Persistent Hot and Dry Weather Increases Public Use Restrictions Across Pacific NW
Due to July's persistent hot and dry weather, national forests across the Pacific Northwest have increased or implemented public use restrictions. Through these public use restrictions as well as high to very high fire danger levels, the US Forest Service is urging the public to be vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfires while recreating outdoors. Current public use restrictions can be found on national forest webpages or by checking at the local ranger district before recreating. Even if campfires are allowed, please consider whether having a fire is necessary. Forest Service officials have provided a few tips to keep yourself, your family and communities safe as fire season ramps up in Oregon and Washington. Stay vigilant if wildfires are burning in your area or near your community. Know that conditions can change quickly. Adhere to local fire restrictions. Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county. Become familiar with the three evacuation levels. Know where to find up-to-date evacuation information for your area. Make a plan to keep your family safe. Even if some areas of the Pacific Northwest may experience cooler weather than normal, fire danger levels will remain high to very high because already dried fuels remain susceptible to ignition sources. ...Read more

National Bureau Reports GP Area Workers Earn Lower Wages than US Average
Workers in the Grants Pass Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage that is much lower than the national average. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports Grants Pass workers had an average hourly wage of $27.88 in May 2024 as compared to the national average of $32.66. In Grants Pass, the higher paying major occupational groups included healthcare practitioners, technical, management and legal professions. According to the report, Grants Pass had 3,310 jobs in office and administrative support, accounting for 10.7% of local area employment. Nationally, office and administrative support positions accounted for an 11.8% share. Lower paying occupations in the Grants Pass area included food preparation and serving related, personal care and service, and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance. Occupational groups with the highest employment in the Grants Pass area included healthcare support (17.8%), office and administrative support (10.7%), and food preparation and serving related (9.9%). ...Read more

Britt Festival Offering Discounted Concert Tickets for 3 Shows to Local Firefighters
Britt Music & Arts Festivals is proud to announce its second year of a special initiative to recognize and express gratitude to the region's courageous firefighters and other fire personnel who play an integral role in protecting our community. As a gesture of appreciation, Britt is offering discounted lawn tickets to three upcoming shows. The shows include Dirtwire on July 25th, DISPATCH on July 29th and Taj Mahal & Steve Earle on July 31st. For these concerts, the price of each ticket will be reduced to a flat rate of $25, with a four-ticket limit per firefighter per show. To redeem their tickets, firefighters and other fire personnel can visit the Britt Main Office at 216 West Main Street in Medford or call the Britt Box Office at (541)-773-6077. Please be prepared to provide an agency ID or other proof of employment to receive the discount. Britt extends its heartfelt thanks to these brave individuals for their unwavering dedication and service. ...Read more