East Evans Creek Firefighters Report Increased Fire Behavior
Fire crews tackling the East Evans Creek Fire have reported increased fire behavior on the north end of the blaze, citing hot temperatures and windy conditions. In the latest update from the Oregon Department of Forestry, the activity has contributed to a large smoke plume above the incident. Despite the uptick in fire behavior, all established lines have continued to hold, keeping the fire at an estimated 3,153.9 acres, according to the Watch Duty app. ODF says aircraft are focusing on these affected areas, including three Large Air Tankers, three Type 1, six Type 2 and three Type 3 helicopters, a lead plane and an air attack platform. Retardant drops are used to create temporary fire line to slow the spread. The helicopters are performing water bucket drops to douse hot spots. Firefighters are remaining engaged on the southern portion of the line where the majority of homes are located. Watch Duty reports the fire is at the top of Spignet Butte, with a spot fire north of the butte. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect.
...Read more
Council to Discuss Lodging Tax, Tourism Grant Program, Owl Plaza before Executive Session
The Grants Pass City Council is scheduled to meet for their workshop to discuss tax allocation and tourism following presentations, then meet in Executive Session Monday morning. The meeting, starting at 11:45 a.m. will begin with a Lodging Tax allocation presentation. Council will hear a review of the Tourism Grant Program, then hold a discussion for the Owl Plaza. An agenda review will follow covering Wednesday's business meeting, and any potential items to be added to the calendar. Council will then adjourn the meeting and reconvene in Executive Session for labor negotiations. The public is welcome to attend the workshop in person or virtually by going to www.grantspassoregon.gov.
...Read more
Task Force Busts Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area
The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant today at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. According to a press release, IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, a half-pound of psilocybin mushrooms, and three and a half pounds of THC extract. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at the location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Oregon State Police. Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations.
...Read more
