Mikell Lowry, above, of Klamath Falls, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls with plans to pursue a career in rangeland management and ecology.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Sunny, with a high near 80.
Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm winds.
Friday A 20% chance of showers after 11am. Snow level 7200 feet. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Saturday A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Snow level 6200 feet rising to 7300 feet in the afternoon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Today’s Headlines
Eight Klamath Students Awarded $8,000 in Scholarships by Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced that it has awarded $8,000 in scholarships to eight Klamath students to support their academic and career goals.
“Students will work for their education if given the opportunity,” said donor Jane Ferguson. Earl Ferguson, donor and former school district superintendent added, “My family had needs when I was growing up, and the community helped us. Jane and I felt that if we were ever in a position to pay the community back, helping those less fortunate, we would.”
The 2022 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:
Hector Briseno Pena, Malin, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University, majoring and pursuing a career in civil engineering. Hector participated in student government, Future Farmers of America, and Future Business Leaders of America. Hector was active in track, where he earned state champion in the 4×400 meter relay race. He also played JV basketball and volunteered for the Merrill Malin Beef club, Klamath Country Fair, and ASPIRE.
Cassidy Mahan, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University, with plans to major in environmental science and pursue a career as an environmental engineer. Cassidy was a participant in the National Honor Society and was a varsity athlete on the basketball and soccer teams. Cassidy also volunteered with SMART Reading where she spent time with students at Joseph Conger Elementary School.
Melody Martino, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, with plans to major in nursing and pursue a career as a traveling critical care nurse. Melody was a part of her school yearbook and served as the editor in 2021. She also participated in multiple varsity sports, the student council, and the National Honor Society. Additionally, Melody volunteered with SMART Reading and Camp Invention.
Madeline Lowry, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls with plans to study agricultural business and pursue a career in agricultural appraising. Madeline was a member of the wind ensemble, the varsity soccer team, and the 4-H club, where she served as vice president from 2020-2021. Madeline also spent time helping senior citizens in her community and volunteering with St. Pius X Catholic Church. In 2022 she was awarded Henley High School Valedictorian.
Mikell Lowry, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls with plans to pursue a career in rangeland management and ecology. Mikell was a member of the wind ensemble, the varsity soccer team, and the 4-H club, where she served as president from 2020-2021. Mikell also spent time helping senior citizens in her community and volunteering with St. Pius X Catholic Church. In 2022 she was awarded Henley High School Valedictorian.
Kinsey Hullman, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Boise State University, majoring in kinesiology with plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Kinsey was a scholar athlete and played on a variety of varsity sports teams. She was a member of the Key Club and served in the student government as class treasurer for all four years of high school. Additionally, she volunteered with many organizations including the National Honor Society and Hunger: Not Impossible.
TayLee Young, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the DigiPen Institute of Technology, with plans to major in computer science and game design with the goal to pursue a career as a programmer. Kaylee was an athlete on the track and wrestling teams. She also participated in ASPIRE and the robotics team, where she received the Robotics Excellence Award in 2022.
Vanessa Lopez, Klamath Falls, Oregon,graduating from Klamath Union High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, with plans to major in biology and pursue a career as an OB/GYN physician’s assistant. She was a member of DECA, the Liberal Arts Academy, and student government where she served as sophomore class president in 2020. Additionally, Vanessa played volleyball and was active in the Latino club.
Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $90,000 to Klamath County students. “We are tremendously grateful for the Fergusons’ generosity and the volunteer committee in Klamath that selects scholarship recipients each year,” said Heidi Binder, a donor relations officer for the Southern Oregon region at OCF.
OCF awards approximately 50 scholarships each year to Klamath County students, for a total of more than $750,000 in awards during the past five years. Since 2008, OCF has awarded over 4,500 scholarships in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties for a total of over $13 million to students pursuing higher education.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) works with donors and volunteers to award grants and scholarships to every county in Oregon. From 2020 to 2021, OCF distributed more than $549 million, supporting more than 4,000 nonprofits and 6,000 students. With OCF, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds that meet the needs of diverse communities statewide. Since its founding in 1973, OCF has distributed more than $2 billion toward advancing its mission to improve lives for all Oregonians. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.
Free parking and shuttle service at Fairgrounds for Sentry Eagle Open House
KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. – The 173rd Fighter Wing will host a Sentry Eagle Open House on Saturday, June 25 and admission is free.
“As a thank you to the city of Klamath Falls and the surrounding area, we are opening our gates to the community to come out and share some exciting events,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander. “Events like this let us share our mission, providing air superiority as the premiere F-15C training base, and to say thanks for the strong support from the community.”
This year, the wing has partnered with Klamath County Fairgrounds and Basin Transit Service to provide bus shuttles between the fairgrounds and the base every half hour. Cars may park off Arthur Street behind Hanscom’s Bowling Alley. Buses are scheduled to begin running at 8:30 a.m. with the last bus leaving Kingsley Field at 3:30 p.m.
“We know that parking at the base during this event can often get backed up and take a long time,” said Capt. Brandon McGraw, Sentry Eagle 2022 project officer. “We hope that providing shuttle service from Basin Transit Service to the event will help alleviate a lot of those issues, and we highly encourage people to use the parking at the fairgrounds for ease of access.”
During the Open House the Kingsley Field gates will be open to the community, providing a behind the scenes look at what the Airmen accomplish every day at the 173rd Fighter Wing.
Additionally, there will be multiple aerial demonstrations, static display aircraft, flight line operations viewing opportunities, recruiting events, and local vendors.
“This year the Sentry Eagle Open House is the showcase event and provides the opportunity for the public to get an up close and personal look at our mission and the Airmen who make it happen day-in and day-out” said Bouma.
It is important to note that there are restrictions to what items individuals may bring on base as this is an active military instillation. Large bags, coolers, and the like will not be allowed on base. Purses, handbags, small camera bags, and diaper bags are allowed, but will be inspected upon entry. Strictly prohibited items include: weapons, firearms, explosives, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, and drones. A final note, please have official identification ready as you may be asked to present it upon entry. This includes driver’s license, passport, etc…
The Sentry Eagle Open House is being held in conjunction with the Klamath Freedom Days events.
Additional details such as schedules, parking plans, and more are available online at https://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/Home/Sentry-Eagle/ or on the 173rd FW Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/173FW.
For more information about the Sentry Eagle Open House contact the 173rd FW Public Affairs Office at (541) 885-6677.
Seven Henley graduates sign to play at next level
The student-athletes will compete in track, football, soccer, and softball
Seven Henley High School scholar-athletes have signed letters of intent to compete at the college level next fall.
The athletes gathered with coaches and family members on Monday (June 13) to participate in a signing ceremony in the school gymnasium.
“I am super proud of the work they put in and excited they get the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Jesse Hamilton, Henley’s athletic director.
Hornet student-athletes who signed to play in college are:
- Malia Mick: Mick will compete for Oregon Tech softball as outfielder. She is majoring in bio health sciences.
- Tulson Higgins: Higgins will compete in football as middle linebacker for the College of the Siskiyous. He plans to study kinesiology.
- Coltin Smith: Smith will compete in football as wide receiver for the College of the Siskiyous. He plans to study business.
- Colby Schols: Schols will compete in football as a linebacker for College of the Siskiyous.
- Eli Hayes: Hayes will compete in track for Lane Community College in Eugene. His events are long jump and triple jump.
- Ryane Mattox: Mattox will compete in soccer in the position of forward for Blue Mountain Community College.
- Madelyn Sharp: Sharp will compete in track for Umpqua Community College. Her event is javelin. She plans to study secondary education.
Linkville Kiwanis honors 3 Henley High School graduates
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Three Henley High School graduates were awarded Justin George & Bob Davies Scholarships recently.
Grace Bernardino, Riley Knutson and Ashleigh Panchot each received $500 from Linkville Kiwanis. The students are all Key Club members, who have actively served their school and community.
Key Club members around the world are learning how to lead and stand for what’s right through service and volunteerism. In partnership with local Kiwanis clubs, high school students are making a positive impact through service.
High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
The Linkville Kiwanis scholarship is named for two former Kiwanians who exemplified the service and volunteerism for which the international clubs are known.
Justin George was a local fire chief who was known to enjoy working with local youth and strongly believed in the ideals of Key Club:
- Leadership » Leadership is grounded in humility and service to others. A true leader listens, recognizes, and empowers.
- Character building » Character is built by everyday acts of kindness, integrity and teamwork to grow stronger relationships and communities.
- Caring » Compassion for others is a cornerstone of the Key Club experience, inspiring action and service to one’s community.
- Inclusiveness » We welcome people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to join in serving and making a positive difference in our world.
Bob Davies was a local accountant whose legacy includes recruiting many current Kiwanians and partnering with Key Club members on service projects. He not only lived the principles of Kiwanis, but held others responsible for living into these precepts:
- To give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life.
- To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
- To promote the adoption and application of higher standards in scholarship, sportsmanship and social contacts.
- To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
- To provide a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render unselfish service and to build better communities.
- To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and good will.
Linkville Kiwanis meets noon Wednesdays at Sideline’s Pizza in downtown Klamath Falls.
Books for buddies
Brixner Student Council members create special books for kindergarteners
When eighth-grader Claire Earnest created a book for her kindergarten buddy at Peterson Elementary School, she incorporated Kaitlynn Allison’s favorite things as well as hands-on activities that would help the soon-to-be first-grader – letters, numbers, shoe tying, and braiding.
Earnest and other members of Brixner Junior High School Student Council created books for students in Amber McDonald’s kindergarten class as part of a buddy book project that pairs each Student Council member with a younger student. Last week, they walked to the elementary school to meet their buddies and give them their books and spend the afternoon together.
Kaitlynn and Earnest practiced tying with a shoelace that was creatively woven into a page. Others colored or traced letters and numbers. The afternoon of sharing included recess, reading books, eating a snack, and making friendship bracelets.
Brixner Student Council advisor Kjaersti Roberts started the Brixner-Peterson book buddy project 13 years ago as a way for her students to connect to their larger school community. The students provide questions to McDonald, who interviews her students and relays the information back. The leadership students are assigned a “buddy” and then create a book especially for their buddy.
The books incorporate biographical information about the kindergartener, including details such as their pets, favorite super hero, and what they want to do when they grow up. They also have an educational component and include pages with letter and number tracing, drawing and coloring, and activities such as tying, braiding, buttons, and zippers.
“For my eighth-graders, it really draws out their creativity and allows them to be a part of a service-learning project,” Roberts said. “They are doing some educational things with the kindergartners as well as being role models. It’s just fun way to connect.
McDonald believes the program creates a strong connection between the students.
“Anything that makes a student feel special is worth the time and effort,” she said. “The Brixner kids are proud of their work and the kindergarten kids feel so special to have their one-of-a-kind activity book.”
Earnest was among five Brixner eighth-graders who received buddy books as kindergartners in McDonald’s class nine years ago.
“I still remember my book,” Earnest said. “My buddy, she made it with a princess and unicorn. It had poms poms on it, and it looked really, really good.”
Covid-19 still impacting our state. Oregon Health Authority officials reported 10,606 new coronavirus cases last week, up 8% from the previous week.
Locally, there’s also an increase in hospitalizations at Sky Lakes Medical Center of Covid patients. Sky Lakes reported 8 impatient cases yesterday, with Klamath County’s infection rate is up to 1.20, which means local COVID-19 cases are increasing.
The rise in identified coronavirus cases ended two weeks of reported declines, underscoring how little is known about the true number of infections in Oregon and nationally.
Three Oregon counties are now at federally designated “high” risk of COVID-19 transmission: Lane, Douglas and Jackson counties. People in those areas should wear masks in public indoor settings, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and should get tested if they have symptoms.
And yet, one of the clearest markers of the disease’s toll, hospitalizations, remains steady. COVID-19 patients occupied just under 300 beds Monday, down from a peak of 327 about a week ago.
The nationwide average price for a gallon of gasoline is topping $5 today for the first time ever.
Automobile Association of America (AAA) says the average price Saturday is $5.004.
AAA says Oregon’s average gas price per gallon today is $5.54, with average county-by-county prices as follow.
$5.45 in Klamath County
$5.56 in Jackson County
$5.72 in Curry County, Oregon’s most expensive gas price
$5.68 in Josephine County
$5.62 in Lake County.
Drivers in some parts of the country, especially California, are paying more. AAA shows California’s average regular gasoline price per gallon at $6.43, with Siskiyou County’s average at $6.61.
The national average price has risen 19 cents in the past week, and it’s up $1.93 from this time last year.
AAA data show diesel fuel’s national average cost at $5.77 today, up from $3.21 per gallon a year ago and $5.53 a month ago.
AAA shows California’s average cost for a gallon of diesel fuel is $6.99 while Oregon’s average diesel price per gallon is $6.16.
For a collection of dedicated high school students in the Klamath Community College Accelerated Learning program, last week marked an accomplishment far more ambitious than solely receiving a high school diploma.
Ten high school students received an associate degree from KCC at the same time they collect their high school diploma, with an additional 19 students receiving Pathway Certificates. One student, Dayanara Chavolla-Villanueva, will be the first KCC student to graduate from a new Education-Paraeducator Pathway Certificate program.
In a partnership between KCC and participating high schools across Oregon, students as young as 15 may be approved for dual credit coursework. Paired with a KCC advisor and with additional support from Accelerated Learning program staff, students can earn college credits and if dedicated enough may accomplish what 10 students will do this Friday at KCC Commencement – collect their associate degree by the time they turn 18.
Students enrolled in Accelerated Learning can acclimate to the rigors of collegiate-level coursework while still in high school and move ahead of their peers for their higher education and career goals. Additionally, they are provided free bus transportation from participating high schools to the KCC campus, may instead take courses online, or utilize video synchronous classrooms. There is no charge for tuition for students in Klamath City and County school districts, and tuition is discounted elsewhere with school districts paying a portion of costs per credit plus applicable course fees.
Increasing extreme weather events and climate-related disasters, climate stressors such as water and food insecurity, slow progress from leaders and increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change are leading to feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety and frustration among young people, an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report has found.
The report, Climate Change and Youth Mental Health in Oregon, also found that youth feel dismissed by adults and older generations in society, and are angry that not enough is being done to protect their future. They recognize that vulnerability to climate change is closely linked with systemic racism and structural oppression, and that both need to be simultaneously addressed.
OHA’s Environmental Health Assessment Unit prepared the report in response to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-04, which directs state agencies to take actions to reduce and regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The report shares research on how climate change affects mental health. It includes results from a literature review, youth focus groups, key informant interviews, and learnings from youth story circles.
Around the state of Oregon
Murder Suspect Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Coos Bay
A suspect in the murder of a Coos Bay woman is dead following an officer-involved shooting, according to the Coos County District Attorney. This happened at 7:34 p.m. Tuesday night at the Global Inn in Coos Bay.
On Tuesday afternoon, officers investigating the murder of Amber Townsend identified Matthew Tyler Mikel, 37, as a potential suspect in the shooting, the district attorney said.
Officers discovered Mikel was staying at the Global Inn and arrived to confront him. The district attorney said an altercation broke out upon confronting Mikel. An officer from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Coos Bay Police Department fired their handguns during the altercation, hitting Mikel at least once.
Mikel was sent to the hospital and was later declared deceased.
There are multiple agencies working on the investigation including North Bend Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Myrtle Point Police Department, Bandon Police Department, the Confederated Tribal Police, Coquille Tribal Police, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement, the Oregon State Police, the Coos County Medical Examiner’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office and detectives from Springfield and Roseburg. Oregon State Police is the lead agency on the case.
Due to Coos County’s officer-involved shooting protocol, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office and Coos Bay Police will not be part of the investigation into this incident.
The Coos County District Attorney said a press briefing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday regarding this incident. This is a developing news story and is under investigation.
Building’s Roof Collapses At Buoy Beer Company In Astoria
The Buoy Beer Company building in Astoria partially collapsed into the river on Tuesday night just after 6 p.m.
According to Astoria City Manager Brett Estes, there were no injuries. It’s a miracle that no one was reportedly in the building or the water at the time of the collapse. The restaurant was closed on Tuesday.
The brewery said on social media that everyone is safe. The extent of the damage to the building is not yet clear. City officials are doing a preliminary assessment of the damage before entering the building. The riverwalk near the building is closed off between 7th and 8th Street and investigation underway.
Pacific Power is investing nearly half a billion dollars over the coming years in wildfire mitigation strategies. Targeting communities at the highest wildfire risk.
Grid hardening is their biggest component towards their wildfire mitigation. This means Pacific Power crews will be replacing and rebuilding their equipment to make their systems more resilient to extreme weather conditions.
Pacific Power Vice President of Operations Allen Berreth says grid hardening is their biggest component towards their wildfire mitigation. Creating installations that wrap around bare wires to protect them from falling branches. As well as replacing wooden powerline poles with a more fire-resilient material such as steel or fiberglass.
Another step Pacific Power is taking toward wildfire mitigation is applying meteorology and data analytics to develop weather forecasting models to show weather impacts on their systems.
These efforts started in 2018 and will continue through 2028. Pacific Power has started in high-risk areas such as the Medford, Grants Pass, and Ashland areas but plans to expand once these areas are complete.
An Oregon man is among the 31 white nationalists arrested for allegedly planning to riot at an LGBTQ+ Pride event in northern Idaho over the weekend.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Lawrence Alexander Norman of Prospect was arrested near the Pride in the Park event in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday. All 31 suspects are members of the white supremacist neo-Nazi group Patriot Front. Police say the suspects were wearing riot gear including armor and masks and were carrying shields when officers stopped the U-Haul truck they were traveling in.
Police responded after a concerned citizen called 911 to report the men piling into the U-Haul looking “like a little army” in the parking lot of a local hotel. Arraignment was scheduled THIS WEEK.
Marine Law Enforcement Annual Drift Boat Training Set for Rogue River
During the week of June 21 through 25, Marine Law Enforcement officers from around the state will be learning and perfecting their drift boating skills on the Rogue River. Students will learn to swim in whitewater, study hydrodynamics, practice rescue techniques, navigate Class III whitewater, and operate in remote environments from drift boats, rafts, and catarafts.
Running whitewater is a perishable skill and requires constant training and practice so law enforcement can respond to emergencies quickly and confidently.
“There’s no training like it anywhere else in the country, says Eddie Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. “Experienced instructors from around the state help guide the way for the less experienced students.” Each day the students drift various river sections. Persichetti adds, “Day one we begin with classroom instruction, self-rescue techniques in the water, rope rescue techniques, and dewatering drills. On days two through five, we focus students’ attention on reading white water. It’s incredibly important to see the whole run vs. the next ten feet in front of the boat. As the week progresses, instructors build on the skills from the day before and then move on to more advanced skills with more difficult rapids throughout the week. The key is to develop the skillsets and confidence in officers so they can safely patrol Oregon’s waterways and assist boaters in distress. The safety of everyone recreating on the water is our top priority,” Persichetti explains.
The training and experience the officers gain during this event provide a strong foundation for when they return to their waterways to patrol. “We also practice scenarios where students encounter boaters and guides who are not in compliance with existing laws,” Persichetti adds. “Oregon’s waterways seem to become more crowded every year and it’s imperative that law enforcement focuses on those boaters who are not in compliance and more so, boaters who are not being safe on the water.” Persichetti adds, “When the law enforcement students leave this training, they have a new respect and understanding for safety on the river, the people who run it, and who play by the rules.”
Recreational boaters can expect to see law enforcement officers drifting on the Upper Rogue from Lost Creek Reservoir to Touvelle Park from June 21st through June 24th and the Middle Rogue from Ennis Riffle to Argo Canyon on June 25th.
For more information about boating laws and regulations, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.
Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office says it wants residents to get emergency alerts this week.
That’s because it’s testing the alert system.
It says two CodeRED tests are scheduled this week for Siskiyou County residents.
The first occurs Tuesday, June 14 at 1 p.m., and the next on Thursday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Siskiyou County faces high fire potential during the next few months. The Sheriff’s Office insists residents sign-up for emergency alerts. People must REGISTER a cell phone or preferred phone line number.
After a two year hiatus, the Oregon Country Fair returns in less than a month.
Three days of live entertainment kicks off July 8th with a variety of musicians, vaudevillians, circus acts, spoken word and other acts on 18 stages. For a full list of performers, visit the Oregon Country Fair website.
Advance tickets for the Oregon Country Fair are $40 for Friday and Saturday and $35 for Sunday. All admission tickets are sold through TicketsWest online; no admission tickets are sold at the fair site. Get tickets here.
Children under 12 get in free with a ticketed adult.
Rogue Creamery Ranked #1 On Oregon Business’ 2022 Best Green Workplaces In Oregon
Rogue Creamery is thrilled to announce that it has been ranked at the very top of Oregon Business Magazine’s annual list of the 100 Best Green Workplaces in the state. Though the Central Point-based cheesemaker has consistently made the list for 13 years in a row, this is the first year Rogue Creamery has placed first.
Oregon Business annually showcases companies and nonprofits whose employees rate their employers’ sustainability efforts highly. Ninkasi Brewing, Elephants Delicatessen, and Energy Trust of Oregon are among other prominent Oregon companies to make the list.
“It means so much to be ranked the number one Green Workplace in Oregon. It’s a testament to the care and dedication of our staff to making championship-worthy cheese in a responsible and forward-thinking way,” says President and Lead Cheesemaker of Rogue Creamery, David Gremmels.
Rogue Creamery became Oregon’s first B-Corporation in 2014 and has been on the cutting edge of sustainability ever since. Since 2017, Rogue has ranked in the top 10% (and by 2021, the top 5%) of B Corps worldwide for its impact on people and planet.“
Rogue Creamery uses cheese as our force for good in the world,” continues Gremmels, “balancing purpose with profit and considering the broader, community-wide impact of everything we do.”The award also comes on the 1-year anniversary of the prestigious recognition from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy: the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award for Outstanding Dairy Processing and Manufacturing. The award commended Rogue Creamery for its commitment to dairy sustainability, including programs for renewable energy and waste reduction, such as solar panel installation, reduced packaging waste, and their employee commuter program.
Rogue Creamery was also honored on Oregon Business’ 2022 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.“Together, these recognitions highlight our commitment to corporate social responsibility, evident at every desk and workspace at Rogue,” adds Gremmels. “It fills me with pride to see our team creating such a positive, productive, and environmentally-sustainable business model – for our state, our partners in cheese, and all businesses that aim to do right by their people and planet.”
About Rogue Creamery: Rogue Creamery is a USDA certified organic cheese maker located in Central Point, Oregon. For nearly 90 years, Rogue Creamery has drawn from the beauty and flavors of Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley to create organic, handcrafted cheeses that have won international acclaim. But creating the world’s best cheese is only part of Rogue’s mission. They know that business – and in their case, cheese – can be used as a force for good. That’s why they became Oregon’s first public benefit corporation, “B Corp” for short, joining a global movement of companies that are committed to making the world a better place. Rogue Creamery is committed to making a difference socially, economically, and environmentally. Learn more at roguecreamery.com.