ODF Firefighters Continue Aggressive Attack on 72 Fires Caused by Lightning

Firefighters continued an aggressive attack on numerous fires caused by Monday night thunderstorms, making significant progress on the largest fires initially identified -- but also responding to multiple new reports of fires on Tuesday. In total across Jackson and Josephine counties, 72 fires on ODF-protected land have been confirmed by reconnaissance flights, detection cameras and firefighters. Due to the sheer volume of incidents and the potential for additional holdover fires, the district ordered Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3, which will mobilize from ODF districts across Oregon this morning. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized two structural task forces from Benton and Lane counties after a request for mutual aid by the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board. As of Tuesday night, the largest fires across the district included the Heppsie Mountain Fire located south of Highway 140 near Lake Creek, which was estimated to be 40 acres; the Poole Hill Fire located south of the Heppsie Mountain Fire, which was estimated to be 15 acres; the Pompadour Fire located in the hills east of Ashland, which was halted at 38 acres; the Deming Gulch Fire located near Buncom, which was estimated to be 350 acres; the Neil Creek Road Fire located south of Ashland, which was estimated to be 35 acres; the Jim Me Peak Fire located in a remote area south of Applegate, which was estimated to be 30 acres; and the Palmer Peak Fire located near the Jim Me Peak Fire, which was estimated to be 20 acres. Numerous additional fires have been stopped at a small size and were completely mopped up by Tuesday evening. ...Read more

OHCS Awarding Over $8.7 Million in Down Payment and Repair Help for Veterans

Oregon Housing and Community Services is awarding more than $8.7 million to eligible organizations representing 27 counties to support veterans through down payment assistance and home repair funds. Eleven organizations from Portland to Josephine County were awarded down payment assistance funds. Eligible veterans and their families at or below 100% of area median income can qualify for up to $60,000 depending on specific program guidelines. In addition, an amount up to 10% of the down payment assistance can be used for lender-required repairs. Six organizations also were awarded home repair funds, which assist homeowners who are veterans and are at risk of living in unhealthy homes or who are subject to potential displacement due to health and safety concerns. This allows veterans to enjoy the benefits of living in habitable, safe, healthy and sustainable homes. Homeowners who are veterans can apply for these resources to address issues such as accessibility/adaptability modifications, updates to code compliance, emergency repairs and repairs for structural integrity. OHCS acknowledges those families of veterans who helped shoulder the weight of war and the burdens of sacrifice, so these resources have been expanded to include serving the spouse of a deceased veteran. Community in Action is one of the organizations that received funds for both down payment assistance and health and safety repairs. For more information, please visit "oregon.gov/ohcs." ...Read more

RR School District Receives Cow Creek Foundation Grant for Student Health Center

The Rogue River School District has announced that it has received a $15,000 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to support the development of a Student Health Center at the district's Early Learning and Wellness Center. The generous award -- the Foundation's maximum grant amount -- reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to affordable, community-centered health care for the local school district's youngest and most vulnerable students. Rogue River Superintendent Patrick Lee said they are grateful to the Cow Creek Foundation for their investment in the well-being of their children and families. He said the partnership helps ensure that health care is not a barrier to learning, growth and success for students in Rogue River and Wimer. The Student Health Center will serve as vital resource for local children, providing accessible medical and behavioral health services in a convenient setting. It's slated to open and begin serving students in September. ...Read more