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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025

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Shocking Discoveries Free Admission and Full Day of Fun Josephine County Fair Opens Wednesday

By John Oliver The countdown is over and the gates are swinging wide open as the Josephine County Fair returns this Wednesday, July 30, with the high-energy theme “Buckle Up!” This annual community tradition promises five full days of food, fun, livestock, music, and classic fair memories — all kicking off with a jam-packed opening day and, best of all, free admission for everyone. From 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, the fairgrounds will be buzzing with excitement as families from all over Southern Oregon pour in to experience what’s shaping up to be one of the liveliest fairs in recent memory. A complimentary shuttle service from Rogue Community College makes it even easier for folks to get there without the parking hassle. Once inside, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Exhibit halls open at 11:00 AM, where local crafts, agriculture, and community projects are on full display. Nearby, the Selfie Fair in the Photography Department offers a colorful spot for visitors to snap creative pho-

tos, perfect for sharing a bit of fair fun online. Kids and teens will be drawn to the ever-popular Rockin’ Rentals, open all day with bounce houses and GellyBall action that lasts well into the evening. At 2:00 PM, the Kidz Zone opens with shaded activities for younger children, while the carnival midway roars to life with spinning rides, games of chance, and plenty of funnel cake. Inside the Bingo Hall, Fair Bingo gets underway at 4:00 PM, and just outside, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show delivers two action-packed performances at 4:00 and 6:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the fair shifts into high gear. At 7:00 PM, the Challenge of Champions bull riding competition takes center stage in the indoor arena, bringing the grit and thrill of rodeo action to town. Not far away, live music starts at 5:00 PM in the beer garden with local favorite Mike Brons. That energy carries over to the Pavilion Stage, where Jim Lesher & Pure Country take the mic at 6:30 PM, setting the stage for headliner Gretchen

Owens at 8:00 PM. For those drawn to the agricultural heart of the fair, the barns open early. Livestock events begin at 9:00 AM with market goat and swine shows, followed later by goat family foods and sheep breeding classes. At 4:00 PM, swine showmanship takes the ring, followed by youth and open-class goat and sheep breeding at 5:00 PM. As each show wraps up, the next one kicks off — a seamless rotation of hard-working 4-H and FFA youth showing their pride and projects. Thanks to the support of local sponsors like Grange Co-op, Evergreen Federal Bank, AllCare Health, Pacific Power, and First Community Credit Union, the fair continues to be accessible and family-friendly. With something for everyone, organizers are calling on the community to come out, buckle up, and enjoy every ride, concert, corndog, and competition the fair has to offer. The 2025 Josephine County Fair is officially underway — and it’s not slowing down any time soon.

News Desk FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a dramatic statement on Saturday, declaring that he has been “shocked” by recent findings uncovered during the course of active federal investigations. Though he declined to offer specifics, Bongino hinted that the discoveries pertain to serious allegations of political corruption and the potential weaponization of federal institutions—issues that have increasingly become flashpoints in the nation’s ongoing political discourse. The remarks came during a brief weekend statement in which Bongino also invoked the involvement of FBI Director Kash Patel, a figure known for his past work in national security and close associations with political figures from the Trump administration. Bongino said that both he and Patel are prepared to "soon reveal the truth" about what has been discovered, suggesting that a more detailed disclosure could be imminent. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about preserving the foundation of justice and accountability in this country,” Bongino stated. “What we have come across is deeply disturbing, and it raises serious questions about the conduct of individuals in powerful positions.” While neither Bongino nor the Bureau provided further clarification on the nature of the investigations, the statement has already triggered speculation across media platforms, particularly among watchdog groups and political observers concerned about potential abuses of power. In recent years, accusations of politicization

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Kotek Signs Five New Housing Bills Amid Oregon’s Ongoing Crisis By E. Ward Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has formally signed five new pieces of legislation aimed at alleviating the state’s growing housing crisis. The signing took place Monday at a construction site in Hillsboro, where a future affordable housing development of 18 homes is slated for completion. The location served as a symbolic backdrop for the governor's legislative push to expand housing access and affordability across the state. The five bills—House Bill 2138, House Bill 3031, House Bill 2258, House Bill 3145, and Senate Bill 684—are part of a broader strategy by Oregon lawmakers to increase housing supply, streamline development processes, and enhance transparency in the real estate sector. Each bill targets a different aspect of the crisis, with measures designed to support long-term growth while also responding to more immediate needs. House Bill 2138 focuses on improving state oversight and reporting mechanisms related to housing and homelessness programs. The bill is expected to bolster data collection and analysis, allowing policymakers to make more informed decisions and

adjust strategies based on real-time information. House Bill 3031 takes aim at housing affordability by creating new financial tools and incentives to support affordable housing construction. This includes expanding access to financing mechanisms that can be used by both nonprofit developers and private sector builders focused on lower-income housing projects. House Bill 2258 addresses land use and planning regulations. It introduces modifications that are intended to ease zoning restrictions in certain areas, particularly urban

growth boundaries, allowing more flexibility for housing development. This bill is seen as a key component in overcoming regulatory obstacles that have long been cited as a barrier to increasing the housing supply. House Bill 3145 strengthens tenant protections and landlord accountability. It requires more detailed reporting on rent increases and evictions, particularly in subsidized housing units. The bill also outlines steps for municipalities to follow when collecting housing data, which may serve to identify and correct inequities in housing access across various communities. Senate Bill 684 is aimed at protecting consumers and improving transparency in real estate transactions. It enhances oversight of real estate and property management professionals and implements new disclosure standards for certain financial arrangements tied to housing projects. Governor Kotek’s decision to sign all five bills in a single ceremony signals the state’s intent to pursue a multi-faceted approach to housing reform. Oregon, like many states on the West Coast, has struggled to keep up with demand amid rising home prices, limit-

ed inventory, and growing rates of homelessness. These legislative changes represent a coordinated effort by lawmakers to move the needle on one of Oregon’s most pressing social and economic challenges. The Hillsboro site where the bills were signed will soon host 18 new affordable homes—part of a small but tangible step toward meeting the state’s ambitious housing goals. The site was selected to illustrate the kind of community-focused development that the new laws are intended to support. State officials hope that with continued legislative action and local collaboration, Oregon can begin to close the gap between housing demand and supply in the years ahead.