State Fire Marshal Urges Creation of Defensible Space to Prepare for 2024 Wildfire Season

May is Wildfire Awareness Month and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is encouraging all Oregonians to get prepared for the upcoming wildfire season. Creating defensible space is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and increase the chances it will survive a wildfire. The State Fire Marshal offers free defensible space assessments to Oregonians who want to start creating defensible space or those who want to optimize their current plan. For a limited time, people living in select areas of the state may be eligible for a $250 payment after receiving an assessment. You can request an assessment and learn more at "oregondefensiblespace.org." A few projects you can consider this month include spacing and pruning trees; removing leaves, needles, wood, bark mulch and other debris from within 100 feet of buildings or to the property line; moving flammable material away from the outside of your home; preventing plants from growing directly under the eaves of your home; and keeping firewood and lumber at least 30 feet from any structure. During Wildfire Awareness Month, the OSFM and its partners are encouraging, empowering and informing Oregonians to help prevent and prepare for wildfire. ...Read more

GP Housing Advisory Committee to Hold Home Building Update Next Thursday Evening

The Grants Pass Housing Advisory Committee will hold a Home Building Update for local developers next week. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Grants Pass City Hall, 101 NW A Street. The Housing Advisory Committee has released its meeting agenda which includes Introductions and City Housing Development Goals. The next agenda item is Getting the Most Out of the City's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Module. It includes Useful Information, Finding Topographical Features, Flood Plain, Locating Utilities and Tools to Know About. City staff will share Available Building Incentives and How to Find Them on the federal, state and local levels. There will also be a primer on Recent & Upcoming Development Code Changes for Middle Housing Land Division; Cottage Clusters, Accessory Dwelling Units & Plexes; and Open Space, Landscaping & Parking. Before the meeting is adjourned, City Planner Jason Maki will be available for Questions & Answers. ...Read more

Annual Plant Sale at Hidden Valley High School Supports Future Farmers of America

Hidden Valley High School is inviting the community to its popular annual plant sale today and Saturday. The event -- hosted by the Hidden Valley Future Farmers of America (FFA) -- promises an array of offerings to suit every gardening enthusiast. You'll find a wide selection of items including vegetable starts priced at $1 each, bedding plants available for $2 and stunning hanging baskets ideal for Mother's Day gifts, priced at $30 each. The plant sale not only offers an opportunity to enhance your garden, it also supports the Hidden Valley FFA. Your participation directly contributes to the FFA's initiatives and programs, providing leadership, personal growth and career training through agricultural education. Don't miss out on this chance to beautify your garden while supporting a worthy cause. The Hidden Valley plant sale is open both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Hidden Valley High School is located at 651 Murphy Creek Road in Murphy. ...Read more