Fire Activity Increased on East Evans Creek Fire, Potential Thunderstorms Forecasted

Fire activity increased on the East Evans Creek Fire as crews prepare for potential thunderstorms. According to the latest Oregon Department of Forestry update, firefighters adjusted suppression tactics and ordered additional resources. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office increased Zone JAC-124 to a Level 3 evacuation zone. The fire remains at an estimated 3,628.2 acres, with an updated infrared flight ordered to map the fire later this morning. ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1 ordered firefighting resources to arrive today for another potentially active day on the line. Crews will continue constructing, improving, and holding containment lines. Structural task forces have been strategically assigned where structures faced the greatest potential threat. An incident occurred on the fire involving a wildland vehicle, no personnel were injured, and an investigation is being conducted. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. ...Read more

Council Moves for Lodging Tax Allocation, Tourism Grant Program to Remain the Same
The Grants Pass City Council moved in favor of the current Lodging Tax Allocation, thanks to a tie breaking vote from Mayor Clint Scherf. During the 11:45 a.m. workshop, council heard a presentation on the tax allocation, with funding utilized for Fire and Police Division operations, as well as Economic and Downtown Development. House Bill 4148, which allows net local transient lodging tax revenue to be used for resiliency grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industry, will go into effect January 1st, 2027. This move follows amendments to an Oregon Revised Statute, and could lead to the potential change in the allocation of about $43,900. Next was a Tourism Grant Program review. $35,000 have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2026, and the Tourism Advisory Committee recommended updates to the program like changes to scoring and application, plus the expansion of location criteria. Council moved 5-3 to not accept the recommendations, keeping the program in place, and to bring on a council liaison to the committee. Council continued their Owl Plaza discussion regarding plaza use policies and the application process, as well as the potential new food truck policy. A motion was made to direct staff to proceed with a six-month pilot project with amendments. ...Read more

Council to Discuss Lodging Tax, Tourism Grant Program, Owl Plaza before Executive Session

The Grants Pass City Council is scheduled to meet for their workshop to discuss tax allocation and tourism following presentations, then meet in Executive Session Monday morning. The meeting, starting at 11:45 a.m. will begin with a Lodging Tax allocation presentation. Council will hear a review of the Tourism Grant Program, then hold a discussion for the Owl Plaza. An agenda review will follow covering Wednesday's business meeting, and any potential items to be added to the calendar. Council will then adjourn the meeting and reconvene in Executive Session for labor negotiations. The public is welcome to attend the workshop in person or virtually by going to www.grantspassoregon.gov. ...Read more