A Region on the Edge as Oregon’s Economy Begins to Lose Steam
By John Oliver
Oregon’s once-steady economic engine is beginning to downshift, and the effects are settling heavily across the communities of southern Oregon. A new statewide outlook shows slowing economic growth, rising unemployment and a shifting population pattern that together reveal a changing landscape for households, employers and local governments. While the numbers describe a statewide trend, its impact is particularly sharp in southern counties where incomes are lower, housing is tight and public services already stretch thin under increasing demand.
The latest analysis from state economists points to a clear cooling of activity across multiple sectors. Job creation has slowed, retail spending is flattening and overall economic momentum is lagging behind the national average. The slowdown follows several years of post-pandemic recovery that brought strong hiring, rising wages and rapid-fire business expansion across Oregon. Those conditions have softened. More residents are leaving the state than arriving, a reversal of Oregon’s longtime pattern of steady in-migration. At the same time, unemployment rates have ticked upward and certain industries are reporting difficulty maintaining growth in the face of labor shortages, cost pressures and uneven consumer demand.
These statewide trends take on a different weight in southern Oregon communities like Josephine, Jackson, Douglas and Klamath counties. The region’s distance from major job centers, combined with a higher proportion of fixed-income households and service-based jobs, makes it especially vulnerable to economic softness. Local families feel the pressure immediately when wages stall or hiring slows. Many residents already balance high housing costs against modest incomes, leaving little
room to absorb economic shocks. When the larger economy shows signs of weakening, the effect reverberates faster in rural and semi-rural communities than in larger metro areas with broader job markets.
Southern Oregon’s workforce relies heavily on sectors such as health care, retail, hospitality, construction, manufacturing and small business operations. These industries thrive when consumer confidence is strong, tourism is steady and borrowing costs remain manageable. The slowdown adds uncertainty to all of these areas.
Rising unemployment statewide signals tighter conditions for job seekers, and even small increases can ripple through households that are already stretched thin by rising costs of living.
Employers in the region are cautious about expansions and new hires, while others reevaluate operational budgets to prepare for potentially leaner months ahead.
Local governments face their own challenges during periods of economic softness. Reduced consumer spending can slow local tax revenue
growth, making it more difficult for counties and cities to fund programs, maintain infrastructure and respond to community needs. This is especially significant in southern Oregon where budgets are often lean and depend heavily on year-to-year economic activity. As economic momentum slows, public services such as public safety, health programs, housing assistance and transportation become harder to sustain without new funding sources or state support.
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing the region and the economic report underscores the strain. Southern Oregon has some of the highest rent burden rates in the state and many residents spend a disproportionate share of their income on housing. Slowing economic growth means families have fewer financial buffers against sudden rent increases, job losses or unexpected expenses. For individuals on fixed incomes or working hourly jobs, even small economic disruptions can quickly escalate into housing insecurity. This vulnerability is compounded by limited new housing pro-
duction, rising construction costs and a growing demand for affordable units.
The slowdown also affects the broader community fabric. Local businesses feel the weight of shifting consumer behavior when households reduce discretionary spending. Restaurants, shops and service providers rely on consistent foot traffic to keep their doors open. If the regional economy slows further, some small businesses may delay projects, reduce hours or scale back staffing plans. These choices, while necessary for stability, can further reduce economic activity in a cycle that becomes difficult to break without renewed growth or targeted intervention.
Still, southern Oregon has weathered economic downturns before. The region’s resilience is deeply rooted in tight-knit communities, entrepreneurial spirit and the adaptability of local workers. While the current slowdown presents challenges, it also offers a chance for policymakers and economic planners to refocus on long-term strategies that strengthen rural economies. Investments in workforce training, small business support, housing initiatives, broadband infrastructure and transportation could help build a more stable foundation for future growth.
For now, residents across southern Oregon are watching the data closely. The slowing economy is not a crisis, but it is a clear signal that the next year will require patience, planning and caution. Households may need to adjust budgets, businesses may reassess priorities and local leaders may face hard choices as they balance community needs against tighter financial conditions. What remains certain is that the region’s response to this shifting economic landscape will shape the path ahead for the communities that call southern Oregon home.
Justice Department Begins Process to Release Long-Sealed Epstein Records
By John Oliver
The Justice Department has taken its first formal step toward publicly releasing long-protected records from the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases, setting in motion what could become one of the most expansive disclosures of federal investigative material in decades. The move follows the signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act by President Donald Trump on November nineteenth, a new federal law that mandates the release of unclassified documents connected to the long-running investigation.
The department has asked a federal judge to unseal grand jury materials and lift protective orders that have kept thousands of pages of records out of public view for years. These materials include transcripts, investigative files, internal communications and evidence gathered during the federal inquiries into Epstein’s criminal network and Maxwell’s subsequent prosecution. By seek-
ing the court’s permission, the Justice Department has begun complying with the law’s requirement that all unclassified records be made public within thirty days.
The legislation places responsibility for the release directly on Attorney General Pam Bondi, who now oversees the task of determining what
information can legally be made public. While the law requires the release of unclassified materials, certain documents may still require redactions to protect victims, witnesses, minors or sensitive investigative techniques. The request filed with the court signals that the department is preparing to sort, process and publish a significant volume of
information under a tight timeline.
Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019, followed by Maxwell’s conviction, left numerous unanswered questions about the scope of the criminal enterprise, the individuals who may have been involved and the oversight failures that enabled Epstein to operate for so long. Many records related to the initial federal case, as well as related investigations that spanned multiple jurisdictions, remained sealed under long-standing protective
• see RELEASE, page 5
Rogue Community College Reaches New Enrollment Heights as Space Constraints Tighten
By Kelly Gonzales
Rogue Community College is entering another academic year with surging enrollment and renewed pressure on its facilities as student demand outpaces available space. New data shows the college has recorded its fifth straight year of growth since the pandemic, continuing an upward trend that now places RCC among the fastest growing institutions in Oregon.
This fall’s fourth week headcount reached 5,560 students across Jackson and Josephine counties, a seven percent increase over the same period last year. Headcount reflects the total number of individual students enrolled in both credit and non-credit courses. In fall 2024, RCC recorded 5,193 students at the same point in the term, underscoring a steady and measurable expansion in interest from residents pursuing higher education and career training.
The college has also achieved a significant benchmark as its full-time equivalent enrollment returned to pre-pandemic strength for the first time. RCC reported a fourth week FTE of 1,349 students, surpassing the 1,271 FTE recorded in 2019 before COVID-19 disrupted higher education across the nation. FTE is a stan-
dardized calculation used to reflect the combined courseload of both full-time and part-time students, offering a clearer picture of how many full-time students the institution is effectively serving.
RCC’s four-year rise in FTE totals represents an increase of 52 percent, far outpacing the statewide average of 17 percent during the same period. This rapid growth has positioned the college as the fastest growing community college in Oregon, an indicator of both regional demand and the college’s efforts to align its
programming with in-demand workforce needs.
College leaders point to strong partnerships with local industries and a continued push to modernize academic offerings as key reasons why enrollment continues to climb. Expanding interest in health care, manufacturing and technology programs has played a central role in this momentum. These fields represent some of the region’s most pressing workforce needs, and many students are seeking training that leads direct-
ly to well-paying careers without leaving Southern Oregon.
However, the rapid increase in enrollment has also brought renewed challenges. RCC is nearing capacity in several academic areas due to shifting program demands and facility limitations. Space constraints are particularly noticeable at the Table Rock Campus, where health care programs require additional science lab capacity to meet student demand. The college’s ability to grow is further limited by state funding caps tied to the growth management formula, which restricts how much the college can expand despite evident community need.
As RCC continues to adapt, the college remains focused on balancing rising enrollment with the physical and financial realities of its campuses. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged as RCC works to address these constraints, strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for residents seeking education and career advancement. Rogue Community College maintains information and updates about its programs and services on its official website for prospective students, families and industry partners.
Jimmy Cliff’s Lasting Light: A Farewell to a Global Reggae Icon
By Ellen Ward
The passing of Jimmy Cliff marks the end of an era for modern music, but it also offers a moment to reflect on the extraordinary life of a man whose influence traveled far beyond the shores of Jamaica. His career stretched across six decades and touched nearly every corner of the globe. Through his voice, his film presence and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression, Cliff became a universal ambassador for reggae and one of the most recognizable cultural figures of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Born James Chambers in Jamaica’s rural Parish of St. James, Cliff spent his early years nurturing an ambition that far outpaced the options around him. When he moved to Kingston as a teenager, the city was undergoing a musical transformation, shifting from ska and rocksteady into the sound that would soon become reggae. Cliff found himself in the center of this evolution. His early recordings made noise locally and helped him secure a place in an industry still defining itself. These beginnings were modest but pointed toward the broader impact he would eventually make.
Cliff’s rise to international fame accelerated in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Jamaican music began capturing the
curiosity of worldwide audiences. His breakthrough unfolded through both sound and cinema. In 1972 he starred in the landmark Jamaican film The Harder They Come, a production widely credited with elevating reggae from a regional genre into a global cultural force. Cliff’s role in the film and his songs featured throughout it connected people to the struggles, determination and spirit of Jamaican life. The film introduced his work to millions who had never before heard the rhythms and stories embedded in reggae.
The power of Cliff’s artistry rested in his ability to make local experiences feel universal. His music traveled with messages of persistence, hope, identity and uplift. Without relying on spectacle or self-promotion, he held audiences with a voice that conveyed both strength and vulnerability. Over time that voice filled stages across continents. Cliff toured relentlessly, sharing Jamaican culture with communities that had never encountered it in person.
Throughout his career he continued to record, refine and reinvent. He produced more than thirty albums, each shaped by different eras of his life and different musical influences from around the world. Yet his sound always retained the signature warmth and steady pulse that defined reggae at its foundation. His work frequently crossed genres, embracing new rhythms and creative collaborations. This willingness to evolve ensured that his music resonated with each new generation without betraying his roots.
As reggae grew into one of the world’s most recognized musical languages, Cliff remained one of its central figures. His achievements earned him multiple awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recognition from the Jamaican government for his
contributions to the nation’s artistic identity. These accolades reflected not only his professional accomplishments but the extent to which his music had become woven into the cultural fabric of countless listeners.
Even near the end of his life, Cliff continued to influence artists who looked to reggae not just as a genre but as a global language. His songs served as soundtracks for social movements, personal triumphs, long drives, quiet reflections and energetic celebrations. His impact expanded far beyond the stage because he represented perseverance and possibility to many who saw in him a reflection of their own struggles and ambitions.
Jimmy Cliff leaves behind a legacy rooted in optimism and resilience. His passing invites the world not only to mourn but to appreciate the remarkable gift he shared through melody, rhythm and story. His life’s work helped carry the voice of Jamaica to the world and ensured that reggae would be celebrated across cultures and continents. Though his physical presence has departed, the spirit of his music continues to echo across generations. His songs remain a reminder that creative expression can travel endlessly and that one individual’s voice, when used with sincerity and purpose, can influence the entire world.
RIO FLEX - 2204
Rent Burden Forum Invites Grants Pass Residents into Housing Conversation
By John Oliver
Grants Pass residents will have an opportunity next month to learn more about the pressures facing local renters and to help shape future housing policy. The City of Grants Pass Community Development Department is hosting a public community forum on rent burden and related housing issues at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the Council Chambers at 101 NW A Street in downtown Grants Pass.
City staff plan to present information on current housing statistics, trends in rental costs, and the ways rising rents affect household budgets. The evening will also cover barriers to building more housing, local fair housing protections, and available community resources for renters who are struggling to keep up with monthly payments.
Grants Pass has been identified by the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department as a severely rent burdened community. According to that designation, 25.7 percent of local renters pay more than half of their income toward rent. When such a large share of monthly earnings is devoted to housing, families and individuals often have less money left for other essential needs, including medical care, food, utilities, educa-
tion, transportation and childcare.
The forum is intended to give residents a clear picture of how those numbers play out in everyday life. Presenters are expected to explain how rent burden is measured, what factors contribute to the problem, and how trends in wages, new construction and population growth interact to influence local rental markets. The discussion will also address why it can be difficult to reduce rent burden even when a community recognizes it as a serious concern.
City staff say they plan to listen closely to the experiences and ideas of those who attend. Participants will be encouraged to describe their own challenges with finding or keeping rental housing, to ask questions about existing programs, and to suggest practical approaches that might help ease the local housing crunch. Comments gathered during the session are expected to help inform future housing strategies, priorities for new initiatives and the focus of potential partnerships with other agencies and com-
Release of Epstein Files
From page 1
orders. Public interest in the case has never diminished, with renewed attention on the federal government’s handling of Epstein’s earlier plea deal and the network of high-profile individuals linked to him. The Epstein Files Transparency Act was crafted in response to longstanding bipartisan frustration over the secrecy surrounding the case. Lawmakers argued that the public had a right to understand how Epstein evaded meaningful accountability for years and why certain investigative avenues were never fully pursued. With the signing of the law, the Justice Department is now required to open its files except where classification or privacy laws still apply. The process ahead is expected to involve legal review, archival work and coordination with the federal courts, which will ultimately decide how much of the grand jury material may be disclosed. Grand jury proceedings are
traditionally kept confidential under federal law, meaning the judge’s decision will determine whether some of the most sensitive testimony and evidence becomes available to the public for the first time.
If released in full accordance with the statute, the documents could provide the most detailed accounting yet of the government’s efforts to investigate Epstein’s network and Maxwell’s role within it. The publication of these materials is expected to draw intense public interest, with researchers, journalists and victims’ advocates preparing for the possibility of new revelations.
For now, the filing by the Justice Department marks the beginning of a rapid and consequential transparency effort. The next several weeks will determine not only what becomes public but how the nation interprets one of the most scrutinized criminal cases of the last generation.
munity organizations.
The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall, a location that is familiar to many residents as the regular venue for city council meetings and public hearings. Doors will open before the scheduled start time to give attendees an opportunity to sign in, find seats and review any printed materials on current housing statistics or available services.
City staff are also aiming to make the event accessible to as many residents as possible. Community members who need language translation or other assistance in order to participate are encouraged to request support in advance. Those with additional questions about the forum or who require translation help can contact city staff member Mark Trinidad by email at mtrinidad@grantspassoregon.gov or by phone at 541 450 6062.
Organizers hope that by combining data, education and personal stories, the Rent Burden Community Forum will give residents a clearer understanding of how rising housing costs are affecting Grants Pass and what steps the community might consider as it works toward more stable and affordable rental options.
Coastal Chain Expands Inland as Gold Beach Lumber Moves to Acquire Dazey’s Hubbard’s in Medford
By John Oliver
Gold Beach Lumber is preparing for a major expansion into the Rogue Valley as the long-operating coastal hardware and building-supply company moves toward acquiring the business assets and real estate of Dazey’s Hubbard’s in Medford. The transaction, expected to close before the end of the year, would give the family-owned chain its tenth location statewide and secure its third acquisition in a single year. For southern Oregon residents who rely on regional, independently operated hardware and lumber centers, the deal signals continued consolidation among local suppliers as well as strengthening Oregon-based ownership in a market increasingly defined by national brands.
The Medford facility, known locally as Dazey’s Hubbards, has operated for years along Crater Lake Highway as a full-service hardware and lumber outlet. The store carries everything from building materials and contractor supplies to garden products, irrigation parts, bulk soil, tools and hard-to-find fasteners. It is widely known for its knowledgeable staff, extended seven-day schedule and its dual role as both a contractor supply depot and a community hardware store. With a loyal customer base and a broad inventory that includes specialty grow products and repair services, the location has been considered a staple in the region’s home-improvement economy. The upcoming change in ownership marks a shift, but one that retains Oregon roots and the independent spirit of both companies.
Gold Beach Lumber has long been a recog-
nizable name on the south coast. Founded in Gold Beach and expanded through Brookings and Harbor, the company has operated for decades as part of the Do it Best cooperative system that allows independent stores to pool purchasing power and maintain autonomy. Throughout 2025 the company has been in an active expansion cycle, adding new stores at a faster pace than in previous years. Earlier this spring the company completed acquisitions that brought coastal facilities in Bandon and Lakeside into its network, followed by the purchase of additional building-supply locations in the western region of the state. Those transactions moved Gold Beach Lumber from a smaller coastal cluster of stores to a nine-location operation with deeper supply capabilities and a broader reach.
The expected acquisition of Dazey’s Hubbards marks a turning point in that trajectory
as the company moves inland for the first time.
Medford represents a significantly larger market than the coastal communities where Gold Beach Lumber built its reputation. The Rogue Valley’s construction sector and residential development demand year-round access to dependable building materials, tools and specialty supplies. Bringing a long-standing Medford business under the Gold Beach umbrella suggests a deliberate strategy to build a multi-regional presence that can compete with larger national chains while remaining locally owned.
Industry analysts who follow the lumber and hardware supply chain have noted that the independent sector continues to see consolidation as regional operators work to remain competitive in pricing, inventory scale and logistics. For Oregon consumers, this has produced a mix of change and continuity. Stores often keep their staff, com-
munity traditions and service-driven culture while benefiting from improved inventory systems, broader product selections and greater supply stability. Gold Beach Lumber’s recent purchases have followed that pattern, with newly acquired stores receiving upgrades in technology, product range and contractor service support.
The Medford transition appears to be another step in that model. While residents can expect some future changes in branding or inventory layout, the location is anticipated to maintain its established role as a hardware, lumber and garden supplier. Both companies involved in the transaction have reputations for long-term Oregon operations, strong local relationships and active participation in the community. This continuity positions the Medford store to retain the independence and service approach that southern Oregon customers have valued while adding the resources of a growing regional chain.
If the sale closes as planned, Gold Beach Lumber will complete 2025 with ten fully operating stores across the state, marking its most active growth period in decades. For Rogue Valley residents, the acquisition reflects a shift in the region’s hardware and building-supply landscape but also signals that local ownership remains a strong force in the industry. As national retailers expand into Oregon, the growth of a homegrown company into Medford underscores the continued significance of regional businesses that understand local needs, regional building practices and the character of the communities they serve.
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NEWS DESK
State Order Prompts Temporary Closure of Equine Facilities at Jackson County Expo
By John Oliver
The equine community in Jackson County is facing an unexpected disruption after the Jackson County Expo announced the temporary closure of its horse facilities in response to a new state directive. The decision follows a recently issued temporary administrative order from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, which outlines statewide precautions designed to reduce the risk of equine herpes virus reaching or spreading within Oregon. Although the state has not confirmed any current cases linked to local animals, the directive reflects increased concern following outbreaks in other regions of the country, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma.
The closure affects all equine use at the Expo, including training, exhibitions, riding events and planned horse-related activities. The Expo publicly acknowledged that the move was not taken lightly and is intended to align fully with the state’s temporary rules. Those rules took effect on November nineteenth and are scheduled to remain in place through mid-May of next year, creating the possibility of long-term scheduling challenges for fairground organizers, trainers, event promoters, horse owners and exhibitors who regularly rely on the Medford-based facility.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s order requires that equine exhibitions and events operating in the state take additional precautionary steps to help prevent the introduction and transmission of equine herpes virus. The mandate outlines new expectations for recordkeeping, veterinarian oversight, event registration, entry management and onsite containment procedures. Exhibitions must also submit information to the state in advance so officials can monitor higher-risk activity involving the movement or gathering of horses. Isolation capabili-
ties and veterinary involvement are now required components of any approved equine event held in Oregon during the emergency rule period.
Although the temporary order does not specifically require facilities to shut down entirely, some fairgrounds and equine venues across the state are choosing full closure rather than attempting to restructure operations to meet the added regulatory and biosecurity standards. The Jackson County Expo appears to have taken that precautionary route out of concern for public safety and animal health, especially given the high number of events and animal traffic typically associated with the venue. This decision has placed immediate pressure on Southern Oregon’s equine community, which depends on the Expo for shows, boarding access, youth programs, rodeo preparation, 4H activities and year-round recreational horse use.
The duration of the shutdown at the Expo remains uncertain. While the statewide order currently extends through May, county officials and facility managers have not yet clarified whether the
closure will mirror that full timeline or be reassessed as conditions change. Many equine owners and event operators are now reevaluating schedules, potential relocation options and long-term plans as they await updated guidance.
The emergency rules reflect heightened caution rather than a confirmed health event within Oregon. State officials have emphasized prevention as the primary purpose, noting that equine herpes virus is highly transmissible between horses through respiratory contact, shared surfaces and contaminated equipment. Because infected animals may not show visible symptoms immediately, large gatherings of horses are considered especially vulnerable environments.
For now, the Jackson County Expo remains closed to equine activity while state officials monitor national developments and review compliance across Oregon. Additional information is expected in the coming weeks as affected organizations seek clarity on reopening conditions, operational requirements and the broader outlook for the upcoming equine event season.
TAKE A BREAK
Posting Date November 24, 2025
November 24, 2025
Posting November 24, 2025
By: Jay Meredith, CPA Investigative Journalist
The BCC Weekly - Taking the “Blind” out of the BCC
Josephine County BCC and the GPTribiLeaks, Volume 2
“Journalism is printing something that someone does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.”
This is a quote often attributed to George Orwell, but it’s not clear if he ever wrote those specific words. What he did say in a 1945 letter: “Freedom of the press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose.”
And of course, here in the United States we have constitutional right to speak our mind and extra protections for the press. We can speak our mind as long as anything expressed as a fact is indeed a fact. This is why we collect evidence, seek public records such as those disclosed later in this article, and in some cases collect testimony from sources that don’t want to be named.
By some that don’t like the truth that we print here at the Grants Pass Tribune, we are labeled as fake news, troublemakers, or much worse. We’ve been sued by certain current and a past recalled County Commissioner for printing uncomfortable truths. And never has a court case been decided against us based on merit. And that won’t ever change.
Commissioners such as recalled former Commissioner John West and current Commissioner Chris Barnett think if they yell loud enough and pay enough money to their attorney to sue their critics and appeal court rulings when they lose, that they will be able to continue doubling and tripling down on their false statements. But this is why Oregon has Anti-SLAPP Laws in place, to protect our constitutional rights.
We stand behind every fact we print, and in the end folks like John West and Chris Barnett are just wasting their money and in my opinion wasting public tax dollars as well in certain cases. And this year the BCC has started putting up significant roadblocks to public records requests and 2025 has been a long slow road to disclosure of public records and the disclosure of certain important stories of major local public interest.
I’ve never been paid any amount of money for the articles I write and have been writing local government stories of interest for much longer than the Grants Pass Tribune has even existed. My main goal has been to support our local public safety and law enforcement programs since Josephine County lost a significant amount of federal funds back in 2012 that used to support our law enforcement and justice programs. And since in Grants Pass and Josephine County we have to vote on the renewal of certain public safety funding sources every few years, trust in our County leaders is also paramount to keeping local public safety programs financially healthy as well.
And after spending 10 years as the Finance Director for the City of Grants Pass (2010 to 2020), I can’t just look away when I see corruption (abuse of power) in the halls of any local government agency. Finance has long been known as the audit department of any local government agency, or the financial police so to speak. So, I can’t help but speak up if I see either corruption or a waste of our local tax dollars. My financial police tendencies don’t just go away even though I’m no longer employed in that role.
For me, it all relates back to local public safety and law enforcement in one form or another. I do regret that the pursuit of truth sometimes rubs people the wrong way. But when it does, and when those complaints come from government officials, it reveals the state of mind of those officials and the level of respect they have for our constitutional rights.
In the last couple weeks, emails released by both Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass in recent public records requests were very revealing.
Between Monday November 17th and Wednesday November 19th, both Commissioner Blech and Commissioner Barnett exchanged emails with the Josephine County Clerk regarding the signature verification process for recall petition signatures. Both encouraged the Clerk in their own way to go above and beyond the sampling process laid out in state law and the Secretary of State procedure manuals.
County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels responded to both Commissioners by Wednesday the 19th confirming that legally she has to use the sampling process laid out by state law to verify signatures and she can’t go beyond those sampling processes unless the sampling process does not yield enough verified signatures on the recall petitions. The Clerk would be going against state law by doing anything more than this sampling procedure.
After being told this, certain Facebook pages owned and operated by Commissioner Chris Barnett continued to advocate for doing more than the sampling process outlined by state law. In other words, Facebook pages controlled by Commissioner Chris Barnett continued to advocate that the County Clerk break the law.
A small gathering of individuals was filmed outside the County Courthouse last week advocating for the County Clerk to break the law and verify all recall petition signatures. Among the gathering was Kris Kirby who has filed to run for County Clerk in 2026 as well as Victoria Marshall, City of Grants Pass Council President in 2025.
Speaking of Grants Pass Council President Victoria Marshall, I recently submitted a records request for certain written communications between her and other local elected officials. This was the first such request I submitted to the City this year. Councilor Marshall’s initial response to this public records request, sent by email, was "I'm wondering if we're ever going to be protected from this kind of abusive baloney? It sure would be great to get advice about this from an attorney." To say this response doesn’t respect public records laws would be a bit of an understatement.
There is one topic we’ve been investigating ever since April of this year, when we learned that Michael Sellers had been secretly promoted to “Interim Director of Operations” of Josephine County. And then when in April of this year the County’s contract budget officer Simon Hare blew the whistle, resigned in a very public manner, and provided proof among other ill-advised financial actions that Sellers’ total salary and benefits was changed to a whopping $388,000 per year.
County Commissioner Andreas Blech has never once “publicly” denied that Sellers was briefly promoted to this title and this Salary/Benefits rate. County officials have only denied that an employment agreement was drafted for Sellers in this amount.
Sellers himself was on the Bill Meyer Radio Show on April 25th defending his new title of Interim Director of Operations. Except according to a County insider whistleblower later in the year, Sellers lied on this radio show about what his salary rate was at the time.
In a recently fulfilled public records request, we found the following email sent by Sellers one day later on April 26th (image 1).
In other words, one day after Sellers was defending his title on a public radio program, he asked Ruth Nelson in the Finance Department to change his job title. The tenor of the email is such that this was
his decision, not the decision of the County Commissioners who are ultimately legally responsible for making these types of decisions.
And then on the very next business day, Monday April 28th, Commissioner Blech announced that Sellers had gone back to his old job of Director of IT and Emergency Management. And a personnel action form showed Sellers returning to his old job and previous pay rate on April 28th as well. Sellers defended his job title on April 25th, demanded a new title on April 26th, then on the next business day went back to his old job on April 28th. Clearly there is more to this story than public records requests have revealed to date.
As a reminder to those that have had a hard time keeping up with all the decisions made by the BCC behind closed doors earlier in 2025, Commissioner Blech also signed off on a retro payment to Sellers that gave him a significant raise retroactive all the way back to his date of hire, July 2023. The policy they used to apply this significant retro raise was not used correctly, in my personal opinion. And again, in my opinion the County illegally blocked a records request that would have showed how much this retro pay was earlier this year. The estimate is that the total cost of the retro pay, including taxes and benefits such as PERS, was likely approaching $50,000. That’s $50,000 of “extra” payroll costs that we’ve heard is under investigation as a second whistleblower later in the year said all these irregu-
larities would be forwarded to the County’s auditors for review.
But that’s not all! In another email recently received as part of a public records request, it was disclosed that Sellers was also given the title of “Interim Administrator of Public Health” in early April this year. This is shown in the following April 3rd email (image 2).
Mr. Sellers being temporarily assigned as the Interim Administrator for Public Health is once again an action that was never disclosed to the public. And it remains unclear whether Commissioner Blech appointed him to this role or if Mr. Sellers appointed himself to this role.
What we do know is that the former Public Health Director (Public Health Administrator) was fired by Blech and Sellers because Sellers signed the termination letter and Blech was in charge of all things personnel during this unprecedented time. BOLI claims are pending and the former Public Health Director has reportedly hired an attorney. And County Public Health Departments are required to have an appointed Administrator of Public Health. This is once again a series of decisions that is supposed to be made in public by the full BCC. And so, Volume 2 of the GPTribiLeaks adds to the long list of decisions and actions that are supposed to be made in a public meeting by the full BCC, but were instead made in secret behind closed doors in 2025.
