Council Moved to Gather Cottage Project Information, Appointed Two to Elk Island Panel

The Grants Pass City Council was unanimous in a motion to move forward with gathering more information on a proposed project for Riverside Park's Caretaker's Cottage at the start of today's workshop. Bradley Clark with Community Development presented in consideration of Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) regarding the cottage. A previous community survey result showed 75% of participants wanted to save the building. Six yurts were proposed to go next to the cottage, with a Riverside Maintenance Yard Expansion. The purpose of the RFEI is to attract an investor to help with the cost. Exterior and foundation work costs would be incurred on the city. Bernie Woodard, representing Elk Island Trading in a yurt proposal for the site providing overnight lodging at the facility, had said staff haven't come to a site layout configuration that would accommodate the needs of both Elk Island and the Parks Division. He has stated lodging only in the cottage without the yurts isn't financially feasible. Council direction was needed on a potential Municipal Code to allow overnight camping in a public park. ...Read more

Board of Commissioners Workshop Includes Chair and Vice Chair Appointment Order

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners Tuesday workshop will begin with an order in the matter of Appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Commissioners for 2026, per the county charter. Following the order, the board will cover business from the Clerk, Sheriff, Information Technology, Community Justice, Forestry, Public Health, Transit, Airports and Human Resources Departments. After board business concerning Josephine County Airports Advisory Board Bylaws and pending other matters, the workshop will adjourn. Tuesday's County Administration Workshop will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room. Those wishing to attend in person must abide by the clear bag policy. The meeting will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Looking for Missing Woman

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing woman. Sarah Shaffer, 42, is 5'6" tall and 159 lbs. She has blondish brown hair but has been known to change her hair color, and her eyes are blue. Shaffer was last seen around Thanksgiving in the Selma area. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Sarah please call the Sheriff's Office at 541-474-5123. Reference case #25-31011 ...Read more