Good morning, Medford.

Firefighters began mop-up operations Monday on Anderson Butte Road Fire after containing its perimeter; the blaze (78 acres) started Sunday evening southwest of Talent and east of Ruch and crews continue searching for remaining hot spots before conditions change.

Firefighters battled the Anderson Butte Road fire overnight near Talent, Ruch and along Anderson Butte Road to contain a 78-acre blaze, finishing a fire line around 100% of the perimeter (with hose lay along 80%).

Mop-up operations continued yesterday to knock out remaining heat.

The annual Scarecrow & Harvest Festival brought the community together at Hanley Farms over the weekend to craft creative scarecrows and play traditional pioneer games.

The event showcased themed displays including an America celebration and a Dolly Parton tribute (with books available as mementos).

The annual Ani-Medford anime convention drew thousands of fans at Rogue X in Medford over the weekend—organizers report that local vendors sold pop culture items like Pokémon cards and Star Wars helmets in a record-setting turnout.

The Historic Holly Theatre in downtown Medford has added five concerts for its 2026 to 2027 season featuring acts such as Lucius and The Mavericks and Friends (tickets go on sale Sept.

25); shows run from February to May.

The Southern Oregon Historical Society is hosting a free giveaway of duplicate Mail Tribune archive materials at 106 N.

Central Ave. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—locals can pick up extra newspapers, books and magazines while core items remain in the research library.

Neighbor to Neighbor has been awarded $17,500 from AllCare Health to fund meals and essential support for people experiencing homelessness in Curry County.

The volunteer group also plans to add a portable restroom (and handwashing station) near local encampments.

A local family in Rogue River bought a fixer-upper in April 2025 and later found toxic meth and fentanyl levels in its walls.

An anonymous note spurred testing that showed the house is uninhabitable, and the couple is now pursuing legal options while urging other buyers to test for contaminants.