BLM Announces Fire Restrictions on All BLM Lands in Pacific Northwest

Fire restrictions went into effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington on May 15th. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather is forecasted around the Pacific Northwest. These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns will be prohibited. Grasses and other fuels dry out quickly in the summer months, making them highly susceptible to catching fire. It just takes one spark. Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression. For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafir ...Read more

City to Host Listening & Learning Session on HB 3115

The City of Grants Pass is hosting a Listening and Learning Session regarding HB 3115 in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday at 6 p.m. HB 3115 requires cities that wish to regulate the use of public property by people experiencing homelessness to enact “objectively reasonable” time, place, and manner restrictions. Unfortunately, making sense of what constitutes an “objectively reasonable” regulation is tricky. This session will provide an overview of where things stand legally with HB 3115, including insight into some recent circuit court decisions that have attempted to interpret “objectively reasonable.” There will be an opportunity for people to submit questions regarding this topic before the session begins, either in person or via email to kfrerk@grantspassoregon.gov. Some aspects of the forum are still developing, but here is some additional information.The listening session will be conducted by City Manager Aaron Cubic, and City Attorney Stephanie Nuttall will be available to provide information as well.All questions will be written and can be submitted during the presentation, not just before it begins. ...Read more

Three Arrested Following Assault at the Grants Pass 5th Street Resting Area

Three men remain in the Josephine County Jail following an assault on a fourth man last Saturday. According to a Facebook post Thursday afternoon, last Saturday, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Grants Pass Police were dispatched to the 5th Street Resting Area regarding a disturbance between four men. Officers found a 46-year-old man bleeding from his head and mouth. The victim stated he had been punched, hit with a baton across the head, and pepper sprayed. He was offered medical assistance, which he refused. After police reviewed the surveillance video and conducted an exhaustive investigation, the suspects were identified and arrested on Wednesday. Kaleb Farmer, a 34-year-old male, was arrested for Assault II, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Tampering with Evidence. Jonathan Bull, a 36-year-old male, was arrested for Tampering with Evidence and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine. Aaron Storm, a 37-year-old male, was arrested for Assault II and Unlawful Use of Mace. All three subjects were lodged at the Josephine County Jail ...Read more