Good morning, Grants Pass.

Grants Pass hosts Porchfest today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Northwest Washington Boulevard with over 20 musical acts performing on porches—food vendors are on hand and proceeds benefit youth programs in Josephine County.

Brookings and Yreka also offer free concerts and family events this weekend.

The city said Caveman Pool is delayed because of maintenance problems like a leak that wastes 30,000 gallons of water a day and will now open next Friday.

The pool was built in the 1950s and plans for a new $6.5 million upgrade with diving features and a slide were canceled earlier this year.

Early risers at the Grants Pass Growers Market today will see community volunteers Bob and Amy — working by 6:30 a.m. — set up a donation booth to raise funds for Kid’s Day in the Park 2 on June 28 at Riverside Park.

Organizers invite locals to visit the booth during market hours until 2 p.m. to support the event.

The Josephine Community Library will unveil its new Beary Tales sculpture on Wednesday, June 18 at 12:30 p.m. on its grounds at 200 NW C Street, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a follow-up talk with artist Kel Letvenchuck at 1 p.m.—part of this summer's BearFest tradition.

Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce is urging the Board of Commissioners to adopt the Sheriff’s Office's full budget proposal ahead of the June 18 vote because voters in 2023 approved a measure for steady law enforcement funding.

Local business leaders worry that reduced funding could weaken public safety & harm the local economy.

A bipartisan pharmacy access bill stalled in the state legislature, prompting pharmacy leaders like Jeff Harrell from Grants Pass to warn that rural residents may soon have to drive 30 minutes or more for prescriptions — a setback that follows industry pressure and years of pharmacy closures. Leaders say the bill, which aimed to reform contract practices for independent pharmacies, has been delayed by lawmakers, and advocates hope for action before patient access is further restricted — a growing concern in rural areas.

Since January, Josephine County government has struggled as Commissioners Barnett and Blech have not met their full-time duties—departments lack clear direction and meetings have become personal shows.

Many say the commissioners should resign now to avoid costly recall elections—taxpayers deserve a properly run county.

Summer horse racing begins today at Grants Pass Downs with races starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, admission at $5 for adults while kids 12 and under get in free, and several special events scheduled including free entry for dads on Father's Day.

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.