Commissioner Smith Leaves Meeting, Sites Litigation against Him, County

Commissioner Ron Smith departed during the initial roll call of the 8th Commissioner meeting stating there was litigation filed against him and the county. Applause from present community members followed, and since there was no quorum, no business could be conducted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Chris Barnett remained present but didn't proceed with discussion or questions from the community. Legal Counsel Wally Hicks confirmed the active litigation and didn't recommend further discussion. Commissioner Smith has been absent for the last eight meetings, but according to the Daily Courier, he announced Monday he will "reengage" in the process of filling the open seat, based on new legal guidance. However, he also said he continues to object to the process. Meetings are scheduled for December 29th, 30th, 31st, and January 5th at 10 a.m. in the BCC Conference Room. Those wishing to attend in person must abide by the clear bag policy. The meetings will be available to stream at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. ...Read more

OEM Encourages Safe Travels this Holiday Season

As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions. A series of weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow, and increasingly strong winds through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions across the state and may bring additional power outages. According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds, and a potential for strong inland winds may impact travel, particularly over mountain passes, on the coast and along the I-5 corridor. Be prepared for any potential flooding and hazardous water conditions. Recent heavy rainfall has also ...Read more

OSP Troopers Responded to Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 5

On Friday at 11:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 70 in Josephine County. The preliminary investigation indicated a red GMC Jimmy, operated by Jimmy Warren Stanley, 82, of Dunsmuir, California, was traveling northbound on I-5 when it veered off the roadway for an unknown reason onto the gravel shoulder. The vehicle rolled over, and Stanley was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation by the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit. Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response ambulance service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP. ...Read more