Good morning, Grants Pass.

Jill Dwyer, an Early Childhood Education teacher at North Valley High School, was named May 2026 recipient of the Honored National Teaching Award, receiving a $5,000 cash prize and a featured podcast appearance that spotlights her classroom’s focus on life skills — a recognition prompted by a student nomination.

Rogue Community College broke ground on its new Transportation Technology Center at the Table Rock campus (a 15,500 sqft facility designed to expand automotive and diesel training as enrollment surged).

A second ceremony is scheduled for May 7 at the Redwood campus, with construction starting this summer so classes begin fall.

Josephine County faces mounting pressure as local residents report that concerns over ethics and transparency in land and spending decisions are repeatedly dismissed (a signal for urgent accountability), prompting a call for community oversight.

The U.S. House approved the Farm, Food, and National Security Act last Thursday—this bill expands crop insurance, specialty crop support, wildfire mitigation, and rural broadband projects.

Rep. Cliff Bentz was the only Oregon vote, and local farmers and rural communities may see more support soon.

Oregon state officials have launched the ‘Fit to Float’ campaign to help boaters wear properly fitted life jackets as river traffic rises with spring runoff — events will be held at boat ramps in Southern Oregon and the Willamette Valley, aligning with National Safe Boating Week in mid-May.

Asante Health System announced it may cut over 300 jobs amid a projected $50M budget shortfall by 2027.

The cuts could affect healthcare services and local businesses in Grants Pass (adding uncertainty to staffing and travel distances for patients).

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

10 AM-2 PM — Vista 222 — Adults $35, Kids $15 — Celebrate Mom with a delightful brunch featuring live jazz and stunning vineyard views.

Boatnik Brewfest

1 PM - 4 PM — Riverside Park — $ — Celebrate with craft brews and thrilling jet boat races at one of Grants Pass' largest festivals.