Good morning, Grants Pass.

Grants Pass will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday, December 5, downtown near Don’s Bike Center where families can enjoy local craft vendors, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and a new sock skating rink for children—marking the start of the holiday season.

City officials say the event builds on a long-held local tradition and is expected to draw regional visitors.

AllCare Health donated nearly $242K to 12 food aid organizations in Southern Oregon to help food banks meet rising demand amid funding cuts.

The Josephine County Food Bank received $60K to stock its pantries before the holidays, and other local groups benefited from the support.

The Rogue Valley Mall and the Medford Garden Railroaders have opened the 3rd Annual Holiday Train Display on the lower level beneath the food court — families can explore new layouts, a revamped mountain module, and hidden treasures — and it is free through New Year's Eve.

Southern Oregon University announced in November that its Small Business Development Center will close on December 31 after serving the Rogue Valley for 41 years.

The statewide network will shift to mostly virtual services — hiring one contractor for limited in-person help — which may leave local business owners with fewer hands-on resources.

The City of Grants Pass is accepting applications for two openings on its Urban Tree Advisory Committee—a volunteer group that helps plan and care for the city’s trees.

One spot is a two-year term and the other runs through September 30, with submissions due by 5 p.m. on January 30 and selections reviewed at a committee meeting on February 9 before final city council appointments on March 4.

Oregon sees a big rise in eviction filings since the end of pandemic laws—record numbers are reported in both urban and rural areas, with Multnomah County and Southern parts of the state facing high rates.

Rising rents, slower pay, and less rental help have made housing hard for many families, pushing more into the court system.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

7:30 PM — Rogue Theatre — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy a whimsical British comedy blending propriety and humor in a festive setting.