|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Medford, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Artists-in-residence openings, BoomFest’s fireworks finale and possible drone shows, a 1,000-mile hummingbird flower chase, and more.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Creative opportunity marks milestone year: BLM is seeking two Artists-in-Residence at Rogue River Ranch and Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Medford area creators can apply by February 28 to make new work inspired by nearby wild places — see how and when to apply.
Decades of community care: La Clinica continues serving underserved neighbors in Southern Oregon with eight health centers, 19 school clinics, and a mobile health unit. CEO Brenda Johnson recently discussed the changing healthcare landscape — read the full interview.
Earnings and balance sheet highlights: On January 22, Medford-based PBCO Financial, parent of People’s Bank of Commerce, reported 2025 results as Q4 net income reached $2.5 million and deposits slipped from the prior quarter — see quarterly and annual highlights.
Major shift for annual celebration: This year’s BoomFest at the Jackson County Expo grounds will be the last there, as Central Point explores new locations and possible drone shows amid nearby growth and wildfire concerns — learn what’s changing and why.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Ambitious community project unveiled: Good news for Medford. The Oregon Center for Creative Learning has purchased the Mail Tribune building for $3.495 million. An $8 million renovation will add four preschool classrooms, workforce training, sensory spaces, and a rooftop event area, and is expected to create at least 25 jobs. Get all the project details.
Family developer expands in Medford: LRE & Co announced plans for a new 10,000-square-foot commercial project along Crater Lake Highway in Tower Business Park. Plans include a 4,000-square-foot quick-service restaurant with a drive-thru and a 6,000-square-foot multi-tenant retail building with a drive-thru. The project is in city review, with tenant details to come. Get all the project details.
Treasure hunt, with heart: Whether you’re chasing vintage glassware, sturdy basics, or a quirky lamp you didn’t know you needed, Hopeful Secondhand keeps treasures rotating and the vibe neighborly. Every purchase supports Rogue Retreat’s local housing and support programs. Think of it as a quick reset for your home, and your karma.
Sushi night, solved: Misoya Bistro in downtown Medford satisfies sushi cravings with rolls from classic to playful, and serves Japanese and Korean comfort dishes for friends who don’t do raw. Weeknights or whenever, it’s a friendly spot for maki, noodles, and warm bowls.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🥟 First Friday Empanada Throwdown @ Resistance Wine Company | Friday (2/6) at 2:00 PM – If you’re hopping the First Friday bandwagon, make it the one with pastry. Ashland’s Empanada Throwdown serves flights of flaky pockets, friendly smack talk, and bragging rights, all washed down with local sips. Come hungry, bring opinions, and pretend it’s cultural research.
🌙 Ashland After Dark Market Vol. 4 @ Historic Ashland Armory | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – Stroll the Ashland After Dark Market, a celestial two-night hang with 40 local vendors, a full bar, and a DJ. Shop like a responsible adult, then get a flash tattoo, hit the photo booth, and return Saturday for drag, all for five bucks both nights.
🎨 Oh My Gouache @ Rogue Gallery & Art Center | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Silvia Trujillo is demystifying gouache, that rich, velvety paint you’ve pretended to understand, with a hands-on class covering water-to-pigment control, layering, glazing, and those pro final touches. Think less messy guesswork, more satisfying brushstrokes, and art you’re not hiding in the hall closet.
🐱 February Feline Fair @ FOTAS Community Spay & Neuter Clinic | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Your excuse to loiter at the Community Spay & Neuter Clinic, and fall for whiskers you didn’t know you needed. Friends of the Animals brings 10+ adoptable cats and kittens, and if you can’t adopt, ask about fostering, volunteering, and helping without adding litter boxes.
🍪 Sweet Valentine Cookie Class @ Country Willows B&B Inn | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Nothing beats an afternoon at Country Willows Inn in Ashland, icing cookies, sipping refreshments, and pretending we have steady hands. You get six cookies, colorful icing, step-by-step guidance, a swag bag, and a custom treat. Ages 10 and up, tickets required, they go fast.
🦄 Unicorn Story Time @ Rockafairy | Saturday (2/7) at 2:00 PM – Consider this your weekly dose of whimsy. Unicorn Breanna is holding court with story time, arts, and crafts, perfect for little believers and the adults who carry snacks. Bring the kids or grandkids, leave with glitter on everything, and a surprisingly calm mood.
🎬 Banff Mountain Film Festival @ Sou Recital Hall | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Get your mountain fix from a comfy seat at the SOU Music Recital Hall. Banff returns for its 15th year, with different films each night, so treat it like a two-part binge and hit both nights. Tickets are $20, online, or cash at the door.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Medford report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 64°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 2 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. East southeast wind around 2 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 61°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South southeast wind around 2 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
This house is wild
Stylish 4-bed, 2-bath home with an open plan, coffered and vaulted ceilings, and a gas fireplace. A luxury kitchen with granite and top-tier appliances anchors living and dining. The primary suite opens to a covered patio. Landscaped grounds offer a pool, fire pit, fenced yard, 3-car garage, and double-wide RV parking, 90 feet total with 50 behind a privacy gate.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
