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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2004)
Page 16 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Fund-raiser under way Book review Red Cross aids many in disaster Biscuit Fire view noted During the last year, the Rogue Valley Chapter of American Red Cross, which is now conducting a fund-raising campaign, provided the following: *Emergency assistance to 53 families whose homes were affected by fire or flooding. *Shelter for 278 trav- elers stranded by severe winter storms and assisted 69 residents who lost their home in a retirement home fire. *Courses in lifesaving CPR and first aid, baby- sitter training, and swim- ming and water safety to 7,388 people. *Workplace and com- munity HIV/AIDS educa- tion to 788 people. *Disaster services training courses to better prepare 322 people in our community in the event of a disaster. *Assistance in collect- ing 9,540 units of blood. *Vital, around-the- clock emergency commu- nication assistance for 453 military personnel and their families. Briefed 50 National Guard soldiers prior to their deployment on services available from the Red Cross. For more information phone (541) 471-7822. There is no cure for birth or death except to try to enjoy the interval. - George Santayana - No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched. - George Jean Nathan - A CD-ROM book that spotlights the history of forest management in connection with the massive Biscuit Fire affecting Illinois Valley during 2002 offers significant in- sights. Produced by Chuck Mansfield, a former smokejumper based in Illinois Valley, the educational and entertaining book specifically notes that the 500,000-acre Biscuit Fire, said to be the largest in Oregon history, became a disaster because: *The main component was not detected on a timely basis. *The fire was not aggressively attacked although fire danger was high. It is the thesis of the book that the root cause for these failures is complex. “The book is primarily intended as an educational presentation that will give the public a greater understanding of the problems faced in forest management and the devastating changes in forests caused by fire,” writes Mansfield, a former forest service employee whose family has been involved in the history of Oregon since 1850. The centerpiece of the book is a collection of 189 pho- tos taken between 1928 and 2003. “The major management decisions affected federal management of lands since 1795 is discussed in some detail,” the author states, adding that, “The history of fire control in Siskiyou National Forest is discussed in great detail. “The photos show the conditions before and after the Biscuit Fire.” Mansfield asks questions and presents the evidence, but does not draw conclusions other than, “Aggressive fire suppression is necessary when the fire danger is high.” The author states that smokejumpers and aircraft were available to hit the fire when it first was discovered on July 13, but that appropriate action was not taken. Therefore, he notes: *Some 500,000 acres of forest were burned. *The entire Kalmiopsis Wilderness was burned. *The direct cost to taxpayers was $170 million. *The cost of damage to timber, watershed, recreation, fisheries and endangered species may never be evaluated. He then asks, “Why?” The book involves itself in shedding light on that issue. ‘Les Miserables’ auditions set Connect the Dots will conduct auditions for “Les Miserables” on Friday, April 23 from 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rogue Community College Rogue Bldg. in Grants Pass. Director Daniel Grossbard, is looking for a chorus of 25 to 50 actors. “Les Miserables” will be performed in late Septem- ber and early October. Auditions consist of a two-minute monologue and 32 bars each from two contrasting songs. For an audition: (541) 476-7434. This election is about what we can do for the future ... • Ensure safe neighborhoods. • Develop responsible county employee pay and benefit plans. • Facilitate citizen involvement in county government. “My vision of the future is not limited by what others think is impossible.” - Cherryl Walker “Cherryl fights for our farms, forests and rural way of life. She is the only elected official who has ever truly represented me and my family.” - John Malkow Farmer, U.S. Army Veteran & Writer Cherryl Walker, as independent as you. Paid for by Cherryl Walker for County Commissioner · PO Box 167, Murphy, OR 97533 S/N000015 Monday, April 12 *1:57 p.m., district- wide medical standby for American Medical Re- sponse. *2:01 p.m., medical aid, 28200 block Redwood Hwy. *3:42 p.m., power line problems, 5700 block Hol- land Loop Road. Tuesday, April 13 *2:25 a.m., medical aid, Forest Creek Road. *2:26 a.m., district- wide medical standby. *10:25 a.m., medical aid, 681 Caves Hwy. *10:26 a.m., district- wide medical standby. Wednesday, April 14 *2:04 a.m., medical aid, Sherwood Avenue. *2:04 a.m., district- wide medical standby. *12:56 p.m., medical aid, N. Junction Avenue. *11:03 p.m., medical aid, 1400 block Rockydale Road. Thursday, April 15 *3:56 a.m., medical aid, 400 block Lakeshore. *5:43 a.m., medical aid, 900 block Dick George Road. *6:46 p.m., public aid, 24500 block Redwood Hwy. *7:34 p.m., medical aid, 1400 block Lakeshore Drive.