North Valley Teacher to be honored as Regional Teacher of the Year
The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Max Jones as one of Oregon’s 16 Regional Teachers of the Year. Jones teaches music and band at North Valley High School in Grants Pass. He will be honored in a classroom celebration at North Valley High School Thursday, September 18, at 10:20 a.m. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Jones was nominated by many parents and students. He said, “My philosophy of teaching – fostering collaboration, student ownership, and musical excellence – while ensuring all learners, regardless of background or ability, experience growth and success.” Each Regional Teacher of the Year is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year to be announced in October.
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Grants Pass Educators' Program Receives $2,000 from Voya Financial Grant Program
Local teachers are receiving some financial help towards their new internship program. Voya Financial, Inc. announced that a group of educators at Gladiola High School in Grants Pass, has received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2025 Unsung Heroes awards competition. They are the only winners in the entire state of Oregon and one of only 50 winning submissions to receive the award to help fund their program. The group receiving the grant from Voya includes teachers Robin Beierle, Gary Miller, Jalynn Dinkins, and volunteer Doug Walker. The team's internship program hopes to not only provide students with high school credit, but earn a wage, according to Beierle. Selected from hundreds of applications Voya received from throughout the United States, these educators will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place from Voya Financial.
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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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