WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
Kate Lasky Named Oregon Librarian of the Year
Reflecting a Community’s Pride and Commitment to its Library
By: John Oliver
Last week, in a heartfelt celebration of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community, Josephine Community Library Director Kate Lasky was honored as the Oregon Library Association’s 2025 Librarian of the Year. The award was presented during the closing banquet of OLA’s annual statewide conference held in Eugene.
The recognition of Lasky’s contributions marks a proud moment not only for her personally but also for the entire Josephine County community, which has long rallied around its library system as a cherished cornerstone of civic life. Lasky’s selection reflects her tireless efforts to champion equitable access to knowledge, foster inclusive spaces for all residents, and uphold the core values that libraries represent in a democratic society.
Helping to present the award were several familiar faces from across Southern Oregon, highlighting the strong bonds Lasky has formed across the library community. Curry Public Library Director Jeremy Skinner, who served with Lasky on OLA’s statewide committees, played a key role in her nomination. Local representation
at the awards ceremony included Josephine Community Library Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz and Grants Pass Friends of the Library Co-chair Jennifer Roberts, further demonstrating the profound support and admiration Lasky inspires within her own community.
Throughout her tenure, Lasky has become a figure of resilience and optimism, often standing firm in defense of intellectual freedom and the right to read, even amidst challenging political and social climates. Her leadership style — rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on community needs — has positioned Josephine Community Library not just as a place for borrowing books, but as a vital hub for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and civic engagement.
This past year has tested many public institutions, and libraries have been no exception. Yet through adversity, Lasky has maintained a clear vision centered around inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring the library remained a space where everyone felt welcome and valued. Whether it was working with teens on new advisory programs, expanding digital resources, or defending
essential library principles at the policy level, her focus has remained unwavering.
The awards banquet also recognized several others across the state for their contributions to library services, including Library Supporter of the Year, the OLA Anti-Racism Recognition Award, and Library Employee of the Year. Notably, Josephine County had another reason to celebrate, as Eva Pieper of Grants Pass School District 7 was honored with the Intellectual Freedom Champion award, reinforcing the county’s growing reputation as a strong advocate for education and open access to information.
The Oregon Library Association, a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s libraries through advocacy, education, leadership, and collaboration, annually acknowledges those who exemplify excellence in the profession. Lasky’s recognition this year serves as a fitting tribute to both her personal impact and the broader role that community support plays in sustaining vibrant library systems.
For Josephine County residents, Lasky’s award is a moment of collective pride. It underscores the fact that the success of the Josephine Community Library is not the result of any single person alone but a shared achievement made possible by the volunteers, donors, staff, and patrons who have, time and again, affirmed their belief in the
library’s mission.
In a time when many communities across the nation are grappling with challenges to public knowledge and access to information, Josephine County’s investment in its library stands as a powerful statement of values. The library is more than a building; it is a living symbol of community resilience, mutual respect, and the enduring power of knowledge.
As Kate Lasky’s leadership continues to guide the Josephine Community Library into the future, the 2025 Librarian of the Year award will remain a proud testament to the extraordinary work being done in Southern Oregon — and to the people who never stopped believing in the power of libraries to hold communities together.
Josephine County to Honor Fallen Officers During National Police Week Ceremony
Josephine County Sheriff’s Department
In solemn recognition of National Police Week, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office will host a public memorial ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. on the front steps of the Josephine County Courthouse. The event is part of a nationwide observance held from May 11 through May 17 to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty while serving their communities and safeguarding American freedoms.
Sheriff Dave Daniel, on behalf of law enforcement agencies throughout the region, issued an open invitation to members of the public to attend and pay tribute to those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony will bring together representatives from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Grants Pass Police Department, and Oregon State Police for a joint remembrance.
"This is a time to reflect and honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes," said Daniel. "These men and women gave their lives to protect our rights, our freedoms, and our community. We owe it to them—and to their families—to never forget their dedication and service."
The observance will include a roll call of local officers who died in the line of duty, a symbolic reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals face each day. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook and Instagram pages for those unable to attend in person.
The roll call will include the names of seven officers who died while serving Josephine County:
Trooper Burrell Baucom – July 1, 1933
Captain (SAR) Emmett J. Blackmun – September 24, 1968
Deputy Alice Moran – November 17, 1971
Deputy Glenn Allen – November 17, 1971
Sergeant Marvin R. Brewster – April 21, 1972
Deputy Thomas E. Rice – May 23, 2002
The back-to-back deaths of Deputies Moran and Allen on the same day in 1971, followed shortly by Sgt. Brewster's in 1972, mark a particularly tragic period in the county’s law enforcement history. More recently, Deputy Rice’s death in 2002 was a
profound loss that still resonates with many in the community.
National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, and has since become an annual tradition of remembrance and support. Across the United States, thousands of memorial services, candlelight vigils, and commemorative events are held to recognize those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Josephine County’s commemoration reflects this national spirit of remembrance while placing a local emphasis on the men and women who served this region specifically. It serves as a powerful reminder not only of the dangers law enforcement officers face, but also of the need for public
awareness, appreciation, and unity.
"Behind every badge is a family, a community, and a life given to service," Sheriff Daniel stated in his invitation. "Our gathering on May 13 is not only to honor the fallen, but to reaffirm our respect for those who continue to serve with courage and commitment."
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the ceremony. Whether standing in silence, offering a salute, or simply bearing witness, the event is designed to promote a deeper understanding of the sacrifices involved in public safety and the enduring impact those sacrifices have on families and communities.
The Josephine County Courthouse is located at 500 NW 6th Street in Grants Pass. Seating and accessibility accommodations will be available on-site. For those viewing remotely, details for the livestream will be shared via the official social media pages of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office prior to the event.
UPS Announces Plan to Cut 20,000 Operational Jobs in 2025 Following Split with Amazon
News Desk
United Parcel Service (UPS) has revealed plans to cut approximately 20,000 operational positions in 2025 as part of a cost-reduction strategy following its decision to sever ties with Amazon.com, its largest customer. The move marks a significant shift in UPS’s operations, as the company aims to streamline its workforce and reduce expenses in the face of changes to its business model.
In a recent announcement, UPS explained that the job cuts would primarily affect operational roles, such as those in sorting facilities, warehouses, and delivery services. While the company did not provide specific details about the locations or departments that would be impacted, it is expected that a substantial portion of these cuts will affect roles related to the delivery and sorting of Amazon packages, which accounted for a large portion of UPS’s revenue in recent years.
This move follows UPS's decision to reduce its reliance on Amazon after the e-commerce giant chose to shift a portion of its delivery operations to other carriers, including its own network. Amazon’s transition to managing a greater share of its logistics internally has caused a significant ripple effect in the shipping industry, leading UPS to reconsider its operational structure and adjust its strategy for growth.
The decision to reduce the workforce is part of a broader cost-cutting effort that UPS initiated earlier this year. In a bid to remain competitive and maintain prof-
itability in a rapidly evolving market, the company is looking to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency across its network. With rising labor costs and the increasing need for technological investments to modernize operations, UPS is faced with the challenge of balancing its financial health with the continued demands of the global shipping market.
Analysts have noted that UPS’s decision to downsize follows a growing trend in the logistics sector, as many companies are reevaluating their dependence on e-commerce giants like Amazon. These shifts come at a time when consumer demand for fast, reliable delivery continues to increase, putting pressure on compa-
nies to find new ways to optimize their supply chains.
Despite the job cuts, UPS remains focused on its long-term strategy of expanding its business beyond the retail giant. In recent years, UPS has been investing heavily in its logistics infrastructure, including the expansion of its ground and air networks, as well as its technology capabilities. The company has also sought to diversify its customer base by expanding its services to include larger corporate clients, small businesses, and international markets. This approach is expected to mitigate some of the revenue losses resulting from the split with Amazon.
UPS’s decision to restructure also
comes on the heels of a broader industry trend toward automation. In recent years, UPS has made substantial investments in automated sorting systems and artificial intelligence (AI) to help streamline its operations and reduce labor costs. The integration of technology into its operations is expected to continue in the coming years, with the company planning further investments in robotics and automation to maintain its competitive edge.
As the company faces these challenges, questions remain about the broader impact on its employees. While UPS has made it clear that the cuts are part of a long-term plan to improve efficiency, labor unions and advocacy groups have expressed concern over the potential loss of jobs and the effects on workers' livelihoods. The company has stated that it is committed to providing support to affected employees, including severance packages and outplacement services, as part of its efforts to ease the transition for those who will be impacted by the layoffs.
With the restructuring underway, UPS is working to ensure that it remains a leader in the highly competitive logistics industry. The company’s future success will largely depend on its ability to adapt to changes in the market while maintaining its reputation for reliable service and timely deliveries. As it navigates these changes, UPS is signaling that its long-term strategy will center on diversification, innovation, and efficiency in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
NEWS DESK
Where Memories Live On: A Gift of Remembrance from the Grants Pass Tribune
John Oliver
Just a gentle reminder from all of us at the Grants Pass Tribune: in the stillness that follows loss—when the world carries on but your heart feels suspended—the most meaningful act can be to share a story. To speak their name. To remember how they lived, who they loved, and why they mattered. We believe that every life deserves to be honored, and that no memory—human or animal—should ever be hidden behind a paywall or a price tag.
That’s why we offer free obituaries for both people and pets. No fees. No fine print. Just the space and care to honor a life in full.
We know that death doesn’t just take a person—it shifts the gravity of an entire world. And in those fragile, fumbling moments of grief, it can feel unfair that even remembrance comes with a bill. So let this be one less worry. A small gift, from us to you.
Whether it’s a beloved grandmother who raised a family with grit and grace, a father who made quiet sacrifices you’re only now starting to see, or a dog who stood by your side through every heartbreak—every life
has a story worth telling. And every story deserves to be told without cost.
We do receive and publish standard public notices, but we hope for more than that. We invite you—when you’re ready— to send us your words. Tell us about the person who made Sunday dinner sacred. Share the story of the cat who slept on your chest every night for fifteen years. Let us
help you preserve those pieces of memory that make up a life: the nicknames, the quirks, the favorite song, the worn-out recliner, the garden that still blooms in their absence.
Obituaries sent to john@grantspasstribune.com will be published on our newspaper and archived online, where they won’t disappear behind a paywall or be
lost to time. We want them to live on—not just for a day or two, but for generations. One day, someone might stumble across those words and feel less alone. One day, a great-grandchild may read your story and finally understand the shape of your grief— and your love.
And yes, we mean all loved ones. Pets, too. Some may scoff, but those of us who’ve held a trembling paw as the light fades know better. Pets are family. They bear witness to our lives in ways few others do, and their loss carves just as deep. So if you need to write about a companion who barked, purred, or galloped—please, send it. We will honor them.
We don’t do this for profit. We do it because it matters. Because dignity shouldn't have a price. Because when someone we love dies, what we long for most is for the world to know them—to say their name, to remember their light, to carry their story forward.
We can’t ease the pain of your loss. But we can help you keep the memory alive. So, when the time comes—whenever that may be—know that we’re here. And that you are not alone.
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SUPPORT FREE SPEECH
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Stand with us in defending freedom of the press and the 1st Amendment! The Grants Pass Tribune is facing political persecution, with lawsuits aimed at silencing our bold investigative journalism. We remain committed to uncovering the truth and keeping our community informed like never before.
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THE BCC WEEKLY
The BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC
A Long List of Unanswered Questions
By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist
Several times in recent weeks at Weekly Business Sessions, the Josephine County Commissioners have stated something to the tune of “My door is always open,” or, “If you have a question about something just call the Commissioner’s office and set an appointment to talk to me.”
The last time I tried that a few weeks ago, Commissioner Ron Smith returned my call, Commissioner Andreas Blech returned my call, Commissioner Chris Barnett did not return my call. But let’s get real for a moment, there isn’t enough time in the day for Commissioners to meet with every citizen one on one any time somebody has a question. This is nowhere near feasible, and not efficient for either the commissioners or citizens. Although an in-person meeting is great when there is time.
Commissioners need to respond to citizens when they take the time to email them. In the last 4-5 years I’ve emailed the Commissioners dozens of times. I received a couple responses from former Commissioner Fowler, but otherwise Commissioners never responded to emails. Wally Hicks, the County’s elected legal counsel, also regularly ignores emails.
Commissioners also need to respond to citizen requests or questions when they take time out of their day to show up to attend the Weekly Business Sessions. That’s partially why they are held in the format and place where they are held.
And Commissioners need to respond to media requests and media questions. Commissioners regularly complain that local media coverage is not fair, but how can it be fair if the Commissioners never respond to local media questions? The Grants Pass Tribune is on track to hit 8 million article views on its website this year, likely more online article views than any other local media source. And yet, the Grants Pass Tribune’s staff asked Commissioners and County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks twice this year to recognize the Grants Pass Tribune as media per the County’s media policy and they won’t even respond.
BCC Order 2023-068 “In the Matter of Revision to the Josephine County Executive Session News Media Attendance Policy” lays out an official policy on recognizing media (which the Grants Pass Tribune meets the definition of in our opinion) and states “Josephine County shall make a determination promptly after receiving the evidence submitted by the entity.” Our last request was made to BCC Chair Andreas Blech and Legal Counsel Wally Hicks by email on March 5, 2025. So far that request has been ignored. Given that it’s now been almost 2 months since we made this request, we hope we will receive an answer soon because it will be hard to convince a judge that a response longer than 2 months is “prompt.”
And Commissioners need to keep in mind that when one or more citizens show up with concerns or questions, or email with concerns or questions, there are often dozens or maybe even hundreds or thousands of other citizens that have those same questions. Answer them in a format or venue where citizens can easily share those responses or in Weekly Business Sessions where many are watching
or where many can watch a recorded video of the meeting.
And please keep the BCC meetings archived on YouTube, one of the most convenient places to watch recordings of meetings. Why are the County staff taking videos off YouTube in recent weeks right after meetings are held? Why not keep those meeting videos on YouTube as well as the County website? Since the meetings are broadcast on YouTube, taking them down off YouTube seems to be a waste of time and is a step backwards in transparency.
Here is the long list of other questions that many citizens and local media have been asking. Some are questions that have been outstanding for months, while some are brand new questions. Since Commissioners have not answered most questions in public meetings or emails for the last few months, the list is long but not yet complete. This is a good starting point in answering the big picture questions asked most frequently in recent weeks and months.
1) Commissioners keep repeating comments (as recently as Monday April 28th) such as 80% of our budget is “grant funded” and we need to prepare for the loss of state and federal funding. Very little of the day-today operating budget revenues for General Fund Programs, Law Enforcement Programs, or Public Works Programs come from “grant” revenues so why do Commissioners say this and what specific grant funding are you worried about losing?
2) There was a massive restructuring of departments, department directors, and employee layoffs. In each case, why were these actions necessary and why is the new structure seen as the most efficient structure?
3) The County’s former budget officer said he was approached to serve in a role similar to the Federal DOGE program. Is this true, are you still considering contracting or hiring for this purpose, and if true why do you see this as being necessary?
4) Does the County intend to create a permanent position called Director of Operations or something similar? If so, will you do a normal recruiting and hiring process for this position and why do you see this position as being necessary?
5) County officials have informally confirmed that the County laid off all the code enforcement and solid waste staff. Why is this
and will these positions be funded and hired again in the near future?
6) Why did the County recently fire the Community Development Director, Public Works Director, Public Health Director, and demote the Juvenile Justice Director without even reporting this to the public and what were the reasons? Why was it such a sudden action without any notice or transition period?
7) When the County’s day-to-day operational revenues have actually increased significantly in the last two years, why did you approve the Voluntary Resignation Program and why did you approve this program without doing a financial analysis of potential costs?
8) The County just last month spent at least $6 million of timber reserve funds to purchase forestry properties up in the Astoria, Oregon area. It appears this major land purchase contract was never disclosed to the public in public meeting documents of a BCC public meeting. If so, why was this not posted to a WBS packet and acted on in a WBS meeting like any other major contract would normally be acted on by the full BCC?
9) Will the County be pursuing the sale of additional County-owned timber properties in Josephine County in favor of purchasing timber properties out closer to the Oregon Coast and if so will you do any kind of mineral assessments on those properties before they are put up for sale as recommended by the County Mining Advisory Committee?
10) About 10 days after Commissioner Barnett was on the Bill Meyer radio show talking about the great job Michael Sellers was doing as the Interim Director of Operations and talking like the Director of Operations role would be the new structure going forward, Commissioners then announced that Michael Sellers has gone back to his role of IT/Emergency Management Director. Was this job title and duties change done by a Commissioner’s request or by Michael Sellers’ request?
11) Is the County considering or studying the possibility of giving the Public Health Department Operations over to the state to run rather than having this be a County operated function? If so, what County officials are studying this transition possibility?
12) Last year the BCC voted to assign Michael Sellers over the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) plan program. The rumor is, Michael Sellers has refused to do anything
with this program even after being offered assistance from the former Public Health Director and Josephine County may be falling behind on the County’s obligations for this program. What is the truth and the status of this program? If we are falling behind are we risking having to pay the state back for state funds provided to the County for this purpose?
13) There was a big internal investigation last fall regarding retaliation and bullying by two Commissioners against former Directors Weber and Stevenson. Assistant County Legal Counsel released the results internally at the end of last year. The County was invoiced approximately $43,000 for the consultant’s investigation. Why hasn’t this investigation been discussed in public meetings of the Commissioners and when will results be publicly disclosed?
14) Why did the County’s external financial auditors Moss Adams do a special financial audit project last fall at a cost of approximately $31,000? Why was the audit done, what were the results, and why has this never been discussed in a public meeting of the BCC?
15) When will the BCC act on the March 5th (second) request by the Grants Pass Tribune to be recognized as approved media in the County’s Executive Session News Media Attendance Policy?
16) Do you see a risk to the County in delaying the Exec Session media attendance request by the Grants Pass Tribune when Commissioner Barnett personally started several new News/Media companies or outlets earlier this year such as the one Barnett named the Josephine County Tribune? The Josephine County Tribune has done paid advertising on Facebook and has been advertising for journalist jobs, so money must be behind Commissioner Barnett’s new business venture. Has the BCC asked County Legal Counsel whether this is a risk to Josephine County?
17) Have the Commissioners or County staff identified any state or federal grant funded programs that support County operating programs (as opposed to capital projects) where we know for sure that the grant program has been defunded or terminated?
18) BCC Chair Blech mentioned on Monday April 28th that there are some expected cost savings as a result of recent reorganizations. What cost savings are expected or targeted as a result of various operating structure reorganizations done or in process now?
19) Can the BCC provide an org chart of what the County’s structure looks like now or what it is expected to look like after the restructuring? Are there any new Department Director or central manager/director (or higher) job grades in the new operating structure?
20) Has the County’s insurance policy provider CIS threatened to drop Josephine County or not renew the County’s insurance policy due to the high number of lawsuits that have been filed or threatened against the County in recent months?
There are more, but for now I’ll stop at twenty questions. Any of these that the Commissioners can’t answer right now, they should simply say so and say why they can’t answer right now. All local citizens and County employees deserve the highest level of transparency that can be legally allowed at this time.
COMMUNITY
Street Sweeping Scheduled for Select Zones in Grants Pass This Week
City of Grants Pass
The City of Grants Pass has announced its street sweeping schedule for the week of April 27, 2025, and is asking for residents' cooperation to help ensure the process runs smoothly.
According to the Public Works Department, streets in Zone 11 are scheduled to be swept on Monday, April 28, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Later in the week, Zones 1 and 6 are set to be swept on Thursday, May 1, during the same time window. City officials are reminding residents to remove their vehicles, trash cans, and any other obstacles from the street during the sweeping hours to allow crews full access to the curbs and roadways.
Street sweeping plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of city streets. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods, sweeping removes debris that can clog storm drains, create hazards for cyclists and motorists, and contribute to water pollution when litter and grime are washed into local waterways.
“The cooperation of residents is crucial to the success of the street sweeping program,” said a spokesperson for the Public Works Department. “When streets are clear of vehicles and other obstructions, crews
are able to do a much more thorough and efficient job.”
Residents whose properties fall within the scheduled zones are strongly encouraged to move their cars, trailers, garbage cans, and other objects off the street by 7:00 a.m. on the day sweeping is scheduled. Streets will be swept throughout the day until 6:00 p.m., and in some cases, crews may pass through an area more than once.
Officials caution that while the City strives to adhere to the posted schedule, changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather. Rain, high winds, or other weather events can delay sweeping operations, making it necessary for crews to adjust their schedules accordingly. Residents are encouraged to stay informed of any updates by check-
ing the City of Grants Pass website or contacting the Public Works office directly.
For those with questions or concerns about the street sweeping process or schedule, the Public Works Department can be reached at 541-450-6110. Staff are available to provide information about specific zones, the sweeping program in general, and steps residents can take to assist crews in keeping the city’s streets clean and safe.
The street sweeping schedule is part of the City's ongoing efforts to maintain a clean, attractive, and environmentally responsible community. Regular sweeping not only improves the quality of life for residents but also supports the City's broader goals of sustainability and infrastructure preservation.
Residents are encouraged to spread the word among their neighbors to ensure that as many streets as possible are cleared and ready for sweeping this week. By working together, the community can help maximize the effectiveness of the program and keep Grants Pass looking its best as the city heads into the warmer months.
For more information or updates on the sweeping schedule, visit the City of Grants Pass Public Works webpage or call 541450-6110.
GRANTS PASS WEATHER
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
Partly
Mostly sunny 75/44
Cloudy, some rain 62/40
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Sunny 87/48
Mt. Ashland Trail Run Returns in September, Bringing a Weekend of Adventure and Festivities
By: Gabriella Connor
Outdoor enthusiasts and runners will once again have a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon's Siskiyou Mountains, as the Mt. Ashland Trail Run makes its highly anticipated return on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Organized by Ultra Excuses, this year's event promises to be bigger than ever, coinciding for the first time with the Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s planned Oktoberfest celebration.
The Mt. Ashland Trail Run has long been a staple of the regional running community, drawing participants from across Oregon and beyond. Known for its challenging yet breathtaking course, the race offers a unique opportunity to explore Mt. Ashland’s alpine terrain, with sweeping views that stretch from the iconic peak of Mt. Shasta to the expansive Rogue Valley below.
"By moving the race to September and pairing it with Oktoberfest, we’re creating a full weekend of celebration for the outdoor community," said race director Andrew Gast. "It’s a great way to combine fitness, mountain adventure, and local culture."
This year’s race format offers flexible options to accommodate a variety of skill levels and interests. Participants can choose between one, two, or three loops — each referred to as a “summit.” Each loop covers 3.7 miles and features nearly 1,000 feet of climbing, offering a rewarding challenge for runners and hikers alike.
Organizers are also working to introduce a new half marathon course, which would utilize trails unique to Mt. Ashland and provide an additional test of endurance for experienced trail runners.
The event is open to all ages, welcoming both competitive runners and those simply looking to enjoy a day of hiking and mountain scenery. In 2024, the trail run attracted participants from multiple states, with some traveling from as far away as Missouri to take part. The addition of the Oktoberfest celebration this year is expected to further enhance the event’s appeal, creating a festive mountain atmosphere with live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Registration for the Mt. Ashland Trail Run is now open, with limited spaces available. Organizers encourage interested participants to reg-
ister early to secure a spot. Registration can be completed here online.
The festivities will kick off with the trail run on Saturday morning, followed by Oktoberfest celebrations at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. Full details about Oktoberfest activities, including music lineups and food offerings, are expected to be announced later this summer.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area, located just a short drive south of Ashland, Oregon, serves as the event's base. Known for its scenic beauty and strong community spirit, Mt. Ashland has long been a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The September timing of the race offers participants cooler temperatures and vibrant late-summer landscapes, providing ideal condi-
tions for trail running and hiking.
The combined weekend of athletic competition and celebration highlights Mt. Ashland’s commitment to fostering a vibrant mountain community year-round. Both the trail run and Oktoberfest aim to attract local residents and visitors alike, providing a boost to the area's outdoor tourism economy.
For those looking to experience the Siskiyous in all their rugged beauty, participate in a challenging yet accessible athletic event, and enjoy a lively mountain festival, the Mt. Ashland Trail Run and Oktoberfest weekend promises something for everyone.
TAKE A BREAK
Posting Date April 21, 2025 April 21, 2025
Slow and Steady, My Friends, Slow and Steady
They say slow and steady wins the race, and I believe them—because frankly, I’ve been running this damn marathon on blood, stubbornness, and black coffee for a long time now.
People come up to me, in the grocery store, at the golf course, even once in line at the Free Clinic, and they ask—half-curious, half-concerned—“How do you deal with all the stress?”
The lawsuits, the political back-alley beatings, the local cowards dressing themselves up as “newsmen” on homemade television shows (designed for no other purpose than to take shots at this newspaper and myself)... it’s a fair question. Some days it feels like I’m standing on a beach during a hurricane holding nothing but an umbrella stitched together from Marine Corps discipline and plain old bullheadedness.
Let me be clear: it is a lot.
Most people couldn’t carry this weight, and honestly, I wouldn’t wish it on them. But here’s the thing—I don’t see it the way they do. I don’t see stress as a tidal wave meant to drown me. I see it as the ocean itself: massive, shifting, powerful. You can’t fight it. You can only learn to ride it.
The lawsuits? They’re coming, yes. Future cases will prove a lot of things about the games that have been played behind closed doors in this town. If they don’t, I’ll own it. I’ll apologize. I have no problem admitting when I’m wrong—a rare trait these days among public figures and professional gas lighters alike. If only the local politicians and their cronies could say the same.
But back to the question: how do I handle it?
Besides exercise—golf, my chosen
form of therapy and legalized frustration—I practice what I preach. The positive affirmations article I wrote wasn’t just filler; it’s my daily weapon. Every morning, before the world tries to crack my skull open with some fresh nonsense, I reset my mind. I remind myself that resilience is a muscle, and I flex it like my life depends on it. Some days, it probably does.
I compartmentalize—ruthlessly.
Personal life, business life, stress, strategy—they each go into separate rooms in my mind. I lock the doors when I need to. When the barrage comes (and it always comes), I dive 1000% headfirst into it. No hesitation. Execute the plan, then react. One step at a time. Methodical. Surgical. Cold if necessary. That’s how I survive it. That's how I win.
To the outside observer, it might look like I’m drowning in obligations. But what you’re really seeing is compartmentalization in action.
I know what’s on my plate. Every scrap of it.
The truth is, my life isn’t normal.
Most people don’t run newspapers while defending themselves against the venom of political figures with fragile egos and too much time on their hands. Most people don’t simultaneously manage legal cases, a media empire under siege, community events, public reputation, and a personal life that barely gets airtime.
But I’m not most people.
I was built for adversity like this.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time alone—figuring out the world for myself, learning how to navigate a system that wasn’t going to hand me anything. That independence bred a quiet adaptability. It taught me to absorb chaos, flip it upside down, and use it to my advantage.
Stress isn’t a killer for me. It’s a tool.
Adversity sharpens the blade. Pressure hardens the steel.
Every insult, every lawsuit, every smear campaign is just another mile marker on this long, brutal, beautiful road.
Brighter days are ahead.
They always are.
