ODF to Decrease Industrial Slash Burning Restrictions
A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective Monday, November 10, at 12:01 a.m. As a result, the Oregon Department of Forestry says prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations. Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day. For those in Jackson County, the number is 541-776-7007. In Josephine County, it's (541) 476-9663. Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at www.swofire.com, Additional information can be found at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire ...Read more

Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce Alerts Public of Email Scam

The Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce is alerting the public of an email scam. In a message from President and CEO of the Chamber Terry Hopkins, he says they have been notified that scammers are sending emails posing as Chamber Board Members requesting assistance with an "Expense Payment". In one case, the scams show the sender as Board Chair Alan Meyer, but the email shows a Gmail address. The public is reminded that the neither the Chamber Board, nor any of the Committee members have email addresses that would show their position with the Chamber. Furthermore, no Board or Committee members will ever request any financial information or payments. That would only come from Chamber staff. The chamber staff have email addresses that end in @grantspasschamber.org. If you ever question the validity of an email, do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber by calling (541) 476-7717. ...Read more

City Council Approved Water Rate Adjustment, Real Property Purchase at Meeting

The Grants Pass City Council approved water user rate adjustments for 2026, as well as both the purchase of real property, and a resolution making new job descriptions and amending classification plans Wednesday. Following a presentation, the council passed a motion 6-1, council president Victoria Marshall dissenting, that approved Scenario 2 for adjusting user rates to help support construction of the replacement Water Treatment Plant. This scenario would increase most utility rates by 1% per year for three years with a phase increase to the plant replacement fee from $13.50 to $16 over three years. The council's motion to purchase real property at 124 NW Midland Avenue passed unanimously, as did a motion to create the positions of Geographical Information Systems Supervisor and Water Distribution Supervisor, and to amend the classification plans. The council voted 6-1 approving the appointment of Tracy Decklebaum to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, with Councilwoman Kathleen Krohn the lone dissenting vote. They then proceeded to approve all items on their consent agenda. ...Read more