BCC Approves Updates to County Administrative Policies

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved a series of updates to the County’s administrative policies and procedures during the last meeting of the year Tuesday morning and, likely the last decision by the current board. Commissioners approved order number 2024-078, updating Administrative Policy, and order number 2024-079, updating Personnel Policy.The Commissioners adjourned a short meeting and then convened in the Court House conference room for a workshop, with most of the new Board in attendance. The item concerning the replacement for a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners was dropped from a new agenda that was released this morning. The workshop lasted about an hour with no firm decisions made with the general consensus the let the new Board of Commissioners make those upcoming decisions. ...Read more

High Visibility Traffic Enforcement by All Law Enforcement through January 2nd

During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming with the Grants Pass Police Department to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving. Drivers will see officers working on a special high-visibility enforcement campaign to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving through January 2nd. Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. During the 2017-2021 December months, there were more than 4,500 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Male drivers are far more likely to be impacted by drunk driving: In December 2021, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (721) compared to female drivers (208), male drivers were almost four times more likely (721) to be alcohol-impaired and involved in a fatal traffic crash than females (208) in December 2021. More parties and festivities celebrating the season bring out more drunk drivers. December can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. More parties and festivities celebrating the season bring out more drunk drivers. There are many options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If you see a drunk driver on the road, do not hesitate to call 911. Remember: a few dollars spent on a ride is much cheaper than a DUI, which can cost up to $10,000. NHTSA, the Grants Pass Police Department and all local law enforcement agencies want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over! ...Read more

National Weather Service Posted Flood Watch for SW Oregon and NW California Region

The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Watch for nearly all of southwest Oregon and northwest California from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. The Flood Watch area includes Coos, Curry, Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties in Oregon as well as Siskiyou County in California. A series of wet frontal systems will produce periods of moderate to heavy rain through this weekend. Significant rises on local rivers, creeks and streams are expected -- especially Saturday night into early next week. Forecast precipitation totals from tonight through Sunday could reach one to three inches over the west side valleys, with three to six inches possible along the coast and in the mountains. Up to eight inches of rain could fall in the Curry coastal ranges. Excessive runoff may result in flood of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may also occur in urban areas with poor drainage. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Area creeks and streams are already running high and could flood with more heavy rains. Southwest Oregon and northwest California residents should monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. ...Read more