GP Police and Firefighters Logged another Busy Week of Community Protection

Grants Pass police officers and firefighters logged another busy week of activity protecting the community. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 551 calls for service along with 388 officer-initiated calls last week that resulted in 27 arrests, 63 citations, 111 warnings and five highly-intoxicated people being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 152 traffic stops and they made 18 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) contacted a total of 190 potential troublemakers while warning 22 people. The CRT unit trespassed six individuals and removed trash from 53 transient campsites. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 93 calls last week including 45 for emergency medical service, four reports of fire or smoke, 13 lift assists, four rescue situations and 13 assists to other agencies. Firefighters also performed 14 business inspections, led two public education/prevention programs, assisted the public seven times and properly installed four child car seats. The Grants Pass 9-1-1 Communications Center fielded a total of 959 emergency calls last week. ...Read more

National Weather Service Appears to Have Underestimated Local Winter Snow Advisory

It appears the National Weather Service underestimated the winter storm that has hit the Southern Oregon region. The Winter Weather Advisory below 2,500 feet in Josephine, Jackson and eastern Curry counties remains in effect until 10 o'clock this evening. By 1:30 this afternoon, Grants Pass had up to three inches of snow on the ground and virtually all local schools had announced their students would be released early for their safety. That included District 7 as well as the Rogue River, Eagle Point, Ashland, Butte Falls and Pinehurst School Districts. Wet snow below 2,500 feet is expected to continue, with additional accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and up to 6 inches near 2,500 feet. Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute in the Illinois Valley especially US Highway 199 and Caves Highway. Slow down and use caution while traveling. Visit "tripcheck.com" for updated road information. ...Read more

ODF Southwest Now Recruiting for Multiple Positions for Upcoming Fire Season

The Southwest District of the Oregon Department of Forestry is recruiting for multiple positions for the upcoming fire season in Josephine and Jackson counties. ODF Southwest is seeking applicants for entry-level and experienced firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists. There is a total of around 130 jobs available. These seasonal positions generally span from June through October. However, the duration may vary depending on conditions. Both Medford and Grants Pass offices are actively hiring, with benefits that include medical, dental and vision health coverage plus paid holidays as well as personal business, vacation and sick leave. The deadline to apply for all positions is February 28th -- but the first pull of applicants for review will begin February 6th, so applying early is encouraged. All jobs are listed on the ODF Southwest District website at "swofire.com." ...Read more