Just reviewed preliminary options on Explore Health (the new Oregon health insurance marketplace for individuals and families, and my premiums are going up by 600 dollars for a family plan, which is a 33% increase to over 2400/month. This is for a high deductible plan. Out of curiosity, I checked rates for similar family size for Portland and the rates are 600 dollars less. At this rate, I am not sure if anyone without a subsidy can afford insurance.

Hi. My family is going through a rough patch and I'm hoping locals can point me toward resources I might not know about.

It's me, my husband, and our two toddlers (1½ and 3). We've had three eviction filings on our record, though two of them were dismissed. The one that stuck was in August, and the full story matters: our housing authority terminated our voucher for not reporting our move, then reinstated it after we requested a hearing — without ever holding the hearing — knowing full well we were housed. But the reinstated voucher came back $31 short of our rent, and neither the landlord nor the housing authority would budge. After the eviction, they tried to terminate our voucher again because of the eviction, then canceled that when they realized the unit was never under contract — but by then our voucher was two days from expiring. So now we don't have a Section 8 voucher either. Since then we've been bouncing between a motel and a tent, and I'm trying to get my kids under a real roof.

Before this, we had 10+ years of excellent rental history, steady employment, and great references. For the last year and a half we've been working hard to rebuild our credit in hopes of buying a place someday — right now that dream feels out of reach, but we're not giving up.

We're already working with UCAN and the Maslow Project, but so far neither has been able to help with actual housing. I'm looking for:

• Landlords or private owners in the Grants Pass area who give second chances or work with families post-eviction
• RV spaces for rent (we're in the process of buying an RV — open to private land)
• Any local programs, churches, or nonprofits that help families with young kids get rehoused
• Advice from anyone who's been through this here

We have steady income — my husband has been at the same job since 2017 — and just need someone willing to look past one eviction.

If you'd rather not comment publicly, please feel free to message me directly or email newgames1723@gmail.com. Thank you for reading this far.

— Katrina

I'm not really familiar with the music scene in this area, im moving here (to Shady Cove) from Vancouver in a couple weeks. I'm 22 and I don't have any friends here. (would love for people in a similar age range).

I'm generally into hardcore, metalcore, Nu Metal post hardcore and emo. My favorite bands right now are Slipknot, Knocked Loose, Motionless in White, My Chemical Romance and Pierce the Veil.

I can scream and sing pretty damn good, as well as play bass or rhythm guitar. However, my main strength is songwriting (composition) and singing/screaming. My biggest weakness is my gear, I don't own a very good guitar or bass amp, but my bass and guitar themselves are pretty nice. (I'm planning to upgrade anyway)

Also, since this is Southern Oregon, I figure I should say this: my political leanings are pretty left wing, and I do tend to not shy away from writing about it.

Trump started countless self-serving projects (reflecting pool, ballroom, advertisements, arch) that we are paying for...

Bentz did nothing.

Trump initiated illegal tariffs that we are paying for...

Bentz did nothing.

Trump started a war with Iran that we are paying for...

Bentz did nothing.

Vote Beck. Bentz is a sheep. And please share!

I need to get my car weighed twice for a move with a printout slip of the weights each time, has anyone done that before or know of a place around Medford that will do it? Would really appreciate it, thanks.

Looking for options that have activities for adults and not just kids. Or just the best/your favorite pumpkin patches in the area

HI, recently moved to the area and I'm interested in playing some golf again after a few years of not playing. I've driven past the Bear Creek Golf Center, next to the Ko-Kwel casino many times but I thought it was just a driving range, but I see they also have a nine hole executive course with reasonable rates. I'm just looking for some feedback from those of you that have played the course. I also see they have what they call Toptracer driving range, that looks fun too.

I’m voting early, and depositing my ballot in an authorized ballot drop off box. Gonna forego the mail this time because…you know. Don’t want anything to go wrong, it’s just too important this election cycle. Gotta send the chaos monkeys away.

The Nightmare Chamber Haunted House opens this Friday! See you there for our last scare!

I’m dealing with some health issues and find myself in need of a cane every now and then to safely access…well…everything. I’ve ordered a handful from Amazon (not thrilled, but also not sure where to go locally…hence the post) but haven’t been thrilled with the handle comfort of some, the fact that others arrived crooked (I’m already wobbly enough!), and one with an adorable and surprisingly comfy bunny handle had a weird oily substance coating it and smelled so strongly that I could smell it through like 5 layers of packaging.

I’d love to find something local (Rogue Valley-ish), cute, maybe wooden, and not crazy expensive at this point. Any recommendations?

Join American Pilgrims on the Camino for an informational session at REI on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30 pm.

Topics will be:

The Road Less Traveled

While the Camino Francés is the most popular Camino route, have you ever considered the Camino Catalán, Aragonés, or San Salvador? Join us as Dan and Ellen Rubenson share their personal experiences and hard earned insights from walking these quieter, lesser known paths. You can read more about their journeys in this featured article.

Gearing up for the Camino

Ever wonder what pilgrims actually carry across Spain? Come peek inside a Camino backpack! Our veteran walkers will share their must-haves, plus we’ll show you how to get the perfect pack fit.

Already walked the Camino? Bring along the gear that worked for you, or the things that definitely didn’t, and share your hard earned wisdom!

Please register on the REI site by clicking here

Wes Urbaniak and the Mountain Folk 🎶
8 pm

When the original Red Rocks Amphitheater benches become the very instruments on stage!

This band brings an incredible blend of storytelling and diversity to each performance. While being rooted in folk— there is something quite profound and beautifully unusual about this music.

They are currently on tour through the Northwest and will be playing at The Talent Club in Talent OR tonight at 8 pm!
$15 at the door.

Hi...

I've commented before about needing help for a ride, but... Things have changed.

As embarrassing as it sounds, my 50 year old roommate took advantage of my healing from knee surgery and decided it was ok to start assaulting me (not sexually)

I ended up in the hospital and now I'm at the Kelly Shelter in Medford

Long story short, I need a job but I have no transportation and I'm new here so IDK the bus at all.

Question is: Is anyone hiring and willing to get me to work with them? I'll be able to pay gas and my goal is to save for any little car in the meantime.

I'm a good dude with good work ethic even if I'm still healing from knee surgery.

Just need a little community help if possible

Thanks for your time!

The wife and I get a rare break away from the kiddos to go have breakfast this Friday. Looking for a new spot to try, so please give me some faves

Hi all! I am getting married in June and am starting to look for a wedding dress. I just found out that there isn’t a David’s Bridal here anymore ☹️. I’m getting the feeling there are not very many options in the Rogue Valley. But I at least want to attempt to find something locally before I drive up to Portland. I’m not looking to spend more than like $600.00. I’m also considering looking online but I have reservations about that too. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 🙏🏼

This Saturday at the Annex Dance studio (Elks Lodge building, next to the Copper Plank) there's a live Tango music concert and Milonga social dancing. The night begins with a free tango dancing lesson at 7pm. Followed by the Ciao Felicia! Band from PDX. $20 at the door for the concert and dancing, come challenge yourself with something new!

I haven't smoked for years and don't mind keeping it that way. I just want to know if I do some in my home or with others outside of working hours, would I be let go and is random testing done regularly?

Selling looks pretty easy, anything I should know? I am curious about pickup, is there a charge for pickup in Medford?

Thanks

Hello, so I'm in desperate need of someone who can crochet a hat??? I can provide the yarn, is it possible someone could create a hat before halloween? It's part of a costume, and I can't afford a automatic one you can crank or order one that'll get here in time. If anyone is interested, I will definitely compensate you with some cash or if you know anybody who could do it would be greatly appreciate it. Just hit me up and I can send you my phone number. Thank you.