Applications Open for 8 Positions on New GP Development Code Review Task Force
Applications are now being accepted for eight positions on the new Grants Pass Development Code Review Task Force. The appointments will conclude at the end of the panel's mission. The purpose of the Task Force is to review and evaluate the Grants Pass Municipal Development Code to help simplify and streamline the City's land use process and various development standards. The desired outcome is a written recommendation to the City Council containing specific actions to modernize the code to reduce ambiguities and barriers to new construction investment and development projects within the Grants Pass Urban Growth Boundary. Special qualifications for these positions are a licensed civil engineer or architect, local builder, residential developer, commercial developer, land use attorney, real estate agent/broker and an at-large citizen representative. Applications are available at the City Administration Office at 101 NW A Street or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application." Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd. ...Read more

Mount Ashland Ski Area Announces Ariel and Windsor Chairlift Replacements in 2026
The Mount Ashland Ski Area has announced a transformative infrastructure project to replace two of its most iconic chairlifts. After more than four decades of service, Ariel and Windsor Chairlifts are set to be replaced with new, state-of-the-art fixed-grip triple chairs, with the project set to begin in Spring 2026. Ariel Chairlift, in operations since 1964, and Windsor Chairlift, which began service in 1978, have been cornerstones of Mount Ashland Ski Area, providing generations of skiers and snowboarders with access to more than half of the mountain's terrain. Despite years of diligent care and maintenance, both lifts are at the end of their serviceable lives, and the increasing costs to maintain, difficulty in sourcing parts and decreasing efficiency by modern standards have made the need for upgrades increasingly evident. The original chairlifts will continue to operate until their replacements are installed. These modern lifts will be more energy-efficient and resilient to wind and weather. ...Read more

Oregon Department of Forestry Encourages Caution While Burning to Prevent Wildfires

The Oregon Department of Forestry and other fire prevention experts are urging everyone to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. There have already been 32 escaped debris burns reported on ODF-protected lands in 2025. That's nearly double the amount compared to this time last year. The average size of an escaped spring debris burn is about one acre -- or the size of a football field -- and generally requires suppression from a local fire agency. Over 75% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused, with escaped debris burns topping the list. With forecasters becoming increasingly confident that this season will be hotter and drier than normal, now is the time to practice wildfire prevention. As grass and vegetation begin to dry out, the risk of a fire creeping away from a debris burn pile increases. Make sure to weigh your options and have all of the fire prevention tools in place before lighting the burn pile or burn barrel. Besides burning, preferable options for brush removal include composting or recycling. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options. But if burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention officials ask people to follow safe burning practices. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs as well as any damage to your neighbors' properties, which can be extremely expensive. ...Read more