Columnists

OVBC: Pay lawyers more? Yes, if they’re public defenders

Want to fix Oregon’s failing public defender system? Pay public defenders more. Read moreOVBC: Pay lawyers more? Yes, if they’re public defenders

OPINION: Citizenship is step toward resolving identity crises for adoptees

As a nonprofit leader of the Adoptee Group, it’s common to learn of adoptees adopted from other countries who do not have U.S. citizenship. This is due to a lack … Read moreOPINION: Citizenship is step toward resolving identity crises for adoptees

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Saying goodbye to Millie

They say time heals all wounds, but Pamela Loxley Drake still misses every animal she has ever loved: "They were all my friends." Read moreRURAL REFLECTIONS: Saying goodbye to Millie

FROM THE SIDELINES: Good things come to those who...believe

Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Read moreFROM THE SIDELINES: Good things come to those who...believe

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Predictions, and a planet that defies them

Do you want to build a snowman? Read moreRURAL REFLECTIONS: Predictions, and a planet that defies them

BBB: Whether new or longtime, homeowners can benefit from maintenance tips

Housing affordability continues to be one trend that remains top of mind for many homeowners and prospective buyers. Read moreBBB: Whether new or longtime, homeowners can benefit from maintenance tips

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Pages of life

Pamela Loxley Drake's heart breaks when she thinks about the pain and uncertainty some young people feel. Read moreRURAL REFLECTIONS: Pages of life

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Behind the curtain

Pamela Loxley Drake takes a self-conscious look at herself past and present — she's not so unlike her grandkids trying to hide in a place that they've outgrown.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Wrestling isn't about fame and fortune, it's about work

Let’s get ready to rumble!

FROM THE SIDELINES: Gary Payton II could be headed for Trail Blazer purgatory

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our NBA lives.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Is Valentine's Day all heart?

Enjoy this special Valentine’s Day edition of Pamela Loxley Drake’s regular column.

FROM THE SIDELINES: If you're asking for Scott Rueck's dismissal, you're the problem, not him

Scott Rueck is a good coach, and any assertion otherwise is absurd.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: My kingdom for a pocket

As an adult woman, Pamela Loxley Drake thinks she's figured out why her mother wore an apron so often: pockets.

OVBC: Concerns about water, wildlife and wildfire will shape Oregon’s forest policies

The issues that matter most to Oregonians about our forestlands are changing, writes Tim Nesbitt for the Oregon Values & Beliefs Center.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Portland's major league dreams lie in the hands of MLB, and MLB isn't talking

Five years.

BBB: Better Business Bureau offers tips to protect yourself from tax scams

Tax scams are among the most stubborn cons out there. They reappear often, each time with a slightly different spin.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Sock it to me

Pamela Loxley Drake dives into the wonderful world of socks. Yes, socks.

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FROM THE SIDELINES: Bill Schonely's mark on the city and franchise was immeasurable

Bill Schonely is gone, but his memory and the memories he provided aren’t going anywhere.

PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTEBOOK: A moment in Oregon’s history as seen through my lens

Two fellow photojournalists and I were allowed to capture the historic moment when Tina Kotek, soon to be governor, stood with her wife and rewrote Oregon history books.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Moving the sofa

Pamela Loxley Drake: "I know this desire to move things around isn't inherited, yet I think there might be something to it."

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Humming a familiar tune

Who needs a pet when you have demanding birds?

FROM THE SIDELINES: Ducks versus Beavers has gotten a lot more interesting

Who’s the better football team, Oregon or Oregon State?

FROM THE SIDELINES: Les Schwab Invitational is a sight to be seen

Another Les Schwab Invitational is in the books, and if you missed it, you missed a lot.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Les Schwab Invitational is a sight to be seen

Another Les Schwab Invitational is in the books, and if you missed it, you missed a lot.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: On the threshold

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’”

FROM THE SIDELINES: High school football players made their choice, but not without drama

Love it or hate it, ESD never lacks for drama.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Beneath the tree

The presents are full of surprises. Those given that hearts will be warmed. Gifts imparting love.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: No place like gnome

There’s gnome place like home for the holidays.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Is the transfer portal really good for college football?

Are you enjoying the transfer portal? If you are, I’m guessing you’re either a disgruntled college athlete, one looking for a raise, or an advocate for NCAA free agency. Because if you’re a coach or a fan of collegiate athletics — it ain’t for you.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Oh, that first winter snow

There is something magical and memorable about snow, writes Pamela Loxley Drake.

FROM THE SIDELINES: What standard are we held to at 14?

Jerry Jones was in the news last week regarding a photo from 66 years ago. Whether he should or shouldn't be is in question.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: A hill of beans

Holiday season feeling dull this year? Pamela Loxley Drake says try something new.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Ken Bond was a great player and coach, but a better person

The former FGHS and youth baseball coach passed away Nov. 10, but made his mark on the local community.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Gee, thanks

Simple words and affirmations can make a big difference in someone's day, Pamela Loxley Drake writes.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Run, turkey, run! Run for your life!

Pamela Loxley Drake wonders why the 'poor old turkey' has become our Thanksgiving meal of choice every year.

FROM THE SIDELINES: Where does Oregon go from here? Wherever Bo Nix can take them

Despite a tough loss to Washington last week, the Ducks can still accomplish a lot, assuming Nix is healthy to do it.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Courage in my socks

Pamela Loxley Drake has always been an original, and it's because she follows her heart.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Alone with truth

When you're casting your ballot, listen to what your inner voice tells you, Pamela Loxley Drake suggests.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Of ghosts and goblins

Pamela Loxley Drake believes in ghosts and the spirit world. Do you? On Halloween, anything is possible…

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Just my style

Perhaps our unseasonable weather is a blessing in disguise, Pamela Loxley Drake suggests.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: It's puzzling

Pamela Loxley Drake loves puzzles, and fall and winter are the perfect time for them.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Happy Latte Day, or something like that

Any day can be a holiday, Pamela Loxley Drake writes. In fact, many of them are -- you just don't know it.

RURAL REFLECTIONS: Of farmers and farm kids

Pamela Loxley Drake is proud to be a 'farm kid.' You should be proud of your farming heritage, too.

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