Legally purchasing firearms: the protections in place

WHITE CITY, Ore. - Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, a local gun shop owner is explaining the process customers go through before purchasing a firearm. Darren, who owns Bigfoot Guns and Ammo, walked through the vetting process required for gun purchases. He said customers must answer several questions on federal forms, including whether they have been convicted of a felony or committed to a mental institution.

Ashland Halloween parade draws thousands despite rainy weather

From The Witches dance in front of Treehouse Books to a Dolly Parton tribute, the city’s long-running festive parade had something for everyone. Thousands packed downtown Ashland Saturday for the city’s annual Halloween parade. Although dark clouds and the threat of rain loomed, Main Street filled with excitement...

Wind-driven grass fire burns 10 acres near home in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — A fast-moving, wind-driven grass fire near Ladybug Lane grew quickly Sunday afternoon, prompting a second alarm as crews worked to keep flames from reaching nearby homes. Central Douglas Fire & Rescue said it was dispatched at 3:21 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, to a reported grass...

Medford Chamber prepares for its last Halloween

Douglas County joins nationwide effort to honor veterans

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Douglas County will light up the courthouse in green throughout November to honor veterans and raise awareness of challenges they face returning to civilian life. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation on Oct. 28 celebrating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and November as Military...

YMCA of Douglas County Opens Youth Basketball Registration November 2

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The YMCA of Douglas County is preparing for another season of youth basketball, with registration opening Monday, November 2, at 8 a.m. for children ages 3 through fourth grade. The program gives young athletes an opportunity to learn basketball fundamentals, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills in...

Southern Oregon Falls Back as Standard Time Returns

Southern Oregon returned to Pacific Standard Time early Sunday, giving households an extra hour overnight and moving sunset an hour earlier on the clock as November begins. The change took effect at 2 a.m. November 1, when clocks moved back to 1 a.m. For anyone waking up to a kitchen clock, wristwatch or dashboard display that still shows Saturday’s setting, the morning comes with one remaining task: turn it back one hour.

Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain Added to National Register of Historic Places

DRAIN, Ore. - A piece of Douglas County history has received national recognition. The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain has officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places, joining a list of properties recognized for their historical significance. The National Park Service approved the bridge's nomination in...

Ashland City Hall Tidbits 11/02/2026: Ashland’s New Election Rules In Effect This Election

With new City Council and Parks Commission majorities on the line facing severe budgetary issues, Ashland voters are casting ballots for city offices under a new election system. All 12 candidates for council are competing against one another, as are the six active candidates for three Parks Commission seats. In...

Election Day 2026: What Southern Oregon Voters Need to Know

MEDFORD, Ore. (Nov. 1, 2026) — Oregon voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 3, to return their ballots in the 2026 general election, with election officials encouraging residents to make sure their ballots are completed, signed and submitted before the deadline. The statewide election includes races for governor, U.S. Senate,...

You Won’t Believe This Dreamy Oregon Town Isn’t Actually A Hallmark Movie Set

If someone described Jacksonville, Oregon to you without showing you a picture, you’d probably assume they were making it up. A perfectly preserved gold rush town, surrounded by wine country and pine-covered hills, that hosts world-class music festivals every summer under the stars? That’s not a real place. That’s a screenplay.

Sign up for your local Turkey Trot

SOUTHERN OREGON – Thanksgiving is less than a month away, which means it’s time to sign up for a Turkey Trot. The Southern Oregon Runners are hosting their annual Thanksgiving run in Talent on Thursday, November 26th, at 300 West Valley View Road. Runners can choose from a 2-mile family run/walk, a 5K run/walk, or an 8-mile run for those feeling ambitious. A free Turkey Dash kids run for ages 8 and under starts at 8 a.m., followed by the 8-mile run at 8:15 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m., and the 2-mile family run/walk at 8:40 a.m.

Grants Pass Opens Nine-Day Fall Burn Window With Permits and Daily Air Conditions Required

Grants Pass residents can begin permitted outdoor debris burning Saturday, October 31, as the city opens its fall burn window through Sunday, November 8. Burning during the nine-day period requires a city permit and daily confirmation that ventilation conditions meet the threshold established for the local airshed. The seasonal opening...

Invasive weed found in Jackson County for first time

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed the first detection of A-rated Hydrilla verticillata on private property in Jackson County. The agency enforces a quarantine against specific noxious weeds to prevent their introduction and spread. As an A-rated species, hydrilla requires a high-priority response. If established, it...

Social Security offices in Medford, Oregon, Altoona, Pennsylvania and Danville, Virginia are serving the public by phone only, with no in-person help

Social Security lists its offices in Medford, Oregon, Altoona, Pennsylvania and Danville, Virginia as phone only, with no in-person service. The agency’s list of emergency office changes names all three without an end date. In all, the list names 21 offices in 12 states, and every other state and territory shows all offices open. Anyone […] The post Social Security offices in Medford, Oregon, Altoona, Pennsylvania and Danville, Virginia are serving the public by phone only, with no in-person help appeared first on The Money Overview .

Douglas County Voter Participation Reaches 41.25% Ahead of November 3 Election

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Voter participation in Douglas County continues to climb ahead of Tuesday's general election, with 36,893 ballots received as of Friday, October 30. According to the latest figures from the Douglas County Clerk's Office, 41.25% of registered voters have returned their ballots for the November 3, 2026, General Election.

Wreaths Across America faces fundraising struggles

SOUTHERN OREGON – Wreaths Across America is hitting a fundraising roadblock as it works to decorate veterans’ graves for the holidays. Wreaths Across America is a national program that helps honor veterans. Each year, they raise money to place wreaths on veterans’ graves across the country for Christmas, including in southern Oregon.

Epic Era: Rock n’ Roll Unhinged Concert returns to the Rogue Valley

ASHLAND, Ore – The 2026 Epic Era: Rock ’n’ Roll Unhinged concert returns in November for another unforgettable night of classic rock. Rock out to the greatest hits of the 80s for 2 hours in one unforgettable night for a good cause. One night only concert benefits Community Works. Stopping by the Sunrise Studio is Band founder Travis Snyder, who has been involved with Community Works for years. Snyder encourages everyone to dress up in their favorite 80s attire and come prepared to have a lot of fun.

Jackson County Bankruptcy Filings Jump 34%, Four Times Oregon’s Statewide Increase

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Jackson County saw a much sharper rise in bankruptcy filings than Oregon experienced as a whole during the year ending September 30, 2026. The county recorded 591 cases, compared with 442 in the previous 12 months. Statewide filings grew by 8.2%. Jackson County’s Bankruptcy Filings...