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Hey Grants Pass, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Live horse racing returns, a free kids dental day, and a riverfront home with RV hookups + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Fall racing tradition returns: Grants Pass Downs will host 10 days of live pari-mutuel racing across five weekends, opening Sunday, September 13, and continuing through October 12 at the Don Jackson Racing Facility -- see what fans can expect.
Weather and fire alerts: A red flag warning is in effect today until 9 p.m., with a heat advisory for Rogue Valley. Saturday’s I-5 MM 57 Fire near Grants Pass burned nearly 97 acres -- see today’s fire alert.
More care changes ahead: In Grants Pass and Medford, Asante will close rehab clinics and end physical therapy at Work Health on Aug. 28, leaving patients recovering from surgeries and injuries with fewer options -- check the clinic changes.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
World-famous sandwich fix: Babe's Bakery has your midweek cravings handled with fresh personal-loaf sandwiches that are absurdly good, plus bacon pesto turnovers and seasonal fruit scones that vanish fast. Keep it light with a soup-and-salad combo, then remember they do custom cakes when celebrations sneak up.
Effortless every morning: Whether you're over penciling your brows before the first cuppa or just crave skin that behaves, Canvas Skincare Studio specializes in permanent makeup, skincare, brows, lashes, and waxing, backed by over 20 years of experience. Roxanna's warm, meticulous approach keeps results natural so you can look put together all week. Treat yourself this week.
Breakfast to cocktails: From stack-it-high breakfasts to classic burgers, crisp salads, and an actual cocktail menu, The Depot Eatery nails that "I just want something delicious" mood. Cozy vibe, big flavors, dessert that makes you forget your to-do list, and they even roll out dinner on select nights, so put it on your Grants Pass rotation this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎤 Britt Kids Concert: FYÜTCH @ Riverside Park | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:30 AM – Britt Kids Concert is rolling into Grants Pass with FYÜTCH, the rare kids’ hip hop you won’t pretend to like. Free at 304 E Park St, bring the littles, folding chairs, and your well-honed dad dance, and enjoy smart beats and big smiles.
🦷 Little Teeth, Big Smiles @ Dr. Waschak Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics | Friday (8/7) at 8:00 AM – Parenting win, no copay required. Dr. Waschak Pediatric Dentistry is hosting a free kids dental day for ages 0–12, prioritizing families without insurance or easy access, with exams, x-rays, and urgent fixes in a warm, no-judgment vibe. Even the tooth fairy gets the day off.
🚪 Open Hours / Walk-ins / Meet & Greet @ Southern Oregon Dog Training | Friday (8/7) at 3:00 PM – Open house vibes: pop in to meet a trainer, ask your questions, and get squared away for services, free. Bring your well-mannered pup, no reactive types. For group class, a quick intro visit with your dog confirms the fit.
🧺 Premier Park Picnics @ Reinhart Volunteer Park | Friday (8/21) at 1:00 PM – Pack a picnic, grab your favorite person, and meet us by the playground for old-school yard games, neighborly chatter, and zero pressure. It is open to everyone, whether you use Premier services or not, and the fiercest rivalry is for cornhole bragging rights, not parking.
☕ 1 Million Cups @ The Hivve | Wednesday (8/26) at 9:30 AM – Midweek at Southern Oregon Innovation Hub means caffeine and bright ideas. Local entrepreneurs get six minutes with a slide deck, then the room chimes in. It’s like Shark Tank without the sharks, just neighbors, coffee, and merciful time limits.
🍷 Schmidt Family Vineyards: Friday Night Music @ Schmidt Family Vineyards | Friday (8/28) at 5:00 PM – Clock out and slide over to Schmidt Family Vineyards for Friday Night Music, the civilized pregame we actually keep. Park yourself on the patio with award-winning wine, free live tunes from a local, and views that make answering emails feel illegal.
🥦 Grants Pass Famers Market/ Growers Market @ Growers Market | Saturday (8/29) at 9:00 AM – Take a slow Saturday lap at the Growers Market at 4th and F, the official outdoor spot for main season. Fresh peaches, greens, blooms, and baked goods, plus the inevitable run-in with your dentist. Stock up, swap gossip, and pretend your basil will survive August.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Grants Pass report Weather forecastToday — High: 105°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 105. West wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 63. Northwest wind 1 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 108°F — Low: 65°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 108. Later: Clear, with a low around 65. This house is wildThis 3,400-square-foot custom home sits right on the Rogue River, offering over an acre of flat, usable land with direct waterfront access. Inside, four bedrooms, a dedicated office, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances create a polished, comfortable feel. Outside, a huge deck, massive shop, RV hookups, and circular driveway make this property stand out.
Take a peek inside → |
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