Governor Kotek Urges Support in Stalled Restoration of Oregon Caves Chateau
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is urging people to "get to work" restoring a beloved landmark that for years has been sitting in a state of disrepair. The Oregonian reports the Oregon Caves Chateau, a six-story chateau completed in 1934 beside the ancient marble cave system, closed in 2018 for much-needed repairs that have not yet materialized -- in part due to rising costs and the discovery of new, more serious issues with the building. The National Trust for Historic Preservation included the chateau on its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025, a move that proponents hope will finally spur some action at the dilapidated landmark. The Oregon Caves Chateau is the first place in Oregon to be included on the annual list of "endangered places" since the program’s inception in 1988, according to the organization. In a statement, Governor Kotek voiced her support for the effort, which has been ramping up over the last few months, led by the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Travel Southern Oregon, the National Parks Conservation Association, Restore Oregon, Visit Grants Pass, and the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, which serves the towns of Cave Junction, Wilderville and Kerby.
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OSU Extension Returning to Josephine County following Reinstatement by Commissioners
The Oregon State University Extension Service is pleased to be returning to Josephine County after the Board of Commissioners reinstated the program during a public hearing this week. In June 2024, former Commissioners Herman Baertschiger and John West voted to stop funding for local OSU Extension Services including 4-H, agriculture, forestry, family and community health, and other programs provided to all residents for more than a century. As a result, OSU Extension was not able to maintain a public office in Josephine County and programming was limited. On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the proposed budget for the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District for Fiscal Year 2026. Funds will be allocated from the existing service district balance and no new taxes will be collected for the coming year. The OSU Extension said it appreciates the Commissioners' support for restoring a partnership to benefit Josephine County residents. In the coming year, Extension officials said they will focus on managing local 4-H and Master Gardener programs while preparing for a full return to service in the future.
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Josephine Community Library Offers Free Summer Reading Program for All Ages
Josephine Community Library has kicked off the 2025 Summer Reading Program that runs through August 9th with activities, in-person weekly crafts, a reading challenge and prizes for all ages. The theme this summer is "Level Up at Your Library," sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank, Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors and the Oregon State Library. Participants can track their reading using the online tracker and earn raffle tickets for prizes at the end of the program. Community members can visit the library website at "josephinelibrary.org," the Daily Courier, Country Weekly or visit in-person at the branches in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams and Wolf Creek for weekly themed activities, recommended reading and interactive resources. The Summer Reading Program and related events are offered at no cost to participants. A library card is not needed to take part. For more information about the 2025 Summer Reading Program, please visit "josephinelibrary.org/summer-reading-program, email "info@josephinelibrary.org" or call (541)-476-0571.
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