Good morning, Medford.

Rogue River Cares program provided personal care items to students in need+ it quickly found that many students require additional essential items.

Organizers say they will expand their donation efforts to meet these extra needs.

Local nonprofit Homies Helping Homies, run by Blaise and Blake Butcher at Local Dirtbag Clothing in downtown Medford, helps 15 formerly incarcerated people rejoin the community by providing clothes, cellphones, and toiletries.

The program began in August and has approached support by visiting jails (talking with over 600 inmates) to build networks that boost confidence for job interviews and safe housing.

Norman Huynh has returned to Oregon to lead Britt Festival Orchestra for a three-year term and plans to boost the Rogue Valley music scene by blending classical symphonies with film scores—he brings seven years of experience from the Oregon Symphony.

The new summer season will begin mid-June with the full lineup to be announced.

Local author Glen Graves wore his famous 'Buy My Book' shirt during a relaxed chat that felt like catching up with an old friend—he shared insights about his writing and local experiences.

Students from Rogue River Elementary School in grades three through six were inspired by speaker Luke Laurenson—who danced among them with help from his caregiver, Crystal Rozzell.

The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management now offer permits to cut Christmas trees on public lands in southern Oregon for $5 per tree.

Families, including those with a fourth grader who can get a free permit, must use official maps and follow rules—cutting is not allowed in sensitive areas.

Mercy Flights launched a new emergency protocol in October that trains EMS crews to treat and transport operational canines serving public safety agencies in Jackson County.

The system uses existing ambulance equipment plus coordinates with a veterinary center in Central Point to ensure prompt care during emergencies.

State agencies are tracking botulism cases linked to a recalled infant formula, including two infections in Oregon, and health officials urge families to stop using ByHeart formula—parents should follow recommended steps to reduce infants’ exposure.

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.

Lithia Artisans Holiday Market

Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4 — Medford Armory Rental Venue — Free entry — Explore a wide array of original, handcrafted items from over 60 local artists amidst live music and food trucks.