Friday, September 1, 2023
On August 30, trial lawyer Ben Crump and Roseburg Forest Products declared the creation
of a $250,000 Weed Community Scholarship Fund to aid Weed High School alums pursuing
higher education. The Community Foundation of the North State will administer and manage the scholarship fund.
Crump recommended Roseburg create a scholarship fund to aid in the long-term recovery of the Lincoln Heights, Weed, and Lake Shastina communities, and Roseburg immediately agreed to do so during negotiations between the two parties over the Mill Fire settlement.
“Education is always what holds a community together and prepares its people for the future,” said Crump. “This scholarship will provide Weed students opportunities to pursue their dreams and a foundation of what it means to be part of this great neighborhood, city and region.” Crump added further.
Weed Mayor Ken Palfini, City Manager Tim Rundel, Roseburg General Counsel Matt Lawless, Siskiyou Union High School District Dean of Students Kelsea Ochs and Crump participated in the announcement ceremony held in front of Robert and Barbara Thomas’ home, one of the first to be rebuilt in Lincoln Heights. Neighborhood residents, 96094 Collaborative survivors, Weed City Council members, school district leaders and Roseburg personnel also attended the event.
“It has been a year of recovery with this strong community persevering, coming together and being resilient,” said Peter Hillan, Roseburg spokesperson. “We are grateful and humbled by the dedication of all those involved who have brought about today’s commitment to the long-term success of the community.” Peter concluded.
In the year since the Mill Fire occurred on Sept. 2, 2022, the City of Weed and almost all impacted homeowners have received settlements with several homeowners nearing completion of new homes.
Source: Woodworking Network
Tags: Ben Crump, Community Foundation, Peter Hillan, Roseburg Forest Products, Weed Community Scholarship Fund
