Federal Aviation Administration Reports Nationwide Ground Stop
According to CNN, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson reported a communications problem affecting Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Because of this, all flights in the United States have been grounded until further notice due to reported extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety. The news site reports the Homeland Security secretary said the ground stop is not due to a threat to the country. Sources told CNN that preliminary reports do not indicate a cyber-attack. The most recent nationwide ground stop occurred in January 2023 due to a pilot notification system malfunction, with September 11th, 2001 before that. ...Read more

JCSO SAR Locate Missing Hunter with Assistance from California SAR, Community

A missing hunter was found safe Wednesday after spending more than 72 hours lost in the remote wilderness near Prospect. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), despite three days outdoors in cold temperatures, the 60-year-old man was in good condition. The hunter, who went missing Sunday, November 8, walked out of the wilderness and was located by fellow hunters Wednesday at 10:26 a.m. on the 900 Road near County Line Road outside Prospect. He was taken to a nearby JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) checkpoint, where he reunited with family and friends. Before the hunter was located, an extensive search effort was underway involving law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. Search methods included using ground personnel, K-9 teams, multiple airplanes, and a helicopter. During the search, JCSO deputies and SAR personnel expanded the search area and requested assistance from the California Oregon Regional Search and Rescue task force. More than 50 SAR personnel and approximately 80 community volunteers participated in the search. The public is reminded, when heading into the wilderness, to prepare for the unexpected. If you become lost, remember these important safety tips: Stay put, call for help, stay warm and dry, make yourself visible, and plan ahead. ...Read more

BCC Approves Leadership Committee Policy Repeal at Workshop

The Board of Commissioners approved the repeal of a Leadership Committee Administrative Policy and Public Works requests for fuel tank installations. During the board's 1:30 p.m. workshop Tuesday, a motion favoring the proposed repeal of the policy passed 2-1, with Legal Counsel Wally Hicks recommending it be replaced with a separate process. Commissioner Ron Smith abstained. The board moved to approve 3-0 a Mascott Equipment Company quote not to exceed over $126,000, with the cost being covered by road funds. Public Works also requested signing approval for an M&M Services, LLC contract. Following the unanimous motion, the Kerby Shop fuel tank will be decommissioned, and a new tank will be installed, not to exceed a cost of over $143,000. Finance's request to extend a Time Clock Plus contract passed 3-0, and the board permitted Director Matthew Eide to give department invoice approvals as needed. The board will revisit the Building Fees topic November 24th, and set a public meeting to address the fees for December 16th. A resolution for Reserve Fund Continuation was tabled. ...Read more