Good morning, Medford.

Retired Medford Police K9 Narc died Jan.

16 after a seven-year career in drug investigations (he completed 583 deployments), and his handler Detective Rob Havice along with fellow officers honored his dedicated service to the community.

Plans for an older adult living community at Southern Oregon University are on hold after Medford-based Pacific Retirement Services withdrew its support this month.

The university will consider additional development options for the 4.3-acre site amid ongoing budget challenges.

The BLM invites visual artists to apply for two summer 2026 Artists-in-Residence programs.

One at Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site runs from June to August, while the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency is in June; applications are due by Feb. 28.

The Jackson County Library Foundation invites community members to join Rogue Reads with author Shelby Van Pelt who will discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures at Craterian Theater on February 20 (sponsored by Donna and Mark Epstein).

The Kite Festival will bring a romantic and exciting weekend at the lake on Feb.

14-15 as organizers offer a special lovers-menu from Feb. 13-15 along with drink tastings from Buoy and Pilot House Distillery.

The USDA is awarding $1.6 million in grants to 12 rural farms; locally, Big Barn Cidery, Applegoat Valley Farm and Whistling Duck Farm are receiving $50,000, $250,000 and $211,000 respectively.

The grant will help expand marketing and distribution for family-owned farms — a boost for local agriculture.

Congressman Cliff Bentz nominated 16 Oregon students for U.S. service academies based on academics, activities, and character.

The nominations (including students from Deschutes and Jackson) will be reviewed by each academy, with final decisions made in spring.

Mary Lockwood has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Rogue Workforce Partnership effective immediately, and she will lead the organization with her background in business development plus executive leadership.

Her work aims to enhance local collaboration among employers, educators, and community leaders to support a skilled workforce.

OHSU President Shereff Elnahal explained in an interview on January 21 how his institution is working with Southern Oregon clinics, addressing the nursing shortage, and using a $2 billion donation to boost the Knight Cancer Institute's services.

On Wednesday, healthcare leaders and educators gathered in Ashland at Southern Oregon University for the 'Pipeline to Progress' conference, hosted by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, to discuss scholarships, internships, and apprenticeships designed to fill 20,000 upcoming healthcare jobs in the Rogue Valley (a push to boost the local economy).

Rogue River Jr. Sr. High boys' basketball team earned a rare double-overtime win over Lost River, their second win against a Class 1A team since 2020, while the Chieftains lost their first two league games as they entered Class 3A play.

Devante Mungai, a sophomore on Rogue River Jr. Sr. High's football team, was named a third-team state selection—marking the program's first statewide honor in several years.

School officials say the award recognizes his standout performance on the field.

Dirty Dancing In Concert

11 AM – 2 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic film like never before with live performances and music.

Voz de Mando and Banda Rancho Viejo Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Medford Armory Rental Venue — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the best Norteno band with a unique style.

Rogue Valley Royals Hockey Game

12-3 p.m. — The RRRink — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting junior hockey game featuring the Rogue Valley Royals in Medford, OR.