Jackson County Vector Control Finds Rare Mosquitoes for Second Year in a Row

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were discovered again in Jackson County -- one year after the Oregon Health Authority and the county announced the species had been found for the first time in the state. OHA, Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health have confirmed the presence of the rare mosquitoes as part of a routine surveillance program. OHA officials said the repeat appearance of the Aedes aegyptic mosquitoes is a concern because the species has been more common in the warmer climates of the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. They have been known to carry and transmit diseases that are more typical to warmer climates such as Zika virus, dengue and yellow fever. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. They primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans. However, health officials emphasize that the risk of these infections to local residents is low. Aedes aegypti cannot fly far -- only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Officials said changes in climate are allowing them to expand their range to the western US. ...Read more

White City VA Medical Center to Receive Infrastructure Improvements from US VHA

The US Department of Veterans Affairs will realign an additional $800 million this fiscal year as part of the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance program, which makes infrastructure improvements to health care facilities to ensure safe and effective patient care. The extra funding means more resources to repair and update aging VA facilities and technology. The extra money will be spent on a variety of improvement projects at various VA health care facilities across the nation including the White City VA Medical Center where several projects will be funded. The White City projects include renovating space in two buildings for Mental Health, preparing a new MRI site, replacing a Chiller, relocating equipment to the Mezzanine and abating ceilings in certain rooms. The additional funds will come from savings gleaned from various VHA reform efforts. The additions will bring total program spending for Fiscal Year 2025 to $2.8 billion -- a nearly $500 million increase from Fiscal Year 2024. ...Read more

Josephine Community Library Launching Public History Series on September 4th

Josephine Community Library is launching "Declaration 250," an eight-part public history series marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The free program begins Thursday, September 4th and runs monthly through May 2026 at the Grants Pass library branch from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.. Led by award-winning educator Lois MacMillan, the series explores how the ideas of 1776 sparked global movements for liberty, equality and independence. Each session connects founding-era events with their last influence in the US and around the world. To accompany the program, the library will feature a traveling Declaration of Independence exhibit, curated by Dr. James Basker and Sandy Trenholm of the Gilder Lehman Institute. The exhibit will be on display in Grants Pass through September and at the Illinois Valley branch in October. It will then be available for three-week loans to local schools and agencies. To request the exhibit, email "info@josephinelibrary.org." ...Read more