Good morning, Medford.

This Christmas season, residents in Medford can support neighbors at the Rogue Valley Mall with the Giving Machine Initiative (December 15 to January 3).

The event offers an innovative chance for local giving.

Chief Mike Hammond of Jackson County Fire District 1 said his team fought the Fielder Mountain Fire on Aug.

13-14 by attacking it on the right flank starting at Milepost 51, saving all structures on Foothill Boulevard, and he reported this to the board on Sept. 9.

Red Lion Hotel Rogue Regency has opened near Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.

The former Rogue Valley Inn and Suites, once on the market for $14 million, joined Sonesta and offers 203 rooms, an indoor pool, spa, and The Regency Grill at 2300 Biddle Road.

A vacant property near Crater Lake Highway and Owen Drive in NE Medford is set to become a retail center featuring Medford's third Chipotle & the Rogue Valley's first Habit Burger & Grill.

The City Land Development Committee will review the project on Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

On Friday, Sept. 18, around 80,000 birds will fly over Southern Oregon as fall migration begins—experts from Klamath Bird Observatory advise residents to reduce outdoor lights to help protect the birds during the month-long event.

Bears will soon search for high-calorie food in human areas as they begin hyperphagia because of scarce mountain berries.

Wildlife officials urge residents to secure food, garbage, and pet supplies from later in September through early December.

Trees across the Rogue Valley are showing early color changes because a warm, dry spell is stressing them, and arborists say fruit trees may yield less if they aren’t cared for — experts advise mulching and weekly slow drip watering.

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners approved a $148,511 grant from the Oregon Department of Aviation on Sept.

16 to expand Rogue Valley International Medford Airport’s corporate apron. The project will cost over $4.7 million and requires the county to match the grant, showing local commitment to growth.

Jackson County made measurable progress in reducing homelessness thanks to state funding - unsheltered cases dropped 24% and chronic cases fell 58% from 2023 to 2025, while faster placements now serve twice as many people as three years ago.

Cycling advocates raised concerns about the removal of parking-protected bike lanes amid overnight restriping on Main Street.

They warn the change could lead to more accidents and urge local officials to expand safe cycling pathways.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percent yesterday, yet home sales in Jackson and Josephine counties stayed active as buyers used loan programs to secure rates below 4% on new construction + other homes.

On Wed., Sept. 9, Zane Wardle scored two touchdowns and ran for 120 yards as the Junior Chieftains beat Talent 26-12; Coach Dane Alvarez Jr. leads the team this fall while former coach Derek Nelson moves to the high school squad — a change that adds to the season’s excitement.