BCC Tabled Special Service District Discussion, Approved By-Laws
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners tabled a Special Service District discussion, and approved 3-0 an order accepting by-laws for the Economic Development Committee at today's workshop. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., a discussion regarding a potential district for the District Attorney, Juvenile Justice, and Jail, was tabled until after the November Election. Legal Counsel then provided clarity on potential agenda modifications regarding best practices, agenda item adding and voting, and provided notices for said agendas. The board approved the appointment of Marie Curren as Behavioral Health Peer to the Addictions Mental Health Public Health Advisory Committee. Both Don Bellville and Joel Perkin were approved 2-1 for re-appointment to the County Mining Advisory Committee. Commissioner Gary Richardson was the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Colene Martin wanted to see if the board would be willing to provide an endorsement for the 93 cent Jail Levy at a cost of $400 for informational purposes to the community. With the board in agreement, it was approved without objection.
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Alleged Gunshots Reported to GP Police, Suspect's Shovel the Cause
Dispatch received report of what was thought to be a gunshot, leading police to lodge a man following a brief foot pursuit. A call to 911 reported the alleged gunshot Monday around 10:09 p.m. The caller reported two suspects had been fighting, but ran from the scene in separate directions from a property in the 700 block of SW Burgess Street. Another call to dispatch reported one of the suspects appearing to be under the influence near the Short Stop Market. The caller said several loud shots were heard, and the suspect was reported to be going westbound on SW Bridge Street. Officers located the suspect and told him he was under arrest. He fled on foot however, but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. The suspect was identified as Ely Smith, and it was learned he had swung a small metal shovel at a telephone pole, causing the reports of what were thought to be gunshots. Smith was searched, booked, and then lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Second Degree Disorderly Conduct, Third Degree Escape, and a probation violation detainer.
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Fire Danger Decreases to Moderate, IFPL remaining at Level 2
Another day of rainfall and unseasonably cool temperatures has prompted a further decrease in fire danger across Jackson and Josephine counties. As of 10 a.m. today (Sept. 3rd), the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have decreased from “high” to “moderate”. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level 2. Continued rainfall throughout the past day, combined with unseasonably cool temperatures, has further reduced fire danger across the district. While these conditions have allowed for a decrease to moderate fire danger, fire season remains in effect and vegetation can dry quickly once warmer, drier weather returns. The public should continue to follow all current fire prevention regulations and use caution during outdoor activities. Outdoor debris burning remains prohibited. The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and the updated restrictions affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal and other spark-emitting equipment will now be allowed until 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m. daily. Mowing green lawns is allowed at any time.
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