Dr. John Maurer: It is my profound sense of community loss that prompts me to pen this article. Please let me know how the loss of our hospital impacts you…. I’m sure it’s a lot more than the inconvenience of driving 12 miles to Medford for your care.
Rep. Pam Marsh: From my perspective, this closed-door approach reflects a lack of respect for both hospital personnel and the community as a whole.
Bryce Smedley: The Community Preschool has endured for decades because it provides research-supported, child-centered learning. Children find a setting that recognizes their needs. Families find a stable partnership. Future teachers gain practical grounding before entering the profession.
Stef Seffinger: I urge the commission to pause new development until it restores staffing levels, stabilizes its operating budget and provides a transparent long-term plan for maintaining both current and proposed assets.
Michael O’Looney: President Donald Trump’s relentless name-calling of those he regards as his adversaries in politics and the media has become something more than a feeble attempt at conjuring up innocuous nicknames. Besides being childish and unimaginative, his slurs have become methodically vicious.
AFP board: If you are a current Ashland Food Project donor, invite someone you know to become a donor. If you don’t currently give to AFP, please sign up to be a donor.
Michael O’Looney: Trump and the Texas Legislature are responsible for a partisan power grab that has unleashed bitterness and partisan vindictiveness, all in an effort to subvert an electoral system for partisan ends.
Craig Anderson: All of this delay did not come from a “miscue.” It came from a pattern of belligerence exhibited by city of Ashland and state officials toward whatever obstacles stand in the way of development.
Councilor Jeff Dahle: While I respect the intent behind that proposal (to require a public vote on new taxes and fees), I do not support the petitioner’s request of the City Council to mandate that it be placed on the ballot without requiring the petitioner to follow the same established process that applies to all initiatives.
Councilor Dylan Bloom: Next November, Ashlanders may decide whether any new or increased utility fees must be approved by voters. I do not support that policy. But I do support the City Council placing the measure on the ballot rather than requiring the petitioner, George Kramer, to gather signatures.
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)
