ODF Reports Containment Improved to 37% across Board Shanty Fire near GP

The 469-acre Board Shanty Fire south of Grants Pass continues to be mopped up by firefighters around the clock. Resources during Wednesday's two work shifts pushed forward and brought containment up to 37% by this morning. Firefighters planned to continue this work today, with 204 personnel assigned to the wildfire including eight 20-person hand crews, two engines, five water tenders, a set of tree fallers and various overhead positions. Oregon Department of Forestry resources will spend the day searching for hot spots and areas with remaining heat or embers that could flare up in the hot conditions and reignite the fire. By methodically extinguishing these areas, the overall line built around the fire is strengthened and containment increases. In most areas, the fire has been mopped up 200 feet from the line into the interior of the fire. These areas will continue to be checked, with the goal being further progress on the incident. Tonight, 105 personnel will be assigned to the fire to continue mopping up. Aircraft remain available if needed, but the majority of the remaining work must be done by firefighters on the ground. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area to create a safe airspace for fire-related aircraft when needed. Any and all drone use will be reported to law enforcement. Josephine County Zones 436, 437 and 448-A remain under a Level 1 "Be Ready" evacuation notice until further notice. ...Read more

Total Payroll Employment in Josephine County Down in June and Over Past Year

Total payroll employment in Josephine County declined by 100 jobs in June. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 33,028 people working in Josephine County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 6.6%, which was up from 6.4% in May and up from 5.7% in June 2024. Private education & health services lost 140 jobs over the month, with smaller declines estimated in other services and professional & business services -- both down by 20 jobs. Leisure & hospitality was the only private-sector industry with a notable gain -- up by 70 jobs. Government employment showed a net decline of 20 jobs, with local government education falling by 50 jobs, and local government excluding education and federal government posting slight gains. Over the past year, payroll employment in Josephine County was down by 780 jobs, a sharp loss of 2.8%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries. ...Read more

Several Events Slated for 30th Annual "Back to the 50s" Weekend in Grants Pass

It's "Back to the 50s" week in Grants Pass, with several events scheduled for this weekend during the 30th annual event. Brought to you by the Rogue Valley Classic Cruisers, Back to the 50s begins with a free kickoff "Show and Shine" on Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grants Pass Growers Market parking lot on F Street between 4th and 5th streets. There will be up to 100 classic cars on display. On Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., an "American Graffiti Hot Rod Cruise-In Party" will take place at Jimmy's Classic Drive In at 515 NE E Street. The main event is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Enjoy the "Fabulous 50s Car Show" with up to 300 classic cars will be on display. There's more fun on Sunday with the "Hot Rods and Handlebars Car Show" at Corvette's Bar & Grill at 1831 NE 6th Street from 1 to 4 p.m. followed by the "Fabulous 50s Cruise." ...Read more