Josephine County Judge Orders GP to Stop Homeless Camping Enforcement for 14 Days

A Josephine County judge on Monday ordered the city of Grants Pass to stop taking any enforcement against homeless campers for two weeks, pending a deeper review of a new legal challenge. Disability Rights Oregon filed a lawsuit last Thursday to halt the City of Grants Pass from closing one of two sanctioned homeless camps and restricting the hours of the other. Josephine County Circuit Judge Brandon S. Thueson signed a temporary restraining order that prohibits the City of Grants Pass from citing, arresting, detaining, fining or otherwise prosecuting any person for camping anywhere in the city for the next 14 days. The order will temporarily allow camping in city parks. The judge signed the order after hearing argument for about one hour. Tom Swenson, deputy legal director of Disability Rights Oregon, praised his decision. Disability Rights Oregon, joined by the Oregon Law Center, filed a suit on behalf of five people ages 47 to 66 who live with disabilities. There are an estimated 300 to 400 people camping in Grants Pass, according to Disability Rights Oregon. The lawsuit alleged that the closure of one of two acceptable camping sites in the city violated state law and is not "objectively reasonable as to time, place and manner." Stenson said his advocacy group had approached the city many times to caution against closure of one of two remaining camping sites without providing an alternative. ...Read more

Winter Storm Blasts SW Oregon Causing Widespread Power Outages & Closures

Pacific Power responded to widespread storm-related outages across its Southern Oregon service area on Monday. Close to 11,000 customers in Oregon have been impacted by these snow-related outages. Crews are actively working to make repairs and restore power in areas impacted by the storm. Snow accumulation and continued winter weather has resulted in hazardous conditions impacting repair and restoration times. The National Weather Service underestimated Monday's storm by posting a Winter Weather Advisory that was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning late yesterday. By then, record snowfall had already blanketed the region, forcing school closures and early releases. All local school districts remain closed today for safety. Grants Pass received a record snowfall of 5 inches yesterday, easily breaking the old record of a half-inch in 1949. The Medford Airport measured 6.3 inches. The National Weather Service has posted another Winter Weather Advisory for today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. More snow is expected, with up to an inch from the Illinois Valley to Grants Pass, but up to 5 inches across southeast Josephine County, most of Jackson County east of Rogue River and also eastern Douglas County near Toketee Falls. ...Read more

RCC Dental Program Offers Free Full-Mouth X-Rays during Winter Term 2025

Rogue Community College's dental assistant and dental hygiene students are offering full-mouth sets of X-rays free of charge during winter term. This hands-on opportunity is available through March 18th and is part of the RCC radiology lab training, preparing students for clinical examinations. Qualifying patients must have at least 24 teeth visible and present in the mouth, be at least 18 years old, and be eligible for a full-mouth X-ray -- meaning they have not had a full-mouth X-ray within the last three years. A full mouth set of X-rays typically includes 18 individual films and can cost up to $250 at a dental office. By participating, patients will assist students in honing their skills while receiving X-rays at no cost. Upon request, the X-rays can be sent to your dental provider. For more information on RCC's free dental X-rays, to find out if you qualify and to schedule your appointment, call Mons at (541)-956-7370. To learn more about RCC's dental assistant and dental hygiene programs, visit "roguecc.edu/dental." ...Read more