I was curious about what was happening this time last year so I looked at my Mayor’s Letter from Nov. 20, 2023. It was a sunshiny day, and I took a walk on the Rough and Ready Botanical Trail and admired the work that had been done on the trails,[Read More…]

There was another milestone in our community Nov. 16. Congratulations to I.V. Living Solutions for moving forward with their vision of a transitional housing facility called I.V. HOPE Village. They held the groundbreaking ceremony onsite of the future transitional housing development. This program will be an important step toward preparing[Read More…]

The Grand Opening of our expanded and remodeled Cave Junction library was Nov. 9. I don’t have an accurate count, but I am guessing that there were at least 300 people in attendance. After a few words by Library District leaders everyone had an opportunity to enjoy snacks and goodies,[Read More…]

Autumn is fully in its glory. I love seeing all the brilliant color changes. The temperature is gradually decreasing, daylight is noticeably shorter, and the rain has come. The crisp autumn mornings and bursting colors remind me to keep my eyes open and cherish and care for this beautiful world[Read More…]

Last week, Council President Jean Ann Miles, Recreation Committee Chair John Miles Parks and I attended the 99th annual League of Oregon Cities (LOC) conference in Bend, Ore. Several hundred city leaders representing 241 cities across the state were there. I also tagged on an Oregon Mayors Association Board of[Read More…]

Autumn is sneaking into our lives. I now check to see how warm a coat I need before Zadee the dog and I go out for our morning walk. The leaves along the Illinois River have turned colors and the turtles seem to be in hiding already. I am ready[Read More…]

Change is in the air. Days feel cooler and shorter. Nights seem longer and darker. Time to get my jacket out for the morning walk with the dog. Sunday a couple neighbor friends and I had a lovely walk on the Jack Pine Loop Trail on 8$ Mountain Rd. I[Read More…]

Put the Illinois Valley Community Connections Expo on your calendar, Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m.- 2p.m., at Lorna Bryne Middle School. This is an exciting family friendly event featuring local nonprofits and organizations in our region. You’ll have an opportunity to visit with and learn about the wide array[Read More…]

Yesterday I took a big step outside of my comfort zone. I went to the horse races! My neighbor pointed out that it was Ladies Hat Day and ladies wearing a hat (not a ballcap) got in free. It was hard to say no to a freebie like that! The[Read More…]

Fire season is not over yet. It was about this time last year when the Smith River & Happy Camp wildfires moved dangerously close to our community. Already this year over 1.4 million acres have burned across Oregon. Be fire safe, diligent and report anything suspicious.On a happier note, at[Read More…]