Good morning, Grants Pass.

A man was found dead southwest of Merlin last Friday when a grass fire broke out along the 500 block of Highland Ranch Road—firefighters arrived within five minutes to contain the blaze to about a quarter acre—and investigators say he may have died while trying to escape the flames.

A man died in a grass fire near Merlin last week when Rural Metro Fire responded on May 23 at 4:37 p.m. and contained flames covering about 1/4 acre as they found him on his property and the state fire marshal began investigating his death.

Grants Pass resident Nathan Miller earned the Gold Stevie Award for Best Real Estate Entrepreneur at the American Business Awards.

His company, Rentec Direct, won Silver Stevie Awards for Real Estate Company of the Year and Customer Service Team and will be honored at a gala in New York City on June 10—serving over 400,000 users and generating more than $14 million in revenue annually—while keeping its local roots strong.

Grants Pass Police arrested a 20-year-old and two teens after a teenager selling clothing on Facebook Marketplace on the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway was robbed last Thursday— the 14-year-old suspect held a knife to the victim's throat and punched him while the others took the clothing.

FBI arrested Anthony Barrera in a months-long investigation into meth and cocaine trafficking that impacted Grants Pass and Southern Oregon—authorities say he faces multiple charges—federal officials state that his arrest disrupts a major drug distribution network.

Newswatch 12 has compiled a list of upcoming commencement ceremonies in Southern Oregon and Northern California with dates and locations running from May 28 to June 8.

In Grants Pass, Grants Pass High School will hold its graduation on Friday, May 30 at 4 p.m.—the local ceremony is one of several highlighted in the roundup—and details for other schools are also included.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by reviewing evacuation routes and packing essential supplies—residents should update their plans now as Wildfire Awareness Month ends.

Grants Pass Downs will host the prestigious Racing Officials Accreditation Program Full Steward School from June 23 to June 30—this program is the only one of its kind in North America and draws participants from around the world.

The week-long event will boost local businesses and highlight our region’s growing role in horse racing.

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.