Rogue River School District Announces Opening of Early Learning and Wellness Center
After almost a decade of planning and legislative advocacy, the Rogue River School District announced the opening of its new Early Learning and Wellness Center. This milestone represents years of effort to expand early learning opportunities and provide vital health services to children and families in the Rogue River and Wimer areas. Efforts to establish an early learning and wellness center in the district date back to the late 2010's. Over the years, numerous community members, regional medical providers, education advocates, members of the Rogue River School Board, and state legislators worked hard to secure funding and support for the project. Funding for the $3 million facility was secured in 2021 through SB 5534, utilizing lottery bond dollars with the intent to address critical gaps in health care and early learning. The center features a student-based health clinic operated by La Clinica, as well as expanded preschool programming provided by Head Start. ...Read more

CDBG Weatherization and Rehabilitation Application Window to Close Tomorrow

Grants Pass residents still have time to apply for the Community Development Block Grant Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program. The application window for lower- and middle-income homeowners will close at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 16. It is offered for city residents only and for owner-occupied stick-built homes. No mobile homes or manufactured homes are eligible. No rentals are eligible for the 2024 program year. The CDBG program allocates funds each year for these types of projects based on the annual award the city receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds are limited, applications must meet the income level, and not all repairs are eligible. ...Read more

Investigation Continues for Ashland Murder, No General Threat to Public

Investigators from the Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit have spent the week furthering the investigation into the murder of Matthew Vandersande. The investigative team is made up of members of the Ashland Police, Medford Police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County District Attorney’s office and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. Throughout the last week, several Ashland neighborhoods have seen detectives canvassing the area, interviewing possible witnesses and seeking evidence. Several search warrants have been obtained and executed, and several items of evidentiary value collected. More search warrants will be sought as needed as the investigation progresses. The investigation continues to lead investigators to believe that there is not a general threat to the community. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department. ...Read more