.

Be prepared by bringing additional warm clothing, water, and extra food to account for unexpectedly longer travel times. Carry chains, a flashlight, and proper attire to install the chains, should the need arise, and know that many routes and back country roads do not have cell service. Always let someone know your expected travel route.

In addition to paper maps, before you leave, download all of your public lands maps on Avenza, and know where you are at all times. Cell service is NOT necessary to use Avenza. You can also find District Maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps online.

Posted on 12/19/25 1:40PM by Alex Bauer

Pacific Power Prepared to Respond to Weather-Related Outages

Pacific Power is monitoring stormy weather for parts of Oregon and Washington in the coming days.

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the approaching storms and crews are ready to respond to any weather-related outages.

They want to encourage customers to always be prepared for outages, and they support state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.

Steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed include updating your contact information with Pacific Power, signing up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone, restocking your outage kit, keeping mobile devices charged, utilize Pacific Power's free app, or text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.

You can also visit www.pacificpower.net/outages for restoration estimates.

Pacific Power reminds everyone stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous.

For more information and to report any outages, call Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.

Posted on 12/19/25 11:06AM by Alex Bauer

JoCo Sheriff's Deputies Apprehended Suspect with Warrant for Murder, Homicide

A suspect wanted for murder was contacted by Josephine County Sheriff's deputies at the local Walmart Thursday afternoon.

Around 3:06 p.m., deputies contacted the suspect, Derek Shaffer, at the 135 NE Terry Lane store. He was wanted on a felony warrant charging him with Murder in the Second Degree, a secret indictment for Homicide, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Shaffer was taken into custody and transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged on his warrant.

Posted on 12/19/25 10:57AM by Alex Bauer

GP Police Arrested Out-of-Compliance Sex Offender during Traffic Stop

Grants Pass Police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of man out-of-compliance with his sex offender registration.

The suspect, Francis Ward, was observed operating a silver Pontiac driving west on NE E Street. He was driving approximately 25 mph in a 20 mph speed zone, then failed to signal a turn south on 9th Street.

After being pulled over, Ward initially refused to provide any identification. However, officers found he was an out-of-compliance sex offender. He was also suspended at the violation level.

Officers informed Ward he was under arrest, but he began to physically resist being taken into custody. After being read his rights, Ward stated he had liability insurance for the vehicle and provided a policy number. A call to Progressive showed the vehicle in question wasn't on the policy.

Ward was transported to the Josephine County Jail where he was lodged for Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Resisting Arrest, and Giving False Information about Liability Insurance to Law Enforcement. He was later cited for a Driving While Suspended violation and Driving Uninsured.

Posted on 12/19/25 10:41AM by Alex Bauer

No Quorum Present for 6th Commissioner Meeting to Fill Vacancy

Commissioner Ron Smith was not present for the 6th meeting in a row regarding Interviews and the Appointment for Josephine County Commissioner Position 1.

The meeting commenced at 10:01 a.m. No board business could be conducted due to the lack of quorum, and Commissioner Chris Barnett adjourned the meeting at 10:01 a.m.

Similar meetings with the same agenda are scheduled for December 22nd at 11:30 a.m., and December 23rd, 29th, 30th, 31st, and January 5th at 10 a.m.

All meetings will be held in the BCC Conference Room, and streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those wishing to attend in person must abide by the clear bag policy.

Posted on 12/19/25 10:31AM by Alex Bauer

Rural Metro Firefighters Conduct Welfare Check amidst Storm Activity

Storm activity last night kept Rural Metro Firefighters and utility crews busy with downed trees and power lines.

Firefighters also conducted a welfare check on a family who could not be reached by phone in the Marcy Loop area.

Engine 7504 from the Wilderville Station encountered a driveway that was blocked by several trees, but had it cleared in no time with chainsaws.

The family was confirmed OK.

Posted on 12/19/25 9:28AM by Alex Bauer

MFD Crews Responded to Vacant Structure Fire

Thursday evening, Medford Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire in the 2200 block of Biddle Road.

Initial reports indicated possible attic involvement. However, fire conditions allowed smoke to travel into the attic space, resulting in smoke visible from the eaves.

Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The fire originated in a large common area and involved a mattress and other materials, which produced significant smoke. No injuries were reported.

Due to safety concerns within the structure, the investigation into the cause was limited. Power to the building was shut off. Information gathered on scene indicates the fire was intentionally ignited.

The property has been declared an unsafe building and a public nuisance, and the City is continuing efforts to address unauthorized occupancy and secure the site.

The continued unauthorized use of vacant buildings creates ongoing safety challenges for first responders and the community. Representatives associated with the property were on scene, and recommendations to address these ongoing concerns were provided for follow-up with the property owner.

Posted on 12/19/25 6:01AM by Alex Bauer

Rentec Direct Invests in Southern Oregon Communities during Holiday Season

This holiday season, Rentec Direct has rallied support for Southern Oregon through a mix of longstanding giving programs and new local partnerships.

The Grants Pass-based software company supported the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program for the seventh year, hosted its third annual Toys for Tots toy drive and is sponsoring several community events that benefit children and families across the Rogue Valley.

Rentec Direct has hosted an Angel Tree at its Grants Pass headquarters as part of the Salvation Army’s annual holiday giving program every year since 2019. Earlier this month, Rentec Direct partnered with fellow Grants Pass small business Weekend Beer Company to kick off the holiday season with a community event and its third annual Toys for Tots toy drive.

Rentec Direct was also a proud returning sponsor of Josephine County’s annual Rogue Winterfest, a holiday celebration supporting local mental health organizations for the 23rd year.

In November, Rentec Direct became a sponsor of the Living Room Invitational Golf Tournament, supporting The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon’s new Grants Pass location.

Posted on 12/19/25 5:53AM by Alex Bauer

Mexican Nationals Accused Of Illegally Possessing Firearms, False Statements

Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial appearance yesterday after allegedly making false statements on their application to purchase firearms and for illegally possessing firearms. Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, Samuel Amador Ortega, 23, Aldo Melo Amador, 23, and Oscar Amador Ortega, 21, have been charged by criminal complaint with alien in possession of a firearm and making false statements on ATF Form 4473. According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, indicative of firearms trafficking. As of July 22, 2025, O. Amador Ortega, has purchased 25 firearms from the FFL in Cave Junction and two other FFLs located in Southern Oregon. Since April 4, 2025, S. Amador Ortega has purchased a total of 16 firearms from this FFL. Melo Amador began purchasing firearms from the FFL in March 2024 and his last purchase was on June 14, 2025.

Posted on 12/19/25 5:14AM by Alex Bauer

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