Good morning, Grants Pass.

Josephine Community Library District announced plans to launch a wide area network that will connect its main branch in Grants Pass with branches in Cave Junction, Williams and Wolf Creek to boost internet access, with work starting in early 2026—using a 90% FCC subsidy to fund improvements to public computers, Wi-Fi and digital collections expected to be live by January.

Some families in Southern Oregon are choosing among public schools, private schools, and homeschooling for their children's education.

The decision weighs factors such as cost, class size and social opportunities—parents in Grants Pass assess which option best meets their needs.

The Oregon Department of Forestry tells residents to be extra careful with fires as dry fuels, strong east winds, and little rain keep risks high despite cooler weather.

They reported 1,091 fires on protected lands so far—many started by human actions such as debris burning and vehicle sparks—and urged everyone to follow local fire rules.

Crater Lake National Park announced the Cleetwood Cove Trail will close to the public by November 1st and remain closed for about three years for renovations—weather may trigger an earlier closure.

Today at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry lowered the fire danger level to moderate in Jackson and Josephine counties as rain continues, loosening restrictions on equipment—chainsaws can now be used near dry vegetation until 1:00 p.m. and after 8:00 p.m.—while bans on debris burning, fireworks, and open fires remain in effect.

A judge awarded former Commissioner John West $437,000 in a defamation lawsuit against website operator John Riccio after Riccio failed to file the required court responses for false claims that led to West’s recall campaign.

West said he will keep challenging similar misinformation—marking Riccio’s second recent legal defeat.

Grants Pass community advocate Cobey Giesler launched his campaign for Oregon House District 3 on September 26, offering voters a non-affiliated alternative to major party candidates.

His plan focuses on reforming foster care, easing zoning rules, and using more tax money for local recovery programs — ideas aimed at helping Southern Oregon families.

Eric Wood is biking hundreds of miles in September to raise money for cancer research in memory of his daughter Sarah—who died of brain cancer in 2020.

His goal is to ride 200 miles and raise $3,000, adding to over $20,000 he raised through the Great Cycle Challenge.

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.