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.
...Read more
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.
...Read more
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
