Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
Good morning, Medford.
SoHumane is hosting a special adoption event called Red, White and Rescue through November 25 where dogs that have been at the shelter for 30 days or longer will have reduced fees—veterans may adopt at no cost.
The event takes place at the shelter off Table Rock Road in Medford.
The Rogue River Assembly of God church honored local veterans with an evening of good food and fellowship at its 10th Annual Veterans Appreciation Night, attended by over 150 veterans and families.
Local residents can sponsor a wreath — which will be placed on a veteran's grave at Eagle Point National Cemetery in December — through the Wreaths Across America program to honor veterans' service and sacrifice.
The Phoodery will add a new food vendor and a full-time manager to run daily operations after the venue dropped to just two food spots.
Northwest Pizza is set to open in 20 to 30 days and two more vendors are in talks for Christmas or mid-January—changes that will boost the food hall experience.
At a meeting, Rogue River Elementary School principal Ashtyn James presented data showing that OSAS test scores improved last year—Tori Kirkpatrick from Rogue River Junior Senior High School shared similar findings.
School officials said the figures may guide how they plan for future improvements.
Four Southern Oregon high school seniors were named recipients of the Beat the Odds Scholarship today, a program that awards $5,000 per year to students who have overcome tough challenges.
The scholarship, managed by Stand for Children Oregon and the Renaissance Foundation, supports students like Elijah Valencia from Ashland High School and Adriana Flores from Phoenix High School—helping them pursue higher education.
The lower half of the Rogue River National Recreation Trail remains closed indefinitely because the Moon Fire Complex damaged six bridges and key retaining structures along the 40-mile route—trail repairs will take years as hikers may need to ford streams until bridges are replaced. Fire officials said a new closure order that includes camping along the riverbank will be issued soon—further updates are expected.
Jackson County Expo updated its Peninger Road addresses to help visitors and emergency services find facilities faster—new addresses went into effect yesterday for the RV park, Jackson County Expo property, and Rogue Valley Family Fun Center.
Additional addresses will be added when new construction is complete.
The Medford Police Department released the second installment of a three-part series on mental health awareness to help officers manage work stress.
Detective Diane Sandler shared her personal challenges and stressed the importance of trusted support—officers need healthy outlets to balance work and life.
Mercy Flights and the Ashland Community Health Foundation are launching a new in-home care program in Jackson County that will use a $350,000 grant to help seniors and veterans receive emergency care at home.
The pilot will offer trained paramedics and telehealth services—expanding the Alternate Destinations program to lower hospital visits over the next 12 months.
Gratitude Dinner
5-9 p.m. — I.O.O.F. Lodge 129 — $10 — Enjoy an evening of food, family, and gratitude at this community dinner event.
Medicare 101: Essential Health Plan Insights for Seniors
7-9 p.m. — Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library — Free entry — Learn from a licensed insurance agent about navigating the Medicare program and making informed choices.
2025 Clayfolk Pottery Show and Sale
11 a.m.-7 p.m. — Medford Armory — Admission varies — Explore unique pottery by over 70 local artists, plus hands-on clay activities for kids.
Holiday Craft Bazaar
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Central Point Grange No 698 — Free entry — Explore unique holiday crafts and support local artisans.
Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot
8:15-11:00 AM — Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC — Registration required — Participate in a Thanksgiving run supporting local food drives and student runners programs.
Merry Market & Christmas Faire
10 AM-4 PM — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — Family-friendly festivities — Shop local artisan crafts and enjoy holiday activities with Santa.
Andre Nickatina Live at Grape Street Bar & Grill
8-11 p.m. — Grape Street Bar & Grill — Tickets from $45 — Experience a night of hip hop as Andre Nickatina takes the stage in Medford.
Home For The Holidays
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with live performances at this festive event.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights
5-9 p.m. — Hanley Farm — $5 per car — Experience a magical stroll through over 20,000 dazzling holiday lights with drinks and snacks.
The Nutcracker Ballet
7 p.m. — Crater Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker featuring delightful dance and holiday cheer.
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