Josephine County Shows Slight Job Gain Over the Year

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 640 jobs in July, mostly due to a seasonally expected decline of 700 jobs in local government education. According to the Oregon Employment Department, small gains were estimated in leisure and hospitality (+30); manufacturing (+20); and construction (+20). Employment in trade, transportation, and utilities dipped by 20 jobs over the month. Over the past year, payroll employment rose by 100 jobs, or a gain of 0.4%. Private education and health services had the largest gain, up by 370 jobs. Job growth was also estimated in professional and business services (+80) and other services (+20). The most notable job declines were in leisure and hospitality (-120); manufacturing (-90); financial activities (-70); construction (-30); and retail trade (-30). Government employment fell by 30 jobs over the year. Losses occurred in local government education (-70), state government (-30), and federal government (-10). Non-education local government added 80 jobs since July 2025. ...Read more

BCC Approves WBS Items, Responded to Sanctuary Counties Comment

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved all action items during their Weekly Business Session, and responded to a comment regarding sanctuary counties. The board approved the resolution supporting the County and City of Cave Junction applications for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Extension funds, as well as a letter supporting Cave Junction application of said funds. This will expand infrastructure from Kerby to the Grants Pass Airport. A motion favoring a recommendation to award a contract for temporary runway closure lighting for the airport passed 3-0. The lights for the runway would cost $56,691, which has been pre-approved per the grant agreement. Matt Eide was then appointed as the County Budget Officer. During public comment, topics brought to the board included public education concerns, Sheriff's Office arrest practices, Douglas County commissioners stating they would no longer be a sanctuary county, and requesting Josephine County do the same. Commissioner Ron Smith said in response that a statement could be made regarding being a sanctuary county, but that it wouldn't change state laws. ...Read more

Firefighters Tackle 1.5 Acre East Evans Creek Grass Fire Monday

The Oregon Department of Forestry's Southwest Oregon District quickly established a wet line around a grass fire in the 5,000 block of East Evans Creek Road Monday. Crews were alerted to the blaze, leading to multiple ground resources, a Type 3 helicopter, and Air Attack being dispatched for an aggressive initial attack. By 12:35 p.m., additional aircraft were ordered, including two Type 1 helicopters, to support suppression efforts from the air. Firefighters established the wet line by 12:55 p.m., and continued the initial attack, strengthening the wet line and securing the perimeter. According to the Watch Duty app, crews were able to catch the fire at 1.5 acres despite critical fire weather conditions. Multiple aircraft were released from the incident, and hose lay is now around the entire perimeter. ...Read more