WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025
Investigation Confirms Retaliation and Bullying Allegations Against Former Josephine County Commissioners West and Baertschiger
By: John Oliver
A recently concluded investigation into Josephine County governance has upheld multiple allegations of retaliation and bullying against two prominent county figures: former Commissioner Herman Baertschiger and the now-recalled Commissioner John West. The findings, outlined in a formal report dated December 31, 2024, highlight sustained patterns of inappropriate workplace conduct, raising concerns about the future of the county's leadership and accountability mechanisms.
The investigation, conducted by Mountain Lakes Employment Investigations in response to a request regarding Josephine County, was initiated after allegations were submitted in a letter sent on August 14, 2024, to Michael Weber, a department director within Josephine County. The allegations cited a hostile work environment, retaliation, and bullying reportedly perpetrated by Commissioners Baertschiger and West. After months of interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence, the independent investigation concluded with sustained findings on all four allegations. These findings mark a critical juncture for Josephine County, as public trust in its leadership is shaken by confirmed reports of sustained misconduct
by top officials.
The report indicates that both Commissioners Baertschiger and West engaged in retaliatory actions and bullying over a span of more than a year. These actions not only impacted the complainant, Michael Weber, but also underscore a broader issue of workplace toxicity within the county administration. While privacy laws prevent the release of specific details surrounding the conduct, the findings emphasize systemic issues that require immediate attention. The county's legal counsel acknowledged the severity of the issue and promised decisive action. In a statement accompanying the report, the counsel committed to pre-
venting similar behavior in the future and warned of swift and severe responses to any future instances of misconduct or retaliation.
This revelation has sparked widespread calls for transparency and accountability. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens in Josephine County have demanded further details about the investigation's findings and concrete steps to ensure that such behavior is not repeated. There is growing speculation about whether Baertschiger and West will face formal disciplinary measures or legal consequences. For now, the county has assured the public that measures will be taken to address the miscon-
duct, though the specifics remain unclear. Observers note that the sustained findings against the two commissioners could have far-reaching implications for county leadership, employee morale, and public trust.
With the investigation confirming misconduct at the highest levels, the political futures of Herman Baertschiger and John West hang in the balance. Experts suggest that the sustained findings may pave the way for potential lawsuits, ethics complaints, or formal investigations by state or federal agencies. The county's ability to swiftly and effectively implement corrective measures will be critical in determining whether it can recover from this scandal.
The sustained findings against Commissioners Baertschiger and West highlight the urgent need for reform and accountability in Josephine County. As the public waits for concrete actions to address the misconduct, the county's new leadership faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and fair governance. Whether these findings will serve as a catalyst for change or further deepen divisions remains to be seen. For now, one thing is clear: Josephine County stands at a crossroads, and its leaders must act decisively to restore faith in the system.
Cold Weather Forces Homeless to Seek Shelter During Daylight Hours in Grants Pass
By: John Oliver
A frigid start to the week in Grants Pass on Monday saw temperatures dipping to a brisk 26 degrees early in the morning, causing a sharp reminder of the harsh realities faced by the city’s homeless population. As the temperature hovered below freezing, those without a permanent place to stay found themselves searching for warmth and shelter as daytime temperatures struggled to climb.
For many homeless individuals, the cold weather compounded their already difficult circumstances. In Grants Pass, the city has designated a specific location for camping, allowing those without homes to set up for the night. The official approved camping site, located on 7th Street, provides a temporary place to rest, but it comes with strict rules about when individuals can be on the property.
According to local regulations, the camping site is only open to authorized individuals between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., during which time they can set up their tents or sleeping arrangements. Outside of these hours, unlawful entry onto the property is prohibited. Those found trespassing outside of the designated hours may face citation or even arrest, as the city seeks to enforce these restrictions in the interest of public safety and order.
The frigid morning temperatures on Monday underscored the vulnerability of individuals who
rely on such shelters, as they often have nowhere else to go during the day when the campsites close for the morning. While many are able to find a place to stay for the night, the daytime presents its own challenges. For people experiencing homelessness, the options for finding refuge from the elements are few, and without a consistent source of shelter or warmth, the struggles intensify.
Local nonprofit organizations have voiced concerns about the limitations of these designated camping areas, particularly in extreme weather conditions. With temperatures dropping to the low twenties, many homeless individuals have expressed the need for expanded daytime services or emergency shelters that could offer respite during the coldest parts of the day.
"The need for shelter doesn’t end when the sun comes up," said a local advocate for the homeless, who wished to remain anonymous. "The weather doesn’t care if it’s night or day. People are suffering, and more needs to be done to help those who find themselves with nowhere to go during the day."
Currently, aside from the approved camping location, there are few options for daytime shelter in Grants Pass. This leaves many individuals wandering the streets or seeking cover in parks, under bridges, or in other public spaces. As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, the city faces increasing pressure to provide solutions for its homeless population, especially for those who cannot afford or access housing during the day.
While the camping site on 7th Street provides some relief, the rules governing its use raise questions about the adequacy of available support for those who are homeless. The restriction on entry outside of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. means that many will continue to face the cold with limited options until more comprehensive measures are put into place.
The issue of homelessness in Grants Pass, particularly during the colder months, has been an ongoing concern. Local leaders are under increasing pressure to find ways to better support vulnerable populations, including increasing access to emergency shelters, warming centers, and day-time support services to ensure that people are not left exposed to the elements.
For now, with temperatures expected to remain chilly throughout the week, the city’s homeless population continues to rely on temporary solutions and the generosity of local organizations
Oregon Couple Arrested for Allegedly Impersonating Firefighters in California
GPT News Desk
An Oregon couple is facing charges after allegedly impersonating firefighters and attempting to enter an evacuation zone in California on Friday. The incident, which unfolded in Los Angeles County, involved the couple driving a fire truck that was later determined to have been purchased at an auction. Authorities claim the vehicle had been used to mislead law enforcement and emergency responders.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, deputies grew suspicious after noticing the fire truck being driven by Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44. The truck appeared out of place, and deputies soon confronted the couple. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the fire truck, which had a number of markings on it, was not from any legitimate fire department, and the couple was not authorized to be in the area.
The couple reportedly claimed they were part of the “Roaring River Fire Department,” a name that does not correspond with any existing fire department in Oregon or elsewhere. This raised immediate concerns for law enforcement,
who suspected the Nehls of attempting to impersonate emergency responders in order to gain access to restricted areas. The couple’s actions are being taken seriously, as impersonating a firefighter or emergency responder is a criminal offense that can jeopardize public safety, especially in areas where evacuation zones are in place due to ongoing emergency situations.
Investigators discovered that the fire truck had been bought at an auction, which is a legal and common practice for many public and private entities looking to acquire surplus vehicles. However, the vehicle had been repurposed by the couple and used in their attempt to gain access to restricted zones during a time of emergency.
The alleged actions of Dustin and Jennifer Nehl have raised significant concern regarding safety protocols and the potential for others to impersonate emergency workers in times of crisis. Firefighters and other emergency responders work under high-pressure conditions during natural disasters, and unauthorized individuals gaining access to these areas could hinder the effectiveness of emergency operations.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed the specific evacuation zones the couple tried to enter, but the incident highlights the importance of monitoring and verifying the credentials of individuals and vehicles in disaster zones. Authorities have stressed that during emergencies, particularly wildfires or other major incidents requiring evacuations, it is crucial for law enforcement and emergency teams to maintain strict control over who enters and exits these areas.
The couple faces charges related to impersonating emergency responders and attempting to gain unlawful entry
into a disaster area. If convicted, they could face serious legal consequences, including potential jail time and fines. As of now, the Nehls remain in custody, and further investigations into their intentions and the origins of the fire truck are ongoing. Local authorities in both Oregon and California have also been alerted to the situation as part of the broader investigation into the couple's activities. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with impersonating first responders during emergencies, and the critical need for proper identification and accountability in disaster response efforts.
Trump Dismisses Four Presidential Appointees from Biden Administration
In a move that has drawn attention from both political allies and critics, former President Donald Trump recently dismissed four individuals who were originally appointed by President Joe Biden to various advisory councils and boards. The appointees, who represent a broad spectrum of sectors including military leadership, public health, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts, have been removed from their positions amid ongoing political tensions between the two former presidents.
The four individuals dismissed include retired Army General Mark Milley, international chef and humanitarian José Andrés, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Brian Hook, a former U.S. envoy to Iran. The move has raised questions about the role of presidential appointees and the political nature of appointments in advisory councils.
General Mark Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Trump and later as a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council under President Biden, was one of the first individuals affected by this decision. Milley, who had a distinguished military career, was tasked with advising the president on the security and resilience of critical infrastructure sectors. His firing highlights the contentious relationship between the Biden administration and certain figures from the Trump era, particularly in the realm of national security.
José Andrés, the internationally recognized chef known for his work in humanitarian aid through the organization World Central Kitchen, was also dismissed from his position on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Andrés has been a vocal advocate for addressing hunger and promoting healthy living, and his appointment was seen as an effort to bring expertise from the food industry to the council’s work. His removal from the council has sparked debate about the influence of non-traditional public figures in government advisory roles and whether such dismissals are politically motivated.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, had served on the President’s Export Council, a body that advises the president on issues related to U.S. trade policy. During her tenure as mayor, Bottoms was known for her focus on economic development, racial equity, and urban policy. As an appointee of President Biden, her removal from the council signals the continuation of partisan disputes over key ad-
visory positions and the future direction of U.S. trade and economic policy under a new administration.
Brian Hook, who previously served as the U.S. Special Representative for Iran under President Trump, was also dismissed from his role at the Wilson Center for Scholars, where he focused on Middle Eastern affairs and global diplomacy. Hook’s extensive experience in foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran, had made him a key figure in shaping U.S. policy toward the Middle East. His removal is seen by many as a reflection of the ongoing struggle over the influence of former Trump administration officials in shaping foreign policy, especially with regard to Iran.
The dismissals highlight the contentious political climate as the U.S. continues to navigate post-Trump governance. Presidential appointees are often selected for their expertise and ability to contribute to national policy, yet their removal by a new president or administration is not uncommon. However, the nature of these particular dismissals, affecting individuals with high profiles in areas such as military leadership, public service, and international diplomacy, raises broader questions about the role of advisory councils and the partisan motivations that can influence their composition.
While these removals are unlikely to disrupt the daily functions of the advisory councils, they underscore the ongoing political polarization and the degree to which decisions on staffing can have far-reaching implications. The future of these councils and the individuals who occupy them will likely continue to be a point of contention as both political parties seek to assert their influence over the direction of U.S. policy.
GPT News Desk
NEWS DESK
What's Going on with Weather Apps?
Local Forecasts Are More Confusing Than Ever
By: Leaf Barret
In a world where we're all glued to our phones, weather apps have become a staple for daily planning. But lately, one question keeps popping up: What in the world is going on with the weather on our phones?
It’s been happening for months now—every time you check the weather app, you’re met with temperatures that just don’t add up. The Apple weather app, in particular, has been drawing the ire of many locals in Grants Pass and across the country, offering readings that are consistently off by 10 degrees or more. And to make matters worse, the app claims that it’s sunny when, in fact, the sky is overcast or downright dreary.
It’s not just a minor inconvenience either. Imagine stepping outside on a chilly morning, checking your phone for the weather, and seeing that it’s a warm 50 degrees with bright sunshine. You look up and the sky is clouded over, the wind is biting, and your outdoor thermometer says it’s a cool 34 degrees. What gives?
This situation isn’t just isolated to one app or one city. Weather forecasts from apps, TV stations, newspapers, and even artificial intelligence-powered sources seem to be suffering from the same issue. Across the board, it feels like ev-
eryone is getting the weather wrong these days, and that’s left locals scrambling for a reliable forecast.
So, where can you actually get an accurate reading of the weather? Great question—and unfortunately, no one seems to have a definitive answer. The rise of digital forecasting tools has led to a vast network of data sources and algorithms, all of which seem to be conflicting with one another. Weather apps pull from various sources, including satellite data, weather stations, and AI predictions, but accuracy is often compromised by the varying levels of quality and timeliness of that data.
It’s also worth noting that weather patterns, especially in more localized areas like Grants Pass, can be tricky to predict with precision. Terrain, microclimates, and ever-changing atmospheric conditions make forecasts challenging. As a result, even the most advanced weather apps can sometimes fall short when trying to pinpoint the exact temperature or weather conditions in a specific area.
For those seeking more accurate forecasts, the traditional methods might be a good fallback—though they’re not always perfect either. One piece of advice that’s been passed around is to simply “walk outside, lick your finger, and guess.” While not exactly scientific, it’s a more reliable way to determine the weather than trusting your phone screen.
So, where does that leave us? Unfortunately, no one seems to have the perfect solution. TV weather reports are as hit-ormiss as weather apps, newspapers are often outdated, and
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Ethics, Politics, and the Whole Damn Mess
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If there’s one thing I can’t stomach, it’s watching people—those slick, well-dressed, smooth-talking vultures who infest the corridors of power—pretend that ethics are a luxury. Or worse, that they’re some quaint relic of the past that’s no longer needed in this modern, hyperreal, fast-paced world of cutthroat politics. Let me tell you, that is a goddamn lie.
Let’s start with the basics—ethics, the backbone of every action we take as humans, whether in the voting booth or in the back alley behind some smoke-filled bar. It’s that little voice inside your head that screams, “This is right,” or, more often, “This is wrong.” Ethics are the invisible thread that ties us to a code, whether that code is some lofty, idealized version of morality or just a rough map to get through the chaos of life with your skin intact. Ethics are how we determine whether we’re honest, whether we cheat, or whether we sell our souls for a price. It’s the silent referee in every encounter, in every negotiation, in every backroom deal that gets made. It’s the lens through which we judge not just others, but ourselves.
But here’s the real kicker: ethics are the only thing that separate the true man or woman from the snakes slithering around us. This is why I harp on it—why I scream about it until my throat is raw. Because when it all comes down to it, in the muck and grime of politics, the only thing that matters is character. And nothing, absolutely nothing, reveals a person’s character like how they
AI-driven forecasts are still working out their kinks. Until these sources can get their act together, we’ll all just have to trust our own senses—and maybe check a few different sources before deciding whether to wear that extra layer.
In the meantime, be prepared for the inevitable discrepancy between the forecast and reality. And don’t forget to question everything—because if you can’t trust the app on your phone, who can you trust?
handle power. How they treat others when they don’t think anyone’s watching. It’s easy to smile in front of a crowd, to wave a flag and make speeches that fire up the masses. But when the cameras are off, when the press stops asking questions, that’s when your ethics are tested. That’s when your true self comes into focus.
Politics, my friends, is the ultimate proving ground for character. It’s a game of lies and manipulation, a carnival of smoke and mirrors, and the temptation to sell your soul for a shiny trinket is strong. But ethics—good, solid, old-fashioned ethics—are what keep you from selling your soul in the first place. They are what separate the honorable from the dishonorable, the public servant from the power-hungry.
We’ve all seen it, haven’t we? The political scandals, the lies, the broken promises. It’s easy to point the finger and say, “That’s a crook!” But the truth is, those crooks didn’t start out that way. They didn’t wake up one
morning and decide to be corrupt. No, they made a series of decisions, small and large, where they decided that ethics didn’t matter. And the next thing you know, they’re up to their necks in shady deals, caught in the crossfire of their own greed and ambition.
Why do I harp on this? Because the stakes are too high. We’re not talking about a game here. We’re talking about the future of a nation, the lives of millions of people, the very fabric of what makes us a society worth living in. And if we allow the ethics of our leaders to be eroded, we may as well be handing them the keys to the kingdom and saying, "Go ahead, burn it all down."
Ethics matter. They matter in politics more than anywhere else. They define who we are, who we trust, and what kind of world we want to leave behind. So, damn it, let's keep reminding ourselves—and those in charge—that character, integrity, and honor are the only things worth fighting for. The rest? It’s all smoke and mirrors.
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ParkWatchGP Calls for Community Support Amid New Challenges
By: John Oliver
ParkWatchGP, a grassroots initiative dedicated to preserving and protecting the parks of Grants Pass, is urging the community to step up and support their mission. With new homeless restrictions enacted, the organization anticipates increased activity in local parks, heightening the importance of maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming outdoor spaces. The group has already made significant strides in improving park conditions and raising awareness about community issues, but their efforts rely heavily on public participation and support. ParkWatchGP emphasizes that this is a pivotal moment for the community to rally together and ensure the continued success of local parks.
The clean-up events are just one facet of ParkWatchGP’s mission, which also includes outreach programs and fos-
ELEVATE MEMORIES
tering a sense of pride and ownership among community members. These collective efforts help ensure parks remain vibrant and accessible for everyone.
“Whether you’ve volunteered before or this is your first time, your involvement is crucial,” said Del Aldridge a ParkWatchGP representative. “Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community’s outdoor spaces.”
As the parks face new challenges, ParkWatchGP’s work is more important than ever. Residents are encouraged to show their support not just through volunteer efforts, but also by spreading the word and advocating for the initiative. This is a chance to make a tangible difference and ensure that the parks of Grants Pass remain a treasured resource for all.
For more information, visit ParkWatchGP’s website or contact them directly.
OUTLOOK
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