BCC Approved IGA's Contracts, Invoices, Met in Executive Session at Workshop

The Board of Commissioners approved intergovernmental agreements, contracts, and invoices during their County Administration Workshop. Public Work's requested Advisory Board Appointments to three local agencies: Rogue Valley Commission on Transportation, Solid Waste Agency, and the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization. The board approved the request, and the purchase of four Operation Division Replacement trucks. Also approved was an amendment reflecting a cost increase on the Wolf Creek Bridge project set for 2027. Public Works will pick up about $284,000 of the cost. The board moved 3-0 for Transit's Designation of Signature Authority for the Finance Director. A Department of Human Services Intergovernmental Agreement providing rides to eligible individuals, with the marginal cost charged to the Federal Government was also approved. Following an Airport Update, an FAA Grant Agreement for $2,759,417 covering the bridge loan motion was unanimous. The grant will fund an approved Knife River Materials project contract. ...Read more

Systemic Search for Remaining Hotspots Continues on East Evans Creek Fire

Firefighters continued steady progress across the East Evans Creek Fire Monday, with crews focused on gridding the area to locate and extinguish any remaining hotspots. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, firefighters took advantage of overnight humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations while an Uncrewed Aircraft System mapped remaining heat across the fire. The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% contained. Three chippers are working throughout the incident processing brush and small trees cut during suppression efforts. Crews are removing equipment from areas where it is no longer needed. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fire area daily until further notice. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal. It compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, all Level 1: BE READY to evacuate notifications for the East Evans Creek Fire have been canceled. All road closures are lifted but please be cautious as fire personnel are still in the area. ...Read more

JoCo Sheriff's Office Seeking Help in Locating Missing Man

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing person. David Wright was last seen at Jubilation Fellowship Church in Murphy on July 21st around 8:00 a.m. He likely left the church on a white Genesis mountain bike wearing a tan short sleeve shirt and plaid shorts. He is described as a 71-year-old 5'9" Caucasian male with white hair, blue eyes, and weighing around 160 pounds. It is unknown where David may have gone, however, he was seen on security footage at Dollar General in Murphy around 9:30 a.m. that same day. Anyone with information on David’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123. Reference Case #: 26-20107 ...Read more