Local News

Art Along the Rogue Festival kicks off this afternoon at four in historic downtown Grants Pass in the newly renovated Owl Plaza with this year's theme of "Reflections".This year's festival boasts of 17 featured chalk artists creating their visual magic on the city's pavement, along with 25 volunteer artists. The festival will feature 10 live bands with the music starting at 4:30 this afternoon with the rock and rolls sounds of Josephine Jukebox. The music turns funky at 6:15 p.m. with Mr. Vale's Math Class followed by the soul sounds of Rudy Love and the Encore. Four more bands entertain on Saturday from 2:30 through 7:30. Three more music groups wind of the music on Sunday from 11 a.m. with the last performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.The Festival will have 67 craft vendors, four food trucks, live dance performances and goodie bags for the kids.

 

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners Thursday met for a legal counsel update and will further consider and take action at the next Weekly Business Session. Revisions to the Administrative Policy were discussed regarding the use of social media and public records. There was reported concern about inconsistencies and a lack of clarity on how social media should be handled. The Board felt the policy was out of date and revisions should be considered. In regards to the Public Records policy, the Board felt the goal is to clearly define when an elected official is making decisions on their own, and how that becomes severable from the records management officer's authority. The Board also wants the records process to be clarified. Both will be dealt with at the October 7th Business Session. Legal counsel will proceed with a draft of a Departmental Procedure amendment to personnel policy for the Board. The Commissioners are meeting this afternoon in an executive session to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection at 1:30.

 

Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies conduct two warrant arrests Thursday afternoon. Deputies contacted 58-year-old Julie Herr in the 3000 block of Pearce Park Road and placed her under arrest on a Medford Police Department warrant on a charge of attempting to elude, reckless driving and resisting arrest. An additional charge of criminal trespass II was added locally. She remained in custody Friday morning. Just after three that same afternoon Deputies located Jordan Haas, 39, was located in the 1900 block of Northeast 'F' Street. He was arrested on a Jackson County Sheriff's warrant after failing to appear on an original charge of failure to report as a sex offender.

 

A missing front license plate and speeding gave a Sheriff's Deputy probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver "took off" according to the Deputy's report.The attempt to elude up Crow Road Thursday morning at 10:35 was quickly ended and the suspect, identified as Clifford J. Mazza, 40, as detained, arrested and transported to the Josephine County Jail.Mr. Mazza remained in custody Friday morning with a charge of attempting to elude police at a felony level facing him.

 

Josephine Country Deputies arrested a 28-year old man on harassment/assault charges after investigating a domestic violence call. Deputies were sent to the 100 block of Twilight Lane just after midnight Thursday morning when dispatch overheard the man yelling at the victim with a 16 month old child in the home. The man, whom the caller stated was intoxicated, allegedly grabbed the victim by the throat and her wrist. Deputies arrived and the victim denied needing medical attention. The man was arrested and lodged in the adult jail facility facing a charge of harassment-assault-intimidation/threat and remained in custody Friday morning.

 

The Josephine County OSU Extension Office is moving to the Rogue Community College Redwood Campus this fall.

According to a release, following the last day of operations at the Colonial Square location, the office will open at Building V on the campus Wednesday, October 21st. The transition period will provide the team with time to establish and prepare the new space.

During this transition, faculty and staff will still be available by email, phone, or scheduled appointment. Extension programs and services continue throughout Josephine County.

 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is beginning restoration measures at the historic water feature at Tub Springs State Wayside, located along Green Springs Highway southeast of Ashland.

To protect the integrity of the site and prevent further deterioration, the historic stone tubs will be temporarily covered, and water will not be flowing through the tubs during this phase of restoration.

The decision follows earlier findings from the Oregon Health Authority, which determined that water at the site was no longer suitable for drinking due to high turbidity and a reclassification from groundwater to surface water. Restoration efforts require the tubs to be covered to safeguard the historic structures and prepare the site for long-term stabilization.

Tub Springs has served travelers since the 19th century, offering a scenic rest area along the Applegate Trail.

 

Hunting season is here, and fire season isn't over yet.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, with dry fuels still prevalent across the state, taking a few extra steps while hunting can help prevent a wildfire.

Check fire restrictions before heading out to the woods. These are to prevent human-caused fires and will help you remain fire-safe while recreating.

If campfires are allowed, only use designated campfire sites and make sure your fire is out cold before leaving it. Inspect the area surrounding your target and ensure that vegetation and other combustible materials are not exposed to sparks or hot fragments.

Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns are prohibited during fire season.

 

The Board of County Commissioners met for a Legal Counsel Update, and will further consider policy revisions and a resolution at the next Weekly Business Session. Administrative Policy revisions were discussed first regarding social media and public records. There was reported concern about inconsistencies and a lack of clarity on how social media should be handled, and it was felt the policy was out of date. Revisions would consider what is and isn't acceptable as far as social media's usage. For the Public Records policy, the goal is to clearly define when an elected official is making decisions on their own, and how that becomes severable from the records management officer's authority. Also to be clarified is the records process. Both are slated to be discussed further during the October 7th Weekly Business Session. The Josephine County Strategic Communications Plan was approved without objection. Legal Counsel will proceed with a draft of a Departmental Procedure from amendment to personnel policy for Direct Reports to the board.