Good morning, Grants Pass.

BASE celebrates the 100th year of Black History Month with local events including a drumming class at the Children's Museum and a community reception downtown.

The organization will hold its fundraising Gala on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites.

Rogue Community College is expanding its diesel technologies program with a new building that will boost capacity 50% (to 225 students) at the Grants Pass and Table Rock campuses.

The new facility in White City is anticipated to be ready for classes fall 2027 (pending additional funding).

OSU Extension in Grants Pass invites local gardeners to join a Master Gardener Speaker Series event on Feb.

14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rogue Community College (3345 Redwood Highway, Room J-1), where Pamela Zaklan will share tips for spring garden preparation.

Grants Pass High School launches its inaugural Dental Assisting program in partnership with Rogue Community College — students will earn college credit, industry certifications and over 300 hours of hands-on training to prepare for work or further study.

A 26-acre prescribed burn was completed west of the Star Ranger Station in the Siskiyou Mountains to reduce forest debris and lower fire risk ahead of summer heat.

Crews will monitor residual smoke (which may affect visibility) along local roadways.

Motorists should plan ahead for two road closures due to construction in the area.

Hillcrest Drive between 9th and 10th Street will be closed for through traffic from 5 p.m. Feb. 6 to 8 a.m. Feb. 9, plus the Washington and Manzanita intersection will close daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9-13 for underground utility work.

Southern Oregon families face a strong flu season with schools and urgent care centers reporting more absences.

Health officials urge residents to get a flu shot and practice good hand hygiene (especially for those most at risk).