GP City Council to Consider New Ordinance to Restrict Resting in Public Spaces

The Grants Pass City Council is preparing to consider an ordinance that amends the municipal code regarding resting in public spaces. During Monday's workshop session, Grants Pass City Attorney Stephanie Nutall briefed the Council on the changes that would go into effect once the preliminary injunction is lifted to allow the enforcement of restrictions on resting sites. Nutall reminded the City Council that on April 16th they established four resting locations that will accommodate more than 150 resting sites with many of them ADA-compliant as directed by Josephine County Circuit Judge Sarah McGlaughlin. The attorneys representing the City in the Disability Rights Oregon lawsuit plan to ask the judge to lift the injunction as soon as possible. According to Nutall, the ordinance would declare an emergency and consolidate restrictions that would prohibit resting overnight in all city parks. The ordinance would also strengthen restrictions within the designated resting sites, limiting the sites to an 8-foot-by-8-foot spatial footprint and reducing the buffer between the sites from six feet to three feet. The unhoused population resting in the existing sites would be required to move every four days, with a 72-hour notice in effect. The City Council will consider the ordinance on Wednesday night and if it is approved unanimously, the emergency declaration will go into effect as soon as the preliminary injunction is lifted. ...Read more

Jackson County Sheriff Warns Residents about Scammers Kicking into High Gear

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is warning Rogue Valley residents that scammers have kicked into high gear again recently. In the latest scam, they are leaving messages claiming that "Sheriff Aaron Grissom" has civil documents for them to pick up and that they need to call back to schedule an appointment. It's likely a ruse to get them on the phone to ask for money. Sheriff's officials remind residents not to send money to someone representing themselves as law enforcement on the phone. Law enforcement entities will never call you to collect money and they will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or bitcoin. When in doubt, hang up and call your local law enforcement agency's official phone number. The Sheriff's Office number is (541)-774-6800. There is also a text message scam going around regarding unpaid tolls. The scammers send a text claiming an outstanding balance due to an unpaid toll. The recipient of the message is supposed to click on a link in the text to arrange for payment to settle their "debt." Once they do, their personal information becomes compromised. If you click on the link, close the webpage immediately. If you think you've been scammed, visit "IdentityTheft.gov." ...Read more

City of GP Announces Beginning of Phase Two on Dollar Mountain Trail Project

The City of Grants Pass has announced the start of Phase 2 on the Dollar Mountain Trail Project. The City commenced construction on the trail system in September 2024, adding several miles of new mountain biking and hiking trails. Phase 2 of this initiative focuses on the development of a parking facility to establish a new trailhead on city-owned land located off Hieglen Loop. At the April 23rd Urban Area Planning Commission meeting, the Commission approved the major site plan and variance for the Hieglen Loop Trailhead & Day Use Parking. Completion is anticipated this summer, which will provide new access and parking to the Dollar Mountain Trail System in the northwest part of the city. ...Read more