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

Board of Commissioners Honored Two Local Groups for Going Far Beyond Call of Duty

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners took time during its weekly business session yesterday to honor two groups of people who have gone far beyond the call of duty on the behalf of others. The Board first presented certificates to eight members of Parkwatch Grants Pass who volunteer to keep city parks clean and free of drug paraphernalia and trash. The presentation followed a video that showed the group cleaning up parks and a large amount of drug paraphernalia collected from their efforts. Under the banner "Parks are For Kids," the group is always looking for more volunteers. The Commissioners then honored four members of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office who saved the life of a co-worker in early February. Certificates were given to Lieutenant Geiger, Detective Sergeant Henrich and Evidence Technicians Kayla Lauer and Haylee Bayard who used an automatic external defibrillator to save the life of Doug DuLong after he suffered a critical cardiac event. During the public comment period, a woman praised local law enforcement and criticized sex education in schools, a man gave his reasons for the separation of church and state, and another man requested the return of the OSU Extension Service to Josephine County. ...Read more

Total Payroll Employment in Jackson Fell by 1,480 Jobs in First Month of 2025

Total payroll employment in Jackson County fell by 1,480 jobs in January. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 99,165 people working in Jackson County in January for a seasonally-adjusted jobless rate of 6.1%, which was up sharply over the 4.7% rate posted in December. Retail trade showed the largest decrease, down by 530 jobs over the month. Other industries with estimated declines were health care & social assistance, construction, leisure & hospitality, professional & business services, and transportation, warehousing & utilities. Government employment fell by 60. Over the past year, payroll employment in Jackson County rose by 390 jobs, or 0.4%. Since January 2024, industries adding jobs were private education & health services (+670), retail trade (+350), construction (+80), and other services (+80). Industries with over-the-year losses included professional & business services (-270), leisure & hospitality (-160), financial activities (-110) and manufacturing (-50). Government lost 120 jobs since January 2024, with losses in local government somewhat offset by gains in state and federal government. ...Read more