Jun 25, 2026
Photo courtesy of Danny Eusebio, Multimedia Teacher at Wasco High
The Wasco Community Scholarship Association (WCSA) recently awarded 29 scholarships for the upcoming school year 2026-2027, with 21 presented to graduating seniors at the Wasco High School Winner’s Circle. Eight alumni recipients were notified of their scholarships via email.
“Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients. Every year it is a pleasure to grant these scholarships to a group of very deserving young people,” says WCSA President Sharon Nicol. “My hope is that these funds not only assist in their education, but also serve as a reminder of how deeply their community cares for them.”
Founded in 1965, WCSA has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships for graduating seniors and alumni. For more information, and to donate, please visit www.wascocommunityscholarship.com.
Strata Credit Union’s Panama Branch, 1535 Panama Lane on the West side of the building, now offers a free 24/7 Pet Microchipping Scanning Station, making it easy to scan found dogs or cats at any time of day or night. With local businesses hosting these stations throughout the community, it helps ensure lost animals can be scanned during the hours when the animal facility is closed.
Using a scanner is straightforward. You turn it on, hold it a few inches from the pet, and slowly scan the back of the neck and shoulder area, where microchips are usually implanted. If no chip is found, scan the entire body from head to tail, since chips can sometimes move from their original location. When a chip is detected, the scanner will beep or display the microchip ID number, then enter that ID into a pet microchip registry, such as the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup or PetLink, to find the owner's registered contact information.
Photo courtesy of Congressman Vince Fong
Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) recently presented awards to 21 outstanding students from across the district who received Congressional High School Merit Awards, honoring the next generation of leaders in the Central Valley. Additionally, award winners were able to nominate an educator who played a pivotal role in shaping their success – honoring the teachers and mentors who made it possible.
“It was an honor to recognize and celebrate our outstanding Congressional High School Merit Award winners throughout CA-20,” says Rep. Fong. “They are true leaders, not just in the classroom, but in their communities as well. These incredible students and educators are a testament to the immense talent we have in the Central Valley, and it was a pleasure to meet them and congratulate them for their hard work. Congratulations to all – the future is bright with these incredible young leaders and educators.”
Photo courtesy of the County of Kern
The County of Kern recently held a groundbreaking celebration for the revitalization of Lamont Park at 8300 Segrue Road in Lamont. The $9.5 million investment marks the largest park project constructed by Kern County in recent years and reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life through an improved recreational space for Lamont residents.
The project was funded through a $6.5 million California Statewide Park Program Grant and $3 million from the Kern County General Fund. Park improvements included a soccer field with lighting, a splash pad, multipurpose courts, play structures, and more. For more information, please visit www.kerncounty.com.
Photo courtesy of CSUB
Meadows Field Airport recently unveiled a six-foot-tall statue of California State University Bakersfield’s Rowdy the Roadrunner. The statue, depicting CSUB’s mascot in a basketball jersey flexing his muscles, will welcome airport travelers. Another statue of Rowdy is expected to be installed on the main CSUB campus this fall.
“Rowdy is the spirit of ‘Runner Nation. When times get tough, he finds a way to rebound, and that reminds me a lot of Kern County,” says President Vernon B. Harper Jr. “So, when we were looking for a permanent roost for our most famous roadrunner, we landed on Kern County’s airport, where CSUB students, family, friends, faculty, business partners, and leaders come when they travel to and from our community. It’s where the world meets Kern County. It’s where ‘Runners fly. Rowdy will be here to greet visitors and our neighbors when they land and see them off to their next grand adventure.”
For more information, please visit www.news.csub.edu.
For the health, safety, and comfort of community members, Kern County Aging and Adult Services, with the cooperation of Kern County General Services, with other Kern County agencies and/or districts, and PG&E will open Cooling Centers through the County when temperatures are forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS) to exceed certain highs.
Cooling Centers are available throughout Kern County and will be open from 1-8 p.m. The Cooling Centers Daily Report will be issued by 11 a.m. on the day before the Centers open. Residents using the Cooling Centers are encouraged to bring their favorite non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, reading materials, games, etc. to enjoy the Centers. For a complete list of Cooling Centers, please visit https://www.kerncounty.com/government/aging-adult-services/services/cooling-centers.
