SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8,
Concerns Raised Over New Josephine County Financial Oversight Order
By: John Oliver
A recent attempt to pass an order by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners is drawing attention due to concerns over potential misuse of funds and increased opportunities for financial mismanagement. The order grants the County Finance Director, Sandy Novak, expanded access to the county’s financial accounts, which some fear could lead to a lack of accountability within the county's financial operations.
The order, based on existing statutes and county codes, requires the County Treasurer to provide the Finance Director with access to all the county's banking and financial accounts. This move is framed as aligning with good financial practices and auditor expectations, ensuring that multiple departments can oversee the county's financial transactions.
The absence of direct oversight has raised questions about the balance of power and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent potential financial abuses. The move to give one individual such significant control over financial operations has sparked debate, with calls for transparency and greater accountability.
Some have suggested that the state of Oregon may need to step in to investigate these matters further, ensuring that the public’s trust in local government remains intact. The move to give one individual such significant control over financial operations has sparked debate, with calls for transparency and greater accountability.
However, community residents argue that this directive could inadvertently create an environment ripe for financial mismanagement, including embezzlement. The concern lies in the fact that by granting such access, Novak, the current Finance Manager, could potentially pay invoices, create vendors, and delete records without adequate oversight. This level of access, combined with her role in finance, human resources, and accounts payable, could lead to a self-governed system with absolutely no checks and balances.
The order also includes a strict enforcement clause. If the County Treasurer fails to comply within seven business days, their authority to access Josephine County’s financial accounts will be suspended. This raises further questions about the balance of power and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent potential financial abuses.
As this issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the community and the state will respond to these growing concerns. The public is urged to remain vigilant and demand answers from local officials to ensure that financial integrity is upheld in Josephine County.
Two Earthquakes Shake Southern California, Felt by Millions
By: Ellen Ward
On Saturday, Southern California experienced two moderate earthquakes that were widely felt across the region. The tremors, with preliminary magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.9, occurred in close succession, affecting a significant portion of the population.
The first quake, registering a magnitude of 3.5, struck the area in the morning. However, it was the second, stronger earthquake that drew more attention. At 10:34 a.m., a 3.9 magnitude earthquake hit with its epicenter located 4.4 miles southeast of Ontario, California. This location is in close proximity to the epicenter of the first quake, suggesting a possible connection between the two seismic events.
While the shaking was felt across a wide area, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage by 10:40 a.m. Despite the relatively modest magnitude of the earthquakes, their shallow depth and proximity to populated areas
likely contributed to the widespread sensation of shaking.
Throughout the morning, several aftershocks were recorded in the same region, though they were of lesser intensity, with magnitudes below 2.5. Aftershocks are common following a larger seismic event, as the Earth's crust adjusts to the shifting tectonic plates. These smaller tremors can continue for days, weeks, or even longer, depending on the size and nature of the initial earthquake.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that California experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, but the vast majority are minor and go unnoticed by the general public. According to the USGS, several hundred earthquakes annually reach a magnitude of 3.0 or greater, while only around 15 to 20 exceed a magnitude of 4.0.
Southern California, in particular, is a seismically active region due to the presence of several fault lines, including
Presidential Debate: Harris and Trump Gear Up with Contrasting Strategies
By: Jason Foley
As the upcoming presidential debate looms, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are taking markedly different approaches in their preparations, highlighting not only their divergent visions for the country but also their distinct personal styles.
Kamala Harris, the sitting Vice President and Democratic nominee, has retreated to a historic hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Here, she is focusing intensely on refining her debate responses, working closely with her team to craft clear and concise answers within the strict two-minute limits imposed by the debate's rules. Since Thursday, Harris has been huddled with her aides, carefully strategizing for the showdown. She chose this location not just for its privacy but also for its proximity to swing-state voters, allowing her to engage with the electorate while fine-tuning her debate performance.
Harris's debate preparations reflect her campaign's broader focus on middle-class issues and the potential for a better future for the country. Her team has brought in Democratic consultant Philippe Reines, a seasoned political strategist who has portrayed Trump in practice sessions. Harris has made it clear that she anticipates Trump's use of personal attacks and misinformation during the debate, tactics that have been a hallmark of his political style. She has publicly stated that she understands Trump's motivations on a psychological level, framing herself as a leader who can offer a stronger and more stable alternative.
In contrast, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee and former president, is taking a more relaxed approach to debate preparation. Publicly dismiss-
• see GEARING, page 5
NEWS DESK
Letters to the Editor Concerns About Chris Barnett in Lakeside, Oregon
From: Kay Avers
I read your recent article on Chris Barnett, and I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. He has a business in Lakeside, Oregon, and I’ve had several unpleasant encounters with him. I’ve also observed how his actions have significantly harmed our town.
Barnett portrays himself as a decent individual, but when things don’t go his way, his behavior drastically changes. He has verbally and physically harassed my friend for over two years and even influenced the arrest of one of his employees for harassing residents in our community. Additionally, during a charity food drive where he was vol-
unteering, he brandished a weapon towards those in need.
A few years ago, Barnett lost control at city hall and was legally trespassed from the premises. Despite frequently boasting about his accomplishments, his experience hasn’t made him an honest or professional person. Instead, he comes across as selfish and self-serving. If given any power, I believe he would abuse it.
Barnett often flaunts his wealth and superiority over anyone who disagrees with him, which seems to have given him a bit of a god complex. I sincerely hope your community can avoid the challenges we’ve faced with him here.
Upholding Christ’s Teachings: A Call for Love and Respect Amid Division
From: Connie Roach
I was saddened to read Russell McAlmond’s recent letter and hear how he has been mistreated. As a Christian, I find it difficult to comprehend expressions of hostility, especially from those who identify with the teachings of Christ. Central to the teachings of Jesus is the command to love both our neighbors and even those we may consider adversaries.
Jesus emphasized that what we say reflects what is
in our hearts. He taught that harmful words and actions— whether in the form of falsehoods, slander, or hate—are signs of deeper issues. When someone expresses such negativity, it stands in contrast to the example set by Christ.
As a Christian and a Republican, I want to make it clear that I do not support behavior that fosters division or animosity. I believe it is our duty to uphold the values of love and respect, and I stand against any actions that fail to reflect these principles.
Earthquakes Shake Southern California
From page 1
the well-known San Andreas Fault. While Saturday's earthquakes were relatively small compared to California's history of more powerful quakes, they serve as a reminder of the region's ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity.
In recent years, advances in earthquake detection technology, such as the USGS's ShakeAlert system, have improved the ability to provide early warnings to residents. These systems detect the initial seismic waves and can alert people seconds before the more damaging waves arrive. Although the system's effectiveness varies based on proximity to the epicenter, it represents a crucial step in mitigating the impact of earthquakes on communities.
Despite the absence of damage or injuries from Saturday's quakes, local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to have emergency kits, secure heavy furniture, and be familiar with safe locations in their homes or workplaces. Earthquakes can strike without warning, and even smaller events like these can serve as a wake-up call for those living in earthquake-prone areas.
As aftershocks continue to ripple through the region, experts will monitor the situation closely. While these quakes are part of California's seismic routine, the state's residents remain vigilant, knowing that a larger event could occur at any time.
Understanding the Recall of Commissioner John West
WE ARE A GROUP of concerned residents committed to the recall of Commissioner John West, driven by our deep concern for the well-being of our community.
Our mission is to address and correct the leadership and decision-making issues that have negatively impacted the health and safety of our county, led to financial mismanagement, and resulted in violations of state laws.
WHY WE’RE TAKING ACTION
Our efforts are based on several key concerns:
Pipe Fork Property Sale: We believe that West engaged in bad faith negotiations over the sale of the Pipe Fork property, which not only cost the county valuable revenue but also put a vital water source for the Williams community at risk.
Disregard for Voter Will: West has consistently ignored the will of the voters by cutting essential funding for community programs such as the Oregon State U niversity Extension Service, law enforcement, and public health initiatives. These cuts have strained the very services that our residents depend on.
Legal Violations: There are serious allegations against West, including violations of state laws, campaign finance regulations, and public meeting laws. He is also facing pending ethics and labor law violations, raising significant concerns about his adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Library District Withdrawal: West unilaterally approved the county’s withdrawal from a Library District, a decision that has led to costly litigation and strained county resources.
Threats to Community Safety: West’s decisions have jeopardized community safety by reducing or eliminating critical emergency preparedness programs, including scaling back the Firewise program, cutting the Emergency Management program, and removing fire safety standards for property development.
Questionable Hiring Practices: We are concerned that West has prioritized political loyalty over merit by appointing unqualified political allies to key county positions, compromising the effectiveness of our local government.
OUR VISION
We envision a county where leadership is accountable, transparent, and truly representative of the community’s best interests. Our recall effort is a step towards restoring integrity in local governance and ensuring that our county’s future is guided by ethical and responsible decision-making.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
As we continue to gather support for this recall, we encourage all community members who share our concerns to join us in this important effort. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our county is governed by leaders who prioritize the well-being of all residents.
MOVING FORWARD
The recall of Commissioner John West is about more than just addressing past actions; it’s about setting a new standard for leadership in our county. If we can join together and collect enough petition signatures from Josephine County voters, the recall ballot measure will appear on a special election ballot in December 2024. You will see by the facts behind our petition points that Commissioner John West has cost the citizens millions just in his first 19 months in office. If enough of our fellow voters agree, we are justified in bringing this special election before voters because Josephine County cannot afford two more years of the extremely costly decision-making of Commissioner John West.
Controversy Surrounds County Commissioner Race
John
West's Financial Backing of Chris Barnett Raises Questions
By: John Oliver
As the race for County Commissioner Seat Two heats up, Chris Barnett's candidacy has come under intense scrutiny due to his ties to current County Commissioner John West. West, who is facing a recall due to allegations of unethical and illegal activities, has thrown his financial support behind Barnett. This support has sparked concerns among voters and raised questions about Barnett's motivations and qualifications for office.
One of the most pressing questions is why John West has chosen to back Chris Barnett and not any of the other candidates running for the seat. Critics argue that West sees Barnett as a convenient ally who will continue his legacy and protect his interests if elected. This has led to accusations that Barnett is merely a puppet for West, willing to carry on the same policies and practices that have led to West's recall.
Adding fuel to the fire, West has been spotted around town putting up Chris Barnett campaign signs while on the county's dime. This behavior has raised ethical con-
cerns and led to accusations that West is using his position and taxpayer resources to influence the election. Many in the community view this as a blatant abuse of power and further evidence of West's attempts to maintain control over the county commission through Barnett.
The relationship between West and Barnett has become a focal point of the campaign, with many questioning Barnett's independence and ability to govern without West's influence. Critics argue that a vote for Barnett is essentially a vote for John West and the continuation of the corruption that has plagued the current administration. The slogan "Chris Barnett for County Commissioner Seat Two: A Vote for John West's Corruption?" has gained traction among those who oppose Barnett's candidacy.
Beyond his ties to West, Barnett's campaign has faced additional criticism for its lack of substance and transparency. Many voters are concerned that Barnett has not clearly articulated his policies or vision for the county. He has avoided public debates, forums, and Q&A sessions, leading to accusations that he is unwilling or unable to defend his candidacy.
Furthermore, troubling allegations have surfaced regarding Barnett's past, including an elder abuse lawsuit in Oregon. Re-
ports from real estate agents and lenders who have done business with Barnett and his wife have also raised concerns about his character and integrity. Despite these serious allegations, Barnett has consistently dodged attempts to address them publicly, further fueling suspicions about his suitability for office.
Barnett's critics argue that his candidacy is not about serving the community but rather about maintaining a "good old boy" network that prioritizes personal gain over the public good. They fear that if elected, Barnett will continue the same patterns of corruption and broken promises that have defined John West's tenure as County
Gearing Up for the Presidential Debate
From page 1
ing the need for extensive study, Trump has opted to spend his days engaged in campaign events rather than secluded with advisors. He believes that his instincts and experience will guide him during the debate. In a town hall event with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump emphasized that while strategies can be devised, the reality of the debate will unfold in the moment, requiring adaptability rather than rigid preparation.
Trump's strategy aligns with his longstanding focus on projecting strength and confidence. Despite criticism, his approach has resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, who appreciate his unfiltered style. As Trump prepares to face Harris on the debate stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, he is banking on his ability to command the moment, relying on his quick thinking and experience in previous debates.
The stakes for this debate are particularly high. Harris and Trump will be meeting in person for the first time since Joe Biden stepped
aside as the Democratic nominee, endorsing Harris after a difficult debate performance against Trump earlier this year. With the race between Harris and Trump tightening, this debate could prove pivotal in shaping the final weeks of the campaign.
Both campaigns are acutely aware of the potential impact of this event. Harris has expressed confidence that the debate will reveal Trump's focus on self-preservation rather than serving the American people. In a recent interview on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, she cautioned that Trump is not constrained by the truth and that this will likely be evident during the debate.
As the country prepares to watch this critical face-off, the contrast between Harris's disciplined preparation and Trump's instinct-driven approach underscores the broader differences between the two candidates. The debate will offer voters a clear opportunity to compare their leadership styles and visions for the future, making it a decisive moment in the 2024 presidential race.
Commissioner.
As election day approaches, voters are faced with a critical decision. Do they want to continue with the status quo, represented by Chris Barnett, or do they want to seek new leadership that is free from the influence of John West and his administration? For those who are tired of the lies, broken promises, and corruption, Barnett may not be the right choice.
In the end, the outcome of this race will depend on whether voters are willing to demand more from their leaders or if they are content with a continuation of the same practices that have led to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for change.
JOHN WEST
CHRIS BARNETT
Illinois Valley High School Welcomes New Principal
GPT News Desk
Illinois Valley High School (IVHS) has announced the appointment of Erik Lathen as its new principal. Erik, a familiar face in the Illinois Valley, brings a wealth of experience and deep community ties to the role. Superintendent Valenzuela expressed excitement over Erik’s return, highlighting his prior work at IVHS and his longstanding connection to the area. Valenzuela emphasized Erik’s commitment to making a lasting positive impact on both the students and the broader community.
Though new to the principal position at IVHS, Erik is no stranger to the district. For the past seven years, he served as the principal at NVHS. His roots in the Illinois Valley run deep, with his father having been a teacher at IVHS in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and Erik himself attended Evergreen in the early 1980s. He also previously held the roles of Vice Principal and Athletic Director at IVHS from
2012 to 2015.
Erik’s journey in education began as a basketball coach, where he discovered his passion for making a positive impact on students. Reflecting on his growth as an educator, he noted how rewarding it was to influence students’ lives. His transition into administration was driven by a desire to extend that impact beyond the classroom and the basketball court. Erik also expressed his appreciation for working as part of a team in education, valuing the collaboration with experts to drive a school toward success.
Now returning to the Illinois Valley, Erik sees this move as a “mini homecoming” and is eager to reconnect with the community. He is especially excited to reunite with staff members who were present a decade ago. A self-proclaimed foodie, Erik also plans to explore the local restaurant scene in the Illinois Valley area.
Construction on Dollar Mountain Trails Set to Begin September 9th
By: Stephanie Bennet
Dollar Mountain, a popular outdoor destination, is about to undergo significant changes as the Dollar Mountain Trail Project commences on September 9th, 2024. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the outdoor experience for the community by expanding and upgrading the existing trail network. The project’s first phase will see the construction of approximately five miles of new trails on the east side of Dollar Mountain, specifically in the area off Hieglen Loop.
The newly planned five miles of trails are expected to add variety and complexity to the existing trail system, making it more accessible and enjoyable for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, offering scenic routes that showcase the area’s natural beauty while also providing opportunities for physical activity and recreation.
Construction on these trails is expected to be completed by the beginning of December 2024, weather permitting. This timeline suggests that the bulk of the work will take place during the fall months, which are typically less busy than the peak summer season.
During the construction period, it is important for residents and visitors to be aware of the temporary closures that will be in place. The areas under construction will be clearly marked, and access to these zones will be strictly prohibited for safety reasons. The construction teams will be working hard to ensure the project
proceeds smoothly, but there may be some disruptions to regular activities in the area.
Trail users are urged to respect these closures and not venture into any restricted areas. Ignoring these warnings could not only put individuals at risk but also potentially delay the completion of the project. Safety is a top priority for the project team, and they are committed to minimizing hazards while ensuring the project stays on track.
Local outdoor enthusiasts have expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming construction. While many are excited about the prospect of improved and expanded trails, some are concerned about the temporary loss of access to certain areas. However, community leaders have emphasized that the long-term benefits of the project far outweigh the short-term inconveniences.
The new trails are expected to boost local tourism, bringing more visitors to Dollar Mountain and the surrounding area. This influx could have positive economic impacts on local businesses, especially those that cater to outdoor activities. Moreover, the expanded trail system will provide more options for year-round outdoor recreation, further cementing Dollar Mountain’s reputation as a premier destination for nature lovers.
As the start date for construction approaches, those who frequent Dollar Mountain should plan accordingly. Whether you are a regular hiker, biker, or simply someone who enjoys the great outdoors, it is important to stay informed about the progress of
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
TUESDAY
sunny 86/35
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Mostly sunny and hot 95/59
the Dollar Mountain Trail Project. Updates will likely be provided by local authorities, and signage will be in place to guide trail users during the construction phase.
The anticipation is building as Dollar Mountain prepares for this significant enhancement. While the construction phase may pose some challenges, the promise of new and improved trails is a source of excitement for many. The community looks forward to seeing the results of this ambitious project and the positive impact it will have on both residents and visitors alike.
The Dollar Mountain Trail Project is set to begin on September 9th, 2024, with a goal of enhancing the outdoor experience for all who visit the area. As the project gets underway, safety and cooperation from the public will be key to its success. With careful planning and execution, the community can look forward to enjoying new trails by December 2024, marking a new chapter in the story of Dollar Mountain’s outdoor offerings.
