ODF Southwest Oregon District says firefighters are responding to small lightning-caused fires in Jackson County after weekend thunderstorms moved through the region. Four fires have been reported so far, with two extinguished and crews checking additional reports near East Antelope Road and northwest of Trail.

Grants Pass School District 7 has received state summer learning funding to support literacy, enrichment and school readiness programs for students. The funding will help continue Kinder Camps, launch Literacy Quest for invited elementary students and support a 5th- to 6th-Grade Transition Academy in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley.

Oregon Tech students earned multiple top honors at America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference, including first place in the Analyze IT Challenge and additional recognition in cybersecurity and troubleshooting events. The national competition tested students through real-world information technology, cybersecurity, data analysis, and problem-solving challenges.

The Oregon Nurses Association responded Monday to Asante CEO Tom Gessel’s employee memo outlining financial losses and projected job cuts. The union criticized Asante executives over past and proposed reductions, challenged the health system’s explanation for its financial strain, and called for leadership to work with nurses and techs on solutions.

Asante President and CEO Tom Gessel told employees that the health system is facing a $16 million operating loss for the first half of the fiscal year and could face a $50 million shortfall in 2027 without action. The memo says Asante expects to eliminate 300 or more roles while reviewing costs, services, and operations.

Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.

Several park and recreation projects are moving forward across Medford, including completed upgrades at Harry & David Field, continued construction at Howard Memorial Sports Park, and a major renovation planned for Jackson Park. The projects include field improvements, new pickleball and volleyball facilities, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica, and a future splash pad.

Two people were rescued and taken to the hospital after a thunderstorm brought down a tree in East Grants Pass, severely damaging two homes along Rogue River Highway. Rural Metro Fire said the injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, and crews also responded to a damaged gas line caused by the uprooted tree.

Grants Pass Fire & Rescue welcomed Kathmandu Fire Chief Kishor Kumar Bhattarai for a hands-on training demonstration and tour of local fire facilities. The visit gave firefighters an opportunity to share knowledge, compare emergency response practices, and strengthen connections across the global fire service community.

Youth ages 6 through 15 can take part in hands-on ATV, motorcycle and side-by-side safety evaluation classes May 30 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says pre-registration is required, a parent or guardian must be present, and riders must bring their own properly fitted vehicle and required safety gear.

The Henley Hornets won the second annual KCSD Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools after a full day of cooking, teamwork and competition at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Student teams from Henley, Bonanza, Lost River, Mazama and the Klamath County Transition Program showcased their culinary skills with support from local chefs, educators and community partners.

A Medford man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in a federal child exploitation case involving a minor victim in his care. Prosecutors said investigators found more than 300 videos and nearly 8,000 images of child sexual abuse material on his devices.

Christopher Shane Boyce has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter in the April 2025 fatal stabbing of Rory Pomeroy in the Lowe’s parking lot on Crater Lake Highway in Medford. Prosecutors said the case resolution followed consultation with Pomeroy’s family due to trial risks involving a possible self-defense claim.

Medford Fire celebrated the graduation of Recruit Academy 26-01, honoring eight recruits who completed a 13-week academy and are now transitioning into service as probationary firefighters. Family, friends, City of Medford leadership, and department officials attended the ceremony.

Fire crews responded Friday morning to a structure fire on Hathaway Drive in Kerby, where two outbuildings were fully engulfed. Illinois Valley Fire District says the nearby home sustained only minor damage, and no injuries were reported.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million to 180 local fire agencies through the 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. The funding will help agencies add seasonal firefighters or additional shift coverage through October as Oregon prepares for the upcoming wildfire season.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two unrelated suspects Thursday night after a shots-fired call near Gold Hill led to a pursuit and a separate arrest connected to the original report. Deputies say one suspect was arrested after fleeing in a truck, while another was later arrested after firearms were found in a second vehicle.

Klamath County Fire District 1 responded to a two-story residential structure fire Wednesday in the 1900 block of Auburn Street in Klamath Falls. Crews found heavy fire at the rear of the home extending into the second floor, but no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The Medford Police Department says illegal encampments have declined significantly since 2023, while the city’s Livability Team has expanded outreach and case support services. According to the city, Medford reported 13 illegal encampments in March 2026, down from 186 in March 2023.

Medford’s Foothill Road Improvement Project is nearing completion, with work expected to wrap up by mid-summer. The $62 million project is upgrading Foothill Road from Delta Waters Road to Hillcrest Road with four lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, street lighting and other corridor improvements.