WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025
Cronyism or Coordination? Simon Hare’s $48,200 Contracts Raises Eyebrows in Josephine County
By: John Oliver
In Josephine County, political insiders are once again raising concerns over a pattern of favoritism and backdoor dealings that many believe reflect entrenched cronyism rather than effective governance. At the center of the latest controversy is former County Commissioner Simon Hare, who has recently been awarded not one, but two separate county contracts—totaling $48,200—for roles that he has no history of qualifications to perform.
The contracts—first as the county’s Broadband Coordinator and then as its Budget Officer—have left many residents and observers questioning the transparency, legality, and motivations behind these appointments.
Simon Hare, whose prior tenure as Josephine County Commissioner was marked by both controversy and budget mismanagement—including the issuance of 200 pink slips after a gross miscalculation—has returned to the public payroll under curious circumstances. In 2024, he was quietly contracted to serve as Broadband Coordinator for the county, a role focused on bridging the digital divide in rural Southern Oregon.
The seven-month contract, effective June 21, 2024, pays Hare $2,500 per month with up to $2,500 in mileage reimbursement, capped at $20,000. According to the agreement, Hare was tasked with coordinating broadband stakeholders, developing outreach strategies, and spearheading grant efforts aimed at improving internet access in underserved areas.
The problem? There appears to be no publicly available scope of work or documentation of any completed tasks. A public records request submitted by the Grants Pass Tribune was delayed for 90 days, only receiving a response after a tort claim was threatened against the county. Even then, the county demanded $516 to release what it called “some” of the documents, raising further concerns about accountability and transparency.
The records request, based on Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.410 et seq.), sought payment records, mileage reimbursements, and evidence of budgetary appropriations under ORS 294.305. The delay and partial response have only intensified public skepticism.
No Broadband Results, But a Budget Job Next?
Despite no visible deliverables under the broadband agreement, Hare was soon granted a second contract—this time as the county’s Budget Officer. The short-term agreement, dated March 7, 2025, and running through June 30, 2025,
tasks Hare with preparing the 2025–2026 county budget in compliance with Oregon law.
Again, critics point to Hare’s lack of qualifications. His publicly listed résumé describes him as a “rancher,” with no evident background in finance, accounting, or municipal budget preparation. Nonetheless, he was awarded a one-time payment of $25,000, issued within the first seven days of the contract’s execution.
Unlike typical hiring processes, there was no public posting of the Budget Officer position, no opportunity for qualified applicants to apply, and no recorded vote from the full Board of Commissioners. According to the contract terms, Hare could be compensated in full even if he worked only a single day.
The circumstances surrounding this contract raise serious concerns about the integrity of the county’s hiring and financial oversight processes. The absence of transparency, defined deliverables, and a competitive selection process underscores a broader pattern of questionable governance. Public funds are be-
ing allocated with little to no scrutiny, and the lack of oversight makes it nearly impossible to determine whether taxpayers are receiving any value in return.
The “Good Ol’ Boys” Network in Full Swing
These developments are not isolated incidents but seem to reflect a deeper pattern within Josephine County politics. The recent reappointment of Andreas Blech as County Commissioner—his second appointment in less than two years—has raised additional concerns.
Blech, a longtime business associate of now-recalled Commissioner John West, was appointed to replace Dan DeYoung following DeYoung’s resignation over the infamous “Sit on my lap” comment to Finance Director Sandy Novak. Before his ousting in a successful recall campaign, West used his remaining political clout to install Blech, a move supported by Commissioner Herman Baertschiger, who has since retired but continues to exert influence behind the scenes.
Blech quickly began reshaping county leadership, notably appointing Michael Sellers as the County Operations Director. Sellers now oversees at least six departments and was the official who approved Hare’s second broadband contract—despite the glaring absence of a defined scope of work or project deliverables. (Yes, there were two contracts: one approved by all three commissioners, and one that was not—but was paid anyway.)
Earth Day is Approaching
How Southern Oregonians Can Prepare, Participate, and Make a Difference
By: Leaf Barret
Southern Oregon residents are once again being called upon to think globally and act locally as Earth Day approaches on April 22. This annual observance, celebrated around the world since 1970, is a time to reflect on the health of the planet and consider how individual and collective action can contribute to a more sustainable future. In a region known for its natural beauty—from the Rogue River to the Cascade foothills—Earth Day is more than symbolic. It's an opportunity to reconnect with the land, community, and sense of shared responsibility.
Now is the time to prepare to do your part. With a range of local cleanups, conservation projects, and educational events already on the calendar, there are numerous ways for residents of Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, and surrounding communities to get involved. Whether you're a long-time environmental advocate or new to the movement, Earth Day offers a meaningful way to contribute.
Participating can start at home. One of the simplest but most impactful actions individuals can take is to evaluate their daily habits. Reduc-
ing water usage, switching to energy-efficient appliances, composting food waste, and cutting back on single-use plastics are all attainable goals that benefit both the environment and your household budget. Residents can also support local agriculture by shopping at farmers' markets or participating in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which promote fresh, seasonal food with a lower carbon footprint.
In Grants Pass, several Earth Day events are being organized by local nonprofits, schools, and civic groups. River cleanups are among the most popular and effective local efforts. Volunteers armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a commitment to beautifying public spaces often remove hundreds of pounds of debris from the banks of the Rogue and Applegate Rivers. These events are typically family-friendly and provide an educational component for children learning about ecosystems and pollution.
For those interested in planting, many local nurseries and conservation groups organize tree planting and native species restoration projects. These not only help combat climate change through carbon sequestration but also restore wildlife habitats and support pollinators essential to local agriculture. Jackson and Josephine Counties both maintain calendars listing these types of volunteer opportunities.
Educational outreach is another powerful tool. Local libraries, schools, and community centers often host Earth Day workshops, film screenings, and guest speakers focused on topics such as climate science, renewable energy, sustainable gardening, and fire prevention. Attending or organizing such an event can spark dialogue and foster a stronger environmental ethic in the community.
If you're unsure where to start, organizations such as the Rogue Riverkeeper, KS Wild, and the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy provide ongoing volunteer opportunities and resources to guide personal or group action. Churches, youth groups, and local businesses may also be organizing events tied to Earth Day, including
donation drives, recycling collection stations, or green product giveaways.
It’s also a good time to engage with local government. Attending city council or county commissioner meetings and advocating for green policies—from better recycling programs to smart growth initiatives—ensures that environmental issues remain on the civic agenda. Writing letters, signing petitions, and voting with sustainability in mind are critical ways to support change beyond Earth Day.
While Earth Day is a single date on the calendar, its true value lies in its potential to inspire long-term action. By participating in local events, adopting more sustainable habits, and supporting environmental initiatives, Southern Oregonians can help preserve the region’s natural beauty and resources for generations to come. Whether you pick up litter, plant a tree, or simply educate yourself and others, every action counts—and the time to begin is now.
• see SIMON, page 3
Josephine County Library Caught in Lease Limbo
Is It a Termination or an Eviction?
By: John Oliver
The Josephine Community Library is facing the forced end of its lease, a move that has sparked confusion and concern across the county. At the center of the debate is the question of whether the library’s situation constitutes a routine “lease termination” or something far more disruptive—an eviction in all but name.
County Commissioner Chris Barnett recently told the public that the situation is a “tenant lease agreement issue,” not an eviction. That distinction, while seemingly benign, has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from library supporters and legal observers alike. The issue isn’t merely one of semantics—it holds real consequences for the community, particularly for the future of one of Josephine County’s most valued public services.
The controversy deepened when the county’s legal counsel, Wally Hicks, sent a cryptic and ultimately unhelpful message to the library’s leadership. In response to the library’s proposal to negotiate the terms of their lease renewal, Hicks wrote:
“Following up on our recent conversation, the county is currently unable to provide a response to the library’s proposal for several reasons. One significant factor is the uncertainty regarding potential relocations of departments. Additionally, the Dimmick campus property is up for sale, but the county is unable to share specific details at this time. Scheduling conflicts with the commissioners are also an issue, as it is difficult to gather all three commissioners on Friday afternoons in the coming weeks. As a result, resolving the situation before the budget process is no lon-
ger a feasible option. While the county is not dismissing the possibility of offering storage for library property should a move be necessary, this scenario remains purely hypothetical.”
This statement effectively signals that the county is unwilling—or unable—to negotiate or extend the lease, which expires December 31, 2025. While Hicks stopped short of calling it an eviction, the implications are clear: the library must prepare to vacate without any clear plan for relocation or continued operations.
For the Josephine Community Library, the potential loss of its current home is more than a logistical hassle—it’s a threat to its mission and a disruption to the thousands of community members who rely on it for access to books, technology, educational programming, and safe community spaces.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar,” said one library volunteer who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s about continuity of service. If the library is forced out without a clear alternative, it could mean lost programs, fewer community events, and a massive inconvenience to patrons.”
In a rural county where broadband ac-
cess is still limited and educational resources are scarce, the library provides vital services far beyond book lending. From literacy workshops and children’s Storytime to public internet access and tax preparation help, the library functions as a cornerstone of the community.
Commissioner Barnett’s insistence that this is merely a “lease agreement issue” rather than an eviction has been met with skepticism. While it’s true that leases do end and not every lease non-renewal is an eviction, the context matters deeply.
Legal experts point out that the difference between a lease termination and an eviction lies not just in the terminology, but in the process and intent. A lease termination can be mutual, expected, or based on a clear and transparent set of circumstances.
An eviction, however, often involves one party—usually the landlord—forcing the tenant out, sometimes without cause or without offering meaningful alternatives.
In this case, critics argue that the county’s refusal to engage in dialogue, combined with the sudden and opaque decision-making process, meets the spirit of an eviction. “It’s disingenuous for the county to say this
is just business as usual,” said a local government watchdog. “They’re not negotiating, not offering a solution, and not giving the library enough time to plan a move. That’s not a neutral lease ending—that’s pushing someone out the door.”
Perhaps most troubling to many residents is the lack of transparency. The vague explanations from the county—citing “potential relocations,” “property sale negotiations,” and “scheduling conflicts”—provide little clarity and no concrete answers. The mention of possible storage space for the library’s materials comes off as a cold consolation, considering the role the library plays in the daily lives of county residents.
With no public discussion scheduled and no clear communication plan from the commissioners, many feel left in the dark. Community members have begun to mobilize, circulating petitions and preparing to speak out at upcoming public meetings.
The timing of the lease termination, coming just before the 2026 budget cycle, adds to the sense of urgency. Without a home, the library will have to request emergency funding, secure temporary quarters, and scramble to maintain its programming. Meanwhile, local students, families, seniors, and job seekers could find themselves without access to essential services.
In a county already dealing with economic and social challenges, the destabilization of the library feels, to many, like an avoidable crisis. If the commissioners fail to act—or continue to hide behind vague language—the damage could be long-lasting. You Decide: Lease Termination or Eviction?
At the end of the day, the public must weigh the facts. The library was not offered a renewal. The county refuses to negotiate or explain.
Simon Hare’s Contracts Raises Eyebrows
From page 1
Sellers, whose rise through the county ranks coincided with Baertschiger’s tenure, has become emblematic of the tightly woven network of political and personal alliances that seem to dominate decision-making in Josephine County, and beyond.
At the heart of the controversy is a troubling lack of transparency. The contracts awarded to Hare were not subject to standard public vetting. There was no competitive bidding process, no clear documentation of qualifications, and no performance reviews. Instead, these contracts were issued quietly, under the radar, and in this case, without the approval of all three county commissioners coming to a public vote. In Hare’s case, the contract to serve as Budget Officer explicitly states that a single $25,000 payment would be made within seven days of signing. It includes provisions for early termination but offers no metrics for success, no deliverable deadlines, and no mechanism for performance evaluation. For a payment of $25,000 to be approved, there must be a vote from all three commissioners—and that never took place, once again bringing the legality into question.
Worse yet, the appointment took place without any form of public notice—effectively eliminating any chance for qualified professionals to compete for the role.
The handling of the contract appears to run counter to the principles of fair and open public contracting. By bypassing competitive hiring procedures and failing to secure proper board approval, the process not only lacks transparency but potentially conflicts with both the intent and requirements of Oregon’s public contracting laws. For taxpayers, it represents a troubling example of how public funds can be distributed without adequate oversight or accountability.
Following the Money
One of the most damning aspects of this saga is the complete lack of clarity regarding how grant money tied to the broadband initiative is being managed. As of April 2025, no records have been released detailing how the initial $150,000 broadband grant has been spent— or if it has been spent at all.
Requests for information about those expenditures have been met with silence or
prohibitive fees, further fueling suspicions that funds may be misused or misallocated.
Even the Oregon Broadband Office, a key stakeholder in regional development efforts, has reportedly received little to no communication from Hare or the County regarding project updates or grant coordination.
Beyond the optics of cronyism and favoritism, the legal implications of these appointments could have far-reaching consequences. The Budget Officer contract requires Hare to comply with Josephine County Code 2.10.060, maintain confidentiality, and produce all materials as property of the county. But without proper oversight, enforcement of those provisions is unlikely.
If Hare fails to fulfill the terms of either contract—or if it’s proven that state or local laws were circumvented in the hiring process—Josephine County could face not only public backlash but potential litigation.
What's Next—A Power Grab?
Some fear that this pattern of behind-closeddoors appointments signals an even larger con-
solidation of power. With Blech now solidifying control, and figures like Hare and Sellers strategically placed in key operational roles, many wonder if the next step could be to unseat sitting Commissioner Ron Smith—one of the few dissenting voices—and replace him with another loyalist.
“This group doesn't care about optics anymore,” said a former county employee. “It’s about control. It’s about protecting their own, giving jobs and contracts to friends and family, and keeping outsiders locked out.”
If Josephine County residents want change, observers say, the time to act is now. Transparency measures, ethics investigations, and independent audits must be pursued if trust is to be restored in local government.
At the very least, the county owes its residents a full accounting of how public funds are being spent—and an explanation as to why positions like Budget Officer and Broadband Coordinator are being handed out to politically connected insiders without public oversight. Until then, the cycle continues. The same names. The same faces. The same deals. Business as usual in Josephine County.
By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist
Rules For Thee, Not For Me THE BCC WEEKLY
“You’ve reached the Josephine County Courthouse; we are now closed.” This is what you’ll hear if you try to reach someone in the County Courthouse after 4pm during the week or in the off hours.
Ironically, one of the initiatives kicked off by the new Josephine County Commissioners earlier this year not long after they took office was to request that all departments change the hours they were available to the public so that the public can access department staff from 8am to 5pm each day. And they granted few exceptions when department heads explained the unique circumstances and staffing limitations that would prevent departments from doing so.
Furthermore, try to reach the Commissioners office by phone and you won’t be able to do so if you’re calling during the lunch hour from 12pm to 1pm or if you try to call the Commissioners Office any time after noon on Fridays. These are the same hours that have been in place for some time. Perhaps, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
And in another trio of ironies, right after several department heads explained they may need more staff to be open to the public from 8-5, Commissioners approved a voluntary employee resignation program resulting in a loss of 18 County employees at a great cost to the County. And then last week Commissioners announced there have been several layoffs in the week, without providing any public detail on those layoffs. Rumor is that nine more county employees have been laid off in the last week, decimating the entire code enforcement and solid waste division staff. Some of these staff work closely with the Sheriff’s office on major illegal activity enforcement and code violations as well as health and safety concerns.
I have to say “rumor” at this time because the County is mum on the details. And we’ve witnessed several public records requests either being ignored completely, taking longer to fulfill than state law prescribes, or waiting until the very end of the legal time limit to process. Even extremely simple public records requests are going up to or over the legal limit on allowable response time.
We have a secret audit that was done late last year, likely involving allegations in the finance and treasurer’s office, which cost the County $31,400. This was never discussed by Commissioners nor were the results of the audit discussed in any public meeting. This may also be in violation of County purchasing policies which require all three commissioners to approve anything over $25,000.
We have an internal investigation which was also performed by an outside firm in the second half of last year at a cost of about $43,000. Again, this is potentially in violation of County purchasing policies. The draft report was received late in 2024 and an attorney that used to work in the County Legal department presented a
The BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC
summary of findings at the end of the year finding two commissioners guilty of retaliation and bullying against two department directors. Those two department directors were fired last week, and still to this day there has been no public meeting mention of the results of the $43,000 internal investigation. We only have sources that say they heard loud screaming from the hallway of the courthouse right outside the Commissioners’ Office while a private executive session was held. When the Commissioners came back into open session after that executive session, one Commissioner commented on adrenaline levels.
And then when Commissioners heard their Finance/HR Director was one of 18 to participate in the early resignation program, getting a big payout to go take another finance job out of state, within a few days political ally and former commissioner Simon Hare was contracted to serve as the County’s Budget Officer this budget season. There was no quick RFP, no quick job advertisement for qualified finance applicants, just a quick contract with a known political ally. That contract came in at $25,000 and was signed on Friday, March 7th. We didn’t see the terms of the contract until this week, and it took a public records request to get it. Mr. Hare gets paid the entire $25,000 within seven days of contract signing, and either par-
ty can cancel the contract with only one day notice. Once again, Commissioners appear to have disregarded purchasing and administrative policies in the execution of this contract, given that this contract amount would normally need to be approved by all three commissioners per administrative policy.
With the firing of Public Health Director Michael Weber last week, rumors are swirling that the Commissioners may be moving to rid the County of a Public Health Department, theoretically giving the services over to the State of Oregon to run in place of the County. Sources close to this situation tell us this has been quietly considered for a few years.
While it may or may not make financial or operational sense for the state to take over this or any other County department, the conservative principle of local control usually wins the day if all factors are considered. Usually it pays to fight for local control. This is the kind of major decision that the Commissioners should let anyone from the public weigh in on before the decision is made, which often brings in a diverse group of opinions from all manners of stakeholders in the decision. But in recent months the BCC doesn’t have a great track record of wanting to hear from all stakeholders in making a decision. It’s almost as if the public’s business is no longer public.
The revamping of County Administrative Policies right at the end of 2024 was another prime example. Commissioners didn’t take the time to get input from all the County’s bargaining units as required by union agreements and employment law, and now the County is facing a brandnew lawsuit as a result of this and other recent personnel actions. Commissioners were determined to update the administrative policies by calendar year-end, regardless of how many stakeholders wanted to participate in the review process. And perhaps it was no coincidence that the County attorney that was assisting the commissioners with updating these policies resigned right at the end of the project. Then a political ally of the commissioners attacked that attorney in a public meeting of the City of Grants Pass a few weeks later, almost jeopardizing the tentative job offer she had to serve as the City Attorney for Grants Pass.
We know from our sources that last year Commissioners ignored the advice of County attorneys in at least one personnel-related manner. And it remains to be seen whether a lawsuit will result. And in a real head-scratcher on my part, shortly after taking office in early 2025 commissioners voted 2-1 to fire a commissioner office staff member that had worked in the commissioners’ office for more than 10 years. The reason cited was a few instances of making errors in a time clock entry. Speaking from experience after working for the City of Grants Pass for 12 years I can say that there were a few employee issues that were 100 times worse than this that still didn’t result in an employee termination. This is not the kind of issue that leads to a firing on the first written allegation without following a progressive disciplinary process. There’s another likely lawsuit, unless that former employee decides not to pursue legal action.
I could continue on several other examples of previous or current County Commissioners either not following the law or not following the County’s Administrative Policies. I now find myself asking the question, “If the Commissioners can fire someone for a minor infraction like timecard errors, how should Commissioners be held accountable for all these instances of not following law or not following County Administrative Policies?”
I’m not sure how to answer that. We’re in unchartered waters here in Josephine County, at least in the 15 years I’ve been watching County issues closely. I’ve never seen so many cases of ignoring the County Charter and ignoring County Administrative Policies by elected officials. I guess in the end voters will have their say, as they always do. But in the meantime, if our elected officials, our elected legal counsel included, don’t respect the rule of law, don’t acknowledge citizen complaints, or won’t act when they see a violation, we are left to only pursuing legal action or action at the ballot box.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Why Your Workouts Aren’t
By: Brooke Davis
If you’re over 40 and feeling like your workouts aren’t delivering results anymore, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Many women in midlife find themselves putting in the same effort as they did in their 20s and 30s—logging long hours of cardio, cutting back on calories, pushing through intense workouts—only to feel more fatigued, less motivated, and stuck at the same weight (or even gaining).
What’s often missing from the conversation is this: your body hasn’t failed you. It’s simply changing, and the strategies that once worked are no longer aligned with your current hormonal environment. Around perimenopause and menopause, key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to decline. These shifts affect your metabolism, your ability to build and maintain muscle, how your body manages stress, and how efficiently you burn fat.
If you continue with the “eat less, move more” mentality, you might actually be making things harder for yourself. Under-eating and over-exercising can elevate cortisol, your main stress hormone. When cortisol remains high, your body conserves energy by slowing metabolism, breaking down muscle tissue, and holding onto fat—especially around the midsection. You might also find it harder to sleep, feel constantly tired, and wonder why nothing seems to be working.
The good news is that by changing up what you’re doing, you can start feeling better and seeing results again - and while it might take longer than it used to, I promise you’ll be better off long term. First, stop overtraining. Strength training 2 to 4 times per week should become the foundation of your movement. Building muscle boosts your metabolism, supports hormone balance, and helps your body become more efficient at using
carbohydrates. Instead of endless cardio sessions, focus on lifting progressively heavier weights with good form and taking adequate rest between workouts.
Next, shift your nutrition from restriction to nourishment. Your body needs enough fuel to regulate hormones and feel safe enough to let go of stored fat. Start by eating more protein—aim for around 20 to 30 grams per meal. Include healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts to support hormone production, and don’t be afraid of carbs. Root vegetables, fruits, and whole grains give your body necessary energy and help keep cortisol in check. Stable blood sugar is a huge piece of the puzzle, so try to avoid skipping meals or running on caffeine alone.
Lastly, managing overall stress is equally important. Chronic stress keeps your body in fight-or-flight mode, which suppresses fat loss, disrupts sleep, and
drives cravings. Daily movement like walking, getting outside, breathwork, and prioritizing sleep are not “extras”— they’re essentials. Recovery days and rest are just as important as your workouts. Start paying attention to your body and LISTENING to it. If you’re constantly tired, not recovering well, or emotionally drained, these are signals—not signs of failure. Your body is wise, and it’s asking for a different kind of support now.
This stage of life requires a new approach, one that works with your changing hormones rather than against them. You don’t need to hustle harder. You need to restore, rebuild, and create sustainable habits that work with your biology.
When you shift your focus to nourishment, strength, stress reduction, and hormonal support, you give your body what it actually needs to thrive through your 40s and beyond.
Recovery Café Brings New Hope for Healing to Grants Pass COMMUNITY
GPT News Desk
A new chapter in recovery support is beginning in Josephine County as a dedicated group of volunteers prepares to open the doors of Recovery Café Grants Pass, a safe haven for those struggling with trauma, addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges. Modeled after the successful Recovery Café in Medford and backed by the national Recovery Café Network, this grassroots effort aims to provide long-term, community-based support for people at all stages of recovery.
The first step for the new Café will be a New Member Orientation on the evening of April 29, marking the formal start of services in the Grants Pass area. In just five months of preparation, volunteers have completed extensive training through the Recovery Café Network and laid the foundation for what they hope will be a transformative resource in the community.
The Recovery Café model is built around peer-to-peer support and radical hospitality. At its core is the belief that every person, no matter their past, is worthy of love and respect. Through weekly Recovery Circles, classes, shared meals, and volunteer opportunities, members build trust, accountability, and hope—all in a warm, stigma-free setting.
“This isn’t just a place to get help—it’s a place to be part of a healing community,” said Julie Hartford, Executive Director of Recovery Café Grants Pass. “I first discovered the concept while touring the Medford Café. The atmosphere was welcoming, the people were kind, and I immediately knew this was
something Grants Pass needed. That’s when we pulled together a leadership team and got to work.”
Hartford, who also serves on the leadership team of PATH (Partners Assisting the Homeless), has long witnessed the community’s struggle with substance use and homelessness. “Every city council meeting seemed to include concerns about addiction,” she said. “People want solutions. This is one that works.”
And the numbers support her claim. While national studies show that 40% to 60% of people relapse within five years of recovery, the Recovery Café model has shown powerful results. According to the Recovery Café Network, 97% of members increased their desire to stay in recovery, and 91% reported the Café helped them avoid relapse.
Founded in Seattle in 2004, the Recovery Café Network now includes 77 Cafés across the U.S. and Canada, with Grants
Pass proudly joining as an Emerging Member. This status provides the local team with two years of mentorship, materials, and guided training from experienced leaders, helping ensure their success.
Recovery Café Grants Pass will offer a variety of services, all free to members. These include peer-led Recovery Circles, classes on relapse prevention, emotional wellness, and life skills, healthy food and drinks, referrals to outside services, and opportunities to give back to the community through volunteering and leadership roles.
To join, members must commit to three core principles: being drug and alcohol free while at the Café, participating in a weekly Recovery Circle, and contributing to the Café community. This model of mutual respect and responsibility sets Recovery Café apart from traditional treatment programs.
However, the Café still needs support. The team is currently seeking a permanent
location, volunteers, and donations to help get the facility up and running. Despite these early-stage needs, the team is optimistic that the community will rally around this cause.
“People in Grants Pass want change,” said Hartford. “They want to help but don’t always know how. The Recovery Café gives everyone a way to make a real, lasting difference.”
To learn more, get involved, or sign up for the April 29th orientation, visit recoverycafegrantspass.org, call 503-567-1237, or email info@recoverycafegrantspass.org. You can also follow their journey on Facebook at Recovery Café Grants Pass – Hope and Recovery on the Rogue.
As the community comes together to support this promising initiative, hope is brewing on the Rogue—one cup of coffee, one conversation, and one healing moment at a time.
COMMUNITY
Rentec
Grants Pass Tech Company Earns Spot on Annual Oregon Business List for Commitment to Eco-Friendly Practices
By: Morgan Whitehouse
Rentec Direct, a leading tech company based in Grants Pass, has been named one of Oregon’s 100 Best Green Workplaces by Oregon Business magazine. This prestigious recognition, awarded annually, celebrates companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly policies, green initiatives, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within their workplace.
For Rentec Direct, this honor underscores its long-standing commitment to sustainability. The company has integrated green practices throughout its operations, with a particular focus on reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing environmental impact.
Kaycee Miller, Director of Operations at Rentec Direct, shared the company’s perspective on sustainability, stating, “At Rentec Direct, we believe that supporting our local community goes hand in hand with minimizing the environmental impact of our business. Sustainability is a core value for us, and since acquiring our headquarters in 2018, we have made it a priority to continuously evaluate and improve our operations. We’re proud of the changes we’ve made and remain committed to exploring new,
sustainable solutions while actively engaging our employees in these efforts.”
Since purchasing its headquarters in Grants Pass, Rentec Direct has implemented a series of significant upgrades aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. These improvements include the installation of a solar energy system, the replacement of all lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, and an overhaul of the company’s heating and cooling systems to maximize efficiency. Additionally, as a cloud-based software provider, Rentec Direct operates a completely paperless office, leveraging cloud-sharing and online storage to reduce its need for physical materials.
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the company’s day-to-day operations. Rentec Direct actively promotes a green culture, with initiatives such as a robust recycling program, water-efficient landscaping, and eco-conscious purchasing practices. The company also encourages its employees to engage with green initiatives, providing resources like a refillable water station with reusable bottles and designated parking for alternative transportation, such as bikes and scooters.
In addition to these internal initiatives, Rentec Direct supports sustainability with-
in its community. The company donates recyclable materials to fund local youth education programs and other community activities, further extending its positive environmental impact.
Rentec Direct’s ongoing commitment to sustainability reflects its dedication to not only improving its own environmental performance but also setting a positive example for other businesses in Oregon and beyond. The company’s recognition as one of Oregon’s Best Green Workplaces highlights its leadership in creating a workplace that balances business success with environmental stewardship.
This recognition comes at a time when businesses across the state are under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices in response to climate change and growing environmental concerns. Rentec Direct’s efforts show that sustainability and success can go hand in hand, paving the way for other companies to follow suit.
GRANTS PASS WEATHER
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
cloudy 69/47
cloudy 62/40
cloudy 60/36
Shaking Off the Funk & Soaking Up the Sunshine
Can you feel that? The subtle shift in the air, the extra few minutes of sunlight at the end of the day, the hint of warmth that whispers spring is here—and not a moment too soon! After what felt like one of the longest, grayest, and downright funkiest winters in recent memory, I think we’re all more than ready to shake off the seasonal blues and step boldly into the brighter days ahead.
It wasn’t just the rain or the cold. This winter carried a strange weight with it, like a heavy fog that hung around a little too long in both the skies and in our spirits. Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was the lingering effects of everything we've been collectively navigating these past few years, or maybe we just hit a patch where things felt a little too still. But now—finally—the clouds are parting, the birds are singing, and it’s time to come alive again.
Spring in Southern Oregon is something truly magical. It’s the season when the Rogue River begins to sparkle under that golden sun, calling us back to the water for lazy floats, fishing days, and those perfect “let's just drift” kind of afternoons. It's when the fairways green up and the golf course practically begs you to grab your clubs, chase a few balls, and maybe even hit that one perfect shot that keeps you coming back. And whether you're a weekend warrior or just love a casual nine holes with friends, there's nothing quite like teeing off with the sun on your back.
But golf and river days are just the start. Hiking trails are opening back up, bikes are being dusted off, gardens are getting planted, and backyard barbecues are already filling the air with that mouthwatering scent of grilled goodness. This is the season to be outside, to reconnect with nature—and with each other.
Let’s be honest: we all got a little stuck this winter. Some of us hibernated a bit too hard, binged a few too many shows, and maybe had one too many bowls of soup while staring out the window waiting for the sun to show up. And that’s okay! That’s part of the rhythm of the year. But spring is the reset button. It’s the fresh page in the calendar, the green light to say, “Alright, let’s get back to living.”
So, here’s your reminder, your encouragement, your friendly nudge from this editor: Get outside. Make plans. Soak up the warmth. Say yes to more adventure, more laughs, more fresh air. We made it through the weirdest winter in a while— now let’s make this the best spring and summer yet.
Whether you're paddling down the Rogue, getting that garden just right, hitting the trail, or just sitting on the porch with your favorite people and a cold drink—this is the time to shake off the funk, stretch into the sunshine, and start living your best life again.
Here’s to brighter days, lighter moods, and a whole lot more fun ahead. I’ll see you out there.
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