Generosity Helps Salvation Army Grants Pass Experience Unprecedented Growth
This year, The Salvation Army Grants Pass experienced unprecedented growth, serving nearly 5,000 people, up from just 1,500 last year, a 230% increase. With families lined up and 122,000 pounds of food distributed, the Corps urgently needed to expand and reorganize its food pantry to meet the demand. After learning about the need, Mason Smith, whose global platform reaches millions and who has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and been honored with a Webby Award, used his influence to uplift the local effort. What began as a simple introduction soon became an outpouring of nationwide support, with Lowe’s donating 18 industrial shelves. Mason repainted and refreshed the pantry, adding a new accent wall, while his national sponsors, including Tree Top, Olipop, and Lesser Evil, donated snacks and drinks for families. Monetary donations came in to help stock the pantry, and Mason returned days later with a truckload of toys to support four children through Angel Tree. Captain Yohani, Corps Officer, said that because of what Mason and everyone he inspired did, the Salvation Army Grants Pass pantry is equipped to serve thousands more families. ...Read more

Engagement Letter with Law Firm Approved, AP Reports for Invoices Requested

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners, after previously being served court documents, approved without objection to execute an engagement letter with a law firm and attorney. During Tuesday's workshop, Commissioner Andreas Blech said he had directed staff to find a law firm and attorney to represent the board after learning Legal Counsel will not in this case. In Department Business, the board requested the Finance department provide AP reports of invoices for clarification purposes before the checks were cut. Further discussion will continue at the next admin meeting. Invoices were approved for Finance, Public Works, Airports, and for the Sheriff's Office's license plate camera provider Flock Safety, which would be paid through the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant. The Sheriff's request for Joint Law Enforcement Operations Task Force Operations Funding, which could help overtime coverage, was approved by the board, as well as the Community Justice Department's amendment to the Adapt for Outpatient and Peer services agreement and their Options contract payment. ...Read more

County Workshop to Cover Appointment of New Commissioner/Commissioners

According to the 9 a.m. County Administration Workshop Agenda for Thursday, the board will discuss appointment of new commissioner/commissioners. The workshop will be held in the BCC Conference Room, and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. The clear bag policy applies to all who wish to attend in person. The board will then convene for their Weekly Business Session at 10 a.m. in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, beginning with a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to the Josephine County Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Administrative Actions include contracts for Personal Services between Josephine County and both the Women's Crisis Support Team and The Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance. Also to be considered are Treatment Court Grant Agreements with the State of Oregon and the Josephine County Adult Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, and Mental Health Court. The board will consider requests for a Mobile Radio Replacement Purchase, Annual Non-Union Policy Decision, and a board order in the matter of amending verbiage in an Administrative Policy regarding Approval Authority. ...Read more