Good morning, Grants Pass.

Craterian Theater has opened registration for its Annual Gingerbread Jubilee where local bakers create gingerbread houses to be auctioned for the theater's benefit.

Contest entries are due November 17 — sign-ups close November 1.

Downtown Grants Pass will host the First Friday event on October 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music, art displays, food tastings, and a new exhibit at the Grants Pass Museum of Art—marking the start of the Art Along the Rogue festival themed 'Time Warp: When Past Meets Future'.

Lawmakers met in a roundtable to discuss Governor Tina Kotek’s order that bans phones in schools to cut distractions.

They said all districts will adopt the policy by October 31— with rules starting January 20 to 26— to help students and families by improving reading skills and mood.

The Oregon Department of Forestry lowered the public fire danger to moderate and reduced the industrial fire precaution level to Level I on ODF lands in Jackson & Josephine counties as of 12:01 a.m. on September 30, following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, though officials warned that fire season is still ongoing and urged residents to follow existing safety rules.

ODHS announced federal changes to SNAP under H.R.

1 that began July 4 and will affect over 313,000 households, including older adults, immigrants, and rural families receiving utility assistance—about 29,000 of these households may see benefit cuts averaging $58 monthly. New work requirements for some ABAWD in six counties will start today and notices for affected refugees and asylees will be mailed by mid-October.

The Oregon Senate approved House Bill 3991 on Monday, which raised gas taxes, vehicle registration fees, and payroll taxes to boost transportation funds.

The bill is projected to generate $4.3 billion over ten years—helping pay for road, bridge, and transit maintenance as fuel efficiency and electric vehicles affect traditional revenue sources.

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved a new five-year lease for the Josephine Community Library after more than nine months of debate over funding and termination clauses—this decision raises upkeep costs while securing the library's future services, with Commissioners Barnett and Ron Smith voting in favor and Commissioner Blech opposing the deal.

Under Oregon law, you may salvage roadkill from deer and elk if you get a permit from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and follow rules like filing within 24 hours and turning in head and antlers within five business days—these rules do not ensure the meat is safe to eat. Experts warn that bacteria, parasites, and toxins from the animal's past meals can make the meat risky.

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.