One of our more interesting and hopeful stories this past week was about restoration efforts at the historic Elks Lodge building in downtown Medford.

Writer Damian Mann reported that The Copper Plank restaurant should completely open before the end of the year inside the newly restored lodge building.

That’s thanks to a $150,000 loan approved by the Medford Urban Renewal Agency last month that lifted the project over the finish line.

Mann reported: “Dale and Brandt Bernards, owner of the property at 202 North Central Avenue, have spent almost $1 million since 2018 to improve a building that sat empty since 2014, but ran into unexpected electrical issues, prompting an appeal to MURA for the final dollars.

“The Copper Plank restaurant will be the anchor tenant in a project that has bumped into various issues to help resurrect the 1915 building. Even though the restaurant hasn’t fully opened, Copper Plank has been partially opened for Tuesday trivia night and other special events.”

MURA board member Jessica Ayres noted that the zero-interest loan helps get a historic building ready for occupancy and helps with the city’s efforts to revitalize the downtown, Mann reported. “I think this is a great deal,” Ayres said. “I’m really proud of it. It’s the perfect economic deal.”

Read the full story here.

Also, don’t miss writer Tony Boom’s story on little Herminie J. Helms, who died from smallpox in Jacksonville in the late 1800s and was buried at her family’s home in Oregon Street. Her headstone was recently moved to the Historic Jacksonville Cemetery. Read the full story here.

Holiday happenings around the Rogue Valley

Holiday events are in full swing around the Rogue Valley, and you can read our list online at rv-times.com/go_rogue and in the print edition of GO! Rogue throughout the season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year if you enjoy holiday festivities, and for Southern Oregonians, there’s something for just about everyone.

For those interested in promoting their holiday bazaars, the Times is selling space in our classified advertising section. Call 458-488-2042 or place your ad at rv-times.com.

Recent stories in the Times

Medford resident Dylan McLeod found guilty in 2021 Aaron Stitt murder

Dylan McLeod gets 25-to-life sentence in 2021 murder of Aaron Stitt

Retired fire captain helps rescue 6-year-old in movie theater

Up and away: Mt. Ashland’s new Lithia Chair opens Saturday

Single mom moves from outbuilding into stable housing for the holidays

Living Opportunities client could use new clothes and a sturdy couch

Studio Roxander returns with ‘The Nutcracker’ for holiday season

If you haven’t subscribed to the Times, which can include digital-only or a print edition/digital subscription, we invite you to sign up at rv-times.com/subscribe or by calling us at 800-781-3214. For businesses looking to advertise in the Times — online and in print — reach out to our advertising staff at sales@rv-times.com.

Please support local journalism. It matters.

To receive our breaking news newsletter, go to rv-times.com and scroll to the bottom of our homepage to sign up.

— Troy Heie, editor; theie@rv-times.com / 458-488-2038