BCC Approved Staff Direction to Fill Any Board Vacancy, 2025-26 Budget
In a brief County Administration Workshop at 9 a.m. this morning in the BCC Conference Room, the Board of County Commissioners motioned to allow staff to move forward with the process of filling any vacancy on the BCC. The direction is to allow staff to continue advertising for this position, to require applications to be due at 9 a.m. and interviews at 1 p.m. Monday. The motion carried 3-0. The Weekly Business Session then commenced at 10 a.m. with a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Commissioner Chris Barnett was excused. The budget increase is just over $1.4 million, and two full time equivalents as approved by the budget committee. The only affect to the general fund is the addition of one prosecutor for the DA's office. A motion to approve the budget passed 2-0.
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SOCET Serves Child Sexual Abuse Material Search Warrant
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant Tuesday morning in rural Central Point. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. SOCET served the search warrant December 2 at a mobile home park in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in Central Point. SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for further evidence of child exploitation. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time.
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Generosity Helps Salvation Army GP 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.
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