Behind the Curtain: Whistleblower Accounts and Mounting Allegations Rock Josephine County Government
By: John Oliver
A wave of whistleblower revelations and mounting public frustration have cracked open deeper concerns about the inner workings of Josephine County’s leadership. From questionable contracts and selective hiring practices to an alleged culture of retaliation, favoritism, and backroom power plays, current and former county officials now face growing scrutiny from residents demanding answers, accountability, and transparency.
Over the past several weeks, multiple sources, including a former county employee with direct knowledge of internal operations, have come forward to provide detailed accounts of dysfunction and misconduct behind the scenes at the Josephine County Courthouse. Their statements— backed by emails, personal testimony, and public records—point to a breakdown in ethical governance that some believe has gone unchecked for far too long.
One of the most explosive claims centers around former Commissioner John West and a previously unpublicized plan to award county employee Michael Sellers a contract reportedly containing a $10 million buyout clause. According to the whistleblower, West discussed the idea openly in the early months of his term, suggesting that the buyout was intended to prevent Sellers from being terminated by any future board of commissioners.
“John would come into the front office and float these ideas to (employee 1) and myself,” the
source stated. “When he first started, he seemed to listen. But as time went on, his ideas became non-negotiable. If you disagreed, he got upset.”
The idea of awarding a county employee such a large golden parachute stunned staff. “We thought it was absurd,” the whistleblower said. “And now he’s pretending like it never happened.”
West has publicly denied involvement in such a contract and has attempted to shift blame toward current Commissioner Andreas Blech. But those familiar with the inner workings of the courthouse say the initiative originated with West and that multiple witnesses can corroborate the discussions. Whether outside counsel was involved remains unknown, though some believe longtime County Counsel Wally Hicks was at least aware of the idea, given West’s frequent visits to his office.
The buyout proposal has since become em-
blematic of broader issues—namely, questionable fiscal priorities, lack of transparency, and concentrated decision-making power behind closed doors.
As the fallout deepens, former Commissioner John West has emerged as a symbol of political contradiction in Josephine County. After publicly claiming to distance himself from Commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith, West has since reversed course—criticizing both men while simultaneously admitting he supported their campaigns financially and even helped place signs for Smith. These admissions directly undermine his earlier denials and contradict the basis of a defamation lawsuit he filed against this newspaper for reporting those very same facts.
Residents are growing increasingly skeptical of West’s motives, with many accusing him of “playing both sides of the fence” in an effort to
Trump Declares Two New National Holidays Honoring World War Victories
By: John Oliver
President Donald J. Trump has announced the creation of two new national holidays aimed at commemorating the United States' victories in the First and Second World Wars. The dates designated for these observances are November 11 and May 8—chosen to align with the historical conclusion of each conflict.
In a public statement released Monday, Trump emphasized the importance of formally recognizing America's role in securing Allied victories during both global wars. “We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it—everyone else does!” Trump said. “All over the world, the Allies are celebrating the victory we had in World War II. It’s time we do the same.”
According to Trump, the United States has lacked specific national holidays honoring the military triumphs of World War I and World War II, despite its central role in both. While Veterans Day is already observed on November 11—coinciding with the end of World War I in 1918—Trump’s declaration aims to reframe the holiday’s focus toward celebrating American victory, rather than solely honoring service members.
Trump's second declared holiday, May 8, commemorates Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which marked the official surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. While VE Day is wide-
ly celebrated in countries such as the United Kingdom and France, it has not been a designated holiday in the U.S. until now.
“These victories were turning points in history,” Trump said. “The armistice of World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, and the defeat of tyranny in World War II was achieved on May 8, 1945. We should be proud of our history and recognize it accordingly.”
Trump was quick to clarify that the new holidays will not result in nationwide shutdowns. “We will not be closing the country for these two very important holidays,” he stated. “But we will acknowledge them, celebrate them, and remember the American courage that led to victory.”
While November 11 has long been a federal holiday in the form of Veterans Day, Trump’s new framing signals a desire to pivot public recognition toward a more triumph-fo-
cused celebration of U.S. military achievements. Historically, Veterans Day was established in 1954, evolving from Armistice Day, which originally honored the end of World War I. The shift proposed by Trump could blur the lines between honoring all military veterans and commemorating specific war victories.
May 8, however, marks a newer addition to the American holiday calendar. Though VE Day is commemorated in various ceremonies around the country, it has not held national holiday status in the past. Trump’s announcement elevates it to a formal recognition similar to Memorial Day or Independence Day.
Critics of the move have raised questions about whether the declaration of new national holidays should be handled legislatively rather than through executive decision. Traditionally, the establishment of a federal holiday requires an act of Congress. As of this writing, no bill has been introduced to codify Trump’s announcement into law, raising questions about its immediate implementation or longterm significance.
Supporters of the initiative, however, argue that such commemorations are long overdue. They view the recognition of May 8 as a celebration of American sacrifice and a symbolic reaffirmation of the country’s role in defeating fascism in Europe.
• see HOLIDAYS, page 5
maintain influence regardless of who holds power.
“These shifts aren’t just political—they’re strategic,” one citizen commented. “He’s trying to rehabilitate his image while quietly aligning himself with the very power structures he once condemned.”
Sellers, whose presence has become a frequent topic of concern, is described in whistleblower accounts as a behind-the-scenes operator with outsized influence. Despite holding no public-facing administrative role, Sellers reportedly spent hours loitering around the Board of Commissioners office, often without any clear directive.
“[a county supervisor] once asked him point blank if he was instructed to spy on the women in the BCC office,” the whistleblower said. “Sellers was logging questionable mileage and hanging around like he was waiting for marching orders.”
When questioned about alleged mileage fraud—miles logged to Medford, Merlin, and elsewhere that did not fall within legitimate travel parameters—Sellers reportedly became defensive. Rather than facing discipline, he retaliated by submitting a formal complaint against Dan, claiming he would not meet with him unless legal counsel was present.
Once, contracts and county business would flow through a straightforward process: Legal Counsel reviewed documents, and items were
• see JOSEPHINE, page 5
Unethical Conduct Exposed
By Rabbi Russell McAlmond
A saga that has ignited local controversy has placed former county commissioner candidate Chris Barnett at the center of a web of deceit. Barnett has been accused of attempting to suppress a damaging real estate lawsuit that cost 71 elderly residents at least $500,000 in damages, bringing the total judgment against him to $3.2 million. The case, which also implicated Barnett in “elder abuse,” has resurfaced with a definitive ruling from the Oregon Supreme Court, exposing his denials as falsehoods and raising serious ethical concerns.
The story began during Barnett’s campaign for county commissioner, when rumors of the lawsuit first began
• see UNETHICAL, page 3
DESK
Oregon Lawmakers Consider Bill to Protect Access to Manufactured and Modular Homes
By:Leaf Barret
A new proposal in the Oregon Legislature could change the way future residential developments are planned across the state. House Bill 3144 aims to prohibit new planned communities from banning manufactured and modular homes, a move that could expand housing access for many Oregonians facing affordability challenges.
As housing costs continue to rise in both urban and rural regions of Oregon, lawmakers are taking a closer look at the rules governing where and how people can live. HB 3144 is designed to address restrictive covenants and homeowners association (HOA) rules that often exclude manufactured and modular homes from new developments. If passed, the bill would ensure that new communities created after its enactment cannot deny homeowners the option to use these types of homes as primary residences.
Manufactured and modular homes have become increasingly vital in Oregon’s effort to tackle its ongoing housing crisis. While traditionally viewed as alternatives to site-built homes, modern manufactured and modular homes are now constructed to meet or exceed many building standards and offer energy-efficient, affordable, and customizable options for homebuyers. However, despite their quality and affordability, these homes often face ex-
clusion from newer residential areas due to stigma or outdated perceptions, particularly in planned developments governed by strict architectural and aesthetic standards.
HB 3144 would not retroactively apply to existing neighborhoods but would set a new statewide precedent for future planned communities. Developers would no longer be able to write bylaws or association rules that discriminate against residents based on the type of housing they choose—provided that the manufactured or modular home complies with applicable building codes and design standards.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward addressing both housing equity and the broader statewide shortage of affordable homes. They note that manufactured housing can provide a stable path to homeownership for low- and middle-income
families, seniors, and first-time buyers who might otherwise be priced out of Oregon’s competitive real estate market.
Affordable housing advocates also see the legislation as a corrective measure to long-standing class bias embedded in residential zoning and development practices. By removing barriers to manufactured homes, proponents hope to encourage a more diverse range of housing options and promote economic inclusivity in emerging communities.
Critics of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on property values and neighborhood character. Some argue that homeowners should have the right to collectively determine the appearance and structure of their communities, including setting limits on certain types of homes. Developers and some HOAs have expressed reservations
about losing control over how neighborhoods are planned, fearing that uniformity and marketability may be compromised.
In response to those concerns, the bill includes provisions that still allow for reasonable architectural guidelines, meaning that while a community cannot ban manufactured homes outright, it can still establish design standards to ensure consistency with the overall neighborhood look and feel. This clause is meant to balance the need for affordable housing with developers’ interest in maintaining quality and cohesion in residential planning.
HB 3144 is currently making its way through committee hearings, where lawmakers are listening to testimony from housing experts, developers, community members, and advocates on both sides of the issue. The outcome of the bill could significantly influence the future of residential construction across Oregon.
If passed, HB 3144 would mark a notable shift in state policy—reaffirming Oregon’s commitment to expanding housing access and embracing diverse living options for its residents. As the housing debate continues, the bill’s progress will be closely watched by city planners, homebuilders, and citizens alike, all navigating the intersection of growth, affordability, and fairness in an increasingly strained housing landscape.
Josephine County Government Rocked By Allegations
From page 1
placed on the public meeting agenda by administrative staff. But according to recent insider reports, that process has been hijacked. Now, Sellers and Blech are allegedly acting as gatekeepers—filtering, delaying, or outright blocking which contracts appear on the agenda.
Directors, many of whom are still employed, have reportedly been sidelined. Some say their work is now bottlenecked in layers of bureaucracy controlled by unelected figures. “Why is an IT guy determining what goes on the agenda?” the whistleblower asked. “It’s not just micromanaging—it’s suppression.”
This power consolidation has also extended into hiring and firing decisions. The whistleblower believes the Board granted Blech unilateral personnel authority so he could avoid hearing employee grievances in public session.
“I was denied an open session,” the whis-
From page 1
tleblower said. “Instead, Blech asked someone else to discipline me. He doesn’t want accountability—he wants control.”
These internal maneuvers come at a time when the county’s public meeting process is under fire. Weekly Business Sessions (WBS) have become ritualistic, with residents allowed three minutes to speak but rarely receiving direct responses.
“They say, ‘This isn’t a back and forth,’ and then never answer,” the source said. “It’s performative. The public speaks, but nothing happens. They just move on.”
As frustration mounts, some residents have proposed an ordinance change requiring commissioners to respond to public comment during the same session. “People want answers, not a wall,” one advocate told the Tribune. “This is a government, not a PR machine.”
The whistleblower’s email also documents what describes as a toxic and retaliatory culture, one that has driven out veteran county staffers and created a climate of fear and silence.
Former director Jim Goodwin, a well-respected administrator, reportedly resigned due to stress, telling colleagues that the pressure was affecting his health. At Goodwin’s retirement party, another director allegedly apologized to the whistleblower and admitted they had “taken her for granted.”
The controversy doesn’t end at personnel issues. The whistleblower says West deliberately sabotaged efforts to sell the Pipefork property to local residents in Williams, referring to community members as “nut heads” during a phone call with fellow commissioner Herman Baertschiger. The whistleblower claims to have detailed notes documenting what she calls “illegal meetings” between
the two.
Though neither man currently holds office, their influence—and their actions—remain relevant as more former employees and residents come forward with similar stories.
As investigations continue and the political landscape in Josephine County shifts once more, one thing is clear: The public is paying attention. Whistleblower accounts like these, paired with visible fractures among county leadership, point to a deeper dysfunction that many believe will not heal without outside accountability and a renewed commitment to ethical governance.
“This isn’t about personal grudges,” one citizen wrote to the Tribune. “This is about the health of our democracy. We deserve better.”
Until the truth is fully uncovered—and changes are made—many in Josephine County say they will not stop speaking out.
Holidays Honoring World War Victories
The United States played a pivotal role in both world wars, with millions of American service members participating in overseas combat and support operations. The end of World War I on November 11, 1918, marked the cessation of hostilities following the signing of the Armistice with Germany. The date is observed internationally as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in countries such as Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
Similarly, May 8, 1945, represents the
end of World War II in Europe and is widely celebrated in Allied nations. The U.S. contributed significantly to the military campaign through the D-Day landings, the liberation of Nazi-occupied territories, and the eventual defeat of the Axis powers.
Trump’s declarations seek to align American commemorations with international observances, where public holidays and national events often mark these milestones. While Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor service
and sacrifice broadly, these new holidays would specifically spotlight American victory and strategic achievement.
The declaration of November 11 and May 8 as national holidays brings renewed attention to how the United States chooses to remember its military history. Whether or not the holidays will be formally enacted into law remains to be seen, but Trump’s announcement has already sparked national discussion.
As debates over historical memory, patriotism, and the meaning of public holidays continue, Trump’s initiative may mark the beginning of a broader movement to reframe America's war legacy—not only as one of sacrifice, but of triumph.
For now, both November 11 and May 8 will carry new symbolic weight in the American calendar, representing moments when the world changed and the United States helped lead the way.
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COMMUNITY
Suspect Arrested in Baker Park Slashing Incident Following Police Investigation
Grants Pass Police Department
A 20-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a violent altercation that occurred earlier this month at Baker Park in Grants Pass, which left another woman with a serious knife wound requiring medical treatment.
The incident took place on the afternoon of May 1 at approximately 1:53 p.m., when Sergeant Nieminen of the Grants Pass Police Community Response Team was approached by a female at the park who reported being injured. Upon examining the woman’s injuries, police discovered she had sustained a deep laceration across her left ear, which, according to investigators, appeared to have been caused by a large knife. Medical professionals later confirmed that the wound required multiple sutures.
An initial investigation at the scene revealed that the victim and another woman had been engaged in a verbal dispute within the park prior to the attack. That dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. Authorities determined that the suspect, identified as Kassandrea Sinks, allegedly retaliated during the conflict by slashing the victim along the side of her head with what police described as a large “Army-style” knife.
Following the incident, Sinks reportedly fled the area and attempted to evade law enforcement. According to police statements, she received help from unidentified individuals in avoiding immediate apprehension. Officers conducted a search for several days, working to locate the suspect who had left the scene before she could be taken into custody.
The investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Kassandrea Sinks on May 5. She was located and taken into custody by law enforcement officers and transported to the Josephine County Jail. Sinks now faces charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, both of which are considered serious offenses under Oregon law.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the identity or condition of the victim, but confirmed that the wom-
an is recovering from the injury. The motive behind the initial argument has also not been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the two individuals knew each other prior to the confrontation.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and have not ruled out additional charges related to aiding or abetting Sinks’ temporary evasion of arrest. As of now, there have been no reports of other injuries related to the event.
The Grants Pass Police Department has urged anyone with additional information about the altercation or Sinks’ movements in the days following the attack to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Community members can contact the department anonymously if needed.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about public safety within local parks, prompting discussions among city officials and residents about the need for increased patrols and preventative measures.
The case will proceed through the Josephine County judicial system, where Sinks will face arraignment and potential prosecution based on the evidence gathered. Further developments will be reported as they become available.
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Letter from the Editor
Knowing How to Take a Punch — Literally and Figuratively
There’s a saying we used to have in the Marines: “You don’t really know someone until you see how they take a punch.” And I’ve taken more than a few in my time— both with fists and with words. I don’t say that to paint myself as a hero or some kind of martyr. I say it to help you understand the spirit behind this newspaper, and behind the man writing this letter.
As a former U.S. Marine, I speak about that chapter of my life from time to time—not because I wear it like a badge, but because it shaped the man I am. The Corps taught me how to keep my emotions in check, to think logically under pressure, and to lead with discipline and purpose. It taught me how to stand when others fold, and how to separate my personal feelings from my professional responsibilities. That discipline is why I’ve been able to run this newspaper with integrity—even while under fire.
And make no mistake—I’ve been under fire.
What’s been happening over the past year isn’t just petty politics or social media sniping. It’s a coordinated attempt to silence a voice that speaks uncomfortable truths. The attacks on my name, my paper, and my character have not stopped—not for a single week. I’ve been called “fake news” by people who couldn’t tell you what fact-checking even is. I’ve been lied about, smeared, and targeted by those with something to hide. And when the smear campaigns didn’t work, they escalated. I was evicted from a home I paid for on time, every month, for over eight years—without a single late payment. The judge himself said on the record, “This feels like a setup.” And he was right.
These are the punches I’ve taken—not for personal gain, not because I enjoy it— but because this community deserves a newspaper that doesn’t flinch in the face of power. I never asked for special treatment. I never played the victim. I never complained that life was unfair. I’ve stood my ground quietly and kept doing the job because it needed to be done. And I did it for free—never asking a dime from the community I serve.
The people attacking this newspaper— and let’s be honest, me personally—are not doing so because we’ve lied. They’re doing it because we’ve told the truth. The kind of truth that makes people squirm. The kind of truth that threatens corrupt comfort. And they will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. That’s what you need to understand when you see their online tantrums or their backroom moves to cut off our resources. It’s not because they’re strong. It’s because they’re afraid. So, when I talk about taking a punch, I mean standing through all of that and not breaking. I mean refusing to back down, even when you’re outnumbered. I mean
protecting this paper—and by extension, you—from being gaslit into submission.
And I ask you now to understand the cost of that kind of resolve. Could most people endure it? Probably not. And I don’t say that as a boast. I say it because we’re in a time where truth-tellers are few and far between, and they need backup—not pity, not praise—but awareness. If you’ve appreciated what you’ve read in the Tribune over the last year, if it’s opened your eyes to things you didn’t know or couldn’t find anywhere else, then know this: every story came at a price. And I paid it willingly.
This letter isn’t a call for sympathy. It’s a call for solidarity. Because while I’m willing to take these hits for the team, the truth is—I shouldn’t have to do it alone. If we want this community to unite and rebuild on real accountability, we need to stand shoulder to shoulder. We need to face the bullies and say: we won’t be silenced. We need to be willing, as a community, to take a punch now and then for the things that matter.
And if we do? We win. Every time.
