Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 12/24 – 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧, Weather Updates, Tips for The Christmas Weekend & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Wednesday – December 24, 2025

Rogue Valley Weather

https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php Winter is coming! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧:

Now in its 24th year, Greystone Court has provided close to 𝟭.𝟰 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 to help those struggling with food insecurity. Your gift of $1 can provide three meals for our neighbors in need. Together, we can help make sure no one in Jackson County goes hungry — during the holidays and all year.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦

𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟭-𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵, 𝟱:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺-𝟵𝗽𝗺

Come visit ACCESS Staff and Santa Claus for a beautiful festive holiday lights display! More than 4,000 cars drive through the cul-de-sac during this four-day event! We gratefully accept donated food and funds. Some of our most requested items for our food pantries include peanut or almond butter; canned meats such as tuna, chicken, or salmon; shelf-stable milk; cooking oil; whole grain, low-sugar cereal and flour; rice, grains, beans, and lentils (canned or dried); whole-grain mac and cheese; low-sodium soups, stews, and chili; pasta and no-salt-added canned tomatoes or sauce; and canned vegetables and fruit packed in water.

*𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚: Cherry Street will be hosting other awesome charitable organizations. ACCESS will be at the end of the second street you drive down, Greystone Court, under the big ACCESS tent.

Greystone Court in Medford Runs Through December 24th – brings in donations of nonperishable food items, as well as cash donations for ACCESS.

December 21, 2025 through December 24, 2025

5:30pm to 9:00pm

Event highlights include:

• ACCESS staff collecting food and sharing candy canes nightly;

• Santa visiting every night from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Also, dog treats will be provided by Coastal Farm and Ranch each night.

More than 4,000 cars drive through the cul-de-sac during this four-day event!Generously sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank

Getting to Greystone Court: The Greystone Court lights display is located off of North Phoenix Rd. in east Medford.   Your gift of $1 can provide three meals for our neighbors in need. Together, we can help make sure no one in Jackson County goes hungry — during the holidays and all year. More information: https://accesshelps.org/greystone-food-drive/

𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺’𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 

 Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at the register

Scan for Hunger with a $1, $3, or $5 at the register

 All proceeds directly benefit our Regional Food Bank and network of 30+ pantries to provide nutritious meals for families during the holidays.

Mt. Ashland Chairlift Replacement Project U

We know this is not ideal, but this tough decision will need to be made in order to sustain our Ski Area’s financial integrity.

And now we are asking for your support because this is the time to donate. The Mt. Ashland Association Board of Directors is currently matching donations up to $150,000 so right now your gift goes twice as far! That means your $50 becomes $100. Your $200 becomes $400. Your impact doubles—just when we need it most. It doesn’t matter how much because even a little truly goes a long way. https://www.facebook.com/MtAshlandSkiArea

From luminous lights across the city to model trains with all the bells, horns, and whistles—here’s your bucket list to make the most of the season.

Medford Garden Railroaders‘ Holiday Train Display

Selfies with Santa at The Village at Medford Center

ACCESS‘ Food and Fund Drive at Greystone Court

What to do in Southern Oregon‘s Holiday Lights Tour Map

Discover the holiday magic https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Medford-Shines-Bright…

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting two free guided First Day Hikes in the area on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. 

You can find food in your community at this link

Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.

December through January 1st, deputies will be conducting targeted DUI enforcement on state grant-funded overtime. Please don’t be their next traffic stop!   – Plan your safe ride home ahead of time – If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason – If you know someone has been drinking or using drugs, don’t let them drive – If you host a party with alcohol, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver – And please, always wear your seatbelt!   Drive safe this holiday season!

Drivers are advised to exercise caution and check TripCheck.com for road conditions before traveling.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that high winds and heavy rain are affecting the coast and the Willamette Valley, leading to downed trees on multiple highways. These closures are due to downed trees and power lines and could be extended. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes.

Current road closures include OR 22, closed two miles west of Detroit at milepost 49; OR 126, closed five miles east of Vida between milepost 31 and 44; U.S. 20, closed at Shea Viewpoint between milepost 31 and 71; and OR 214, closed four miles south of Woodburn at milepost 41.

In southwest Oregon, the High Cascades Pass is experiencing closures due to downed trees on OR 138 from west of Toketee to the U.S. 97 junction (MP 58-99), OR 62 between Prospect and east of Union Creek (MP 44-65), and OR 230 from Union Creek to OR 138 (Diamond Lake Junction).

An estimated time to reopen the highways is not currently known. Travelers are advised to use alternate routes and be prepared for the possibility of delays and temporary closures for similar conditions on all mountain passes in southern Oregon.

 The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Oregon, including Eugene, beginning late Wednesday night until late Friday. Heavy rain and moderate to strong winds are in the forecast for Eugene, with greatest impacts anticipated to be outside of Eugene.

 With the incoming rain and wind, Eugene Emergency Management and Public Works wants to help you prepare yourself and your family and understand how Eugene’s crews respond.Public Works response

– Clear storm drains and pick up leaves that could block drains.- Check and clear outfalls – the areas where rainwater flows into flood drainage.- Prepare wastewater facilities for higher flow levels.

Prepare – Clear leaves from your gutters and storm drains- Keep battery-operated radio and flashlights charged and ready for use- Maintain a two-week supply of food, water, heating fuel, and clothing- Keep vehicles fueled and stocked with a winter storm kit that includes: Blankets, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, shovel, sand or cat litter (for tire traction), windshield scraper, jumper cables, chains or tire traction devices, flares or reflective triangles, road maps, extra warm clothing including gloves, extra food and water.

Report – Downed branches, trees, or debris blocking City Streets or in City Parks: Request for Service or call 541-682-4800- Call 911 for emergencies, for non-emergency situations the Police non-emergency line can be called.- Non-emergency number: 541-682-5111

BLM Launches “One Dollar, One Tree” Holiday Savings Across Local Public Lands

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

“Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Bonneville Power Administration – 12/22/25 3:08 PM

Potential High Winds and Mountain Snow Prompt OEM To Urge Caution During Holiday Travel and Power Outages 

Multiple spin outs and vehicles not using chains caused closures on I-84 at Ladd Canyon last week. Please chain up when conditions warrant. Visit TripCheck.com to learn current road and weather information as you prepare for holiday travel. Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

December 22, 2025 — Salem, Ore. As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions. A series of weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow, and increasingly strong winds through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions across the state and may bring additional power outages.

According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds, and a potential for strong inland winds may impact travel—particularly over mountain passes, on the coast and along the I‑5 corridor.

Weather Hazards to Expect

Mountain Snow and Pass Travel

• Snow showers will continue through Tuesday, with snow levels between 2,500 and 4,000 feet.

• Travelers crossing the Cascades should expect slick roads, reduced visibility.

• Strong Winds

• Breezy to gusty winds return to the coast and Coast Range today, with a 45–70% chance of gusts exceeding 45 mph.

• A stronger wind event is possible Wednesday, with a 25–50% chance of major wind impacts, including:45–58 mph gusts inland

• 55–70 mph gusts along beaches and headlands

• The I‑5 corridor may experience up to six hours of peak gusts, though exact timing remains uncertain.

Coastal Thunderstorms

• A 10–25% chance of thunderstorms exists along the coast today, bringing the potential for locally heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds, and occasional lightning.

River Conditions

• Minor flooding will persist along the Pudding River at Aurora through today, though levels are trending downward.

• Latest river forecasts: https://water.noaa.gov/

Safety Concerns Beyond the Weather

Fallen Trees and Power Outages

Recent heavy rainfall has left soils saturated across western Oregon. Combined with strong winds, this increases the likelihood of downed trees and power lines. Travelers should be prepared for:

• Sudden road blockages

• Localized outages

• Delays on major routes

• Tree limbs can break without warning, especially in high winds or under the weight of snow and ice, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors.

• Read more about power outage safety here.

Hazardous Water Conditions

OEM strongly advises the public to stay out of rivers, streams, and coastal waters. As runoff from last week’s atmospheric river continues moving through the system:

• Waterways contain high levels of debris, including branches and logs

• There is potential for sewage contamination

• Fast‑moving, cold water increases the risk of injury or drowning

Travel Preparedness Guidance

Check Conditions Before You Go

• Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Rushed drivers are unsafe drivers.

• Fill up your gas tank. Be prepared for taking longer detours or remaining idle for an extended periods of time due to traffic jams by having plenty of gas in your tank.

• Visit TripCheck.com or call 511 for real‑time road conditions, chain requirements, and incident updates.

• Make sure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts activated on your phone and are Signed up for emergency alerts for the area in Oregon you are visiting by going to ORAlert.gov and typing in your destination’s zip code.

• If you are visiting another state, search for that state’s Department of Emergency Management and look for their instructions on how to receive alerts.

• If you end up stuck in snow, keep your car running as much as possible to stay warm, but keep the area around your exhaust pipe clear.

Give Snowplows Space

• Never pass a snowplow.

• Maintain a safe following distance—plows often create clouds of snow that reduce visibility.

• Crews need room to operate safely; your patience helps keep everyone on the road safer.

• For more safe winter driving tips visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Winter Driving Safety webpage, or read this article on Getting Ready for Winter Driving.

Pack an Emergency Car Kit

OEM recommends every vehicle carry:

• Warm clothing and blankets

• Water and non‑perishable food

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Chains and traction devices

• Ice scraper and shovel

• First‑aid supplies

• Phone charger and backup power

• Sand or kitty litter for traction

• Back up phone charger and hand cracked weather radio.

If You Encounter Downed Trees or Power Lines

• Never touch or move downed lines

• Report hazards to local authorities

• Treat all lines as energized

Looking Ahead

Forecast confidence suggests a calmer, drier pattern returning by Saturday, December 27. However, OEM encourages the public to remain vigilant and stay informed as conditions evolve.

It’s the holiday season, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Safety should be top of mind. Following is tried-and-true advice to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.

Traveling for the Holidays? Be Prepared

If you’re traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest and be prepared for any emergency. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Hundreds of people die every year in crashes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of these fatalities.

Stay safe on the roads over the holidays — and every day:

● Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
● Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
● Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic
● Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
● Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
● Practice defensive driving
● Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Decorate Safely

Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency departments see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.

When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

● Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
● If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
● If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry
● Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
● Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
● Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
● Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
● Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
● Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
● Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Candles and Fireplaces
Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports on average candles cause 46% of fires annually in December.

● Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over, and out of reach of children
● Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet
● Use flameless rather than lighted candles near flammable objects
● Don’t burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
● Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
● Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
● Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

Turkey Fryers
Be alert to the dangers if you’re thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds turkey-fryer related fires, burns or other injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss from these incidents.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer. If you must fry your own turkey, follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines.

Food Poisoning Is No Joke

Keep your holidays happy by handling food safely. The foodsafety.gov website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides some valuable holiday food safety tips:

● Wash your hands frequently when handling food
● Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
● Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
● Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
● Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of being served
● When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so they will chill quickly
● Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated

Watch this holiday food safety video for more information.

It’s Better to Give Safely

Gifts and toys should inspire joy, not cause injuries. Thousands of children are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year. Avoid safety hazards while gifting with these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

● Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range
● Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards
● For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet
● Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
● When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be worn at all times and they should be sized to fit

To find out about holiday toy safety and recalls, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

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We’ll be back in the office on Monday 12/29