Douglas County has a proud tradition of having more than its fair share of citizens who have or are currently serving in the military. Nationwide, less than 7 percent of people are currently serving or previously served, but in Douglas County it’s more than double that at 15 percent, accordi…
I am writing to rebut the opinion column “No, he cannot end birthright citizenship” by Marc Thiessen, and all other off-the-cuff remarks pertaining to President Trump’s proposed executive order.
What comes to mind when you think about the essentials for life? Food? Clothing? Education? How about shelter? I think we can all agree that these are necessities for all people, globally and in our county. Without access to these, life itself is put in jeopardy. When you look at the informa…
In response to the Oct. 21 article, “How fire burned Forest Service budget,” I’d like to add a component rarely spoken of regarding the utilization of private contractors in wildland fire suppression. The element I speak of is arson for profit.
Public transportation services are about to see major changes in service provisions along with a boost in funds from the state. My name is Vince Portulano, and I’m seeking a seat on the new Douglas County Transportation District, and am seeking your support because I believe I can work with …
It appears that the massive tax cut at the federal level is not producing offsetting revenues through growth that was expected. Now the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, is talking about cutting entitlements. Namely Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
In our county and across the state, people with disabilities, seniors and low-income families are struggling to secure safe, stable and affordable housing. For people who experience a disability, as well as seniors, income is often fixed and very limited, leaving adequate and affordable hous…
Every morning since that fateful day begins the same way. It was the most intense heartache imaginable, the middle of a bad dream, drifting in a small boat on that mighty sea of sorrows. And when she awakened, nothing changed. The nightmare was still there.
After purchasing our home, we spent the first two years bending over and picking up trash. It was as if someone loaded a plane with garbage, flew over and randomly dumped it out. For the past eighteen years we have carefully restored much of the wildlife habitat, planting thousands of trees …
I understand from the articles on the League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley forum that Senator Heard is not attending the forum on Tuesday due to a scheduling conflict with a tour of wildfire lands. I respect that. Our legislators must be informed and connected to the issues and people of …
Now that we are nearing the end of an extremely active fire season in Southwest Oregon — the second in a row — the conversation surrounding the management of federally controlled forests is starting to heat up.
Being a county commissioner is a big job. It is both a joy and a curse of sorts at times. It is very humbling to consider that you need more votes than a host of other candidates to be gifted the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Let me say that again, “given the opportunity to serve.” …
The Douglas County Second Amendment Protection Ordinance on the ballot this November is a fraud.
“What we call extreme heat today, we will call summer in a matter of decades.” — Michael Mann, climate scientist.
My journey of officiating began in Douglas County in 1977. This is my 37th year officiating basketball, 35th year in fast pitch softball and 5th year in volleyball. This journey has provided me the means to identify the characteristics of a healthy organization. I have belonged to three diff…
Here in Glendale, we know lumber. It’s powered towns like ours across the Pacific Northwest for over 165 years. Like many businesses in small towns and communities throughout Oregon and Washington, we at the Swanson Group are a family-owned business in the business of supporting families — w…
Southwest Oregon communities today are facing an annual cycle of more frequent and severe wildfires, more losses of lives and property and more toxic smoke that fills our valleys and stretches our public health resources. As a county commissioner, I’m concerned about the trauma our citizens …
This week, the lawsuit against a transgender boy who used his preferred bathroom in the Sutherlin School District was dropped due to precedent cases ruling in favor of the defendant. To this, I can only say:
