Good morning, Grants Pass.

Porchfest 2025 will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14 in Grants Pass and roads will be closed until 3:30 p.m. to allow for the event, so city officials urge drivers to follow detour signs.

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to rescue a driver whose vehicle rolled over near Redwood Highway and Will Lane Wednesday morning just before 11 a.m.—the driver was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Grants Pass saw a business boom as 67 new licenses were issued in the past three months and local Chamber officials say this growth shows rising confidence in the economy—one sign is The Lonely Pine café, opened just days ago by siblings Quentin and Penelope Buck who grew up here.

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is asking for help to find 38-year-old Erik Grant Mitchell, who has been missing since January 2024 when he lived in Grants Pass and mentioned moving to Arizona or Texas—he is 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds; anyone with information is urged to call with case number 25-12936.

The Department of Justice filed a statement of interest today in a lawsuit that argues Oregon has not removed ineligible names from its voter rolls—this case, brought by a conservative group, will move forward under the National Voter Registration Act.

Public concern increased this week when Jeromy Ford announced that his nonprofit, Pathways to Stability, had signed a lease for the 7.8-acre Vine Street site before the city had selected an operator or finalized its grant process—sparking worries about a large homeless facility in a sensitive neighborhood.

Grants Pass City and Disability Rights Oregon are negotiating a settlement to resolve a preliminary injunction over the city's treatment of unhoused residents.

City Manager Aaron Cubic said the city improved park conditions by adding more resting sites and better care—measures that could lead to a court resolution or a direct settlement with DRO—while it continues to enforce park rules.

Kairos Northwest held a ribbon cutting and open house today at its new Josephine Services outpatient mental health facility at 1750 Nebraska Ave in Grants Pass — welcoming families and clients to guided tours.

The agency plans to expand its trauma-informed model by building on services already offered in Jackson County.

Homeowners aiming for a lush lawn this summer in Southern Oregon are advised to water early in the day, mow at a higher setting, and use compost and manual aeration to nurture the soil—these simple steps help save money by avoiding pricey treatments.

Following these techniques can maintain a healthy yard during the warm, dry season.

The Children's Festival

4:00-8:30 p.m. — Britt Festival Pavilion — $5 per household — Enjoy a family-friendly environment with a calmer entry for a memorable festival experience.

Live Music with Borderline Music and Flour of Life Waffles

2-5 p.m. — Walport Family Cellars — Enjoy delicious waffles while listening to a captivating string duo blend multiple music styles.