Nathan Rowling has been performing as Natasha Blackwell for the past five years, and will emcee the Pride events on the big day (11 am – 3 pm, October 13, Lithia Park, Ashland). “With this event we will be able to spread love farther and make pride bigger and better

Rogue Valley Messenger: What is a common reaction from kids on their first visit to the farm?  Melina Barker: Rogue Valley Farm to School got it’s start on one local farm offering opportunities for students to come and immerse themselves in a true field to table experience, tending the fields,

With the loss of federal funding, Josephine County Sheriff’s Department has faced constrictive budgets, the type of funding when staff might consider collecting and returning empty cans for the extra dimes. There have been massive reductions of patrol hours, big staff cutbacks and a policy of catch-and-release for non-violent offenders

Rogue Valley Messenger: Last December, you founded and now serve as the Chair of Keeping Ashland Women Safe Task Force, K.A.W.S. How did this organization come about? Alaya Ketani: As an Ashland resident for years, career social worker and hypnotherapist, I am aware of a lot that goes on that

Rogue Valley Messenger: The goal is for 20,000 acres to be set aside by 2020. You are halfway there. What needs to happen to reach that goal? Della Merrill: Vision 20/20 is an aspirational goal for 20,000 acres conserved. Even though we conserve more acres each year, protecting an additional 10,000

Rogue Valley Messenger: What do you do with the organization?  Dan Mata: Previously I was a CASA Volunteer for a year and I was appointed as an advocate to speak about the best interest of our children involved with DHS/CW.  Currently I am the Lead Case Supervisor for CASA of

Rogue Valley Messenger: You and Tom moved here with your son Oliver a few years ago. What brought you to southern Oregon from NYC? Stacy Van Voorhees: The journey began back in the “Old World,” pre 9/11, 2001. We were newly married and had been rag-tagging around NYC for 15

Rogue Valley Messenger: You won 85 percent of the vote. What was that experience like? Michelle Blum Atkinson: I was honored to win 85 percent of the vote in the contested primary; the support of my community means a lot to me. I think the people of Medford are ready

Rogue Valley Messenger: What kind of programs do the Ashland Public Schools have that normally wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for ASF? Susan Bacon: Through our Education Support grants, the Ashland Schools Foundation grants the school district over $150,000 annually for additional teachers and other educators to support a variety of programs and needs

Rogue Valley Messenger: Outside of your professional experience what sets you apart, at the personal level, from the other Jackson County Circuit Court Judge candidates? David Orr: My unique life experiences give me perspectives that very few judicial candidates are likely to have. I did not come from a privileged