Almost a year after the respected head of Josephine County’s public works department was fired without a publicly stated cause, the county Board of Commissioners on Tuesday hired him back.

Rob Brandes’ firing in July 2025 capped a controversial downsizing of county government led by then-Commissioner Andreas Blech, who himself was out of a job months later along with Commissioner Chris Barnett in the face of a recall campaign motivated in part by employee firings.

For the second straight season, an Illinois Valley baseball player was named District 6’s Player of the Year.

Following a recent vote of the league’s coaches, Illinois Valley senior catcher Kegan Russell was tabbed as the top player in District 6 thanks in large part to a big showing at the plate.

Russell was one of five first-team all-league picks for the Cougars, who finished 19-8 and advanced to the second round of the Class 2A/1A state playoffs this season.

The Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden is bringing a taste of Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Southern Oregon.

The mineral springs resort, located 3 miles from downtown Ashland, has expanded its accommodations with the addition of eight new European-inspired king studio bungalows.

More than two dozen musical groups and soloists are tuning up for Saturday’s Porchfest, the free community music festival held on front lawns and porches in Grants Pass’ northwest neighborhood.

Music is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at sites along Washington Boulevard, Lawnridge Avenue, Manzanita Avenue, Evelyn Avenue and Fourth Street.

Participating streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, so music lovers can walk safely from site to site.