GP/JoCo Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Terry Hopkins as New CEO and President
The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce has announced that Terry Hopkins has been selected as its new CEO and President. A local entrepreneur with deep roots in the community, Hopkins brings over 25 years of business management experience in Southern Oregon to his new role. A lifelong resident of Grants Pass, Hopkins is a graduate of Grants Pass High School. His career has been marked by a commitment to the local economy and community, with an extensive background in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Hopkins has worked with Thomason Hospitality Group and served as a business advocate for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. Most notably, he opened and currently operates the popular Grants Pass bar and restaurant Steam Distillery which launched in 2021. Hopkins' appointment marks a promising new chapter for the Chamber of Commerce as it continues to support and advocate for local businesses and economic growth in the region. He starts his new job on June 24th. ...Read more

Secretary of State Says May Primary Election is Underway with May 21st Ballot Deadline

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade says the May primary election is underway. Oregon's 36 county clerks began mailing out ballots on May 1st. If you have not already returned your ballot, please remember to do so before 8 p.m. on May 21st. You can mail your ballot back to your county clerk. Postage is already included. Don't forget to sign your envelope and make sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day. You can also return your ballot to any county clerk's office. They'll make sure it gets sent to the county in which you're registered to vote. Otherwise, drop your completed ballot at any official, secure dropbox. Want to know if your ballot has been received? You can always check the status of your ballot through the Secretary of State's "My Vote" website. Lost your ballot? Made a mistake? Your county elections office can help you get a new one. Didn't see a candidate on your ballot when you were expecting to? In Oregon, the major political parties have chosen to hold closed primaries. That means you must be a registered member of that party to vote in their primary. Any other questions? You can learn more at "OregonVotes.gov" or at your county elections office. ...Read more

Seasonal Fire Ban and Parking Restrictions Renewed in 2024 on Illinois River Corridor

The US Forest Service has announced the beginning of the seasonal fire ban and parking prohibitions on the recreation section of the Illinois River Corridor. The seasonal ban includes the building, maintaining, attending or using of fire -- except in designated Forest Service fire rings. It also prohibits parking or leaving a vehicle inside the white lines along Illinois River Road. This order is effective from May 13th through October 31st, unless rescinded sooner. The Wild and Scenic Section of the Illinois River is renowned for its outstanding values including blue-green, crystal-clear waters, its spectacular and varied landscapes, and its botanical biodiversity. Along the approximate four-mile recreation section of the Illinois, there have been ongoing and significant issues with illegal campfires and road safety over the years. Forest officials said these violations were creating safety and access issues for recreationists, emergency personnel and whitewater enthusiasts with permits. Law enforcement patrols help keep recreationists safe during heavy use periods. ...Read more