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.
Seventeen cannabis workers in the Rogue Valley were detained during federal drug investigations and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on July 30, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, making it one of if not the largest such enforcement activities in Oregon since the Trump administration began its immigration enforcement push early this year.
In a reversal of fortune, a proposed 6-acre solar installation on Ashland’s northwest side along Highway 99 appears headed for approval after a public hearing Monday, Dec. 1, before a county hearing officer. The proposal had been tentatively denied by staff, then appealed to the hearing officer by the applicant, Medella Bison Ranch.
A six-acre, 1.4 megawatt (MW) solar energy development proposal just outside the north end of Ashland on the east side of Highway 99 is set for public hearing at the county on Monday, Dec. 1. The proposed project on one parcel of a much larger area owned by Medella Bison Ranch, was initially denied approval by county planning staff based primarily on impacts to agricultural lands.
A $1.5 million grant will provide the final dollars to roughly double the size of the popular downtown Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon. MURA board members, made up of city councilors, debated whether the grant was appropriate for an organization that provides preschool and other activities for children in the Medford area.
Jackson County commissioners declared a state of emergency in response to growing food scarcity following the suspension of SNAP benefits. Around 47,000 in the county receive the food benefits — including nearly 14,000 children or those living with disabilities.
Jackson County residents join millions worldwide for the “Great ShakeOut” earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Jackson County Fire District 5’s financial crisis deepened this week with the discovery of a previously unknown $1.4 million FEMA loan, pushing the district’s total debt to $9.6 million. The district is exploring options, including possible loan forgiveness.
A water conservation order that went out Tuesday morning to residents of the city of Talent and other Rogue Valley cities using water from the Medford Water Commission (MWC) system due to a power outage at its water treatment plant will remain in effect “until further notice,” MWC announced Wednesday afternoon. Not affected are the city of Ashland, which has its own water supply system, and those on private wells or on private water systems.
Expect steep declines in bus service in the Rogue Valley come Sept. 2. That’s what the city of Ashland’s Transportation Advisory Committee was told at its monthly meeting Thursday where they received updates from Rogue Valley Transportation District Associate Planner Edem Gomez about the funding situation at RVTD and what it will mean for changes to bus routes in Ashland and the Rogue Valley.
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)
