Sports Reporter: Medford, OR

No need to get feisty

 

Too damn hot. Supposed to be 110 early next week. No rain for the past 4-5 weeks. Went three months last summer without a drop.

Honestly, it's much more like California than part of the Northwest.

 

You are correct. Just got an email from the SE --- had to bill for a freelance article I wrote for them this month --- who said he planned to start contacting finalists next week. Tim's a great guy to work for, this just isn't his favourite part of the job. He'd much rather be out covering golf or running. But I know they want to get someone in sooner rather than later.

I would be surprised if they fly someone in for an interview --- they didn't when I was hired or for the guy who they are replacing now.

Good news on the housing front, if someone relocates from outside the area. There is an abundance of apartments and condos available and housing prices have dropped substantially in the last year or so, so the person should have a good choice of what they want.

Bad news on the economy: the mall is about half empty and Joe's Sports and Outdoors (major retailer) went out of business earlier this year. A few other restaurants and retail places have closed up, too.

 

Actually, I'd rather be out playing golf, Mark, but that's not happening much these days. Thanks to those interested in our position in Medford. I had 190 applicants and got through them earlier this week to the point I've got a handful of finalists. I had hoped to do that late this week, but real work got in the way. I will be contacting them in the next few days. The finalists, for the most part, are regional folks I'm familiar with and who are familiar with what we do. We won't be flying in anyone for interviews -- that was made clear to me by my superiors. I hope that sheds light on what's going on. If anyone on here wants to send me an e-mail to check on their status, I'd be happy to respond. ttrower@mailtribune.com

 

For those who sent me e-mails and haven't yet heard back, I'll get a chance to respond tomorrow (tues).

 

I sent in an email last week but haven't heard back. Am I correct in assuming that all finalists have been contact at this point?