OHA Issues Recreational Use Advisory at Lost Creek Lake Due to Cyanobacteria Blooms
The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Lost Creek Lake in Jackson County due to the presence of cyanobacteria blooms. The harmful algae blooms are naturally occurring, with some of the bacteria producing toxins that can cause serious illness in humans as well as illness or death in animals, which are more sensitive. OHA officials said warm weather and nutrients in the water can cause bacteria to multiply rapidly, forming a "bloom." Officials said people should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities -- such as water skiing or power boating -- in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present because the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure due to their size and level of activity. People should alert health care providers if they or a family member are ill due to possible exposure to cyanotoxins. Pet owners should alert their veterinarians to suspected exposure if they seek care. OHA encourages people to visit Lost Creek Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. ...Read more

Jackson County Employment Rose by 460 Jobs in May Led by Gains in Hospitality
Total payroll employment in Jackson County rose by 460 jobs in May due to seasonal gains in the leisure & hospitality industry. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 100,724 people working in Jackson County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 5.2%, which was up slightly from the 5.1% marked posted in April. Leisure & hospitality posted the largest increase with 410 new jobs in May. Small employment gains were estimated in private education & health services, professional & business services and transportation, warehousing & utilities. Government employment climbed by 20 jobs, with state and local government each adding 10. Job totals fell over the month in retail trade and manufacturing. Over the past year, payroll employment in Jackson County climbed by 420 jobs, or 0.5%. By comparison, Josephine County lost 630 jobs over the last 12 months. Since May 2024, Jackson County industries adding jobs were private education & health services, leisure & hospitality and professional & business services. ...Read more

Governor Tina Kotek Surprised Graduates by Delivering SOU Commencement Address
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek surprised graduates and audience members by visiting Ashland to deliver the commencement address for Southern Oregon University's Class of 2025 last Saturday. The event -- SOU's 99th Commencement -- marked the first time the governor has spoken at a graduation ceremony since taking office. SOU President Rick Bailey expressed his thanks to the governor and to the day's honorees -- the graduates. The 880 graduates in SOU's Class of 2025 -- and the capacity crowd at Raider Stadium -- cheered and applauded throughout speeches from Governor Kotek, President Bailey, student Parker Boom and others in the 2-1/2-hour ceremony. A total of 1,056 degrees were conferred including 659 undergraduate degrees, 221 graduate degrees and 176 certificates. Governor Kotek and President Bailey presented diploma covers, shook hands and posed for photos with each new graduate as their names were called and they walked individually across the stage. ...Read more