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In the race for Jackson County's next commissioner, Republican Randy Sparacino is leading Democrat Denise Krause.

About 50 geese and chickens were confirmed last week to have contracted Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the first confirmed outbreak in the county. The animals were subsequently euthanized.

With a crucial election on Tuesday and political tension mounting, local law enforcement officials are preparing for any possible disturbances.

On Friday, Charles Hanley sent a notice of potential legal claims against the district, including defamation, retaliation, breach of contract, violation of procedural due process and wrongful discharge.

Jackson County Fire District 3 will take over management, financial and administrative services for the troubled Fire District 5.

Jackson County residents will soon vote on new representation when they choose a county commissioner in the November election.

Two weeks ago, the board of Jackson County Fire District 5 in the Rogue Valley fired its chief, Charles Hanley. An investigation provides more details about why he was terminated.

Staff said at Tuesday night's board of directors meeting that the district is facing a potential shortfall of up to $3 million.

Chief Charles Hanley had been on paid administrative leave since May amid allegations that district leadership failed to address inappropriate workplace conduct.

Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler is renewing a push for a new jail. But public sentiment remains mixed, according to a recent survey.

The Rogue Community College Board of Education will vote on whether to approve a $60.3 million bond on Tuesday, which would show up on the November ballot if passed.

The program has been running in Clackamas, Jackson, Klamath and Wasco counties. It recently expanded to Corvallis, Coos Bay and Umatilla County.