Grants Pass Tribune - Wed. January 14, 2026 by Grants Pass Tribune

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

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After Recall, Barnett Pushes Appointment Authority He Does Not Hold By John Oliver In the final weeks before his mandated exit from office, recently recalled Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett has intensified a campaign that centers on an authority the public has already withdrawn. Despite a decisive recall election and the passage of statutory time limits designed to prevent last-minute power plays, Barnett has repeatedly asserted both publicly and in private email correspondence that it remains his “objective” to appoint a new commissioner. The record now shows that this objective is not only unattainable, it is outside the scope of his remaining duties. The recall outcome could not have been clearer. In the January 6, 2026, special election, 19,246 Josephine County residents cast ballots. Of the 19,224 votes officially tallied, 12,101 voters 62.95% voted to recall Barnett, while 7,123 voted to retain him. The margin removed him from office within his first year and sent an unambiguous message about public confidence and accountability. Under Oregon recall law, once signatures are certified and voters render their decision, the process moves toward transition not consolidation of power. Yet email correspondence obtained by this newspaper illustrates a markedly different posture. In a January 12 exchange with a local resident, Barnett wrote, “Please be assured, my objective is to appoint a com-

missioner. I trust you will review the charter to fully comprehend this initiative.” This assertion was made after his recall and after the 30 day statutory window that guards against precisely this sort of maneuvering had elapsed. Those safeguards exist for a reason. Oregon’s recall framework is built to prevent an official who has lost the confidence of the electorate from reshaping government on the way out the door. Once the relevant

time period passes, appointment authority no longer rests with the official, recalled, or not. In Josephine County’s case, that authority transfers to the remaining, duly elected board members acting collectively and in accordance with law. It does not belong to a single commissioner operating alone, and it certainly does not belong to a commissioner who has been removed by voters. The emails also reveal a growing im-

patience from residents who have followed the charter, the legal opinions of county counsel, and the clock. In response to Barnett’s stated intention, the resident wrote that merely wishing an outcome into existence “does not make it so,” adding that the public would “wait out the remaining ballot validation time” that would confirm what voters already knew, that the recall had succeeded and that Barnett would soon be, in the words used, “be gone.” Throughout the exchange, the resident emphasized that the work of the county belongs to the people, not to a departing officeholder’s personal agenda. This tension did not arise in a vacuum. The vacancy Barnett has sought to fill traces back to the resignation of Andreas Blech, which created an opening on the board before the recall was completed. Rather than allowing the lawful process to unfold, Barnett scheduled agenda items and signaled an intent to act unilaterally, even as questions mounted about whether such actions complied with the county charter and state law. The impasse reached a critical point when Commissioner Ron Smith declined to participate in an appointment process that could expose the county to legal risk. That refusal effectively halted any attempt to move forward while Barnett remained in

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see FINAL, page 5

Procedural Dispute Marks Grants Pass Council Reorganization and Rekindles Broader Governance Questions By John Oliver The opening moments of a recent meeting of the Grants Pass City Council, typically reserved for routine organizational business, instead drew public attention after a contentious and prolonged process to select a new council president exposed divisions over procedure, decorum, and public messaging. The council convened to elect a presiding officer, a role responsible for guiding meetings, recognizing speakers, and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules. Councilor Rob Pell was ultimately chosen for the position, but the path to that outcome was marked by confusion regarding how nominations should be taken and which voting method should be used. The discussion extended well beyond what is customary for a reorganization item, with repeated interruptions and disagreement over which procedural option should govern the vote. During the exchange, city staff attempted to explain that multiple lawful approaches were available under standard parliamentary practice, including Robert’s Rules of Order. Those explanations did not immediately resolve the disagreement, as councilors continued to debate recognition, sequencing, and authority over the process.

While the council eventually proceeded with nominations and a vote, the episode created a visible sense of disorder and tension that was evident to viewers watching the public broadcast. Former council president Victoria Marshall, who was acting as chair at the start of the meeting, played a central role in the procedural dispute. Her handling of the opening item and the tone of the exchange drew scrutiny from some observers, particularly given that the issue at hand was administrative rather than policy-driven. The meeting concluded with Marshall switching seats with the newly elected president, a mo-

ment that underscored the abrupt and strained nature of the transition. The incident quickly became a point of public discussion, not only because of the confusion surrounding parliamentary procedure, but also because it occurred against a backdrop of heightened sensitivity to governance issues in Josephine County. Recent recalls, legal disputes, and contentious public meetings have sharpened attention on how elected officials conduct themselves and communicate with constituents. In that context, even routine matters are now closely examined for signals about leadership

style and institutional stability. Attention expanded beyond the council chamber after Marshall made public comments on social media concerning a separate county-level recall effort. In those comments, she asserted that the County Clerk had the ability to fully verify all recall petition signatures and urged residents to pressure the clerk to do so. The statements prompted responses from community members familiar with Oregon election law, who noted that signature verification procedures are governed by state rules rather than local discretion. Under Oregon law, recall petitions that require more than a specified number of signatures are subject to a mandatory statistical sampling process established by the Secretary of State. For recalls of this size, county clerks are required to

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see GRANTS, page 8

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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POLITICS

Oregon Democratic Lawmakers Outline Legislative Response to Federal Policy Shifts By John Oliver Democratic lawmakers in Oregon are preparing to formally unveil a broad legislative agenda aimed at responding to recent and anticipated federal policy changes that state leaders say could have significant consequences for Oregon residents. The announcement, scheduled for Wednesday at the Oregon State Capitol, represents a coordinated effort by members of the Legislature to outline how the state intends to protect communities, preserve civil liberties, and maintain control over state and local decision-making amid renewed federal pressure. The agenda, described as a 2026 Federal Response framework, has been developed through months of collaboration between state legislators and a wide range of community organizations. It is being presented as a proactive response to federal actions under the Trump Administration that Oregon Democrats argue threaten funding stability, immigrant protections, data privacy, and local authority over land use and public safety. According to lawmakers involved in drafting the proposal, the agenda focuses on safeguarding Oregon’s access to federal resources and preventing what they characterize as punitive or unlawful attempts to withhold funding tied to policy disagreements. For residents, this issue carries real implications for health care, transportation, education, and emergency services that rely in part on federal dollars administered through state and local agencies. A central component of the plan addresses immigration enforcement and its ripple effects across Oregon communities. Lawmakers say the

proposed legislation is intended to strengthen legal protections for immigrants so they can work, access courts, and engage in daily life without fear of sudden detention or deportation actions. Supporters argue that such measures not only protect individual rights but also contribute to economic stability, workforce participation, and public safety by encouraging cooperation with local institutions rather than driving vulnerable populations into the shadows. Education and family security are also highlighted in the agenda. One proposal would require schools to notify parents and guardians if federal immigration enforcement has been confirmed on school campuses. Backers of the idea say it reflects concerns raised by educators and families about student safety, attendance, and emotional well-being, particularly in districts serving large immigrant populations. The agenda further seeks to limit Oregon’s involvement in federal enforcement actions through state contracting policies. Lawmakers plan to advance restrictions on state contracts with private businesses that participate in deportation activities, an approach intended to ensure that Oregon tax dollars are not used to support federal immigration enforcement operations. For residents, this raises broader questions about how public funds are spent and the ethical standards applied to state procurement. Land use and environmental stewardship also figure prominently. Democratic leaders say they want to block state or local cooperation with any federal efforts to sell off public lands outside urban areas, a move they argue could affect recre-

ation, wildlife habitats, water resources, and local economies. For many Oregonians, access to public lands is closely tied to quality of life, tourism, and long-term environmental protection. Data privacy and civil liberties form another pillar of the agenda. Proposed legislation would strengthen protections for sensitive health and immigration data held by state and local agencies, responding to concerns about federal access to personal information. Lawmakers are also calling for clearer accountability standards for law enforcement, including limits on masking and stronger identification requirements, which they say are necessary to maintain public trust and prevent abuses of power. The press conference announcing the agenda will feature legislators from across the state

alongside representatives from labor, immigrant advocacy, civil rights, and environmental groups. Their participation underscores the breadth of the coalition supporting the effort and reflects the wide range of communities potentially affected by federal policy shifts. For Oregon residents, the significance of the announcement lies not only in the specific proposals but in the broader message that state leaders intend to assert Oregon’s values and legal protections in the face of federal actions they view as overreaching. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, the agenda sets the stage for debates that could shape how Oregon navigates its relationship with the federal government and how state policies directly impact daily life across urban and rural communities alike.

Josephine County, Venezuela of Oregon By John Anderson You’re probably asking yourself, what the hell does that even mean? The Venezuela of Oregon? Fair question. So let’s start with Venezuela itself. Venezuela is known for its dramatic geographic diversity—towering Andes Mountains, vast plains, dense Amazon rainforest, and a long Caribbean coastline. It has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, African influence, and waves of immigration. Spanish is the official language, and Caracas serves as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural center. Clearly, none of that sounds like Josephine County. So, where’s the comparison? Stay with me. For decades, Venezuela was defined by its enormous oil wealth. In fact, it holds the largest proven petroleum reserves in the world. That oil once made Venezuela one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America, funding infrastructure, social programs, and a strong standard of living. But heavy dependence on a single resource, combined with gross mismanagement, corruption, declining production, and later international sanctions, triggered a massive economic collapse starting in the 2010s. While there have been small signs of stabilization, Venezuela remains fragile—crippled by inflation, widespread poverty, and a hollowed-out economy. Sound familiar yet? Now let’s talk about Josephine County. This county sits on some of the richest land in all

of Oregon. Timber blankets the landscape, and minerals fill the mountains, plains, forests, rivers, and streams. For decades, the timber industry made Josephine County wealthy. There were years when property taxes weren’t even collected because timber receipts paid for everything. Jobs were plentiful. The economy was strong. Life was good. Then came mismanagement of the forests, the rise of extreme wildlife activism, government overreach, and local corruption. The result? Economic collapse. Mills shut down. Jobs vanished. Tax-funded programs disappeared. Law enforcement was defunded. The backbone of the county was ripped out. In Venezuela, that collapse opened the door wide for corruption. Corruption has plagued Venezuelan leadership for decades, but under

Hugo Chávez—and especially Nicolás Maduro—it became systemic. Venezuela consistently ranks among the most corrupt nations in the world. Billions of dollars were misappropriated, particularly within state-run industries like oil, with little to no accountability. The judiciary and oversight institutions failed, allowing corruption to flourish unchecked. Now look locally. In Josephine County, controversies often appear on the surface as “process issues”: lack of transparency, procedural misconduct, internal political disputes, decisions made behind closed doors, and questionable adherence to public records and meeting laws. But dig just a little deeper and a troubling pattern emerges. When law enforcement is gutted, who holds anyone accountable? This county is sitting on

incredibly valuable land—so who’s benefiting from it? Not the citizens. Not the taxpayers. A small handful of people, along with their political cronies, continue to hold power and profit while everyone else pays the price. One example says it all. During a public hearing at a Weekly Business Session of the Board of County Commissioners, a local mining company applied for a lease on county-owned land. The company met every requirement under County Code and provided proof of gold. By law, the lease should have been approved. Instead, the current commissioners—following the same path as their predecessors—denied it anyway, in direct contradiction to the code. During public comment, a citizen spoke about a mining operation tunneling in from adjacent BLM land and stealing gold. That’s not rumor—that was said on the public record. This is just one small example of the appearance of corruption in Josephine County leadership. There are many more, enough to fill an entire book. So yes, Josephine County and Venezuela share something in common. Both are rich in natural resources. And in both places, leadership and powerful influencers grow wealthier while citizens slide further into poverty. Public services shrink, government programs disappear, and communities suffer—all while untapped or mismanaged resources lie right beneath their feet. That’s the comparison. And it should alarm every single person who lives here.

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NEWS DESK Delayed Disclosure Raises Transparency Concerns After Oregon DEQ Data Breach By John Oliver The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, has confirmed that a cyberattack first detected in spring 2025 resulted in the exposure of sensitive personal information belonging to thousands of people, a development that was not broadly communicated to the public until months later. The acknowledgment follows original reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting, which revealed that the scope of the breach and the delay in disclosure raised questions about transparency, public awareness, and data security practices within state agencies. The incident traces back to April 2025, when DEQ systems were disrupted by a sophisticated ransomware attack. At the time, the agency shut down email and internal networks and limited public-facing services while cybersecurity experts assessed the damage. Initial statements focused on operational impacts and system restoration, with DEQ indicating it had not yet confirmed whether personal data had been compromised. Subsequent investigations, however, determined that a large volume of data had been accessed and removed. A ransomware group identifying itself as Rhysida later claimed responsibility, asserting that it had obtained millions of files from DEQ servers. Internal reviews ultimately confirmed that personal information belonging to approx-

imately 4,800 individuals was included in the exposed data. The compromised material reportedly contained highly sensitive identifiers, including Social Security numbers and other personal records, increasing the potential risk of identity theft or financial fraud. According to the original reporting, DEQ became aware by early summer 2025 that personal data had likely been affected. Despite this, the agency did not issue a broad public notice or statewide alert. Instead, no-

tifications were sent directly to affected individuals toward the end of the year. Many recipients reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the letters due to the lack of prior public acknowledgment and the long gap between the breach and notification. DEQ officials have said their response followed state legal requirements, which prioritize notifying individuals directly when their data is compromised. The agency has maintained that once affected parties were informed, there was no ongoing threat to

the general public. Still, cybersecurity specialists and public accountability advocates note that best practices typically encourage prompt public disclosure, especially when breaches involve sensitive personal information. Early transparency allows residents to take precautionary steps such as monitoring credit reports or placing fraud alerts, even if they are uncertain whether they were directly impacted. For Oregon residents, the importance of this incident extends beyond the number of people affected. State agencies hold vast amounts of personal and regulatory data, and breaches can undermine public trust if communication is delayed or incomplete. The DEQ case highlights broader concerns about how government entities safeguard digital records, how quickly they assess risk, and how openly they communicate when systems fail. The breach has prompted renewed scrutiny of cybersecurity preparedness across Oregon’s public agencies, as well as calls for clearer standards on disclosure timelines. While investigations into the attack continue, the episode serves as a reminder that data security incidents are not solely technical failures but public-interest issues. For residents, understanding what occurred and how it was handled is essential to assessing both personal risk and the accountability of institutions entrusted with sensitive information.

Final Weeks For Recalled Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett From page 1 office. It also underscored a central reality: appointments require a lawful quorum and collective action, not personal determination. Despite that reality, Barnett continued to engage residents with curt replies that suggested impatience rather than deference to the voters’ will. In one message, he wrote that a constituent may not be “fully reviewing the schedule with the necessary attention.” In another, he closed with a smiley face after reiterating his objective to appoint a commissioner. The tone stood in sharp contrast to the gravity of a recall election and the responsibility to manage an orderly transition. What makes this episode in the oneman Barnett show notable is not a disagreement over interpretation. Reasonable minds can differ on complex legal questions. It is the persistence in the face of settled facts that stands out. The ballots are counted. The turnout is confirmed. The margin is decisive. The statutory timelines are explicit. County counsel has weighed in. Under these conditions, continued efforts to assert appointment power risk being perceived not as governance, but as control. Historically, officials who lose recall elections step back, complete routine

unlimited authority to a recalled commissioner. It delineates powers carefully, with checks intended to protect the electorate from precisely the scenario now unfolding. When an official cites the charter while disregarding its constraints, the document becomes a prop rather than a guide. Josephine County now stands at yet another transitional moment. With one commissioner recalled and another seat already vacant, the responsibility to appoint replacements will soon rest with the board as reconstituted under law. That process must be transparent, deliberate, and insulated from the controversies of the recall itself. The public deserves nothing less. For Barnett, the path forward is equally clear. The voters have spoken, and the

duties, and allow successors or remaining board members to carry out the next steps. That practice preserves institutional stability and public trust. Departing from it invites scrutiny, invites litigation, and diverts attention from the county’s real needs. It is also important to distinguish between rhetoric and record. Barnett has framed his actions as compliance with the charter, yet the charter does not grant

law has followed. The remaining days in office are not an opportunity to entrench allies or settle scores. They are an obligation to steward the county until the handoff is complete. Attempts to do otherwise only reinforce the very concerns that drove nearly 63%of voters to mark “yes” on a recall ballot. In the end, the facts speak plainly. The recall succeeded. The appointment window closed. Authority shifted. No amount of email insistence can reverse those realities. As Josephine County prepares to move on, the episode serves as a reminder that public office is a trust, not a possession and that when voters withdraw that trust, the duty of the officeholder is to step aside, not dig in.

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NATIONAL

Supreme Court Lets Stand $2.4 Billion Boy Scouts Abuse Settlement, Ending Latest Legal Challenge By Ellen Ward The Supreme Court of the United States has declined to review a legal challenge to the $2.4 billion bankruptcy settlement reached by the Boy Scouts of America, bringing another major chapter in one of the largest sexual-abuse cases in U.S. history closer to a close. The Court’s decision leaves intact a sweeping agreement designed to compensate tens of thousands of survivors while shielding local scouting organizations and sponsors from future lawsuits tied to past abuse. The settlement stems from the Boy Scouts of America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020, which followed a surge of sexual-abuse claims after states expanded or temporarily lifted statutes of limitations for child sex abuse cases. More than 82,000 individuals ultimately filed claims alleging abuse by scout leaders and volunteers over several decades. Faced with the volume and potential liability of those claims, the organization sought bankruptcy protection to restructure and create a global resolution. In 2022, a federal bankruptcy court approved a plan establishing a victims compensation trust funded with roughly $2.4 to $2.46 billion. The money is drawn from a combination of Boy Scouts assets, insurance settlements, and contributions from local councils and affiliated organizations. The trust is responsible for evaluating claims and distributing payments based on a matrix that considers factors such as severity, duration, and corroborating evidence. A small group of survivors appealed the set-

tlement, arguing that it went too far by blocking them from pursuing individual lawsuits against third parties that were not themselves in bankruptcy. These entities include local scouting councils, religious institutions, and community organizations that sponsored troops. The challengers contended that the bankruptcy plan’s non-debtor releases unlawfully extinguished their rights to sue those groups in civil court. Lower courts rejected those arguments, and the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case effectively ends that avenue of appeal. As is customary when the Court denies review, the justices did not provide an explanation. The practical effect is that the settlement, which has already begun distributing funds to survivors, will proceed without disruption.

The decision drew particular attention because of the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling in a separate, high-profile bankruptcy case involving Purdue Pharma. In that case, the Court ruled that bankruptcy courts generally lack authority to grant broad legal releases to non-debtors without the consent of affected claimants. Opponents of the Boy Scouts settlement argued that the same reasoning should apply, potentially invalidating the protections granted to local councils and sponsors. Appellate courts, however, distinguished the Boy Scouts case on procedural and practical grounds. Judges noted that the settlement had been substantially consummated, with payments already flowing to survivors and assets transferred to the trust. Undoing the plan at this stage,

they reasoned, could jeopardize compensation for tens of thousands of claimants and destabilize resolution years in the making. That reasoning remained intact after the Supreme Court declined review. For survivors who supported the settlement, the Court’s decision provides certainty that the compensation process will continue. The trust has already distributed hundreds of millions of dollars, with additional payments expected as insurance disputes are resolved and remaining assets are liquidated. For those who opposed the plan, the outcome confirms that individual lawsuits against protected third parties are no longer an option under this settlement framework. Beyond the Boy Scouts case, the decision highlights ongoing tensions in bankruptcy law over how far courts can go in resolving mass-tort liabilities. Large organizations facing widespread abuse or injury claims have increasingly turned to bankruptcy as a tool to consolidate litigation and cap exposure. While the Supreme Court has signaled limits on third-party releases, its decision not to intervene here suggests those limits may be applied narrowly and with sensitivity to timing and reliance interests. With the settlement now firmly in place, the Boy Scouts of America continues operating under a restructured model while the victims compensation trust carries out its work. For many survivors, the ruling represents the end of a long legal struggle and a step, however imperfect, toward accountability and closure.

Trump Media Expands Financial Arm With Launch of America-First Managed Investment Strategies By Ellen Ward Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. has announced a significant expansion of its financial services ambitions with the launch of a new suite of separately managed investment accounts branded under the Truth Social name. The initiative introduces four thematic investment strategies designed around what the companies describe as American values and national priorities, marking a deeper move by the media and technology firm into the investment management space. The new strategies are being launched through a partnership between Trump Media and Technology Group Corp., Yorkville America Equities LLC, and Index Technologies Group, LLC. Trump Media, which operates the social media platform Truth Social, the streaming service Truth+, and the fintech brand Truth.Fi, has provided the initial seed capital to establish the accounts. The companies say the funding demonstrates internal confidence in the strategies and is intended to support early portfolio construction. Separately managed accounts, commonly referred to as SMAs, allow investors to hold customized portfolios directly rather than buying into pooled funds. According to the announcement, the newly launched SMAs are built using proprietary data models developed by Index Technologies Group and are designed to reflect specific thematic objectives tied to domestic economic development,

national security, faith-based values, and critical infrastructure. One of the strategies focuses on U.S. manufacturing and domestic production. Branded as a Made in America portfolio, the strategy emphasizes American companies involved in industrial growth, workforce expansion, and technological advancement. The stated goal is to concentrate capital in businesses believed to strengthen domestic supply chains and contribute to long-term economic resilience within the United States. Another strategy centers on national defense and security priorities. This portfolio allocates capital to U.S. and allied companies involved in sectors tied to emerging and critical technologies, including advanced computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelli-

gence, energy storage, space-related systems, and microelectronics. The strategy is structured to avoid companies viewed by the managers as supporting adversarial interests, while emphasizing firms connected to allied trade and defense ecosystems. A third strategy is framed around Christian values and biblically responsible investment principles. Rather than simply excluding certain industries, this portfolio seeks to identify companies whose internal cultures, policies, and business practices are viewed as consistent with faith-based ethical frameworks. The approach reflects a growing niche within the investment industry that prioritizes moral and religious alignment alongside financial considerations. The fourth strategy targets energy and essential services that support modern economic activity. This portfolio is designed to provide exposure to infrastructure-related sectors such as energy production, utilities, water systems, telecommunications, satellites, data centers, and semiconductors. The managers describe the strategy as focusing on operators believed to underpin long-term growth and sustained demand across the broader economy. All four portfolios are constructed systematically using proprietary algorithms and data-driven screening methods developed by Index Technologies Group. The strategies are scheduled to be reviewed and rebalanced on a quarterly basis to reflect market conditions while maintaining align-

ment with their stated themes. The partners emphasize that the systematic approach is intended to combine disciplined portfolio management with thematic consistency. The launch reflects a broader trend of values-based and thematic investing, where investors seek to align capital deployment with political, cultural, or ethical priorities. For Trump Media, the move also represents a diversification beyond media and technology platforms into financial products tied to its brand identity. Company leadership has characterized the initiative as part of a long-term effort to build an integrated ecosystem that includes media, technology, and financial services. Yorkville America Equities brings asset management and investment structuring experience to the partnership, while Index Technologies Group provides the underlying analytical frameworks used to construct the portfolios. Together, the firms describe the collaboration as an attempt to offer differentiated investment products that appeal to investors seeking both market exposure and alignment with specific American-focused themes. The new Truth Social-branded SMAs enter a competitive marketplace where thematic and values-driven investment products continue to expand. Their long-term performance and investor adoption will likely depend on how effectively the strategies balance ideological alignment with financial results as market conditions evolve.

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COMMUNITY Grants Pass High School Celebrates Opening of New Automotive Outdoor Classroom By John Oliver Grants Pass High School will mark an important milestone for career and technical education this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of a new outdoor classroom for its Automotive Program. The event highlights continued investment in hands on learning opportunities and growing partnerships between the school and the broader community. Now in its third year, the Automotive Program has become a key pathway for students interested in automotive technology and skilled trades. The program emphasizes practical, career connected instruction that allows students to apply classroom concepts in real world settings. With enrollment and interest steadily increasing, the addition of an outdoor classroom represents a significant expansion designed to better meet instructional needs. The new outdoor space allows students and instructors to work more efficiently and safely on automotive projects that are difficult to accommodate indoors. By moving certain lessons and activities outside, the program is no longer limited by the size and layout of a traditional classroom. This flexibility supports more complex instruction, improves workflow, and creates an environment that more closely resembles professional automotive workplaces. The ribbon cutting ceremony will also serve

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FRIDAY as a recognition of the community partners who played a role in restoring and sustaining the Automotive Program. Their contributions have helped ensure students have access to modern equipment, relevant training, and exposure to career opportunities within the automotive industry. The event is intended not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity for attendees to see firsthand what students are learning and how the program operates. Students participating in the program gain experience that can translate directly into future employment, apprenticeships, or further technical education. By blending academic learning with practical skills, the program sup-

ports workforce readiness while giving students a clearer understanding of career options available after graduation. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 16, from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. and will take place at the automotive classroom located at the corner of 8th Street and Josephine Street on the high school campus. Visitors are encouraged to look for balloons marking the location of the event. School officials say the outdoor classroom expansion reflects a broader commitment to preparing students for life beyond high school by offering relevant, skill based education rooted in real world applications.

City Seeks Applicants for Committee on Public Art as Term Nears Completion City of Grants Pass The City of Grants Pass is accepting applications to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Committee on Public Art, a volunteer advisory body that plays a key role in shaping how art is experienced in public spaces throughout the city. The opening is the result of a scheduled term expiration, and the appointment will be for a three-year term. The Committee on Public Art, commonly referred to as CoPA, was established to strengthen community engagement and enhance the visual character of Grants Pass through the thoughtful placement of original artwork. By integrating art into parks, streetscapes, public buildings, and other shared spaces, the committee helps foster a sense of place and civic pride while supporting enjoyment of the city by residents and visitors alike. In addition to recommending opportunities for public art installations, CoPA serves as an advisory resource to the Grants Pass City Council. Committee members provide guidance on public art policy, project concepts, and long term planning related to artistic features within the city. The group also encourages collaboration among city departments, local and regional artists, architects, developers, and property owners to ensure that public art projects are well integrated and reflective of community values. The position is open to individuals who are interested in public art, community development,

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or civic involvement. While professional experience in the arts or design fields can be beneficial, it is not required. The city has historically encouraged applicants from a variety of backgrounds in order to bring diverse perspectives to discussions about art and public space. Applications are available through the City Administration Office located at 101 N.W. A Street in Grants Pass. Interested residents may also apply online through the city’s official website. All completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, in order to be considered for the current appointment cycle. The Committee on Public Art is scheduled to review submitted applications during its meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Following that review, a recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. The final appointment is expect-

ed to be made during the City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Members appointed to CoPA commit to regular meetings and active participation throughout their three year term. In return, they have the opportunity to directly influence how public art contributes to the cultural identity and visual landscape of the city. Through its work, the committee supports creative expression while helping ensure that public art projects align with broader city planning goals and community interests. Additional information about the application process and committee responsibilities can be obtained through the City Administration Office or the City of Grants Pass website. Residents interested in shaping the future of public art in their community are encouraged to apply and take part in this collaborative civic effort.

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Grants Pass Council Marked By Procedural Dispute From page 1 follow the sampling method outlined in administrative rule, rather than manually verifying every signature. The clerk’s discretion is limited to specific circumstances defined by statute and rule, and does not include the ability to abandon the sampling process in response to public demand. State statutes further require county elections officials to comply with directives and interpretations issued by the Secretary of State regarding election administration. Oregon law also provides a formal avenue for challenging election-related decisions

through the courts, rather than through public pressure or informal demands. As a result, claims that a clerk can simply choose to verify every signature on a large recall petition are inconsistent with the legal framework governing elections in the state. Taken together, the council meeting dispute and the subsequent debate over recall procedures illustrate the broader challenges facing local governments operating in a highly charged political environment. Procedural disagreements that might once have been resolved quietly now play out in public view, amplified

by livestreams and social media. For residents, these episodes raise questions about how effectively local bodies can manage routine business while maintaining public confidence. While the election of a new council president brings a formal change in leadership, the circumstances surrounding the vote suggest that underlying tensions remain. As the Grants Pass City Council moves forward, the episode serves as a reminder that transparency, adherence to established rules, and clear public communication are central to preserving trust in local governance.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

THE BCC WEEKLY The BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC

The Boulder in Our Shoe By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist On Wednesday, January 7th, the day after nearly 62% of those that voted said yes to the recall of Commissioner Chris Barnett in preliminary voting results, a familiar voice was on the Bill Meyer radio show lamenting Mr. Barnett’s loss. Holli Morton, former Josephine County Republican Party chair until May 2025, who still defends certain local elected officials she helped get elected in November 2024 even after a long string of documented bad behavior by those elected officials, called in for sympathy from the radio show. Before Holli could even get started in earnest, Bill Meyer inserts with his own thoughts, “Kicking Chris Barnett out is not going to fix the Josephine County mathematics problem…weren’t you telling me that Josephine County is only down to $4 million in the bank in reserve?” Holli replies, “Yeah, that’s the reserve, and that’s down from $8 million a year ago and so that gives you an idea of the fiscal trajectory of the County…” Those statements from Bill Meyer and Holli Morton couldn’t be more wrong. I’m so tired of certain past commissioners and their supporters as well as Bill Meyer claiming incorrectly that Josephine County is broke, that I sent in an email to Bill Meyer later that day. Below is most of that email. ----Boulder in my shoe - Josephine County does NOT have a math problem! Hi Bill, After you and callers on your show saying so many times in recent weeks and this morning that the main problem is Josephine County has a math problem...I really can't help but say something. Now I have MANY dogs in this fight...but keep in mind I've watched or listened to almost every meeting of the Josephine County Commissioners for almost 14 years now, and I've been a daily listener of yours for about 4-5 years. The misinformation from certain past Josephine County Commissioners and some of their supporters has got to stop. It will be very hard to get back to the regular business of the County if we can't even agree on basic math. You've taken Herman's and other Commissioners’ word for certain things, and they are misleading you (in the case of previous commissioner John West flat out lying to you). Let's take for example Holli Morton's comments on your show this morning. Holli said, "Josephine County's reserve dropped from $8 million last year to $4 million this year." That is flat out wrong, and I'd love for you to ask her where she got those figures. The reality is Josephine County is in a better financial position than it has been in for close to 14 years. You don't need to take my word for it - just see the attached document which shows the budget for our General Fund this year. You'll see on pages 4-5 of the attached JoCo budget document and the figures I highlighted on those two pages that they projected the County's general fund balance (which is the County's main RESERVE fund, if you want to call it that...) to start at

$18.3 million for the year and end at $19.5 million for the current fiscal year...a $1.2 million SURPLUS for the current fiscal year and a very healthy starting and ending fund balance. Anyway, one of the main reasons I got involved in the John West recall is that he and Herman Baertschiger TOOK MONEY AWAY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS as compared to the general fund revenue allocations that used to go to law enforcement before VOTERS approved a new County Law Enforcement District in November 2023. I've been a huge supporter of local law enforcement...what conservative doesn't support law and order? What the likes of Herman, John West, and Holli Morton won't tell you is that we were promised 27 new Sheriff staff members with the approval of the new Law Enforcement District. The new LE District has a permanent property tax rate that brings in over $5.5 million per year in NEW revenues starting in the Fiscal 2025 year. We're now in our second fiscal year of the new district, and so far the commissioners have only granted about 11 new Sheriff staff. So WE VOTERS AND PROPERTY OWNERS ARE NOT GETTING WHAT WE ARE PAYING FOR!!!!! To say this another way...we're paying the equivalent of $500k per new staff member in the Sheriff's office... what a bargain! It's not the Sheriff's fault; the Commissioners took general fund money away from the Sheriff right after VOTER approval of the new LE District. ----Looking back on that email, I was pretty fired up. Using CAPS is not my normal style. Years ago, Bill Meyer used to respond to just about every email I would send him (which was not many). This email from last week didn’t get a response. As with most cities and counties in Oregon, the “General Fund” is the main fund that has reserves and discretionary dollars. Most other funds outside the General Fund are re-

stricted or dedicated to a specific purpose. I contacted County Finance Director Ruth Nelson about where the General Fund balance actually started this fiscal year 2026, the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The County is behind on closing the books and doing the FY’25 annual audit (in my opinion due to all the chaos from the BCC office in the last year) but the preliminary projection for the FY’25 closing balance for the General Fund is $19.8 million. This means the County’s General Fund had a SURPLUS of close to $4 million dollars last fiscal year, because the General Fund ended the previous fiscal year at close to a total fund balance of $15.5 million. And because budgets are never fully spent (by law they can’t spend more than budget), the County’s General Fund will likely have a $2$3 million surplus in the current fiscal year and end the current fiscal year with a balance of about $22 million. That’s just a bit off from Holli Morton’s stated “reserve” figure of $4 million. And the General Fund has a surplus, not a deficit as suggested from Morton’s radio comments. Add in the cash from all the other funds of the County other than the General Fund, and we’re talking about closer to $70 million of cash in the County’s coffers just as the County’s last audited financial statement showed. No, Josephine County does not have a math problem. Josephine County has had a BCC management problem in the last two years. And how about that $2-$4 million General Fund annual surplus that we’re seeing in FY25 and FY26? That’s because Commissioners took that money away from law enforcement programs, as compared to General Fund revenues that were allocated to law enforcement before the first fiscal year of the Law Enforcement District in FY’25. I have my suspicions as to why Commissioners took some General Fund revenue away from law enforcement programs. But speculation aside, it has become crystal clear that most Commissioners serving in 2024

and 2025 do not understand the County’s General Fund budget and the financial position the County is really in today. I had a great meeting with former Commissioner Andreas Blech in his office before Commissioners adopted the FY’26 budget last June. It lasted almost 2 hours, and he thanked me for my perspective on the financial position of the County. He then proceeded with his public budget comments and actions as if that 2-hour meeting never happened. As one of the leaders of the John West recall in the fall of 2024, I was asked what does the phrase on the recall petition “ignoring the will of the people” mean and how do you quantify this concern? The answer is simple. When Commissioners take votes and actions that go directly against something the Josephine County voters put in place through a measure previously on the ballot, that is ignoring the will of the people. When the Sheriff promises 27 new staff members with the passage of a Law Enforcement District and 2 years later we only have about 11 new staff members because of budget restrictions imposed by the BCC, that is ignoring the will of the people. When a commissioner launches a financial attack on a Library District that was approved by voters, that is ignoring the will of the people. When commissioners defund the collection of any new property tax revenues three years in a row for the Josephine County 4-H/ Extension Service District which was originally approved by voters, that is ignoring the will of the people. When commissioners ignore various provisions in the Josephine County Charter as they have in the last two years, that is ignoring the will of the people considering the Charter was voted in by the people. Let’s hope that our next few appointed and elected commissioners get back to relying on facts when making budget decisions and quickly return to respecting the will of the people.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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