Kelsey Peak Fire Containment at 12%, Crews Continue Hard Work

Continued hard work by firefighters on the Kelsey Peak Fire has increased containment to 12%. Control lines have been completed along the west, north, and northeast areas of the fire. The fire line has been constructed directly on the fire’s edge, and crews are mopping up into the interior and gridding for heat. Steep, rugged terrain and thick vegetation make both line construction and mop-up challenging for fire crews. There have been no accidents or injuries on the incident since the fire was reported on September 3, 2025. Overnight improved access to the southeast corner of the fire was completed; today crews will continue direct fire line construction as conditions allow and build hose lays, increasing water availability. Nine helicopters are assigned to the fire to support ground resources in the suppression efforts. ...Read more

Rogue Community College Names 2015 Graduate as 2025 Alum of the Year

Rogue Community College and the RCC Foundation have named Zackary Salem-Bango, a 2015 RCC graduate, the 2025 Alum of the Year. Salem-Bango, a former Peace Corps volunteer now working as a medical intern in Seattle, was selected for his professional accomplishments and dedication to service, mentorship and the community where his journey began. He will be formally recognized at the President’s Circle dinner on Sept. 25, an annual celebration hosted by the RCC Foundation to honor donors and highlight the life-changing impact of education. A native of Applegate, Salem-Bango began his higher education journey at RCC, where he earned an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree in pre-medicine, first enrolling at age 13. After RCC, he pursued a degree in biochemistry at Oregon State University, then went on to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. ...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