To Our Readers,
There seems to be a growing narrative floating around town that I run this newspaper with a proverbial dartboard on the wall—one that holds the names and faces of local figures, and every week I blindly throw a dart to decide who we’re going to “pick on” next. Let me take a moment to address that misconception head-on: nothing could be further from the truth.
The vast majority of the stories we publish in the Grants Pass Tribune are not driven by vendettas or personal agendas. They are brought to our attention by you—the community. In fact, close to 99% of the stories we investigate come directly from concerned residents who care deeply about what’s happening in their neighborhoods, schools, city government, and courts. But more often than not, these individuals ask to remain anonymous, not because they’re spreading gossip or seeking revenge, but because they fear retaliation. That fear alone should tell you something about the environment we’re living in—and why we take our job seriously.
Let me be crystal clear: this newspaper has taken the hits. We’ve faced lawsuits, personal threats, smear campaigns, and intimidation tactics for telling the truth. I’ve personally endured more than I will ever write about publicly. But despite the cost, we stand firm. We report what others are too afraid to say aloud because we believe that truth matters, that the public deserves to know what’s going on in their own backyard, and that the powerful should not be allowed to operate in the dark.
Justice may take time. The truth may be inconvenient. But neither can be outrun by those who attempt to spin their own narratives. Facts have a way of holding steady, no matter how many lies are told to bury them. I have no interest in backroom drama or tabloid sensationalism. Our mission is to shine a light where others would rather keep things hidden.
Yes, some of our articles sound personal—and occasionally they hit a nerve. But the facts are sourced, verified, and published with intention, not malice. When an elected official like Commissioner Chris Barnett chooses to engage in personal attacks and retaliatory lawsuits against a newspaper rather than answer for his own documented behavior, our coverage will naturally reflect the seriousness of those actions. And no, I didn’t know Mr. Barnett personally before this—but he made sure we got acquainted when he came after my livelihood and my integrity.
To the rest of those who feel “targeted” by our reporting: perhaps your outrage is less about our coverage and more about the uncomfortable truth that others now see your actions clearly. If your first instinct is to lash out emotionally instead of addressing the substance of what’s been reported, maybe that’s why you’re the subject of the story to begin with.
We are not perfect. But we are consistent. We stand by our ethics. We do our homework. And we answer to the people of this community, not to the political or economic elite. The Tribune is here for you, the reader—and we’re not going anywhere, regardless of how many darts are thrown in our direction.
Stay informed, stay brave, and thank you for reading.