Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Roadwork to affect travel: Overnight paving on Highway 99 in Phoenix began April 26 between Coleman Creek and West Glenwood Drive. Expect lane closures, flaggers, delays and noise as work continues through the year -- get all the details.

DIYers get a new go-to: Hillcrest Ace Hardware has opened in East Medford at 688 North Foothill Road, expanding from Ashland Ace to offer a neighborhood spot for tools, lawn care, and other home needs -- get all the details.

Downtown site primed for growth: Medford officials announced a $1.5 million boost for the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, helping renovate the former Mail Tribune building and add a second campus with 180 childcare spots -- get all the expansion details.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Dinner plans, leveled up: Craving a no-stress, grown-up meal that still feels neighborly, Decant delivers the kind of polished comfort that makes weeknights feel special. Slide in this week for unfussy, well-made plates and a glass of something nice, then thank yourself for acting like a responsible Medford adult.

Cupcake fix, solved: When a cupcake is non-negotiable, The Cupcake Company serves a rotating lineup of everyday and specialty cupcakes, baked fresh daily, with cozy vibes that turn "just one" into "actually, two." Coffee-friendly and perfect for lifting a midweek slump.

Nostalgia hit incoming: Craving a little childhood reboot? The RetroWormhole is packed with pop-culture treasure, from shelf-worthy collectibles to playable blasts from the past, curated by folks who actually geek out with you. Perfect for refreshing the game room or bribing your inner teenager to finally organize that shelf.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎨 Opening Reception: Cercle et Carré and the International Spirit of Abstract Art @ Schneider Museum of Art (Ashland) | Thursday (4/30) at 5:00 PM – Ready to name-drop Kandinsky at the block party? Schneider Museum of Art opens Cercle et Carré with complimentary Foris wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a rare gathering of works by Mondrian, Léger, and more, all about structure and construction, plus Masterworks on Loan and collection highlights.

⛳ 2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament @ Centennial Golf Club | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Think your swing can do more than impress your foursome? Head to Centennial Golf Course for Habitat for Humanity’s annual tournament, with 18 holes, raffles, prizes, and on-course fun, all to help Rogue Valley families build real stability, not just sandcastles.

🏇 Anniversary Party: Kentucky Derby Style @ Horton Plaza Retirement Community | Friday (5/1) at 2:00 PM – Take a break from chores and dust off that big hat for Horton Plaza’s 31st anniversary, Kentucky Derby style. Think “horse racing” without the bookie, delicious appetizers, beverages, prizes, and live entertainment. Mint juleps optional, bragging rights encouraged, RSVP at 541-770-1122.

🏺 Put a Lid on It: Lidded Vessel Workshop @ Rogue Valley Pottery Supply (Ashland) | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Finally put a lid on something in your life with Frank Jacques’ lidded vessel workshop. He’ll teach you sturdy, well-fitted lids and honest-to-goodness flanges while you throw everything from sugar jars to fermentation crocks. Two sessions, lots of clay, zero wobbly tops.

🦢 International Ballet Stars: Swan Lake @ Holly Theatre | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Whether you still remember your first Nutcracker or just want a classy excuse for date night, this Swan Lake by international ballet stars delivers Petipa and Ivanov's classic choreography to Tchaikovsky's score. Expect swans, sorcery, and actual goosebumps.

💊 Drug Take Back and Shred Event @ Medford City Hall parking lot | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Finally, a responsible way to ditch the mystery pill stash and that stack of "important" paperwork. Swing by the City Hall lot for free prescription drop-off and rogue shredding, black out labels and tighten lids, enter on Ivy, exit on Oakdale, and enjoy the declutter.

💃 Dancing with the Rogue Valley Stars @ North Medford High School Auditorium | Saturday (5/2) at 6:30 PM – Southern Oregon's favorite family-friendly dance throwdown returns, benefiting the Southern Oregon chapter of Sparrow Clubs USA. Watch neighbors and local pros swap work shoes for sequins, cut loose, and chase bragging rights. Wholesome, surprisingly competitive, and a perfect excuse to clap too loudly.

This 7.3-acre Medford-Jacksonville farm blends country space with city convenience, both homes on city water and sewer. The 3,082 sq ft 3-bed, 3-bath main home features a Wolf kitchen. Outside, a pool, covered RV parking, a shop, a garage with private upper-level space, and irrigated cross-fenced pastures with barn shine. A permitted 3-bed, 2-bath second home has its own entrance.