SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22,
Real Estate Ties and Campaign Spending Spark Controversy in County Commissioner Race
By: John Oliver
The race for Josephine County Commissioner is heating up with growing concerns surrounding candidate Chris Barnett's financial and business ties to sitting Commissioner John West, currently under investigation for ethical violations. At the center of the controversy is Barnett’s long-standing relationship with West, whose real estate dealings appear closely intertwined with Barnett’s campaign and business activities.
For over 15 years, Barnett and West have worked together on real estate deals, raising questions about their financial entanglement. Barnett has an exclusive listing agreement for a significant 39-acre parcel Russell Road Estates subdivision that had previously been restricted from residential zoning. Remarkably, after West’s acquisition of the property, the zoning changed, allowing the subdivision to be listed by Barnett’s agency. This has led to concerns over potential backroom deals and conflicts of interest.
Barnett has publicly claimed that he has
"no business relationship" with West beyond professional dealings. While it is true that the two have no joint business entities on record, Barnett’s role as West's exclusive real estate agent is well-documented on more than several properties owned by West, a fact that is easily verified through public records. These ties suggest that Barnett's denial of any deeper involvement is at best misleading.
Barnett’s financial connection to West has come under further scrutiny following revelations about his campaign spending. According to local reports, Barnett has spent over $12,000 on campaign signs alone, sparking criticism that his campaign is more focused on marketing than policy. Critics argue that Barnett is banking on name recognition rather than engaging with the public or presenting a clear political platform. Despite numerous community forums, Barnett has largely remained absent, fueling speculation that he is avoiding public scrutiny.
As the election approaches, voters in Josephine County are being urged to closely
examine the candidates’ actions and affiliations. The intricate relationship between Barnett and West, combined with Barnett’s extravagant campaign spending, raises legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability. Voters deserve clarity on the policies and ethical standards of those seeking to lead their community, and Barnett
has yet to provide that. Ultimately, the question remains: Will voters prioritize name recognition or demand real answers on policy and ethics from their candidates? As Barnett continues his bid for County Commissioner, the public will be watching closely to see whether he can overcome the growing doubts surrounding his campaign.
American Flag Etiquette: Understanding the Guidelines for Respecting the Stars and Stripes
By: John Oliver
The American flag, known as the "Stars and Stripes," is more than just a symbol of national pride. It embodies the values, history, and sacrifices that have shaped the United States. With this in mind, it is essential for citizens to understand the proper etiquette surrounding its display, handling, and care. The U.S. Flag Code, established by Congress in 1942, provides clear guidelines for treating the flag with the respect it deserves.
DISPLAYING THE FLAG: KEY GUIDELINES
Position and Placement: When displayed with other flags, the American flag should always be at the center and the highest point. It must not be placed beneath any other flag.
If displayed indoors, it should be placed to the right of the speaker or stage and be the focal point when part of a group of flags. When hung vertically, the Union (blue field with stars) should always be in the upper left corner, whether placed against a wall or another surface.
Raising and Lowering the Flag: The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
It must never touch the ground, water, or any other object beneath it.
On special days like Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
Displaying the Flag at Night: While traditionally displayed from sunrise to sunset, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if illuminated during darkness. This is a sign of continued respect and vigilance.
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF THE FLAG
Proper Folding: The flag should always be folded into a triangle with only the Union visible, symbolizing honor and tradition. This method is commonly used during military funerals and other ceremonies.
Storing the Flag: It should be stored in a clean, dry place to prevent damage. If worn or frayed, it should be repaired or replaced. When and How to Retire the Flag
Retiring a Flag: When a flag becomes too worn or damaged for display, it should be retired with dignity, often by burning in a private ceremony. Many veterans’ organizations, such as the American Legion, offer flag retirement services.
It is essential to note that burning a flag as part of a respectful retirement ceremony is different from burning it in protest.
PROHIBITED ACTIONS INVOLVING THE FLAG
Altering or Defacing the Flag: According to the Flag Code, the American flag should never be altered. This includes adding any symbols, logos, or writing to the flag.
It is also inappropriate to use the flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery. However, representations of the flag on clothing or other items are acceptable, as long as the flag itself remains untouched and intact.
Commercial Use and Advertising: The flag should not be used for advertising purposes or in any manner that could degrade its symbolism. It should not be printed on disposable items like napkins, cushions, or boxes.
SPECIAL DAYS AND CEREMONIES
Flag Day (June 14): Celebrates the adoption of the American flag in 1777. Many communities and organizations hold special flag-raising ceremonies on this day.
Independence Day (July 4): A day of national pride where the flag is prominently displayed across the country.
Veterans Day (November 11) and Memorial Day (Last Monday of May): On these days, the flag is flown at half-staff to honor those who have served or sacrificed for the country.
Respecting the American flag means understanding its significance and adhering to the guidelines set out in the Flag Code.
Whether at home, at public events, or in times of national mourning, following proper flag etiquette is a simple yet profound way to show honor to the country and its values. For many, it is a daily reminder of the freedoms and rights that the flag represents, and by treating it with care and respect, citizens contribute to preserving its dignity.
NEWS DESK
Historic Botulism Outbreak Claims Tens of Thousands of Birds at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
By: Rebecca Wilson
A botulism outbreak has claimed the lives of an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 birds at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Oregon-California border. Officials are calling it the worst outbreak in the refuge's recorded history, with the crisis likely to continue through early October.
Jackie D'Almeida, a spokesperson for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, confirmed the severity of the outbreak. Botulism, a disease caused by a naturally occurring toxin that targets the nervous system, has devastating effects on birds, often leading to paralysis and death. Birds infected with the toxin show signs of weakness, lethargy, and an inability to walk, fly, or even hold their heads up, according to wildlife experts.
This year’s outbreak has been exacerbated by environmental factors that have worsened conditions for bird populations. Wetlands across the Intermountain West, including the Klamath Basin where Tule Lake is situated, have been shrinking due to ongoing droughts and changes in water management. In the Klamath Basin, more than 90% of wetlands have already been lost, forcing birds into smaller, shallow bodies of water. These overcrowded conditions create ideal circumstances for botulism to spread rapidly, especially during extended periods
of warm, stagnant weather in late summer and early fall.
"In a more natural system, outbreaks might have affected only a few hundred birds," D’Almeida explained. "But as wetlands continue to diminish and birds are packed into shrinking habitats, the scale of botulism outbreaks has grown exponentially."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not been able to provide an exact figure for bird fatalities but maintains that current estimates indicate this is one of the most destructive events in the refuge’s history.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of the outbreak are ongoing. According to The Bird Al-
liance, hundreds of birds have been treated for botulism and released back into the wild. However, given the scale of the outbreak and the environmental challenges driving it, officials remain concerned about the potential for continued losses in the coming weeks.
Botulism outbreaks are a natural occurrence, but the combination of habitat loss, overcrowding, and changing climate patterns appears to be intensifying their impact. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with other environmental organizations, is closely monitoring the situation and exploring longterm solutions to protect vulnerable bird populations in the future.
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.
Kamala Harris' Struggling Presidential Campaign Faces Criticism from All Sides
By: Leaf Barret
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself facing mounting criticism from both within her own party and the general public. Once hailed as a historic trailblazer, Harris’s campaign for the presidency has been marked by confusion, frustration, and accusations of inconsistency. For many, Harris's bid to become the next president of the United States can be summed up in one word: failure.
One of the central critiques of Harris's campaign is her notable absence from the media. Her lack of a strong public presence has left many Americans puzzled and uncertain about her platform. Voters are frustrated by her seeming reluctance to engage directly with the electorate or clarify her stances on key issues. This media vacuum has allowed her detractors to fill the void with narratives that paint her as disconnected, rehearsed, and insincere.
From political analysts to voters on the ground, there is widespread confusion over where Harris stands on critical issues. A lack of clear messaging has raised concerns that her campaign is not only directionless but out of touch with the realities Americans face today. “We don’t know what she’s running on,” is a common refrain, a sentiment that underscores the growing frustration over the vice president’s nebulous campaign.
Harris has also been dogged by accusations of hypocrisy and flip-flopping on key policy positions. Critics argue that her past record contrasts starkly with her current
rhetoric. From criminal justice reform to healthcare, her shifts on major policy issues have left voters and pundits alike questioning her authenticity.
In her earlier career as a district attorney and later as attorney general of California, Harris took strong stances on issues such as law enforcement and incarceration— positions she has since distanced herself from as she courts the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. This about-face has left many wondering whether Harris is driven by principle or political expediency.
Moreover, during public appearances and debates, Harris has been accused of delivering rehearsed and often misleading statements. Fact-checkers have highlighted several instances where her remarks on subjects like immigration and education have been deemed inaccurate or misleading, further tarnishing her credibility among voters.
It’s not just voters who are skeptical of Harris’s leadership. Even within the Democratic Party, she faces growing dissent. Several Democratic operatives and lawmakers have privately expressed concerns over Harris’s electability and her failure to unite the party’s diverse factions. Progressives, moderates, and the more conservative elements of the party are all looking for clear, substantive policy proposals from the vice president—and they’re not getting them.
For some in the party, Harris’s lackluster campaign and inability to articulate a clear vision for America has
Ethics Commission Dismisses
Complaints Against Josephine County Commissioners
GPT News Desk
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) has dismissed complaints filed against members of the Josephine County Board of Commissioners, according to a media release issued by the county government. The complaints were brought forward by former Human Resources Director JJ Scofield and revolved around a meeting held on April 30, involving current commissioners John West (Board Chair), Herman Baertschiger Jr. (Vice Chair), and former commissioner Dan DeYoung.
The core of the complaint centered on potential violations of Oregon Revised Statutes 192.660(2), which govern the policies for holding executive sessions. These sessions
are designed to discuss sensitive matters, such as personnel issues, outside of public view. However, any violation of the procedures outlined under this statute could result in ethics inquiries.
During its September 13 meeting, the OGEC reviewed the details of the complaints and concluded that no violations occurred, leading to the dismissal of the case. This decision ends the ethics investigation, clearing the commissioners of any wrongdoing related to the April 30 meeting.
No further details about the specifics of the dismissed complaints were disclosed, but the outcome signals a closure to the accusations made by Scofield regarding the executive session procedures.
raised serious questions about her ability to lead, especially in a time of heightened political polarization and economic turmoil. With inflation, healthcare, and immigration continuing to dominate the national conversation, her failure to seize the moment has left many Democrats questioning whether Harris is the right candidate to carry the party's torch in 2024.
At the core of Harris’s campaign woes is a fundamental question: Who is Kamala Harris? Despite being a public figure for years, Harris remains an enigma to many voters. She has yet to define her brand of leadership or make a compelling case for why she should be the next president of the United States.
As election day draws closer, Harris will need to address the concerns of not just her critics but also those within her own party. To win over the American public, she must establish a clear platform, shed the image of inconsistency, and demonstrate that she can be a decisive, authentic leader for the country.
In the end, a successful campaign hinges on more than historic firsts or symbolic victories—it requires a coherent message, genuine connection with voters, and an unwavering commitment to a set of principles. So far, Harris has failed to deliver on these fronts, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With time running out, the question remains: Can Kamala Harris turn things around, or will her presidential ambitions end in failure?
COMMUNITY GRANTS PASS WEATHER
The U.S. Constitution: What It Means for Us in Our Small Town
By: Allie Bensen
The United States Constitution is a document that is often regarded as the foundation of American democracy, outlining the principles, rights, and structure that govern our country. For many, the Constitution may seem like a distant, abstract set of rules designed to manage large-scale national issues. However, even in small towns like ours, the U.S. Constitution plays a vital role in shaping daily life, ensuring rights and freedoms, and fostering community values.
At its core, the U.S. Constitution is built on key principles: popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the protection of individual rights. These may seem like lofty concepts, but they impact everything from local governance to personal freedoms. In our town, these constitutional principles influence the way local leaders make decisions, how local laws are enforced, and how we interact with one another as members of a democratic society.
For example, the Constitution’s emphasis on popular sovereignty — the idea that power resides with the people — means that our local elections and town hall meetings are key opportunities for residents to shape the community. Each vote cast in local elections is a direct exercise of this fundamental principle, ensuring that governance reflects the will of the people. Whether electing city council members or voting on local ordinances, the power of the people remains central to the way our town functions.
Moreover, federalism — the division of power between the national government and state or local governments — allows for the unique character of our town to shine through. While federal laws provide a broad framework, many decisions impacting daily life in our community, from education policies to local zoning laws, are made at the state and local level. This reflects the Constitution’s design of distributing power in a way that gives towns like ours the ability to govern locally while being part of a larger national structure.
Perhaps the most visible way the U.S. Constitution shapes life in our small town is through its protection of individual rights, most notably enshrined in the Bill of Rights. From the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under
the Fourth Amendment, these rights form the bedrock of our personal freedoms.
In a small town, where community dynamics can sometimes feel more intimate or tightly-knit, the importance of these constitutional rights becomes especially apparent. The freedom of speech means that every resident has the right to voice their opinions, whether at a town hall meeting, in letters to the editor of the local newspaper, or on social media. This freedom fosters an environment where ideas can be shared and debated, contributing to the richness of community life.
Similarly, the right to peaceful assembly ensures that local groups can gather to advocate for causes they believe in, from environmental conservation efforts to school board reforms. The Constitution empowers us as citizens to engage in civic life, shaping the future of our town while respecting the rights of others.
Just as the federal government is divided into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—the Constitution’s framework for separation of powers and checks and balances is mirrored at the state and local levels. In our town, the mayor, city council, and local courts each serve distinct functions, ensuring that no single branch holds too much power. This structure prevents abuses of authority and ensures that decisions are made through a balanced and transparent process.
For instance, if a resident feels that a local ordinance violates their constitutional rights, they can challenge the law in a court of law, where judges can interpret the Constitution and ensure that the ordinance aligns with its principles. This safeguard is critical in maintaining fairness and accountability in governance.
Although the U.S. Constitution is often viewed as a national document, its impact resonates powerfully in small towns like ours. It safeguards our rights, structures our local government, and empowers us as citizens to actively participate in the community’s future. By understanding and valuing the principles outlined in the Constitution, we strengthen not only our nation but also the very fabric of life in our town. The Constitution isn’t just a historical document; it’s a living, guiding force that ensures fairness, freedom, and democracy for all— whether in the bustling streets of a big city or the quiet lanes of our hometown.
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
SUNDAY
Mostly sunny 86/51
MONDAY
Mostly sunny 89/54
TUESDAY
Sunny 97/54
WEDNESDAY
Mostly sunny 85/52
THURSDAY
Mostly sunny 85/52
