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Total Payroll Employment in Jackson County Increased by 270 Jobs in October

Total payroll employment in Jackson County rose by 270 jobs in October, buoyed by gains in health care and social assistance. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 103,778 people working in Jackson County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 4.6%, which was the same as the rate posted in September. Health care and social assistance had the largest private-sector gain over the month with 270 jobs and over the past year with 1,030 jobs. Gains in October were also estimated in retail trade and other services. Employment fell over the month in leisure & hospitality, professional & business services, manufacturing and construction. Government had a slight gain of 310 jobs in October. Over the past year, payroll employment in Jackson County expanded by 240 jobs, an increase of 0.1%.

Posted on 11/29/24 6:28AM by Sam Marsh

Bureau of Land Management Releases Local Draft Plan to Address Dying Conifer Trees

Massive numbers of dead and dying trees are being seen almost everywhere in the Applegate Valley. More Douglas fir trees have died in Southern Oregon in the last four years than the last four decades. The alarming number of dead conifers is fueling concerns about public safety along roadways, increased fire risk, changes in wildlife habitat and economic impacts to local communities. The Bureau of Land Management is asking for public feedback on the best strategy for addressing this devastating tree mortality. The Strategic Operations for Safety Environmental Assessment (EA) proposes to address the crisis by allowing BLM managers to quickly address concerns along roads, near homes and in locations where firefighters have the best chance of stopping fires quickly and safely. The proposal will strategically target dead and dying trees as well as those showing significant signs of decline in optimum places close to where people live. The BLM has worked closely with researchers in the US Forest Service and Oregon State University Extension Office on developing indicators and criteria for dying trees. The BLM anticipates that this EA will cover an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 acres of treatments. The first project could begin as soon as mid-2025.

Posted on 11/29/24 6:18AM by Sam Marsh

2024 Survey Results Highlight Engagement with Josephine Community Library

The Josephine Community Library District this week released the results of its 2024 Patron Survey, which gathered input from more than 1,400 participants. It represents a 20% increase in responses compared to the 2023 survey, reflecting increased engagement with the local library's services. The findings highlight the library's significant role within the Josephine County community as demonstrated by the 25,910 active library cardholders across the four branches in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams and Wolf Creek. The survey indicates steady satisfaction among patrons, with 63% rating their library experience as "excellent." Physical books remain the most commonly cited reason for library visits, with digital resources identified as the second most important. On average, patrons check out 20,000 physical items monthly. Attendance at library programs also increased compared to the previous year, with patrons expressing interest in creative, science-based and lifelong learning opportunities. Respondents identified facility improvements including expanded shelving, additional parking, upgraded Wi-Fi and more quiet spaces as priorities.

Posted on 11/29/24 6:15AM by Sam Marsh

GP Chamber of Commerce Invites Citizens to New Event on "Small Business Saturday"

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is inviting citizens to participate in a new event set for Small Business Saturday. The Chamber has announced its first annual "Cocoa Crawl" takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of downtown Grants Pass. Chamber President and CEO Terry Hopkins said this festive event is designed to bring the community together to support local businesses, enjoy the holiday season and find the perfect gifts for loved ones. He said participating businesses will offer complimentary hot cocoa to shoppers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as you explore the unique products and services our local merchants have to offer. As an added bonus, the Chamber will provide free gift wrapping at the Downtown Welcome Center from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for items bought at participating locations, making it even easier to shop local and spread holiday cheer. Hopkins said Small Business Saturday is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity and passion of our local business community.

Posted on 11/29/24 6:13AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Jailed Moped Rider for Leading Officers on Chase near All Sports Park

Grants Pass Police jailed a moped rider for leading officers on a pursuit after complaints of suspicious activity at and near Reinhart Volunteer Park. The Police Department reports officers eventually arrested 55-year-old Jeffrey Alan Washburn at the end of Susan Lane on Tuesday afternoon. Police said multiple calls were generated due to Washburn's riding in and about the area of the All Sports Park on Webster Road. They said he tried to access the River House at the park, which is currently occupied by the new Grants Pass Fire Chief's family. They were placed in fear because of his violent and tumultuous behavior. According to the report, Washburn was riding an oversized bicycle with a large motor and he was observed speeding through the park along the baseball fields and playground, scaring citizens and children by screaming loudly. No one was hurt. Lights and sirens were activated by officers, but Washburn failed to stop and made several eluding maneuvers before he was cornered on Susan Lane and placed into custody. Washburn was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Attempt to Elude Police and Disorderly Conduct. GPPD said other charges may be filed against him.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:31AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Nabbed Felon for Parole Violation after He Caused Disturbance at Bar

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for violating his post-prison supervision after he caused a disturbance at a local watering hole this week. The Police Department reports officers responded to the incident at Alibi Tavern on NW 6th Street late Tuesday night. Police said 27-year-old Christian Anthony Bartell consumed numerous alcoholic drinks at the bar and threw a coaster at the female bartender. They said the woman took Bartell's drink, dumped it out and told him to leave. Bartell reportedly became violent and got in the bartender's face, which caused her to cry. The subject then engaged in a verbal altercation with another bar patron and was contacted outside the establishment where he was placed into custody. After Bartell's corrections officer was contacted, he was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felony Parole Violation. He was being held on a no-bail detainer. Jail records show Bartell has been arrested four times for violating his parole since January of this year.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:29AM by Sam Marsh

GP Police Snared Man for Weapon and Drug Crimes as well as Outside Warrant

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for weapon and drug crimes as well as an outstanding warrant after a traffic stop near the J Street campground early yesterday. The Police Department reports officers responded to reports of suspicious activity near the designated campsite in the 700-block of SE J Street on Wednesday at 12:45 a.m.. Police said 45-year-old Chance Farlin Sillers was called in by an employee with Combined Diesel Services who advised a male subject in a red Chrysler PT Cruiser was driving back and forth on J Street, turning his lights on and off, and making U-turns in their parking lot. Sillers was pulled over by officers and told them he was driving back and forth while looking for someone. He was found to be wanted on a Douglas County warrant and dispatchers confirmed he was a convicted felon. He was also found to be in possession of a spring-activated knife and a glass methamphetamine pipe. Sillers was placed into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon and Meth Possession. He was also cited to appear in Canyonville Justice Court on December 18th for the outstanding warrant.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:27AM by Sam Marsh

Josephine County Sheriff Seeks Help Identifying Suspects Targeting Cats in Parks

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office was seeking public assistance in identifying a person or persons who have been hunting cats in local parks. According to a post on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page, one individual or more have been targeting cats with blow darts. No further information about the incidents was available in the post, but deputies have recovered blow darts used in the feline attacks. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office by calling (541)-474-5123. You can also file a report by using the Sheriff's Office App.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:17AM by Sam Marsh

OSP Game Troopers Investigating Illegal Hunting on Riverbanks Road Property

The Oregon State Police was investigating multiple animals killed by at least one hunter on a private property west of Grants Pass. According to OSP, state game troopers responded to a report of illegal hunting in the 2100-block of Riverbanks Road on Tuesday. Troopers said the property owner advised several animals had been killed on their land by a hunter or hunters who did not have permission to be there. The OSP press release states there are two suspects in the case -- a 39-year-old man and a 42-year-old man, both from Grants Pass. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday in the ongoing investigation.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:16AM by Sam Marsh

Black Friday Shoppers Encouraged to Purchase Gifts for Local Foster Children

Are you doing some Black Friday shopping? If so, stop by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office on NE F Street in Grants Pass and grab a tag off their Our Foster Kids, Inc., Angel Tree. You can also bring your new, unwrapped gift back to the Sheriff's Office. All donations stay right here in Josephine County. The mission statement for Our Foster Kids, Inc, is: "Our mission is simply to enhance the life of each foster child in our community by addressing some of their unfunded needs. Additionally, we will address the needs of any child we can with the intent of promoting self-esteem so that they may grow to reach their fullest potential." For more information, please visit "ourfosterkids.com."

Posted on 11/28/24 6:14AM by Sam Marsh

Commission Approved Fee Schedule Changes & Tabled Final OK of The Flying Lark Sale

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved fee schedule changes for several departments in 2025, but excluded a universal fee to help fund Community Development and Planning. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve fee changes in the coming year for Airports, Assessor, Public Health, Public Information and Surveyor as well as the Community Development Department including Planning. The changes go into effect on January 1st. County Finance Director Sandy Novak testified that the fee changes reflect actual costs of services provided by each department. However, a small universal fee that helps pay for the Community Development Department operations is charged on top of the other services it provides. The Board will take up that topic in the future. The Board tabled three Administrative Action items pertaining to the sale of The Flying Lark to River Valley Community Church because the documents are not ready for final approval. That includes a lease for parking around the facility. As part of the Consent Calendar, the Board approved an order continuing the date of the second readings of two ordinances related to the recently formed Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District.

Posted on 11/28/24 6:01AM by Sam Marsh

Pacific Power Officials Warning Customers to Watch for Holiday Season Billing Scams

Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives. Unfortunately, this activity tends to increase this time of year. Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of certain facts. Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day. Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service. Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number. Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Scammers may use a sophisticated and deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up and call Customers Service directly at 1-(888)-221-7070.

Posted on 11/28/24 5:59AM by Sam Marsh

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