Good morning, Grants Pass.

PATH will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers with a formal session from 3:00 to 4:30 and time to network from 4:30 to 5:00.

The meeting will feature speakers from Hearts with a Mission (who help young people and older adults) and ask attendees to bring non-perishable food (for the local food bank).

The 2025 Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment shows local food insecurity is higher than state averages with 19 percent of children in Josephine County and 17 percent in Jackson County affected.

Alison Sexauer said federal budget cuts have created uncertainty and officials will implement a five-year Community Food Action Plan — focused on increasing access to healthy food and strengthening the local food system.

The Second Annual Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disrupters Summit will take place May 8-10 at the Ashland Hills Hotel, where local agencies will lead sessions to educate youth about online exploitation and trafficking risks.

The event includes a teen session called 'My Friends Aren't for Sale' (for teens ages 13 to 19) and a Saturday men’s breakfast with a top attorney and community panel, with free teen entry for parents.

The Rogue Valley Transportation Department is marking 50 years of service this year—community members are invited to share memories and shoutouts to bus drivers for a chance to win a gift card.

Residents are invited to join the celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Guy Wallman Mobility Training Center.

Kassandrea Sinks was arrested in Baker Park on May 5 for slashing a woman during a verbal dispute that turned violent on May 1 at 1:53 p.m. — she now faces charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon — police said.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal, Mariana Ruiz-Temple, urged residents to get their homes ready for wildfires as Wildfire Awareness Month begins after last summer’s season burned 1.9 million acres.

The advisory recommends pruning trees, removing debris, cleaning roofs and gutters and moving combustible items away from homes.

Oregon lawmakers are looking at House Bill 3144 — the bill would stop new planned communities from banning manufactured and modular homes so more people can have affordable housing.

The bill is now in committee hearings — experts, developers and residents are sharing their views on its potential impact.

The Oregon Supreme Court upheld a $3.2 million judgment against entities owned by Commissioner Chris Barnett and his wife after years of appeals over his 2017 purchase of Osprey Point RV Resort in Lakeside (Coos County), where lifetime membership contracts were sold to elderly residents. Barnett did not comment on ongoing litigation that may reach the federal level.

Multiple whistleblowers have detailed claims that former Commissioner John West proposed a contract with a $10 million buyout for employee Michael Sellers and other backroom actions that weaken county oversight + residents are now urging more transparency as investigations continue.

The Nooners Group Meeting

12-1 p.m. — Newman United Methodist Church — Closed meeting — Engage in a supportive discussion focused on recovery from alcohol addiction.

Boatnik Festival 2025

All day — Riverside Park — Free entry — Celebrate over 60 years of community fun with activities and festivities at this beloved annual festival.

Senior Living Awards Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Forest Meadows — Free entry — Discover award-winning senior living communities with exceptional care and activities.