An estimated 120 to 150 attendees trickled into Southern Oregon University’s Recital Hall on Wednesday to learn more about the Rogue Valley Manor’s parent company Pacific Retirement Services and its pitch to operate a senior living housing development proposed for the Ashland campus. Another company will talk about its plans on Friday afternoon.
The owners of Rogue Valley Manor in Medford are among two finalists to become an official partner to build and operate a senior living and educational facility on Southern Oregon University’s Ashland campus. Pacific Retirement Services, will make its on-campus presentation from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 9. McCormack Baron Salazar makes its presentation from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Friday, July 11.
In the end, Oregon lawmakers did grapple with the biggest questions before them this year. All it took was six months of grinding work weeks. The 2025 legislative session ended Friday evening at 11:15 p.m. after a marathon day packed with more drama and uncertainty than any session in recent memory. With the final gavels, lawmakers bid farewell to a session that included some notable accomplishments — and one dizzying failure.
Seniors struggling to find affordable housing could find relief under legislation sponsored by Oregon Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland. House Bill 3589, which received unanimous support in the House Monday and is now before the Senate, would put $24 million toward affordable housing projects for seniors and the disabled.
Oregon rental applicants who haven’t yet signed a lease could get their deposits back if they find the home they’ve applied to is defective. House Bill 3521 would let Oregon renters get their deposits back if the home they’ve applied to has defects making it uninhabitable.
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now launched its premier Green Business Recognition ceremony on Thursday, June 12, with a “green ribbon cutting” at a four-plex built out of straw bales on Wightman Street in Ashland.
As the state faces soaring levels of evictions, the Legislature’s budget-writing committee on Tuesday moved ahead with a budget for Oregon Housing and Community Services that includes large cuts for two key services: eviction prevention and homelessness prevention.
Researchers are utilizing two surveys to gather input from residents of Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix to better prepare for wildfires, according to City of Ashland news release.
Ashland city leaders reviewed a draft study on Tuesday that will help launch a long-term plan to boost employment and the local economy.
A single-family home planned for the street above Granite Street by the DeBoer family was approved by the Ashland Planning Commission Tuesday with numerous conditions, including codifying public access to the nearby ditch trail.
Carrie Dahle: More ADUs could gently expand our housing options while staying aligned with the look and feel of our existing neighborhoods. A homeowner on a fixed income might finally be able to stay because rental income helps keep them afloat.
As 2025 turns the corner into 2026, the time between three Ashland murder cases and solving the mysteries of who’s responsible keeps getting longer. Will the killing of Matthew “Oostburg” Vandersande in September join those of David Grubbs and Dave Lewis as cold cases?
Picture This: A reflection of the year through Ashland.news photographer Bob Palermini’s camera.
In state and national news, many Oregonians stood out for standing up. From protests and marches against Trump and his administration’s policies, to dozens of lawsuits against the federal government. Massive spending and tax cut packages that passed in Washington D.C. and Salem dominated this year’s political coverage
Obituary: Vincent Paul Shubat died on Dec. 19, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. Vince lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, and connection.
Black Alliance & Social Empowerment (BASE) Southern Oregon hosted a Kwanzaa celebration Sunday at the Historic Ashland Armory, featuring music, dancing, youth presentations and a candle lighting ceremony.
(It’s free)
