Finance Director Files Whistleblower Complaint Suspecting Record Tampering

Josephine County's finance director filed a complaint with law enforcement after suspecting the alleged destruction of a public record regarding the promotion of a county manager. Meanwhile, the Daily Courier reported Legal Counsel Wally Hicks warned "All Elected Officials, Department Heads, and Department Managers" about the potential ramifications of violating public meetings laws, especially related to pay raises, and that, "Explaining the necessity of ethical conduct by government personnel is not an efficient use of my time." In emails obtained by the Courier following a public records request, Finance Director Ruth Nelson wrote to the Board of County Commissioners and the County Legal Department about a citizen's request for all personnel forms relating to County Information Technology and Emergency Management Director Michael Sellers. Noticing the Interim Director of Operations Personnel Action she signed reportedly wasn't included, Nelson said she was concerned that what was released wasn't complete. ...Read more

"No Kings" Rally Draws Those For and Against Current Administration

On Saturday, people rallied in Grants Pass as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest. KDRV reports more than 2,000 people gathered in front of the Josephine County Courthouse, waving signs, wearing costumes, and honking horns in a demonstration that organizers said was meant to push back against what they see as authoritarian leadership. Across the street, counter-protesters also assembled, with many holding signs and expressing support for the current administration. While interactions reportedly remained peaceful, there were moments when tensions escalated. Some counter-protesters crossed into the area where No Kings supporters had gathered. Organizers said they had anticipated the possibility of confrontations and instructed attendees in advance not to engage. They said the event was meant not only as a protest but also as a celebration of community solidarity. ...Read more

ODHS Notified Public about Federal Snap Changes

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) SNAP benefits are changing. ODHS began mailing notices Wednesday to Oregonians who applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits between July 4 through Sept. 30, 2025, and whose food benefits will be different or end due to new federal changes from the U.S. Congress and the President. During the next 10 months, ODHS will use the new H.R.1 laws when SNAP benefits are updated. These changes are required by federal law and will affect more than 313,000 people currently receiving SNAP in Oregon. Households that qualified for the Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through programs like LIHEAP or Heat and Eat will see changes. About 29,000 households will lose FUA, reducing their benefits by an average of $58 per month, and roughly 9,600 households received notices Wednesday about benefit reductions beginning November 1. ...Read more