WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
Oregon Senate Democrats Push Back on Federalization of National Guard
Raising Questions for Southern Oregon
By John Oliver
The political battle over control of Oregon’s National Guard reached a new level this week as Senate Democrats condemned the Trump administration’s decision to federalize the state’s troops and send them into Portland. While the dispute has been centered in the state’s largest city, the consequences of this standoff ripple far beyond the metro area, raising concerns in southern Oregon about the future availability of Guard resources, state sovereignty, and taxpayer costs.
In a rare display of unified messaging, Senate Democrats took to the chamber floor to denounce the federalization order. Lawmakers described it as an “abuse of power” and a violation of U.S. law. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama framed the move as an attack on Oregon’s ability to govern itself, stressing that it “undermines Oregon’s ability to govern ourselves, disrupts the work of trusted local law enforcement, and wastes taxpayer dollars that should be serving the people of Oregon.”
The deployment, justified by the administration as necessary to curb disorder in Portland, has been characterized by state leaders as unnecessary and politically motivated. Portland
Police, according to lawmakers, have reassured state officials that they are fully capable of responding to the protests and sporadic unlawful activity that have occurred outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement federal building. Senator Lisa Reynolds echoed those concerns, stating that “we do not need and we do not want federalized national guard troops deployed in this area.” Her comments reflect a growing sense of frustration that the city’s reputation has been distorted to justify federal intervention.
For many in southern Oregon, the immediate question is not about Portland’s protests, but about what federal control means for the
Guard’s availability during local crises. From wildfires in the Rogue Valley to floods along the Applegate and Illinois Rivers, the National Guard has been a critical resource when disaster strikes. Senator Anthony Broadman of Bend, chair of the public safety subcommittee under the Joint Ways and Means Committee, made that connection clear: “These are the same people we count on to mobilize during wildfires and other disasters. Regardless of who is directing their deployment, the Oregon National Guard is made up of Oregonians who are citizen soldiers: neighbors, friends, coworkers, and small business owners.” Southern Oregon residents,
many of whom have lived through devastating fire seasons, know firsthand the value of those Guard deployments. If federalization redirects troops or ties them up in political conflicts elsewhere, local communities may find themselves short-handed when natural disasters strike.
The state has already moved to challenge the federal order in court. Over the weekend, Oregon filed a lawsuit against the president’s action, and Attorney General Dan Rayfield sought a temporary restraining order to block deployment. The legal battle centers on whether the White House has the authority to seize command of state troops without the governor’s consent — a dispute that cuts to the heart of state sovereignty. The financial impact is another layer of concern. Mobilizing Guard units comes with a steep price tag, and the question of who pays — Oregon taxpayers or federal agencies — remains unsettled. If costs fall to the state, the expense could compete with other critical needs, from rural infrastructure to education budgets already strained in southern Oregon counties.
Beyond logistics and funding, Senate Democrats argue the federalization poses a threat to civil liberties. Senator Khanh Pham warned Oregonians not to be intimidated by what she described as an effort to “sow fear, silence opposition, and turn the city we love into a place where people feel afraid to leave their homes.” Sena-
• see DEMOCRATS, page 5
Oregon Senate Advances $4.3 Billion Transportation Funding Plan
By Ellen Ward
The Oregon Senate has taken a major step toward reshaping how the state pays for its roads, bridges, and transit systems. On Monday, lawmakers approved House Bill 3991 by an 18 to 11 margin, setting the stage for one of the most significant updates to transportation funding in more than a decade.
The legislation is projected to generate approximately $4.3 billion over the next ten years, largely through increases in existing taxes and fees. Its central aim is to address the growing costs of road maintenance and operations at a time when traditional revenue sources, such as the gas tax, are under pressure from rising fuel efficiency and the slow but steady growth of electric vehicle adoption. Under the new framework, Oregon drivers would see a six-cent increase in the state gas tax. Vehicle owners would also face higher registration fees, with most nearly doubling from current rates. The measure also calls for doubling the state’s payroll tax that supports public transit, moving it from 0.1 percent of wages to 0.2 percent. Electric vehicles, which contribute less to the gas tax system, would be subject to separate fee increases designed to bring their contribution closer to that of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Lawmakers have described the measure as a necessary recalibration of funding sources rather than a dramatic policy shift. For decades, Oregon’s transportation system has relied heavily on gas tax revenue to cover the costs of paving, repairing, and maintaining thousands of miles of highways and county roads. As more efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles reduce fuel consumption, the state’s ability to sustain its infrastructure has weakened, creating shortfalls that cannot be closed without new revenue streams.
The bill’s passage comes after months of negotiation and debate about how best to balance the financial needs of transportation
infrastructure with the economic pressures residents already face. The decision to increase fees and taxes was not made lightly, as it directly impacts households across the state. However, proponents argue that without substantial new revenue, Oregon risks falling behind on critical projects that ensure the safety and reliability of its roadways.
Beyond maintaining current operations, the legislation also seeks to stabilize funding for public transit agencies that serve urban and rural communities. Doubling the payroll tax is expected to strengthen transit systems that have faced rising costs and fluctuating ridership since the pandemic. Lawmakers
believe this investment is essential for connecting workers to jobs, students to schools, and residents to essential services.
For drivers, the immediate impact will be most visible in the cost of filling up at the pump and registering vehicles. Over time, the state anticipates that the increased revenue will reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance, prevent further deterioration of highways and bridges, and create a more predictable funding base for future transportation planning.
The bill now awaits implementation, and attention will turn to how agencies allocate and manage the new funds. While questions remain about long-term solutions for a transportation system evolving with new technologies and environmental demands, House Bill 3991 marks a pivotal moment in Oregon’s efforts to keep its roads safe and its economy moving.
Oregon Lawmakers Highlight Trade Mission to Vietnam as Boost for State’s Economy
By John Oliver
Oregon lawmakers are drawing attention to the economic opportunities tied to an official trade mission to Vietnam, which they say underscores the state’s growing role in international commerce. A post-mission report, presented this week before the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, detailed how the effort aimed to strengthen partnerships and expand markets for Oregon’s exports.
The mission was co-led by Representatives Daniel Nguyen and Shelly Boshart Davis, who chair the Oregon Legislative Trade Caucus. Nguyen, who also serves as chair of the committee, emphasized that Oregon’s products—from electronics and metals to wheat, wine, and timber—have long established the state as a significant player in global trade despite its relatively small size. In his view, that standing comes from Oregon’s innovation and its willingness to remain engaged with international partners, even when global market conditions shift unpredictably.
At the center of the report was Vietnam’s role as a top-ten export destination for Oregon. The country has been a reliable trade partner for more than 15 years, and this year also marked the 30th anniversary of normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam. With both milestones serving as backdrops, the trade delegation represented the only U.S. state-led mission to Vietnam in 2025. Lawmakers said that
distinction was not just symbolic but also a practical advantage, giving Oregon a platform to showcase its industries in a competitive global environment.
The trade mission focused on reinforcing connections across several sectors that directly affect Oregon workers and businesses. Electronics and metals, two of the state’s largest export categories, are expected to see stronger footholds in Asian markets as a result of these talks. Timber, grain, and wine were also highlighted, each carrying deep cultural and economic weight in Oregon communities. By promoting these goods abroad, legislators believe they are simultaneously supporting local
producers, shoring up jobs, and ensuring the state continues to thrive in an economy increasingly shaped by global supply chains.
Another element of the mission emphasized the importance of building on existing “people-to-people” ties. With a strong Vietnamese American community in Oregon, lawmakers suggested that cultural and social connections could complement economic strategies. They framed the mission not only as an exercise in boosting trade but also as a way to strengthen long-standing community bonds that transcend geography.
Underlying the report was a broad-
er acknowledgment of global instability. Shifting tariffs and fluctuating international relations have complicated matters for exporters across the United States, and Oregon has not been immune. State leaders argued that maintaining a proactive presence in trade discussions helps buffer local businesses against these uncertainties. By being at the table, Oregon can exert influence over the conditions that shape its markets rather than reacting passively to policy shifts made elsewhere.
For Oregonians, the implications extend beyond the boardroom. Increased trade means stronger demand for products made or grown in the state, which can lead to more stable employment, higher wages, and a more resilient local economy. While international trade can feel distant to those living in southern Oregon towns or farming communities east of the Cascades, lawmakers made the case that these missions directly affect livelihoods back home.
The report presented in Salem framed the Vietnam trade mission as both a milestone and a foundation for future work. Oregon’s leaders appear committed to doubling down on international partnerships, positioning the state as a trusted and reliable player in the global marketplace. As the only state to undertake such a mission this year, Oregon has set itself apart, signaling that even in an unpredictable world, it intends to remain connected and competitive.
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Eating Roadkill in Oregon: Legal, Yes— But Safety Demands Caution
By Bryce Robinson
In Oregon, the law is clear: it is legal to salvage and eat roadkill, but only under defined conditions. Deer and elk struck by vehicles may be collected with a salvage permit issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. That permit must be filed within twenty-four hours of taking possession, and within five business days, the head and antlers must be surrendered to the state. These rules were created to prevent illegal harvest and to ensure that salvage happens responsibly. The meat cannot be sold, and the state does not guarantee its safety. While this legal framework answers the question of whether you can eat roadkill, it does not address the deeper issue of whether you should.
The food chain complicates matters. In southern Oregon, where wildlife is abundant and collisions are common, it is important to remember that animals are not isolated from the environment around them. A deer grazing along a roadside may have fed on plants exposed to pesticides or herbicides. A squirrel or raccoon may have scavenged on bait laced with rodenticides. A possum may have consumed carrion already laden with bacteria. When you take that animal from the road and place it on your table, you are placing its diet, its exposures, and its place in the ecosystem into your own body. The cycle of what eats what can ultimately end up in your stomach if you are not cautious.
Food safety experts often stress cross-contamination risks, but with roadkill, the risks go beyond improper handling. They are ecological. Predators and scavengers feed lower on the food chain,
which can amplify toxins. Rodenticides, for example, are notorious for moving up the ladder. A poisoned rat can kill an owl or a fox, and if one of those ends up struck by a car, the poison may still be present in their tissues. Parasites are another layer of concern, as many mammals carry worms, protozoa, or other microscopic organisms that can transmit to humans through undercooked meat. With larger game like deer and elk, the primary concern is spoilage and bacteria, but with smaller animals such as squirrels, raccoons, or possums, the risks of disease transmission increase sharply.
The law itself reflects these dangers. Oregon does not allow the salvage of small game, carnivores, or omnivores like bear, cougar, raccoon, or squirrel. Only deer and elk are eligible. That is partly to prevent abuse of the law and partly
Democrats Push Back on Federalization of National
From page 1
tor Lew Frederick added that the move provides political theater for national audiences while distracting from deeper issues such as health care, housing, education, and economic stability. Senator Sara Gelser Blouin broadened the concern, pointing to what she described as a strategy to intimidate and stigmatize marginalized groups, including the homeless, disabled, and transgender Oregonians. For residents in southern Oregon, where debates over homelessness, public safety, and housing affordability already dominate civic life, the idea of militarized federal intervention raises unease about whether similar measures could be directed toward other parts of the state.
The Joint Ways and Means public safety subcommittee is set to meet on September 30 to question the Oregon
Military Department about its role and authority under the federal order. That session is expected to shed light on the legal and financial implications of Guard deployment, as well as clarify how state and federal jurisdictions intersect in such cases. For southern Oregon families, the debate is more than a distant political fight. It is a question of whether the very troops who help defend communities from wildfires and floods may be diverted for political purposes hundreds of miles away. It is also a test of how far Washington, D.C. can reach into Oregon’s governance without the consent of its people. As the legal fight unfolds, residents across the state — from Portland to Grants Pass — are left weighing the costs of federal intervention against the stability and safety of their own communities.
to protect public health. Small animals and predators sit differently in the food web and present more complicated risks. For instance, carnivores accumulate what their prey consumed, magnifying potential toxins and diseases. Scavengers, often the first to feed on already decaying matter, carry their own set of hazards. Eating such animals is not just illegal but also highly unsafe.
Even with deer and elk, caution remains. A fresh carcass may yield safe meat if processed promptly, but the dangers of bacteria, parasites, and environmental contaminants are always present. Proper field dressing, clean tools, and immediate refrigeration are critical. Even then, the responsibility lies fully with the person choosing to consume the meat. The state offers no safety certification, and the act is always at one’s own risk.
In the end, the fact that you can eat roadkill in Oregon does not mean that all roadkill is safe. The food chain is interconnected, and every animal carries a history of what it has eaten and where it has lived. To consume it without care is to take on the risks of its entire life and diet. Roadkill may provide a source of protein, reduce waste, and even sustain some households, but it demands a careful respect for both biology and common sense. In the cycle of nature, what eats what does not end with the animal. It ends with you.
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BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC
Lyin’, Paper Tigers, and Black Bears Oh My
Many of us understand the “Lion, Tiger, and Bears oh my” expression of the fear of unknown dangers made popular by the 1939 musical film Wizard of Oz. Nostalgic fears start to fade as recent events such as the circulation of recall petitions for Commissioners Barnett and Blech appear to be bringing the dark scary unknown more into the light.
Last week’s BCC Weekly “The Whitepaper That Wasn’t” discussed many false statements and exaggerations contained in the “Whitepaper” recently drafted and sent out by Commissioners Barnett and Blech in response to the recall petitions filed against both of them about 5 weeks ago. The most outrageous of the lyin’ in the “Whitepaper” and by supporters of the Commissioners is that the far-left national group Indivisible and local chapters of Indivisible are responsible for funding and arranging the recall.
One of the primary authors of this outrageous conspiracy theory, Olivia Herrera, outed herself two weeks ago with her first appearance on the Bill Meyer Radio show. Ms. Herrera had a long segment on the radio show talking about how she had been researching Indivisible and related local chapters for years and she was about to release some detailed information about the group by documentary video and otherwise.
Then within a couple days came the YouTube video based on Olivia Herrera’s research that was released by Jordan Mortenson, who earlier this year became good friends with Commissioner Barnett and also recently became a new writer for Commissioner Chris Barnett’s various “news” pages on Facebook. The video, narrated by Mortenson himself, starts by saying “The new recall effort of our Josephine County Commissioners is paid for and organized by none other than Rogue Indivisible.” That’s an interesting statement given Rogue Indivisible was just reorganized and according to the new Chair doesn’t even have a bank account as of a couple weeks ago. Secretary of State Business filings confirm the group has been inactive for a few years. When a few local folks pointed this out along with other facts, Mortenson quickly deleted and revised a news article he posted on Chris Barnett’s various “news” Facebook pages. However, as of the date of this article the false statements on the video remain.
But clearly the opposition to the recall petitions is not letting facts get in the way of a good story. In the last week, newly infamous figures such as Olivia Herrera and Bryan Welden have been staffing recall opposition tables in places such as in front of the post office and next to the Saturday Growers’ Market. These opposition tables have attempted to be placed right in the same spot or right next to the spot where recall committee volunteers are attempting to gather signatures. Last week a video was posted on Facebook by somebody that went down to the post office to interview both the signature gatherers and the anti-recall table. Olivia Herrera and Bryan Welden both appear in the video mak-
ing false statements about the recall petition and about the organizers of the recall.
Things got so tense in front of the post office last week that Olivia Herrera and the anti-recall group were reported to the Grants Pass Police…twice! Last week I went down to the signature gathering table and opposition table in front of the GP Post Office to do an interview of my own. Sure enough, Olivia Herrera was there with a very large sign, standing immediately next to the recall petition signature gathering table as to block the view from 6th Street. Ms. Herrera refused to do an interview, even though at the time all she was doing was standing there holding a sign.
Both Commissioners Chris Barnett and Andreas Blech have been seen and photographed hanging out at the recall opposition table with Olivia Herrera and Bryan Welden, and the commissioners appear to have been collaborating with these two. Perhaps it’s also worthy of mentioning that all three current commissioners, Bryan Welden, and Olivia Herrera are all Josephine County Republican PCPs (Precinct Committee Persons).
It also happens that at the August 25th large courthouse gathering of recall supporters and recall opposition people, the date the recall petition was filed with the County Clerk, videos circulated showing Olivia Herrera screaming loudly in the halls of the courthouse. Therefore, the screaming and harassing behavior began before the language of the recall petitions had even been released to the public.
Videos have circulated on Facebook in the last year of Olivia Herrera screaming loudly at many of the other “peaceful” protests that happened in front of the County Courthouse. It should be no surprise that the Grants Pass Police were contacted twice last week regarding Olivia Herrera’s harassing behavior towards recall committee volunteers gathering signatures as well as for allegedly
harassing citizens just visiting the post office and even allegedly harassing post office employees.
Recall Committee volunteers commented that the erratic behavior of the recall opposition group actually convinced some people to sign the recall petition, and that many were coming up to recall petition volunteers saying thank you for fighting against this unruly behavior. Recall committee volunteers also believe opposition people like Olivia Herrera and Bryan Welden may have broken the law by harassing signature gatherers and those considering signing the petitions. Petition signature gathering efforts have special protections under state law.
Olivia Herrera (who seems to go by Oliva Herrera for some reason) recently made such a local political splash with her wild local conspiracy theories and harassing political behavior that a local community member decided to run a background check on Ms. Herrera. It’s certainly not for me to judge, but if I was an elected official I would be cautious about having someone with this kind of history be a front person for a recall opposition effort. The phrase “Don’t throw rocks in a glass house” comes to mind.
The recall opposition effort seems to be taking the same path as the “paper tiger” John West travelled before he was recalled from office by a vote of almost two to one in the recall vote of December 17, 2024. Recalled Commissioner John West’s sole campaign strategy was to try and convince voters that the recall was nothing but lies and led by Democrats or left-leaning political operatives. Yet similar to the West recall committee, when I interviewed this year’s recall committee leaders, I found that the majority of them are republicans.
Many of West’s republican buddies to this day still say that his recall was nothing but lies, and that left-leaning political groups were primarily behind it. As somebody that person-
ally help lead West’s recall, I can say for a fact the majority of the leadership of the recall were republicans, all three spokespeople for the recall were republicans, and almost all the recall petition points that were fact-based points (as opposed to opinions) have been proven true in the court of law. In my opinion, the remaining point that is still working through the court process will also likely be proven true.
West has threatened current commissioners by saying he’ll throw his money around to help recall them from office or that the local republican office won’t support them if they don’t make the right decisions. But after West was voted out of office by nearly two-thirds of recall election voters and after West has lost all his recall-related court cases that went to court and were actually decided based on merit, in my opinion West is no more than a “paper tiger’ in the local political scene these days.
I suspect that it will take some time before local citizens of all political stripes learn just how costly the personnel actions of West and current commissioners have been, partially because employment-related lawsuits take some time to work their way through the system. But one of the data points I find most interesting in the current recall processes is that neither commissioner has argued the point that appears on Blech’s recall petition which is, “According to the County’s former Budget Officer, he attempted to promote the IT/Emergency Management Director to a newly created position with a total compensation package cost of approximately $388,000 per year.” Commissioner Blech has only said in public a couple times in recent weeks that this County employee (Michael Sellers) is not currently working in the capacity of Director of Operations or Chief of Staff. When this issue first blew up, commissioners only said that Mr. Sellers had no employment contract drafted up for this, they never actually denied that this compensation package was attempted. To my knowledge, they still to this day haven’t publicly denied that this was attempted.
There is a popular saying regarding bear attacks that goes, "If it's black, fight back. If it's brown, lie down." In my opinion, many in Josephine County are realizing that we’re fighting a few harmful and costly black bears that have somehow made their way into County government. After watching County government closely for 13 years now, I can confidently say that people are growing bolder and no longer tolerating the recent corrupt behavior.
Inside whistleblowers are finally blowing the whistle. The Library is telling the true story to the media of all the ways they’ve been attacked in the last couple years. Citizens are exercising their constitutional rights to gather recall petition signatures and hold our local elected officials accountable through recall votes.
And the truth will always be more powerful than money and empty threats…as long as we’re not afraid to tell it.
First Friday Returns to Downtown Grants Pass October 3
Downtown Grants Pass will host its next First Friday event on Friday, October 3, from 5 to 8 p.m., with some activities continuing later into the evening. The monthly event coincides with the opening day of the Art Along the Rogue festival, which this year carries the theme “Time Warp: When Past Meets Future.”
The downtown district will feature live music, art displays, food, and activities organized by local businesses. Retailers, galleries, and restaurants will offer extended hours and a range of attractions. Among the scheduled activities are complimentary tastings from regional wineries and distilleries, live performances at multiple venues, art exhibitions, and family-friendly projects such as bracelet-making and seasonal displays.
The Grants Pass Museum of Art will open its new “Fire & Smoke” exhibit during the
event, and Gallery One will highlight artist Janis Ellison’s work. Several shops are preparing pop-up stations with demonstrations, product showcases, and refreshments. Evening entertainment will continue past 8 p.m. at some restaurants and pubs, with scheduled live music extending into the night.
First Friday is a recurring downtown event
intended to bring businesses, artists, and visitors together on a regular basis. The October date, overlapping with the start of Art Along the Rogue, is expected to draw participants for both events into the central business district.
The event takes place throughout downtown Grants Pass beginning at 5 p.m. on October 3.
Clarion Theatre to Showcase Original Works in “Let’s Make a Scene!”
By John Oliver Clarion
Theatre Company is preparing to bring something new to the stage this November with its production of Let’s Make a Scene!, a fundraising revue that will feature excerpts from seven original works created by local playwrights and songwriters. The performances are scheduled for November 8, 9, and 16, 2025, at Calvary Crossroads Church in Grants Pass.
The production arrives as the company nears its tenth anniversary. Since its founding, Clarion has focused exclusively on producing family-friendly, locally written musicals rooted in Christian values. Up to this point, its shows have primarily been drawn from the work of two writers, cofounder John Sleadd and director Ariel Kostrna. This new production expands that creative circle considerably, with contributions from five additional Southern Oregon creators. The result is an eclectic program that spans six musicals and one musical album, each still in development.
Audiences can expect a variety of stories and settings as the revue unfolds. The scenes include a mythological world populated by elves, an eighteenth-century village confronting a crisis, and a contemporary hospital where doctors and nurses sing through the
intensity of saving a trauma patient. Each excerpt will offer a glimpse into larger projects that may one day become full-scale productions.
The roster of featured creators includes Sleadd, Kostrna, Ryan Imel, Luke Anderson, Maxwell Bruhn, Cory Fawcett, and Naomi Drevenstedt. To bring their works to life, Clarion has assembled a cast of eleven experienced musical theatre performers, among them Sleadd, Anderson, Bruhn, and Fawcett. They will be joined by Janeen McGinnis, Breanna Edwards, Jacquelyn Cease, MacKenna Anderson, Peter Goodwill, Steve Roby, and Zymri Anderson. Local ballet artist Erin Law will contribute choreography and perform a solo dance piece.
While the revue is designed as entertainment, it also doubles as a fundraiser for the company’s future projects. The cast and production team are volunteering their time, and an unusual voting system will help determine the direction of upcoming shows. Audience members will find jars in the lobby, each labeled with one of the featured works. Donations placed in the jars will serve as votes toward which musical Clarion should consider developing into a full-length production. The event reflects Clarion’s mission of
cultivating homegrown theatre by supporting both seasoned writers and first-time creators from the region. The mix of veteran and emerging talent, combined with the collaborative effort of singers, dancers, and choreographers, underscores the company’s community-centered approach.
Performances of Let’s Make a Scene! will take place at 3 p.m. on November 8, 9, and 16 at Calvary Crossroads Church, located at 1051 SE M Street in Grants Pass. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $12 for children twelve and under. They are available online at clarionor.org.
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Posting September 29, 2025
Mt. Ashland’s Fall Pass Sale Marks the Countdown to Winter
By John Oliver
In Southern Oregon, the approach of winter is measured not just by dropping leaves or cooler nights but by the anticipation surrounding Mt. Ashland’s ski season. For decades, the mountain has served as the region’s backyard playground, a place where families, students, and lifelong riders come together once the snow settles in. This October, that countdown begins with Mt. Ashland’s Fall Season Pass Sale, running through the end of the month.
The annual sale offers up to $100 in savings on the 2025–26 full-season pass, giving locals a chance to secure unlimited access to the slopes before the holiday rush. Beyond the discount, the pass provides entry to twilight skiing, one of Mt. Ashland’s most beloved traditions. Under the glow of the lights, the mountain transforms into a nighttime hub where workdays and school schedules give way to shared turns and the unique camaraderie of evening skiing.
Recognizing that not everyone seeks a
Letter from the Editor:
full-season commitment, Mt. Ashland has expanded its offerings with passes that fit different lifestyles. The Twilight Pass, available for less than $150, is aimed at those who thrive after dark, whether they are college students looking for affordable recreation or local workers heading straight from
the office to the chairlift. For those drawn to the challenge of hiking uphill, the Uphill Pass opens new ways to experience the mountain’s terrain at a different pace.
This year’s sale also introduces a twomonth, interest-free payment plan for passes purchased online in October. While ski-
ing and snowboarding are often seen as costly sports, Mt. Ashland’s financing option is designed to make access easier for families balancing recreation with household budgets.
For the surrounding communities, the Fall Season Pass Sale is more than a transaction—it is a signal that the season of mountain culture is near. Each pass represents winter weekends spent carving runs, children learning their first turns, and neighbors reconnecting on chairlift rides. Mt. Ashland’s slopes are woven into the rhythm of life in Southern Oregon, a place where generations have come to mark time by winters on the mountain.
The sale continues through October 31, with full-season, twilight, and uphill passes available online. As residents prepare for another winter, Mt. Ashland once again reminds the region that its greatest playground is waiting just above the valley, ready to welcome another season of snow.
From Press Releases to Legal Battles: Barnett’s Day of Reckoning
There’s a children’s story about a bright little engine that huffed and puffed to move mountains. Cute. In Josephine County, though, the engine on display is more rusted circus prop than hero: Commissioner Chris Barnett — a man whose talent for self-promotion outpaces his capacity for honesty. He’s perfected denial, deflection, and the sort of performative bravado that looks good in a press release but does nothing for governance. Make no mistake: this isn’t merely about policy disagreements or political theater. Barnett attacked me — first personally, then professionally — flinging innuendo and headline-hungry accusations as if smear were a substitute for substance. If you think I’ll sit idle while someone tries to kneecap my reputation and my busi-
ness, you’re mistaken. I am an adult, not a child. I will respond with proportionate, lawful action, not cheap theatrics. I will prove my innocence through deeds and documents, not through another breathless press stunt.
What’s corrosive about Barnett’s style is that he treats transparency like an optional extra, the political equivalent of a garnish. He rode into office promising one thing and then delivered another — and when confronted with video, documents, or plain common sense, he doubles down on the lie. He accuses the critics of disunity while weaponizing unity to silence those that oppose him. That’s not leadership; that’s a vanity press conference with county resources as the stage.
Our readers are smarter than the manufactured narrative he tries to sell. They’ve watched the spectacle, the carefully staged “victory laps,” the press releases that read like campaign copy wrapped in official stationary. They’ve also watched the aftermath: empty promises, confusion where there should be clarity, and a county distracted by performative governance instead of real work. When an elected official insists on making himself the headline, journalism has no choice but to follow. We report. We scrutinize. We hold the powerful to the same standards they demand of us.
Is this a hit piece? No. This is an account from someone under attack, standing up and speaking plainly. It is the work of a newspaper
that refuses to let reputation laundering crowd out accountability. If Barnett wants the headlines, he’ll get them — but not on his terms. I have paused parts of my life to deal with this, and that sacrifice won’t be brushed aside. There will be consequences — legal, factual, and public — because democracy demands more than spin. It demands people who take responsibility, admit mistakes, and focus on the work voters entrusted them to do.
So, let the theater continue if he insists; the spotlight exposes more than it warms. And to the commissioner: you wanted a stage. You got one. But remember this — the public can smell the theatrics, and history tends to side with facts over footlights.
