Containment Increases to 68% on Kelsey Peak Fire, Firefighters Prepare for Warm Weather

All control lines remain strong on the Kelsey Peak Fire as firefighters continue to push into the perimeter, increasing containment to 68%. The fire, located approximately 15 miles west of Glendale, is still being held by resources at 1,039 acres. Rain was felt across the Kelsey Peak Fire early yesterday morning, continuing throughout the afternoon. Safety remains a top priority as work continues on tough terrain with numerous hazards. Today, firefighters will continue mopping up across the fire on the western and northern portions of line. Smoldering vegetation can remain dormant until warm, windy weather causes it to flare up. With those exact conditions in the forecast later this week, this work is critical to retain control of the fire and continue to move forward in extinguishing it. Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 1, assigned to the Kelsey Peak Fire since last Monday, is coordinating with the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 5 on the Moon Complex. ...Read more

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. ...Read more

CDBG Weatherization and Rehabilitation Application Window to Close Tomorrow

Grants Pass residents still have time to apply for the Community Development Block Grant Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program. The application window for lower- and middle-income homeowners will close at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 16. It is offered for city residents only and for owner-occupied stick-built homes. No mobile homes or manufactured homes are eligible. No rentals are eligible for the 2024 program year. The CDBG program allocates funds each year for these types of projects based on the annual award the city receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds are limited, applications must meet the income level, and not all repairs are eligible. ...Read more