Local News

Applications are being accepted for two positions on the Urban Area Planning Commission.

One position is a four-year appointment; the other position is to fill a vacancy with an expiration date of September 18, 2028. All appointments to the UAPC need to have their principal residence within the City Limits or the Urban Growth Boundary.

The purpose of this commission is to review and decide on all Type III Land Use Applications, function as an appellate body on appeals from Type I and Type II decisions of the City Staff, and review and recommend to the Council action on all Type IV Land Use requests.

In accord with the growth management philosophies of the governing boards, the commission will investigate, review, analyze, and recommend necessary changes in growth management policies or physical capacities to meet the needs for the lands within the Urban Growth Boundary.

Applications are available at the City Administration Office, 101 N.W. A Street, or online at "grantspassoregon.gov/committee-application". Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 3.

The commission will review applications on Wednesday, October 8. The Council will interview applicants at the Council Workshop on Monday, November 3, and make appointments at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 5.

 

Downtown Grants Pass comes alive tonight with the sights and sounds of the city’s beloved First Friday Stroll.

From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, visitors and locals alike can wander through the historic district, discovering local art, live music, and hands-on creative experiences.

Shops and galleries open their doors to showcase regional artists, giving attendees a chance to meet creators, view unique artwork, and even take part in interactive displays.

The event offers a perfect mix of culture, entertainment, and late-night shopping, sure to be a highlight for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy an evening downtown.

Whether you’re stopping by for the art, the music, or the community atmosphere, First Friday offers a warm invitation to experience the vibrant creative spirit of Grants Pass.

 

One of the most recognizable symbols of Grants Pass is about to get a new life.

The enormous American flag that flies high above Union Avenue will be formally retired and replaced during a public ceremony this Saturday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m.

The Rogue Valley Young Marines with the USAF Civil Air Patrol will lead the flag retirement, a tradition that ensures worn and weathered flags are respectfully decommissioned.

The current 40-by-80-foot flag was damaged in recent storms, prompting the need for a replacement.

The event will include a ceremonial lowering of the old flag and the raising of a new one. The public is encouraged to show support, both by attending and through contributions toward the cost of the replacement flag.

Donations are being accepted by Caveman Kiwanis, and can be mailed to PO Box 1, Grants Pass, OR 97527.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along Union Avenue.

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry has continued to make progress on the Lower Rogue River Corridor Fires. Firefighters assigned to multiple fires have continued efforts on the smaller incidents and held the Kelsey Peak Fire in its current footprint. Cooler temperatures allowed resources to line and mop up an additional three fires, bringing the total number of fires already extinguished to seven. This leaves the Kelsey Peak, Marial, and Mule fires still in an active status. Today, firefighters assigned to these incidents will continue to build on this progress. The Kelsey Peak Fire remains the largest incident. Overnight, minimal growth was seen and the fire remains an estimated 80 acres. Resources worked early into this morning, holding the lines built, strengthening them where possible, and bringing in miles of hose. More than 130 personnel are currently assigned to these fires, with the majority dedicated to the Kelsey Peak Fire.

 

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Hivve, announced the launch of the Rogue Leadership Training Experience, aimed at forging the next generation of civic trailblazers.

“At its core, the Rogue Leadership Training Experience is about producing visionary community stewards, people who don't just lead businesses, but lead with purpose, empathy, and a deep-rooted commitment to public good,” said Terry Hopkins, President & CEO of the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce.

By partnering with The Hivve, the Chamber is anchoring the program in a place that embodies creativity, connection, and collective ambition. The Chamber invites both applicant's eager to serve, and organizations ready to sponsor this transformative journey.

While sponsorships remain open, the program launch has been made possible thanks to AllCare Health and Evergreen Federal Bank.

Applications and sponsorship opportunities are available at unbreakablegp.org/leadership-program or you can contact Terry Hopkins at THopkins@grantspasschamber.org.

 

From honoree to judge, a local leader of Rentec Direct joins U.S. Chamber's panel to recognize the entrepreneurs shaping the future of small business

Following Rentec Direct’s recognition as one of the nation’s top small businesses in 2024, co-owner Kaycee Miller has been appointed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s expert panel of judges to help select the 2025 CO-100.

Chosen from more than 14,000 applicants nationwide, this annual list celebrates the 100 small businesses that stand out as change-makers, innovators and problem-solvers driving growth both locally and globally.

The CO-100 recognizes small businesses that achieve sustained success while making a positive impact on their communities and industries, with a focus on innovation, company culture and customer satisfaction.

Rentec Direct secured its spot as one of the top 100 small businesses in the U.S. on the 2024 list as a Community Champion, applauded for its agile decision-making, customer-driven product development and deep commitment to community engagement.

Miller co-owns Rentec Direct with founder and CEO Nathan Miller and also serves as the company’s Director of Marketing and Operations. Locally, she is Vice President of the Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Board of Directors and sits on the Rogue Community College Business Advisory Committee.

 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Search and Rescue personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when she was last seen camping in the Prospect area. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing at 4’8” and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.

 

The Oregon State police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and reasonable suspicion of a restraining order violation yesterday.

Upon contacting the driver, Karl Taylor, the officer found they were not in violation of their restraining order, but were found to have an active misdemeanor warrant out of Jackson County.

Taylor was suspended, the vehicle had no insurance, and his passenger refused to identify themselves. Taylor was transported to the Josephine County Jail.

He was lodged on his warrant and was given a criminal citation for methamphetamine possession after a search uncovered a small baggie of positively tested methamphetamine in his wallet.

 

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended a man in Selma Tuesday afternoon.

Officers contacted the suspect, who initially gave a false name. After confirming his identity, he was found to have an Oregon State Parole Board Felony Warrant for Parole Violation and Second Degree Sex Abuse.

He was lodged in the Josephine County Jail, and was given an additional charge of misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine.