Good morning, Grants Pass.

ACCESS kicked off its fourth year of the Rogue Power Pack program on Friday, where volunteers packed bags with six meals and six snacks for elementary kids in need.

The program now serves 882 kids weekly — 55 more than last year, with 45% of Jackson County students relying on free or reduced school lunches.

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden said Friday that Oregon got $28,512,515 for six wildfire prevention projects that will cut dangerous fuels and create safe space around homes and businesses.

The funding comes from the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program — and will be used in several counties.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners sent the disputed library lease proposal back to the board after adding a 30-day no-cause termination clause that the library cannot accept.

Library supporters said the decision undermined long-term planning and funding — a delay tactic that leaves the community uncertain — until the board negotiates a clear resolution.

Congressman Cliff Bentz visited Grants Pass this week to share his plans on supporting rural hospitals, updating energy systems, and switching to telephone town halls to avoid protest disruptions—he discussed his legislative wins and challenges in a detailed interview with the Grants Pass Tribune. His remarks focused on improving communication with constituents and addressing key federal policies affecting rural communities.

Josephine County joined the national opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma and will receive about $1.08 million over 15 years for opioid treatment, prevention, recovery and public health programs (a sum set to support local efforts).

County leaders will work with local and state partners to decide fund use (details on spending have not yet been shared).

A local dad from Eagle Point is biking 200 miles this month to fight childhood cancer in memory of his daughter Sarah and has raised over $20 thousand to fund research for better treatments.

Eric Wood rides in the Great Cycle Challenge and aims to raise $3 thousand more + his ride honors Sarah, whose love for Halloween led to the creation of the Monster Ball at Science Works.

Residents in Grants Pass are adopting weekly meal prep to save money and reduce cooking stress.

Planning meals ahead lowers impulse grocery buying—allowing households to purchase staples in bulk and prepare healthy dinners quickly during busy evenings.

Fort Vannoy Farms Haunted Corn Maze

8-10 p.m. — Fort Vannoy Farms — Timed tickets required — Experience an unforgettable night of thrills with clowns, vampires, and zombies in a thrilling haunted maze.

Elton Dan and the Rocket Band

8-10 p.m. — Rogue Theatre — $ — Experience the magic of Elton John's music performed live by superfan Elton Dan.