Voter Turnout in Josephine County Improved to 25.49% on Eve of Primary Election Day

Voter turnout in Josephine County had improved on the eve of Election Day. The Josephine County Clerk's Office reported a 25.49% turnout late Monday afternoon, with 17,816 ballots returned from a total of 69,905 registered voters. Out of the 17,816 ballots returned, 16,337 had been accepted as of yesterday. Election officials are still encouraging last-minute voters to hand-deliver their ballots to designated drop sites instead of placing them in the mail as there are still delivery delay issues with the US Postal Service, which is now sending all mail from Josephine and Jackson counties to Portland for processing. Designated drop sites in Josephine County include the Clerk's Office, the north and south entrances to the Courthouse in Grants Pass, the back parking lot of the Grants Pass branch library, Washington Mutual Bank on Union Avenue, Ray's Food Place near Merlin, Hidden Valley Market in Murphy and Cave Junction City Hall. The Grants Pass Broadcasting Corporation is encouraging all registered voters to cast their ballots before the 8 p.m. deadline and then join us for election coverage on KAJO, KLDR and KRRM. ...Read more

Seasonal Alcohol Ban Renewed on Recreation Section of the Illinois River Corridor

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has renewed the ban on alcohol on the recreation section of the Illinois River Corridor from May 24th through September. As in previous years, the area included in the temporary alcohol ban extends from the Forest boundary on Illinois River Road west of Selma to an area near the McCaleb Ranch including the area surrounding Cedar Camp. The ban is effective approximately 1/4-mile on either side of Illinois River Road in those areas. The ban will not be in effect on privately-owned lands, nor will it apply to those who are driving on Illinois River Road to reach a destination outside the closure area. Violation of the alcohol ban is punishable by law, with the penalties of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Wild Rivers District Ranger Scott Blower said the decision to implement the alcohol ban arose from the concern for public safety and it has been met with overwhelming support from both the local communities and those who travel to the river from outside areas. ...Read more

US Coast Guard Encourages Preparedness during "National Safe Boating Week"

In support of National Safe Boating Week -- held from May 18th-May 24th -- the US Coast Guard urges all recreational boaters and recreational paddlers throughout the Pacific Northwest to exercise caution and become knowledgeable on water safety in preparation for the 2024 boating season. As the weather improves and many members of the public return to the water, the Coast Guard reminds all residents that weather conditions remain variable. Many of the accidents and deaths on the water can be prevented with simple and effective measures including boater education, life jacket usage and trip preparation. The highest group at risk are boaters and water sports enthusiasts exposed to the elements on small crafts such as paddleboards and kayaks. The vulnerability to the elements and physical demands of their activity can cause even experienced sportsman and swimmers to become exhausted and unable to return to shore, with long exposure being a potentially fatal risk factor. ...Read more