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

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