Board Proclaimed "National Police Week" and Defined County Road Official Duties

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners opened its business session on Thursday by proclaiming May 11th-17th to be "National Police Week." All three Commissioners then signed the proclamation and presented it to Sheriff Dave Daniel and Grants Pass Police Chief Warren Hensman who thanked the Board and the community for their ongoing support. Next Tuesday, May 13th, the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Grants Pass Police Department and Oregon State Police will honor the six local officers who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives while on duty. The event will take place at 10 a.m. in front of the Courthouse in Grants Pass. The lone Administrative Action item on the agenda was an order defining the responsibilities of the County Road Official. The designated official is identified as Neil Burgess who is the Josephine County Engineer. Burgess's responsibilities include standing operating procedures such as Maintenance, Permitting Authority, Traffic and Safety Operations. They also include approving easements, street plug placement, removal and crossings, minor road closures and road inventory management as well as the release of liens and bonding. ...Read more

Josephine Library District Calls for GP Lease Resolution as County Moves Toward Talks

The Josephine Community Library District is once again calling on the Board of Commissioners to renew the lease for the Grants Pass library building on NW C Street, the library's home since 1959. In a formal letter sent this week, the library district reiterated its request for a five-year extension at $1 per year -- identical to the terms submitted to the Board on March 25th. In the letter delivered by JCLD's legal counsel, the district stated that this modest lease renewal would satisfy the mandate under Section 14.5 of the County Charter to support and maintain the main library and its branches. Library Attorney Mark Bartholomew said the obligation applies to the library district just as much as now as when the library was a county department. The Board this week authorized Commissioner Chris Barnett to negotiate directly with the library district. The district is hopeful that this step will help move the lease renewal forward and bring an end to "this unnecessary and unfair saga." The Board voted to terminate the lease on January 6th with 30 days' notice and has failed to respond substantively or engage in direct negotiations. ...Read more

Hearts with a Mission Launching "Hearts for Seniors" Program in Josephine County

Hearts with a Mission (HWAM) is pleased to announce it is expanding services in Josephine County to include its "Hearts for Seniors" program and is now accepting senior referrals and volunteer inquiries. "Hearts for Seniors" will be a support to seniors 65 and older who are living in isolation within their homes as they may not have family support or resources. Companion care is their primary service. Some secondary services may include a variety of practical helps such as weekly meal preparation, light housekeeping tasks, rides to appointments, and simply providing a listening and compassionate ear. Secondary services are provided subject to the availability and willingness of volunteers and are not guaranteed. The Hearts for Seniors program has been successful in Jackson County with nearly 100 seniors paired with volunteers who meet weekly, or who provide one-time services such as yard cleanup, small repair projects and installation of grab bars. Consider submitting a volunteer application or referring a senior community member today at "heartswithamission.org/hearts-for-seniors." ...Read more