Issuu

FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025

GRANTSPASSTRIBUNE.COM | $0.00

The Origin Story: How the Barnett and Hare Controversy Took Root Finally, an inside look at political betrayal, personal resilience, and the unexpected consequences of deceit. By: John Oliver Karma has a way of arriving right on time— even when no one’s watching. It doesn’t care about titles, reputations, or the political games people play. It doesn’t wear a suit, carry a gavel, or attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies. It simply waits—until the right moment to deliver what’s earned. Lately, I’ve had more than a few people ask me: “John, why do you keep going after Commissioner Chris Barnett?” It’s a fair question—at least on the surface. But to truly understand the answer, you have to look beyond the headlines and into the history that created them—many of which were written not by commentary, but by Chris Barnett’s own actions. This story goes far deeper than politics. It’s a story of betrayal, manipulation, and a troubling pattern of deception. But more than anything, it’s a story about accountability—and what happens when those in power believe they’re above it. Let’s start at the beginning—because this story didn’t begin with Chris Barnett. It began with a name many in Josephine County already know all too well: Simon Hare, former county commissioner. Years ago, Simon Hare didn’t just interfere in my life, he detonated a bomb in it.

Hare made headlines in my personal world through an affair with my former partner. But it didn’t stop there. What followed was an eight-month period that I can only describe as a home invasion in slow motion. He and my ex-partner squatted in my home, destroyed property, stole personal belongings, and turned the space I once called home into a wasteland. When the damage was done, they dumped the debris—literal trash and wreckage—onto my neighbor’s yard. And not just any neighbor: Jerry Wilder, a respected band teacher and beloved member of our Grants Pass community. This wasn’t just a crime of theft or destruction. It was an act of cruelty and total disregard for human decency. For those who doubt the legitimacy of this story—don’t. Police reports exist. Case numbers exist. These are not tabloid rumors or speculative gossip. This is documented truth. Just truth that I had placed in my rearview mirror. Until now. In response to the chaos, I took the legal route and filed a formal eviction notice. What followed, however, felt like something out of a Kafka novel. The very next morning, two sheriff’s deputies showed up at my door with a restraining order—fabricated, mali-

cious, and entirely unfounded. It accused me of actions that, if true, would amount to felonies in any state—yet there was no evidence, no 911 calls, no complaints on record. Just lies, signed off by a judge who, conveniently, happened to be a personal acquaintance of Mr. Hare. And for a time, the scheme worked. I was removed from my own home—stripped of my rights by a system twisted to serve political friendships over justice. I spent 90 days in legal and emotional purgatory, followed by another eight months clawing my way back from the brink. But I rebuilt. I healed. I forgave—not for their sake, but for my own peace of mind. I started fresh. And that’s when karma decided it wasn’t finished yet.

Chris Barnett wasn’t always an adversary. In fact, I once considered him a friend. I endorsed his candidacy, wrote supportive stories, donated over $2,000 worth of sport coats, and provided thousands more in discounted advertising through my paper, The Grants Pass Tribune—all of which was documented and personally signed off by Barnett himself, for the skeptics out there. I genuinely believed in his potential and wanted to support someone I thought could make a positive difference in our community. But then came the lies. Before journalism, I spent more than a decade working as an interview and interrogation specialist, trained by the same profes-

•

see BARNETT, page 3

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Plans to Sell Company-Owned Locations to Franchisees By: John Oliver Hooters, the iconic restaurant chain famous for its “chicken wings” and casual atmosphere, has filed for bankruptcy protection, the company confirmed in a statement on Monday. Despite this significant financial setback, the company reassured customers and employees that it has no intention of disappearing from the restaurant scene. Founded in 1983, Hooters became known not just for its food, but also for its distinctive brand, characterized by waitstaff dressed in tank tops and orange shorts. The brand’s combination of casual dining and sports-bar style has made it a cultural touchstone for decades. However, in recent years, the chain has faced financial difficulties, struggling to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded dining market. In filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company is taking proactive steps to restructure its operations. As part of the process, Hooters plans to sell all 100 of its company-owned restaurants to two separate franchisee groups. These groups are already responsible for running Hooters locations in Tampa, Florida, and Chicago, respectively. Combined, these groups operate approximately a third of the chain’s franchised locations across the United States.

The decision to sell company-owned locations is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and refocus on the more successful aspects of the Hooters brand. By selling off these restaurants to franchisees, the company hopes to reduce its operating costs and allow the new owners to implement strategies that may better reflect the needs of their local markets. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Hooters is not planning to close its doors permanently. The restaurant chain has made it clear that it will continue to operate its remaining locations, and the sale to franchisees is expected to preserve jobs and maintain the brand’s presence in communities across the country. The compa-

ny’s bankruptcy filing and restructuring plans are intended to stabilize the business and position it for long-term success. In the announcement, Hooters also emphasized that the franchisees who will take over the company-owned locations have a long history with the brand. Their experience running Hooters franchises in key markets, such as Tampa and Chicago, is seen as a key factor in ensuring a smooth transition and the continued success of the brand post-bankruptcy. Hooters has been facing increased competition from a range of other dining options in recent years, including fast-casual chains and delivery-focused food services. In addition, the company has faced challenges in adapting its

model to shifting consumer preferences, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a downturn in foot traffic to many restaurant locations. The bankruptcy filing is seen as a way for Hooters to reorganize and reduce its debt load, allowing the company to focus on profitability and long-term sustainability. It’s a necessary step, given the changes in the broader restaurant industry and the pressures that have come from changing consumer habits. In conclusion, while Hooters is undergoing significant changes through its bankruptcy filing, the company remains committed to maintaining its brand and presence in the restaurant industry. The sale of company-owned locations to experienced franchisees represents an effort to stabilize and refocus on the brand, ensuring that it continues to be a familiar part of the dining landscape for years to come.