The city of Grants Pass wrote an open letter this week praising the positive impacts of a 150-bed village for homeless people on the town so far, and encouraging social service providers to help residents there and funding organizations to offer financial support.

Also this week, Parker’s Place Village issued a press release outlining plans for further improvements and steps taken so far.

To say that Ida B. Wells — Grants Pass’ first round playoff opponent — is an unconventional Class 6A football team is an extreme understatement.

The undefeated Guardians (9-0) won the Portland Interscholastic League title using a deceptive run-heavy offense more common to small schools and a defense filled with skill position-type players.

Jackson County is extending this year’s open burn season, through Nov. 15.

The county Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the extension Wednesday.

Typically, the county sets the open burn season from the end of fire season, as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry, and Nov. 1.

This year, fire season went longer than is typical and ended on Oct. 28, leaving only four days, based on county code.

Applegate artists are taking their place at the Langford Art Gallery in Phoenix this month with two special events planned.

The gallery show features 21 visual artists from the Applegate, working in a variety of media including ceramics, fiber arts, metals, paint and encaustic. They represent similarly wide-ranging styles.