Library Leaders Announce Counterproposal to GP Lease Agreement at Press Conference
Leaders of the Josephine Community Library District announced a counterproposal to the Board of Commissioners during a Tuesday morning press conference at the Grants Pass branch. Last Thursday, the Commissioners approved a new version of a library lease after reinstating a "termination for convenience" clause, which would allow either party to cancel the agreement with 30 days' notice. In a letter delivered by the library district's legal counsel, library officials made it clear that such a provision is unacceptable for a public institution tasked with delivering public services. The library district is asking that the lease allow termination only for cause -- such as a failure to meet lease obligations -- rather than for convenience, which would allow the county to end the lease at any time with 30 days' notice. Moving a large facility such as a public library requires more planning than a 30-day termination notice would allow. The district proposed modeling any new termination terms after the existing lease between Josephine County and the Grants Pass Family YMCA, another nonprofit providing essential community services under a $1 per year lease agreement. The Grants Pass branch at 200 NW C Street has served as the county's main library since 1959. ...Read more

Local Community Food Assessment & Action Plan Provide Pathway to Resilience
Food insecurity rates in the Rogue Valley are higher than the state average, according to the recently released "2025 Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment." Produced by the Rogue Valley Food System Network in collaboration with more than 20 local and statewide organizations, the Community Food Assessment is the result of three years of research and highlights the challenges and strengths of the food system in Jackson and Josephine counties. Included in the findings are the high levels of food insecurity in both counties, despite a vibrant agricultural economy. More than 19% of children in Josephine County face food insecurity, with just over 17% in Jackson County facing similar challenges. This compares to 13% throughout the state. According to the report, food insecurity rates declined significantly during the pandemic, due to a range of successful food assistance programs. Recent cuts to federal programs from Meals on Wheels to school lunch programs as well as funding for food banks has raised deep concerns for the agencies and organizations focused on feeding people in need. A five-year Community Food Action Plan arose out of the Rogue Valley Community Assessment ...Read more

Donors Urged to Give Blood to Red Cross during "Peanuts" 75th Anniversary Event
The American Red Cross asks donors to give blood now to help maintain a healthy blood supply. Donors of all blood types -- especially those with Types O positive and B negative blood -- are urged to make an appointment to keep lifesaving blood products ready the moment patients need them. People coming together to care for one another is the humanitarian spirit shared by the Red Cross community and fans of Peanuts. This month, the Red Cross and Peanuts are once again joining forces to remind people that a little good goes a long way. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, those who come to give blood from August 29th through September 21st will get an exclusive "Red Cross and Peanuts" mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs -- while they last. Be a friend to patients in need. Book a time to give by calling 1-(800)-RED CROSS, visiting "RedCrossBlood.org," or by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App. ...Read more