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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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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Oregon Hospitals Boost Economy with $32.4 Billion and 160,000 Jobs While Struggling to Stay Afloat

Bernadette Obrien Mar 4, 2025

The vital role of hospitals in Oregon—over and above the lives saved and healthcare to Oregonians—was highlighted in an economic impact study published by the Hospital Association of Oregon. The study indicated that community hospitals…

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Mass DOGE Firings Threaten Oregon’s Wildfire Defenses and Weather Warnings

Bernadette Obrien Mar 4, 2025

Hundreds of DOGE Federal firings in Oregon of workers employed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) will weaken wildfire monitoring and also affect the service of…

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In-N-Out Meets City Officials With A View To Opening A Restaurant in Portland

Bernadette Obrien Jan 13, 2025

PORTLAND, Ore. — In-N-Out Burger, as famous for its iconic burgers like the Double Double and Animal Style fries as it is for its long drive-thru lines, is set to meet with the city of Portland about building its first potential location in…

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