Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Medford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rogue Valley Humane Society (RVHS) faced a severe shortage of linens from virus concerns and received rapid donations of towels and blankets on Wednesday, but the shelter still needs additional supplies. KDRV
- ➤ Live Oak Grange has been a community hub in Rogue River for 100-year, connecting neighbors through ongoing events and local support. The Grange marks its century of service as a pillar in the region. Rogue River Press
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dave’s Hot Chicken will open its first Rogue Valley location in South Gateway Medford. The fast-casual chain is slated to launch in late winter 2025 or early 2026 and plans to hire 40 — 50 people. MedfordAlert
- ➤ Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey is joining the audit committee at Lithia & Driveway, a Medford-based auto group that has grown into the nation’s largest dealership. He said the move will help strengthen ties with a key local company. KOBI-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tickets for the 2026 Oregon Shakespeare Festival season are on sale now in Ashland; the season runs from March to October and features Shakespearean classics and modern works (tickets start at $36). KOBI-TV
- ➤ High school students at Innovation Academy are designing a new throne for King Candy after meeting with the Family Nurturing Center on Wednesday. They have until Dec. 10 to complete the design for Winter in Candyland, a free event at The Expo from Jan. 30-Feb. 1. KOBI-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Medford School District is launching its search for a new superintendent with community input. An online survey opens Dec. 8 — public forums will be held on Dec. 9 at North Medford Commons and Dec. 10 at South Medford Little Theater. KDRV
- ➤ The Rogue River Witches Brigade is using its well-known parade performances to benefit New Beginnings Preschool in Rogue River. The group (often seen practicing its dance at Rooster Park) supports local early education through its community effort. Rogue River Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Oregon Wildlife Foundation alerts drivers in Medford to watch for migrating deer, elk, and other species & urges caution to help prevent collisions that claim about 5,000 large animals each year. Rogue River Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ OHCS has expanded eligibility for HARP to help survivors of the 2020 wildfires rebuild their homes and urges applications by Dec. 31. The program has helped 70 survivors buy homes + reimbursed 31 others, with intake centers ready to assist applicants. KDRV
- ➤ Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ryan Groom retired this week after a 28-year career in Oregon law enforcement; his final radio transmission came yesterday as Sheriff Nate Sickler thanked him for his long service to keeping the community safe. KOBI-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Asante announced that Ashland Community Hospital will become a satellite campus of Rogue Regional Medical Center by spring 2026. Inpatient and obstetrics care will end, and the facility will continue 24/7 Emergency Department + key outpatient services on Maple Street. KOBI-TV
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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A Celtic Christmas Celebration
2:30 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience enchanting Irish stories, music, and dance this holiday season.
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