BCC, City Council Finish August with Respective Land Use Hearing, Workshop

The Board of County Commissioners and City Council are scheduled to finish the month with a Land Use Hearing and Workshop respectively. Monday the 31st at 10 a.m., the board will convene in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium for a continued discussion regarding a Dick George Road Property. A request for an appeal objecting to a decision approving a cannabis processing facility with access off the property will be considered. Then, at 11:45 a.m., the City Council Workshop will be held in Council Chambers concerning Police Headquarters refinancing, and Level of Service and Budget consideration. Following a review of Wednesday's meeting agenda, council will adjourn. The Land Use Hearing can be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream, while the workshop is available for viewing at www.grantspassoregon.gov. ...Read more

Sheriff's Office Announces Rogue River Closures Ahead of Labor Day Races

During the Labor Day Races, the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times. According to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol, all spectators will remain off the water until the races are over. They will also remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times. The river closures will take place Saturday, September 5th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Matson Park to Griffin Park, and Sunday, September 6th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Baker Park to Griffin Park. Movement on the water is restricted to law enforcement, rescue personnel and authorized race officials during the closures. Private boats are not allowed to assist with crash or rescue operations for safety reasons. Boats can be anchored on the shoreline if it is deemed safe by race officials and law enforcement. All users shall be off the water and in an approved area one hour prior to the start of the race. Any unauthorized boats on the water during the closure may be cited for Reckless or Unsafe Operation and are subject to a $440 fine. Law enforcement will be patrolling the waterways during the race events. ...Read more

Josephine County Shows Slight Job Gain Over the Year

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 640 jobs in July, mostly due to a seasonally expected decline of 700 jobs in local government education. According to the Oregon Employment Department, small gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality (+30); manufacturing (+20); and construction (+20). Employment in trade, transportation, and utilities dipped by 20 jobs over the month. Over the past year, payroll employment rose by 100 jobs, or a gain of 0.4%. Private education and health services had the largest gain, up by 370 jobs. Job growth was also estimated in professional and business services (+80) and other services (+20). The most notable job declines were in leisure and hospitality (-120); manufacturing (-90); financial activities (-70); construction (-30); and retail trade (-30). Government employment fell by 30 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-70), state government (-30), and federal government (-10). Non-education local government added 80 jobs since July 2025. ...Read more