Medford BLM District Declares Extreme Fire Danger on Southern Oregon Lands
Due to recent and forecasted high temperatures along with increasing fire danger, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has implemented additional public use restrictions on lands it manages in Southern Oregon. As of today, the Medford BLM District has moved to "extreme" fire danger. Campfires are no longer allowed anywhere on the District including Hyatt Lake Campground. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Propane fire pits with an on/off valve are permitted in areas free of vegetation. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- are prohibited. Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Operating any motor vehicle and parking off-road is only allowed on roadways clear of vegetation. Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited. Using a chainsaw, welding or operating a torch with an open flame is prohibited. Visitors to BLM-administered public lands are also required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly including a shovel and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison. ...Read more

Grants Pass Fire Prevention Bureau Declares Extreme Danger inside City Limits
With triple-digit temperatures and dry fuels, the City of Grants Pass has followed the Oregon Department of Forestry in declaring extreme fire danger. The primary difference between high fire danger and extreme fire danger affects the public use of power-driven equipment such as chainsaws and mowers. As of 12:01 a.m. today, the use of power-driven equipment, grinding and cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment -- such as wood-splitters and generators -- is prohibited in areas of flammable vegetation. The mowing of dry, cured grass with power machinery may not take place at any time. Mowing of green lawns is still allowed. Open wood-fueled fires -- including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires --inside the city limits are prohibited, except at locations designated by the Grants Pass Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane- and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed. Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may -- in writing -- approve a modification or waiver of these requirements. ...Read more

Rogue Community College Seeks Nominations for 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award
The Rogue Community College Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award, which honors graduates who have made meaningful contributions to their profession, community or the world. Established in 2008, the RCC Outstanding Alumni Award celebrates graduates who have made a lasting impact -- whether through career success, community leadership or service to others -- after earning a degree or certificate from RCC. Nominations are open through August 25th. To be eligible, nominees must have completed a certificate or degree at RCC and meet at least one of the following criteria: demonstrated success in their business, profession or vocational field; or made significant contributions to their community through civic involvement, volunteerism, public service or other humanitarian efforts. Anyone may submit a nomination. The 2025 recipient will be honored during the RCC President's Circle Reception in September. The nomination form and more details are available at "roguecc.edu/foundation." ...Read more