Firefighters Utilize Cool Temperatures against Kelsey Peak Fire, Evacuations Decreased

Resources assigned to the Kelsey Peak Fire continued to push forward on lining the perimeter Tuesday. Cooler temperatures and intermittent rain helped to decrease fire behavior, providing opportunities for firefighters to make fast progress in areas that once proved difficult in hotter weather and more active fire. It’s also allowing firefighters to put in direct line up against the fire’s edge, keeping the fire as small as possible and minimizing further growth. Due to the current conditions, the Curry County Sheriff's Office has decreased the Level 3 – Go Now evacuation for the Rogue River Ranch, Tucker Flat Campground and the nearby area of Marial to a Level 2 – Be Set notice. The Level 1 – Be Ready evacuation for Zone JCU-801 in Josephine County to the southeast of the fire remains in place. ...Read more

Board of Commissioners Approve All Agenda Items during Workshop Session

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners were all in agreement during their workshop session yesterday. During the workshop, Commissioner Barnett made a motion to move forward with the OSU Extension agreement which passed 3-0. Commissioner Blech said he hadn't heard back from Legal Council on how to proceed with the Library, so Commissioner Barnett's second attempt at a motion to approve the August 21st Library Lease was postponed. The Board unanimously approved the Forestry department's contract for planting seedlings for the next two years, hoping for a 75% survival rate. There were no objections for Josephine Community Transit to continue with their signed contract with Concierge Security to provide extra surveillance of their building after hours. ...Read more

OSP Responds to Fatal Crash on Highway 99, Officers Continue Investigation

The Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 99, near milepost 12, in Jackson County yesterday. On Monday at 2:18 p.m., a southbound Subaru Legacy, driven by Cody Austin Jenkins, 26, of Gold Hill, veered across the northbound lanes, broke through a fence, and entered the Rogue River. The vehicle was quickly submerged. No occupants were observed escaping. The Jackson County Search and Rescue Team responded and assisted with removing the vehicle from the river. Jenkins was declared deceased at the scene. There was no one else in the vehicle. The cause of the crash is under investigation. ...Read more