East Evans Creek Fire Lines Holding Strong, State Teams Take Command
Firefighters working on the East Evans Creek Fire continue to make progress building line around the perimeter and protecting structures near the edge of the blaze. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Saturday evening update, containment lines have held, and firefighters continue to build on that progress. The fire is currently estimated to be 2,656 acres. Firefighters are preparing for several days of critical fire weather including high temperatures, gusty winds, and potential lightning. The ODF Southwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management Medford District, and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service ordered ODF Complex Incident Management Team 1. Governor Tina Kotek's invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act mobilized the Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team to protect structures near the fire. Growth of the fire was minimized through the day, however small spot fires were found. Resources included helicopters, air tankers, engines, crews, and bulldozers. A Level 1: Be Ready to evacuate warning for Zones JAC-003, JAC-004, JAC-017, JAC-026, JAC-036, JAC-109, JAC-126, and JAC-149-B, a Level 2: Be Set warning for Zones JAC-016, JAC-124, JAC-147, and JAC-148-B, and a Level 3: Go Now for Zone JAC-148-A are still in effect. ...Read more

Council to Discuss Lodging Tax, Tourism Grant Program, Owl Plaza before Executive Session

The Grants Pass City Council is scheduled to meet for their workshop to discuss tax allocation and tourism following presentations, then meet in Executive Session Monday morning. The meeting, starting at 11:45 a.m. will begin with a Lodging Tax allocation presentation. Council will hear a review of the Tourism Grant Program, then hold a discussion for the Owl Plaza. An agenda review will follow covering Wednesday's business meeting, and any potential items to be added to the calendar. Council will then adjourn the meeting and reconvene in Executive Session for labor negotiations. The public is welcome to attend the workshop in person or virtually by going to www.grantspassoregon.gov. ...Read more

Task Force Busts Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area

The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant today at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. According to a press release, IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, a half-pound of psilocybin mushrooms, and three and a half pounds of THC extract. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at the location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Oregon State Police. Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations. ...Read more