Illinois Valley News Vol. 72 No. 10 Dated: 2009.05.20

Top stories in our weekly issue dated
May 20, 2009

Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer calls for water to attack the blaze. (Photos by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)

Man saved from fire as residence burns

An extended family displaced by a fire at their Cave Junction home on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, has received assistance from the American Red Cross, and is seeking the means to put their lives back together.
CJ library opening set Sept. 5

After much internal discussion, Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI) directors have decided to set a tentative Sept. 5 opening date for the Illinois Valley Branch Library in Cave Junction.
Maurer talks budget alternatives at town hall

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in late spring. Cloudless, warm and green. Little wonder then that little more than a dozen people should elect to spend the morning discussing state budget issues. The little town hall-style meeting took place in Cave Junction City Hall on May 16.
JoCo commissioners express opposition to Wyden thinning bill

A resolution expressing opposition to a proposed piece of federal timber legislation was passed 3-0 by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners during its administrative meeting in Grants Pass Tuesday, morning, May 12.
County saves on bond refinance

The county recently received an A+ bond rating, which enabled it to refinance bonds issued in 1999 to fund construction of the new jail.
Illinois Valley Fire District
- Fire district to receive Search and Rescue vehicle through grant
- Fire board OKs $1.3 million budget
Springfield Mayor Leiken files for DeFazio’s seat

During the 2008 election, Republicans were unable to field a candidate to run against longtime Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield). But if DeFazio chooses to seek another term, it appears that he will have to face Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken in November 2010.
Korff brother causes controversy

On April 29, Kurtis Kern Korff filed a $3 million federal lawsuit against several defendants regarding a 2006 O’Brien incident in which he was shot by officers. The suit has helped bring renewed attention to the antics of Korff’s brother, Kal.

Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think

Community News

A free family event -- Alpaca Farm Open Days -- is set for Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will include alpaca spring babies in the pasture, and a shearing demonstration Monday starting at 11. And there will be alpaca fiber, yarns, rugs, socks and other fiber products.
For more information, phone 415-2614.

Environmental change topic of Siskiyou ecology conference

Siskiyou Field Institute’s (SFI) Deer Creek Center in Selma will be abuzz with activity Thursday through Saturday, May 28 to 30, for the Third Conference on Klamath-Siskiyou Ecology.

IRVAC to host concert at Deer Creek

A special lively open-air concert, Live at Deer Creek Center, will be performed from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at the Siskiyou Field Institute.

Events calendar

All the Valley's happenings in the Events Calendar

Valley girls thrilled by reply to their invitation to Obamas

Two Cave Junction friends, Hannah Kelley, 8, and Sarah Bollweg, 12, thought it would be fun to invite the children of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for a sleepover in their tree house. And that’s where their story got interesting.

Harvest Kitchen meal site needs help

Harvest Kitchen, the sole remaining “free lunch” site in Illinois Valley, according to coordinator John Scott, has added a third day for meals, but needs a bit of help.

Boys & Girls Club offers summer program

Summer 2009 is around the corner, and the Illinois Valley Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley is ready.

School Sports

Curtis Paulson shags a center-field fly. (Photo by Michelle Binker, IVN)

Cougars win season finale against Knights

Illinois Valley boys baseball team members won their first Skyline Conference victory on the last day of the season, 10-6, against North Valley on May 12 in Cave Junction.
Knights roll over IVHS

The Illinois Valley High School girls softball team let one get away on Tuesday, May 12 in Merlin against North Valley.
Cougars two for show at conference track meet

While many Cougars were just outside the money, Casey Robertson and Kayla Johnson will be the only two athletes to represent Illinois Valley at the state 4-A track meet in Eugene.