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Articles by Bert Etling
Obituary: Leo Bernard Gorcey
Leo Bernard Gorcey, 77, died in his Ashland home surrounded by family and friends Saturday, Oct. 24, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Gorcey was a corporate sales consultant, published author, contemplative teacher, musician and philanthropist. Leo additionally managed the political campaigns of local candidates including his partner, former Ashland Mayor Julie Akins.
SOU to partner with two universities in Ghana offering online courses
Ashland.news staff report Southern Oregon University and a pair of universities in Ghana took the first steps in their cooperative relationship with shared online courses earlier this year, and the connection is set to expand during the 2026-27 academic year to become part of SOU’s Global Innovation Scholars program – which includes reciprocal opportunities for community-based projects in each country.
SOU faculty members co-author book exploring presence of conflict in creative industries
Ashland.news staff report Erica Knotts and Chris Lucas – both faculty members in Southern Oregon University’s Communication, Media & Cinema Department – are co-editors of a new book that explores the presence of conflict in creative industries including film, television, the fine arts, radio and podcasting. The collection of essays looks at how conflict can be considered a necessary, productive and manageable element in the creative process.
Ashland School District superintendent: ‘Change is inevitable’
Ashland.news staff report Ashland School District will hold three public town halls in mid-November to gather feedback from parents and the local community about a proposal completed by the Transformation Steering Committee, according to a letter sent to families and community members by Ashland Superintendent Joseph Hattrick obtained by Ashland.news. Community town halls are planned for Tuesday, Nov. 17; Wednesday, Nov. 18; and Monday, Nov.
Letter: Useless negative ads
I was saddened to receive in today’s mail a negative ad impugning the character of Oregon State Senate candidate Denise Krause. Like the man behind the ad, Bruce Starr, Ms. Krause has honorably served the public for many years. The salacious ad is demeaning not only to Ms. Krause but also to the Republican party.
Obituary: Grace Elizabeth Henson
Amazing Grace Henson — A Life Filled with Love, Art and Creativity — Grace Elizabeth Dobson Fink Crowell Henson Our beloved “Amazing Grace” passed away at 6:23 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. How do you put a life like hers into words? Mom was an extraordinary, loving, creative soul who touched countless lives. She loved people, good conversations, telling stories, and dogs, especially her Boston Terrier, Willis.
Downtown office window vandalized early Thursday morning
Ashland.news staff report The Ashland Police Department is investigating an incident of vandalism to one of three large front windows at the Ashland Independent Film Festival office in downtown Ashland. A passerby called in a shattered window at the storefront at 389 E. Main St. at around 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The film festival had the window boarded up later Thursday morning. The suite of offices, which includes a small film viewing area, also houses Ashland.news offices sublet from AIFF.
SOU’s student leadership votes to give SOU administration 12-day notice of potential student leadership strike if agreement on pay structure not reached
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news Amid an unwanted change impacting student leaders’ paychecks, members of Southern Oregon University’s Student Senate voted 6-3 to put SOU on official notice of the potential for a student leadership strike unless an agreement is reached with administrators by early November. “This has already been endorsed and signed by the executive branch so as it stands, the executive branch is already set to go on strike on Nov.
Former Asante NICU doctors appeal to Asante board to intervene on growing list of concerns
By Buffy Pollock, Rogue Valley Times A group of nine recently terminated Asante NICU doctors is publicly urging the Asante board of directors through an online letter and petition to intervene and communicate with healthcare providers and the community at large about ongoing changes and financial decisions.
Letter: Don’t be fooled
It’s that time of year again — dozens of political ads and mailers piling up on the kitchen counter. This year, Southern Oregon has an important task: electing a new state senator. The race between Democrat Denise Krause and Republican Brad Hicks is heating up and I want to encourage everyone in our community to not be fooled by false promises. I have received dozens of communications from Brad Hicks who is trying to trick voters into thinking he is anything but what he is: A Republican.
SOU student body president: ‘We really want to stress the student perspective’
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news Southern Oregon University’s Student Senate on Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, will discuss a potential strike by student government.
Ashland schools superintendent: ‘Their children are our children’
Ashland.news staff reports Following the shooting of three young children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend on Thursday, Ashland School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick wrote a letter to local families sharing words of compassion following the tragedy. He has offered to support the school district in Bend in whatever way he can.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at SOU highlights community bonds, ongoing challenges
By Meg Wade for Ashland.news From elders and founders to those as young as 5 years old — who proudly stepped onstage and identified as “future students” — the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at Southern Oregon University on Sunday, Oct. 11, spanned generations and highlighted the long-lasting relationships formed through the Native Studies Program and Native American Student Union at the university.
Bend reels after school shooting leaves 3 children, teacher dead
By Emily Cureton Cook (OPB), Jireh Deng (OPB), Joni Auden Land (OPB) and Courtney Sherwood (OPB) The first call to Deschutes County dispatchers came in at 12:59 p.m. from someone in a vehicle outside Silver Rail Elementary School. Someone was shooting at them with a long gun in the parking lot of a Bend grade school, they said. Then more calls, dozens of them: A shooter had entered the building at the school, Police Chief Mike Krantz recounted at a press conference Thursday, Oct.
Election 2026: Kotek, Drazan focus on development at final debate for Oregon governor’s race
By Shaanth Nanguneri, Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, spent their final televised debate for the 2026 Oregon gubernatorial race tussling over who could best spur economic growth, housing and development in the state with a focus on Oregonians outside of Portland. Local news outlets KTVZ and The Source hosted the Bend debate, which coincided with the final day for Oregonians to register to vote.
Election 2026: Ready. Set. Vote! A guide to all things voting — deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 13
Ashland.news staff report As Election Day approaches, Jackson County’s top election official is encouraging people to educate themselves on all things voting before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker said people can begin exercising their right to vote by registering, confirming their registration status, reviewing the state and local voter’s pamphlet, and voting early — either by mailing their ballot or using a ballot drop box.
SOU Board of Trustees to meet Friday to hear updates on Vitality Plan
Ashland.news staff The Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees will hold a Finance committee meeting on Thursday leading up to meetings of SOU’s Executive, Audit, and Governance Committee and general Board of Trustees meeting Friday, in which trustees will also evaluate SOU President Rick Bailey’s work performance during two executive sessions.
Ashland School District ‘Transformation’ timeline calls for town halls in late October, November; board decision expected early next year
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news A steering committee looking at the sustainable future of the Ashland School District is narrowing down possibilities for district restructuring going forward, pending approval by the Ashland School Board in early 2027, and not until the community has a chance to offer feedback.
Jordan Rooklyn announces resignation from Ashland School District board, effective Oct. 16
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news Jordan Rooklyn announced her resignation from the Ashland School Board during a regular board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8, effective Oct. 16. Rooklyn earlier this week was promoted to interim city manager by the Ashland City Council from her role as deputy city manager after the council accepted Sabrina Cotta’s departure. Rooklyn starts as interim city manager on Oct. 17.
Election 2026: Meet the candidates Sunday, Oct. 11
Ashland.news staff report Ashlanders can meet candidates running for the Ashland City Council and the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission during forums on Sunday, Oct. 11, in Mountain Avenue Theatre at Ashland High School, 201 S. Mountain Ave.
Breast cancer survivor: ‘There is hope, there is life on the other side of this thing’
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news Ashland resident Ann-Marie Ramsey survived breast cancer but, in her words, that was only the beginning of her journey. Ramsey, a health and wellness coach and a former Riding Beyond board member, will share her experience navigating cancer and the years afterward during a talk planned from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ashland Family YMCA.
Football: Raiders come up clutch to take FC West opener at UMW, 28-27
SOU Sports Information DILLON, Mont. – Given the chance to wipe the slate clean with the start of Frontier Conference West Division play, the Southern Oregon University football team took full advantage in a dramatic 28-27 win against Montana Western on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bulldog Stadium. Fresh Ison rushed for a game-tying, 35-yard touchdown and Andy Nguyen converted a go-ahead extra point with 51 seconds left as the Raiders (2-3 overall) triumphed at UMW for the first time since 2017.
Letter: Vote for a fighter, vote Denise Krause
In the last few weeks, our neighbors are receiving letters from the Oregon Health Authority informing them of changes to their health insurance because of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid. These Trump cuts will have real devastating impacts on peoples’ lives. When we cast our ballots this November, personally, I will be keeping all of those impacted families in mind. We must elect a State Senator this November who understands health care, who fights for families, and who will stand up to Trump.
Election 2026: Gov. Kotek, Drazan will meet in live, televised Medford debate
By Troy Heie, Rogue Valley Times KOBI-TV/NBC5, in partnership with Southern Oregon University, will host a live, televised debate between incumbent Democrat Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican challenger and state Sen. Christine Drazan. The debate will air from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, and originate from the studios of KOBI-TV/NBC5 in Medford. It will air live on KOBI- TV/NBC5, KOTI-TV/NBC2, and stream live on KOBI5.com.
Picture This: 55th annual Talent Harvest Festival
By Troy Heie, Rogue Valley Times Thousands of people flocked to downtown Talent on Saturday for the 55th annual Talent Harvest Festival, held under warm and sunny skies with music, food, arts and crafts, vendors of all kinds and the inaugural community cider press in the late morning. The event was expected to draw up to 13,000 visitors, more than doubling the population of the city for the day.
Elderly woman wearing white floral print T-shirt reported missing near Mountain Meadows
Ashland.news staff report A woman named Mary Brandy was last seen near her home in the Mountain Meadows neighborhood at about 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, according to a “missing elder” notice posted Sunday evening by the Ashland Police Department. Brandy, who lives near Pavilion Place off North Mountain Avenue, was wearing black pants, no shoes and a white floral print T-shirt when last seen.
Ashland.news announces hiring of interim executive director
Ashland.news staff report Ashland.news has hired Julie Gillis as interim executive director, the nonprofit organization announced recently. “Julie will oversee all aspects of Ashland.news outside of day-to-day editorial operations: business operations, fundraising and grants, reader revenue, sponsorship, community relations, hiring, and administration,” according to the announcement. “Executive Editor Bert Etling will continue to lead the newsroom, working in close partnership with Julie.
Obituary: Michelle Morain Kjenaas
Michelle Morain Kjenaas, 71, formerly with Oregon Shakespeare Festival as an actor, passed on Aug. 19 in the wee hours. She endured 15 years of Alzheimer’s and two years of breast cancer before a peaceful transition. Born Anne Michelle Morain in Iowa on March 15, 1955, she was daughter to extraordinary parents, Claude Lester Morain and Genelle (Grant) Morain.
ONA-sponsored Save Rogue Regional Hospital town hall set in Medford
By James Sloan, Rogue Valley Times A town hall event featuring a panel of local nurses, NICU doctors terminated by Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center earlier this year, healthcare providers and potentially local lawmakers is set for Thursday evening, Oct. 1, in Medford. Organizers of the town hall say the event will address ongoing questions about Asante’s leadership and impacts on healthcare in the region.
Obituary: Sally Peterson
Sally Petersen, 70, a resident of Ashland since 2006, died unexpectedly at her home Sept. 14, 2026. She was born in San Francisco on Sept. 7, 1956. Her parents were Barbara and Marshal Mirza. Her father was a grading contractor and her mother worked in real estate. Sally grew up in South San Francisco with her sister, Melinda Conway.
Strike averted: SEIU reaches statewide higher education bargaining agreement
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news After several months of negotiations, SEIU and seven Oregon public universities, including Southern Oregon University’s 503 Sublocal 84 classified union, reached an agreement just before midnight Sunday, Sept. 27, averting what would have been the first classified union strike here since 1995. Ninety-seven percent of classified staff at seven universities statewide voted to authorize a strike on Monday, Sept.
Football: No. 3 Diggers overpower SOU
SOU Sports Information BUTTE, Mont. – Like every other team in No. 3-ranked Montana Tech’s way over the last month, the Southern Oregon football team had no answers for the Orediggers in a 58-10 loss on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Coliseum. Jarrett Wilson, a left-handed junior quarterback, completed 18-of-20 attempts for 295 yards and four touchdowns and All-America receiver Levi Torgerson torched the Raiders again as the Diggers improved to 4-0.
Obituary: Pamela Dianne Stock
Pamela Diane Stock, born June 13, 1948, in Hollywood, California, passed away on Aug. 30, 2026, at Table Rock Memory Care in Medford, Oregon. She was 78 years old. She was a resident of Ashland for 35 years. She did many different jobs while living up there; the Mail Tribune and working for the Ashland Tofu company were her favorites.
Peter Finkle: Pioneer Hall and Ashland Community Center — 1920s to 2026
By Peter Finkle, for Ashland.news Many in Ashland breathed a sign of relief on July 22, 2026. The Community Center and Pioneer Hall on Winburn Way officially reopened as community buildings after major renovation. They had been closed in April 2019 due to structural safety concerns. Tens of thousands of club and non-profit group meetings, dances, community meals, presentations, memorial services and other events have been held in these two halls during the past century.
Shortened SOU board retreat Friday afternoon includes update on Vitality Plan
Ashland.news staff report As freshmen are moving into the dorms Friday, Southern Oregon University’s Board of Trustees will hold a special board retreat from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18. The meeting will be viewable to the public via Zoom, where the administration plans to update Trustees and attendees on the implementation of SOU’s Vitality Plan.
Obituary: Carol Fellows
In loving memory of Carol Fellows, a life of connection, compassion, and peace. Carol passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 11, 2026, at the age of 86. She wants no gathering or ceremony but rather a quiet moment of reflection to appreciate the moments of life she shared with you. The greatest honor we can give to her life is to move on, living ours fully, and giving to others.
The OSF 9/11 Project: Stories of hope, community commemorate 25th anniversary
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news The Celtic sounds of bagpiper Angus Richardson playing “Amazing Grace” could be heard throughout “the Bricks” area at the heart of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival campus on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 11, as dozens continued to trickle in to hear stories of hope and community amidst tragedy to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Flight 93, and Pentagon in 2001.
Statewide electronic micro-tracking of monarchs comes to Southern Oregon
By Buffy Pollock, Rogue Valley Times Southern Oregon monarch advocates participating in the first-ever statewide effort to utilize micro-transmitters attached to the delicate butterflies will host a pair of monarch releases on Thursday and Friday in Phoenix and Ashland.
Judge will decide lawsuit over Ashland City Hall
By Damian Mann for Ashland.news Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Bloom on Monday voiced both skepticism and compelling interest in the city of Ashland’s legal arguments seeking to quiet title on ownership of City Hall. Bloom listened to two hours of presentations from City Attorney Johan Pietilia and the four attorneys representing the 27 heirs of John R. and Mary Helman, who deeded the downtown property in 1884 to the city for a Plaza and for the “erection” of a City Hall and jail.
Talent police seek help locating man missing since last week
By Buffy Pollock, Rogue Valley Times Talent police are seeking the public’s help in locating a Talent man who has been missing since Monday, Sept. 7, when he left his home on Wintersage Circle, off Suncrest Road, on foot. Angelo Nicholas Tobar, 56, is described at 5-foot-8, 145 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes and a greying beard. Talent police took a report for Tobar on Thursday, Sept.
SOU awarded second half of $15 million bridge in funding to stay afloat through June 2027
Ashland.news staff report The Oregon Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board voted Thursday to release the second half of a $15 million allocation to Southern Oregon University, signaling lawmakers’ satisfaction that the university is on track to meet agreed-upon milestones for implementation of its Vitality Plan for long-term financial stability and operational innovation.
Almeda Fire six years later: ‘The grief is not less, but it’s evolving’
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news PHOENIX – Phoenix resident Dan Shaw remembers ringing the bell at the 1st Phoenix Presbyterian Church on Sept. 9, 2020, the day after the Almeda Fire ravaged the towns of Phoenix, Talent, and south Medford, claiming more than 2,500 structures, including homes and businesses. Nearly six years later, Shaw rang the bell again Tuesday morning, this time in remembrance of the blaze and of the timing of the first call out for fire service that day on Sept. 8, 2020.
Obituary: William (Bill) Berlin Purdom
William (Bill) Berlin Purdom, 92, of Talent, Oregon, died in Medford on Aug. 27, 2026. Born April 6, 1934, in DeKalb, Illinois, to Elmer and Elsie (Harrison) Purdom, Bill earned a B.S. in geology with distinction from the University of Kentucky in 1956 and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Arizona in 1960. After working as a field geologist, including internationally, he joined the University of Oregon faculty in 1960.
Gov. Kotek pauses data centers on state land — Capitol demonstrators want her to go further
By Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle Roughly 100 people showed up outside the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday to call for a three-year pause on new data center development in the state. Among them was Gov. Tina Kotek, who expressed support for the demonstrators — a coalition of environmental, public health, farm and social advocacy groups — but who stopped short of endorsing the length and breadth of the pause they desired.
Ashland Planning Commission to begin review of 16 housing proposals
By Craig Breon for Ashland.news The Ashland Planning Commission will have its first chance to discuss a sweeping set of proposals for changes to Ashland’s housing development standards compiled by city Councilors Derek Sherrell and Jeff Dahle at the commission’s meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8 At its meeting of Aug. 18, the City Council voted 5-1 to consider these measures on an accelerated timetable, though the council made no commitment as to which measures they might adopt.
Rogue Valley healthcare professionals will meet with Salem lawmakers over Asante concerns
By Buffy Pollock, Rogue Valley Times Oregon Nurses Association representatives and healthcare workers — including recently terminated Asante NICU doctors — will meet with state legislators on Tuesday over concerns ranging from “cuts and closures, repeated violations of Oregon’s hospital safe staffing law, and anti-union spending,” according to an ONA news release.
Football: Wolves too much for Raiders in non-conference showdown
SOU Sports Information The Southern Oregon University football team rang up 504 yards of offense but couldn’t keep pace with a high-powered Western Oregon squad in a 65-35 setback on Saturday afternoon at Laurel Field.
Obituary: Neil Stewart
Neil Stewart, born in Culver City, California, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Aug. 17 in his beloved home. He will be fondly missed by his two children, family, friends and the community of the Rogue Valley. Neil moved to the Applegate some 56 years ago from California after serving in the national guard and teaching youth in Bishop, California.
Almeda Fire anniversary: Two cities trade beauty for ashes
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news Beautiful flowers will again brighten the streets of downtown Phoenix and Talent early next week to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Almeda Fire. The annual flower distribution also commemorates the first distribution of sunflowers by Urban Uprise Farm in Phoenix in the days following Sept. 8, 2020.
New ‘mama’ grizzly bear statue makes debut for first week of school at Ashland High
By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news There are dozens of new Grizzlies milling about the Quad this week at Ashland High School, but one stands out from the crowd at 8 feet tall. New students and staff were greeted during the first days of school for freshmen and all other students on Tuesday by a 900-pound bronze grizzly bear, which has some protective mama bear energy, if you ask school administrators.
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