Mike and Jodie Apland of Apland’s Auto Body (2163 NE Spalding Avenue in Grants Pass and 2584 Bullock Road in Medford) are celebrating twelve years in business.

With an anniversary of 62 years coming up this year, Colonial Decorators (545 Westbrook Way) is one of the oldest businesses in Grants Pass. The Prulhiere family moved to Grants Pass from Ohio in 1958 and immediately opened the store, offering sales and installation of all floor coverings, plus window coverings, ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate and waterproof flooring.

Wild River Brewing and Pizza is one of the major success stories in Southern Oregon. What began as a pizza/brew pub in Cave Junction by Jerry and Bertha Miller in 1975 has now expanded to six locations, with three of them in Grants Pass—The Publick House at 533 NE F; Wild River Brewing & Pizza at 595 NE E; and the Wild River Brewing Plant on I Street.

I remember when I started the Sneak Preview back in July 1986 and went door to door for three hours every day selling ads. One of my favorite places to stop was Jim Clark’s Consignment Country, located at 1630 Rogue River Highway. Jim was a great guy with a good sense of humor, and his easy-going manner translated well with customers, who trusted him to sell their RV and/or find them the perfect vehicle to hit the road with.

Over at Little Miss Mary’s Bakery (731 SW J Street), owners Carolynne and Steve Huckins have teamed up to offer some of the best homemade goodies this side of the Susquehanna.