Cheers and jeers

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Cheers — to local police departments for involving schools, nonprofit organizations, churches and others in their efforts to address a growing gang problem.

In the wake of a violent incident in September that left one young man dead of stab wounds, police say the number of local gang members they have identified has risen sharply. The number of people police have identifed with some gang affiliation grew from 55 last spring to about 100 now.

Police agencies' "no-tolerance" attitude toward gang activity is important, but the problem is more than police can handle by themselves. "We recognize that this is bigger than law enforcement," Medford police Lt. Tim Doney said.

It will take a concerted effort by many groups and individuals to address the issue.

Cheers — to the 14 Rogue Valley public schools that earned "outstanding" marks from the state Department of Education for the 2008-09 school year. In addition, 40 schools were rated satisfactory, and only three were deemed in need of improvement.

Cheers — to Boy Scout Bryce Thornton of Eagle Point, who has taken on the task of assembling care packages for U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan.

The middle-schooler has set a lofty goal — sending 1,000 packages by Christmas. But he's already lined up local businesses and individuals willing to help, and is busy raising the postage — $12 a box — he'll need to ship the gifts.

To help out, call Bryce's dad, Darrin, at 944-3626.

Jeers — to the IRS, which managed to mangle implementing stimulus payments to taxpayers last spring, leaving as many as $15 million taxpayers owing the government money. The tax agency apparently failed to take into account several common categories of taxpayers when setting up new withholding tables to boost Americans' take-home pay. The result is that individuals working two jobs and some couples in which both partners work wound up receiving a larger tax break than they should have.

Cheers — to the South Medford boys soccer team, headed for the state championship game after defeating Jesuit, 1-0, in the semifinal match Tuesday. It's the Panthers' third trip to the title game.

Cheers also to all the local teams who made the playoffs this year in a variety of sports and several different leagues. And best wishes to those still contending, including the Ashland and South Medford football squads.

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