Josephine and Jackson Counties Air Quality Affected by Moon Complex Smoke

Air quality in Josephine and Jackson Counties has been negatively affected by the Moon Complex fire. Jackson County Public Health encourages everyone to protect themselves from wildfire smoke by being aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid places with the highest concentrations. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions, stay indoors with doors and windows closed, use air conditioning, keep your car windows and vents closed with the air on recirculate, and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside when air quality is poor, wearing a “particulate respirator” mask can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. You can check the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Index map to see real-time air monitoring data, or download their mobile app. ...Read more

Board of Commissioners to Discuss Library, Opioid Settlement, Dimmick Lease at Workshop

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will discuss the Library, National Opioid Settlements, and the Dimmick Street Property during Tuesday's Workshop. Along with these topics, the Legal Counsel update will also review real property auction results. The Sheriff's Office will give a report and recommendation for approval of auction forfeited items and discuss the Consume Drug Take-Back Program. The board will then hear from the Community Justice department. There will be a bylaws revision and appointment of both the Mental Health Director and Victim Services Representative for the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council, plus coverage of a lease agreement and application for Real Property Tax Exemption. Public Health will discuss outreach and a Women, Infant, and Children Lease for Curry County office space, followed by the Finance Department's report in lieu of audit for the 4-H/OSU Extension service, fee changes, and an update on the Treasury Audit. ...Read more

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Warns of Gold Bar Scams

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs. Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised. Some reasons include the accounts were subject to a cyber-attack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed. Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country. DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars, and remind everyone to be cautious of imposters. Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages, and never give out your personal and financial information to strangers. ...Read more