WEED, Calif. (News release) -- Trial attorney Ben Crump and Roseburg Forest Products announced a $250,000 Weed Community Scholarship Fund that will support Weed High School graduates pursuing their next level of education. The scholarship fund will be distributed and overseen by the Community Foundation of the North State.

The scholarship fund emerged during Mill Fire settlement discussions between Roseburg and Crump, when he suggested Roseburg issue a scholarship fund to support the long-term recovery of the Lincoln Heights, Weed and Lake Shastina communities and Roseburg readily agreed to provide one.

"Education is always what holds a community together and prepares its people for the future," Crump said. "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."

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 attended the event.

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.

"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."