Grocery Outlet's Stuff the Truck Event to Support Josephine County Food Bank

The Grants Pass Grocery Outlet is hosting their Stuff the Truck event supporting the Josephine County Food Bank this weekend. On Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 350 NE Agness Avenue, everyone is encouraged to stop by and pick up some extra, non-perishable items while grocery shopping to support the Food Bank. You can also purchase a pre-priced "grab and go" bag of food at the front of the store. Stop by the Food Bank booth to see how your support helps fight hunger here in our community. Learn about their mission, volunteer opportunities, and their other programs that help make a difference for those struggling with food insecurity. ...Read more

BLM Closures to be lifted after Increased Containment of Kelsey Peak Fire

Thanks to increased containment on the Kelsey Peak Fire, Bureau of Land Management closures will be opened. The BLM Grants Pass Field Office will lift the closure order on BLM Road 32-9-14.2 and the BLM-administered section of the Rogue River Trail from Horseshoe Bend to Marial today. Official assessments determined the road and trail closures are no longer needed. Firefighters continue operations on the Kelsey Peak Fire and are still using portions of BLM Road 32-9-14.2. Additionally, they are using the Grave Creek to Marial Backcountry Byway and the Cow Creek Scenic Byway. People using those routes are cautioned to drive slowly, watch out for firefighting equipment, and drive with headlights on. The BLM Medford District remains in high fire danger. ...Read more

JoCo Board of Commissioners Approve Pharmaceutical Settlement During Meeting

A nationwide pharmaceutical company settlement will pay Josephine County in the coming years. During the Commissioners weekly meeting today, Legal Counsel Wally Hicks presented to the board that a proposed settlement had been reached nationwide with Purdue Pharma. Over the next 15 years, around $1.08 million will go to Josephine County in 16 payments starting next year. These are in addition to amounts available from the Purdue Estate. Overtime these settlements have already accumulated in Josephine County receipt accounts to about $2.3 million. Of that, $484k has been allocated. A projected $3.4 million is still to be paid out overtime. A motion to opt into the proposed settlement with Purdue Pharma and approve the proposed Purdue bankruptcy plan was made. It carried 3-0. During the meeting, Commissioner Blech brought up the Library lease saying there are drafts that need further review. He said to look to next week for further discussion of the Lease on the agenda. ...Read more