Salvation Army GP Launches Program to Combat Southern Oregon Homelessness
The Salvation Army Grants Pass has announced the launch of its AmeriCorps Program, funded by a $270,000 AmeriCorps grant after receiving an initial planning grant of $74,000. This program will place 10 full-time AmeriCorps members at key service locations throughout Southern Oregon including The Salvation Army, Rogue Retreat and Rivers Edge Charter School (REACH) to address homelessness and housing instability. The AmeriCorps members focus will be on workforce development, housing stability, and providing critical resources to help individuals overcome barriers, secure stable housing, and achieve economic stability through education and employment. The newly placed AmeriCorps members and their roles are as follows: Bronson McAllister: Rogue Retreat Volunteer Coordinator; Shawn Kyker: Rogue Retreat Life Skills Coordinator; Lauren Hafterson: The Salvation Army Medford Volunteer Coordinator; Mana Kaiu: The Salvation Army Medford Job Skills Coordinator; Jack Bowen: The Salvation Army Medford Wrap Around Coordinator; Zoe Billings: REACH Student Success Grants Pass; and Karl Ketley: The Salvation Army Grants Pass Workforce Coordinator The Salvation Army will provide comprehensive oversight, ensuring members receive support and training to achieve program goals and have enriching experiences.
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USFS: Campfire Restrictions Decrease to Stage One on Wild and Scenic Rogue River
Due to recent precipitation and an extended forecast that indicates cooler and wetter conditions, officials with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Department of Forestry have decreased campfire restrictions on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. The Wild section of the Rogue flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. Effective immediately, campfires are allowed in fire pans below the high-water mark from Marial downstream to Watson Creek. All ashes must be carried out. Smoking is only permitted while on watercraft on waterways or in area that are on vegetation-free sand and gravel bars located between the river and high-water mark. The BLM administers the stretch of the river between Grave Creek and Marial where ODF Southwest provides initial attack for new fires. The Forest Service manages from Marial downriver to Watson Creek. Officials said these new restrictions will be in place until November 30th unless rescinded sooner. In addition, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has moved to "low" fire danger, rescinding all general forest fire conditions and allowing campfires in dispersed campsites while remaining at Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1.
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Medford Police Participate in 21st Annual National Family Violence Warrant Sweep
The Medford Police Department's Domestic Violence Task Force is working with agencies throughout Jackson County as well as agencies across the country to arrest persons with outstanding family violence-related warrants. Last Wednesday, a total of 15 arrests were made during a local sweep in which 23 law enforcement personnel participated and four victim advocates assisted. The 15 subjects who were arrested were among 73 attempted warrant services. Participating agencies included MPD, the Ashland Police Department, Talent Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Parole & Probation, and Community Works. MPD Lieutenant Geoff Kirkpatrick said this nationwide collaborative effort helps raise awareness of the problem of domestic violence in our communities. He said it also demonstrates to offenders that they will be held accountable for their violence. MPD employs a full-time Domestic Violence Officer along with hosting an in-house Domestic Violence Advocate employed by Community Works.
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