National Weather Service Posts Flood Watch for SW Oregon and NW California
The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Watch for Southwest Oregon and Northern California that runs through Friday evening. The Watch area includes Josephine, Curry, Douglas and Coos counties in Oregon along with Siskiyou and Del Norte counties in California. It also includes the region's Cascade and Siskiyou mountains. According to the NWS Station in Medford, flooding caused by continued excessive rainfall is possible. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of local rivers and creeks and low-lying or flood-prone areas. Flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas as storm drains and ditches may become clogged with leaves and other debris. There will be an increased risk of rock-falls and landslides on steep slopes and road cuts. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries warns residents to be alert for possible landslides and debris flows throughout the region. Southwest Oregon residents should monitor weather forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Emergency crews remind motorists to watch for downed trees on local roadways.
...Read more
Josephine County Payroll Employment #s Changed Very Little in October
Total payroll employment in Josephine County was little changed in October, with some private-sector industries losing jobs and others gaining workers. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 34,206 people working in Josephine County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 5.6%, which was slightly higher than the 5.5% rate posted in September. Private-sector industries losing jobs over the month were leisure & hospitality and construction. Private education and health services gained 60 jobs over the month. Government employment gained 40 jobs with an increase of 70 jobs in local government education slightly offset by losses in federal and state government. Over the past year, payroll employment in Josephine County climbed by 50 jobs, an increase of 0.2%. Industries adding jobs since October 2023 included private education & health services, transportation, warehousing & utilities, leisure & hospitality and financial activities. Industries with estimated job losses over the year were professional & business services, manufacturing , construction and information.
...Read more
City of GP Launches Buy-a-Brick Campaign for New Owl Public Plaza Project
In 2025, the Owl Parking Lot at 5th and H streets in downtown Grants Pass will undergo a major reconstruction to be converted into a joint parking lot and public plaza for community events. The City of Grants Pass has launched a "Buy-a-Brick" fundraising campaign before construction begins. For just $250, people wishing to add their personal touch to the Owl Plaza can purchase a brick with up to three lines of text engraved on a brass plaque and embedded in the brick. Civic groups and businesses headquartered in Josephine County are also eligible to purchase a paving brick. The bricks will form part of the patio base of the Owl Plaza near the 5th and H Street sidewalks. Approximately 470 bricks are expected to be available for purchase. If you're interested in participating in the "Buy-a-Brick" campaign, go to Suite 202 of Grants Pass City Hall to fill out a paper form and make your payment. For more information, contact Dana Pearce at (541)-450-6014.
...Read more
