Daily
Medford
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Medford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local potters and clay folk artists in Jackson County are preparing over 325 handmade bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser on Nov. 9 at First Presbyterian Church in Phoenix — each purchase includes soup and bread donated by local chefs to support local food banks. The event, held with Talent Maker City, unites the community to help fight food insecurity. KDRV
- ➤ The City of Medford broke ground last week on the Lithia and Driveway Pickleball Park at Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park next to Rogue X, with construction underway on a $1.75M facility featuring 19 lighted courts that is set to host regional tournaments and daily drop-in play. Funding comes from a public—private partnership and the park is expected to open in 2026. KOBI-TV
- ➤ During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross tells local families to check their fire safety plans as home fires take seven lives each day in the U.S.—residents are urged to act to stay safe. Rogue River Press
- ➤ Medford Parks and Recreation recognized community volunteers for cleaning up 770 lbs of trash from parks and 250 lbs from the Greenway during Bear Creek Stewardship Day in September—volunteers also cleaned headstones, trimmed hedges and leveled woodchips at Eastwood Cemetery with 227 hours donated in total. KOBI-TV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A local hunter got lost over the weekend in the Siskiyou woods near Big Meadow and self-rescued by taking a longer route home after spending the night near Shackleford drainage—police said his friend called 911 when he did not return on time, and he had left his essential gear in a vehicle. KOBI-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Medford’s restored Holly Theatre was honored with the Oregon Main Street Award for Bricks and Mortar Rehabilitation for its $13 million, 13-year preservation project, while longtime Downtown Medford Association volunteer Phyllis Nelson received a Standout Volunteer Certificate. More than 3,300 donors and 30 foundations supported the project—helping make it the largest indoor performing arts venue between Redding and Eugene and boosting the local economy. MedfordAlert
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A local program— the Certified Clinical Medical Assisting Program through Southern Oregon Career Center— helps Jackson County juniors and seniors start healthcare careers by offering training at Valley Immediate Care this year; the center will add courses in behavioral health and emergency medical services next year. KOBI-TV
- ➤ At a meeting last week, the Medford School Board discussed plans to boost student success by expanding college readiness programs, launching an Emergency Services Management Program for high school students, and increasing support for over 2300 special education students—efforts that combine academic and community resources. The board is also focusing on helping kindergarten students learn self-regulation—an early step that prepares them for effective learning. KOBI-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry are battling the 1.5-acre Shade Fire along Illinois River Road, about two miles west of Selma+ a fixed-wing aircraft and one engine are on scene while another engine, a hand crew and a helicopter are en route as officials advise drivers to slow down due to fire traffic. MedfordAlert
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Jackson County voters in Medford will cast ballots on November 4 in a special election—one measure will raise the transient lodging tax from 11% up to 13% to fund a conference center for Creekside Quarter and another will increase the Rogue River Rural Fire Protection District levy from 50 cents to 80 cents per $1,000 to keep services running. Residents must register by October 14. KOBI-TV
- ➤ Representative Cliff Bentz urged Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to support efforts to reopen federal operations as the government shutdown continues today — he warned that military families, federal workers and everyday Americans are burdened by delayed services. KOBI-TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ DIY Halloween costume ideas are on the rise in local thrift stores as more Gen Z shoppers build unique outfits to support sustainability—Goodwill’s Missy Varney said this trend helps boost community programs while reducing waste from disposable costumes. Families are hunting for rare items to create themed looks that cut costs and protect the environment. KOBI-TV
-
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.
-
Fall Fest 2025
4-8 p.m. — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — Free entry — Get ready for a two-day harvest celebration featuring local vendors and seasonal treats.
-
Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training
Oct 20–24 — Medford Online Academy — $2250 — Enhance your IT skills with expert-led training in object-oriented design.
-
Demun Jones Meet and Greet
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. — The Rocky Tonk Saloon — Free autographed merch included — Hang out with Demun and get your picture taken and autographs.
-
Howl-O-Ween Party for Kids
6-9 p.m. — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — $5 per person, children under 1 free — Celebrate Halloween with music, games, bounce houses, and a chili cook-off.
-
Monster Dash Run
8 AM – 5 PM — Lithia Park — Entry fee required — A fun family costume run with options of 1 mile, 5K, or 10K to support the Ashland Parks Foundation.
-
Last Run Day of the Season
11 AM – 3 PM — Medford Railroad Park — Free admission — Celebrate Halloween with themed train rides and festivities for all ages.
-
Rogue Valley Family Fun Center Spooktacular Halloween Event
12-8 p.m. — Rogue Valley Family Fun Center LLC — Free Mini Golf Trick or Treating and goodie bags for kids — Celebrate Halloween with family-friendly activities and a costume contest.
-
Barnstormer's Holiday Bazaar - Day 1
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — Support local artisans and get holiday shopping started with crafts, decor, and food trucks.
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
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
About Daily Medford
Welcome to the Daily Medford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Medford, Oregon community. If you like the Daily Medford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Medford.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Medford and across Oregon. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Medford
A free Medford community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailymedford.com/sitemap