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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2017)
YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1937 Illinois Valley News Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 1 Section, Volume LXXX No. 11 $1.00 Published weekly for the residents of the Illinois Valley March For Truth Get ready for some river fun Judy Hoyle IVN Contributing Writer (Photo by Anita Savio, Illinois Valley News) Almost 60 people demonstrated outside the County Building in Cave Junction Saturday, June 3, as part of the national anti-Trump March for Truth. Demonstrators waved signs and sang to the accompaniment of live guitar and drum music. Organizer Gary Eby of the Resist Committee of the Josephine County Democratic Party said: “A great deal of positive solidarity was felt at the rally with a majority of those driving by being sympathetic and encouraging. Sharing with like- minded people pressures Washington toward transparency.” Fire season is here “Temperatures are starting to rise, our vegetation is drying out and summer weather patterns are arriving” ODF District Forester Dave Larson Annette McGee Rasch IVN Contributing Writer Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officials called the start of fire season Sunday. All open burning is now prohibited on all state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties. This includes debris piles and burn barrels. The public fire danger level is currently “low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is 1 (one). “Temperatures are starting to rise, our vegetation is drying out and summer weather patterns are arriving,” said ODF District Forester, Dave Larson. “We never know what a fire season may bring, but the last several years demonstrate our area’s potential for wildfires.” Last winter’s snow, late season rain and some cooler spring temperatures will keep soils moist at higher elevations into summertime. And while the substantial snowpack in both the Siskiyou Mountains and the (Photo by Dan Mancuso, Illinois Valley News) The Gold Canyon Fire Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. Cascade Range fully recharged Southwest Oregon reservoirs, creeks and rivers, it may have little positive effect on this summer’s wildfire activity in the district, most of which covers low-elevation grass and brush lands and mid-elevation forests, according to ODF. Thus, 2017’s fire season could be another active one. Sven Nelaimischkies, meteorologist with National Weather Service (NWS) explained how all this precipitation is a double-edged sword when it comes to urban fire conditions. “It’s great that the reservoirs are full; but all these grasses - the fine fuels - are very tall and thick and are really drying out now. This year, we’re much more concerned about human-caused fire on the valley floors throughout the region. Fire risk will be high and people need to really work on defensible space. It won’t take much for things to get out of hand.” According to ODF Protection Supervisor Bill Smith, by August in the southwestern portion of the state, an average fire season which means responding to roughly 6 to 10 fires per day. ODF and NWS officials say conditions could present a continuous challenge, especially in late summer. Factors at play include how much lightening occurs, how hot it gets, and most importantly, “how smart people are about their surroundings,” according to Nelaimischkies. “The human factor is the most critical.” Last year, fire season started June 3 and ended Oct. 13, lasting 133 days. A total of 209 fires burned on lands protected by the Southwest Oregon District, and blackened 726 acres. More than 200 of those fires were started by people and six fires by lightning in 2016. According to the 10-year average of fires on the district, 230 fires may burn more than 5,600 acres during fire season. Other restrictions on ODF-protected forestlands include: no fireworks; no tracer ammunition or exploding targets; and no sky lanterns. And under Industrial Fire Precaution rules, commercial operations, such as timber harvesting conducted on forestlands, are now required to have fire suppression equipment on the job site at all times and a watchman must also be provided. For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season regulations, call 541-474-3152. Things are on the rise at local bakery Kevin the “Philly Fanatic” Gillette has expanded his catering business with the purchase of Bagel Junction. Gillette got some help in the form of a business loan from the I.V. Community Development Organization. Learn what exciting changes patrons have in store. STORY ON A-5 Hathkapasuta means “family gathering by the river” in the native Illinois Valley Athabaskan language explained Tim Leyba event coordinator from the Cultural and Ecological Enhancement Network (CEEN). And the popular Hathkapasuta River Celebration returns June 10 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Illinois River Forks State Park. “We invite the public to discover the ways water connects us culturally, biologically and spiritually to other people, plants, animals, and to the entire planet through playful activities and engaging displays,” encouraged Suzanne Vautier of CEEN. Along with Leyba and Vautier, other event organizers are Kenny Houck and Roger Brandt, representing I.V. Community Development Organization (IVCanDO). Valley nonprofits, exhibitors and food vendors will have booths at the event with demonstrations taking place throughout the day. The exhibits are geared for all ages. New activities and features of this annual event include a 26 foot long “Dragon Jolly Jumper” obstacle course and the Wildlife Images Bear Trolley, slated to carry attendees between the parking lot and venue from noon to 5 p.m. In keeping with Leyba’s goal to continue to invite different indigenous groups, the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation will be represented this year with Tolowa Elders giving the ceremonial river blessing at noon. A “Cougar Awareness” booth with face painter Krista, and live eagles from Wildlife Images are also new this year. Throughout the day many agencies and organizations will offer interactive displays on nature and local history, including the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service. I.V. Soil and Water District will offer and educational stream table that demonstrates how the land is impacted by the flow of water. And both the Illinois River Valley Arts Council (IRVAC) and CEEN will provide engaging youth crafts and activities. Food vendors include Rosie’s Inferno Pizza and Dave’s Barbecue. At 12:45 p.m. live music from Throwdown will start featuring Bobby Luna and his son, Drummer Dave from the Southern Oregon Blues Band and Rosie of “Inferno” fame playing bass. River wildlife can be viewed through water scopes starting at 1:30 p.m. with Rich Nawa offering students of all ages the opportunity to see things from this unique perspective. Plus, the Mid-Rogue Steelheaders will present “Angler Ed” for those interested in learning fishing tips. Next, anyone who wants to participate in the “All Species Parade” is invited to visit the Tipi before 2 p.m. to choose their costume from Coyote Rising’s selection, including giant puppets. SEE RIVER ON A-5 (Photo by Laura Mancuso, Illinois Valley News) Tim Leyba dances with the dragon at the 2016 event. Dwyer named 2017 IVHS valedictorian! Goff named 2017 IVHS salutatorian! Annette McGee Rasch IVN Contributing Writer Annette McGee Rasch IVN Contributing Writer With the highest grade-point average at Illinois Valley High School - 4.14 - Ari Dwyer nailed down class valedictorian status in the graduating class of 2017! “It feels really good,” Dwyer said about the honor. Asked about the secret to his success, Dwyer responded, This year’s salutatorian at Illinois Valley High School (IVHS), Aliena Goff, is a gifted young woman who knows how to transcend challenge and transform what some might consider disability into success. “I’d like to share, no matter what your personal circumstances are, or your abilities, SEE DWYER ON A-9 SEE GOFF ON A-9
