National Media Coverage of GP Homeless Lawsuit Uniformly Biased

By Brian Bouteller It’s kind of strange to have spoken with so much of the national media and then watch what has been reported so far, as they repeat a clear, seemingly unified and demonstrably biased framing. The reporting suggests that the City of Grants Pass is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow us to punish homeless people in …

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Curry County Election Information

Measure 8-114 – Tax Levy for Curry County Law Enforcement Measure 18-114 is a proposed 5-year property tax levy in Curry County. The levy would increase property taxes by $2.23/$1,000 of assessed property value. The levy is estimated to raise over $8 million each year. The Notice of Measure Election says these funds would allow the Curry County Sherriff’s Office …

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BREAKING: Lawsuit filed to disqualify Rep. Christine Goodwin from representing House District 4 and running for Senate District 2

Update (3/16/24 1:12PM): The Eagle asked John West why he filed the lawsuit. Here is his reply: “As a commissioner, I represent all of Josephine County citizens. We depend upon honest leaders to represent us in Salem. It was my obligation and duty as a private citizen to do this for our district. There could be serious consequences if the …

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Proposed Josephine County Charter Already Conflicts with Past Court Rulings

In May Josephine County voters will decide whether to keep the existing county charter or replace it with a new county charter by approving Measure 17-116. Among other changes, the proposed charter would increase the number of commissioners from three to five and reduce commissioner compensation to $24,000 per year. “Section 7. COMPENSATION AND COMMISSION EXPENSES. County Commissioners shall serve …

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Despite Pushback, Feds Finalize Plan for Off-Shore Wind Farms

By Stefanie Settle On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Notice of Intent to assess potential impact from offshore wind leasing off the coast of Oregon. This follows the federal agency’s announcement of the designation of two final Wind Energy Areas for potential floating offshore wind farms near Coos Bay and Brookings. According to …

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5 Reasons to Vote No on Josephine County Charter Replacement

By William Kronert Measure 17-116, a ballot measure to change the Josephine County charter, is a perfect example of liberal ideas. Here are five reasons to vote “No on 17-116” next May. First, Measure 17-116 removes a provision that is in our current charter. It removes a prohibition of income tax. Advocates argue that it will require voter approval and …

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Mission Looks Back on 2023 in Gratitude and Ahead to 2024 with Hope

By Brian Bouteller Each year we consistently see the blessings of God poured out on dozens upon dozens of individuals who make the difficult decision to leave homelessness in trade for true community. We have been able to share the stories of many of them with you, and yet what we share is only a fraction of those who rediscover …

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Local Schools’ Test Results Down but Per-Student Cost Up

Student academic assessment results are better than last school year yet remain well below pre-pandemic levels for English Language Arts and Mathematics. This is true locally and statewide. [For statewide assessment results see “Oregon School Testing” article on page 10.] While students struggle, spending continues to increase, with the Oregon Legislature approving a record $10.2 billion dollars for the Oregon …

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Mission Announces Housing Project and Fundraising Effort

By Brian Bouteller For 40 years, the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission has offered Christ, Community and Transformation to responsible homeless people in Grants Pass. Approximately one in three Mission residents “graduate” from the Mission by leaving with a sustainable income and a home.  Yet finding affordable housing in Grants Pass is challenging for people of all walks of life. …

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The Flying Lark Now for Sale and Ready for Hotel Expansion

In September, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners selected Scott King and Caspian Heohne of Merit Commercial Real Estate to exclusively market The Flying Lark, now owned by the county. The 36,867 square foot facility sits on 3.6 acres and is listed at $14,900,000. The offering memorandum obtained from Merit Commercial Real Estate reveals additional details about The Flying Lark …

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