What a week.
I want to begin by saying thank you. Thank you for the overwhelming support, the kind words, the emails, the calls, and especially the brave whistleblowers who’ve come forward in recent days. Your courage fuels ours. Your voices echo through our newsroom, reminding us of every day why we do what we do here at the Grants Pass Tribune.
Running an independent newspaper in a small town isn’t always easy—especially when you’re not afraid to speak truth to power. We’ve seen it all: political persecution, targeted harassment, anonymous threats, financial retaliation, and yes, even being pushed to the brink of unlawful housing eviction—because we dared to pull back the curtain. Because we asked questions that weren’t supposed to be asked. Because we didn’t play by their rules.
But guess what? We’re still standing.
Not because we’re fearless—but because we’re not alone. We’ve got a community of thinkers, truth-seekers, and regular folks who are tired of the same old games. You believe in journalism that holds the powerful accountable, journalism that represents everyone, not just the elite few. That belief is our bedrock.
To those in positions of power who think it’s funny to “funk” with people’s lives for amusement—know this: the joke’s over. The intimidation, the division, the backroom deals, and the games at our community’s expense—it ends now. The only ones smiling at the end of this journey will be those who stood for truth, for fairness, for transparency. The ones who spoke up, stepped forward, and stood shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors instead of hiding behind titles and taxpayer-funded desks.
And to the residents of Josephine County—this is our moment.
It doesn’t matter what side you’re on politically. That divide? It wasn’t created by us. It was planted, watered, and nurtured by those who benefit from our distraction. They’ve turned civic engagement into a sport, not a solution. They’ve tried to make enemies out of neighbors and turn debates into cage matches. And for what? Ego? Power? A few extra years at the top?
Enough.
We don’t have to play that game. We can refuse to be pawns on someone else’s political chessboard. We can stop letting our differences be weaponized. Because the truth is, we all want the same things—safe neighborhoods, honest leadership, opportunity for our kids, and a community that actually looks out for each other. None of that is partisan. That’s just being human.
This paper was built for a reason: to shine a light, even when it’s inconvenient. To ask the uncomfortable questions. To give a voice to the voiceless. And to push back when the system starts serving itself instead of the people.
So, here’s to you—the truth-tellers, the freedom-fighters, the concerned citizens, and the ones who know that silence is no longer an option. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to speak up, to get involved, or to share your story—this is it. Now is the time.
Thank you for all your support.