Board of Commissioners Discuss County Property, Conduct Public Hearings

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners discussed the proposed property for a future shelter during this morning's Weekly Business Session. No decision has been made on the property yet. Commissioner Ron Smith believes the property's proximity to Riverside Elementary and Gladiola High School is a problem. Commissioner Chris Barnett wants to find a solution, and Commissioner Andreas Blech appreciated hearing other location suggestions during public comment. Commissioner Blech requested time to do research on a potential property proposed to him by a local land owner. The viability of said property for sheltering is unknown at this time. The board commenced the meeting with a public hearing for an ordinance amending the Josephine County Code. New language provides a process for the board to revoke OLCC land-use compatibility statements when certain standards haven't been met. A motion to approve the ordinance to go to the second reading on November 13th passed 3-0. ...Read more

Board of Commissioners to Appoint Public Works Management Positions at Workshop

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners will appoint two Public Works Department positions at the end of their General Discussion today. After a review of the applications and the interview process, the board will appoint an Engineering, Roads, Operations, and Fleet Manager, and an Administration, Budget, and Accounting Manager for the Public Works Department. At the start of the discussion, the board will cover department invoices, as well as many Personnel Requisitions and Actions from Human Resources. To conclude the meeting, the board may consider other matters, then the meeting will adjourn. Today's General Discussion will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room, and will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those wanting to attend in-person are required to comply with the clear bag policy. ...Read more

I.V. Chamber of Commerce Awarded $100,000 Grant for “Gateway to the Stars”

The Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce has been awarded $100,000 through Travel Oregon’s Recreation Ready Program - Phase 2 to advance its Gateway to the Stars initiative. The project highlights the Illinois Valley’s potential as a destination for dark sky and astronomy-based tourism. Building on the success of the program’s Phase 1 feasibility study, Phase 2 will move the project forward including community dark sky outreach opportunities, dark sky and accessibility consultations, and lighting retrofits. A portion of the Chamber’s outreach budget will also be used to promote the Phase 2 activities through local and regional media, community events, and visitor engagement campaigns. Travel Oregon’s Recreation Ready program is aimed at supporting communities in developing outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity and respect natural environments while increasing access and equity. ...Read more