Mop-Up Nears Completion on Kelsey Peak Fire, Containment Increases To 85%
Mop-up operations are nearing completion on the Kelsey Peak Fire, bringing containment to 85%. The fire, located 15 miles west of Glendale along the Lower Rogue River Corridor, has been burning since September 3rd. The fire is at 1,039 acres. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the evacuation order for Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and Marial to Level 1 – BE READY. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management's Level 1 – BE READY evacuation notice for Zone JCU-801 remains in place. Yesterday, a Type 1 helicopter was used to drop water and cool some hot spots in the interior of the fire on the southern end. Weather has transitioned to a warm dry trend with higher temperatures, lower humidities, and windy conditions. This weather may fan smoldering embers in the interior of the fire.
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City Council Moves Forward with Altered Main Street Funding Proposal During Workshop
The Grants Pass City Council moved forward with all agenda items with some changes during yesterday’s workshop. Main Street Funding was the major agenda topic. The council was presented with potential funding sources to benefit downtown businesses. The request would bring in a 3-year total of $270,000 from potential providers: The General Lands and Buildings Projects at $40k, Industrial & Downtown Loan Fund at $40k, and the Economic Development General Fund at $20k. Chamber President and CEO Terry Hopkins urged the council to approve, and after much deliberation, the revised motion passed with all but one yes. The first year of funding would be granted, with the second and third to be considered later with other funding sources. The Infill Housing Development Incentive Program was presented next, with goals to incentivize naturally occurring affordable housing developments to buy or rent long term on lots not needing new city infrastructure.
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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.
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