Good morning, Grants Pass.

Evergreen Federal Bank’s BearFest returns in Grants Pass this summer as painted bear statues brighten downtown from now through Labor Day.

The event began in 2003 and has seen over 187 bears plus raised more than $250,000 for local nonprofits, with each statue painted by local artists.

Boatnik wrapped up its five-day celebration and funds from the carnival and vendors were distributed to Josephine County youth groups, local churches, sporting events and school bands—supporting local programs and opportunities.

Grants Pass Active Club member Jim Thompson noted the club once donated $18k to help send the high school marching band to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

F-15 fighter jets from Kingsley Field flew over Eagle Point during a Memorial Day flyover on May 26th—video footage shows the jets soaring high above the town.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding 69-year-old Dawn Ida Bailey, who went missing on May 24 after leaving her family's home in Selma on the 400 block of McMullen Creek Rd in a 1998 Chevy pickup truck (license 272ETU) while wearing a teal tank top and white Mickey Mouse sweatpants.

Fuel prices in southern Oregon remain high as drivers pay about $3.90 per gallon with summer travel approaching—mandated summer-blend gasoline and higher crude oil costs have pushed up prices.

Some experts expect that after Labor Day, when cheaper winter-blend gasoline is used, prices may drop if no new disruptions occur.

Fire crews from ODF and Williams Rural Fire Protection District mopped up a fire on Glenlyn Dr. (southeast of Murphy) at 9:45 a.m. Monday, containing it to three-quarters of an acre and warning that rising temperatures and wind will increase fire risks as 90-degree days come later this week.

City officials in Grants Pass are reexamining funding for a new water treatment plant after losing a FEMA grant that would have covered nearly half the $135 million cost—residents may see another water rate increase soon as officials consider extra loans or state revolving fund options.

Kairos Northwest in Grants Pass announced its partnership with the regional suicide prevention campaign Tomorrow Needs You to boost mental health awareness in Southern Oregon.

The initiative—launched earlier by local media and United Way—uses personal stories like that of Roe Motors’ general manager to encourage help and reduce stigma.

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.