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]

Business

Nike Tops the List of Dream CEO Jobs for Graduates in Oregon, Survey Says

Bernadette Obrien Jun 30, 2025

In a recent poll that asked 3,064 graduates, "If you could be the CEO of any company, which one would you choose," Google's Sundar Pichai’s job was the most sought after, while Nike's Elliott Hill was rated 19th overall, but the most sought…

News

Three Oregon Towns Make National List of Most Envied Lifestyles Thanks to Work-Life Balance and…

Bernadette Obrien Jun 29, 2025

Ashland in Oregon has been named as offering one of the ‘most envied lifestyles’ in the United States, according to a poll of 3,012 respondents. Two other Oregon locations – Lake Oswego and NorthWest Crossing in Bend – also made it to the…

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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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

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,…

News

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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