Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.
Good morning, Grants Pass.
Grants Pass will host its annual Concerts in the Park series at Riverside Park from June 10 through July 15, with free live music from local bands set to perform every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — local sponsors support the family-friendly event.
Grants Pass will honor fallen service members during Memorial Day weekend with a solemn ceremony on the 5th Street Bridge over the Rogue River that features a veteran wreath-laying, military flyover, 21-gun salute and bagpipe rendition of Taps—while the Boatnik festival brings boat races, a downtown parade, carnival rides and concerts to raise funds for local youth programs. The event also underlines the city’s heritage and boosts area hotels, restaurants and retailers.
Grants Pass realtor Todd Ethan Bowman was booked on a disorderly conduct charge after a neighbor dispute and his reputation was affected when a coding error at the county jail incorrectly listed a molestation charge (the error has since been corrected and all charges have been dropped).
South Valley Academy outgrew the Live Oak Grange for its graduation ceremony+Principal Jennifer Parks said the school will choose a larger venue for more graduates and families.
School officials plan to secure extra space at the new location+ensuring everyone who wants to celebrate can join the event.
The Grants Pass City Council formed a short-term task force after a Wednesday meeting authorized City Manager Aaron Cubic to adjust salaries for 51 non-union employees.
Councilor Rob Pell said more information is needed before any changes are made — the group will include budget committee members, the public, councilors, and consultant Dr. Victoria McGrath — and warned that delaying raises could cost the city more.
The Oregon Department of Forestry will declare fire season on June 1 at 12:01 a.m. for 1.8 million acres in Jackson and Josephine counties, starting with a low fire danger level and Industrial Fire Precaution Level I; activities like debris burning and fireworks will be prohibited while campfires are allowed only in designated areas.
A concerned Josephine County resident filed a formal complaint this week, saying the county gave only 24 hours notice for regular meetings when state law requires 48 hours—he said the issue must be fixed or it will be escalated to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
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.
2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Southern Oregon Sanitation — Free entry — Safely dispose of hazardous household materials while protecting your home and environment.
Shining a Light on Hunger
6-9 p.m. — Vista 222 — Donation-based — Raise awareness and funds to combat hunger while enjoying breathtaking views.
Comedy of Errors
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Walport Family Cellars — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively performance of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors in a picturesque vineyard setting.
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