Jeb Bladine: Name changes that recalibrate history
Columbus Day remains a federal holiday (second Monday in October), but Columbus School is ending its 131-year life in McMinnville. We’ve joined communities nationwide that have eliminated “Columbus” ...
Jeb Bladine: Dosages and costs for pain medications
Life’s aches and pains may come from injuries or just normal wear and tear, and Americans continue to lead the world in use of prescribed and over-the-counter pain medications. It can be a good ...
Jeb Bladine: Finding the humor in politics of 2023
Beckett and Moliere, even Shakespeare, were virtuosos of farce, a genre passed down to the likes of Mel Brooks and Monty Python. Chaucer, Swift and Voltaire all excelled at satire, much later celebrated ...
Jeb Bladine: We watched her world 'Through Rohse-Colored Glasses'
After decades of writing News-Register news and feature stories, Elaine Rohse settled into 40-plus years of creating an estimated 2,250 episodes of her human-interest column, “Through Rohse-Colored ...
Jeb Bladine: This rural estate has stories to tell
Looking for a house with a history? Do you have a spare $5 million and a passion for isolated rural life? Just head to Sheridan, turn right at the Highway 18 Dairy Queen, and back-road navigate toward ...
Jeb Bladine: System tries to ID political influencers
Campaign finance databases reveal much about cultural values, political influence and interesting trends. We found that, and more, in a recent News-Register investigation into local political fundraising. One ...
Jeb Bladine: Just like that, my column is done
Artificial intelligence (AI) — a revolution brewing in our media world — already is spilling into your daily lives. Don’t believe me? Read on. My recent vacation, virtually devoid of ...
Jeb Bladine: And that's just how political funds work
There are some misconceptions about reporter Nicole Montesano’s investigation into political finances flowing from the George family to candidates, measures, political action committees and political ...
Jeb Bladine: A modest proposal for financial sanity
This week, President Biden, Speaker McCarthy and a cast of featured and bit actors are playing games with a financial nuclear weapon aimed at the heart of America’s economy. Tuesday’s face-to-face ...
Jeb Bladine: Bright lights shine on school elections
McMinnville School Board elections are in a bright community spotlight this month. Three women — Audrey Aase, Shellie Reyes and Anita Humlie — have local families, friends and supporters with ...
Whatchamacolumn: Some weeks, it's a show about nothing
Occasionally, writing this column can be relatively easy; other weeks, simply choosing a topic is a frustrating challenge. Consider some current options that didn’t make the cut: Transgender phobia ...
Whatchamacolumn: Joe Dancer Park becomes a village
Ten days ago, our reporter counted 29 RVs and trailers parked in Joe Dancer Park, presumably examples of illegal daytime camping on public property. The new McMinnville Community Task Force has recommended ...
Whatchamacolumn: Packaged races in District 40 election
Conservatives should be commended for their transparency in seeking more ideological control of McMinnville School District with three high-visibility campaigns running in absolute lockstep. Governance ...
Whatchamacolumn: Mandates end, but masks still in play
Nearly three years of mask mandates mostly ended this week in Oregon when those requirements were eliminated for patients, workers and visitors in health care settings. It’s a relief for many, but ...
Whatchamacolumn: Follow the trail for just a few 'minutes'
Please second my motion in praise of minutes. This week, minutes saved me hours, perhaps days, in reviewing activities of the Yamhill County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Those hours and days ...
