Good morning, Medford.

Students from McLoughlin Middle School in Medford visited the Kennedy Space Center between August 11 and 15 on an all-expenses-paid trip funded by a NASA grant led by teacher Ms. Loni Strong of the S.M.I.L.E.

Club. The team—one of only nine nationally selected middle school groups—witnessed rocket launches and experienced dorm life, marking a historic achievement for the school district.

The Medford School District is adjusting to a new cell phone policy that bans phone use during school hours following an executive order by Governor Tina Kotek.

North Medford High School has already seen students more engaged in class and the School Board will discuss more details on Thursday night—an effort to boost classroom focus.

The Medford School Board set priorities for the 2025-26 school year on Thursday that include a new math curriculum, expanded literacy skills, improved graduation rates, and plans to reduce chronic absenteeism—interim superintendent Jeanne Grazioli said hybrid education may also play a bigger role, and officials noted construction on the North Medford High gym roof and athletic facility is ahead of schedule for completion by October.

A Trail resident, Bill Ek, spotted several dead trees leaning on utility lines — about five miles from Highway 62 — which has raised fire and power outage concerns in an area affected by the 2020 South Obenchain Fire.

Ek contacted several agencies over the past month and is calling for immediate maintenance while the lines’ owner remains unconfirmed.

Medford voters will soon decide on Ballot Measure 15-238 to fund the Creekside Quarter project that plans a new Conference and Events Center, luxury hotel, retail spaces, and a minor league baseball stadium near Hawthorne Park using mostly private investment.

Supporters say the local lodging tax will rise from 11% to 13% without adding new local taxes.

On Sept. 10, the Junior Chieftains won the varsity match against Rogue Christian where Zoey Hornaday, 6, returned a ball—Brailee Carnine readied for a hit.

The team won both contests in the game.

Erica Rochel Duo Performance at Padigan

5-11 p.m. — Padigan Winery — Ticket info not specified — Enjoy live acoustic country originals and classic favorites in a scenic vineyard setting.

Volunteer Information Day at Hopeful Secondhand Thrift Shop

1-3 p.m. — Hopeful Secondhand Thrift Shop — Free entry — Learn how volunteering can support homeless families and bring joy to the community.

Game Night: The Price is Right - Vacation Edition

6-8 p.m. — Medford Cowork Collective — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of games, prizes, and team competition with a vacation theme.

Giant Fall Book Clearance Event

12-4 p.m. — Friends of Medford Library Book Shop — Free with optional donation — Dive into a sea of free books suitable for every reader at this exciting clearance event.

Public Run Day at Medford Railroad Park

11 AM – 12 PM — Medford Railroad Park — Free admission — Experience fun train rides and explore railroad history in a family-friendly environment.

Electric Elton - A Tribute to Elton John

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable tribute to Elton John in Medford for the first time.

51st Annual Fall Enduro

Friday to Sunday — Jackson County Sports Park — $70 for members, $80 for non-members — Experience an exciting weekend of cars and competition at the Fall Enduro race.

Noam Pikelny & Friends Concert

7-9 p.m. — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience a night of exceptional banjo music and creativity with Noam Pikelny and his talented ensemble.

The Rogue Marathon

7 a.m.–12 p.m. — Downtown Medford Visitor Center — Registration required — Experience a scenic marathon course through Southern Oregon’s stunning Rogue Valley.

Ranch Riding & Ranch Trail Clinics

October 11-12, 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. — 11910 Blackwell Rd, Central Point, OR — Ticket prices vary — Enhance your riding skills with expert JoLinn Hoover in this transformative clinic experience.