Business
Ashland business rallies support after factory fire overseas
A fire destroyed a manufacturing facility in Madagascar that partners with an Ashland-based business that is raising funds to help the 400 artisans recover.
December 15, 2025
A fire destroyed a manufacturing facility in Madagascar that partners with an Ashland-based business that is raising funds to help the 400 artisans recover.
Despite early forecasts of a punishing 2025 wildfire season, Oregon escaped relatively unscathed. Less than 400,000 acres burned in 2025, only one-fifth of the 2 million acres ravaged the year before and well below the 10-year average of 680,000.
People from the community, tribal representatives, and state leaders came together at Blue Heron Park in Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 1, to honor Indigenous land stewardship of the Rogue Valley and the collaborative spirit guiding its recovery since the 2020 Almeda Fire.
On Oct. 11, the city of Ashland conducted a full-scale Community Wildfire Evacuation Drill, engaging more than 300 residents, local agencies and partner organizations in a coordinated evacuation exercise.
After concerns were raised about how those in Ashland living without housing would evacuate during a wildfire, a local nonprofit issued an emergency plan for people staying on the city’s “night lawn,” Ashland’s designated camping area.
Hundreds turned out for Ashland’s first wildfire evacuation drill. The exercise tested how quickly cars, cyclists and those on foot could reach safety using the emergency on-ramp at North Mountain Avenue.
After having to adapt on the fly during the Almeda Fire five years ago, agencies across Jackson County now have a shared wildfire evacuation plan that spells out each group’s duties. Law enforcement leads the way In the event of a citywide wildfire evacuation, while local fire departments and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will focus on fighting the fire.
Ashland is slated to host a first-of-its-kind voluntary evacuation drill on Saturday, Oct. 11, giving people the opportunity to practice wildfire evacuation procedures in real time. Registration closes on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The Moon Complex of fires in Curry and Coos counties is sending smoke into the Rogue Valley, prompting a warning from Jackson County health officials about dangerous air quality.
U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz said he is willing to return to in-person town halls if decorum and safety can be guaranteed. He specifically called out the group ORD2 Invisible, which Bentz said has orchestrated disruptions at meetings. The group pushed back, and said Bentz is scapegoating the organization to avoid accountability.
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)