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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

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$5 Million Suit and Request for Conspiracy Investigation

Bring West, Hamlin and Joncus into Widening Legal Fight

By John Oliver John West sued me first. He sued the publisher of this newspaper over its coverage of a public official facing a recall. Since then, his court fights have reached the recall’s chief petitioner, two other people involved in that effort, the county clerk and the pages of this newspaper. Now I have brought a separate $5 million lawsuit against West, and I am asking investigators to examine a new set of accusations involving Casandra Hamlin and John West’s attorney, Stephen J. Joncus. The name connecting those disputes keeps appearing: Joncus. He has represented West and former Commissioner Chris Barnett in litigation involving me. I have identified him as counsel in former county Finance Director Sandee Novak’s litigation as well. Just two days ago, Joncus sent me a letter stating that he would represent Hamlin in the case I brought against her. His letter identifies Riccio v. Hamlin, Josephine County Circuit Court case 26CV30874. I want the public to see that sequence in full. I allege that Kimberly Glover served papers in another lawsuit brought by West for Joncus on Joseph Rice. I also allege that Barnett tried to draw Glover into a false accusation against me that could have led to my arrest. Those allegations, the service records, the account of what Barnett offered Glover, and Joncus’s work across these cases belong in the same investigation. The shared attorney and the service of papers establish connections between people and proceedings. My allegation of coercion

Oregon Receiver Evan Stewart Arrested

Stephen Joncus

John West

calls for witnesses, communications and records, not a conclusion drawn from a list of names. The Tribune possesses an affidavit stating this, along with 400 messages and emails of supporting evidence. The Hamlin case adds a fresh reason to demand those records. It grew out of a June 5 encounter at Planet Fitness in Grants Pass. Hamlin accused me of pushing or shoulder-checking her and of related misconduct. I deny touching, assaulting or threatening her. My case materials, along with video evidence, identify Grants Pass Police incident 26-19551 concerning the encounter. I want investigators to obtain the original accusations, the complete police file, available gym footage, witness accounts and the communications surrounding the decision to make or publish the allegations. Before Joncus’s October letter arrived, West sent me a text about my lawsuits involving women: “Good luck with your Perry Mason suits bringing lawsuits against innocent women.” He accused me of bullying women. I replied, “Friend of yours?” and then, “When she shows up with Joncus we’ll

all know why.” Joncus subsequently wrote that he would represent Hamlin. The timing makes the referral to counsel, any discussions about her accusations and any arrangement to pay legal fees proper subjects for inquiry. West’s texts to me have not been limited to legal argument. On September 5, he wrote that Tribune reporting was “fortifying my case in the courts” and that his “plan will hit the airwaves in the next few weeks.” He added, “I appreciate the help your stupidity is my gain.” On September 10, he wrote, “You should have picked on someone in your own league,” followed by “Drip Drip Drip.” After I told him to stop sending personal texts in place of answers to the newspaper’s emails, West replied: “Oh little Johny we are just getting started . We are in phase 1 with many phases to go it's going to be fun . There is more to happen and you know what it is. Drip Drip Drip.” He later said there was “No threat at all.” In other messages, he promised a “learning lesson,” said he would “finish

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see WEST, page 3

Why I Am a Democrat By Susan Fischer-Maki In my last article, I wrote about the Republicans I have known throughout my life and the qualities I have admired in them: hard work, personal responsibility, honesty, community pride, showing up, helping your neighbor, a can-do spirit and character. That raises a pretty reasonable question about me — Why am I a Democrat? For me, the answer starts much closer to home than Washington, D.C., Salem, a president or a governor. I was raised by a single mother who worked as a union nurse. I watched her work hard to support our family, and I learned early that a good job, fair treatment and protection for working people can make a real difference in a family's life. Those experiences shaped my belief that people who work hard deserve a voice and a fair opportunity to build a good life. My career working with children, families, educators, healthcare providers, businesses and community organizations reinforced those values. I have seen the importance of investing in children early, supporting working families and bringing people together to solve problems before they become crises. Those experiences are a big part of why I am a Democrat. I believe in protecting working people, supporting local businesses, investing in children, responsibly caring for our natural resources and making sure people affected by decisions have a

voice in them. Those values align most closely with the Democratic Party for me. But being a Democrat has never meant agreeing with every Democrat or surrendering my own judgment to a political party. When a Party Label Becomes the Whole Person One of the strange things about modern politics is how quickly a single word can become a substitute for actually knowing someone. Say that someone is a Republican and people immediately make assumptions about what that person believes. Say someone is a Democrat and another set of assumptions appears. National politics, cable television and social media have created caricatures of one another, and sometimes we forget that actual people are more complicated

than that. I am a Democrat. I am also a wife, a mother, a small-business owner and someone who has spent much of her professional life working with children and families. I have built my life here. I'm raising my family here. My friends are here. My work has been here. Josephine County is home. There are Democrats I disagree with, Republicans whose judgment I respect and plenty of people who don't fit neatly into either political camp. Being a Democrat does not mean I have to defend every decision made by Democratic leaders in Salem or every position taken by someone with the same letter next to their name. I haven't built this campaign around national politics or defending political leaders somewhere else. I am running to represent Josephine County, and I believe the people who live here should be able to judge me by what I believe, how I approach decisions and what I will do for this community. That is also why this campaign is funded entirely by individual donors, with no money from state or national PACs. We Have Seen This Kind of Leadership Before There is a long history in Josephine County that reminds us political identity doesn't have to be so simple. Eugene “Debbs” Potts was a Grants Pass busi-

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see BEING, page 5

By John Oliver University of Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants early Sunday in Springfield, Oregon, following a traffic stop on Highway 126. He was released from Springfield Municipal Jail later that morning as the university began gathering information about the incident. Springfield police said an officer stopped Stewart, 23, near Mohawk Boulevard at approximately 5 a.m. on October 18. The officer suspected driver impairment and began a DUII investigation. Police said the officer developed probable cause to arrest Stewart and transported him to the municipal jail. Court records cited in local reporting place the citation at 5:34 a.m. Stewart was reportedly booked around 7 a.m. and released to a third party approximately one hour later. Oregon’s online custody information system subsequently showed that he was no longer detained. As of the reporting available Tuesday morning, formal filing of the DUII charge remained pending, and no court appearance date had been reported. Stewart’s arrest and citation represent an allegation, and the case had not resulted in a determination of guilt. The University of Oregon initially acknowledged the incident through an athletics spokesperson and said it was gathering information. Head coach Dan Lanning addressed a weekend incident during his regularly scheduled Monday evening news conference, saying it failed to meet the football program’s expectations and would result in appropriate action handled internally. Lanning did not identify Stewart by name during those remarks. He declined to discuss further details and did not publicly specify a suspension or another disciplinary measure. The remarks left Stewart’s playing status unresolved in the information available Tuesday morning. The arrest occurred hours after Oregon defeated Nebraska 17-14 at Autzen Stadium on October 17. Stewart did not play in that game because of an undisclosed injury. His absence from the Nebraska game preceded the traffic stop and arrest. Stewart entered the week as Oregon’s leading receiver, with 27 catches for 352 yards in five ap-

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see STEWART, page 11

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

OREGON West Fork Evans Creek Fire Reaches 45% Containment as Crews Secure Southern Oregon Hillsides By Bryce Robinson Firefighters have increased containment of the West Fork Evans Creek Fire to 45%, holding the Southern Oregon wildfire at 283 acres while extending mop-up operations approximately 100 feet inside its entire perimeter. No structures have been destroyed, and none were threatened according to the latest available update. The containment increase was reported Monday evening, October 19, following several days of fireline construction and work to extinguish lingering heat. Crews continued securing the burned area between Rogue River and Shady Cove, near the footprint of the East Evans Creek Fire, as suppression operations shifted toward deeper mop-up and removal of hazardous trees. Along the southern portion of the fire, specialized falling crews removed fire-weakened trees as far as 300 feet inside the burn. Steep, rocky slopes continued to complicate access and require careful movement by firefighters working around unstable trees and remaining hot spots. Monday night’s assignment included six 20-person hand crews, six Type 6 engines and five water tenders, supported by supervisory personnel. Overnight staffing was being reduced as additional sections became secure, with resources concentrated during daytime operations. A drone

reconnaissance flight was scheduled to identify areas needing further attention. Cooler overnight weather was expected to support the work, with temperatures forecast to fall into the mid-40s and relative humidity recovering to approximately 75%. The cause remained under investigation. The fire was first reported shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, October 15. Oregon Department of Forestry crews responded with engines, hand crews, bulldozers and aircraft. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest supplied a helicopter to assist the

initial suppression effort. By Friday morning, the fire had grown to an estimated 200 acres. Heavy accumulations of vegetation, limited water access and hazardous trees complicated the response. Narrow access roads required crews to coordinate water deliveries, while some slopes were too steep for bulldozers to operate safely. Firefighters relied on hand-built lines and hose systems in those locations. Southeast winds contributed to a roughly twoacre spot fire about 1,000 feet from the main body of the blaze. Crews were holding that spot

fire during Friday morning’s reporting period. Four Type 1 helicopters and an air-attack aircraft were assigned that day to support ground operations and coordinate aerial suppression. Smoke moved southwest toward Grants Pass during the early stages of the fire. Initial acreage estimates remained preliminary while difficult terrain and continued burning limited opportunities for accurate mapping. Firefighters completed line construction around the entire perimeter Saturday evening, October 17. The fire was then measured at 281 acres, with containment at 25%. Crews began extending mop-up approximately 15 to 25 feet inside the burned area, locating and extinguishing heat near the established lines. Heavy fuels continued burning within the interior, but firefighters held the perimeter as cooler temperatures and lighter winds supported their work. Mop-up subsequently advanced farther into the burn, reaching approximately 35 to 60 feet around the perimeter Sunday. Containment increased to approximately 30% Sunday and 35% by Monday morning. The reported acreage stood at 283 acres Monday morning and remained unchanged in the evening update as crews continued extinguishing heat and strengthening secured portions of the fire.

West, Hamlin and Joncus Legal Fight From page 1 it,” and wrote, “I told you that it's not a threat it's a promise.” West sent those messages while I was defending the lawsuit he filed against me. The $5 million complaint I have now brought alleges defamation, interference with economic relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process and civil stalking. It addresses West’s later public claims about his earlier case, his contacts with me and the damage I allege his conduct caused to my business and reputation. West obtained a default judgment in the 2024 case, which I continue to challenge on substantive and procedural grounds, including deficiencies in notice and the denial of what I contend are my fundamental due process rights. Although a default judgment was entered, the merits of my reporting, claims and defenses have never been presented to or decided by a jury. West has publicly cited that judgment while portraying the litigation as a judicial determination that this newspaper knowingly lied to voters, despite the absence of a jury trial or a determination of those disputed factual issues on their merits. That characterization is among the statements challenged in my new complaint. My efforts to contest the earlier judgment and secure an opportunity to present my case remain ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for December 12. West also turned to the courts against people who worked on his recall. He sued Lily Morgan, the recall petition’s chief petitioner, over statements about his conduct in office. The circuit court struck most of the challenged claims under Oregon’s public participation law and awarded Morgan $28,721.50 in attorney fees; portions of the ruling were appealed. West later brought a $2 million defamation action naming Tribune writer Jay Meredith and Jonian “JJ” Scofield. Scofield was removed from that action, and the case against Meredith was dismissed. West then sued Scofield separately for $2 million over a Facebook comment. West challenged County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels’s handling of signatures on the recall petition,

too. The Oregon Court of Appeals rejected his argument that statistical sampling invalidated the petition. Voters had already removed him from office in December 2024. He is now asking them to send him back to the county commission. His campaign message cannot erase the lawsuits he filed against the people who organized, discussed and reported on his recall. Barnett’s case against me belongs in this history. Barnett filed his defamation action before West filed his. Joncus represented both men. I later brought a separate multi-defendant action, case 24CV57342, alleging that political figures and others tried to harm this newspaper through false statements and pressure on advertisers. That action was dismissed without prejudice on procedural grounds. The allegations concerning Barnett and Glover still require examination on their own evidence; they do not disappear because the earlier action did not reach a trial. Novak’s dispute is another part of the local litigation history I want examined. The former county finance director raised complaints involving Commissioners Dan DeYoung and Ron Smith. DeYoung resigned in 2024 after her complaint concerning an interaction at a public meeting; Smith denied wrongdoing concerning a separate complaint. Novak later filed a $1 million defamation lawsuit against Smith and Josephine County over public statements about the dispute. I identify Joncus’s representation in that matter as another reason to examine the underlying court records and any relevant financial arrangements. Novak’s claims are her own. I am asking who retained counsel in these overlapping local disputes, who paid and whether anyone supplied direction across cases. Other former county employees have also taken allegations of retaliation into court. Former Public Health Director Mike Weber and former Community Development Director Mark Stevenson each filed a $1.5 million lawsuit involving their participation in an ethics investigation and allegations concerning West and former Commissioner Herman Baertsch-

iger. Former county secretary Trish House brought and later dropped a retaliation claim; former Public Works Director Robert Brandes reported that his suit was settled. Their cases should be read for what each person alleged and what each proceeding actually established. They are part of a growing record of individuals who allege that challenging Josephine County leadership came at a personal and financial cost. And the attorney whose name continues to surface throughout these legal disputes? Once again, Stephen Joncus. My own complaint also seeks records from ACP Investigations concerning harassment attempts to locate and serve me in the earlier West case just last month when a stamp would have sufficed. The invoices cited in total $972.50. I dispute portions of the service account against my gym check-in records, and I want the original notes, time records, instructions and billing. I also seek testimony and records concerning what I say an ACP manager told me on September 24: that West had been watching my home. That statement deserves to be tested against the manager’s account and the company’s records. West has invoked my Marine Corps service in his messages, suggesting that damaging military records would become public. I have documentation of an honorable discharge and have asked him to identify the records he claims to possess. When the Tribune asked a different question about

the Glendale High School diploma and Umpqua Community College forestry degree West entered on his SEL 101 candidate filing, he did not send the requested education documents. He texted that this newspaper was a “Tabloid,” called me “little Johnny” and ended, “See you in court , drip, drip, drip.” West chose what to put on his candidate filing. Voters are entitled to ask him to support it. I am seeking an investigation into whether anyone encouraged, paid for or coordinated an accusation they knew to be false. That includes the Hamlin matter, the allegations concerning Barnett and Glover, and any communications that connect them to West or to litigation brought in his name. Joncus’s October letter establishes that he undertook to represent Hamlin. The records must answer further questions: when that representation was arranged, by whom and under what financial terms. West has a campaign to run and a great deal more to answer for. The lawsuits against Morgan, Meredith and Scofield; the challenge to Henkels; the judgment he obtained against me; my $5 million complaint; the texts he sent; and the newest request for an investigation are part of the public account of how he responds when people oppose him. I intend to keep asking for the documents, the witnesses and the answers. Josephine County voters can read his campaign message alongside that record.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

POLITICS

Kotek–Drazan Race Puts Southern Oregon’s Housing, Healthcare and Economic Future on the Ballot By John Oliver Oregon’s closely contested governor’s race is entering its final two weeks with competing proposals on taxes, housing, education and healthcare that would reach into Southern Oregon’s hospitals, classrooms, businesses and household budgets. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking a second term on a platform of continued housing investment, expanded behavioral healthcare and protections against federal policy changes. Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan is campaigning to reduce taxes, loosen regulations and change how state government measures spending and results. The November 3 election is a rematch of their 2022 contest, which Kotek won. This year, public polling has shown neither candidate with a clear advantage, increasing the importance of voters willing to cross party lines or reconsider their previous choice. For Southern Oregon, the outcome carries consequences beyond the political balance in Salem. The next governor will propose budgets, oversee state agencies and negotiate legislation affecting rural medical services, wildfire response, university funding, transportation and the pace of residential construction. Economic conditions have become a central point of disagreement. During their October 7 debate in Medford, hosted by KOBI-TV in partnership with Southern Oregon University, the candidates faced questions about retaining employers and improving Oregon’s business climate. Dutch Bros’ shift of headquarters functions from Grants Pass to Arizona brought a local example into that discussion. Drazan advocated reducing taxes and regulatory barriers, along with direct intervention when employers consider leaving Oregon. Kotek pointed to industrial permitting reforms and said the state must improve its efforts to recruit and retain businesses. Those approaches would place different demands on state government. Drazan’s proposed reductions would require decisions about replacement revenue or spending adjustments. Kotek’s approach would continue using public investment and changes to administrative processes to en-

courage development. Major tax changes would require legislative approval. The candidates also differ on Oregon’s estate tax. Drazan supports repeal, while Kotek has expressed willingness to consider changes that preserve revenue. Both opposed a sales tax during the Medford debate. Housing presents another substantial divide in a region where construction costs and limited affordable options affect workers, retirees and families attempting to purchase their first home. Drazan supports broader changes to land-use and building regulations to make development easier. Kotek favors faster approvals, additional starter homes and expanded assistance for buyers while continuing her administration’s housing programs. Kotek has cited recent improvements in housing activity as evidence of progress, although production remains below her ambitions. Drazan argues that the state’s existing approach has failed to make sufficient housing available. Their homelessness proposals overlap in recognizing a need for behavioral healthcare but differ in emphasis. Kotek is defending investments in shelter, housing assistance and eviction prevention. Drazan is emphasizing movement from homelessness into detoxification, treatment and sustained recovery. The election would influence how those priorities are reflected in future budgets and agency decisions. Shelter capacity, housing placements and

treatment availability remain separate measures, and improvements in one do not necessarily establish a reduction in the total number of people experiencing homelessness. Healthcare funding is particularly consequential for Southern Oregon communities whose residents depend on the Oregon Health Plan and whose providers serve large geographic areas. At their October 13 debate in Bend, Kotek criticized Drazan’s opposition to a tax package supporting the Oregon Health Plan. Drazan defended her vote as opposition to additional taxes and argued that essential services should be financed differently. Their disagreement concerns both the source of healthcare funding and the government’s responsibility to maintain access. Kotek’s platform includes protecting rural maternal care, expanding the behavioral health workforce and resisting federal Medicaid reductions. Drazan has made spending accountability and changes to state regulation central elements of her campaign. Education is also carrying the contest into local communities. Kotek supports additional instructional time and continued investments in early learning. Drazan is calling for stronger academic expectations, greater parental authority and changes to graduation requirements. On October 14, Drazan urged Portland and Salem-Keizer school leaders to exhaust alternatives before closing neighborhood schools. Her state-

ment questioned whether closures would generate meaningful savings, particularly where voters had financed building improvements. Although those proposals concern districts outside Southern Oregon, the debate involves statewide questions about enrollment, school funding and the relationship between public spending and student outcomes. The Medford debate also brought Southern Oregon University, rural healthcare and wildfire impacts into the campaign. Those issues connect the governor’s statewide responsibilities with regional institutions and services that depend partly on state funding and coordination. Data centers have produced a notable area of agreement, with both candidates supporting a development moratorium. Kotek directed environmental regulators to pause certain permits for new or expanding facilities until July 2027. Industry representatives warned of potential employment and investment losses, while supporters sought time to address electricity demand, water consumption and regulatory protections. The permitting dispute has statewide relevance as communities weigh industrial recruitment against infrastructure demands and resource availability. The candidates are pursuing these arguments in an electorate that has expressed dissatisfaction with Oregon’s direction. September polling for OPB showed Drazan stronger outside the Portland metropolitan area, while Kotek retained an advantage within it. A later survey for The Oregonian/OregonLive placed Kotek at 46 percent and Drazan at 44 percent, within its margin of error. For Southern Oregon voters, the choice brings two different governing programs to the same unresolved concerns: whether employers will expand locally, whether housing will become attainable, whether medical services will remain accessible and whether state spending will produce measurable improvements. Ballots are already being distributed as both candidates seek the support needed to carry those programs into the governor’s office.

Being a Democrat Doesn't mean Agreeing With Every Democrat From page 1 nessman who worked in Southern Oregon's timber and sawmill economy, served in the Navy during World War II and later became mayor of Grants Pass. In 1960, voters elected him to the Oregon Senate, where he would represent Southern Oregon for the next twenty-four years. Debbs Potts was also a Democrat. What interests me most about Potts is the kind of reputation he built. He developed relationships across political lines and eventually became president of the Oregon Senate. During his time as Senate president, he also served a combined 196 days as acting governor when Governor Tom McCall was outside Oregon. The Oregon Legislature later remembered Potts as “the man who would get things done.” I doubt Debbs Potts and I would agree on every issue, and I am not trying to recreate another era of politics. But his story is part of our history. Josephine County once sent a Democrat to Salem for nearly a quarter-century, and his reputation was built around his Southern Oregon roots, his independence, his relationships with people across political lines and his ability to get things done. There is something worth remembering in that. Representation Starts Here

The challenges I hear about every day don't fit neatly into partisan categories. Housing, jobs, childcare, schools, wildfire, natural resources and the future of our local economy are Josephine County problems, and they belong to all of us. Solving them requires something politics doesn't always encourage anymore: working with people who don't agree about everything. That has been true throughout my career. You don't solve complicated community problems by inviting only people who already agree with you into the room. You listen to different experiences and ideas. You make your case. Sometimes someone else makes a better argument. You look for common ground and then you get to work. That is also why I don't want national political fights consuming all our attention. There will always be another controversy demanding that everyone immediately choose a side. Meanwhile, a parent here still needs childcare. A business is still looking for workers. A family is trying to find a home they can afford. A rural school is trying to serve its students. A community is preparing for wildfire season. Those problems can't wait for the national political argument to end. If I am elected, I will not suddenly become the representative only for Democrats or only for the

people who voted for me. I will represent Republicans, Democrats, independents, nonaffiliated voters and people who may never vote at all. That is what representative government asks of us. So, Why Am I a Democrat? For me, being a Democrat comes down to the values that have shaped my life and the way I approach public service: respect for work, opportunity for families, strong communities, responsible stewardship of our natural resources and making sure people have a voice in the decisions that affect them. But I also believe good representation requires independence and common sense. It requires being honest when something isn't working, including when the people responsible are on your own side. It means listening before deciding and staying focused on whether a policy makes life better for the people you represent. I don't expect everyone in Josephine County to share my approach to policy making, and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with me on every issue. What I hope people will do is judge me by how I show up, how carefully I listen, whether I use my own judgment and whether I am willing to work with others to solve problems. Because ultimately, the letter next to some-

one's name should never be more important than the way they represent the people who sent them there. If I earn the opportunity to represent this district, Josephine County will be the community I answer to. In my final article in this series, I will turn to what I think is the most important question of all: What are we going to do together? Continue the Conversation I believe good representation starts with listening. If something I've written raises a question, if there is an issue you think I should address, or if you simply want to understand where I stand, I hope you'll ask me. As part of my Community Questions series, I invite people throughout House District 3 to submit questions directly to me. It's an opportunity to move beyond party labels and have a real conversation about the issues that matter to our community. You can find me on Instagram at @susanforjosephine, contact me on Facebook, follow the campaign and stay up to date on my website at SusanForJosephine.com, or reach out directly using one of the contact options available there.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

POLITICS

Mark Jones Puts County Finances, Public Trust and Jobs at Center of Commissioner Bid shortfalls elsewhere in county government? Explain how you would prioritize competing needs and what contingency plan you would support if voters reject a public safety funding measure.

By John Oliver As the Grants Pass Tribune continues its political coverage, we sat down with Mark Jones, candidate for Josephine County Commissioner Position 2, to ask how he would manage county finances, strengthen public accountability and address the needs of residents. The interview completes the Tribune’s series of county commissioner candidate interviews. Jones outlined a spending review before seeking additional taxpayer funding, proposed a 60-day permitting goal for most business applications and opposed additional data centers in Josephine County. His answers also addressed public safety funding, veterans’ services and wildfire preparedness.

Grants Pass Tribune: What is the single most important issue you would address immediately upon taking office on behalf of Josephine County taxpayers? Explain why it deserves priority, what action you would pursue and how you would fund it while protecting essential county services. Describe how that immediate priority fits into your longer-term plan for financial stability. Jones: The single most important issue I would address is getting Josephine County on a path toward long-term financial stability while protecting the essential services our residents depend on. Before asking taxpayers for more money or cutting services, I will take a hard look at where we stand financially, identify inefficiencies, and make sure we're getting the most out of every tax dollar. I will work with county staff to review spending, pursue state and federal grants, strengthen partnerships, and explore opportunities for economic development that expand our tax base and create jobs. Any savings or new revenue opportunities must be carefully evaluated to ensure we don't compromise essential services. This isn't a one-year fix; it requires a responsible, multiyear plan that addresses future financial challenges before they become crises. Having spent years attending commissioner meetings and learning the inner workings of county government, I believe we can do better through transparency, accountability, and cooperation. Before we ask taxpayers for more, we have a responsibility to make sure we're doing the best we can with what we already have. My goal is to protect essential services, respect our taxpayers, and leave Josephine County in a stronger financial position for future generations. Grants Pass Tribune: What enforceable safeguards would you support to prevent favoritism, conflicts of interest and misuse of county money in contracts, hiring, appointments and property transactions? Explain how you would ensure that residents and the press receive timely, substantive answers concerning county spending and your own decisions. Jones: I believe public service is a responsibility, not a privilege, and county government must be accountable to the people it serves. I would support clear, enforceable policies requiring full disclosure of conflicts of interest, competitive and transparent contracting, merit-based hiring, documented decisions, and public oversight of appointments and property transactions. These safeguards must apply equally

to everyone, with violations investigated and appropriate consequences enforced. Having spent years attending commissioner meetings and serving in local government, I know how important it is for the public to have confidence in the decisions being made on their behalf. I would expect county officials, including myself, to explain our decisions, provide timely and substantive answers to residents and the press, and make public records accessible as required by law. Transparency shouldn't depend on who's asking the questions, and accountability shouldn't depend on who's making the decisions. My philosophy is simple: if we're spending taxpayer money or making decisions on behalf of the public, we should be able to explain what we did, why we did it, and how it benefits the people of Josephine County. Grants Pass Tribune: What specific actions within a county commissioner’s authority would you take to improve employment opportunities, help existing businesses remain in Josephine County and attract employers offering wages that better meet residents’ living costs? Identify your first-year objectives, proposed funding sources and the measures you would use to evaluate progress. Jones: My goal is to make Josephine County a place where businesses can grow, good-paying jobs are available, and our children can build their futures without leaving the community. I would streamline permitting, establish a single point of contact for businesses, and pursue a 60-day permit goal for most applications. I would work with Rogue Community College, Business Oregon, our cities, and private partners to identify 200–300 acres of job-ready industrial and commercial land, improve infrastructure, and expand workforce training. Funding would come from grants, existing economic development resources, and public-private partnerships. I would measure success by tracking permit times, jobs created, wages, business growth, and outside funding secured. County government should be opening doors for businesses, not putting obstacles in their way. By encouraging investment and supporting local employers, we can strengthen our economy, create opportunities, and build a more financially secure future for Josephine County. Grants Pass Tribune: How would you provide dependable funding for sheriff’s patrols, adult jail operations, juvenile detention and emergency communications without creating financial

Jones: Public safety is one of the county's most important responsibilities, and we need a dependable, long-term plan to fund sheriff's patrols, jail operations, juvenile detention, and emergency communications without putting other essential services at risk. I would review expenditures, pursue grants, and look for opportunities to share resources and reduce costs. Through my position on the Mid Rogue Fire District Board, I've been involved in discussions with local agencies working together to develop an emergency communications system that best serves our community while distributing costs among participating agencies. This is the kind of cooperation we need more of throughout county government. If voters reject a public safety funding measure, we must respect their decision and go back to the drawing board. I would work with the Sheriff, county staff, and community partners to identify efficiencies, explore alternative funding sources, and determine what level of service we can responsibly sustain. Public safety is too important for short-term fixes or promises we can't keep. My goal is to protect our residents, respect taxpayers, and find practical solutions that keep our county financially stable. Grants Pass Tribune: What would you do to improve services for veterans throughout Josephine County, particularly access to benefits assistance and coordination with health care, transportation and other support services? Identify the service gaps you would address first, explain the county’s role and describe how you would fund and evaluate those improvements. Jones: Our veterans have served our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits and support they've earned. I would start by working with the county's Veterans Services Office, the VA, local healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify gaps in benefits assistance, transportation, healthcare access, and other essential services. The county's role should be to connect veterans with the right resources, improve coordination, and make it easier to navigate the system rather than duplicate services that already exist. I would pursue state and federal grants and strengthen partnerships with local organizations to improve access without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Success should be measured by how many veterans are served, how quickly they receive assistance, and whether barriers to accessing benefits and care are reduced. Our veterans kept their commitment to us; we must keep ours to them. Grants Pass Tribune: What would you do to strengthen wildfire protection throughout Josephine County? Explain your priorities for hazardous fuel reduction, evacuation planning, emergency alerts and coordination with fire agencies and landowners. Identify the actions within county authority, the funding you would pursue and the improvements residents could expect during your first year.

Jones: Having spent years in the fire service and now serving as President of the Mid Rogue Fire District Board of Directors, I understand that wildfire protection starts long before a fire breaks out. I would prioritize hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space, evacuation planning, and reliable emergency alerts. As commissioner, I would work with local fire districts, emergency management, landowners, and state and federal agencies to coordinate fuel reduction projects, improve evacuation routes and public education, and pursue grants for prevention and preparedness. The county should take a leadership role in bringing these partners to the table, identifying high-risk areas, and making sure residents know how to prepare and where to turn during an emergency. In the first year, I would focus on identifying priority areas, securing funding, and establishing measurable goals for fuel reduction, evacuation readiness, and emergency communications. We can't prevent every wildfire, but we can reduce the risks, improve our preparedness, and give our communities a better chance of protecting lives and property. Grants Pass Tribune: What is your position on allowing additional data centers to be sited in Josephine County? Explain what conditions, limits or protections you would support concerning water use, electricity demand, infrastructure costs, noise, land use and public participation. Describe how you would evaluate the proposed economic benefits and ensure that residents do not bear costs that should be paid by developers. Jones: My position is that I do not support allowing additional data centers to be built in Josephine County. I understand the role technology plays in our world, but we need to ask whether these facilities provide the kind of economic benefits our community actually needs. Data centers can require enormous amounts of electricity, significant water resources for cooling, and major infrastructure investments. We already face challenges with water availability and the cost of providing essential services. I don't believe we should put additional pressure on those resources for a project that may create relatively few permanent jobs compared to the resources it consumes. If a proposal were brought forward, I would expect developers to prove their water and electricity needs, address impacts on neighboring properties, and pay for any infrastructure improvements their projects require. Strong protections for noise, land use, water conservation, and meaningful public participation must also be in place. Economic benefits should be measured by permanent local jobs, wages, tax revenue, and the true cost to our community. Josephine County needs economic development that strengthens our community, protects our limited resources, and creates lasting opportunities for local families. I believe we should be pursuing that kind of development rather than accepting projects that may cost our residents more than they give back. Chad Hansen, also a candidate for Josephine County Commissioner Position 2, received the same questions from the Grants Pass Tribune and once again did not respond. His answers were unavailable for publication.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY GRANTS PASS WEATHER 5 DAY OUTLOOK SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

WEDNESDAY

Mostly sunny 79/44

PATH to Address Youth Homelessness and Family Housing Instability at Upcoming Grants Pass Community Meeting By John Oliver Homelessness among children, teenagers and families experiencing housing instability will be the central focus of an upcoming community meeting in Grants Pass, where local service organizations will discuss available resources, longterm assistance programs and efforts to help vulnerable residents establish more stable living conditions. PATH will hold its next general meeting Tuesday, October 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Grants Pass City Council Chambers. The meeting will feature presentations from representatives of the Salvation Army, Gospel Rescue Mission and other organizations working with children and young people affected by homelessness and housing insecurity throughout Josephine County. The scheduled program will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a networking session from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to meet representatives of local organizations, discuss community needs and learn about programs addressing homelessness in the Grants Pass area. Sheryl Eldridge of the Salvation Army will be the featured speaker, presenting information about the organization's Pathway of Hope initiative. The program uses a strengths-based case management approach to help families address circumstances contributing to generational poverty, financial hardship and unstable housing. Pathway of Hope works directly with participating families to identify individual challenges, establish achievable goals and develop longer-term plans intended to improve household stability and financial independence. The initiative emphasizes individualized assistance, ongoing case management and connections to community resources that can help families overcome barriers to stable housing and economic security. Rather than concentrating exclusively on immediate emergency assistance, the program addresses underlying conditions that can contribute to repeated financial difficulties and housing instability. Participating families work with case managers to identify needs in-

volving employment, education, household finances and other circumstances affecting their ability to maintain stable living arrangements. Laura Smithwick of the Gospel Rescue Mission will also address the gathering, joining representatives of additional organizations that provide services to children, teenagers and families facing homelessness or the possibility of losing their housing. The presentations will bring together organizations serving different populations within the community, including families requiring temporary assistance and young people whose living circumstances may interfere with educational opportunities, personal stability and access to essential services. Children and teenagers experiencing housing instability can face circumstances ranging from temporary displacement and overcrowded living arrangements to extended periods without permanent housing. Families experiencing these conditions may require assistance with shelter, food, transportation, employment and other basic necessities while working toward more permanent solutions. The October meeting will provide participating organizations an opportunity to discuss their respective services and share information about resources available to residents experiencing these difficulties. PATH representatives will also provide updates on the organization's ongoing activities and community initiatives. The meeting is intended to encourage communication among service providers, community organizations and residents interested in participating in local efforts to address homelessness. In addition to the October presentations, PATH is preparing a special community donation initiative for December that will replace its regularly scheduled general meeting during Christmas week. The December 22 gathering will concentrate on collecting and distributing donated supplies to partner organizations preparing for the new year. Rather than conducting its customary meeting program, PATH plans to use the occasion to connect community donations with

organizations that have identified specific material needs. Partner organizations are being asked to submit lists of requested items by November 1, if possible, allowing organizers time to coordinate the donation effort and communicate those needs to the public. Each participating organization is also being asked to arrange for a representative to attend the December 22 gathering to collect donated supplies designated for its operations. The December initiative will mark PATH's first attempt at organizing this particular type of holiday-season collection for its community partners. Organizers are inviting public participation and hope to provide useful supplies to organizations continuing their work into 2027. PATH will also collect nonperishable food donations during the October 27 meeting for the Josephine County Food Bank. A designated collection box will be available for attendees wishing to contribute shelf-stable food items to support local food assistance efforts. The food collection will take place alongside the meeting's regular presentations and community discussions, providing an additional opportunity for residents to support households experiencing food insecurity. The upcoming gathering is open to community members, representatives of nonprofit organizations, service providers and others interested in learning about homelessness prevention and assistance programs in Josephine County. Residents attending the meeting will be able to hear directly from organizations involved in providing services, learn about available programs and connect with individuals participating in local housing and homelessness initiatives. The October 27 meeting will take place at the Grants Pass City Council Chambers from 3 to 5 p.m., with the final half-hour reserved for networking. Nonperishable food donations for the Josephine County Food Bank will be accepted during the event, while preparations continue for PATH's December 22 community donation gathering.

THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy 66/38

FRIDAY Mostly sunny 63/33

SATURDAY Mostly sunny 71/39

SUNDAY Mostly cloudy 70/37

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

NEWS DESK

Oregon Sets Veterans Day Ceremony as November Calendar Adds Coastal Preparedness Webinar By Ellen Ward Oregon will honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during a statewide ceremony November 11 in Salem, while Southern Oregon residents will have opportunities to attend a confirmed parade in Roseburg or watch the Capitol observance online. The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has scheduled the ceremony for 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, at Oregon State Capitol State Park. The gathering will take place on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the Capitol’s front entrance. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. State leaders and special guests are expected to deliver remarks, with ceremonial elements recognizing the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. The department’s September 29 announcement did not identify individual speakers or provide a complete program. Additional details are expected before the observance. The ceremony will also be livestreamed through the department’s Facebook page, giving veterans, military families and other residents throughout Oregon access to the program without traveling to Salem. The remote broadcast will make the statewide gathering available to communities across the Rogue Valley, Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon coast and other regions. In Roseburg, the 71st Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. November 11 in the downtown area. The county has selected America’s 250 – 1776–2026 as this year’s theme, connecting the observance with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Douglas County’s parade honors people who served honorably in the military during wartime or peacetime. The county traces its first official Veterans Day parade to 1955 and maintains a

committee that organizes the annual event. Its current parade information includes a participant application and an official event poster. The Roseburg parade also appears on the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs statewide Veterans Day calendar. The department maintains the calendar to publicize local ceremonies and community gatherings, including events submitted by organizations throughout Oregon. Organizations seeking inclusion can submit their observances to the department. Calendar requirements include free public admission, accessibility for people with disabilities and an event intended to honor or recognize veterans. Organizers must also provide contact information so the department can follow up about their submissions.

Stewart Arrested on DUI Suspicion After Springfield Traffic Stop From page 1 pearances. His four receiving touchdowns were tied for the team lead. The Ducks, 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play, were preparing for an October 24 road game against Illinois. A fifth-year senior, Stewart began his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to Oregon in 2024. He caught 48 passes for 613 yards and five touchdowns during his first season with the Ducks, then missed the entire 2025 season because of a torn patellar tendon. His college career totals through the latest reporting stood at 166 receptions for 2,128 yards and 15 touchdowns. Springfield police separately addressed a vehicle pursuit that occurred earlier Sunday morning. The department said Stewart had no suspected involvement in that incident. Police continued investigating the pur-

suit independently of his DUII arrest. Oregon law prohibits driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent or while under the influence of an intoxicant or a combination of intoxicants. DUII is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, although specified circumstances can support a felony charge. The information publicly available in Stewart’s case did not identify a blood-alcohol concentration, chemical-test results or the specific intoxicant alleged. The reported police account described suspected impairment and the officer’s determination that probable cause existed for an arrest. Stewart had been released from custody while the court process remained pending. The university had not publicly detailed a disciplinary decision in the reporting reviewed Tuesday morning.

Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year. WorkSource Rogue Valley has confirmed that its Grants Pass and Medford offices will close November 11 in observance of the holiday. The federal observance developed from Armistice Day, which Congress established as a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. Legislation signed in 1975 restored the annual observance to November 11 beginning in 1978, following a period when the federal holiday had been moved to October. Earlier in November, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will host a separate statewide event focused on earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Ready for the Wave: Oregon

Tsunami Preparedness is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. The free, 90-minute webinar will take place through Zoom and requires advance registration. Emergency management officials released the event announcement October 19 in recognition of World Tsunami Awareness Day. The program will address the causes of tsunamis affecting Oregon, how residents receive alerts and warnings, evacuation procedures and preparations for individuals, families and communities. Coastal residents and visitors are among the intended participants, along with anyone seeking information about Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami hazards. The webinar will be presented in English, with live interpretation in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Mandarin and Ukrainian. American Sign Language interpretation and real-time captioning will also be provided. Registration is available through the Department of Emergency Management’s official event announcement. For Southern Oregon coastal communities, the preparedness program will address hazards associated with both nearby and distant earthquakes. A major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone could produce a tsunami reaching portions of the Oregon coast within minutes. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries reports that a locally generated tsunami could arrive in less than 30 minutes. State and federal guidance identifies strong or prolonged earthquake shaking, a sudden rise or fall in ocean water and a loud ocean roar as natural tsunami warning signs. People in coastal hazard areas experiencing those conditions are directed to move to high ground or inland as soon as safely possible, without waiting for an official evacuation notice.

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TAKE A BREAK

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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LOCAL

Grants Pass Weighs Meeting Prayer Rules as Council Reviews Fees and Manager Oversight By John Oliver Grants Pass residents could see a formal system for selecting speakers to deliver opening invocations at City Council meetings under a proposal scheduled for consideration Wednesday, October 21. The measure would establish participation rules, a public invitation process and protections for people who choose not to join in prayer. The proposal follows an October 19 workshop agenda that included revisions to the city’s comprehensive fee schedule, procedures for evaluating the city manager and invocation policies. City staff recommends approval of the invocation resolution, which would place responsibility for recruiting and scheduling speakers with the city recorder or a designated staff member. Wednesday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at 101 NW A Street. If approved by the council and mayor, the policy would take effect immediately. Public invitations for participating congregations would follow within 30 days, with annual invitations issued around November 1 thereafter. The invocation proposal would formalize a practice that city staff says began in early 2025. According to the staff report, the practice was recently questioned under the First Amendment, prompting development of written procedures intended to protect religious freedom and establish how speakers are invited and scheduled. Under the draft, no council member, city employee or attendee would be required to participate. The policy expressly calls for equal treatment of people who participate and those who decline. Speakers would deliver their invocations voluntarily and would receive no compensation. Speakers would represent established religious congregations within the Grants Pass

urban growth boundary. Congregations outside that boundary could also participate if attended by a city resident who supports their involvement. An authorized congregation representative could deliver the invocation or designate another speaker. City staff would verify the religious organization’s status and the representative’s authority during scheduling. The city recorder or a designee would maintain the participant list and arrange appearances. The proposal would require public invitations through newspaper notices, the city website and city social media accounts. Responses would be submitted through the website. Participating congregations would be added to an email list and receive invitations directly in subsequent years unless they requested removal. Scheduling would proceed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each responding congrega-

tion would receive an opportunity before the rotation repeats, allowing multiple participating groups to appear over the course of the council’s meeting schedule. Respondents could indicate a preference for particular meeting dates. Invocations would be limited to three minutes. The draft asks speakers to avoid attempts to convert attendees or disparage other faiths or beliefs, while allowing them to speak according to their conscience. City officials and employees would have no advance involvement in reviewing invocation content and could not deliver an invocation while acting in an official capacity. If a scheduled speaker does not appear, or no speaker can be arranged at least 48 hours before a meeting, the mayor could offer a moment of personal reflection or prayer before council business proceeds. Staff identifies no cost associated with adopting the policy. The resolution states that the city does

not intend to affiliate itself with a particular faith or express a preference for a religious denomination. Eligibility in the draft centers on established religious congregations. It does not expressly create a separate application process for unaffiliated residents or secular organizations. The proposal cites religious freedom protections under the First Amendment and Article I, Sections 2 and 3 of the Oregon Constitution. In its 2014 Town of Greece v. Galloway decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the prayer practice before it while addressing religious discrimination in speaker selection and protection against coerced participation. The fee schedule review concerns charges collected for city services. Grants Pass compiles those charges in a comprehensive schedule that is updated through ordinances or resolutions. The published schedule identifies January 1, 2026, as its effective date. Monday’s agenda listed revisions for discussion but did not specify proposed amounts, affected services or an implementation date. The manager evaluation discussion concerns how the council reviews administrative performance. Oregon law allows certain employment-related evaluations in executive sessions when the employee does not request an open hearing. Final decisions must occur outside executive session, and the evaluation exception cannot be used to conduct a general closed-door review of agency goals, operations or programs. Residents planning to participate by telephone in Wednesday’s meeting must contact the city recorder by noon that day. Registered participants are scheduled to receive connection information by 3 p.m. The recorder’s office can be reached at 541-450-6000 or kfrerk@ grantspassoregon.gov.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, October 21, 2026