Pete Pattisson

Dec 11, 2024 | theguardian.com | Pete Pattisson

When Shahadat set out for Saudi Arabia from his village in Bangladesh, he was driven by a single purpose: to earn money for his impoverished family. “If he sent money home, his family would eat. If he didn’t, they wouldn’t,” says a relative. For years he just about scraped by, sending a little money home each month and trying to pay down the huge debt he took on to afford the illegal fees a recruitment agent had charged him to get to Saudi Arabia. Then it all began to unravel.

Dec 9, 2024 | theashlandchronicle.com | David Runkel |Sian Boyle |Pete Pattisson |Ryan Gilbey

The Parks Commission decided last week that changes in Winburn Way “to reduce speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists” is the top priority for improvements to Lithia Park in the next two years. Because of the no dog rule in the park, Winburn Way is used by many dog walkers as well as other pedestrians, hikers, bikers, cars and other vehicles, Commissioner Stefi Seffinger explained. Various proposals for changing Lithia Way – a park road, not a city street – have been floated.

Dec 9, 2024 | theashlandchronicle.com | David Runkel |Sian Boyle |Pete Pattisson |Ryan Gilbey

Deputy City Manager’s Role Undefinedby David RunkelJordan Rooklyn, the new deputy city manager, will continue working on economic development issues for the city, while her other duties are “still undefined,” City Manager Sabrina Cotta says. “Jordan brings a solid background in government as well as local experience in the Rogue Valley being the former City Manager of Talent,” Cotta told The Chronicle.

Dec 9, 2024 | theashlandchronicle.com | David Runkel |Pete Pattisson |Ryan Gilbey |Tom Levitt

Parks Capital Improvement Budget: Zero for Golf Course, $12 Million for Swimming Poolby David RunkelIn response to the Parks Commission’s request for public feedback on its proposed Capital Improvement Plan for the 2025-27, two old issues were raised by citizens at last week’s commission meeting. John Maurer expressed surprise that “there is no mention of the golf course” which he said is the “laughing stock of courses in southern Oregon.

Dec 9, 2024 | theashlandchronicle.com | David Runkel |Pete Pattisson |Ryan Gilbey |Tom Levitt

TIdbits12/9/24By David RunkelBudget Issues at Forefront for City, School BoardWhile the school board is dealing with a budget gap in the current fiscal year, what happens in  the 2025-27 city budget is of increasing concern for city officials, in particular City Manager Sabrina Cotta.