Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of May.
Good morning, Grants Pass.
Three suspects including two juveniles were arrested Thursday at about 5:24 p.m. on the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway in Grants Pass after a 15-year-old boy said he was attacked with a knife while trying to sell clothes online — Aiden Steven McCarroll, 20, was booked into Josephine County Jail and the juveniles were taken to the Juvenile Justice Center on charges of first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, third-degree assault, and second-degree theft, and all are innocent until proven guilty.
Southern Oregon residents face a variety of banking choices as local credit unions like Rogue and mutual banks such as Evergreen offer personalized service while national banks like U.S. Bank and Chase provide wide digital tools for those needing more extensive features.
Grants Pass customers can compare fees, customer support, and service options to find a bank that best fits their financial goals.
The Oregon Department of Human Services announced the return of the Summer EBT for Children program to help families buy food when school meals are not available; families with eligible children can get a one-time $120 payment.
About 362,000 children participated last year — applications for 2025 benefits must be submitted by September 3.
Allegations of favoritism have emerged at the Josephine County Fairgrounds as youth agriculture groups report unequal access to livestock scales and the arena critical for fair preparations.
Jen McGowan is accused of mismanaging the facility—giving some groups special treatment—and critics are urging the county to investigate the control of public resources.
Commissioner Ron Smith said he had no knowledge of the personalized challenge coins and he demanded receipts and payment records from a county staff member; a public records request to uncover who authorized the coins remains unanswered + rumors suggest Commissioner Barnett and Administrator Sellers may be involved in a misuse of taxpayer funds. Local residents now question the responsibility of county leadership amid calls for accountability.
Josephine County residents are increasingly seen on the roads with expired registrations, suspended licenses, and no insurance, even though many maintain steady jobs and homes.
Local officials warn that this trend, known as driving dirty, may lead to higher risks for everyone (and call for stricter enforcement of vehicle regulations).
New data from CARES shows that Josephine County cardiac arrest patients were revived and discharged at a rate of 14.8%, exceeding the national average of 10.5%—a result credited to the fast, coordinated efforts of American Medical Response and other local emergency teams.
AMR Josephine County will continue to improve response times and training so that more lives can be saved.
Grants Pass residents can drive three hours north to Portland to stay at the Jupiter Hotel—a renovated motor lodge that offers both retro art and modern rooms.
The hotel features a tropical restaurant and live music venue so guests can enjoy a unique urban escape.
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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