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]

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. …

News

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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

Ashland Chosen As #1 Oregon Romantic Fall Getaway Destination

Bernadette Obrien Nov 9, 2024

The perfect romantic retreat may be closer than you think. DatingAdvice recently surveyed 3,000 couples to find America’s favorite fall vacation hotspots, based on their experiences. Bar Harbor in Maine came in at number 1 in the US was…

Events

Bruce Campbell Hosts Casinoween Fundraiser in Ashland

Bernadette Obrien Oct 25, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — Globally recognized Bruce Campbell, the Southern Oregon-based actor and filmmaker best known as Ash Williams in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead horror series is hosting the annual Ashland Elks Casinoween fundraiser for the second…

Politics & Elections

No Political Or Campaign Signs Allowed On Oregon Highways

Bernadette Obrien Oct 16, 2024

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has confirmed that placing political signs along state highways contravenes the rules and regulations. These signs will be removed. Oregon Rules About Signs On Highways As the…

News

Jackson County Issues State of Emergency After Butte Bridge Fire

Bernadette Obrien Oct 16, 2024

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The Jackson County commissioners intend to declare a state of emergency to release county funds to repair a bridge damaged by a fire that broke out in the Butte Falls area last week. Bridge Over Big Butte…

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