Author

Bernadette Obrien

Staff Writer: Explores the Medford metro area arts scene, outdoor trails, historical landmarks, community events, and cultural programs. Drawing from her experience at The Stranger, her reporting connects readers to Southern Oregon's creative and natural heartbeat.
Contact: [email protected]

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Four Oregon Beaches Just Ranked Among the Best Hidden Gems in America

Bernadette Obrien Jun 23, 2025

Four Oregon beaches were rooted out in a recent countrywide survey of top US off-the-radar beaches. The top three are found in Hawaii, followed by Secret Beach on the southern Oregon coast. 4 Oregon Beaches Voted Best Hidden Gems…

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Dutch Bros Officially Leaves Grants Pass for Arizona in Major Headquarters Move

Bernadette Obrien Jun 12, 2025

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — After approximately two years of relocating parts of its business to Arizona, the iconic Oregon drive-thru chain Dutch Bros confirmed that it is formally relocating its headquarters from Grants Pass to its rapidly…

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Oregon Caves Chateau Named Among America’s Most Endangered Places as Fundraising Efforts Intensify

Bernadette Obrien May 25, 2025

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently named the Oregon Caves Chateau one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025. Following the unfortunate closure of the Chateau in 2018, a committee was formed to assist…

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Port Orford City Jail in Oregon Earns National Historic Places Status for Ties to Mayor Gilbert E…

Bernadette Obrien May 18, 2025

Nominated for its significant connections to Port Orford's early city governance and its first mayor, Gilbert E. Gable, the Port Orford City Jail is one of Oregon’s newest entries in the National Register of Historic Places, which could…

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Scammers Trick Jackson County Residents To Collect Papers From Fake “Sheriff Aaron Grissom”

Bernadette Obrien May 6, 2025

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The Jackson County Sheriff Oregon (JCSO) issued a scam alert yesterday, alerting the public to a new scam: Scammers leave messages that say "Sheriff Aaron Grissom" has civil documents for them to pick up and ask them…

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Oregon’s New Federal Oversight Website Tracks Trump Lawsuits and Social Security Issues

Bernadette Obrien Apr 23, 2025

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield today announced the launch of a new Federal Oversight page on the Oregon Department of Justice website on Monday. The new webpage and Litigation Tracker include a form for Oregonians to report issues…

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Medford’s Howard School Park Makeover Brings Interactive Playground and Splash Pad by Memorial Day

Bernadette Obrien Apr 5, 2025

MEDFORD, Ore. — Renovations at Howard School Park, which started in July 2024, are almost done and are expected to be finalized by Memorial Day. On completion, the Howard School Park upgrades will include pickleball courts, a splash pad,…

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Ashland Leads Oregon Destinations with a Foreign Vibe, Survey Reveals

Bernadette Obrien Mar 25, 2025

In a recent traveler poll of U.S. destinations with a 'foreign feel,' several places in Oregon were included in the list of the most sought-after destinations offering international charm. Ashland ranked among the top places. …

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Pacific Power Gears Up For Weekend Storms Expected Across Oregon

Bernadette Obrien Mar 15, 2025

Pacific Power confirmed yesterday that it’s prepared to respond to weather-related outages ahead of a forecasted late-winter Oregon storm. The utility company is monitoring an approaching storm that may affect customers in parts of Oregon…

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Oregon’s Whale Watch Week Showcases Growing Gray Whale Populations and Coastal Sights This Spring…

Bernadette Obrien Mar 14, 2025

Oregon's Whale Watch Week, which runs from next Saturday, March 22, promises to be a sublime Spring Break, even for the whales who come out to play in the Pacific Ocean. Since 2023's Unusual Mortality Event, gray whale populations have…

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