Creation of a foundation to benefit parks development and renovation in Talent will be the top priority for the city’s Parks Commission in the new year. Improvements to 12.4-acre Chuck Roberts Park identified in a 2024 amendment to the master plan will be a major emphasis for the city and the commission over the next several years, city officials said
Asante’s announcement that it plans to close the Asante Ashland Community Hospital birth center and inpatient surgery in May 2026 has sparked pushback in a number of ways, including an online petition to appeal the decision started by a staff member that’s gaining traction with more than 2,750 signatures as of publication.
Ashland’s historic Pioneer Hall will reopen Jan. 2 after being closed for more than five years for renovations, with a new fee schedule and online booking system implemented by Ashland Parks & Recreation. The city has ended a decades-old exclusive-use agreement with American Legion Post 14, clarifying that Ashland is the sole owner and that all groups, including the legion and Ashland Scout Troop 112, must now work with the parks department under standard city policies.
Jackson County library officials issued a statement of regret this past weekend over the handling of a 32-year-old man’s suspension of library privileges after he was witnessed watching videos and viewing photos of naked children on at least three separate days in one week at the Talent branch library.
Ashlanders could see their monthly bills rise by about $3 next year after a majority of the Ashland City Council backed a plan Wednesday, Dec. 17, to approve a 3.9% rate increase. The higher rates are intended to address declining cash reserves and pay for needed upgrades to the city’s aging electric infrastructure.
The Ashland City Council will hold a special study session Wednesday to review a study recommending annual electric rate increases of roughly 3.9% beginning in 2026. The increase, which would add about $2.99 per month to the average residential bill, is designed to prevent the city’s electric utility from dipping below recommended cash reserves and to support maintenance and upgrades to aging infrastructure.
More than 60 people turned out for a look at the proposed Ashland Mill mega-project during an open house Wednesday night at the Historic Ashland Armory. Planned on the former Croman Mill site on 60-plus acres of the city’s southeast side, what’s now known as the Ashland Mill project represents the largest development proposal in the city’s history, with more than 550 housing units and 200,000 square feet of retail and commercial spaces, as well as pathways, small parks and open spaces.
The Ashland ice rink will remain closed this season due to a series of permitting complications triggered by the decision to convert the rink’s canopy from a temporary to a permanent structure. The decision comes as a disappointment to local families and schools, who have long made time on the rink a holiday tradition.
A proposal to create four residential lots on Scenic Drive above Lithia Park won approval from the Ashland Planning Commission this week, despite challenges posed by steep slopes and protected trees. But plans for two new commercial buildings on Ashland Street hit an unexpected delay after the city discovered that required notice of tree removals had been omitted, forcing a continuation of the hearing until January.
A proposal to improve the walkability of Winburn Way through Lithia Park has been tabled by the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission. In other parks commission business, several residents voice concern about spraying glycophosphates, a widely used herbicide, that is banned in many other countries.
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)
