Grants Pass Tribune - Wed. April 29, 2026 by Grants Pass Tribune

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

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Homeownership or Hidden Structure: Church-Linked Housing Programs Draw Examination in Josephine County Investigative Report by John Oliver Faith-based housing and mentorship programs have become an increasingly visible part of the homeownership landscape across the United States, offering alternative pathways for families seeking to enter a competitive and expensive market. In Josephine County, similar efforts are now drawing closer examination as questions emerge about how some of these programs are structured and who benefits financially from their operation. At their core, these programs often present themselves as community-driven solutions. Churches and affiliated nonprofits connect prospective buyers with experienced homeowners or mentors who guide them through the purchasing process. The approach is built on familiarity and trust, often appealing to individuals who may feel underserved by traditional financial institutions. In many cases nationwide, these models operate within established legal frameworks. Licensed real estate professionals handle transactions, nonprofit organizations provide education or financial assistance, and any compensation tied to a sale is disclosed through standard channels. These arrangements are generally consistent with existing regulations and are widely used to expand access to housing. In Josephine County, however, emerging information suggests that some programs may include additional layers of financial participa-

New Transportation Technology Centers Rogue Community College Expands Workforce Training tion that extend beyond traditional structures. Records and accounts reviewed indicate that individuals connected to certain housing developments may receive financial benefit when homes are sold within the program. These benefits appear to be connected to mentorship roles or program involvement rather than solely to licensed real estate activity. Now, such arrangements are not automatically unlawful. Real estate transactions frequently involve commissions, referral fees, and partnership agreements. What distinguishes standard practice is the requirement that compensation be transparent, properly li-

censed where applicable, and limited to clearly defined roles. T he structure now being examined locally appears to introduce multiple points of financial participation tied to the same transaction. This type of arrangement can resemble models used in multilevel marketing, where financial gain is connected not only to a single transaction but to the continued expansion or participation within a network. Whether these characteristics meet the legal definition of a prohibited scheme remains undetermined. Under federal and state law,

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see HOUSING, page 7

Dry Conditions and Legal Pressures Shape Southern Oregon’s 2026 Wildfire Outlook By Ellen Ward Southern Oregon is moving toward the 2026 wildfire season under conditions that are drawing increased attention from fire officials, utility providers, and local governments. A combination of reduced snowpack, early drying trends, and evolving legal and financial pressures tied to wildfire liability is shaping expectations for the months ahead. Winter snowpack levels across the Cascade Range came in below historical averages, limiting the amount of water available to sustain vegetation through late spring and early summer. Snowpack plays a critical role in slowing seasonal drying by releasing moisture gradually. When that reserve is diminished, grasses and brush lose moisture earlier, creating conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread more easily. This earlier transition into dry conditions extends the length of fire season. In southwest Oregon, where forested areas border rural neighborhoods and transportation corridors, that shift increases the likelihood of fire activity beginning sooner and lasting longer into the fall. Land managers and fire agencies typically rely on a narrower seasonal window

for peak fire risk. In recent years, that window has expanded, placing additional demands on staffing, equipment, and coordination. At the same time, wildfire preparedness is being influenced by ongoing legal developments involving utility companies. Court rulings connected to wildfire damage claims have begun to clarify how responsibility is assigned when infrastructure is linked to fire

ignition. Cases involving companies such as PacifiCorp have drawn attention to maintenance practices, vegetation management, and operational decisions during high-risk weather events. These legal outcomes are contributing to changes in how utilities approach wildfire prevention. Increased inspections, expanded

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see WILDFIRE, page 9

By John Oliver Southern Oregon’s workforce pipeline is poised for a significant upgrade as Rogue Community College moves forward with the development of two new Transportation Technology Centers, one at its Table Rock campus in White City and the other at its Redwood campus in Grants Pass. The projects represent a targeted investment in career education tied directly to regional labor demands, particularly in automotive, diesel, and evolving transportation technologies. The larger of the two facilities will be constructed at the Table Rock campus in White City. Plans call for a 15,500 square foot center designed to expand training capacity while reflecting the realities of modern transportation careers. The building will include dedicated automotive and diesel instruction areas, along with flexible outdoor learning bays that allow students to work on equipment in conditions similar to what they will encounter in the field. Classroom spaces are being designed to integrate directly with hands on training, reinforcing a model that blends theory with practical application. Developers have also emphasized adaptability within the Table Rock design. As vehicle technology continues to shift toward electric and hybrid systems, the facility is expected to support instruction in these emerging areas. Infrastructure within the building will allow programs to evolve without requiring major redesign, a move intended to keep pace with industry changes over time. Student collaboration areas and accessibility features are also part of the design, reflecting a broader push to make technical education more inclusive and aligned with current workplace expectations. At the same time, a second facility is

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see ROGUE, page 13