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Hello Medford! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Mavis Staples’ performance, a snowshoe hike, and a chocolate brunch + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Preparing for the next call: On February 21, a regional drill brought together 16 volunteers and students from three Jackson County fire districts, strengthening teamwork and sharpening fireground and EMS skills vital for Medford-area safety — read the full story.
Historic district housing debate: On February 17, Ashland’s Planning Commission partially approved housing at 431 North Main, allowing demolition of a seven-unit building, denying a six-unit SRO, and leaving room for revised fourth-lot plan — see what’s approved and denied.
High spirits on the mountain: Mt. Ashland’s opening day drew crowds despite low visibility, and the season is off to a great start as the ski area works to replace aging Ariel and Windsor chairlifts — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas night, sorted: Elements Tapas Bar keeps it lively with shareable small plates, a full bar, and a strong lineup of Spanish wines. Bring a friend, mix hot and cold tapas, and turn a weeknight into a mini feast, no pressure, just good bites in downtown Medford.
Dial in your kit: From stove fuel to waders to that last-minute headlamp, The Black Bird keeps hiking, camping, fishing, and winter gear aisles stocked, plus seasonal rentals when borrowing beats buying. Quick advice, no fuss, and unmistakably Medford vibes for whatever your week outdoors throws at you.
Movie night, sorted: Varsity Theatre is your easy midweek escape, no fuss, with a lineup that ranges from buzzy premieres to quiet gems. Text a friend, grab popcorn, and let the big screen reset your mood the way only a neighborhood theater can… simple, close, and reliably good.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📚 Gold Hill Book Buddies @ Jackson County Library Services | Wednesday (3/4) at 2:00 PM – At Gold Hill Library, Book Buddies gathers readers 8 to 12 to chat kid-approved picks, and grown-ups are welcome. Bring your favorite bookworm, relive your chapter-book glory days, and enjoy a screen-free hour where the biggest cliffhanger is whose turn to talk.
❄ Snowshoe Hike @ Hyatt Lake Recreation Area | Thursday (3/5) at 9:00 AM – Ready to swap driveway slush for real snow? BLM rangers are leading a mellow snowshoe at Hyatt Lake, with animal tracks, winter adaptations, and a dash of snow science. Meet at the old Rite Aid, now CVS, in Ashland, snowshoes and poles provided, weather permitting.
🐶 Pints for a Purpose: No Pet Left Behind @ Phoodery | Thursday (3/5) at 4:00 PM – Phoenix is drinking for a good cause, with $1 from every meal or pint at The Phoodery Taphouse, Curbside King, Northwest Pizza, and Truffle Pig going to No Pet Left Behind. Expect trivia, a dog costume contest, and a pet supply drive, because sweaters.
🍫 Chocolate Brunch @ Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Back for the 22nd Oregon Chocolate Festival, this weekend-only brunch lets chocolate run the show with a buffet of sweet and savory, chocolate-infused dishes, and the signature chocolate fountain. Basically, permission to eat dessert with your eggs, no judgment.
🦄 Unicorn Story Time @ Rockafairy | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Think your kid’s imagination runs on pure sparkle? Let the fabulous unicorn Breanna lead story time, arts, and crafts, with magic for them, minimal glitter fallout for you, and the kind of calm, screen-free stretch that feels like a small miracle.
🌱 Terrarium Class @ Corrine’s Flowers & Gifts | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to add greenery without adopting another needy ficus, come build a low-drama terrarium. They teach layering, plant picks, and mini-ecosystem mojo, you get all materials, wine, nonalcoholic sips, charcuterie, and a take-home showpiece that forgives neglect.
🎶 Jon Martin @ Tap & Vine at 559 | Wednesday (3/11) at 5:00 PM – Tap & Vine is hosting Jon Martin, that Rogue Valley singer who somehow covers everything without making you cringe. It’s all ages and leashed-dog friendly, so bring the teens, the terrier, and your appetite. Seats go quick, so request a live-music table and settle in.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Medford report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 98%
Rain before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 4pm, then rain likely. Cloudy. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 47 in the afternoon. West wind 2 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely before 10pm, then a chance of rain and patchy fog between 10pm and 4am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West northwest wind 2 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 20%
Patchy fog and a slight chance of rain before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,848-sq-ft stunner pairs acacia wood floors with open living, a sleek kitchen, and dining built for gatherings. The private primary suite boasts a spa-like bath and walk-in tile shower. Two more bedrooms split the plan, and a dedicated office adds flexibility. Outdoors brings a backyard oasis, creekside trails, and minutes to wineries, golf, and the hospital.
Take a peek inside →
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