Applegater Newsmagazine

10/28/2026

Big Ideas Presents: Way Beyond Books: Community Resources at the Library

ASHLAND, OR (October 28, 2026) – As the gaps in social safety nets have grown larger, public libraries have found themselves filling in. In 2020, Jackson County Library Services hired a Library Social Worker, and the Community Resources Department has grown from there. Today, JCLS employs a team of Community Resource Specialists with knowledge and professional backgrounds to connect community members with resources that address mental health challenges, substance abuse, food or housing insecurity, and more. Hear directly from Community Resource Manager Thaddeus Crawford about the work the Community Resource team does every day at our libraries at the Ashland Library on Tuesday, November 3 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM.

Crawford serves as the Community Resource Manager for Jackson County Library Services (JCLS), where he leads efforts to expand access to community resources, strengthen partnerships, and develop innovative approaches to supporting individuals and families facing complex challenges. With a diverse professional background spanning military leadership, healthcare administration, and social services, Thaddeus brings a unique perspective on community resilience, crisis response, and human-centered service delivery. Prior to his current role, Crawford served 15 years in the United States Marine Corps, holding leadership positions in Infantry, Logistics, Planning, and Operations, where he gained extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, emergency response, and managing complex operations. Following his military service, he transitioned into senior living administration, serving as an Executive Director for Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Living communities. He holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, a bachelor's degree in security management, and professional diplomas in Homeland Security, Healthcare Management, and Business Strategy. Thaddeus is also a Public Notary and licensed Residential Care Facility Administrator.

The monthly Big Ideas discussion series features prominent local experts speaking on relevant and timely issues affecting our community. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library, Ashland Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and Jackson County Library Services.

About Jackson County Library Services:
With 15 library branches, Jackson County Library Services provides a wide range of resources for all ages through diverse programs and services connecting everyone to information, ideas, and each other. Get a library card and join more than 42,000 community members who make nearly 1.9 million checkouts and renewals each year. To learn more, visit jcls.org.

10/27/2026

State and local officials recommend voters use ballot drop boxes whenever possible and say that voters intent on mailing their ballots should do so early, to ensure that they are counted in the event of postmark delays at the U.S. Postal Service.

Keep up with the latest election news at OregonLive.com/politics

10/27/2026

🎉 It's almost time! The Applegater is free for everyone to read, thanks to the support of our community. If you value local journalism, here’s a chance to make your donation go twice as far! Give in November and December, and your donation will be doubled through NewsMatch, up to $1,000 per donor, with a total of $12,000 in matching funds available. Help us keep local news in our community and accessible to all!

10/26/2026

WEEKEND WORK PARTY AT WHETSTONE SAVANNA PRESERVE

Date and Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 AM 12:00 PM

Location: Whetstone Savanna Preserve, 1022 Newland Road, Central Point, OR 97502

Join us for an autumn work party at the Whetstone Savanna Preserve!
We’re working with our friends and neighbors at The Nature Conservancy and Oregon Department of Transportation to replace existing fences with wildlife-friendly designs. The first part of this task will be taking down the old fences, and that’s where we need YOUR HELP. Activities include walking on flat, uneven surfaces, lifting 1 - 15 lbs, bending, and use of hand tools.
No experience is necessary. Please wear sturdy pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and closed-toed shoes. We highly recommend that you are up-to-date on your tetanus shots. Also plan on bringing water, snacks, and extra layers. If you have them, bring eye protection, gloves, and fence tools. We will provide these items. Space is limited, so please register in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact Paige Gerhard, Event and Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-482-3069 (Ext. 107) or email [email protected].

LEND A HAND HERE

As Oregon’s first regional, nonprofit land trust, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy began working with local landowners to create conservation easements—a conservation approach to safeguard their lands in perpetuity. What began small has grown into more than 12,400 acres of protected lands across the Rogue River region, including 632 acres owned by Southern Oregon Land Conservancy.

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy continues to fulfill its original mission by connecting people, nature, and communities. The nationally accredited organization serves as a leader among regional land trusts through its approach to community involvement and successful conservation track record.

10/26/2026

Fire danger drops to low as fall weather settles into Southwest Oregon

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Oct. 26, 2026) - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District is decreasing the fire danger level from "Moderate" (blue) to "Low" (green), effective immediately, October 26, 2026. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level I (one). These changes affect 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.

The decrease comes following rainfall across Southwest Oregon, with additional precipitation expected in the coming days. Fall weather has also brought cooler daytime and overnight temperatures and improved relative humidity recovery. Shorter daylight hours and the absence of persistent dry east winds have also contributed to more favorable conditions. Higher humidity levels extending into the daytime hours are helping vegetation retain moisture, reducing its susceptibility to ignition and slowing potential fire spread. These conditions have allowed the district to return to the Low fire danger level for the first time since the beginning of the 2026 fire season on May 15.

Despite the decrease in fire danger, fire season is not over, and debris burning remains prohibited. This includes burning yard debris, brush piles and the use of burn barrels. Although cooler temperatures and increased moisture have reduced fire danger, vegetation in some areas remains dry enough to ignite and carry fire. The public is reminded that all current fire season regulations remain in effect, regardless of the lower fire danger level.

The following public fire restrictions remain in effect:

Debris burning, including burn piles and burn barrels, remains prohibited.
Fireworks are prohibited on or within 1/8 of a mile of ODF-protected land.
Exploding targets and tracer am******on, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, on BLM land and on private land with the landowner's permission. Designated campgrounds can be found at www.swofire.com/maps. Where open fires and appliances are allowed, one shovel and one gallon of water or a 2½-pound fire extinguisher are required.
Portable cooking appliances using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation.
Smoking while traveling is only allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and in other specifically designated locations.
Under IFPL I, industrial fire season requirements remain in effect, including firewatch requirements unless otherwise waived.

While the arrival of fall weather is a welcome change, the district will continue evaluating weather patterns, fuel moisture and fire activity as it awaits a significant, season-ending weather event that will allow fire season to safely conclude. Until then, the public is encouraged to continue practicing fire prevention and following all current restrictions, as cooler conditions alone do not eliminate wildfire risk.

The end of fire season will be announced separately once conditions across the district support lifting seasonal restrictions.

For more information about current fire restrictions and regulations, visit www.swofire.com or contact the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest you:

Medford Unit: 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point - (541) 664-3328

Grants Pass Unit: 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass - (541) 474-3152

10/26/2026

One Eleven Theatre Company announces Open Auditions for their next spectacular spring production: FROZEN! "For the First Time in Forever" we are going back to our classic Disney musical roots, and we invite you to be a part! Journey into the land of Arendelle with beloved characters, intricate harmonies, beautiful costumes, and magical special effects! We would love to have you join us at Auditions!

Audition Dates: (Pick one to attend)
*Monday, Nov 30th, 6:00-8:30pm
*Tuesday, Dec 1st, 6:00-8:30pm

Dance Auditions: (Required for all)
*Required Dance Auditions: Dec 2nd, 6:00-8:30pm
*Call-Backs: (By Invitation Only, keep your calendar open!)
*Character Callbacks: Dec 8th, 6:00-8:30pm

Location:
South Middle School Cafeteria
(350 W Harbeck Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527)

How to Sign Up:
*No need to sign up or make a reservation! Just show up within the audition window, fill out an audition form, and you'll be added to the queue!

Bring to Individual Audition:
-32 bars of a broadway-style song
-Karaoke track for our speaker OR sheet music for our accompanist
- 60-second monologue that shows off your acting abilities
(NOTE: Please no songs or monologues from "FROZEN")

Minimum Age: 8 years old

Show & Rehearsal Dates: "FROZEN" will run March 26th- April 4th, 2027 at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center. Rehearsals will run weekday evenings, January-March, and sporadic Saturday afternoons. Not every character will be called to every rehearsal.

Conflicts: Absolutely NO absences will be allowed during tech weeks: March 15th-25th (including weekends) or the show dates: March 26th-27th, Thu April 1st (morning), and April 2nd-4th. (There will be no show on Easter.)

Production Team:
*Sandra Castle | Producer/Director
*Katie Jarvis Shomler | Music Director
*Charlsie MacWilliams | Choreographer
*Jay Grimm | Stage Manager

For more info, audition forms, and FAQ's, go to our website: www.OneElevenTheatreCompany.com/auditions

10/26/2026

TODAY!!! The last Williams' Farmer's Market!

Tomorrow! Come celebrate the last market of the season. Shop from your favorite vendors & grab dinner & drink. We will have contra dancing, costume contests, and trick or treating.
Monday Oct 26