Author Archive
Sara Jane Wiltermood

Up in the Air: Swinging With Le Cirque Center’s New Owner, Sonya Smith
Running off to join the circus? A first stop—or perhaps a jumping off spot—is Le Cirque Center in Ashland. The art of aerial dance is a passion of Le Cirque’s new owner Sonya Smith, and we caught up with her between classes to see what the future holds. Rogue Valley

A Tale of Two Volleyball Teams: The RCC Ospreys and the SOU Raiders are Putting the Rogue Valley on the Map
In their inaugural season, Rogue Community College Ospreys has stormed into their first women’s volleyball season with a rocking 18-1 record. And, the powerhouse that is Lady Raiders volleyball boasts an impressive 17-3 overall record so far this season, hearkening memories of last season where Southern Oregon was first in

This Rogue Was Made For Rafting: Interview With A Raft Guide
Known for the Rogue River tumbling through the region, and the tourist attraction it catches in its currents, local rafting companies have been enjoying a particularly high water mark this year, with record numbers of visitors and tourists. The Messenger caught up with Mike Slagle with Orange Torpedo Trips

On the Map: The World Premiere of Phoenix, Oregon
They’ve got the Lowe’s. They’ve got the fancy off-ramps and an overpass—construction of which slowed traffic on I-5 for what seemed like eons last year. For Rogue Valley residents, we don’t often give Phoenix too much thought as we whiz past on our way to Ashland or Medford. But, the

Don’t Trim the Mustache: Steaksauce Mustache Presents Superwoke
Hearing Steaksauce Mustache’s music for the first time is like biting into a steak and finding that it is so good, there is no need to wipe off the Steaksauce Mustasche before going in for another bite. Their unique brand of “chaotic rock’n’roll,” along with super fun live shows, has

GO HERE: Tunnel for My Valentine – Hiking Trails with Tunnels
Tumbling down the rabbit hole with Alice or observing our nation’s fascinating train history, tunnels have an undeniable intriguing allure. Whether seeking a special Valentines hike or simply a new trail to try, these hikes that include tunnels will not disappoint. Of course, use caution around tunnels, as trains are

Don’t You Wish Your Basket was Local Like Mine? All the Essentials for a Perfect Gift Basket
‘Twas the day before my work Christmas party, And a present is needed STAT. How could I forget such an important thing as that? The lines are too long at Wal Mart; Amazon Prime’s two days out. It looks like my Secret Santa partner will have to pout. But, hark!

In Their Element: Ashland Open Studios Tour Gives an Inside View
Seeing artists in their natural habitats is a bit like watching exotic wildlife in BBC’s Planet Earth series, or seeing a beautifully choreographed dance for the first time. The Ashland Gallery Association and local artists are offering a unique view into the creative worlds of art in their homes and
Peaks and Wine: Pairing Mountaintops with Vino
With the oppressive smoke choking the Rogue Valley this summer, it seemed that many of us did not make it out to the coveted hiking trails and wineries that make everyone outside Southern Oregon jealous. Though the smoke is officially scheduled through October, the haze is starting to clear, and

The Leaves Fall and the Curtain Rises: Autumn Theatre in the Rogue Valley
Tipping their hats to a new school year and a fresh start, many local theatres start their new seasons in the fall. And while some offer summer productions, others took a break, but it is clear that everyone is ready to hit the stage running. Shows range from romantic classics