Good morning, Grants Pass.

Food pantries in Grants Pass face deeper food insecurity as the One Big Beautiful Bill cuts SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2028—forcing ROC Food Pantry to end home delivery for 150 seniors and straining its resources amid a surge in new applications.

Local organizations now need more donations to help feed the growing number of residents in need.

Fire crews in Jackson and Josephine counties battled 72 wildfires started by lightning on Monday night as high winds and limited resources challenged suppression today—435 firefighters are active with a command transfer scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Evacuation notices cover areas near the 250-acre Neil Creek Road Fire and steep terrain while the Pickett Mountain Fire near Grants Pass remains under control.

The City of Grants Pass is now accepting applications for its Public Safety Advisory Committee volunteer position, offering a three-year term for any citizen-at-large to help shape local safety policy — residents can pick up an application at the City Administration Office or apply online and must submit by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, with final appointments to be made by the city council on Wednesday, September 3.

ODOT laid off 483 employees on Monday as the first wave of planned cuts that could total up to 700 after the Legislature failed to secure funding.

Governor Kotek warned that rural communities will face slower winter road maintenance — reduced crews for de-icing and snow removal may lead to longer road closures.

City officials will break ground on July 17 at 10:00 a.m. for a new water treatment plant at 755 SE J Street in Grants Pass — a key step in replacing the aging facility that has shown problems since 2011.

Local leaders will speak briefly and offer site tours until noon as the project moves from planning to construction.

County commissioners spent $2,500 to order challenge coins with one commissioner’s name and said they would repay taxpayers but did not produce proof of payment.

A records request filed June 29 remains unanswered today—raising questions about county transparency.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Benton and Lane counties to the Rogue Valley through Immediate Response—officials say the move boosts capacity to handle emergencies.

Rogue Community College is expanding its training programs today to help fill a healthcare worker shortage in Southern Oregon—its new courses include surgical technology and additional programs like radiologic technology are planned based on local hospital needs.

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.

City Mouse, Suckerpunch & Steven

8-11:30 p.m. — Our Studio — All ages event — Experience an electrifying night of live music featuring City Mouse, Suckerpunch & Steven.

Corvette Weekend

10 a.m. - 8:31 p.m. — Riverside Park & Josephine County Fairgrounds — RSVP required — A celebratory weekend for Corvette enthusiasts featuring a breakfast and fun activities.

Clyde and the Milltailers Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Wonder Bur Steakhouse & Lounge — Tickets at door — Enjoy a nostalgic evening of unique music from Clyde, renowned for his unmatched voice and instrumental flair.

Josephine County Fair 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Josephine County Fairgrounds — Admission details not specified — Celebrate local brewing with a showcase of beer, mead, and cider at the fair.

Rogue Gem & Geology Club at the Fair

8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Josephine County Fairgrounds — Various prices — Explore unique rocks and gems while enjoying club activities and raffles.

Barnaby Jones with Fox Medicine and Summer Colds

8-11:59 p.m. — Our Studio — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of alternative music with Barnaby Jones and supporting acts Fox Medicine and Summer Colds.