Daily
Medford
Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Good morning, Medford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Old Spaghetti Factory will open its new Medford location on April 28 in the old Porters building downtown, preserving historic features such as classic patios and a mural. Manager Brett Lindquist—who has 32 years with the chain—announced that the restaurant began hiring around 80 people on Wednesday. KOBI-TV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Jesse Rex Orndoff, a former teacher from Selma, pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of sexual abuse—down from 30 counts—this morning at Jackson County Circuit Court; the new charges include using a child in explicit sexual conduct, online sexual corruption, luring a minor, rape in the third degree, sodomy in the third degree and sexual abuse in the second degree of a former student from Rogue River Junior-Senior High School. KOBI-TV
- ➤ Skeletal remains found in rural Jacksonville in April 2024 were identified as 63-year-old Nathan Louis Merkel, who was reported missing in September 2023 — detectives said persons of interest have been taken into custody on unrelated charges and there is no public danger. KOBI-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Interim Superintendent Jeanne Grazioli, appointed on March 6 after Superintendent Bret Campion resigned, told NewsWatch 12 that she will listen to parents, staff and students to set clear district goals. She said the focus will be on student learning—she is also preparing backup plans for potential funding changes and will work with a new board to start the search for a permanent superintendent. KDRV
- ➤ Phoenix High School will host a talent show on Friday, April 4th at 6:00 pm at the Rose Street Theater to benefit student Emiliano who faces epilepsy, developmental delays and visual impairment—admission is $3 cash and all funds raised will support his family. KOBI-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon lawmakers are pushing to revive funding from the Secure Rural School Act for rural schools, roads, and wildfire prevention — a bipartisan effort led by Congressman Cliff Bentz and Senator Ron Wyden that follows last year's allocation of $47 million to 30 counties and a history of up to $4 billion in support. Local district leaders warn that without these funds, rural schools will lose teachers and see drops in attendance. KOBI-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A vacant shopping center in Medford is being renovated into OnTrack's addiction recovery campus that features outpatient care, medical clinics, childcare and 44 beds allowing parents to recover with their children. The $25 million project spans 2.7 acres and will open in phases with full operations expected by the end of 2026—backed by local and state partners. KDRV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Spiegelberg Stadium in Medford, the Rogue River middle school track meet ended with the Junior Chieftain girls winning the team competition—earning 16 top-10 finishes and securing three individual wins in the boys’ events. Rogue River Press
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Chasing Keridwyn at RoxyAnn Winery
Chasing Keridwyn performs a lively blend of traditional and modern bluegrass at RoxyAnn Winery in Medford, featuring intricate solos and harmonies.
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Paula Poundstone Comedy Show in Medford
7-9 p.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of incisive and spontaneous humor with legendary comedian Paula Poundstone.
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No Man Left Behind Conference 2025
6-8 p.m. — 143 N Grape St, Medford, OR — Free entry — Focus on developing spiritual resilience for contemporary challenges in a supportive environment.
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Jordan World Circus
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Jackson County Expo — Family-friendly entertainment — Experience the thrill and wonder of one of North America’s premier traveling circuses.
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The Queen's Cartoonists Performance
8-10 a.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique blend of animation and live music that brings classic cartoons to life with jazz and comedy.
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2025 Medford Pear Blossom Festival
12-10 p.m. — Downtown Medford Visitor Center — Free outdoor festival — Enjoy a vibrant street fair with local vendors, crafts, and family-friendly fun in downtown Medford.
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Pear Blossom 10 Mile Run
8 AM – 5 PM — 301 W Main St, Medford, OR — Registration fees apply — Experience the ultimate running challenge in the scenic Pear Blossom Run.
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Third Thursday Comedy Night
7-10 p.m. — Liquid Lounge — $10 entry — Enjoy a night of laughter featuring professional comedians in a vibrant downtown setting.
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Zack Lyman Live Comedy Show
8 PM – 12 AM — Chadwicks Pub — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious night with nationally touring comedian Zack Lyman.
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Luna Tango at Belle Fiore
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Belle Fiore Winery — Cost Info not provided — Experience a captivating performance by a tango quintet featuring professional dancers.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
~ Les Brown
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