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Kate Lasky Named Oregon Librarian of the Year Reflecting a Community’s Pride and Commitment to its Library By: John Oliver Last week, in a heartfelt celebration of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community, Josephine Community Library Director Kate Lasky was honored as the Oregon Library Association’s 2025 Librarian of the Year. The award was presented during the closing banquet of OLA’s annual statewide conference held in Eugene. The recognition of Lasky’s contributions marks a proud moment not only for her personally but also for the entire Josephine County community, which has long rallied around its library system as a cherished cornerstone of civic life. Lasky’s selection reflects her tireless efforts to champion equitable access to knowledge, foster inclusive spaces for all residents, and uphold the core values that libraries represent in a democratic society. Helping to present the award were several familiar faces from across Southern Oregon, highlighting the strong bonds Lasky has formed across the library community. Curry Public Library Director Jeremy Skinner, who served with Lasky on OLA’s statewide committees, played a key role in her nomination. Local representation

at the awards ceremony included Josephine Community Library Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz and Grants Pass Friends of the Library Co-chair Jennifer Roberts, further demonstrating the profound support and admiration Lasky inspires within her own community. Throughout her tenure, Lasky has become a figure of resilience and optimism, often standing firm in defense of intellectual freedom and the right to read, even amidst challenging political and social climates. Her leadership style — rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on community needs — has positioned Josephine Community Library not just as a place for borrowing books, but as a vital hub for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement. This past year has tested many public institutions, and libraries have been no exception. Yet through adversity, Lasky has maintained a clear vision centered around inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring the library remained a space where everyone felt welcome and valued. Whether it was working with teens on new advisory programs, expanding digital resources, or defending

essential library principles at the policy level, her focus has remained unwavering. The awards banquet also recognized several others across the state for their contributions to library services, including Library Supporter of the Year, the OLA Anti-Racism Recognition Award, and Library Employee of the Year. Notably, Josephine County had another reason to celebrate, as Eva Pieper of Grants Pass School District 7 was honored with the Intellectual Freedom Champion award, reinforcing the county’s growing reputation as a strong advocate for education and open access to information. The Oregon Library Association, a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s libraries through advocacy, education, leadership, and collaboration, annually acknowledges those who exemplify excellence in the profession. Lasky’s recognition this year serves as a fitting tribute to both her personal impact and the broader role that community support plays in sustaining vibrant library systems. For Josephine County residents, Lasky’s award is a moment of collective pride. It underscores the fact that the success of the Josephine Community Library is not the result of any single person alone but a shared achievement made possible by the volunteers, donors, staff, and patrons who have, time and again, affirmed their belief in the

library’s mission. In a time when many communities across the nation are grappling with challenges to public knowledge and access to information, Josephine County’s investment in its library stands as a powerful statement of values. The library is more than a building; it is a living symbol of community resilience, mutual respect, and the enduring power of knowledge. As Kate Lasky’s leadership continues to guide the Josephine Community Library into the future, the 2025 Librarian of the Year award will remain a proud testament to the extraordinary work being done in Southern Oregon — and to the people who never stopped believing in the power of libraries to hold communities together.

Josephine County to Honor Fallen Officers During National Police Week Ceremony Josephine County Sheriff’s Department In solemn recognition of National Police Week, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office will host a public memorial ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. on the front steps of the Josephine County Courthouse. The event is part of a nationwide observance held from May 11 through May 17 to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty while serving their communities and safeguarding American freedoms. Sheriff Dave Daniel, on behalf of law enforcement agencies throughout the region, issued an open invitation to members of the public to attend and pay tribute to those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony will bring together representatives from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Grants Pass Police Department, and Oregon State Police for a joint remembrance. "This is a time to reflect and honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes," said Daniel. "These men and women gave their lives to protect our rights, our freedoms, and our community. We owe it to them—and to their families—to never forget their dedication and service." The observance will include a roll call of local officers who died in the line of duty, a symbolic reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals face each day. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook and Instagram pages for those unable to attend in person.

The roll call will include the names of seven officers who died while serving Josephine County: • Trooper Burrell Baucom – July 1, 1933 • Captain (SAR) Emmett J. Blackmun – September 24, 1968 • Deputy Alice Moran – November 17, 1971 • Deputy Glenn Allen – November 17, 1971 • Sergeant Marvin R. Brewster – April 21, 1972 • Deputy Thomas E. Rice – May 23, 2002 The back-to-back deaths of Deputies Moran and Allen on the same day in 1971, followed shortly by Sgt. Brewster's in 1972, mark a particularly tragic period in the county’s law enforcement history. More recently, Deputy Rice’s death in 2002 was a

profound loss that still resonates with many in the community. National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, and has since become an annual tradition of remembrance and support. Across the United States, thousands of memorial services, candlelight vigils, and commemorative events are held to recognize those who have fallen in the line of duty. Josephine County’s commemoration reflects this national spirit of remembrance while placing a local emphasis on the men and women who served this region specifically. It serves as a powerful reminder not only of the dangers law enforcement officers face, but also of the need for public

awareness, appreciation, and unity. "Behind every badge is a family, a community, and a life given to service," Sheriff Daniel stated in his invitation. "Our gathering on May 13 is not only to honor the fallen, but to reaffirm our respect for those who continue to serve with courage and commitment." Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the ceremony. Whether standing in silence, offering a salute, or simply bearing witness, the event is designed to promote a deeper understanding of the sacrifices involved in public safety and the enduring impact those sacrifices have on families and communities. The Josephine County Courthouse is located at 500 NW 6th Street in Grants Pass. Seating and accessibility accommodations will be available on-site. For those viewing remotely, details for the livestream will be shared via the official social media pages of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office prior to the event.