Good morning, Grants Pass.

The Josephine County Food Bank is asking Grants Pass residents to donate extra fruits and vegetables from their gardens to fight food insecurity + the food bank will pick up the harvest for distribution through its network of partner agencies to families in need.

Preparations are underway as the Josephine County Fair will open on July 30 and run through August 3 at the fairgrounds in Grants Pass, and organizers expect record turnout with community groups pitching in.

Organizers plan a country music concert with Rodney Atkins and Ned LeDoux on July 31—free admission and a shuttle service will help ease access for visitors.

Multiple crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Grants Pass Fire, and Rural Metro Fire responded to a fire that broke out on the 2000 block of Board Shanty Road south of Grants Pass on Thursday evening, with Level 2 evacuations issued for Zones JCU-436 and JCU-437 and a Level 1 notice in Jackson County (the 80-acre blaze is under investigation for cause).

Mt. Ashland is hosting its Summer Concert Series today with rising local star Charlee Prayers performing live as gates open at 4:30 p.m.—tickets cost $10 and children five and under are admitted free.

OSU Extension in Josephine County is hiring a Community Relations & Program Manager to rebuild local Extension programs that support agriculture, youth, natural resources and family health in Grants Pass.

Applicants must submit by July 28 with a final deadline of August 3 so the new hire can restart essential community services.

This morning at the groundbreaking ceremony + held at 755 SE J Street + city officials named the new water treatment plant in honor of Public Works Director Jason M.

Canady, who began his career as an intern 30 years ago. The $127 million project will use advanced membrane filtration to replace a nearly century-old, vulnerable facility and will be completed by June 2028 with possible water rate increases in the future.

County officials approved a $3 million interest-free loan from the general fund to fund a long-planned runway extension at Grants Pass Airport in Merlin, with construction scheduled to begin mid-August and complete by late October.

The Board expects to repay the loan with 15 federal and state grants, though critics remain concerned about lost interest and accountability—questions that still need clear answers.

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.