Local News

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously this morning to formally file an appeal against the statewide wildfire hazard map.

The 3-0 vote by the Board followed a presentation by County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks before which he declared a conflict of interest because he owns property that has been designated a high hazard within the wildland-urban interface.

Hicks said a large number of signatures have been gathered from citizens who are also filing appeals and they will be attached to the Josephine County appeal. He said the wildfire hazard map came from what he called "a flawed process," citing nine specific areas. He said the county's appeal will be sent out as soon as possible.

In other business, the Board held a public hearing and then approved setting a new fee schedule for the Fairgrounds pertaining the former OSU Extension Service Office building located off Ringuette Street.

Recreation Director Tamra Martin testified the building -- which has two separate wings separated by a commercial kitchen -- is now available for use by the public. The fee schedule calls for renting the full auditorium or separate wings at different rates for Monday-Thursday and Friday-Sunday for both public and private events. Hourly rates will pertain to community education and youth education clubs.

The Commissioners also voted to approve a letter of support for a proposed historical monument for the Waldo Mining District, which was established in 1851. Commissioner Ron Smith commented that Josephine County was initially settled by miners searching for gold in the Illinois Valley and the monument is appropriate to mark that historical event.