Homeless Shelter Grant Approved by City Council
The Grants Pass City Council Wednesday night approved a resolution to create a low barrier homeless shelter at 210 Redwood Highway. The resolution authorized a notice of intent to award and execute a grant agreement from the city of Grants Pass to Elk Island Trading group to create a managed shelter with a capacity for up to 150 homeless in renovated Conex containers. The grant is for up to $1.2 million to be dispersed on a reimbursement basis. Elk Island has met all the requirements the city put forth and their provisions for repayment should Elk Island fail to meet all portions of the agreement. The resolution passed on a 5 to 3 vote with Councilors Marshall, Schloegl and Krohn dissenting. Earlier, the Council upheld the appeal of the Urban Area Planning Commission’s decision to deny changes to the approved site plan for Bowman’s Choice Auto at 899 Rogue River Highway. Council felt the changes, although in conflict with city code, were minor and created no adverse situations for the city. Councilors approved an ordinance creating a reimbursement district for the Harbeck Meadows Subdivision. The developer will install sewer main, storm drain, water main, and 679 feet of street on Southwest Emery Way from Allen Creek Road west. The developer will be reimbursed for those applying for a building permit along the road. A second ordinance was also approved for a public installed reimbursement district for the Allen Creek Road Regional Stormwater Pond. The pond will serve 10.61 acres and, as building permits are issued, their share of the cost of the pond will be assessed.
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Land Use Hearing Appeal Approval Motion Not Seconded, Resulting in Non-Action
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners were at a stalemate following a failed appeal motion during Wednesday's land use hearing. The hearing was a continuation from October 13, regarding a request for an appeal of the decision to allow a boat manufacturing business in a residential neighborhood. Commissioner Chris Barnett recused himself from the hearing due to his connection with one of the involved parties. The applicant for the appeal, Andie McCarty, claimed issues with the business at 176 Devon Drive included draining issues, noise incompatible with the residential cul de sac, and the accumulation of aluminum shavings. The opponent of the appeal request and owner of the property, Douglas Williams, said he has gone through the right avenues to create his business legally and claimed he has been harassed by some of his neighbors. In summation, Douglas thanked the board for their time, and Andie said she wants the business to be successful, but in a more appropriate space. Commissioner Andreas Blech felt the biggest issue was noise, and asked if the two parties could come to an easement. Andie didn't think an easement would solve the problem. Douglas felt most of the noise would be mitigated if he had power rather than using a generator.
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2026 JoCo Fair Theme Announced: Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes
The Josephine County Fair Board has unanimously selected the theme for the 2026 Josephine County Fair. In recognition of our Nation’s historic 250th birthday, the 2026 theme will be
“Home of the Brave: 250 Years of Heroes.” The decision was made during the Fair Board’s regular monthly business meeting Tuesday. As part of the celebration, the Fair Board is developing a Wall of Heroes, where community members will be invited to display photos of current and past family members who have served in any branch of the military. The wall will also include a dedicated section honoring first responders. The 2026 Josephine County Fair will take place Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 2. Additional details about the Wall of Heroes, entertainment, and special activities will be announced at a later date.
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