*The Rural Organizing Project mobilized Oregonians against a new United States Postal Service policy that caused delays for the state’s most remote populations. The organization Save the Post Office estimated 10,000 to 12,000 post offices nationwide would see the suspension of evening services due to the Local Transportation Optimization initiative.
*Ordinance 2024-001 recognized the fire protection provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry in forest protection zones within Josephine County. The commissioners made this change so that landowners outside of fire protection districts could develop their properties.
*Southern Oregon Early Learning Services Hub, along with several other partners, hosted a series of information sessions to answer questions and provide support to individuals interested in starting a child care business. The Illinois Valley, along with many other regions across Oregon, is considered a child care desert. This means that fewer than 33% of children in our region have access to child care due to lack of availability.
*Kalmiopsis Community Arts High School in Cave Junction demonstrated in support of their freedom to read Monday, March 4, at the intersection of Caves Highway and Highway 199 in Cave Junction. Students coordinated a protest of book bans and their support for Senate Bill 1583, which would prevent schools and school districts from banning books.
*Three Rivers School District surveyed 781 community members to gather feedback on the district and what families want to see going forward. Families surveyed said that their top three priorities for the school district are: 1) fostering programs to increase graduation rates; 2) keeping class sizes manageable; 3) growing alternative education options (e.g. GED programs, online education, etc.).
*On March 6, the county held its first of many rounds of amending or removing outdated sections of the county code. The minor changes made that day were clarifying the confidentiality of executive sessions, referring to Department of Finance in the code rather than Department of Budget and Finance, and repealing a section describing the now-disbanded Unified Board of Appeals.
*Illinois Valley Fire District Deputy Chief Kamron Ismaili was promoted to assistant fire chief. The assistant fire chief will participate in planning, developing policy, and resolving challenges and issues; and is responsible for fiscal management, including developing and administering the budget, alongside the fire chief.
*In honor of National Women’s History Month, the annual Women’s Cafe was held at the Dome School in Takilma March 9. This fundraiser for the Dome School touched on the global issues at hand, from reproductive choice, importance of voting, war devastation and health care.
*The eighth annual Cave Junction Farmers’ Market Chili Cook Off was held at the Dome School in Takilma Saturday, March 16. This jammin’ event was a fundraiser for the CJ Farmers’ Market and KXCJ Community Radio.
*Oregon Housing and Community Services launched the intake phase of the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds March 25.
*The CJ Council granted a partition request to the owners of 600 Schumacher Street to split the lot into three properties so that three homes could be built.
*A group of individuals urged the county to pass an ordinance declaring that Josephine County is a “non-sanctuary” county, meaning it will not harbor illegal immigrants as they go through the process of obtaining citizenship. The commissioners had doubts about the legality of this, as Oregon is a sanctuary state and passing an ordinance to the contrary would likely result in litigation.
*On March 16, local business Ascension Art and Tea House rose from the ashes to celebrate their grand reopening. There were many smiles, bellies full of homemade food, and a feeling of unity as people came together to appreciate unique pieces of local art, listen to music, and chat amongst themselves.