Good morning, Grants Pass.

MEC Disabilities announced that the Sensory Space (a free center serving about 300 families monthly) in Grants Pass will close on August 15 due to funding cuts, and its founders plan a larger new location in Jackson County.

Arlene Grady started Hot Wheels Garages to give kids a new way to exchange toy cars, and local business Squatch's Garage joined the effort—spreading smiles across Grants Pass.

Dutch Bros — founded in Grants Pass — has agreed to purchase up to 65 former Salad and Go locations in Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas to become drive-thru coffee shops.

The $105 million transaction is pending court approval, closing in the third quarter with conversions beginning in 2027.

Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville has planned an active entertainment schedule with live outdoor concerts, rodeo events, and boxing matches for local residents and travelers from this weekend through December.

The resort will host farmers markets + wine tours, trivia contests, and special holiday events along I-5.

Josephine County Recreation Department banned wood and charcoal fires at Wolf Creek Park & Campground, Lake Selmac Park & Campground and Almeda Park & Campground effective immediately due to extreme fire danger; campers can use propane-fueled stoves and grills and restrictions will remain through the summer season.

Oregon health and wildlife officials advise residents to avoid handling bats after 22 bats tested rabies positive+ the tally is the highest in over twenty years+ officials warn the number may rise as the year continues.

The VA has launched a national trial to test if semaglutide, a medicine for diabetes & weight management, can help reduce harmful alcohol use by enrolling 600 Veterans over 24 weeks.

Grants Pass Veterans can join at the Portland VA Medical Center by contacting local providers.

Cycle Oregon’s Rally 2026 will run Aug.

28 through Sept. 2 with base camps in Grants Pass and Jacksonville. Registration for the six day event is limited to 600 riders and local volunteers are invited to help as cyclists explore the Applegate Valley — visits include both paved and gravel routes.