Good morning, Grants Pass.

The Grants Pass Tribune is now on the Josephine Community Library website's newspaper resource list as confirmed by Library Director Kate Lasky— this addition boosts its role as a trusted local news source for residents.

Concerts in the Park will return next week at Riverside Park as families, friends, and music lovers gather with lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy free live music.

Organizers say pets must be leashed or left at home—smoking is allowed only in designated parking areas—and visitors should avoid pop-up canopies, umbrellas, and outside alcohol to keep the park safe and clean.

Grants Pass City Council is considering a competitive grant program to help community groups fund spaces and services for the unhoused by replacing four required public resting sites— a public forum is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in council chambers to answer questions and discuss options.

The Josephine County Budget Committee postponed approving department budgets at its Wednesday meeting, delaying a vote on the sheriff’s office request for an extra $774,300.

Sheriff Dave Daniel said the additional funds will allow the department to add a school resource officer, two major crimes detectives, and more patrol officers, and the committee will reconvene Monday at 1:00 p.m. (the decision must be finalized by the deadline).

Representative Dwayne Yunker from Grants Pass called for an immediate repeal of House Bill 3115—he said the failed law ties the hands of cities in addressing public safety threats from homeless camping.

Josephine County commissioners are finalizing next fiscal year's budget while the sheriff's office requests a total of $2.7 million even though it asks for almost $2 million less than before because of a law passed in 2023.

Sheriff Dave Daniel said the extra $774,000 will let his department hire three patrol deputies, two detectives and a second school resource officer to work toward 24/7 patrols.

Two Josephine County commissioners voted 3 to 2 on Monday to bring back the voter-approved property tax that funds OSU Extension and 4-H after concerns over a club t-shirt disrupted the programs in 2023.

Commissioner Chris Barnett — a new member — said the community wanted the programs revived, and a final vote will be held later this month.

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.