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. ...Read more

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