Grants Pass Tribune - Wed. December 3, 2025 by Grants Pass Tribune

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025

Grants Pass Prepares for a Full Evening of Celebration

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday

By John Oliver

Grants Pass is set to usher in the holiday season with one of its most cherished community traditions as the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony arrives this Friday, December 5. What began decades ago as a simple gathering has grown into a signature seasonal event that brings thousands downtown to celebrate the start of winter, the close of the year and the shared sense of community that defines the city. Organizers expect this year’s event to be one of the most robust in recent memory, blending long-standing traditions with new attractions for families.

The celebration will once again unfold in the center of downtown near Don’s Bike Center, transforming the area into a festive corridor filled with lights, music and holiday energy. Visitors arriving early will find the streets lined with local craft vendors offering handmade goods, winter art pieces and unique gift selections suited for holiday shoppers hoping to get a head start. The growing vendor presence has turned the tree lighting into a seasonal marketplace that supports small businesses while adding to the event’s cheerful atmosphere.

Families can look forward to the return of horse-drawn carriage rides, which have become an annual favorite. The rides provide a nostalgic way to take in the decorated streets as dusk settles and the community gathers. Throughout the evening, live music from local performers will help set the tone for the celebration, adding warmth and familiarity as people make their way toward the central gathering area.

A major highlight for children remains the

anticipated arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Their appearance offers families the chance to capture holiday photos and for young visitors to share their winter wishes. This year also introduces an activity designed specifically for younger children with the debut of a sock skating rink. Built on a polished wooden surface, the rink allows kids to glide and play in a safe, winter-themed space without the need for skates or special gear. The new fea-

ture is expected to draw steady crowds and provide an accessible, fun activity for children of all ages.

The ceremony continues to be one of the most well-attended events of the year in Grants Pass. Residents from throughout the region and visitors from nearby towns typically fill the downtown streets, turning the evening into a citywide gathering. Local shops and restaurants often extend hours or prepare for increased foot traffic as attendees explore the area before and after the main event. The tree lighting also marks the start of downtown’s broader seasonal décor program, when winter lights and displays begin appearing across the corridor and remain throughout December.

City officials encourage community members to plan to arrive early, bundle up and enjoy the full range of activities scheduled throughout the evening. Additional information, updates and event details are available through the city’s online platforms for those seeking schedules or guidance on navigating the festivities.

As the countdown reaches its final days, the excitement surrounding Friday night’s ceremony continues to build. The Grants Pass Tree Lighting remains a unifying moment each year, offering residents a chance to gather in shared tradition, celebrate creativity and welcome the winter season together in the heart of their city.

Evictions Surge Across Oregon as Housing Instability Deepens Into a Statewide Crisis

By John Oliver

Oregon entered 2025 burdened by a housing crisis that has grown steadily more severe since the end of pandemic-era protections. Court records, housing agency data and independent research networks all show the same trend. Eviction filings are higher than they have been in more than a decade, the rate of renters entering the court system continues to climb and the crisis is touching every region of the state from Portland’s urban neighborhoods to the small towns and rural communities of Southern Oregon.

Before the pandemic Oregon averaged just over fifteen hundred eviction cases per month. That level held relatively steady throughout 2019 and represented the state’s baseline for rental instability. Everything changed in 2020 when the state and federal governments enacted sweeping protections. For almost a year filings plunged to barely one hundred per month, offering temporary relief to thousands of tenants facing sudden job losses. As those protections expired through 2021 and into the summer of 2022, eviction activity rebounded at a pace that stunned housing researchers. Monthly filings climbed from roughly three hundred to nearly nineteen hundred within

sixteen months, a spike of more than five hundred percent.

By 2023 Oregon Housing and Community Services reported that eviction cases had returned to and then exceeded pre pandemic levels. That year marked the highest annual total since 2011, signaling that the surge was not an isolated correction, but the beginning of a new era defined by chronic housing pressure. The pattern carried directly into 2024. Court data shows that Oregon landlords filed nearly twenty-seven thousand three hundred cases statewide, the highest

number on record. This amounted to almost twenty-three hundred filings per month, significantly above the 2019 statewide average.

The first months of 2025 showed no indications that the trend is easing. By May statewide filings averaged roughly twenty-four hundred per month. Rising rents, stagnant wages, a shrinking supply of affordable units and the depletion of emergency rental assistance all fuel the upward pressure. Housing stability experts note that many tenants who avoided displacement during the pandemic years are now being swept into the

court system as temporary protections and relief programs expired. In practical terms one in roughly twenty-four renting households statewide now faces an eviction filing within a twelve month window. This is significantly worse than the pre pandemic ratio of roughly one in thirty-three renter households.

The statewide pattern masks significant regional variation. The Portland metropolitan area records the highest volume of cases by far due to population size but also shows sharply elevated rates of filings per renter household. Between October 2023 and September 2024 Multnomah County alone recorded more than eleven thousand two hundred eviction filings. This represented an increase of nearly ninety percent over

• see HOUSING, page 5

PHOTO BY JIM THOMPSON

Dells Launch Historic Investment Initiative for Millions of American Children

By Ellen Ward

A landmark philanthropic move by Michael and Susan Dell is poised to reshape the financial future of millions of American children. The couple has pledged an unprecedented six point two five billion dollars to fund two hundred fifty-dollar deposits into Trump Accounts for up to twenty-five million children across the United States. The scale of this private commitment stands among the largest ever directed specifically toward youth investment and arrives at a moment when policymakers and communities continue to debate the role of long-term savings programs in reducing future economic inequality.

Trump Accounts were created earlier this year as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a federal initiative designed to give every eligible child a foothold in the financial marketplace well before reaching adulthood. Children born between the beginning of 2025 and the end of 2028 automatically qualify for a federal one-thousand-dollar seed deposit. However, older children do not receive this government funding, which is where the Dell contribution becomes transformative. Their pledge creates immediate access to these investment accounts for children who otherwise would not have qualified for any initial deposit at all. As envisioned under current rules, the accounts function as investment vehicles managed through broad market index funds, allowing contributions to grow over time and remain untouched until the child turns eighteen.

The Dell Foundation’s action is intended to accelerate adoption of the national program while broadening par-

ticipation far beyond newborns. For millions of families that do not traditionally save or invest for the long term, the two hundred fifty-dollar seed becomes a first tangible stake in the child’s financial future. Experts who support the program argue that even modest early contributions can generate meaningful assistance when paired with nearly two decades of compound investment. Depending on future market performance and additional voluntary deposits, the accounts could eventually help pay for higher education, serve as down payments for first homes, support trade training or enable small business ventures.

The scale of this donation also underscores the complexities built into the federal program. Enrollment for most children is not automatic, meaning families

must take active steps to open the account before any funds can be deposited. Historically, voluntary savings programs often suffer from low participation rates, particularly among low income households that are the primary targets of policies aimed at narrowing long term wealth disparities. Some analysts caution that while the Dell contribution dramatically expands opportunity, its ultimate impact will depend on whether families engage with the system and whether pathways exist to help them maintain contributions over time.

Others have expressed concern that investment based savings programs are sometimes framed as substitutes for broader public assistance, placing long term responsibilities on individual families rather than on community wide sup-

port structures. Advocates counter that these accounts were never intended to replace social services but rather to supplement them by giving children a future asset they otherwise would not have. For children receiving only the Dell contribution, long term gains may still be modest unless additional investments are made along the way. Yet supporters argue that even small balances at adulthood can offer critical momentum toward financial stability.

Despite these debates, the Dell initiative represents a significant step in the evolution of child based investment programs in the United States. It signals growing confidence in the idea that future economic mobility can be strengthened through early financial intervention. It also marks a strategic shift in large scale philanthropy, relying on coordinated public private models rather than independent charitable projects.

As families begin to explore eligibility and enrollment requirements, financial institutions and policy analysts will be watching closely to measure uptake, demographic participation and early investment patterns. If widely adopted, the program has the potential to touch nearly one third of all children in the country and may serve as a model for future public- private partnerships aimed at long term community prosperity. Whether the accounts grow into substantial economic tools or remain symbolic footholds will depend on how the next decade unfolds. For now, the Dell contribution stands as a historic effort to give millions of children their first measurable stake in the economic landscape they will inherit.

RIO FLEX - 2204

Nationwide Security Review Spurs White House Push for Expanded Travel Restrictions

By John Oliver

The Trump administration is weighing a substantial expansion of the federal travel ban as officials reassess national security vulnerabilities following the deadly shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. Senior officials have confirmed that the existing set of travel restrictions, which currently applies to nationals from nineteen countries, may soon widen to include approximately thirty nations. The proposed expansion reflects a shift in policy focus that extends beyond immediate concerns about the shooting, signaling a broader reevaluation of immigration controls, vetting systems and international cooperation.

The administration’s review began after investigators identified the shooting suspect as an Afghan national who entered the United States through a resettlement pathway before receiving asylum. This revelation prompted calls inside the administration for a tighter screening process, renewed scrutiny of asylum admissions and a broader look at how individuals from high-risk regions are cleared for entry. While the investigation into the attack remains ongoing, officials say the incident exposed gaps in existing procedures that warranted immediate reevaluation.

In response to these concerns, the administration temporarily halted decisions on all pending asylum cases and suspended visa issuance for Afghan nationals while agencies conduct a full audit of vetting protocols. At the same time, the

Department of Homeland Security is reassessing thousands of green card applications from residents of countries already on the restricted list. These steps represent some of the most sweeping immigration controls enacted since the president returned to office, underscoring a renewed emphasis on national security as a guiding principle of federal immigration policy.

Officials familiar with internal discussions say the list of additional countries being considered for the expanded ban remains fluid. The decision is expected to hinge on a range of factors that include document security standards, cooperation with U.S. deportation efforts and the perceived stability of foreign governments. While previous iterations of the ban drew on similar criteria, this round of revisions is expected to lean more heav-

ily on assessments related to counterterrorism and cross-border risk. The administration has not released a timetable for when the final list will be announced, though the Department of Homeland Security has indicated that details will be made public soon.

The prospect of expanding the ban has already generated strong reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters argue that the government must take decisive steps to prevent future attacks and reduce vulnerabilities in the immigration system. Critics counter that broad restrictions based on nationality amount to collective punishment and risk undermining international relations while offering little evidence of improved security. Some legal experts predict court challenges once the policy is formally is-

Housing Instability Becomes a Statewide Crisis

From page 1

its 2019 total. Independent research tracking filings from April 2023 through March 2024 found that approximately six percent of Multnomah County renting households underwent an eviction filing during that period. The statewide average over the same window was about four percent. Portland neighborhoods also reveal the deepest concentrated risk. Mapping data shows multiple census tracts with annual filing rates exceeding twenty percent and some reaching levels as high as thirty percent. Those neighborhoods experience the highest turnover, the greatest instability and the strongest correlation with poverty and racial segregation.

Southern Oregon presents a different but equally troubling picture. The region does not match Portland’s sheer volume of filings, but it consistently registers some of the highest concentrated eviction rates outside the metro area. Counties such as Klamath, Jackson and Josephine show patterns that mirror the state average overall but contain census tracts where more than one in ten renting households enter the eviction process in a given year. Klamath County in particular has earned

repeated attention from researchers for its filing rate of more than four percent, placing it above or at least equal to several larger urban counties. Small city and rural communities in Josephine County also show clusters where annual filing rates exceed ten percent. These numbers demonstrate that rental instability in Oregon is not confined to metropolitan Portland but has become a structural feature of the statewide housing landscape.

The eviction crisis also extends beyond renters, although detailed statewide information about homeowners is more limited. Oregon Housing and Community Services reports that foreclosures have followed the same general path as evictions by rebounding to pre pandemic levels after temporary protections ended. Still, the dominant driver of displacement in the state remains rental eviction. It is the most visible, the most quantifiable and the most rapidly increasing measure of housing instability.

Although eviction filings do not always lead to a lockout, they provide a reliable indicator of distress. Many cases end in negotiated move outs,

dismissals or repayment arrangements, but the filing itself marks a serious breakdown in housing security. Researchers caution that the court filings represent a lower bond. They do not count tenants who move out after receiving a notice but before a landlord files a case. They also do not include counties that route certain cases through justice courts instead of the traditional court system. In practical terms the true scale of displacement is larger than the official totals suggest. As Oregon prepares to enter 2026, it is confronting a level of eviction activity that exceeds not only the pre-pandemic baseline but every year on record. The combination of high housing costs and limited supply continues to push families into the court system at a pace that overwhelms assistance networks. While Portland bears the largest share, Southern Oregon shows some of the most severe localized consequences. The evidence across all regions points toward the same conclusion. Oregon’s eviction crisis is no longer a temporary surge but a sustained structural problem that now defines the state’s housing reality.

sued, particularly if the expansion is seen as overly broad or insufficiently justified by publicly available data.

The proposed changes also raise questions about how the United States will reconcile stricter controls with its existing commitments to refugee protection and humanitarian obligations. Immigration advocates warn that blanket restrictions could delay or deny escape routes for individuals fleeing conflict or persecution, especially in regions where the U.S. has historically played a role in resettlement efforts. Federal agencies are expected to issue clarifications on how pending refugee cases will be handled once the expanded restrictions are finalized.

While the travel ban remains under review, the aftermath of the Washington shooting continues to influence national security and immigration discussions. The event has intensified scrutiny of federal vetting processes and has driven a renewed push within the administration to demonstrate a strong posture on border and entry controls. The policy debate now unfolding reflects not only a reaction to a single violent incident but a broader reconsideration of how the United States manages risk in an increasingly complex global landscape. As the administration prepares to release its updated list of restricted nations, the outcome is poised to shape the direction of federal immigration policy and the national security strategy that accompanies it for years to come.

HOLIDAYS

RECIPE

A WARM WINTER BOWL FROM THE IMFULLISH KITCHEN: Holiday White Chicken Chili with a Golden Twist

The holiday season calls for meals that gather people around the table with warmth and comfort. When winter winds settle over Oregon and kitchens everywhere fill with the familiar aromas of slow cooked favorites, the upcoming recipe book from Imfullish offers a dish perfectly suited for the season. This White Chicken Chili is crafted entirely from natural ingredients and designed to elevate a cold evening with unexpected holiday flair. Saffron threads infuse a golden hue, rosemary and basil build an herbed foundation, and a gentle essence of habanero provides an ember of heat that never overpowers.

This version of chili brings together hearty chicken, creamy broth, winter herbs and warming spices without relying on tomatoes or processed elements. It is a bowl meant to be enjoyed with family or friends as lights twinkle and the year winds down. The balance of ingredients creates a wholesome depth while still remaining light enough for a second helping.

Below is the complete Imfullish holiday recipe, crafted to be both festive and unforgettable.

DIRECTIONS:

1 | Warm the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the chopped onion and stir gently until it turns translucent and soft. 2 | Add the minced garlic and allow it to bloom in the heat for a moment before stirring in the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken begins to brown lightly on the edges. 3 | Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander and smoked paprika to coat the chicken and vegetables. The spices will darken and release their aroma. 4 | Pour in the homemade chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the rosemary basil saffron threads and the whole piece of habanero. 5 | Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for twenty to thirty minutes so flavors can combine and the saffron can tint the broth. 6 | Stir in the cooked white beans and reduce heat to low. 7 | Add the milk or cream and allow the mixture to warm through without boiling. Remove the habanero. 8 | Finish with salt and pepper to taste then ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges for a bright touch.

This holiday white chicken chili from the Imfullish kitchen brings color fragrance and warmth to the season. Its blend of natural ingredients and winter herbs creates a comforting bowl that feels both festive and familiar. It is a dish made for long evenings and glowing lights and a recipe destined to become a seasonal tradition.

Gluten-Free Paciﬁc Northwest Marionberry Cake

• 1 teaspoon basil minced

• 1 pinch saffron threads warmed between fingertips

• 1 small piece habanero added whole and removed before serving

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon coriander

For those of you with restrictive diets, or those that simply just prefer to cut gluten we have a delectable solution! Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Pacific Northwest with our Gluten-Free Marionberry Cake recipe. Bursting with the sweet essence of locally harvested Marionberries, this delightful treat is not only a celebration of the region’s iconic fruit but also a gluten-free delight for those with dietary preferences. Crafted with a tender gluten-free batter and generously studded with plump Marionberries, each bite of this cake offers a taste of the lush landscapes and bountiful orchards of the Pacific Northwest. Follow along as we guide you through creating a moist, flavorful cake crowned with a homemade Marionberry sauce – a dessert that embodies the essence of the region while accommodating a gluten-free lifestyle.

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 3) In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 4) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 5) Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 6) Toss the Marionberries in 2 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour to coat them. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. 7) Gently fold the floured Marionberries into the batter. 8) Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. 9) Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 10) While the cake is baking, prepare the Marionberry sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Marionberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool. 11) Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 12) Drizzle the Marionberry sauce over the cooled cake before serving. Slice and enjoy the delicious taste of the Pacific Northwest in this gluten-free Marionberry cake!

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COMMUNITY

SOU’s Small Business Development Center Prepares to Close as Southern Oregon Braces for Reduced Local Support

By John Oliver

Southern Oregon’s small business landscape is undergoing a significant transition following Southern Oregon University’s press announcement this November that it will close its Small Business Development Center at the end of December. The decision brings an end to more than forty years of continuous service to entrepreneurs in the Rogue Valley, marking a turning point for a region that has long relied on the Medford-based center for hands-on guidance, training, and support. As of December 31, the office will permanently shut its doors, raising important questions about how local businesses will access the resources they have counted on for decades.

The statewide SBDC network, headquartered in Eugene, has acknowledged the closure and stated that services will continue, but in a much different form than southern Oregon has been accustomed to. Rather than maintaining a staffed, physical presence at SOU or any other campus facility, the network plans to shift to a primarily virtual service structure. It is actively searching for an independent contractor who would provide limited in-person assistance within the Rogue Valley, serving as the only face-to-face resource in place of the full local office that has operated for more than four decades.

The Medford SBDC has been a vital asset to the region’s economic ecosystem, offering business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategy assistance, training programs, workshops, and personalized advising for new and established business owners. For many first-time entrepreneurs, the ability to sit down with a knowledgeable adviser, review documents, and map out long-term plans has been essential. The center’s closure means that these interactions will largely move to online platforms, which may not effectively replicate the rapport, nuance, and local familiarity that in-person advising has offered.

The announcement also raises concerns for small businesses already under strain. Southern Oregon continues to face economic pressure from rising operational costs, workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and

the lingering effects of recent wildfires and the pandemic. Many local enterprises operate with thin margins and minimal staffing, relying heavily on the support infrastructure around them. Removing the physical presence of a long-standing advisory center introduces a new layer of uncertainty at a moment when stability is still in high demand.

On a regional level, the closure could widen the gap between rural and metropolitan business environments. While larger cities often have multiple organizations offering technical assistance, business development programs, and professional mentoring, many rural counties in southern Oregon depend on a small number of institutions. With SOU stepping away from hosting the SBDC after announcing the decision on November 10, entrepreneurs in the area may find themselves navigating a more fragmented support landscape. Those without reliable internet access or who prefer face-toface consultation may feel the impact most immediately.

The timing underscores larger trends occurring within Oregon’s higher education system. Universities across the state have been restructuring programs, reallocating budgets, and scaling back community-based services in response to financial pressures and shifts in enrollment. SOU’s decision to discontinue hosting the SBDC appears consistent with this broader recalibration, though its effects will be acutely felt by the region’s business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and economic development partners.

The statewide SBDC network maintains

that digital services will ensure continuity, pointing to online classes, virtual advising, and remote workshops as standard components of its service model. For many modern businesses, digital communication is already part of daily operations, and these tools may provide adequate support. However, the addition of a single independent contractor for in-person services introduces questions about accessibility, frequency, and the capacity to serve a geographically large and economically diverse region.

As the December 31 closure approaches, business owners throughout southern Oregon are assessing what this change means for their future. Some may adapt to virtual advising without significant difficulty, while others will feel the loss of personalized, local connections that the Medford SBDC provided. The center’s long history made it more than just an office; it served as a hub where ideas took shape, new ventures were nurtured, and local leaders built relationships that strengthened the regional economy.

After forty-one years of locally grounded service, the announcement first made public on November 10 marks the end of an era for the Rogue Valley. The coming months will determine how effectively the statewide network can fill the void from afar and whether new local partnerships rise to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who depend on direct, reliable, and community-centered support. Southern Oregon’s business community is resilient, but the departure of this long-standing institution leaves an unmistakable gap, one that will shape how the region’s economic story unfolds in the years ahead.

GRANTS PASS WEATHER

5 DAY OUTLOOK

SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

rain showers 54/47

rain showers 55/43

City Opens Applications for Urban Tree Advisory Committee

City of Grants Pass

The City of Grants Pass is seeking applicants for two upcoming openings on its Urban Tree Advisory Committee, a volunteer body responsible for shaping the stewardship and future of the city’s urban forest. One seat is available due to an expiring term and will carry a two-year appointment. The second seat is a midterm vacancy that runs through September 30, 2027. Both positions are now open for community members who have a genuine interest in strengthening and expanding the city’s tree canopy.

The Urban Tree Advisory Committee plays a vital role in the city’s ongoing participation in Tree City USA, a national program that supports communities in building sustainable, well-managed urban forests. The committee’s work involves reviewing current practices, recommending

improvements, and helping develop long-range strategies that enhance environmental health and community livability. Members participate in planning activities, educational outreach, tree planting efforts, and the evaluation of policies related to maintenance and preservation of the city’s trees.

City officials emphasize that the special qualification for the open seats is simply an interest in the promotion and enhancement of the urban forest. Professional experience in forestry or environmental science is welcome but not required. The committee’s goal is to bring together residents who care about the long-term health of Grants Pass’ natural landscape and understand the importance of trees in urban environments. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, support wildlife habitat, help reduce stormwater runoff, and contribute to the aesthetic character that makes the

city’s neighborhoods, parks, and business districts more vibrant.

Applications can be picked up in person at the City Administration Office located at 101 N.W. A Street. Residents may also choose to apply online through the city’s digital application portal. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. All completed applications will be forwarded to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee for review at its scheduled meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026. Committee members will evaluate applicants based on their interest, community involvement, and ability to contribute to the committee’s mission.

Following the committee’s recommendations, the Grants Pass City Council will make the official appointments during its regular public meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Those selected

will join a team that works year-round to ensure the city’s trees remain a valued and protected resource for future generations.

The Urban Tree Advisory Committee has long been a key component of the city’s environmental planning efforts. As Grants Pass continues to grow, the committee provides guidance on how to balance development with preservation, ensuring that the benefits of a healthy urban forest remain central to the city’s identity. For residents passionate about conservation and community improvement, this opportunity offers a meaningful way to participate in shaping the green spaces that help define Grants Pass.

Applications are now open, and local officials encourage anyone with a commitment to environmental stewardship and civic engagement to consider applying.

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December 1, 2025

Posting Date

December 1, 2025

Posting December 1, 2025

The BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC

New Lawsuit Against Josephine County for up to $2.4 Million

By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist

Just like elected officials and public officials are supposed to do, let me say upfront here that I have a conflict of interest in this “story” as a shareholder in American Mineral Research, the company discussed in this article. Consider the following an opinion piece, although like any article I have ever written I stand behind all comments in this article that are expressed as fact.

This story is now just the latest chapter of a story that is six years in the making. Almost exactly six years ago, American Mineral Research (AMR) submitted an application to Josephine County for a Mineral Exploration Permit on a 76-acre County-owned timber property east of Wolf Creek. Even in this initial exploration permit application, AMR cited its desire to help Josephine County generate more revenues for County Law Enforcement.

Local mineral research company sued Josephine County after Commissioners reject mining lease application that could bring County millions in royalties, seeks $2.4 million in damages.

American Mineral Research, Inc. (AMR) has escalated its legal battle with Josephine County, filing a formal Petition for Writ of Review in circuit court seeking to overturn the Board of County Commissioners’ 2–1 decision to deny a mining lease application that the company says could have generated up to $20 million in royalty revenue to Josephine County law enforcement programs over the life of the project.

The lawsuit filed about two weeks ago against Josephine County accuses the county commissioners of illegally denying their application for a mining lease on county-owned land after a twoand-a-half-year delay that forced the company to obtain a court order just to get a hearing as required by the county code. AMR filed a Petition for Writ of Review in Josephine County Circuit Court, asking a judge to overturn the Board of County Commissioners’ September 23, 2025, 2–1 vote rejecting the company’s proposed mining lease on a 76-acre timber property Josephine County owns east of Wolf Creek. The lawsuit claims the county violated its own mining ordinance, ignored unanimous recommendations from its Mining Advisory Committee, and failed to make any factual findings to justify the denial.

Under county code, holders of a valid mineral exploration permit who discover commercially viable mineral deposits on county-owned land are entitled to an “exclusive right” to a subsequent mining lease if they meet all code requirements. AMR says it checked every box.

According to the petition: In 2020, the county granted AMR a three-year mineral exploration permit after a unanimous recommendation from the Mining Advisory Committee.

Between 2020 and 2023, AMR spent approximately $100,000 on surface prospecting and validated historical core drilling that showed high-grade gold values. In May 2023, the company submitted a 200-plus-page mining lease application containing extensive geological data. The Mining Advisory Committee again unanimously recommended approval within the required 30 days. Despite county code requiring “public consideration” of the lease “upon receipt” of the committee’s recommendation, commissioners took no action for two years and never scheduled a public hearing.

Frustrated by the delay, AMR filed a rare writ of mandamus in early 2025. In May 2025, the court signed the writ ordering the county to act after the parties reached a stipulated agreement that the county would hold a public hearing and issue a decision by the end of August (later mutually extended to September 30, 2025). The BCC held another meeting with AMR in a Q&A type workshop meeting on September 17, 2025, and six days later voted 2–1 to deny the lease without issuing any written findings.

AMR met every requirement for an “exclusive right” to the lease under JCC § 5.15.070.

The decision is unsupported by substantial evidence and contains no findings that would legally allow the denial of the application. Commissioners improperly interpreted their own code when they denied the application despite clear evidence of a valuable and highly economical mineral discovery.

AMR says not only does it meet every requirement — but also twice earned unanimous approval from the county’s own Mining Advisory Committee — yet commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith voted to deny the lease on September 23, 2025, without issuing any written findings.

The lawsuit, filed November 13, accuses the county of:

• Illegally delaying action on the application for more than two years, forcing AMR to obtain a court-ordered writ of mandamus just to get a hearing.

• Violating mandatory “shall” language in the county code that entitles exploration permit holders to a lease.

• Rendering a decision unsupported by substantial evidence and devoid of required findings that could allow the County to deny the application.

AMR is asking the court to reverse the denial, order the county to issue the lease, and award up to $2.4 million in damages for delays, legal costs and lost opportunity.

“We followed every rule. They ignored the rules.” AMR spent approximately $100,000 validating historical drilling data and conducting its own exploration under a three-year permit issued in 2020. In May 2023, it submitted a 200+ page lease application with extensive geological evidence of a valuable gold reserve.

The Mining Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval within the required 30 days. County code states the Board “shall publicly consider” the lease upon receipt of that recommendation. Instead, commissioners took no action for two years.

Only after AMR filed (and won) a mandamus court action earlier in 2025 did the county agree to hold a hearing as required by the County Code. At a September 17, 2025 workshop, required by the mandamus case settlement and additional mutual agreement of the parties, Commissioner Ron Smith appeared sympathetic and even suggested County Commissioners didn’t act on this application in a matter required by code for reasons other than found in code requirements:

Commissioner Ron Smith on September 17: “So, so here's, here's my basic opinion of this whole thing. We're looking at 70 acres. It probably has a value of something like $200,000, which really doesn't mean much for the county because there's no timber left on it. So what, what are we haggling about here?

I mean, is there an opportunity here to actually bring some significant revenue to the county? I mean, I mean, what in the world that could happen. I mean, as long as we're indemnified, sure ensure that we're not going to be liable for anything.

What do we as a county, what problem do we have? I kind of I'm sitting here thinking, you know, it's sort of like other properties that we're we don't want to do that.

We don't want to sell this property, even though that's the value of the property. We don't want to sell it because it's them. It has nothing to do with the property or nothing to do with the value.

So I'm kind of sitting here wondering what do we have to lose?”

Six days later, Smith joined Commissioner Chris Barnett in voting to deny the lease. Commissioner Andreas Blech voted no on the denial motion in support of the lease application. No reason was given by the two commissioners for the denial, which may prove costly to the County in this lawsuit.

A blessing in disguise, a revenue stream the BCC says they desperately need Josephine County has struggled with law enforcement funding since the loss of the majority of federal timber payments more than a decade ago. Multiple commissioners — including Ron Smith — have publicly called for creative ways to generate revenue from county-owned natural resources. AMR’s final lease proposal offered royalties that it conservatively projected would deliver $6–10 million to the county based on $2,000/ oz gold. With gold currently trading over $4,000 per ounce recently, the actual revenue to Josephine County has the potential to approach or exceed $20 million over the life of the smallscale micro mine.

County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks, who represented the county during the mandamus phase earlier this year, resigned from representing the County in the mining-lease matter immediately after AMR’s August 2025 presentation to the BCC. No reason was given.

Next steps in court

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. But perhaps a Judge can force the County Commissioners to follow the rules and accept what will likely be a very good project that is financially beneficial to both the County and a local private mineral development/research company.