Budget Cuts Affect CASA of Josephine and Jackson County Programs
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program could serve 20% fewer children this year due to budget cuts. According to The Daily Courier, the combined Rogue Valley CASA programs lost $68,000 after Oregon cut Victims of Crime Act funding. CASA's executive director of Josephine and Jackson County Jennifer Mylenek said this same cut happened years ago, but local programs helped gather governmental support to fill the gaps. CASA reached out at the state and federal level for financial assistance, but those options either didn't last, or couldn't provide necessary funds. In 2024, 616 children in the Rogue Valley were assigned a CASA, with 120 going to a wait list. This year, Mylenek says she expects they will be able to serve 510 children and placing everyone else on the wait list.
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Kelsey Peak Fire Transitions to Mop-Up Operations, Warm Temperatures Return
Crews on the Kelsey Peak Fire completed control lines along the eastern edge of the fire and will transition to mop-up operations today. These operations will help firefighters secure the perimeter. Crews will use infrared maps to focus work on hot spots adjacent to the control line. Aircraft will be supporting operations today as needed. Fire behavior is expected to increase through Saturday as temperatures warm and fuels begin to dry out. Oregon Department of Forestry’s Complex Incident Management Team 1 continues to focus on minimizing impacts of the Kelsey Peak Fire on the Lower Rogue River corridor, surrounding historic and private structures, cultural and environmental resources, and communities near the fire. The Rogue River remains open for permitted boaters near the Kelsey Peak Fire. Firefighting activities may cause delays; boaters are encouraged to use caution on this part of the river.
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RCC Foundation Names Steve Roe Citizen of the Year
The Rogue Community College Foundation has named Steve Roe as its 2025 Citizen of the Year. The general manager of Roe Motors in Grants Pass, Roe is honored for his unwavering commitment to the community and steadfast support of RCC’s mission to transform lives through education. A longtime Grants Pass resident, Roe has provided poverty simulation workshops to RCC students, faculty and staff, offering invaluable insight into the barriers faced by individuals living in poverty. During finals week, Roe can be found on Redwood Campus with his trained therapy dog, Hope, offering comfort and encouragement to students. Roe is recognized as a champion for mental health and suicide prevention. He is an advocate with the "Tomorrow Needs You" program, which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
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