"Operation Sentinel" Concludes Successful Sex Offender Compliance & Warrant Sweep
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office just completed a multi-agency, county-wide sex offender compliance and outstanding warrant sweep called Operation Sentinel. The March 6th through 10th operation targeted sex offenders and individuals with outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants including repeat offenders, violent offenders and those who fled to avoid prosecution or absconded from justice. The compliance checks conducted in Operation Sentinel included door-to-door verification of addresses reported by sex offenders as their residences to confirm or deny the validity of their registrations. By conducting this operation, the risk of recidivism is reduced and the accuracy of the database is improved, making it a more valuable tool for keeping the community safe. The results of Operation Sentinel included 624 compliance checks, 45 sex offender registrations post-contact, 87 actions taken against offenders, 19 felony warrant arrests, three probationary detainers, five misdemeanor warrant arrests, one probable cause for a stolen firearm, and the seizure of 4.3 grams of fentanyl and 5.8 grams of methamphetamine. The operation was executed with assistance from the US Marshals Service, Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registration Section, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement, Josephine County Community Corrections, Grants Pass Police Department, Oregon State Police, US Postal Inspection Service and Josephine County District Attorney's Office. ...Read more

National Weather Service Posts Flood Potential Outlook in SW Oregon & NW California
The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Potential Outlook calling for rapid rises and possible flooding from rain and snow melt on rivers and streams in southwest Oregon and northern California. The NWS advisory is in effect for Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Coos and Curry counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou County in California. An active storm track will remain over the area through at least early next week. Another frontal system is moving into the area today, followed by an atmospheric river system late Saturday into Sunday. Each of these systems is expected to bring snow and wind impacts to portions of the area. The fluctuating precipitation and snow levels means that some recently accumulated snow will be melted by the heavy rainfall, causing increased runoff. River levels are expected to rise -- especially west of the Cascades from Sunday into Monday as heavy rain moves into the western portions of the area. A Flood Potential Outlook is issued when there is the potential for significant rises or flooding along rivers and streams. The exact scenario for flooding remains uncertain. Flood watches and warnings may be issued if the situation worsens. ...Read more

Application Window Now Open to Apply for Permits for Downtown GP Dining Parklets
The City of Grants Pass has announced that the window for applying for a permit to operate dining parklets in the Central Business District is now open. The Grants Pass City Council has placed a high priority on encouraging economic opportunities for restaurants in the downtown core to enhance and expand their operating areas by creating attractive outdoor parklets. Dining parklets can be placed as early as May 2nd and they must be removed before November 4th. Last year, Catalyst Pizza, House of Glory, the Laughing Clam and the Wonder Bur provided parklets for summer dining. This year, businesses shall choose and build an approved parklet. The City will approve the application and design. Logos, advertising or branding on parklets is prohibited. No smoking signs must be installed. A City of Grants Pass Sidewalk Cafe/Parklet addendum permit must be obtained through the Community Development Department, 101 NW A Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526 or by calling (541)-450-6060. The permits are free. ...Read more