Josephine County Payroll Employment Drops Sharply in July and Over the Year

Total payroll employment in Josephine County fell by 510 jobs in July led by seasonally typical declines in local government education. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 32,861 people working in Josephine County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 6.8%, which was up from 6.6% in June and from 5.9% in July 2024. Government employment decreased by 660 jobs with a small gain of 30 in state government. Leisure & hospitality, private education & health services, and construction added jobs over the month. Other published industries showed little change. Over the past year, payroll employment in Josephine County was down by 950 jobs, a sharp loss of 3.5%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries. The most notable declines occurred in private education & health services (-300), financial activities (-160), retail trade (-150), leisure & hospitality (-120), manufacturing (-80) and wholesale trade (-50). Government employment fell by 30 jobs over the year. ...Read more

National Weather Service Posts "Extreme Heat Warning" for Southwest Oregon

The heat is on again for southwest Oregon. The National Weather Service has posted another Extreme Heat Warning for Josephine, Jackson and eastern Curry counties -- this one from 1 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Monday. The warning is for the valleys of Josephine and Jackson counties including the cities of Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams, Rogue River, Gold Hill, White City, Shady Cove, Medford, Jacksonville, Talent and Ashland. Very hot conditions with high temperatures of 100 to 107 degrees are expected. Overnight temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees will provide little relief from the daytime scorchers. The unusually hot temperatures will increase the risk for heat-related illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors -- especially the elderly. Do not leave children and pets in unattended vehicles. Vehicle interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. ...Read more

Pilot Project Expands Child Care Opportunities and Access in Josephine County

A pilot project designed to address the ongoing child care shortage in Josephine County is already seeing early success. With the support of this pilot program, one new child care business has been launched and one child care business has expanded their capacity to serve more children. This initiative brings together funding, training, technical assistance to help individuals start or expand licensed child care businesses. The effort is made possible through a collaboration between Southern Oregon Early Learning Services (SOELS), Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) and Rogue Community College's Small Business Development Center. Business grant contributions from the SOREDI Foundation and the City of Grants Pass have helped new or expanding businesses in Josephine County with purchasing equipment, furniture and supplies. ...Read more