Author

Bernadette Obrien

Staff Writer: Explores the Medford metro area arts scene, outdoor trails, historical landmarks, community events, and cultural programs. Drawing from her experience at The Stranger, her reporting connects readers to Southern Oregon's creative and natural heartbeat.
Contact: [email protected]

News

Judge Finds in Favor of Medford City: Camping Ordinances are Constitutional

Bernadette Obrien Feb 2, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — A federal judge found that Medford's time-place-manner camping ordinances are constitutional. The judge cited that the city's response to the homelessness crisis differs from landmark cases in Grants Pass and Boise, Idaho.…

News

In a New Farm Bill, Oregon Senators Call for Drought Relief

Bernadette Obrien Feb 1, 2024

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Senators from Oregon are calling on the federal government to do more to bring aid to its drought-stricken agricultural community. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said, "We understand that there is not an easy, magical,…

News

Land Swap Agreement Signed For a New Football Indoor Practice Facility in Eugene

Bernadette Obrien Jan 31, 2024

EUGENE, Ore. — Two years after the announcement of plans for Oregon’s new indoor football practice facility, it is finally on a formal timeline for construction. Negotiations between the city of Eugene and the University of Oregon for…

Revels

SOU Music Recital Hall Will Feature Portland Opera Couple in a Wide-Ranging Show

Bernadette Obrien Jan 31, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — Jocelyn Clare Thomas and Zachary Lenox will sing the song “One Hand, One Heart” from their hearts when they perform on Sunday, February. 18, in their “The Meaning of Love" performance. They sang this song on their wedding…

News

Southern Oregon Homelessness Summit Will Examine Causes And Possible Remedies

Bernadette Obrien Jan 30, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — The homeless crisis in Southern Oregon is a growing concern. In order to address this, a day-long summit will discuss the causes of homelessness. Speakers will address domestic violence, income disparities, and possible…

News

The Steiner Log Church Took Over 40 Years to Restore and is Now Open for Tours

Bernadette Obrien Jan 30, 2024

WELCHES, Ore. — The Steiner Log Church was built in the 1930s. It took the owner, Mike Gudge, over 40 years to restore this historic building. This process included transporting the 2,000-pound building through the woods to its current…

News

Portland Takes the Top Five Spot on the List of the Most Walkable Cities in America

Bernadette Obrien Jan 28, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore. — A new report that researched the walkability of American destinations ranked Portland, Oregon, in the top five of most walkable cities. It was given the fifth spot as one of the cities where you can travel far without a…

Education

Oregon’s Graduation Rates are the Second Highest in the State’s History

Bernadette Obrien Jan 27, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Education reported today that the graduation rate of the class of 2023 is 81.3%. It is the second-highest in the state’s history. Bret Champion, the superintendent of the Medford school district,…

Revels

Rogue World Music Festival 2024: Now at Three Cities, Promises Groundbreaking and Genre-Bending…

Bernadette Obrien Jan 26, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — The 2024 Rogue World Music Festival over the Memorial weekend in May has expanded into new territory and will now be open, free of charge, to the public at venues in Ashland, Medford, and Talent. This year’s event promises…

Revels

“Clue” to Start Oregon Cabaret Theatre’s 2024 Season

Bernadette Obrien Jan 26, 2024

ASHLAND, Ore. — Murder Mystery meets farce in Oregon Cabaret Theatre's "Clue," the comedy production kicking off the 2024 season on Friday, February 2. Set to run through April 7, the play “Clue” is a comedy based on the iconic 1985…

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