Author Archive

Sara Jane Wiltermood

Sara Jane Wiltermood

Sara has been involved with the Rogue Valley Messenger from its inception, innocently responding to a craigslist ad asking for writers back in 2012, because she figured, why not? She had received her B.A. in Journalism/Mass Communications from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, in 2007 and was itching to put it to good use back where she was born and raised, in Grants Pass. Little did she know that the then online paper would end up in print, or that she would find herself in the esteemed position of Associate Editor two short years later. She and her husband and daughter, Seth and Lavender, have a small farm outside Grants Pass, where they primarily raise goats and rabbits and sell their products at their farm stand, L-Mae Essentials. They aspire to add produce to their repertoire in coming years. In her spare time, she also works as a Surgery Assistant/Implant Coordinator at Associates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Grants Pass and Medford.

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Well, now every topic does seem to have a film about it: A documentary about a toilet? Nearly two miles from the nearest road, Mt. Shasta’s composting toilet at Horse Camp sits at 7900 feet. A breathtaking destination for skiers and hikers, this popular spot was also chosen as a

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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

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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

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  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

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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

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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

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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

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‘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!

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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

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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