ODF Complex Incident Management Team 3 Assumes Command of Largest Local Fires

Oregon Department of Forestry Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the majority of lightning-caused fires in Southern Oregon early today. More firefighters, crews and additional resources continue to arrive and will rotate out some existing local district personnel, allowing them to be ready to respond to potential new fire starts. Capitalizing off cooler overnight temperatures, firefighters made great progress across all fires in Jackson and Josephine counties, holding the majority of them within their current footprints and minimizing growth. Today, crews will continue to provide aggressive, direct suppression on fires and push forward to build lines as hot and windy conditions persist in the region. The largest incidents across the district include the Neil Creek Road Fire south of Ashland and west of Interstate 5. Firefighters continue to build and hold lines around the estimated 250-acre blaze. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have placed surrounding residents on a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notice. Both northbound and southbound I-5 have been narrowed to single travel lanes between mileposts 8.5 and 10.5. The Deming Gulch Fire northeast of Buncom is currently estimated to be 250 acres while the Heppsie Mountain Fire near Lake Creek remains at 40 acres. The nearby Poole Hill Fire was stopped at 11.5 acres. The North Fork Deer Creek Fire in the hills east of Selma is completely lined and holding at 42 acres. The Jim Me Peak Fire south of Applegate continues to hold within its footprint at 70 acres and the Palmer Peak Fire near Applegate is estimated to be 90 acres. There was no acreage estimate provided for the Holcomb Peak Fire southwest of Williams. A number of other small fires are staffed across the district. Due to the large amount of fires, ...Read more

Josephine County to Hold Public Hearing on 2025 Community Development Block Grant

Josephine County is eligible to apply for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Business Oregon. Community Development Block Grant funds come from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes. Approximately $11.5 million will be awarded to Oregon non-metropolitan cities and counties this year. The maximum grant that a city or county can receive for a housing rehabilitation grant is $500,000. Josephine County is preparing an application for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant to fund a housing rehabilitation project that will serve areas outside the incorporated area of Grants Pass. It is estimated that the proposed project will benefit at least 20 low- and/or moderate-income households. A public hearing will be held by the Board of Commissioners at 10 a.m. on July 31st at the Anne G. Basker Auditorium. The purpose of the hearing is for the Board to obtain citizen views and to respond to questions and comments about community development and housing needs. ...Read more

RCC Department Offering Fast-Track Program in Early Childhood Education This Fall

Rogue Community College is now enrolling students for a fast-track Early Childhood Education (ECE) program that will be offered this fall. Designed to quickly prepare individuals for work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers, the program is funded by a grant that will cover tuition and books for 30 students. A short informational video is available at "roguecc.edu/FastTrack." Prospective students should complete the questionnaire on that page to receive information about the application process and Zoom information sessions. The program offers a supportive, hands-on learning experience for those interested in becoming early childhood educators or teaching assistants. Students can begin working in the field in as little as one academic term. In just one term, students can complete a Basic Certificate to qualify as a teaching assistant. Students who continue in the program can earn an Intermediate Certificate in two additional terms, preparing them to take on lead teaching roles. ...Read more