SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024
Happy Veteran’s Day Josephine County!
Josephine County to Honor Veterans Day with Events in Merlin and Grants Pass
Tomorrow, Josephine County will join the nation in honoring Veterans Day with community events celebrating veterans’ service and sacrifice. At Merlin Community Park, located at 100 Acorn Street, families and community members will come together to pay tribute, starting with a complimentary pancake breakfast and culminating in a program honoring veterans.
Festivities will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rogue Valley Young Marines, held at the Merlin Community Center adjacent to the park. This breakfast offers veterans and their families an opportunity to gather, connect, and reflect before the main event. By 11:00 a.m., a formal Veterans Day program will commence, featuring Chris Barnett, County Commissioner "Select", as the Master of Ceremonies. Eric Schoegl will deliver the keynote speech, bringing the day’s theme of gratitude and patriotism to the fore.
In a visual tribute, the Caveman Kiwanis Club will line downtown Grants Pass streets with American flags along 6th, 7th, and G Streets. This longstanding tradition provides a patriotic display for the community, reminding residents and visitors alike of the contributions made by local veterans. By transforming the town into a sea of red, white, and blue, the Kiwanis Club’s effort reinforces the importance of Veterans Day, ensuring that all who pass through Grants Pass share in the day’s meaning.
The Grants Pass Tribune will be on site to capture the events, covering both the stories of veterans and the efforts of local organizations dedicated to honoring them. In the days following, the Tribune will publish a recap of the day’s activities, along with reflections from veterans, community leaders, and participants.
Veterans Day in Josephine County serves as both a time to express gratitude and an opportunity to bring together
the community in support of shared values. Through events like the breakfast, ceremony, and Field of Honor project, residents of Josephine County acknowledge the sacrifices of their veterans while educating younger generations on the principles that these veterans defended. In Merlin and Grants Pass, these displays of patriotism and unity help remind the community of the impact of military service and the ongoing importance of gratitude.
NEWS DESK
Immigration Interest Surges Among Americans After Election Results
By: Ellen Ward
Following Election Day, a significant number of Americans have been exploring options to relocate abroad, with online searches for immigration information spiking dramatically. From November 1 through November 6, there was a reported 338% increase in traffic to immigration-related content, as some Americans disil lusioned by the political climate investigated potential destina tions for relocation. The recent election, which saw Donald Trump re-enter the political arena, has intensified debates and appears to have prompted many to consider a move overseas.
The primary destinations sparking interest are largely within Europe. Norway has emerged as the most popular choice among American searchers, with the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cos ta Rica following closely behind. These preferences reflect both cultural appeal and perceived quality of life in these countries, which offer stability, safety, and high standards of living.
Germany is also attracting heightened interest, with particular attention to its Opportunity Card program. This program allows individuals from non-EU countries to live in Germany for up to a year to search for employment. Traffic to the website Germany-Visa.org rose by 336% as Americans explored options for both temporary and permanent residency. The Opportunity Card is especially appealing because it provides a pathway to work in a country known for its strong economy and quality of life.
The surge in interest is further reflected in Google data, which shows searches for migration-related topics have increased 15fold in the U.S. compared to the week before the presidential election. While exact motivations vary, this trend likely reflects anxieties about the future political landscape, with some Americans feeling that an overseas move could offer a fresh start in a more stable environment. Political uncertainty has often driven
appears to be no exception.
Historically, the idea of leaving the country during politically tumultuous times has been discussed but rarely acted upon on a large scale. Following past election results, there have been similar increases in online interest in immigration, though this does not always translate into actual emigration. For many, researching the possibility of relocating provides a sense of control and offers the opportunity to imagine alternative options. Moving abroad is a complex decision that involves legal requirements, financial stability, and adaptability to a new culture, which means that few people follow through on these initial inquiries.
The recent interest in emigration is not just a reflection of current U.S. politics, but part of a broader trend of Americans re-evaluating where they want to live based on quality of life and work opportunities abroad. In recent years, countries like
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have also seen increased immigration interest from Americans seeking new opportunities or lifestyles.
It remains to be seen if these recent inquiries into immigration will result in a significant number of Americans leaving the country. While some may ultimately make the leap, others might find that their interest in relocation fades over time. For now, however, the post-election surge in search traffic for immigration information underscores the ways in which politics, economy, and lifestyle aspirations drive many Americans to explore their options — both at home and abroad.
VOTE to Recall
FEMA Official Dismissed Following Allegations of Partisan Misconduct in Florida Disaster Relief Efforts
GPT News Desk
In an incident raising concerns about impartiality in disaster relief, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official was dismissed after allegedly instructing workers to bypass homes visibly showing support for then-President-elect Donald Trump in hurricane-affected areas of Florida. This decision follows the devastation caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which left thousands in need of federal assistance.
The agency responded swiftly once the allegations surfaced, emphasizing that the official acted independently and without authorization. According to a statement to Fox News Digital, a FEMA spokesperson expressed that the agency is "deeply disturbed" by the incident and confirmed that the individual involved was immediately removed from their position. FEMA stated, “While we believe this is an isolated incident, we have taken measures to remove the employee from their role and are investigating the matter to prevent this from happening ever again.” The spokesperson added that FEMA is reaching out to ensure that any affected households are identified and receive the necessary aid.
FEMA’s statement aimed to underscore that the alleged actions of this single official do not reflect the agency’s broader mission or operational protocols. “The employee who issued this guidance had no authority and was given no direction to tell teams to avoid these homes,” FEMA’s statement read. “We are committed to reaching out to any individuals who may not have received aid as a result of this incident.”
This revelation has stirred criticism, especially given recent public remarks by President Biden, who emphasized the importance of accurate information and warned against “reckless disinformation” in the context of the government’s hurricane response. In a White House address, President Biden criticized what he described as “relentless disinformation and outright lies” concerning FEMA's operations. His comments were likely intended to reassure the public of FEMA’s commitment to equitable assistance, but the emerging details of this case have raised questions about oversight and accountability within the agency.
The timing of the incident has added to the tension, as FEMA continues to face scrutiny over its handling of disaster response in a politically charged climate. Hurricanes Milton
and Helene left extensive damage across Florida, and FEMA’s resources and actions have been pivotal to the recovery process. With federal agencies expected to operate impartially, any suggestion of bias—intentional or otherwise—has the potential to undermine public trust.
In response, FEMA has reiterated its commitment to conducting an internal investigation. Officials are reportedly reviewing internal protocols and employee training to prevent similar incidents in the future. The agency also plans to implement additional checks to ensure that aid distribution remains nonpartisan and that disaster relief efforts serve all communities equitably.
While FEMA’s leadership has acted decisively in this instance, the incident highlights ongoing challenges for federal agencies operating within an increasingly polarized environment. Observers argue that FEMA, like other government agencies, must ensure robust safeguards against any form of political influence, both perceived and real, to maintain public confidence in its mission.
For residents impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, FEMA’s response to this situation may be critical in restoring faith in the agency. Moving forward, FEMA’s transparency regarding the investigation and its efforts to correct any service gaps may play a key role in reassuring the public of its commitment to impartial disaster relief.
COMMUNITY
A Gulf War Marine Reflects on Veterans Day and a Legacy of Service
By: Leaf Barret
This Veterans Day, one Marine’s story reflects the deep ties between family, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to serve. For this Gulf War Marine, joining the Marines wasn’t just a decision; it was a call to uphold a legacy of service that ran through generations. In a family with a rich history in the armed forces, he was the first to join the Marine Corps—the smallest and most demanding branch, known for its rigorous training and intense esprit de corps.
The Marine Corps, known for producing “the few and the proud,” presented a unique challenge. It was a different path from his family’s previous generations of service. With family members having served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the branches of the armed forces were well represented. But as the youngest and, by his own description, “the runt of the family,” he felt compelled to take on what he saw as the ultimate challenge: becoming a Marine. This decision not only set him apart but cemented a bond of mutual respect within his family and gave them another service to be proud of.
His service continued beyond the Gulf War. After his time with the Marine Corps, he transitioned into another high-stakes role: serving as a bodyguard for the Vice President of the United States. This position, which demanded exceptional discipline, courage, and loyalty, further demonstrated his commitment to the ideals of freedom, truth, and justice. The values he embodied during his military service extended into his civilian life, underscoring his lifelong dedication to
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the residents of Grants Pass and Josephine County, I want to express my deep gratitude for all those who are stepping up to serve our communities. I am sincerely thankful for the nearly 6,500 votes I received in my first run for a local elected position and for all who supported me without hesitation. This journey has blessed me with many new friendships formed during the campaign, which I truly value.
I am committed to serving our local communities and assisting in local governance to support public safety and law enforcement. My dedication to these causes remains steadfast, and I am honored to play my part. This week, I am applying to join several City Committees to continue contributing in any way I can.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to Clint Scherf on his election as Mayor of Grants Pass and to Ron Smith on his victory in the County Commissioner race. Grants Pass and Josephine County have incredible potential, with many areas for improvement that have gone unrecognized for too long. I look forward to continued conversations and collaboration to help realize our community's future.
May God bless the hard work of everyone committed to the progress of Grants Pass and Josephine County.
protecting and serving his country.
For this Marine, Veterans Day holds a special meaning. It is a day to honor not only his own service but also the service of family members and friends who have taken similar oaths. Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by all veterans and to recognize the unique brotherhood shared by those who serve. Whether one wore the green of the Army, the blue of the Air Force, or the white and gold of the Navy, the spirit of service unites all veterans. In his family, Veterans Day has become a day of mutual respect and pride, a chance to come together and celebrate the legacy of military service that runs deep in their blood.
Despite his pride in the Marines, he remains humble, always reminding himself and others that real heroism is not in titles but in actions. He emphasizes that the bond among veterans, regardless of branch, is unbreakable, forged by shared values and a readiness to defend those values at any cost. Today, he stands as a reminder of that commitment, saying, “If there is ever a need, I would stand side by side with any fellow American, to the death, standing up for freedom, truth, and justice for all.”
As Veterans Day approaches, his story serves as a tribute to all who have answered the call to serve and protect, from the largest branches to the smallest. For this Marine, service is a lifelong commitment, an honor he carries proudly, and a legacy he hopes will inspire future generations.
Donald Trump’s Return Calls for Unity and Dialogue
Donald Trump’s re-entry into the political spotlight is sparking reactions across the spectrum—hope for some, concern for others, and undoubtedly a significant impact for all Americans. As an independent observer, I believe his return is an important moment for reflection on what this means for the nation’s direction and our collective need for unity in the face of diverse viewpoints.
For Trump’s supporters, his return represents the continuation of his “America First” policies, which focus on economic growth, deregulation, and strong border security. Many of his supporters view his leadership style as a bold and refreshing alternative to traditional politics. They appreciate his unorthodox approach, which they feel challenges the entrenched establishment and gives priority to American workers and industries. For these supporters, Trump’s comeback brings renewed hope for a revival of priorities that they found beneficial during his previous term.
alliances might have lasting consequences, affecting both domestic unity and international relations. Whether you’re for or against Trump’s return, it’s clear that his presence is already influencing the political landscape. His return brings a renewed focus to complex issues like healthcare, economic recovery, immigration reform, and climate change— issues that Americans on both sides of the aisle agree are critical but challenging. Regardless of personal views on Trump’s effectiveness, his re-entry keeps these issues at the forefront of the national debate.
In a time marked by intense division, the call for unity becomes all the more pressing. We are all faced with a choice: to work toward open dialogue and compromise or to allow the division to deepen. Trump’s re-entry might be an opportunity to test our resilience as a nation and our ability to have constructive conversations across partisan lines.
GRANTS PASS WEATHER
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Partly cloudy, rain 52/42 Cloudy 55/46 Cloudy, rain 52/43
Sincerely, Jay
Meredith
Critics, on the other hand, feel a deep concern about the divisiveness his return may bring. They worry that Trump’s approach to governance could intensify polarization, challenge democratic norms, and strain relationships at home and abroad. For these Americans, stability and diplomacy are essential, and they question whether Trump’s policies align with those goals. There’s fear that his hardline stance on issues like immigration and international
In the coming months, Americans will need to find common ground, regardless of their political affiliation. For his supporters, Trump’s return brings a sense of optimism; for his critics, a reminder to stay vigilant. But as we look forward, one thing remains clear: We face complex challenges that demand cooperation, not conflict. To navigate this next chapter, we must foster understanding, dialogue, and a commitment to work together, no matter who leads.
Sincerely,
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Behind the Pipe Fork Sale: Uncovering the Real Story of Ownership and Controversy of East Fork
By: John Oliver
The unresolved sale of Pipe Fork and its adjacent East Fork property has left residents of Josephine County confused, and questioning the integrity and transparency of their local government. County Commissioner John West’s involvement has only intensified public scrutiny, as a confusing web of conflicting statements, missing documentation, and lingering suspicions has cast doubt over his claims regarding his interests in East Fork. Originally poised for sale, the property was abruptly pulled from the market and re-offered at auction for less than the original asking price, raising questions about why such a decision was made and who stands to benefit.
So, what has really been going on with the Pipe Fork sale, and why are Josephine County commissioners reluctant to explain their actions? Here’s an in-depth look at the allegations, transactions, and political tensions surrounding this case.
The East Fork property, a 261-acre stretch of land, was originally transferred on April 23, 2010, from Silver Creek Timber to Cascade Land Holdings — two entities both linked to West. Public records confirm that John West was listed as the registered agent for both entities during the transaction, making it, in effect, a transfer from West to himself. The “bargain and sale” deed, a lesser-known real estate instrument, recorded the transaction without disclosing a purchase amount, listing the exchange only as "per agreement." This lack of transparency, along with the choice of a deed that lacks guarantees on title, raises questions about the intent behind the transaction.
Despite West’s repeated assertions that he has no further ties to the property, documentation suggests otherwise. Cascade Land Holdings, the entity that still holds the East Fork property, lists West as the principal owner, with his long-time business partner, William Meilicke, serving as secretary. No documentation or transfer of deed is on file
Supporting Documentation Showing a failure to show any type of ownership transfer or sale since 2010 with a partnership reprisal in 2015.
to support West’s claim that he passed the property to Meilicke in 2016, per West’s claim.
This discrepancy between West’s statements and the documented ownership has raised suspicions about his integrity and potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that if West genuinely relinquished his interest in East Fork, there would be straightforward evidence of such a transfer in county or state records. However, the absence of any recorded bill of sale or deed transfer only fuels concerns that West may still have a financial or vested interest in the property.
As an official overseeing real estate matters, West’s continued connection to the East Fork property raises the possibility of conflicts between his public role and private business ventures. The lack of documentation on the alleged sale has led some to speculate that West may be involved in undisclosed “backdoor deals” that would benefit private parties or himself, undermining the public’s trust in his role as commissioner.
In an August 26th interview with Mike Jones, West addressed his involvement with East Fork, claiming he had transferred ownership to Meilicke and had no current interest in the property. However, observers noted several behavioral cues— particularly rapid eye movements — that, according to interview and interrogation experts, can indicate deception. Such signs, while not definitive proof, add weight to suspicions about the veracity of West’s statements. (Click for video).
When someone appears evasive or displays signs of discomfort while answering questions, it can be a clue that they’re not being fully forthcoming, as a former interview an interrogation specialist these are clear signs of deception and worth noting in cases where truthfulness is already in question.
Initially, the commissioners expressed enthusiasm for a private sale of Pipe Fork, with explanations ranging from deed restrictions to discrepancies in appraisal values. However, they soon reversed their decision, choosing instead to put the property up for auction—at a price below the original asking amount. This decision puzzled many in the community, as it appeared contradictory to previous statements about deed restrictions and the supposed importance of securing a fair price.
Residents have speculated that the auction decision may reflect a hidden agenda: potentially favoring buyers connected to commissioners or catering to undisclosed parties interested in the property. Although no concrete evidence supports these claims, yet, the commissioners’ abrupt reversal on the sale process has led many to question the integrity of their decision-making.
The ethics complaint filed earlier this year against West for his handling of the property was dismissed without much explanation, leaving residents feeling that the state’s oversight of county-level ethics is inadequate. “It feels like there’s an unwillingness to fully investigate,” said a local advocate for government transparency. “This is why our own investigation has taken on a life of its own — we need to find the answers that public officials aren’t providing.”
Observers argue that West’s continued connection to Cascade Land Holdings without any clear transfer of his interest in East Fork reveals a broader issue of ethical accountability in local government. County officials, they claim, should be held to higher standards to prevent cronyism or personal gain from influencing policy decisions.
As the investigation into West’s business dealings unfolds, local residents are becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns. Some argue that the sale of Pipe Fork may have been influenced by hidden agreements or financial motivations, while others are calling for a thorough audit of all documents and transactions associated with the East Fork property.
For residents of Josephine County, this is not just about one property deal; it’s about the integrity of public office and the commitment of local officials to ethical standards. As more details emerge, the county’s citizens are left to wonder if they can trust their officials to act in the public’s best interest, or if, as some fear, private interests and political alliances are being given priority over transparency and accountability.
With West’s recall effort underway and a formal ethics investigation still in the pipeline, many hope that a more comprehensive inquiry will bring clarity to the situation. For now, the East Fork property controversy has brought to light pressing issues around transparency, governance, and the potential for abuse of power in Josephine County.
Until officials provide a detailed account of the property’s ownership and the motives behind the Pipe Fork sale and subsequent auction, the public will remain skeptical and demand answers. This story underscores the need for officials to operate with complete transparency, particularly when community assets are at stake. For Josephine County, the future trust of its citizens may depend on whether these questions are answered fully and honestly, setting a new standard for integrity in public office.
"Sometimes, the evidence is what you can’t see — or what’s missing to support West’s claims. If it exists now, fourteen years later, why was the business name never changed to Meilicke’s company 'Bratton Reforestation, INC' on tax documents? Why weren’t these questions asked in the first ethics investigation? Curious, indeed, how Oregon 'investigates its own.' "
AMENDED ANNUAL REPORT
Corporation Division sos.oregon.gov/business E-FILED Jan 10, 2024
OREGON SECRETARY OF STATE
REGISTRY NUMBER
15065915
REGISTRATION DATE
02/13/1981
BUSINESS NAME BRATTON REFORESTATION, INC.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY
LOGGING
MAILING ADDRESS
TYPE
661 CAMBRIDGE DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526 USA
DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORPORATION
PRIMARY PLACE OF BUSINESS
661 CAMBRIDGE DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526 USA
OREGON JURISDICTION
REGISTERED AGENT WILLIAM G MEILICKE
661 CAMBRIDGE DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526 USA If the Registered Agent has changed, the new agent has consented to the appointment.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM G MEILICKE
661 CAMBRIDGE DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526 USA
SECRETARY VICKIE MEILICKE
661 CAMBRIDGE DR GRANTS PASS OR 97526 USA
August 26th interview with Mike Jones (CLICK HERE TO WATCH)
