Josephine County Treasurer Mark DeYoung Abruptly Resigned from Office on Monday
Josephine County's recently elected Treasurer has resigned, effective immediately. Mark DeYoung issued a statement on Monday, saying that he was writing to inform citizens of his decision to officially resign his position as Josephine County Treasurer. DeYoung said "this has been a very difficult decision to make, but due to unforeseen personal reasons I can no longer continue my employment with the County." He added that he is "very confident that the staff will continue their good work until a suitable replacement is found." Swept into office as part of a conservative slate of candidates supported by the Josephine County Republican Party, DeYoung ousted incumbent Treasurer Eva Arce by winning 55% of the vote last November. However, various reports indicate that DeYoung allegedly failed to carry out core responsibilities of the Treasurer's Office and he had handed off most job functions to a Chief Deputy Treasurer who was appointed quietly without public knowledge. Several county employees had come forward recently, claiming DeYoung openly admitted he was unqualified for the position. In Monday's statement, DeYoung said he wishes to express his deepest appreciation to all who encouraged and supported him. He said "it's been an honor to serve, but I know this is the right decision for me at this time." ...Read more

Chamber Commends BCC for Honoring Voter Intent and Funding Sheriff's Office
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is expressing its appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for taking decisive action at their budget adoption meeting to fund the Sheriff's Office in a way that closely reflects the department's original request. After deliberation and public input, the Board last week voted to make meaningful changes to the Budget Committee's recommendation and bring the final adopted budget in closer alignment with the Sheriff's proposed plan. Chamber President Terry Hopkins said the outcome honors the commitment made to voters in 2023 when the Law Enforcement Service District was passed with the expectation that it would restore 24/7 patrol coverage and strengthen public safety. The Sheriff's original budget included strategic investments made possible by the new service district -- including the addition of patrol deputies, detectives and support personnel -- while also requiring $2 million less in general fund support than in previous years. Hopkins said the action by the Board moves the County substantially closer to achieving those goals. He said their decision sends a strong message that public safety remains a top priority in Josephine County. ...Read more

Local Food Trucks Promote Library Card Registration and Summer Reading Program
Residents who show their Josephine Community Library Card at nine local food trucks in Josephine County this summer will receive a 10% discount on their meal and an exclusive sticker while supplies last. Participating food trucks include 541 Fusion, Blaze-N-Monkeys, Chunna's Food Stop, Grip-N-Grub, Mad Dawgs, My Island Kitchen, Scoop-N-Sips, Soulwise Coffee and The Food Lab. Josephine Community Library Director Kate Lasky said "Food for Thought" is a fun way to bring the community together. She said they're grateful to the food truck owners for doing something special to celebrate summer reading and the importance of using your library. To get a library card, community members can visit their preferred branch in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams or Wolf Creek during open hours. Annual library card sponsorships for children and adults who live in Josephine County -- but do not live within library district boundary -- are made available thanks to funding from the Josephine Community Library Foundation. ...Read more