WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
Russia Launches Largest Nighttime Barrage in Weeks as Zelenskyy Meets with Trump and European Leaders
By Ellen Ward
Ukraine endured one of the heaviest overnight attacks in recent weeks as Russian forces launched a major aerial assault beginning late Monday and continuing into Tuesday morning. The Ukrainian air force reported that the strike involved hundreds of drones and a series of missiles, striking multiple regions of the country at a time of heightened international attention on the war.
According to official figures released by Kyiv, Russian forces launched 270 drones and 10 missiles across Ukraine during the operation. Ukrainian defense units managed to intercept or disable 30 of those drones and six missiles, limiting some of the potential damage. Despite those efforts, the air force confirmed that 40 drones and four missiles successfully impacted targets in 16 different locations. Falling debris from intercepted weapons was reported in three other areas, underscoring the risks posed even when air defenses are successful.
The attack marked a sharp escalation compared to recent nights, when Russia had largely relied on smaller-scale strikes aimed at energy facilities, infrastructure, and civilian targets. Ukrainian authorities described this latest barrage as the largest concentrated overnight assault in several weeks, suggesting that Moscow may be testing air defenses or attempting to disrupt internal stability during a politically sensitive moment abroad.
The timing of the assault coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s high-profile trip to Washington, where he met
with U.S. President Donald Trump alongside a delegation of European leaders. The meetings were intended to underscore continued transatlantic unity in supporting Ukraine’s defense, even as the war enters its third year with no sign of resolution. Analysts note that Russia has frequently escalated military activity to coincide with key diplomatic moments, both as a show of force and as a means of undermining Ukraine’s ability to project strength on the world stage.
The strikes also highlight the ongoing challenge Ukraine faces in defending its vast airspace against a mix of drones and missiles. While Western-provided air defense systems have allowed Ukrainian forces to
shoot down a significant portion of incoming threats, the sheer volume of attacks continues to strain resources. Each interception requires costly ammunition, and Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to allies for additional support to sustain its defenses.
Damage assessments from the latest wave were still underway Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed that the barrage reached a wide range of locations across the country, with both direct strikes and collateral damage from falling debris reported. Although no detailed casualty figures were immediately released, Ukrainian officials acknowledged that the size and scope of the attack were among the most extensive in re-
cent months.
The assault underscores the ongoing pattern of Russian strategy, which has increasingly turned to long-range missile and drone attacks as ground offensives stall along much of the front line. Targeting cities and civilian infrastructure has become a hallmark of these campaigns, creating widespread power outages and attempting to sap civilian morale. For Ukrainians, the latest strike served as another reminder that daily life remains overshadowed by sudden escalations of violence, even as the war drags into its third year.
International observers say the attack will likely amplify calls in Washington and European capitals for increased support, particularly in strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies. With Kyiv continuing to insist that victory depends on securing its population centers and critical infrastructure, the latest barrage once again highlighted the fragile balance between resilience and vulnerability in a country under sustained assault.
As Ukraine tallied the damage from the largest nighttime bombardment in weeks, Zelenskyy’s message abroad remained consistent: Ukraine cannot face these attacks alone, and international backing will determine the course of the war. Whether the latest strikes will alter the pace or scale of Western assistance remains to be seen, but the overnight assault left little doubt that Russia intends to maintain pressure both on the battlefield and on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Wyden’s Josephine County Town Hall Postponed After Protests Halt Event
By John Oliver
A scheduled town hall with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden in Josephine County was postponed Monday afternoon after repeated disruptions prevented the event from moving forward.
The meeting was slated for 4:00 p.m. at Rogue Community College’s gymnasium in Grants Pass and was intended to provide an open forum where local residents could ask questions and address concerns directly with their senator. However, the gathering was interrupted by a group of protesters whose persistent disruptions made it impossible to proceed with the discussion.
According to Wyden’s office, the decision to postpone was made by Rogue Community College’s president after observing that a small group of demonstrators was preventing the larger audience of more than 200 people from participating. College officials cited the safety of participants and the need for a respectful environment for civic dialogue as the primary reasons behind the decision.
This is not the first time Wyden has encountered obstacles during public forums. Similar disruptions occurred in May 2025 and July 2024. Despite such incidents, the senator has maintained a longstanding practice of open town halls, having hosted more than 1,100 events across Oregon since taking office. His office has emphasized that these gatherings are part of his effort to give Oregonians opportunities to exercise their rights to free expression and direct questioning of elected officials.
Reactions from attendees reflected a
community divided over the outcome. Many residents expressed frustration, noting that they had traveled significant distances and rearranged their schedules in order to participate. For them, the disruptions represented a loss of opportunity and silenced voices that had hoped to engage in constructive dialogue.
Others defended the protest as a valid form of political expression, pointing to international issues that motivated their actions. For these participants, the demonstration was viewed as a necessary way to call attention to U.S. foreign policy and press elected officials on issues they believe demand urgent change.
Observers also noted Wyden’s conduct during the attempted forum. By several accounts, he remained calm and asked for cooperation from all sides in order to allow the event to continue. When it became clear that the disruptions would not cease, the decision to postpone was finalized.
The incident underscores an ongoing challenge in Josephine County for public
officials who hold open forums: balancing the constitutional right to protest with the practical need for civil discussion. Town halls are designed to give space to a wide spectrum of viewpoints, but they depend on mutual respect and cooperation from all participants to function effectively.
As of now, no new date has been announced for Wyden’s postponed Josephine County town hall. His office has indicated that efforts will be made to reschedule, though details remain forthcoming. For many in attendance, the episode served as a reminder of both the importance and fragility of public dialogue in a polarized political environment.
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Trump Pledges U.S. Support for Ukraine After War, Rules Out Ground Troops
By John Oliver
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will stand by Ukraine once its war with Russia concludes but made clear that American troops will not be deployed on the ground as part of that support. His comments came just one day after he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders for a summit at the White House focused on the future of security in Eastern Europe.
Trump’s assurance represents a continuation of Washington’s longstanding political and financial backing for Ukraine, though it also underscores the limits of U.S. involvement in the conflict. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided billions of dollars in military aid, intelligence support, and humanitarian assistance. However, direct military involvement by American forces has consistently been ruled out by both Republican and Democratic administrations. Trump’s lat-
est remarks reaffirm that position, even while promising continued support for Kyiv.
The White House summit underscored the importance of international cooperation in preparing for what comes after active fighting ends. With Ukraine’s military continuing to resist Russian advances, questions have turned toward how the country will rebuild its infrastructure, stabilize its economy, and ensure security against future threats. European leaders have repeatedly pressed for clarity on the U.S. role in those efforts, recognizing that American political and financial backing is essential to any long-term recovery plan.
Trump’s statement also reflects the complex balance that U.S. policymakers face. On one hand, there is broad recognition that Ukraine’s survival as a sovereign, independent nation is critical to the stability of Europe and the credibility of NATO. On the other, there is caution against escalating U.S. involvement to the point where it could lead to direct confrontation with Russian forces. Keeping Amer-
ican troops out of the conflict while providing material and diplomatic support has been the defining feature of Washington’s strategy since the war began, and Trump’s pledge suggests that approach will continue into the future.
The summit with Zelensky served as an opportunity for the United States and its European allies to present a united front on both wartime assistance and post-war planning. Topics reportedly included future military aid, reconstruction financing, and the role of NATO in ensuring Ukraine’s security. European nations, particularly those bordering Russia, have pushed for stronger guarantees that Ukraine will not be left vulnerable once the fighting subsides. Trump’s assurance of U.S. support, even without the deployment of troops, was aimed at reinforcing those commitments while drawing a clear line about the scope of American involvement.
As Ukraine continues to endure significant destruction of its cities, energy infrastructure,
and industrial base, the costs of rebuilding are expected to stretch into the hundreds of billions of dollars. International lenders, development banks, and Western governments are expected to play central roles in reconstruction. U.S. participation will likely focus on financial aid, economic support programs, and continued provision of weapons and equipment to ensure Ukraine can defend itself in the future.
Trump’s comments highlight the enduring importance of Ukraine in U.S. foreign policy and the geopolitical balance in Europe. While the war remains ongoing, discussions about what comes next reflect the widespread understanding that recovery and security planning must begin even before the guns fall silent. By pledging support but ruling out ground forces, Trump emphasized a strategy of partnership and assistance without direct combat involvement—an approach that has defined U.S. policy since the outset of the conflict.
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Maine Police Officer to Leave U.S. Following Immigration Arrest
By Ellen Ward
A reserve police officer in Maine is preparing to leave the United States after being arrested by federal immigration authorities in late July. The case highlights the intersection of local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement at a time when the rules around work authorization and legal residency continue to attract national attention.
Jon Luke Evans, a reserve officer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department and originally from Jamaica, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 25. Federal officials later confirmed that Evans had agreed to voluntarily depart the United States rather than pursue further legal proceedings to remain in the country. ICE described his arrest as part of broader efforts to step up immigration enforcement, signaling a continuation of the agency’s active role in identifying and removing individuals whose legal status has come into question.
Evans had been serving in Old Orchard Beach as a reserve officer, a position often filled by part-time personnel who support municipal police forces in carrying out routine duties, responding to emergencies, and supplementing full-time staff. Local officials had previously acknowledged that federal authorities informed the town and its police department that Evans was legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of his service. The arrest therefore raised questions about the complexity of immigration law, the vetting process for employment in public safety roles, and the accuracy of prior authorizations.
Federal immigration law allows individuals to work in the United States under a variety of conditions, including through visas, permanent residency, or other forms of
authorization. In cases where that authorization lapses, changes, or is later found to be invalid, individuals may face detention and potential removal from the country. While Evans’ situation drew attention due to his position in law enforcement, it also reflected the broader challenges faced by many immigrants navigating a system with overlapping rules and documentation requirements.
The Old Orchard Beach Police Department and municipal officials indicated that they had relied on federal confirmation regarding Evans’ eligibility to work. This has underscored the reliance that local governments place on federal agencies to provide accurate determinations about immigration and work authorization. For towns and cities across the country, particularly smaller municipalities with limited resources, there is little capacity to independently verify complex immigration documents. The arrest has raised concerns about how municipalities can ensure compliance while avoiding situations in which employees are later found
to lack proper authorization.
Evans’ agreement to voluntarily leave the country ends the immediate legal proceedings but leaves unresolved questions about how such cases affect both local police operations and public confidence. Reserve officers often play an important role in maintaining public safety, especially in tourist towns like Old Orchard Beach, where populations swell during the summer season. The sudden removal of an officer, even one serving in a part-time or reserve capacity, represents a disruption in staffing and forces municipalities to adapt quickly.
The case also illustrates the broader policy debate about immigration enforcement priorities. ICE has continued to emphasize enforcement actions in a variety of settings, ranging from workplace inspections to targeted arrests of individuals identified through local and federal databases. Advocates for stricter enforcement argue that these actions are necessary to maintain the rule of law and protect opportunities for legal residents, while critics contend that such arrests can create confusion, fear, and disruption, particularly when individuals have established community ties and employment records.
For Old Orchard Beach, the departure of Evans is a reminder of the difficulties that arise when federal immigration policy intersects with local employment. The town’s reliance on seasonal tourism and its need for additional policing capacity during peak months make staffing critical. The sudden loss of an officer under these circumstances highlights the vulnerability of local governments to the shifting and often unpredictable enforcement of federal immigration laws.
As Evans prepares to leave the country, his case serves as both a local disruption
and a national example of the challenges that persist in managing immigration enforcement within the framework of community institutions. It underscores the ongoing tension between federal authority and local reliance on that authority, while also raising broader questions about how communities can move forward when federal determinations shift and individuals caught in the system are left to navigate its consequences.
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Texas Men Sentenced for Oregon Armed Robbery Disguised as Federal Agents
By John Oliver
Two young men from Texas will serve years in federal prison after admitting to posing as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents during an armed robbery in Oregon, where they attempted to steal more than 200 pounds of marijuana. The case underscores how drug-related crime and impersonation of law enforcement intersect in high-stakes thefts targeting cannabis businesses.
According to federal court records, 23-year-old Juan Jose Manuel Lopez and 22-year-old Carlos Conchas orchestrated the robbery with the intent of seizing large quantities of marijuana by masquerading as federal officers. The pair traveled from Texas to Oregon, a state where the marijuana industry has grown significantly since legalization, and staged the attempted heist with the aid of firearms.
Prosecutors detailed how Lopez and Conchas, equipped with weapons and false identities, confronted their victims by claiming DEA authority. This tactic was designed to intimidate and coerce compliance, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion.
The scheme ultimately unraveled, however, when law enforcement intervened, leading to the men’s arrest and subsequent federal prosecution.
On sentencing, Lopez received five years and three months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Conchas was given a lesser term of three years and four months, also followed
by four years of supervised release. The disparity in sentencing reflected their roles in the crime, as Lopez was identified as the primary actor in organizing the armed theft. In addition to prison terms, both men were ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the robbery attempt. Authorities noted that while no lives were lost during the incident, the use of firearms and the impersonation of federal officers represented a serious threat to public safety. Federal officials stressed that impersonating law enforcement to commit crimes erodes public trust and adds an extra layer of danger for victims who may hesitate to question the legitimacy of those claiming official authority. The case also highlights the continuing black-market risks surrounding cannabis. While Oregon has legalized marijuana, the plant remains valuable in illegal interstate trade, drawing individuals from outside the state who attempt to exploit the industry’s vulnerabilities. Armed robberies of marijuana growers, distributors, and transporters remain a concern for both law enforcement and legal businesses, particularly as largescale thefts can generate significant profits
on the black market.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the sentences handed down serve as a warning to others who might consider using similar tactics. The Department of Justice underscored its commitment to prosecuting not only drug trafficking crimes but also violent acts tied to impersonation of officers, which can have lasting impacts on community trust.
With their prison terms now set, Lopez and Conchas will spend the next several years under federal custody before transitioning to supervised release. During that period, they will remain under strict monitoring and conditions designed to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. For the victims, restitution is intended to provide some measure of compensation, though the lasting effects of being targeted by armed impostors posing as law enforcement are harder to repair.
The outcome of this case illustrates the challenges federal courts face in balancing punishment, deterrence, and restitution in crimes involving impersonation, weapons, and drug-related thefts.
Statewide Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat Enforcement Campaign Launches in August
Law enforcement agencies across Oregon will be stepping up enforcement efforts this month to ensure drivers and passengers are properly using safety belts and child car seats. Beginning Monday and continuing through the end of August, officers will dedicate additional patrol hours to address compliance with state and federal traffic safety requirements.
The campaign is part of a statewide initiative supported by federal traffic safety funds. Those funds provide overtime hours for local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state troopers, allowing agencies to increase visibility on roadways while emphasizing education and enforcement. The goal is not only to issue citations when necessary, but also to remind the public of the life-saving importance of seat belts and properly installed child restraints.
Oregon has long emphasized the role of occupant protection in reducing serious injuries and fatalities in traffic crashes. According to state officials, safety belts remain the single most effective method to prevent death in motor vehicle collisions, while properly fitted child safety seats dramatically reduce the risk of injury to infants and toddlers. Despite years of public awareness campaigns, law enforcement officers continue to encounter drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts
or who are transporting children in unsafe or improperly installed seats.
One of the key laws officers will highlight during the August campaign is a 2017 update to Oregon’s child passenger safety requirements. That legislation strengthened protections for the youngest travelers by mandating that children under the age of two must be secured in a rear-facing car seat, unless they meet specific weight and height exemptions. The change was based on extensive research showing that
rear-facing seats provide better protection for an infant’s head, neck, and spine during a crash.
In addition to the rear-facing requirement, Oregon law requires that all children under eight years old, or shorter than four feet nine inches, be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat. After that threshold is met, they may transition to using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Enforcement officers will be checking for compliance with these regulations during
traffic stops and community outreach events throughout the campaign period.
While the campaign carries an enforcement component, public education remains a central focus. Law enforcement agencies across the state are expected to use the increased patrol hours to remind drivers about correct seat belt use, to distribute informational materials, and in some cases, to partner with community organizations offering car seat inspection events. These events provide parents and caregivers the opportunity to have child seats checked for proper installation, a step that safety experts say is critical given that many car seats are installed incorrectly.
Officials say the timing of the campaign in late summer is intentional. August brings increased travel as families take vacations and children prepare to return to school. With more vehicles on the road, traffic safety officials see the month as a crucial time to stress the importance of seat belt use and child passenger safety.
The enforcement effort underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to reducing preventable injuries and fatalities on Oregon’s roads. By combining federal funding with local enforcement and education, officials hope the campaign will increase compliance, raise awareness, and ultimately save lives.
News Desk
The six Texas men mugged for photos in their hotel room, posing in their disguises as DEA agents. Then attempted to rob a large marijuana grow site in rural Grants Pass. Police discovered the photos on the cell phone belonging to one man who was arrested at the scene, according to court records.
The BCC Weekly - Taking the
“Blind” out of the BCC
Still A Long List of Unanswered Questions THE BCC WEEKLY
By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist
Back on April 30th this year, I published a list of 20 significant questions that had gone unanswered by Josephine County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). This year, significant decisions have been made by the BCC without public input and in some cases by one Commissioner without the other two Commissioners even weighing in. And in most cases, the BCC does not answer questions about the reasons behind those decisions and many questions posed in Weekly Business Sessions have gone unanswered.
Here is the list of 20 questions, with status updates after each one.
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-to-day 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? Update – I met with Commissioner Andreas Blech in June to discuss the overall budget. There was no satisfactory answer to this nor why the BCC/Budget Committee felt the need to make General Fund budget cuts in the budget process this year and why they are building up funds and saving for a rainy day instead of fully funding important departments like the Sheriff’s office.
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? None of this has been explained, despite repeated questions from the public and media. The entire code enforcement division was laid off, Public Works is without a Director, Community Development is without a Director, Public Health is without a Director, and Juvenile Justice was combined with Community Corrections without following the state laws required to appoint a new director over the Juvenile Justice department (according to the former Juvenile Justice Director who resigned over the crazy decisions being made by the BCC).
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? This wasn’t answered, but plans appear to have been cancelled as this wasn’t built into the FY’26 budget.
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? After the former budget officer Simon Hare quit in protest of the $388,000 per year compensation package that Mr. Hare said Commissioner Blech was trying to arrange for Michael Sellers who held this interim title, just a few days later Mr. Sellers “voluntarily” went back to his old position of Director of IT and
Emergency Management and the position of Director of Operations hasn’t been discussed again since then.
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? While one Commissioner recently commented about this on Facebook, saying the County is “rebuilding” this program with a new focus and new processes, this question hasn’t been answered, and this answer doesn’t make sense given the entire division was completely unfunded in the current fiscal year budget. Even the Sheriff said in a public committee meeting last week that he doesn’t know why the Code Enforcement division was completely eliminated.
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? Despite repeated questions from the public and local media, the BCC refuses to answer this.
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? This question has also been asked repeatedly by the public and media without being answered. This program eventually cost the County approximately $765,000 and no explanations were given.
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? The BCC gave full authority to the
Forestry Director to make any land or forestry property purchase he deems needed using the forestry reserve funds, regardless of the dollar amount. While the BCC didn’t need to act on this, in my opinion the BCC should approve any property purchase above a certain dollar amount threshold.
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? The BCC did halt one specific forestry property sale, but they continue to put forestry properties up for sale in property auctions without bothering to do any kind of mineral analysis. In our mineral rich region, this in my opinion is like selling a property without considering the value of the building that is on the property.
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? Commissioners claimed that Mr. Sellers voluntarily went back to his old job, but this was only one business day after he attempted to defend himself on a public radio program so the voluntary part of that is in question.
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? The BCC has been silent about everything related to the Public Health department and why they fired the Public Health Director.
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? There have been no answers here, and rumors are circulating regarding other shortfalls of performance obligations in the Emergency Management division.
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? The County BCC refuses to answer any questions about this, likely because it could show that they inappropriately fired these two directors as well as the entire Code Enforcement division.
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? Once again, the County has refused to answer any questions about this. The County has, however, initiated yet another financial audit type project with an external financial expert to help clean up the mess that the newly elected Treasurer made in early 2025.
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? Instead of doing the logical thing of approving reps of the Grants Pass Tribune to attend executive sessions, the County upped the risk (in my opinion) and decided not to hold executive sessions anymore and suspended the media 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? The County has refused this line of questioning and may be facing a lawsuit as a result.
17) Have the Commissioners or County staff identified any state or federal grant funded pro-
Relentless Heroes to Host 12th Annual Devastational Golf Tournament Sept.20
By John Oliver
Relentless Heroes, a nonprofit organization based in Grants Pass, is preparing for its 12th Annual Devastational Golf Tournament, set for Friday, September 20, 2025, at the Grants Pass Golf Club. The event will begin with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start and promises a full day of golf, raffles, auctions, and community support for local veterans.
The tournament is the organization’s largest fundraising activity of the year, with all proceeds going directly to assist veterans in Southern Oregon. Relentless Heroes has built its mission around filling the gaps left by other programs, providing timely financial help, holiday meals, and emergency support for those who served. Over the years, the tournament has become a cornerstone for sustaining these efforts.
This year’s format will feature an 18hole, two-man scramble, with team registration set at $250. Players will have access to carts, the driving range, and entry into contests designed to make the day both com-
petitive and enjoyable. Beyond the course, attendees can take part in raffles and a silent auction, with prizes and games planned to keep the event lively.
Organizers say the event is not only about raising funds but also about bringing the community together to honor and support those who have served. With a growing need for veteran assistance in Josephine County and beyond, the importance of this year’s tournament is greater than ever.
Registration and sponsorship details can be found at www.relentlessheroes.org or by contacting event coordinators Eric Hennings at 541-659-6136 or Chris Hennings at 541-601-0750. Relentless Heroes encourages early registration as space is limited and community interest is strong.
The Devastational Golf Tournament continues to stand as a symbol of the community’s commitment to its veterans, offering an opportunity to combine sport, generosity, and gratitude in one day of meaningful action.
THE BCC - continued EVENT
grams that support County operating programs (as opposed to capital projects) where we know for sure that the grant program has been defunded or terminated? This question was asked in part during recent budget meetings for the FY’26 fiscal year and there were no solid answers.
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? The County BCC refuses to answer any questions about staff layoffs or reorganizations despite several members of the public and media asking them.
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? The County BCC refuses to answer any questions about staff layoffs or reorganizations but only defunded many director positions in the most recent budget process.
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 was a significant increase in current year
policy costs according to some recent BCC discussions, but thankfully the County has not yet been dropped.
In summary, the BCC has a lot of work to do to answer questions from the public and be transparent about changes that have been made this year. Many members of the public are observing that the County is currently being run like a private business, and this private mentality won’t serve the “public” well.
COMMUNITY GRANTS PASS WEATHER
Grants Pass Seeks Community Members for Tree and Bikeway Committees
By John Oliver
The City of Grants Pass is inviting residents to step forward and take an active role in shaping the future of the community’s green spaces and transportation networks. Two separate committees — the Urban Tree Advisory Committee and the Grants Pass & Josephine County Bikeways & Walkways Committee — are currently seeking applicants to fill upcoming vacancies.
For the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, the city is accepting applications for two open seats, each carrying a two-year term. This committee plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the urban forest through the nationally recognized Tree City, USA program. Members review, develop, and implement policies and activities that encourage a healthier tree canopy throughout Grants Pass. The primary qualification for candidates is a demonstrated interest in the enhancement and preservation of the city’s urban forest. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025. The committee will review submissions on
Letter from the Editor
Monday, October 13, with final appointments to be made by the City Council on Wednesday, November 5.
At the same time, the city is also recruiting for a single position on the Grants Pass and Josephine County Bikeways & Walkways Committee, which serves a three-year term. This committee focuses on encouraging safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Its
duties include gathering community input, coordinating education about biking and walking routes and rules, and serving as an advisory body on bike and pedestrian trail development for both the city and the county. Applicants for this role must be city residents and should represent the interests of both bikers and walkers. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, and will be reviewed on Tuesday, October 14. The City Council will appoint the new member during its meeting on November 5.
Applications for both committees are available at the City Administration Office, located at 101 N.W. A Street, or online through the city’s official website.
These volunteer positions provide residents an opportunity to directly influence the policies and projects that affect everyday life in Grants Pass — from the shade of tree-lined streets to the safety of bike lanes and walking paths. By joining, members will not only lend their voices to critical conversations but also help ensure the city remains both sustainable and livable for years to come.
The End of Keeping Up with the Joneses
There was a time when American life was measured in possessions. The bigger the house, the shinier the car, the flashier the toys, the more successful you appeared to your neighbors. It was a game of one-upmanship played across backyards and culde-sacs, a contest where the winner was whoever could carry the heaviest load of debt with the biggest smile. But somewhere along the way—through recessions, pandemics, inflation, and the blunt lessons of aging—that old scoreboard lost its meaning. In 2025, the race to keep up with the Joneses feels not only outdated but downright absurd.
The shift is subtle but profound. People are beginning to recognize that having what you need is far more valuable than grasping for what you want. Food on the table, a safe place to live, a car that starts in the morning—these are the markers of security and contentment. The wants, no matter how glossy or tempting, have started to fade into the background. They carry with them a weight: the monthly payments, the maintenance, the anxiety of stretching further than one can afford. What once passed for status is now being reexamined as little more than unnecessary baggage.
With age comes a sharper sense of restraint. Wisdom is not found in the garage packed with toys but in the ability to say no to them. A boat that spends more time on a trailer than in the water, an RV that becomes a driveway ornament, or the sports car that loses its shine after the first insurance bill—
these things reveal themselves for what they are: burdens dressed up as achievements. The new measure of responsibility is not how much you can collect but how much you can resist.
The truth is that ownership comes with responsibility, and responsibility is heavier than the shiny image sold to us by advertisers. Families today are more concerned with stability, with teaching children about value, with ensuring that bills are paid and futures are secure. Flashy purchases might once have sparked envy, but now they’re more likely to spark questions about priorities. The conversation has shifted from “What did you buy?” to “Are you doing okay?”—and that is a healthier kind of progress.
Generational change has helped steer this cultural recalibration. Younger people, saddled with student debt and priced out of traditional markers like homeownership, have been forced to rethink the entire notion of wealth. Their elders, meanwhile, are
realizing that closets full of forgotten items and garages crammed with unused purchases do not add up to happiness. Downsizing, simplifying, and letting go are no longer seen as sacrifices but as freedoms.
So here we are in 2025, standing in the wake of decades of consumerism, and at last, many are deciding that enough truly is enough. The Joneses, whoever they are, no longer hold the power they once did. Their new boat does not demand that you get one too. Their bigger house doesn’t diminish your smaller one. Their spending habits do not dictate your worth. Real success is found in the quiet confidence of knowing that your needs are met and your responsibilities are honored. Sometimes the wisest thing we can own is the discipline to own less.
That is not just financial responsibility—it is freedom. And that is worth more than any sports car parked in the driveway next door.
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY SUNDAY Mostly sunny 99/61 Sunny and hot 104/66 Partly cloudy and hot 103/66 Sunny 92/58
Sunny and hot 101/67
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Posting Date August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025
Posting