Local News

Oregon Wildfire: Home Insurance Crisis
Home Insurance

Oregon Wildfire: Home Insurance Crisis

I wrote about this back in February. Many of us have experienced home insurance cancellations or skyrocketing premiums. Even with the wildfire map repealed, the rising cost of home insurance will continue. The wildfire map was never the true cause of soaring insurance rates, though it served as a catalyst for what is now happening. We are not alone, any state facing high risks from natural disasters is experiencing this crisis. California, Texas and Florida…

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August 12, 2025
The Strategy behind Recalling or Not Recalling Governor Kotek
Local News / State Politics

The Strategy behind Recalling or Not Recalling Governor Kotek

Bill Minnix filed a recall petition on Governor Kotek on 7/27/25;https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/initiatives-referendums-referrals.aspx Download The Filed Recall Petition (PDF) Governor Kotek is up for reelection in 2026. If recalled she will be replaced by Tobias Read, a clone of Kotek’s progressive polices. You can read more about Tobias Read progressive leanings at; Use Caution With Governor Kotek Recallhttps://avoicewithin.org/use-caution-with-governor-kotek-recall/ The question to ask is - What will motivate the most voters in 2026 election:a) A toxic Governor Kotek…

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July 29, 2025
Use Caution With Governor Kotek Recall
Local News / State Politics

Use Caution With Governor Kotek Recall

Bill Minnix has filed the petition papers for Governor Kotek recall. I was very excited when I first read his post about filing the recall petition papers – but in retrospect I have some very concerning issues about signing onto recalling Governor Kotek. Use caution when considering signing on Governor Kotek recall petition. Check to see who would replace her if she was recalled. You might find her replacement is either no better or even…

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July 28, 2025
Preparedness Over Politics: A Community’s Guide to Fire Season
Fire Information / Local News

Preparedness Over Politics: A Community’s Guide to Fire Season

In wildfire-prone areas, the beauty of nature often comes with serious risks. For those living in such regions, personal responsibility is not just wise it’s essential. One of the most important steps residents can take is signing up for emergency alerts. These notifications can save lives by providing real-time updates during fast-moving fire events. But that’s just the beginning. Too often, people wait for others to tell them what to do or where to turn.…

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July 22, 2025
Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority

Once celebrated for its natural beauty and pioneering spirit, Oregon now finds itself plagued by deep, worsening crises that no local lawmaker can fix as these are brought on by state enacted polices. With a Democratic supermajority ruling the legislature for years, many hoped bold, compassionate leadership would usher in a golden era for the people. But instead, Oregonians have watched with growing frustration as critical issues have spiraled out of control. The issues that…

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July 15, 2025
A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / media

A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience

Joseph Rice was recently elected as the new Chair of the Josephine County Republican Party, ushering in a promising new chapter for local conservatives. Mr. Rice brings with him a wealth of successful business experience and years of involvement in Oregon Republican politics, a powerful combination that signals both change and continued momentum for the party. Chair Rice is a firm believer in a bottom-up approach to party leadership, where Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) form…

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July 2, 2025
Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Support for Background Checks on Newly Approved Homeless Grant Applicants

In light of the newly approved $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant,” for Grants Pass Councilor Rob Pell’s recommendation to include criminal and financial background checks for key individuals in organizations applying for these funds is a must. These background checks are about accountability and transparency. Background Key points:Pell raised the issue during the council meeting; the City Attorney responded that background checks aren’t typically part of grant processes. Pell cited examples of Oregon cities, counties,…

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June 24, 2025
How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes
Local News / Local Politics / media / National Politics / State Politics

How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes

Using AI like ChatGPT, I provided a few basic facts and asked it to write a news story based on those facts. Then, I asked it to rewrite the same story, but with a slant that made the criminal appear to be the hero. This exercise clearly demonstrates how easily stories can be framed or “slanted” to fit a desired narrative. It also highlights just how simple it is today to create the appearance of…

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June 23, 2025
Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Bipartisan Concerns and Opposition Emerge Over the Homeless Shelter Proposal

Somewhat of a first in Josephine County, we’re witnessing a bipartisan objection to the current homeless shelter proposal, if I am reading the community correctly. I find this genuinely encouraging. It speaks volumes about the shared concerns from both sides of the political spectrum. Here’s my take based on what I’ve seen so far: Left Viewpoint: Surprisingly, the proposed shelter doesn’t seem to be gaining much traction among those on the left, even though it…

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June 20, 2025
John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints

As you may have recently read, Commissioner John West has had the final ethics complaint against him officially dismissed. In fact, every single complaint lodged against him has been thrown out. This overwhelming pattern makes one thing abundantly clear: we did not witness legitimate concerns, we witnessed a campaign to discredit him by those hoping that if they throw enough mud, something might stick. From the outset, it was evident that these complaints were more…

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June 19, 2025