Medford, Oregon
130815
226133658
2008-07-16T23:36:43Z
207.109.253.12
/* Poplar Square= */
{{Cleanup|date=August 2006}}
{{Infobox Settlement
|official_name = Medford, Oregon
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|nickname =
|motto = The Center of the Rogue Valley
|image_skyline = Medford Oregon City Hall.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Medford City Hall
|image_flag =
|image_seal = MedfordCitySeal.png
|seal_size = 91px
|image_map = Jackson_County_Oregon_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Medford_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize = 250x200px
|map_caption = Location of Medford in [[Jackson County (Oregon)|Jackson County]] and in the state of [[Oregon]]
|image_map1 =
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Oregon|County]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Oregon]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Jackson County, Oregon|Jackson]]
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Gary Wheeler
|leader_title1 = [[City council]]
|leader_name1 = Jason Anderson<br />Al Densmore<br />James Kuntz<br />Ben Truwe<br />Jill Stout<br />John Statler<br />Greg Jones<br />Bob Strosser
|leader_title2 = [[City manager]]
|leader_name2 = Michael Dyal
|established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date = [[February 24]], [[1885]]
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_sq_mi = 21.7
|area_total_km2 = 56.2
|area_land_sq_mi = 21.7
|area_land_km2 = 56.2
|area_water_sq_mi = 0
|area_water_km2 = 0
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 =
|population_as_of = [[2007]]
|population_note =
|population_total = 75,675
|population_footnotes =
|population_metro = 202310
|population_urban =
|population_density_km2 = 1123.7
|population_density_sq_mi = 2910.5
|timezone = [[Pacific Standard Time Zone|PST]]
|utc_offset = -8
|timezone_DST = PDT
|utc_offset_DST = -7
|latd = 42 |latm = 19 |lats = 55 |latNS = N
|longd = 122 |longm = 51 |longs = 43 |longEW = W
|elevation_m = 421
|elevation_ft = 1382
|website = [http://www.ci.medford.or.us www.ci.medford.or.us]
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code = 97501, 97504
|area_code = [[Area code 541|541]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 41-47000{{GR|2}}
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1124040{{GR|3}}
|footnotes =
}}
'''Medford''' is a city in [[Jackson County, Oregon|Jackson County]], [[Oregon]], [[United States]]. As of 2007, the city had a total population of 75,675<ref name="psu"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.pdx.edu/media/p/r/PRC_Release_07_cities_web.pdf
| title=Preliminary Population Estimates for Oregon's Incorporated Cities and Towns
| publisher=''Population Research Center'' at [[Portland State University]]
| date=[[November 15]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref> and a [[metropolitan area]] population of 202,310.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.pdx.edu/media/p/r/PRC_Release_07_state_co_web.pdf
| title=Population Estimates for Oregon and Its Counties
| publisher=[[Portland State University]]
| accessdate=2008-02-02
}} </ref> The city was named in 1883 by David Loring, civil engineer and right-of-way agent for the [[Oregon and California Railroad]] for his home town of [[Medford, Massachusetts]] and in recognition of its supposed position on the middle ford of [[Bear Creek (Oregon)|Bear Creek]].<ref name="MT On Medford"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=COMM01
| title=About Medford |publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
Medford is the [[county seat]] of [[Jackson County, Oregon|Jackson County]].{{GR|6}}
== History ==
[[Image:Medford Liberty Statue.jpg|thumb|left|160px|Statue of Liberty, dedicated in 1951]]
In 1883, a group of [[railroad]] surveyors headed by S. L. Dolson and David Loring arrived in Rock Point, near present day [[Gold Hill, Oregon|Gold Hill]].<ref name="sentinel1"> {{cite web
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/medford1883.html
| title=Railroad Notes
| pages=3
| work=Oregon Sentinel ([[Jacksonville, Oregon]])
| date=[[March 10]],[[1882]]
| accessdate=2008-03-13
| publisher=Talky Tina Press
}} </ref> They were charged with finding the best route through the [[Rogue Valley]] for the [[Oregon and California Railroad]]. Citizens of neighboring [[Jacksonville, Oregon|Jacksonville]] hoped that it would pass between their town and ''Hanley Butte'', near the present day [[Claire Hanley Arboretum]]. Such a move would have all but guaranteed prosperous growth for Jacksonville, but Dolson decided instead to stake the railroad closer to [[Bear Creek (Oregon)|Bear Creek]].<ref name="sentinel2">{{cite web
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/medford1883.html
| title=Local Items
| pages=3
| work=Oregon Sentinel ([[Jacksonville, Oregon]])
| date=[[June 9]],[[1883]]
| accessdate=2008-03-13
| publisher=Talky Tina Press
}} </ref>
The response from Jacksonville was mixed,<ref name="sentinel3"> {{cite web
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/medford1883.html
| title=Commentary
| pages=3
| work=Oregon Sentinel ([[Jacksonville, Oregon]])
| date=[[May 19]], [[1883]]
| accessdate=2008-03-13
| publisher=Talky Tina Press
}} </ref> but the decision was final. By November of 1883, a [[depot]] site had been chosen and a surveying team led by Charles J. Howard was hard at work platting the new town. They completed their work in early December of 1883, laying out 82 blocks for development.<ref name="sentinel4"> {{cite web
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/medford1883.html
| title=Commentary
| pages=3
| work=Oregon Sentinel ([[Jacksonville, Oregon]])
| date=[[December 8]],[[1883]]
| accessdate=2008-03-13
| publisher=Talky Tina Press
}} </ref>
James Sullivan Howard, a [[New Hampshire]] [[Freemason]],<ref name="howardcemetary"> {{cite web
| url=http://jacksonvillecm.org/Section/Masons.htm
| title=Masonic Section of JVille Cm, Sorted by Name
| publisher=Jacksonville Cemetery
| accessdate=2008-04-27
}} </ref> claimed to have built the town's first building in January of 1884,<ref name="howardclaim"> {{cite web
| title=The Phipps-Howard War
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/phipps-howard.html
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] as quoted by the Talky Tina Press
| accessdate=2008-03-13
}} </ref> though blacksmith Emil Piel was advertising for business at the "central depot" in the middle of December.<ref name="demotimes1"> {{cite web
| url=http://id.mind.net/%7Etruwe/tina/medford1883.html
|title=Commentary
|pages=3
|work=Democratic Times ([[Jacksonville, Oregon]])
|date=1883-12-14 |accessdate=2008-04-27
|publisher=Talky Tina Press
}} </ref>
Others point out the [[farm]]s of town founders Iradell Judson Phipps and Charles Wesley Broback, which were present before the town was platted.<ref name="howardclaim"/> Regardless, on [[6 February]],[[1884]] (less than a month after it was built), J. S. Howard's store became Medford's first [[post office]], with Howard serving as [[postmaster]]. The establishment of the post office led to the incorporation of the Medford as a town in early 1885, and again as a city in 1905. Howard held the position of postmaster for Medford's first ten years, and again held the post upon his death on [[November 13]],[[1919]].<ref name="rrcommunities"> {{cite web
| author=Riedel, Marilyn
| coauthors= Constance Guardino III, M.
| url=http://www2.wi.net/~maracon/lesson15.html
| title=Rogue River Communities
|accessdate=2008-01-28
}} </ref>
The beginning of the 20th century was a transitional period. Medford built a new steel [[bridge]] over Bear Creek to replace an earlier one which washed away three years before. Without a bridge, those wanting to cross had to [[ford (crossing)|ford]] the stream, typically using a horse-drawn wagon; the first automobile did not arrive in Medford until 1903.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS/802080334/-1/NEWS02
| title=Since you asked: A bridge too many
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=2008-02-08
| accessdate=2008-03-26
}} </ref> Pharmacist George H. Haskins had opened a drugstore since just after the town was platted, and in 1903 he allowed the Medford Library Association to open a small library in that store. Five years later the library moved to Medford's new city hall, in another four years, [[Andrew Carnegie]]'s donation allowed a dedicated library to be built. Construction on the [[Medford Carnegie Library]] was completed in 1912.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/NEWS/710090334
| title=A little bit of history
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[March 26]],[[2008]]
| accessdate=2008-03-26
}} </ref><ref name="medhistory"> {{cite news
| url=http://id.mind.net/~truwe/tina/1932history.html
| title=History of Medford, Oregon
| publisher=Talky Tina Press
| accessdate=2008-03-26
}} </ref>
In 1927, Medford took the title of county seat of [[Jackson County (Oregon)|Jackson County]] away from nearby [[Jacksonville, Oregon|Jacksonville]].<ref name="MT On Medford"/><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.jacksonvilleoregon.org/history.html
| title=History of Jacksonville
| publisher=Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
| accessdate=2008-01-28
}} </ref>
Over the last ten years, Medford has experienced a significant residential building boom, and a resurgence of downtown Medford has accompanied that growth. A restored [[Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater]], new library, dozens of restored buildings, two parking structures, an urban plaza, and residential lofts are now all part of downtown Medford.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=799
| title=2004 State of the City
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref> Several other projects are in planning or under way to further improve the image of the city.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=221
| title=Medford in the 21st Century
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
====Interstate 5====
In 1967,<ref name="i5culture"> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/jan99/1399n2.htm
| title=Takin' the old road
| date=[[January 3]],[[1999]]
| author=Aleccia, Jonel
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref> [[Interstate 5 (Oregon)|Interstate 5]] was completed immediately adjacent to downtown Medford to replace the Oregon [[Oregon Route 99|Pacific Highway]]. The section of highway includes a 3,229 foot (984 meter) [[viaduct]] that elevates traffic above [[Bear Creek (Oregon)|Bear Creek]] and the city's downtown.<ref name="ODOT I5"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/interstate50_I5.shtml
| title=Interstate 5
| publisher=State of Oregon Department of Transportation
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref><ref name="ODOT Interstate"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/interstate50inOR.shtml
| title=The Interstate in Oregon
| publisher=State of Oregon
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref> There are two freeway exits in Medford, one at each side of the city.
Interstate 5 has been blamed for the decline of small businesses in downtown Medford since its completion,<ref name="i5culture"/> but nevertheless remains an important route for commuters wishing to travel across the city. A study completed in 1999 found that 45% of vehicles entering I-5 from north Medford heading south exited in south Medford, just three miles away (less than five kilometers).<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/mar99/31299n3.htm
| title=I-5 just another Medford street, study suggests
| date=[[March 12]],[[1999]]
| author=Davis, Jim
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref> The high volume of traffic led to the completion of a new north Medford interchange in 2006. The project, which cost about $36 million, improved traffic flow between I-5 and [[Oregon Route 62|Crater Lake Highway]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.boli.state.or.us/ODOT/HWY/REGION3/nmi_newsrelease_010105.shtml
| title=North Medford interchange ramp detour planned for January 3
| publisher=[[Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries]]
| date=[[January 1]],[[2005]]
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
Further traffic problems identified in south Medford prompted the construction of another new interchange, estimated at costing $70 million. The project began in 2006 and should be completed by 2010.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2007/0412/local/stories/beams_arrived.htm
| title=Concrete beam heads for south interchange
| date=[[April 12]],[[2007]]
| author=Landers, Meg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
==Government and leadership==
[[Image:municipal government diagram.png|thumb|right|[[Municipal government]]s]]
Medford has a [[council-manager government|council-manager]] style of government. The governing body of Medford consists of a mayor and eight city council members. A local ordinance divides Medford into four [[Ward (politics)|wards]], each providing two council members. The council hires a city manager, bringing the total number of city leaders to ten.<ref name="aboutgovern"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=212
| title=About Medford's Governing Body
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
The mayor and council members are not paid, but are reimbursed for expenses.<ref name="aboutgovern"/>
===Mayor===
The current mayor of Medford is Gary Hale Wheeler, who was elected in November, 2004 with 16,653 of 28,195 votes (59%).<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=1290
| title=General Election, November 2004
| publisher=Jackson County, Oregon
| accessdate=2008-03-04
}} </ref> Prior to his election, he worked for the Medford Urban Renewal Agency for 13 years and as a US Army optometrist.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Files/VPfinalGen04.pdf
| title=Voters Pamphlet - 2004
| publisher=Jackson County, Oregon
| accessdate=2008-03-04
}} </ref> For much of his life, Wheeler has practiced optometry, and still sees patients in his Medford office. He will serve until December 2008.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=206
| title=About the Mayor
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
Previous mayors of Medford:
* Lindsay Berryman, 1998–2004; first female mayor of Medford<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/governors/Kitzhaber/web_pages/governor/press/p990430.htm
| title=Governor Appoints Medford Mayor Lindsay Berryman to Oregon Progress Board
| work=[[press release]]
| publisher=Oregon State Archives
| date=2003-01-13
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
* Jerry Lausmann, 1986–1998,<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/dec98/123098n12.htm
| title=Editorials
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] archives
| date=1998-12-30
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref> the longest-serving mayor in Medford history<ref> {{cite web
| author=Davis, Jim
| title=Putting a face on City Hall
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/dec98/122798n1.htm
| date=1998-12-27
| accessdate=2008-02-11
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
}} </ref>
* Gerald "Lou" Hannum, 1983–1986<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/dec98/122798n1.htm
| title=Putting a Face on City Hall
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] archives
| date=1998-12-27
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}}</ref>
* Al Densmore ([[Republican Party (United States)|Rep]]), [[1977]]-[[1983]],<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Members.asp?MemberID=579
| title=Staff Directory
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref> president of the [[Bear Creek (Oregon)|Bear Creek]] Greenway Foundation<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2001/october/100201n13.htm
| title=Greenway slowed by lack of funds
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[October 2]],[[2001]]
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref>
* Benny Fagone, 1974–1977,<ref> {{cite web
| author=Dodge, Dani
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2002/april/041802n5.htm
| title=Nunley to conduct write-in campaign
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[April 4]],[[2002]]
| accessdate=2008-02-04
}} </ref> founded the [[North Medford High School]] ''Black Tornado'' sports program in 1980<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/feb98/21098s2.htm
| title=Binney lands top coaching honor
| author=Stiles, Greg
| accessdate=2008-02-11
| date=[[February 10]],[[1998]]
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
}} </ref>
* John W. Snider Sr., 1957–1962,<ref name="sniderdairy"> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/feb99/21699n9.htm
| title=Old dairy holds fond memories
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[February 16]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-04
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| author=Stiles, Greg
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2003/0803/biz/stories/01biz.htm
| title=Channel 5 celebrates 50 years
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[August 3]],[[2003]]
| accessdate=2008-02-04
}} </ref> established Medford's [[Medford, Oregon#Sister city|sister city relationship]] with [[Alba, Italy]] in 1960
* Halbert S. "Hob" Deuel ([[Republican Party (United States)|Rep]]), 1940–1942,<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.sos.state.or.us/archives/legislative/histleg/statehood/1931reg.htm
| title=Oregon Legislative Assembly (36th)
| publisher=Oregon State Archives
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/jan98/12198n8.htm
| title=Obituaries
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[January 21]],[[1998]]
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref> former [[Jackson County (Oregon)|Jackson County]] [[congressman]], died in 1971<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.rvgslibrary.org/obits/71-79/obit2D.html
| publisher=Rogue Valley Genealogical Society
| title=Obituaries 1971-1979 - Letter D
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref>
* Charles C. Furnas, 1937–1940<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0308/biz/stories/01biz.htm
| title=Modern Living at Home
| date=[[March 8]],[[2006]]
| author=Stiles, Greg
| accessdate=2008-02-12
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
}} </ref>
* Vernon Emerick, 1914?–1918?,<ref> {{cite book
| author=Carey, Charles H.
| title=History of Oregon Volume 3
| publisher=Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
| date=1922
| pages=178
| url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jtenlen/ORBios/vhvawter.txt
}} </ref> lit the city's first official Christmas tree in 1915<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/1116/local/stories/15local.htm
| title=Holiday lights will brighten Medford skies
| author=Landers, Meg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[November 16]],[[2005]]
| accessdate=2008-02-12
}} </ref>
* William W. Eifert, ?–1913,<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/apr98/42798n6.htm
| title=Obituaries
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[April 27]],[[1998]]
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref> moved from Ohio, died of a heart attack during term on [[September 1]], [[1913]]. Buried at the Eastwood Cemetery in Medford.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Files/D_G%20Web%20List.pdf
| title=Eastwood Cemetery Interments, D-G List
| accessdate=2008-02-11
}} </ref>
===City Council===
[[Image:Medford, Oregon Ward Map.png|thumb|right|150px|City Ward Map]]
Medford municipal code divides the city into four [[ward (politics)|wards]], each represented by two city council members. Every [[wikt:biennium|biennium]], one member from each ward is elected to serve a four-year term, creating an overlap where half of the eight-member council remains in office while the other half must campaign for reelection.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=219
| title=Ward Maps
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Ward 1
! Ward 2
! Ward 3
! Ward 4
|-
! 2007–2010
| Al Densmore <small><br />(elected 2006)</small><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Members.asp?MemberID=579
| title=Al Densmore
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| Ben Truwe <small><br />(elected 2006)</small><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Members.asp?MemberID=577
| title=Ben Truwe
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| Jill Stout <small><br />(elected 2006)</small><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Members.asp?MemberID=578
| title=Jill Stout
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| Bob Strosser <small><br />(elected 1998)</small><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Members.asp?MemberID=11
| title=Bob Strosser
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
|-
! 2005-2008
| Jason Anderson <small><br />(appointed 2003, elected 2004)</small><ref name="councilrace"> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2004/1009/local/stories/05local.htm
| title=Medford council election has only one contested race
| author=Landers, Meg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[October 9]],[[2004]]
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| James F Kuntz <small><br />(elected 2004)</small><ref name="councilrace"/>
| John Statler <small><br />(elected 2004)</small><ref name="councilrace"/>
| Greg Jones <small><br />(elected 2004)</small><ref name="councilrace"/>
|}
===City Manager===
The city manager of Medford is Michael Dyal. He replaced Andy Anderson in June of 1998 by vote of the city council. Dyal, a U.S. Army veteran, previously served as city manager for [[Orem, Utah]], and [[North Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref> {{cite web
| author=Davis, Jim
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/98/jun98/6398n3.htm
| title=New manager makes first rounds
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=June 1998
| accessdate=2008-04-27
}} </ref>
==Geography and climate==
{{Refimprovesect|date=February 2008}}
Medford is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of the northern California border, and at 42.3°N, nearly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 21.7 [[square mile]]s (56.2 [[km²]]), all of it land. The [[Pacific Ocean]] is about 75 miles (121 km) west of the city, and is the nearest coast. The nearest river is the [[Rogue River (Oregon)|Rogue River]] (8 mi, 13 km), and the nearest lake is Agate Lake (13 mi, 21 km).
Nearby cities include [[Grants Pass, Oregon|Grants Pass]], [[Klamath Falls, Oregon|Klamath Falls]], [[Ashland, Oregon|Ashland]], [[Roseburg, Oregon|Roseburg]], [[Redding, California|Redding]] ([[California]]), and [[Crescent City, California|Crescent City]] (California). Medford is 229 miles (369 km) from [[Salem, Oregon|Salem]], the capital of Oregon.
The nearest interstate highway is [[interstate 5|I-5]], which runs northwest-southeast through the center of the city. The nearest junctions with other interstate highways are with [[Interstate 84 (Oregon)|I-84]] in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]] (273 mi, 439 km) and [[Interstate 80 (Oregon)|I-80]] in [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]] (309 mi, 497 km). Medford also serves as a junction for Oregon Routes [[Oregon Route 99|99]], [[Oregon Route 238|238]], [[Oregon Route 62|62]], and nearby [[Oregon Route 140|140]] (6 mi/10 km).
Medford is situated in the remains of ancient volcanic flow areas as demonstrated by the lava formations and nearby and [[Crater Lake]], the remains of [[Mount Mazama]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6805.html
| title=Lower Table Rock
| publisher=Nature.org
| date=2008-01-19
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue/trails_mcloughlin.html
| title=Mount McLoughlin
| publisher=[[United States Forest Service]]
| accessdate=2008-01-19
}} </ref> In the late spring/early summer the snow on the slopes of Mount McLoughlin melt away into a formation called the "angel wings," which Native American tribes interpreted as an [[osprey]], an indicator of the beginning of salmon run.
===Climate===
[[Image:Medford from Roxy Ann.jpg|thumb|right|Medford from [[Roxy Ann Peak]]]]
Medford sits in a weather shadow between the [[Cascade Range]] and [[Siskiyou Mountains]] called the [[Rogue Valley]]. As such, most of the rain associated with the Pacific Northwest and Oregon in particular skips Medford, making it drier and sunnier than the [[Willamette Valley]]. Medford's climate is considerably warmer, both in summer and winter, than its latitude would suggest. Summers are reminiscent of Eastern Oregon, and winters resemble the coast. In Medford, summer often includes as many as ninety days over 90°F (32°C), with temperatures over 100°F (38°C) common in July and August. In August 1980, the temperature stayed over 110°F (43°C) for over a week, with two days reaching 117°F (47°C). Medford also experiences [[temperature inversion]]s in the winter which during its lumber mill days produced fog so thick that visibility could be reduced to less than five feet. These inversions could last four to six weeks.
Medford residents experience snowfall (not necessarily accumulation) every year during winter months, though it usually only amounts to a few inches (5-7 centimeters). In the past, Medford has seen snowfall measurements reach 31 inches/78 centimeters (1955-1956), and in 2007, 9 inches/23 centimeters of snowfall were recorded.<ref name="wrcc_month"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMONtsnf.pl?or5429
| title=Monthly Total Snowfall (Inches)
| publisher=Western Regional Climate Center
| date=[[October 18]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-02-02
}} </ref>
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|
| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:120%;"|Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
|-
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000" height="17" | Month
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Jan
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Feb
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Mar
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Apr
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | May
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Jun
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Jul
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Aug
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Sep
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Oct
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Nov
! style="background: #eaa; color:#000;" | Dec
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Rec High °F
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 71
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 79
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 86
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 93
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 103
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 111
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 115
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 114
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 110
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 99
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 77
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 72
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Norm High °F
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 47.3
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 53.8
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 58.3
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 64.3
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 72.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 81.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 90.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 90.1
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 83.5
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 70
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 52.8
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 45.2
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Norm Low °F
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 30.9
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 33.1
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 35.9
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 39
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 44
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 50.1
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 55.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 54.9
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 48.3
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 40.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 35
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 31
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Rec Low °F
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | -3
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 6
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 16
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 21
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 28
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 31
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 38
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 39
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 29
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 18
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 10
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | -6
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Precip (in)
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 2.47
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 2.1
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 1.85
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 1.31
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 1.21
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 0.68
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 0.31
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 0.52
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 0.78
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 1.31
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 2.93
| style="text-align:center; background: #dff; color:#000;" | 2.9
|-
! style="background: #ecb; color:#000;" height="16;" | Snowfall (in)
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 3.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 1.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.7
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.2
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.0
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 0.5
| style="text-align:center; background: #ffd; color:#000;" | 1.5
|-
| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|''Source: USTravelWeather.com <ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ustravelweather.com/weather-oregon/medford-weather.asp
| title=Medford Weather
| publisher=USTravelWeather.com
| accessdate=2008-02-10
}} </ref>
|}
== Economy ==
[[Image:Welcome to medford oregon.jpg|left|thumb|Welcome to Medford, Oregon]]
Medford's economy is driven primarily by the health care industry <ref>[http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/NEWS/803170306/-1/LIFE03 MailTribune.com: Making ends meet<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. In the past, Medford's economy was fueled by agriculture (pears, peaches, viticulture grapes) and timber products. The largest direct marketer of fruits and food gifts in the United States, [[Harry and David Operations Corp.]], is based in Medford. It is the largest employer in Southern Oregon, with 1,700 year round and about 6,700 seasonal employees in the Medford area.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.bco.com/overview/locations.html
| title=Locations
| publisher=Bear Creek Organization
| accessdate=2008-01-19
}} </ref> Harry and David was founded in 1910 to market the harvest from the orchards of the [[Rogue Valley]].
[[Musician's Friend]], America's largest direct response retailer of musical instruments and related gear, is headquartered in Medford. [[Benchmark Maps]], founded in Medford in 1995, produces detailed atlases and maps in 10 western states.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/about.html |title=About Benchmark Maps |publisher=[[Benchmark Maps]] |accessdate=2008-02-02 }}</ref> [[Falcon Northwest]], a [[personal computer]] manufacturing company, has been operating in Medford since 2002. There is even a [[film]] [[production company]], called [[Pacific International Enterprises]], which has been distributing films from Medford since at least the [[1970]]s.
[[Image:S2000 1-2-07 034.jpg|right|thumb|RVMC Patient Tower]]
[[Lithia Motors]], a [[Fortune 1000]] company, and "America's Car & Truck Store," until recently had its headquarters scattered around separate buildings in downtown Medford. Construction has begun on centralizing the Lithia headquarters into a ten-story building and a separate six-story building on what is now the former Lithia Jeep-Dodge area in downtown Medford. Full construction on the headquarters building is expected to start in October 2007.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS/709050309
| title=End of an era for Lithia Motors
| author=Stiles, Greg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date = [[September 5]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-01-19
}} </ref>
As there are no towns of equal or larger size within several hours' drive, Medford is a regional hub for medical services. The two major medical centers in the city employ over 2,000 people. As Medford is also a retirement destination, assisted living and senior services have become an important part of the economy.
Medford and the surrounding area is home to the expanding [[Oregon wine]] industry that includes a large variety of [[Bordeaux wine|Bordelaise]] and [[Burgundian]] varietals including [[merlot]], [[cabernet sauvignon]], [[syrah]], [[zinfandel]], [[pinot noir]], [[gewürztraminer]], [[riesling]], [[pinot gris]], [[chardonnay]], [[pinot blanc]], early [[muscat (grape and wine)|muscat]], and [[Gamay Noir]].
==Demographics==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 63,154 people, 25,093 households, and 16,511 families residing in the city. In 2005 the population was estimated at 71,000 people. The [[population density]] was 2,910.5 people per square mile (1,123.7/km²). There were 26,297 housing units at an average density of 1,211.9/sq mi (467.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.99% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.50% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.07% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.14% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.26% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.87% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.17% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 9.25% of the population.
There were 25,093 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,481, and the median income for a family was $43,972. Males had a median income of $34,533 versus $23,714 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,170. About 10.3% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.
==Shopping==
Medford is the economic and shopping center for over 460,000 people located in Southern Oregon and Northern California <ref>http://www.newneville.com/assets/documents//Alba%20Village%20Brochure.pdf</ref>. The Projected 2008 retail sales in the Greater Medford Area are $7.5 billion dollars <ref>Sales & Marketing Magazine 2003</ref> The average is more then the expanded Portland and Eugene markets <ref>http://www.newneville.com/assets/documents//Alba%20Village%20Brochure.pdf</ref>.
===Rogue Valley Mall===
The Rogue Valley Mall (RVM) is a 640,000 square foot enclosed shopping center located on South Riverside Ave outside of Downtown Medford. The Mall is the only enclosed mall in a 80 mile radius of Medford. And boasts more the 7.8 million shoppers every year <ref>http://www.newneville.com/assets/documents//Alba%20Village%20Brochure.pdf</ref>. The Major/Anchor tenants of the two level mall include: Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenny, Linens'n Things, and Macy's Home Store. There are around 100 specialty stores, such as GAP, American Eagle Outfitters, Pac Sun, Victoria's Secret, Spencer Gifts, Zumiez, Zales and many others The mall also has a food court on the upper level near Kohl's. It has 13 different food vendors. The mall has about a 90.6% Fill Rate <ref>http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080531/BIZ/805310301/-1/PHOTOS0302</ref>.
===Medford Center===
Has numerous shops, including Red Robin, US Cellular, Extreme Juice, Shucks Auto, and Round Table Pizza amoung many others. Major Anchors are, Safeway, Rite Aid, Ashley Home Furniture, Cinemark Tinseltown Movies 15 , Sears, Circuit City, and Oz Fitness. The center was originally built as a single level enclosed mall. It was later torn down and made into an open air concept shopping center. The shopping Center is bordered by, East Jackson Street, Biddle Rd, Stevens Street, and Crater Lake Avenue.
===Crater Lake Plaza===
This Plaza is located off Highway 62 in Northeast Medford. Major stores include, Olive Garden, Safeway, Old Navy, Office Depot, Wal-Mart, Costco, and Lowes. The center has two main entrances, two controlled access'; off of Cardinal Avenue and the other at the Corner of Highway 62 and Delta Waters Road.
===Bear Creek Center===
This busy shopping Center is located at one of north Medford's busiest intersections. E. McAndrews at Biddle Rd. The Center offers large anchors such as Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Tuesday Morning and TJ Maxx. While also a wide variety of small, mostly locally owned stores. Food services include a McDonlads, Baskin Robins, Papa Murphy's, and Donut shop.
===McAndrews Marketplace===
This in one of the cities newest and most upscale shopping venues. It offers higher class dining options, small intimates cafes, and fine clothing. The Marketplace is 100% filled as of July 2008. The larger tenants are, David's Bridal, See's Candies, Mucho Gusto, and Umpqua Bank. a large three story real estate was built to reflect the style of the center as well. It can be seen for northbound I-5 bedford exit 30.
===Poplar Square===
This is on of the older Centers in north Medford. It has been remodeled and updated several times. The major anchors are Joes Sports Goods, Cathrines, Ross Dress for Less, and Tin Tin Buffet. Among a number of other smaller stores that make up the Center.
==Points of interest==
===Alba Park===
[[Image:Medford Alba Park.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Statue in Alba Park]]
:''Location:'' {{coord|42.3238|-122.876|display=inline|name=Alba Park}}
The oldest park in Medford, '''Alba Park''' is located at the intersection of Holly and Main in downtown Medford. Originally called ''Library Park'' due to its proximity to the [[Medford Carnegie Library]], it was later renamed for Medford's [[sister city]], [[Alba, Italy]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/files/appendix%20f%20priority%20maintenance%20projects.pdf
| title=Appendix F: Priority maintenance projects
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-24
}} </ref> The park contains a [[gazebo]], a statue of a boy with two dogs surrounded by a fountain pool, and a [[Japan]]ese [[cannon]] from [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=509
| title=Alba Park
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2000/october/101200n11.htm
| title=Since You Asked
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[October 12]],[[2000]]
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref>
The annual ''Pear Blossom Run'' starts across the street from Alba Park at the Medford [[city hall]], with an all-day fair conducted in the park itself.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.pearblossomrun.com/important_times.htm
| title=Important Times
| publisher=PearBlossomRun.com
| accessdate=2008-01-19
}} </ref>
===Claire Hanley Arboretum===
{{main|Claire Hanley Arboretum}}
The '''Claire Hanley Arboretum''' was first planted in 1962 by Claire and Mary Hanley, two sisters raised on the [[National Register of Historic Places|historic]] ''Michael Hanley Farmstead'' along present day [[Oregon Route 238]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/dspace/bitstream/1957/5815/1/SR+no.+855_ocr.pdf
| title=Agronomic and Vegetable Crop Research, 1989
| author=Yungen, John A.
| publisher=[[Oregon State University]]
| date=March 1990
| accessdate=2008-03-24
}} </ref> It is part of a larger [[agriculture]] research center belonging to the [[Oregon State University]]. Located on the grounds are species of the [[dogwood]] ''[[cornus mas]]'', the [[dove tree]], and the [[Sorrel tree]].
===The Commons ===
'''The Commons''' is an [[urban renewal]] project in downtown Medford with a goal to provide more parking, recreation, and commerce to the area. The project is a collaboration between the City of Medford and [[Lithia Motors]], and is expected to be completed by [[2017]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.downtownmedford.com/Projects.asp?ProjectID=1039
| title=Middleford Commons FAQ
| publisher=DowntownMedford.com
| accessdate=2008-01-19
}} </ref>
===Medford Carnegie Library===
[[Image:Medford Carnegie Library - Medford Oregon.jpg|thumb|right|Medford Carnegie Library]]
{{main|Medford Carnegie Library}}
The '''Medford Carnegie Library''' is a two-story library building located in downtown Medford. It was erected in 1911 thanks to a gift from [[Andrew Carnegie]], but was vacated in 2004 after a new library building was constructed near the [[Rogue Community College]] extension campus, also in downtown Medford.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2004/0307/local/stories/03local.htm
| title=Carnegie closes the book on 92 years of service
| author=Fattig, Paul
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[March 7]],[[2004]]
| accessdate=2008-03-03
}} </ref> Currently, there are plans to use the building for class reunions, public meetings, and for annexing some city offices from the neighboring City Hall building.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/NEWS/801280310
| title=Carnegie to rise from the ashes
| author=Landers, Meg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[January 28]],[[2008]]
| accessdate=2008-03-03
}} </ref>
===Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park===
[[Image:Roxy Ann Mountain.jpg|thumb|[[Roxy Ann Peak]] overlooks Medford from the east]]
{{main|Roxy Ann Peak}}
One of Medford's most prominent landmarks,<ref name="roxy"> {{cite news
| title=Roxy Ann is named for pioneer woman
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0123/local/stories/15local.htm
| date=[[January 23]],[[2006]]
| accessdate=2008-02-19
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| work=Since You Asked
}} </ref> '''Roxy Ann Peak''' is a 30 million year old [[dormant volcano]] located on the east side of the city. At 1,089 meters (3,573 feet), the mountain rises almost 610 meters (2000 feet) above the valley floor.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.roxyannlanes.com/html/about.html
| title=A Little History
| publisher=RoxyAnnLanes.com
| accessdate=2008-03-01
}} </ref> It was named for Roxy Ann Bowen, an early settler who lived in its foothills.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/NEWS/709230322/-1/NEWS
| title=A View of Roxy Ann Peak
| author=Miller, Bill
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[September 23]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-02-19
}} </ref>
A significant area of Roxy Ann Peak (including the summit) is enclosed in Medford's largest park,<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0818/life/stories/web_activities.htm
| title=Activities
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[August 18]],[[2006]]
| accessdate=2008-02-19
}} </ref> a 7.04 [[square kilometer]] (2.72 [[mi²]], 1,740 [[acre]]s) protected area called '''Prescott Park'''. The land was set aside in the 1930s and named in honor of George J. Prescott, a police officer killed in the line of duty in 1933.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2003/0316/local/stories/07local.htm
| title=Rededication ceremony honors Medford's first traffic officer who was shot and killed
| author=Briskley, Jill
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[March 16]],[[2003]]
| accessdate=2008-02-19
}} </ref>
===Vogel Plaza===
[[Image:Vogel Plaza Art in Bloom 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Art in Bloom 2007]]
:''Location:'' {{coord|42.3264|-122.8719|display=inline|name=Vogel Plaza}}
Finished in 1997 at the intersection of E. Main St and Central Ave in downtown Medford, '''Vogel Plaza''' has quickly become a center of activity for many local events.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=508
| title=Vogel Plaza
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-01-18
}} </ref> One such event is the annual ''Art in Bloom'' festival, which is held around [[Mother's Day]] each year. During the two-day festival, over 10,000 people attend and more than 75 artists showcase their work while surrounded by live entertainment, workshops, food, and children's activities.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.downtownmedford.com/Calendar.asp?View=EVENT&EventID=1163
| title=Art in Bloom 2008
| publisher=DowntownMedford.com
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.artscouncilso.org/awards.htm
| title=Awards
| publisher=Southern Oregon Arts Council
}} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| title=A Community Celebration
| url=http://www.art-in-bloom.com/
| publisher=Art-in-Bloom.com
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref>
==Education==
{{main|Medford School District (Oregon)}}
Medford is served by Medford School District 549c and has two main high schools: [[South Medford High School]] and [[North Medford High School]]. In addition to the two public high schools, Medford has several private high schools. Two of the largest are [[St. Mary's School (Medford, Oregon)|St. Mary's School]] and Cascade Christian High. In addition, there are 14 public [[primary schools]] and two public [[secondary schools|middle schools]], ([[Hedrick Middle School|Hedrick]] and McLoughlin).
Crossroads School (a private alternative school), Cascade Christian High School, St. Mary's School, and Rogue Valley Adventist School (the latter three churches operated or affiliated) are private secondary schools in Medford. <ref>[http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/directory/nonpubls.pdf 8Nonpublics.pmd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In 1997, [[Grants Pass, Oregon|Grants Pass]]-based [[Rogue Community College]] (RCC) completed construction on a seven-building campus spanning five blocks in downtown Medford.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.roguecc.edu/Accreditation/pdf/RCC%20Minor%20Sub%20Change-TRC.pdf
| title=Proposal for a Minor Substantive Change
| publisher=[[Rogue Community College]]
| date=April 2006
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref> Nearby [[Ashland, Oregon|Ashland]]-based [[Southern Oregon University]] collaborated with Rogue in 2007 on the construction of an eighth building which will offer third- and fourth-year courses to students.<ref> {{cite web
| author=Darling, John
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2007/0321/local/stories/rcc-sou-jd.htm
| title=RCC-SOU joint project breaks mold
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[March 21]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref>
==Crime and Law Enforcement==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;"
|-
! rowspan="2" |
! colspan="4" | Violent Crime
! colspan="3" | Property Crime
|-
! Murder !! Rape !! Robbery !! Assault !! Burglary !! Theft !! Car Theft
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2006<ref name="crimestats"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/data/table_06.html
| title=Crime in the United States by Metropolitan Statistical Area
| publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]
| work=FBI CIUS 2006
| accessdate=2008-01-29
}} </ref>
| 1 || 22 || 36 || 193 || 456 || 2,748 || 177
|-
! colspan="4" | 252
! colspan="3" | 3,381
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2005<ref name="crimestats2"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/data/table_08_or.html
| title=Offenses known to law enforcement
| publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]
| work=FBI CIUS 2005
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| 1 || 28 || 53 || 243 || 556 || 3,455 || 279
|-
! colspan="4" | 325
! colspan="3" | 4,290
|-
! rowspan="2" | 2004<ref name="crimestats3"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius_04/documents/CIUS_2004_Section2.pdf
| title=Section 2: Offenses Reported
| pages=116
| publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]
| work=FBI CIUS 2004
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
| 0 || 21 || 38 || 229 || 551 || 3,272 || 257
|-
! colspan="4" | 288
! colspan="3" | 4,080
|}
The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] publication "Crime in the United States"<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/index.html
| title=Crime in the United States, 2006
| publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]
| accessdate=2008-01-29
}} </ref> provides ''unranked''<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/about/variables_affecting_crime.html
| title=Variables Affecting Crime
| publisher=FBI CIUS 2006
| accessdate=2008-01-30
}} </ref> statistical data from law enforcement agencies across the United States. The table to the right are statistics reported for the city of Medford for the years 2004 through 2006.<ref name="crimestats"/>
As with any city that experiences rapid growth, Medford has seen a recent surge in gang activity and organized crime in the past decade.<ref> {{cite web
| author=Burke, Anita
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080103/NEWS/801030332/-1/rss01
| title=Increased violence puts gang presence on radar
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[January 3]],[[2008]]
| accessdate=2008-01-23
}} </ref>
===Medford Police Department===
The '''Medford Police Department''' has 103 sworn police officers supported by a staff of 47 civilian employees.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=7
| title=Medford Police Department
| publisher=City of Medford
| accessdate=2008-03-14
}} </ref>
==Notable residents==
<!-- Note:
· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability.
· The biographical article must mention how they are associated with Medford, whether born, raised, or residing.
· The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited, unless it is well-known.
· alphabetical by last name please
· All others will be deleted without further explanation
-->
=== William Abercrombie ===
{{main|William Abercrombie}}
'''William Warner Abercrombie''' was born on [[July 24]],[[1914]] in Medford. He enlisted in the [[US Naval Reserve]] in 1940 and quickly transferred to [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]]. Abercrombie was shot down in [[aerial combat]] in June of 1942. For his efforts during the battle, the [[John C. Butler-class]] destroyer [[USS Abercrombie (DE-343)]] was named in his honor.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/a1/abercrombie.htm
| title=Abercrombie
| publisher=[[Naval Historical Center]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}}</ref>
=== Brad Arnsberg ===
{{main|Brad Arnsberg}}
'''Bradley James Arnsberg''' is a [[Major League]] [[baseball]] pitcher for the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]. He was born [[August 20]],[[1963]] in [[Seattle, Washington]], but graduated from [[North Medford High School]] in 1981. During his career, Arnsberg has played with the [[New York Yankees]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], and [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/coach_staff_bio.jsp?c_id=tor&coachorstaffid=110336
| title=Brad Arnsberg 38
| publisher=[[Major League Baseball]]
| work=Toronto Blue Jays
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Jeff Barry ===
{{main|Jeff Barry (baseball player)}}
'''Jeffrey Finas Barry''' was born in Medford on [[September 22]],[[1969]] and attended [[North Medford High School]], where he played baseball for the ''Tornados''.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2000/december/120800s5.htm
| title=Weeks come up big for North
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[December 8]],[[2000]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> He began playing professional baseball for the [[New York Mets]] on [[June 9]],[[1995]], and again for the [[Colorado Rockies]] in 1997.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/97/july/71597s4.htm
| title=Others eager to move up
| author=Preszler, David
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[July 15]],[[1997]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> Barry currently resides in Medford where he supports youth and amateur baseball.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2003/0608/sport/stories/02sport.htm
| title=Being a RiverDog finally paying off
| author=Henry, Kris
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[June 8]],[[2003]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref><ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2007/0123/sport/stories/locevents23.htm
| title=Local events
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[January 23]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Steve Bechler ===
{{main|Steve Bechler}}
'''Steven Scott Bechler''' was born in Medford on [[November 18]],[[1979]] and attended [[South Medford High School]]. He began pitching for the [[Baltimore Orioles]] in 2002, but died of [[heatstroke]] during training on [[February 23]],[[2003]].<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2003/0228/obit/obit.htm
| title=Obituaries
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[February 28]],[[2003]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref><ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2003/0219/sport/stories/06sport.htm
| title=Bechler family, Orioles try to put pieces together
| author=Christenson, Joe
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[February 19]],[[2003]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Bill Bowerman ===
{{main|Bill Bowerman}}
'''William Jay Bowerman''' was born in [[Portland, Oregon]] in 1911. He moved to Medford early in his life and played for what was then the only high school. Later in his life he took up coaching, a career that spanned 24 years. Bowerman became famous in the 1960s when he co-founded the [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] [[shoe]] corporation with one of his players, [[Phil Knight]]. He died at 88 years of age on [[December 24]],[[1999]].<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/sept99/92899s2.htm
| title=Bowerman among Medford's greats
| author=Stiles, Greg
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[September 28]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref><ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/dec99/122699n2.htm
| title=Track coach, shoe innovator Bowerman dies
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[December 26]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref><ref> {{cite news
| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EED91139F934A15751C1A96F958260
| title=Bill Bowerman, 88, Nike co-founder dies
| author=Goldstein, Richard
| publisher=[[New York Times]]
| date=[[December 27]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Ed Durno ===
{{main|Edwin Russell Durno}}
'''Edwin Russel Durno''' was born on [[January 26]],[[1889]] on a farm near [[Albany, Oregon]]. He played [[basketball]] for the [[Oregon Ducks]] at the [[University of Oregon]] and eventually received an M.D. from [[Harvard Medical School]] in 1927. He served in both World War I and World War II before moving to Medford to practice medicine. In 1958, Durno was elected to the [[Oregon State Senate]] for two years, followed by two more years in the [[United States House of Representatives]]. He died in Medford in 1976.<ref name="bioguide"> {{cite web
| title = Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
| publisher = U.S. Government Printing Office
| url = http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000575
| accessdate = 2007-05-23
}} </ref><ref name="ducks"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=243042
| title=Ed Durno
| publisher=GoDucks.com
| accessdate=2007-05-23
}} </ref>
=== Dick Fosbury ===
{{main|Dick Fosbury}}
'''Richard Douglas Fosbury''', born [[March 6]],[[1947]] in [[Portland, Oregon]], is best known for revolutionizing the [[high jump]] event by jumping back-first, a move now known as the [[Fosbury Flop]].<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/99/dec99/122599s1.htm
| title=Southern Oregon athletes among state's best
| author=Silow, Frank
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[December 25]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> He discovered the technique at age 16 while attending the former Medford High School, which he graduated from in 1965.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/1227/sport/stories/02sport.htm
| title=Ex-coach Benson dies at 71
| author=Hunt, Don
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[December 27]],[[2005]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> Fosbury went on to be awarded a gold medal in the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] with his maneuver, breaking a record in the process. He is currently living in [[Ketchum, Idaho]].<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://www.mtexpress.com/2002/02-01-23/02-01-23fosbury.htm
| title=Fosbury asked to replace Feltman as torch bearer
| author=Moore, Greg
| publisher=Idaho Mountain Express
| date=[[January 23]],[[2002]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Les Gutches ===
{{main|Les Gutches}}
'''Leslie Lyle Gutches''' was born in Medford on [[February 23]],[[1973]] to a family of [[wrestler]]s. At age 16, weighing in at 81 [[kg]] (178 [[Pound (mass)|lbs]]), he won first place in the USA [[Greco-Roman wrestling]] championships. In his life, Gutches has been awarded the [[Dan Hodge Trophy]], was NCAA Champion (177 lb division, 1995-1996), and even made it to the 1996 [[Olympics|Olympic]] [[freestyle wrestling]] team.<ref name="MediaGuide">{{cite web
| url=http://www.osubeavers.com/pdf2/52365.pdf?ATCLID=693204&SPSID=37974&SPID=1958&DB_OEM_ID=4700
| title=2006-07 OSU Wrestling Media Guide Part 4 - Records, honors, history
| accessdate=2007-03-26
}} </ref> Gutches currently resides in [[Corvallis, Oregon]] with his wife, Jennifer Busen. He remains on staff at [[Oregon State University]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://alumni.oregonstate.edu/stater/issues/Stater0209/sports.html
| title = Sports News
| work=Oregon Stater
| date=September 2002
| publisher = Oregon State University
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref>
=== Page Hamilton ===
{{main|Page Hamilton}}
'''Page Nye Hamilton''' is a [[musician]] and record producer who was born in [[Portland, Oregon]] on [[May 18]],[[1960]]. He spent much of his early life in Medford, then moved to [[New York]] in the 1980s.<ref name="synthesis"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.synthesis.net/music/interview/item-6405/2007-09-27-helmet
| title=Helmet: Earth tones still suit
| author=Sprecher, Jake
| publisher=Synthesis Network, Inc.
| date=[[September 27]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> Hamilton formed the band [[Helmet (band)|Helmet]] in 1989, whom he recorded four albums with before they split up ten years later. In his downtime he formed another group called Gandhi and even toured with [[David Bowie]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/davidbowie/articles/story/5922738/david_bowie_teams_with_former_helmet_guitarist
| title=David Bowie teams with former Helmet guitarist
| publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]
| author=Uhelszki, Jaan
| date=[[September 9]],[[1999]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> Twice since 2004, Hamilton reformed Helmet with different lineups; the first group released the album [[Size Matters]], and the second group released [[Monochrome (album)|Monochrome]]. Hamilton's career has been so prolific that in 2006, [[ESP Guitars]] announced a model named in his honor.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://espguitars.com/guitars_page.html
| title=Guitars
| publisher=[[ESP Guitars]]
| accessdate=2008-02-25
}} </ref> He still lives in [[New York City]].<ref name="synthesis"/>
=== Marshall Holman ===
{{main|Marshall Holman}}
'''Marshall Holman''', also known as the '''Medford Meteor''',<ref name="pba2"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.pba.com/news/feature.asp?ID=195
| title=Holman awarded third exemption
| publisher=[[Professional Bowlers Association]]
| date=[[January 1]],[[2007]]
| accessdate=2008-02-28
}} </ref> was born in Medford on [[29 September]],[[1954]]. When he was 18, he joined the [[Professional Bowlers Association]] (PBA) and toured for nearly 24 years, earning a place in the PBA Hall of Fame. Holman's bowling career has earned him 22 career titles and nearly $1.7 million.<ref name="pba1"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.pba.com/players/hof/playerbio.asp?ID=46
| title=Hall of Fame - Marshall Holman
| publisher=[[Professional Bowlers Association]]
| accessdate=2008-02-28
}} </ref> He currently resides in Medford, where he owns a [[Liberty Tax Service]] franchise and provides pro [[bowling]] reports for [[KTVL]] TV news.<ref name="mtholman1"> {{cite web
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/1222/sport/stories/fbc-souplayer20.htm
| title=Commissioners exemption goes to Marshall Holman
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[December 22]],[[2006]]
| accessdate=2008-02-28
}} </ref><ref name="mtholman2"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080106/SPORTS/801060339/-1/SPORTS06
| title=For first time, Holman won't compete
| author=Trower, Tim
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[January 6]],[[2008]]
| accessdate=2008-02-29
}} </ref>
=== Tricia Pine ===
{{main|Patricia Pine}}
'''Patricia Regan Pine''' was born [[24 February]],[[1972]] in Medford, where she graduated from North Medford High School.<ref name="tricia1"> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/1021/local/stories/19local.htm
| title=Leines will make return to the stage in February
| work=Since You Asked
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=2005-10-21
| accessdate=2008-03-02
}} </ref> She rose to fame in 1995 when she won the Miss Rogue Valley beauty pageant,<ref name="tricia2"> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/97/july/71297n3.htm
| title=Reign is almost over for talented Miss Oregon
| author=Aleccia, Jonel
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| date=[[July 12]],[[1997]]
| accessdate=2008-03-02
}} </ref> and again in 1996 by winning the [[Miss Oregon]] pageant.<ref name="tricia3"> {{cite news
| title=Medford singer wins 1996 title of Miss Oregon
| publisher=Portland Oregonian
| date=[[July 16]],[[1996]]
| page=B04
}} </ref> She then traveled to the [[East Coast of the United States|east coast]] and studied at the [[Manhattan School of Music]].<ref name="tricia1"/> She has appeared in numerous performances, both as [[character actor|character]] and [[singer|vocal talent]].<ref name="tricia1"/><ref name="tricia2"/> Pine currently resides in Medford where she is a reporter for [[KTVL]] television.<ref name="ktvlteam"> {{cite web
| url=http://www.ktvl.com/sections/local-news/meet10/
| title=Meet the KTVL News10 Team
| publisher=[[KTVL]]
| accessdate=2008-03-02
}} </ref>
===Jon Lindstrom===
{{main|Jon Lindstrom}}
'''Jon Robert Lindstrom''' was born in Medford on [[12 October]],[[1957]] and later attended the [[University of Oregon]], receiving a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in theater and music.<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.wchstv.com/abc/portcharles/lindstrom.html
| title=Jon Lindstrom
| publisher=[[WCHS-TV]], [[West Virginia]]
| accessdate=2008-03-23
}} </ref> He has starred in [[General Hospital]] and [[Port Charles]], two [[soap opera]]s from the [[ABC network]], as well as films such as [[Introducing Dorothy Dandridge]] and [[Listen to Me]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0512455/
| title=Jon Lindstrom (I)
| publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]
| accessdate=2008-03-23
}} </ref> Lindstrom currently resides in [[Southern California]].
===Dave Luetkenhoelter===
{{main|Dave Luetkenhoelter}}
'''Dave "''Lucky''" Luetkenhoelter''' was born [[18 December]],[[1982]] in Medford. He began playing the drums at an early age but switched to [[bass guitar]] in high school. Between 2000 and 2007, Luetkenhoelter played with the [[Christian rock]] band ''[[Seven Places]]''. He currently resides in [[Portland, Oregon]] where he is the [[bassist]] for [[Kutless]].<ref> {{cite web
| url=http://www.kutless.com/meetDave.aspx
| title=Meet Dave Luetkenhoelter
| publisher=[[Kutless]]
| accessdate=2008-03-23
}} </ref>
===Allison Machado===
{{main|Allison Machado}}
'''Allison Nicole Machado''', born [[21 April]],[[1982]] in [[Monterey, California]], won the [[Miss Oregon USA]] pageant in 2006.<ref name="allisonmachado"> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/1203/local/stories/06local.htm
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| author=Pollock, Buffy
| title=Something in the water?
| date=[[December 3]],[[2005]]
| accessdate=2008-03-23
}} </ref> She later competed for the [[Miss USA 2006]] title, but lost to [[Tara Conner]] of Kentucky.<ref> {{cite news
| url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0422/local/stories/04local.htm
| publisher=[[Mail Tribune]]
| title=Medford's Machado falls short at Miss USA pageant
| date=[[April 22]],[[2006]]
| accessdate=2008-03-23
}} </ref> Machado moved to Medford early in her life and attended [[Phoenix High School]] in nearby [[Phoenix, Oregon]]. She presently works in Medford as a [[surgical scrub]].<ref name="allisonmachado"/>
=== Other notable residents ===
<!-- Note:
· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability.
· The biographical article must mention how they are associated with Medford, whether born, raised, or residing.
· The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited, unless it is well-known.
· alphabetical by last name please
· All others will be deleted without further explanation
-->
* [[RaShawn McAllister]], former Southern Oregon, D-League and current I.B.L basketball player
* [[Teo Olivares]], actor
* [[Jason James Richter]], actor
* [[Lisa Rinna]], soap opera star and Dancing With The Stars competitor
* [[Ginger Rogers]], actress
* [[Kyle Singler]], freshman starting forward for the Duke Blue Devils college basketball team.
* [[Vic Snyder]], United States Representative from Arkansas
* [[Jonathan Stark]], former professional tennis player
* [[Kevin Towers]], General Manager San Diego Padres
<!--please only add people who have articles (no redlinks), in ALPHABETICAL ORDER-->
==Media==
===Television===
*[[KOBI]] 05 ([[NBC]])
*[[KSYS]] 08 ([[PBS]])
*[[KTVL]] 10 ([[CBS]])
*[[KDRV]] 12 ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]])
*[[KMCW]] 14 ([[Telemundo]])
*[[KMVU]] 26 ([[FOX]])
*[[KFBI]] 48 ([[MyNetworkTV]])
===Radio===
<table border="0"><tr><td style="padding-right: 10px;">
*[[KAKT]]-FM 105.1 New Country
*[[KBOY-FM]] 95.7 Classic Rock
*[[KCNA-FM]] 102.7 Classic Hits
*[[KCMX-AM]] 880 Talk
*[[KCMX-FM]] 101.9 Soft Adult Contemporary
*[[KDOV-FM]] 91.7 Christian Top 40
*[[KEZX]]-AM 730 Talk Radio
</td><td style="padding-right: 10px;">
*[[KHRI (FM)|KHRI-FM]] 91.1 Christian Rock
*[[KIFS]]-FM 107.5 Kiss Top 40
*[[KLDZ]]-FM 103.5 Oldies
*[[KLDR]]-FM 98.7 Top 40
*[[KMED]]-AM 1440 Talk
*[[KROG]]-FM 96.9 New Rock
*[[KRRM]]-FM 94.7 Classic Country
</td><td>
*[[KRTA]]-AM 610 Hispanic
*[[KRWQ]]-FM 100.3 New & Classic Country
*[[KSJK]]-AM 1230 JPR/SOU Public Radio
*[[KSMF]]-FM 89.1 JPR/SOU Classical / Jazz
*[[KTMT-AM]] 580 Latin Music
*[[KTMT-FM]] 93.7 Plays Anything
*[[KZZE]]-FM 106.3 New Hard Rock
</td></tr></table>
===Newspaper===
{{main|Mail Tribune}}
The official [[newspaper]] of Medford and Jackson County is the '''Mail Tribune''', which is owned by [[Ottaway Community Newspapers]]. It began [[circulation]] in [[1909]] after a merger between the Medford-based ''Mail'' and the [[Ashland, Oregon|Ashland]]-based ''Tribune''. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070802/BIZ/708020307 |title=Future of Mail Tribune's unclear |author=Stiles, Greg |publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] |date=2007-08-02 |accessdate=2008-02-25 }}</ref> As of 2004, an average of 37,000 copies of the Mail Tribune are in circulation each day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-08-23-localmedia-usat_x.htm |title=Local media's clout rises in battleground states |author=Memmott, Mark |date=2004-08-23 |publisher=[[USAToday]] |accessdate=2008-02-25 }}</ref>
==Transportation==
The city of Medford is responsible for over 322 kilometers (200 miles) of roads within its boundaries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utility accounts |url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=117 |publisher=[http://www.ci.medford.or.us City of Medford] |accessdate=2008-03-17 }}</ref>
=== Air ===
{{main|Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport}}
Medford is home to Oregon's 3<sup>rd</sup> busiest [[airport]],<ref name="medfordairport">{{cite web |url=http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=72 |title=General Information |publisher=[http://www.co.jackson.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=5 Jackson County Airport Page] |accessdate=2008-02-05 }}</ref> the '''Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport''' ([[International Air Transport Association airport code|airport code]] '''MFR'''). 647,471 people used this regional airport in 2007, which has served over 11 million passengers between 1978 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Files/Passenger%20Flow%200307.pdf |title=Passenger Flow 1978-2007 |publisher=[http://www.co.jackson.or.us Jackson County, Oregon] |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref> Medford airport has two [[asphalt]] runways which handle about sixty daily [[flight]]s from five [[airline]]s.<ref name="medfordairport"/>
With expansion of the airport terminal underway, the facilities are quickly being upgraded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=1774 |title=Construction Updates for Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport |publisher=[http://www.co.jackson.or.us Jackson County, Oregon] |date=2006-01-27 |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref>
=== Bus ===
{{main|Rogue Valley Transportation District}}
The greater Medford metro area has been served by '''Rogue Valley Transportation District''' (RVTD) since [[1975]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rvtd.org/about_us.php |title=About Us |publisher=[http://www.rvtd.org Rogue Valley Transportation District] |accessdate=2008-02-10 }}</ref> The [[bus]] system operates 6 routes, 4 of which travel to nearby cities [[Central Point, Oregon|Central Point]], [[Jacksonville, Oregon|Jacksonville]], [[Phoenix, Oregon|Phoenix]], [[Talent, Oregon|Talent]], [[Ashland, Oregon|Ashland]], and [[White City, Oregon|White City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rvtd.org/bus_schedules.php |title=Bus Schedules |publisher=[http://www.rvtd.org Rogue Valley Transportation District] |accessdate=2008-02-10 }}</ref> All routes connect at the Front Street [[bus terminal|Transfer Station]].
=== Rail ===
There are no [[passenger trains]] that route through Medford. [[Amtrak]] trains serve nearby [[Klamath Falls, Oregon|Klamath Falls]]. People in Medford can board a chartered bus at the [[Rogue Valley Transportation District|RVTD]] Front Street Transfer Station that will deliver them to the [[train station]] in less than two hours.
=== Maritime ===
The nearest maritime [[port]] is the [[Port of Coos Bay]], which is 269 km (167 mi) away.
The nearby [[Rogue River (Oregon)|Rogue River]] is monitored for [[flooding]] at the ''Gold Ray Dam'', a decommissioned [[hydroelectric dam]] built in 1906 near [[Gold Hill, Oregon]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/NEWS/803070320 |author=Freeman, Mark |title=Future of Gold Ray Dam up in air |publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] |date=2008-03-07 |accessdate=2008-03-18 }}</ref> The [[National Weather Service]] identifies 3.6 meters (12 feet) as the flood level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=mfr&gage=rygo3 |title=Rogue River at Gold Ray |work=[http://www.weather.gov/ahps/ Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service] |publisher=[[National Weather Service]] |accessdate=2008-03-18 }}</ref> At this depth, [[navigability]] between the Pacific Ocean and the Rogue Valley is limited. Even a small "[[handysize]]" [[freighter]] is unable to make the trip,<ref>The [[summer draft]] of typical ''[[handysize]]'' [[cargo ship]]s can easily reach 10 meters (33 feet).</ref> and any ship hauling [[cargo]] to Medford would have to have a much smaller draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oregon.gov/DSL/NAV/docs/rogue_hearing_notice_2007.pdf |title=Availability and Content of Draft Navigability Study Report |publisher=[[Oregon Department of State Lands]] |author=Solliday, Louise |date=2007-09-07 |accessdate=2008-03-18 }}</ref> Therefore, Medford does not have a nearby maritime [[port]].
== Sister city ==
[[Image:Alba (CN)-Stemma.png|thumb|right|100px|Alba's [[Coat of Arms]]]]
{{flagicon|Italy}} Shortly after the [[Town twinning|sister city]] program was established in 1960, Medford was paired up with [[Alba (CN)|Alba]], [[Italy]]. The cities are 9,175 kilometers (5,700 miles) apart and were paired based on 1960 similarities in population, geography, and climate. <ref name="Sister Cities 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/OR |title=Oregon Directory |publisher=[http://www.sister-cities.org/ Sister Cities International] |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref><ref name="Sister Cities 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.econ.state.or.us/oregontrade/sistercities.htm |title=Oregon Sister Relationships |publisher=[http://www.econ.state.or.us/ Economic and Community Development Department] |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=80 |title=Our Sister City |publisher=[http://www.ci.medford.or.us City of Medford] |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref>
Each year, both Alba and Medford take turns [[exchange student|exchanging students]]. During March and April of one year, students from Medford's two high schools will visit Alba and stay with host families. Likewise, Alba students will visit Medford every other year. 67 Medford students applied for the 2007 trip to Italy, but only 24 were selected.<ref>{{cite web |author=Achen, Paris |url=http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2007/0227/local/stories/alba-exchange.htm |title=Medford students off to Italy |publisher=[[Mail Tribune]] |date=2007-02-27 |accessdate=2008-01-23 }}</ref>
It was former mayor of Medford '''John W. Snider''' who selected Alba during his 1957-1962 term, making a [[satellite phone]] call to Alba's former mayor Osvaldo Cagnasso. <ref name="sniderdairy"/><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Files/Oct05nws.pub%20revised.pdf |title=Council welcomes mayor Rossetto and youth from Alba, Italy |work=City of Medford Quarterly Newsletter |publisher=[http://www.ci.medford.or.us City of Medford] |date=October 2005 |accessdate=2008-03-24 }}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
*[http://www.ci.medford.or.us/ City of Medford]
*[http://bluebook.state.or.us/local/cities/lr/medford.htm Oregon Blue Book entry for Medford]
*[http://www.visitmedford.org/ Visitors and Conventions Bureau of Medford]
*[http://www.downtownmedford.com/ Medford Urban Renewal Agency]
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{{Jackson County, Oregon}}
{{Oregon}}
[[Category:Cities in Oregon]]
[[Category:County seats in Oregon]]
[[Category:Jackson County, Oregon]]
[[Category:Medford, Oregon| ]]
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