Author

Lucille McNamara

Lucille McNamara is a Daily Tidings reporter with 27 years of journalism experience, covering Oregon public safety, crime and courts, plus statewide policy and community impact stories including housing, education, health, and immigration. She previously worked at The Star.
Contact: [email protected]

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Oregon Legislature Considers Recriminalizing Drug Offenses Amid Rising Deaths by Overdose

Lucille McNamara Feb 13, 2024

As drug paraphernalia litters the sidewalks, the Oregon legislative assembly is embroiled in debate to recriminalize possession. Both Democrats and Republicans realize that the state's current "soft" approach to drug possession must be…

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Home Care Nurses Take To The Streets To Picket For Better Pay

Lucille McNamara Feb 12, 2024

EUGENE, Ore. — Almost 100 nurses employed by PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are on strike for more money. Their action follows months of failed negotiations. The nurses want more money and an improvement in safety standards.…

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Oregon Has the Fourth Largest Homeless Population in the U.S

Lucille McNamara Feb 9, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — Oregon has the fourth-largest homeless population per capita in the country, with one in 10 children from homeless backgrounds attending Jackson County schools. Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, revealed these figures at the…

News

Jackson County Property Price Surges by 6.7%

Lucille McNamara Feb 8, 2024

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The good news for Jackson County homeowners is that the value of residential properties has risen 6.7%, averaging $405,000 per sale. The record number of 359 sales in Jackson County outstripped those recorded…

News

Oregon Legislative Session: Republican’s Anti-Abortion Bill Unlikely to Succeed

Lucille McNamara Feb 8, 2024

Senator Dennis Linthicum (R – District 28) is one of several Republicans backing an Anti-Abortion Bill that is unlikely to be heard during the current Legislative Session. Linthicum describes unborn babies as “pre-born individuals” and…

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Oregon Homeowners Face Tax Increases for Fire Protection

Lucille McNamara Feb 7, 2024

Oregon homeowners will face onerous increases in fire protection taxes if proposals by two Democrat Senators receive approval in the upcoming Legislative Session. UPDATE: Oregon Wildfire Survivors Will Not Be Taxed Meanwhile, Senate…

News

Medford Judge Launches Community Outreach Court Program at Homeless Shelter

Lucille McNamara Feb 6, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — Medford Municipal Judge Virginia Greer launched her community outreach court program from a homeless shelter earlier this week. Operating her first outreach courtroom from Kelly Shelter, Judge Greer says she aims to create a…

News

The 2024 Pear Blossom Run Set to Break Previous Records

Lucille McNamara Feb 5, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — The 2024 annual Pear Blossom Run in Medford is set to break previous attendance records, with thousands of South Oregon residents registering for the event on Saturday, 13 April. Those wishing to participate can register at…

Business

Fire Gutted Ashland Dairy Queen Scheduled for Spring Reopening

Lucille McNamara Feb 2, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — Ashland residents will have to wait until Spring to savor a “blizzard” at their local Dairy Queen, which was razed by fire last September, causing $1.5 million in damage. The reopening date has been confirmed by Jason…

News

Josephine County May Ease Firefighting Requirements to Obtain Building Permits

Lucille McNamara Feb 1, 2024

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The onus may soon no longer fall on Josephine County property owners to prove they have fire protection measures to obtain building permits. If the proposed changes to the county code are approved, only property owners…

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