Asante must start acting now to fend off a looming $50 million budget shortfall, including by cutting about 300 jobs over the next several months, Asante President and CEO Tom Gessel said Monday.

With about 6,000 employees, Asante is one of the largest employers in Josephine and Jackson counties and operates hospitals in Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland.

Daily Courier

Despite windy conditions at Bandon Crossings on Monday, Grants Pass senior Carson Krauss fired a 5-under-par 67 to take a seven-stroke lead into today’s final round at the Southwest Conference boys’ golf district tournament.

Junior Brevik Hill also had a strong day for the Cavemen, shooting a 74, which was good enough for second place.

Daily Courier

A thunderstorm that struck the region on Sunday brought down a tree onto two houses in the 3300 block of Rogue River Highway just east of Grants Pass.

The tree seriously damaged the houses and trapped two people inside, Rural Metro Fire said.

Firefighters responded at 4:46 p.m., extricated both people and transported them to the hospital with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries, Rural Metro said.

Daily Courier

Sip into spring.

Rogue Valley wineries are coming out of winter hibernation with spring wine tours, tastings and walks. Mark your calendar for these wine events:

MAY 9, Downtown Wine Stroll. This walking wine tour is a spring tradition in downtown Grants Pass, bringing together wineries, eateries and vendors with downtown merchants. It’s open from 2-6 p.m.