State grant helps Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue bring on student intern

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A state grant is giving Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue some extra help while providing a college student with hands-on experience in local government.

The district received a $3,000 grant through the Special Districts Association of Oregon's Student Internship Grant Program and is matching the funding.

The grant allowed the district to hire Maria Bartness to help with social media and public relations -- support officials say can make a difference for smaller districts with limited personnel.

KTVZ's Claire Elmer is speaking with Bartness and Fire Chief Hartley about the internship and how the program benefits both students and smaller districts. Stay tuned for the full report coming soon on KTVZ News.