Josephine County Voters Routing Money Measures and Putting Newcomers in Office

Josephine County voters sided with the conservative majority in the November General Election, soundly defeating four money measures and likely putting several Republican-backed candidates into office. According to the second unofficial count released by the Josephine County Clerk's Office at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Measures 17-119, 17-121, 17-122 and 17-123 all were defeated by wide margins. That means no taxpayer funding for Veterans Services, Rogue Community College bonds, Three Rivers School District bonds or a transient lodging tax in Cave Junction. In the race for Josephine County Commissioner Position 2, Chris Barnett was defeating Colene Martin by a 54.7% to 44.8% margin. In the race for County Commissioner Position 3, Ron Smith was defeating Pat Fahey by a 53.4% to 46.2% tally. Mark DeYoung was leading incumbent Treasurer Eve Arce by 55% to 44.7%. For the City of Grants Pass, Clint Scherf was beating incumbent Mayor Sara Bristol by a 54.9% to 44.8% count. For City Council Ward 1, Indra Nicholas was defeating incumbent Brian DeLaGrange by 52% to 47.7%. In Ward 2, Victoria Marshall was beating Jay Meredith 55.6% to 44.10%. In Ward 4, it was Kathleen Krohn leading incumbent Vanessa Ogier 45.3% to 36%. For the City of Cave Junction, Jesse Dugas was leading Jean Ann Miles in the race for Mayor by a 55.2% to 43.9% tally. For Cave Junction City Council Position 2, it was incumbent Tina Casey Jones leading challenger Steven Strauss by a 55.5% to 43.56% count. As of last night, voter turnout was 70.94% in Josephine County. The next release of unofficial local election results is expected at 6 p.m. today. ...Read more

Rural Metro Fire Officials Offer Tips for Home Heating Safety This Fall and Winter

Rural Metro Fire Department wants you to help put a "freeze" on fall and winter fires. Rural Metro officials said heating is the second-leading cause of home fires. If you heat with wood, oil or gas, install a carbon monoxide alarm and test it at least once a month. Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney each year. Store cooled ashes from the fire box in a tightly-covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet away from your home or other combustible materials. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, woodstoves, radiator or space heaters. Plug only one heat-producing device into an electrical outlet at a time. Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Remember, working smoke alarms save lives. For more information, call Rural Metro at (541)-474-1218. ...Read more

Memorial Boat Donation Enhances Swift Water Capabilities of GP Fire & Rescue Team

A generous donation in honor of the mother of Jackson County Fire District #1's Fire Chief has enhanced the swift water capabilities of Grants Pass Fire & Rescue. Grants Pass fire officials have announced the recent donation of a boat from Ron Loynds. It was dedicated in honor of Loynd's sister Patty and serves as a legacy of first responders in the Rogue Valley community. Patty -- who was also the beloved mother of District 1 Fire Chief Mike Hammonds of Rogue River -- left a lasting impact on the community through her generosity and service before her passing. Officials sincerely thank Ron Loynds and his family, Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic and the Grants Pass Fire team for their dedication to citizens and their crucial role in achieving this success. ...Read more