Good morning, Grants Pass.

Southern Oregon will see a busy weekend as Grants Pass hosts a monthly First Friday on Friday evening and the Growers Market on Saturday morning while nearby communities (Jacksonville, Ashland, and Medford) offer live music, art, theater, and baseball games.

Lemonade Day 2026 (hosted by the local Chamber) will take place on Saturday, Aug.

8 from noon to 3 p.m. in Grants Pass as youth-run stands offer a free lesson in entrepreneurship and feature awards for best product and most creative design.

Wildland firefighter Matthew Hurlbut died in a motorcycle crash on Aug.

1 at Old Stage Road and Westover after returning from wildfire duty, and his mother has set up a fundraiser for funeral costs (she called the loss heartbreaking).

Tuesday evening, crews halted the Pearce Park Road Fire in Grants Pass and maintained Level 3 evacuations from Moon Mountain Road to Moon Mountain RV Park, with Level 2 evacuations at the park (fire measured about 1 acre) as ground crews secured the perimeter.

On Tuesday evening, a brush fire near Tom Pearce Park was stopped after a quick response by multiple agencies in the Moon Mountain area east of Grants Pass.

Firefighters used ground crews and a helicopter to secure 25% of the fire's perimeter on the one-acre blaze while mop-up continues.

A new article shows how aspiring entrepreneurs in Southern Oregon can start a home-based business with less than $5,000 (by choosing between reselling goods and digital services).

The advice details that each model requires dedication and fits different lifestyles.

Southern Oregon rock fans will see ZZ Top and Cheap Trick perform live at Bi-Mart Amphitheater at The Expo on Thursday, Aug.

13 in Central Point. Ticket options include premium VIP seating, and organizers urge fans to secure tickets soon.

RCC is hosting free open house events at its three campuses this month to show off academic programs and student resources.

The Grants Pass event is on Tuesday, Aug. 25 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), while events in Medford and White City occur earlier, with fall classes starting Sept. 28.

Firefighters held the I-5 MM 57 NB Fire near Grants Pass yesterday over 100 acres with 8% containment amid red flag weather as over 189 personnel worked to secure the fire along the highway and officials continue investigating its cause.

Wildfires continue impacting travel and daily routines across southern Oregon as crews work to contain active blazes and manage highway restrictions.

Local officials advise residents to check road conditions and prepare emergency kits (especially for rural trips) since weather may change rapidly.

Parker’s Place Village reached full capacity at 150 beds today after the final 26 beds received tentative approval, meeting the city’s goal for emergency shelter.

Developed by the city and Elk Island Trading Group, the facility now shifts to long-term operations to support residents on their path toward stability (community partners continue to work closely with officials).

A heat advisory remains in effect across Southern Oregon until 11 p.m. Thursday as triple-digit temperatures and warm nights increase risks of heat-related illness and fire; residents in Grants Pass are advised to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours.

Asante will close its outpatient rehab clinics in Medford and Grants Pass on August 28 (the clinics offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy).

A local mother said the move leaves families worried about finding care for children with disabilities as support will continue until the transition completes.