This week, Southern Oregon saw a mix of significant local events, from a major peace celebration in Ashland marking a decade of community effort to ongoing public health updates regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Additionally, financial challenges continue for Jackson County Fire District 5, as new debt discoveries emerge, highlighting critical issues for regional services.
Key Takeaways
- Ashland's International Peace Day event celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission.
- Oregonians can now receive COVID-19 vaccines at no personal cost.
- Jackson County Fire District 5 faces a deeper financial crisis with a newly discovered $1.4 million FEMA loan.
- The Pine to Palm 100-mile ultramarathon concluded its final event with emotional finishes.
Ashland Celebrates International Peace Day and Commission's 10th Anniversary
Ashland hosted a significant celebration for International Peace Day on Sunday, September 22, 2025. This event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission (ACPC). The festivities took place at the Thalden Pavilion, drawing community members together for a day focused on unity and global harmony.
Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey delivered the keynote address. His speech highlighted the importance of peace initiatives in local communities and their broader impact. The Ashland Peace Choir provided musical performances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Peace Flame Symbol
The event centered around the world's only solar-powered World Peace Flame. This flame serves as a powerful, living symbol of unity, hope, and environmental stewardship, reflecting Ashland's commitment to peaceful ideals.
The International Day of Peace events spanned a 'Week of Peace,' concluding with the Ashland celebration. Another related event occurred on Friday in Phoenix, further emphasizing regional dedication to peace initiatives. The ACPC has been a driving force behind these efforts for a decade, fostering a culture of mutual care and respect within the community and with the environment.
"A culture of peace exists in a community when mutual care and respect characterize the relationships among all its people and between them and the environment on which they depend," stated Herbert Rothschild, a proponent of the culture of peace concept.
Oregon Offers No-Cost COVID-19 Vaccinations
Oregon health officials announced on September 19, 2025, that all Oregonians can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine without any personal cost. This measure aims to ensure broad access to vaccination for everyone across the state. The state government has also addressed liability concerns for healthcare providers administering these shots.
This policy change ensures that financial barriers do not prevent residents from getting vaccinated. It also provides legal protection for medical professionals, encouraging wider participation in the vaccination program. Public health experts continue to stress the importance of staying up-to-date with COVID-19 shots, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, to maintain the best possible protection against the virus.
Public Health Focus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently advises that updated vaccinations offer the most effective defense against severe illness from COVID-19. This is particularly crucial as new variants emerge and seasonal respiratory illnesses circulate.
The availability of no-cost vaccines simplifies the process for individuals seeking protection. It also supports the broader public health goal of reducing transmission and severe outcomes throughout Oregon. Residents are encouraged to contact their local health providers for information on vaccine availability and clinic locations.
Jackson County Fire District 5 Faces Deeper Financial Crisis
Jackson County Fire District 5's financial situation worsened this week with the discovery of a previously unknown $1.4 million loan from FEMA. This new debt pushes the district's total liabilities to an alarming $9.6 million. The revelation came during a special meeting of the district's board members on Wednesday, September 18, 2025.
District officials stated they were unaware of this FEMA loan until September 12. This lack of prior knowledge complicates their efforts to manage existing financial challenges. The district is actively exploring various options to address this escalating debt, including the possibility of loan forgiveness from federal agencies.
Debt Snapshot
- Original known debt: $8.2 million
- Newly discovered FEMA loan: $1.4 million
- Total current debt: $9.6 million
The financial turmoil has raised concerns among community members and district personnel. Despite the difficulties, district leadership has affirmed their commitment to finding solutions. They stated they have not 'given up the ship,' indicating a determination to navigate through these fiscal challenges and maintain essential services for the community.
The board will likely continue to hold special meetings and engage with financial experts to develop a recovery plan. The long-term stability of Fire District 5 is critical for public safety in Jackson County, making these financial discussions a high priority.
Final Pine to Palm 100 Ultramarathon Concludes
The legendary Pine to Palm 100-mile ultramarathon held its final event on September 14, 2025. As the sun rose over Lithia Park, families gathered to greet the weary runners completing the arduous 100-mile course. This emotional finish marked the end of an era for the challenging race.
Among the finishers was Tim Smith, an Ashland pharmacist. He ran the grueling race to honor his late daughter. Smith pushed through significant pain, grief, and an estimated 25,000 feet of elevation gain to cross the finish line, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defined the event.
The Pine to Palm 100 was known for its demanding terrain and the strong community it built around ultra-running. Its conclusion brought tears and triumph, leaving behind a lasting legacy for participants and supporters alike. The event's final chapter was a testament to human endurance and personal dedication.
Ultramarathon Legacy
Ultramarathons like the Pine to Palm 100 are more than just races; they are tests of physical and mental limits. They often inspire deep personal stories and foster strong bonds among runners and their support crews, creating a unique culture of resilience and community.
Families, friends, and fellow runners cheered on each finisher, celebrating not just the completion of the race but also the personal journeys undertaken by each athlete. The event's ending will be remembered as a significant moment in the history of regional endurance sports.
Local Engagement and Community News
Beyond these major headlines, Ashland continues to foster community engagement. The Ashland Culture of Peace Commission's commitment to local peace initiatives remains strong, as highlighted by the International Peace Day celebrations. These events underscore the city's dedication to civic participation and global awareness.
In other local news, a new crossword puzzle, 'Eureka Moment #05,' was released this week. It features clues related to a special event and three fall camps at Science Works. These puzzles provide a fun way for residents to engage with local happenings and test their knowledge. The next crossword, 'Grin and Bear It #03,' is scheduled for release next Friday.
These diverse stories reflect the vibrant and active nature of Southern Oregon communities, from significant public health updates to local cultural events and ongoing civic challenges.
