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 31, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
Winter is here! 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
The Quadrantid Meteor Shower and The Full Moon on January 3rd
To see the Quadrantid meteor shower, look to the northeast sky after midnight until dawn, ideally with the moon at your back, finding a spot far from city lights and lying on your back with feet pointed northeast to see meteors streak across the sky in all directions. This Northern Hemisphere shower peaks with its radiant near the Big Dipper, producing bright fireballs and best viewed during its sharp peak in early January, especially the morning of January 4th.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is active (and visible) between Dec. 28 and Jan. 12, and will peak overnight Jan. 3-4.
To best see the Quadrantid meteor shower, go to the darkest possible location, lean back and relax. You don’t need equipment like telescopes or binoculars as the secret is to take in as much sky as possible and allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
The next full moon will be on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. It will officially reach its full moon phase at 5:03 a.m. EST (1003 GMT), but local moonrise times vary depending on location.The moon will still appear full the night before and after its peak to the casual stargazer.
Most of the time, the full moon isn’t perfectly full. We always see the same side of the moon, but part of it is in shadow, due to the moon’s rotation. Only when the moon, Earth and the sun are perfectly aligned is the moon 100% full.
- Best Time: Look toward the eastern horizon at sunset on January 2nd or 4th for the moonrise, or the western horizon at sunrise on January 3rd for the moonset.
- The “Moon Illusion”: Watching the moon rise or set near familiar objects makes it seem dramatically larger.
The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for the full moon in January, named because wolves were often heard howling at this time during the harsh winter, though it’s now known they howl for communication, not just hunger. This name, originating from Native American and European traditions, signifies the middle of winter, with other names like the Cold Moon or Freeze-Up Moon reflecting the season’s severity. The first Wolf Moon of 2026 is also a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter, and occurs around January 3rd, coinciding with the Quadrantid meteor shower, though the bright moonlight might obscure many meteors.
please remember to always be respectful to our vets & pets who may have sensitivities to fireworks!
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!
DUII Arrests Surge in Jackson County: Deputies Record Highest Number Ever in 2025
With days still remaining in the year, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies have arrested 479 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) in 2025 (as of December 29).
This staggering total marks the highest number of DUII arrests ever recorded by JCSO and exceeds the previous all-time annual high by more than 100 arrests.
These are more than statistics — they represent lives protected from dangerous and preventable choices on our roads. JCSO remains more committed than ever to keeping Jackson County safe from impaired drivers.
On average, two to three people lose their lives each month in traffic crashes in Jackson County. Despite nearly 500 impaired drivers being removed from the roadway, 26 fatal crashes occurred in 2025, resulting in 30 total fatalities. Many of these crashes are still pending toxicology results; however, 10 crashes involving 14 fatalities are believed to have drug or alcohol impairment factors.
New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the deadliest nights on the road. National data shows impaired-driving crashes nearly double during the New Year’s holiday period. JCSO is committed to ensuring that does not happen here.
To address this heightened risk, JCSO — in partnership with multiple local, state, and regional agencies — will conduct a Multi-Agency High-Visibility DUII Enforcement Patrol throughout New Year’s Eve and into the early morning hours of January 1. Extra deputies and officers will be on patrol, actively working to identify and stop impaired drivers. This enforcement effort is supported in part by grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
JCSO will also conduct a “Virtual” Ride-Along during the enforcement patrol, sharing photos and videos throughout the night via Facebook and Instagram Stories.
Last New Year’s Eve, the DUII Enforcement Patrol proved highly effective, resulting in 21 DUII arrests countywide and only one reported traffic crash. Unfortunately, that single crash involved an impaired driver and led to one of the DUII arrests made that night — underscoring both the effectiveness of the enforcement effort and the real consequences of impaired driving.
Our message is clear:
If you drive impaired, you will be stopped. DUII enforcement remains a top priority to protect lives on Jackson County roads.
Deputies and officers will be watching for driving behaviors commonly associated with impairment, including:
Erratic or reckless driving
Speeding
Lane deviations
Plan ahead for a safe celebration:
Designate a sober driver or use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi
If you’re drinking, hand over your keys
Hosting? Help guests get home safely — take keys if necessary
See an impaired driver? Call 911 immediately
As we prepare to ring in 2026, the message is simple and urgent: Celebrate responsibly — lives depend on it.
Participating Agencies:
Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Talent Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Rogue River Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, and the Oregon State Police.
This enforcement effort is supported in part by grant funding from ODOT and NHTSA.
𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺’𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 – Last Day Today!
From now until December 31st, visit Sherm’s MarketsFood 4 Less or Sherm’s Thunderbird to help feed local families in one of three unique ways:
Buy a Bag to Feed a family of four
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.– 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.
It’s part of the annual First Day Hikes event at 25 Oregon State Parks held in partnership with America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.
Information about the hike hosted at TouVelle State Recreation Site:
- The 1-mile round-trip hike provides beautiful views of the river, the surrounding landscape, and the local flora and fauna. During our hike, we’ll discuss what makes winter a special time to visit our state parks.
- The hike starts at 9 a.m. Meet at day-use area F, 8601 Table Rock Rd, White City, OR 97503.
- The trail is not fully paved, mostly dirt and compacted gravel. The terrain is mostly flat with some gradual slopes.
- Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, 541-601-6407.
Information about the hike hosted at Valley of the Rogue State Park:
- Join us on a 1.5-mile, round-trip hike on the Greenway Trail and Rivers Edge Trail.
- The hike starts at 1 p.m. and begins at the amphitheater parking lot. I-5 Exit 45B, Gold Hill, OR 97525.
- The trail has both paved and dirt areas. The terrain is mostly flat with some gradual slopes.
- Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- For more information, 541-601-6407.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation in these hikes, please contact Park Ranger Kody Kirby, 541-601-6407. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
All activities are free, but a day-use parking permit is required. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold at the park.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.
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.
If someone pressures you, claims a family member is in trouble, sends you an overpayment check, or says your computer is hacked and you must act “right now,” that’s a giant red flag.
Protect yourself by learning more about scams at https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/
Ducks Prepare for Orange Bowl on January 1st
The Ducks are officially in sunny Miami for a matchup against Texas Tech at the Orange Bowl!
Heads up, holiday travelers: Drivers are advised to exercise caution and check TripCheck.com for road conditions before traveling.
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.
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
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.
New consumer protection laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2026
Several new consumer protection laws take effect immediately when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026. The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency – is releasing an easy-to-follow guide on the new laws.
Here’s a look at what’s coming in January:
Senate Bill 605 prohibits health care providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies and prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports.
SB 692 requires the Oregon Health Plan and commercial health benefit plans to cover perinatal services, including services provided by doulas, lactation consultants, and lactation educators.
SB 699 expands an existing requirement for health insurance companies to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices in a variety of ways, such as by requiring coverage of devices medically necessary to perform physical exercises to maximize full-body function, including running, biking, swimming, and strength training.
SB 822 strengthens Oregon’s protections for access to health care services under a health benefit plan in a number of ways. It establishes quantifiable and enforceable standards for access to in-network covered services without unreasonable delay, requires that health plan networks account for the needs of diverse communities, and expands the existing law’s protections to cover state-regulated health benefit plans offered by large employers.
SB 1137 requires health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures. These procedures use the patient’s own tissue either instead of or in addition to implants. The legislation also requires health insurance companies to cover these services out of network if in-network access is inadequate.
House Bill 2130 makes a variety of updates to the laws governing the Oregon Insurance Guaranty Association, which helps cover claims in the event of insurer insolvency when the insurance company no longer has enough funds to meet its obligations. Most significantly for consumers, the law doubles the limit for covered claims from $300,000 to $600,000, which will substantially reduce the risk of uncovered losses in the rare event of a claim against an insolvent insurer.
HB 2564 enhances Oregon’s health insurance rate review process for individual and small group health benefit plans by requiring health insurance companies to include a consumer-friendly summary document as part of their rate filings, to better enable public engagement with the rate review process. It also streamlines the process by removing unnecessary and redundant administrative steps.
HB 3064 requires health benefit plan coverage for a range of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies to treat the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
HB 3243 is intended to prevent surprise out-of-network ambulance bills. It prohibits ground ambulance service providers from balance billing an enrollee for covered ground ambulance services if the enrollee has paid the in-network cost-sharing amount. In turn, health benefit plans are required to reimburse ground ambulance services organizations at specified rates.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
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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Have a Safe and Happy New Year’s
We’ll be back in the office on Monday, January 5, 2026
