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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

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Tort Complaint Filed Against Josephine County Allegations of Tortious Interference, Defamation, Unfair Competition, and First Amendment Violations By: Charles Hudson John Oliver Riccio, doing business as the Grants Pass Tribune, has filed a tort complaint against Josephine County, and Commissioner Chris Barnett, accusing him of new and ongoing unlawful interference with business operations, defamation, and First Amendment violations. This case has sparked serious ethical concerns regarding the misuse of public office for personal gain, and it threatens to expose the county to additional legal action. At the heart of the dispute is Riccio's allegation that Barnett is driven by a personal vendetta against a local media outlet, further complicating the legal and ethical landscape for the county. The claim, filed under Oregon Tort Claims Act and supported by multiple allegations of unethical conduct, outlines a series of actions allegedly taken by Barnett that resulted in both financial harm and reputational damage to the plaintiff's business, Grants Pass Tribune. According to the complaint, Barnett, in his official and personal capacity, engaged in deceptive business practices and manipulated public opinion through the creation of fraudulent social media pages and the unauthorized use of the "Grants Pass Media" name. Barnett created a fraudulent social media account under the name "Grants Pass Media" on January 24. The plaintiff claims that Barnett’s actions were aimed at confusing the public and mimicking the branding of the plaintiff's busi-

ness. In addition, Barnett is accused of engaging in copyright infringement by reproducing a published article without permission and using his political influence to block potential advertisers from working with the Grants Pass Tribune. One of the most troubling allegations is that, despite receiving a second cease-and-desist letter from the plaintiff just days later, Barnett continued to operate and even doubled down by creating a competing media outlet called "Josephine County Tribune." The name closely mirrors that of the Grants Pass Tribune, leading to confusion among the public. The complaint claims that this new outlet was developed using county resources, including staff and equipment, and launched immediately after Barnett was warned about his actions. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that Barnett abused his position to interfere with business relationships, causing the loss of advertising revenue and ongoing damage to the plaintiff's media business. Beyond the accusations of business interference, the plaintiff also claims that Barnett's actions violated his First Amendment rights. The suit alleges that Barnett blocked and deleted or hid public commentary that criticized his political views on official county social media platforms, which is seen as a violation of Oregon's public records law. The plaintiff argues that Barnett's behavior has stifled free speech and fair representation, using his position to promote his personal business while limiting the media’s

ability to operate freely. Furthermore, the complaint accuses Barnett of ethical violations, including conflicts of interest and abuse of office. The complaint highlights instances where Barnett allegedly used his access to confidential county information for personal profit, as well as his involvement with individuals accused of defamation. The plaintiff claims that Barnett’s association with these individuals, including those currently engaged in legal defamation battles, further exemplifies his malicious intent. The plaintiff is seeking damages totaling $701,300, the statutory cap on liability for local public bodies under Oregon law. The complaint also requests corrective action, including the removal of all fraudulent media pages, a public apology from Barnett, and an official investigation into the ethical violations allegedly committed by the commissioner. As this legal battle unfolds, the controver-

sy surrounding Barnett’s actions raises serious concerns about the misuse of power and resources within the county government. The plaintiff’s accusations suggest that Barnett may have used his political position for personal gain, undermining the integrity of local media and threatening the ability of journalists to operate without interference. Josephine County is now facing the possibility of further legal ramifications. If the county fails to take corrective action, the plaintiff has warned that a lawsuit will be filed against both the county and Commissioner Barnett. The situation remains fluid, and how the county addresses the issue could have lasting implications for both its governance and the local press. The case underscores the broader question of how public figures, particularly elected officials, can use their power to impact the media landscape, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for the future.

Southern Oregon’s Recent Rain: A Reminder of the Power of Mother Nature By: Leaf Barret Last week’s heavy rainstorms in Southern Oregon, including the Grants Pass area, offered a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to weather extremes and the unpredictable forces of nature. The downpour, which led to localized flooding and significant rainfall accumulation, highlighted the ongoing reality of climate variability in the Pacific Northwest. As communities recover and reflect on the event, the pressing question arises: Will we be ready for the next round of storms and potential flooding? Southern Oregon, known for its lush landscapes, mountainous terrain, and proximity to the Rogue River, is no stranger to periods of heavy rain and the associated risks. The area’s topography, with steep slopes and rapid river systems, can amplify the effects of rainfall. This particular storm was no exception, as rainfall totals in some areas exceeded the typical monthly average, with certain regions seeing several inches of rain in just a few days. Localized flooding led to road closures, disrupted travel, and even forced some residents to temporarily evacuate homes due to the rising waters. Experts have long pointed to climate change as a driving factor in the increased frequency and intensity of such storms. While it is

difficult to directly attribute any single weather event to climate change, scientists agree that warmer temperatures are leading to increased moisture in the atmosphere, which results in more intense rainfall events. In Southern Oregon, these trends are becoming more evident, and communities are being urged to adapt to the realities of an ever-changing climate. For residents of Grants Pass and the broader region, the recent rain was not just a wakeup call but an opportunity to reassess preparedness for future storms. Flooding remains

one of the most immediate threats during the winter months, and as more severe weather events become commonplace, it is essential to understand the risks and take proactive steps to reduce vulnerability. One of the most practical and cost-effective preparations is to invest in sandbags. These simple yet effective barriers can help divert water away from homes and prevent flooding in vulnerable areas. Local authorities often provide sandbag stations during periods of heightened flood risk, but it is wise for property

owners to have their own supply on hand before the next storm hits. Storing sandbags and placing them strategically around doorways, windows, and other potential entry points can provide a critical defense against rising waters. Another important step is to ensure proper drainage systems are in place. Homeowners should clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains of debris to allow for the free flow of water. Blocked drains can exacerbate flooding by causing water to back up, potentially flooding basements and lower-lying areas. If a property is located in a known flood zone, it may be worthwhile to invest in a sump pump, which can help remove water that accumulates in basements or crawl spaces. For those living near rivers or streams, understanding floodplain mapping and potential flood risks is essential. The Rogue River, for ex-

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see HEAVY, page 3