Good morning, Medford.

On Wednesday, more than 580 gifts were delivered by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and DHS Child Welfare to foster children in Medford — community members donated the items through giving trees across the Rogue Valley, with staff sorting them by age at the local office.

Medford Police officers teamed up with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesday to collect holiday gifts for foster children served by CASA of Jackson County, with contributions from local donors including the Jackson County Circuit Courts and Lithia Motors.

The Medford Writers Group offers creative writing workshops at the Medford Library that welcome all writers.

Jackie McGarry and Brystan Strong host the regular event that builds local storytelling.

The Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington finished fiscal year 2025 with timber sales netting over $67 million, surpassing its annual goal and supporting a promise of increased timber production for local communities.

Dry December is affecting the local snow industry as Mt. Shasta Ski Park delays its seasonal opening to December — a change that leaves seasonal workers like Shasta native Sean Micklos on standby.

Officials closed a 21-mile stretch of OR-62 between mileposts 44 and 65 yesterday — in the High Cascades Pass region — after downed trees blocked the road, and additional closures on OR-138 and OR-230 have led drivers to plan alternate routes.

Sen. Jeff Merkley warned that Ashland Community Hospital will close its labor and delivery services as Asante Health System converts the facility into a satellite campus for Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, which will force families to travel farther for care (endangering expectant mothers and newborns).

Students at Innovation Academy in Medford are renovating the Healthy Bus to deliver mobile healthcare services to rural areas, and Valley Immediate Care will use it for routine screenings once completed next June — easing transportation challenges for residents.

Rogue River’s Chieftains won first place at the Gary McDaniel Memorial Girls' Tournament in Scio on Sat., Dec.

13 — team members celebrated on the mat with standout efforts from Naheli Mena and assistant coach Lilliyan Jaramillo. This win marks an important milestone for the girls' wrestling team.

Rogue River Jr. Sr. High girls' basketball season restarted after few players returned, causing the team to struggle to field a full roster.

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.

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.

Robert Burns Night Celebration

5-8:30 p.m. — Bellview Grange — Ticket required — Celebrate Scottish tradition with haggis, poetry, and live music honoring Robert Burns.