Recall Certified, Temporary Board to Meet, Discuss Process for Appointing 2 Positions

The election to recall Former Commissioner Chris Barnett has been certified ahead of schedule. County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels certified the results this morning, showing a voter turnout of 32.3%. The percentage of yes votes was 61.76%, the no votes were 38.24%. The Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers are now able to meet for a special meeting, which has been scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the BCC Conference Room. The agenda begins with a selection of the chair, a discussion of the process for Appointments to Josephine County Commissioner Positions 1 and 2, and a Timeline for appointments. The Temporary Board will continue with consideration of whether to establish a new application deadline, contents of a new application, approval of vacancy postings, and other matters related to the filling of the vacancies. The meeting will be streamed at www.josephinecounty.gov/livestream. Those attending in person must abide by the clear bag policy. ...Read more

Wanted O'Brien Man Arrested in Washington State

An O'Brien man wanted in connection with multiple stolen vehicles and a high-speed pursuit was apprehended in Washington. Washougal Police arrested Billy Dean Gregory, 55, on January 16, and booked him into the Clark County Jail. Gregory was arrested for third-degree theft, and making a false statement to a public servant. He is also being held on outstanding warrants for 13 additional charges, including five counts of theft, forgery, theft of a motor vehicle, and attempting to elude. Local charges have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The initial incident began just before 10:30 a.m., December 19th, when Josephine County reported a stolen vehicle eluding law enforcement on Interstate 5. The pursuit continued into Jackson County, where Central Point Police Department officers successfully deployed spike strips on the suspect vehicle along I-5. Despite the damage, Gregory continued to elude officers at a high rate of speed into Ashland. The pursuit was later terminated due to public safety concerns. ...Read more

Commissioner Smith Releases Statement on State of County, Appointment Process

Commissioner Ron Smith, in a statement, aimed to reassure the community that "county government continues to function." He continued, saying essential services are still in place, there isn't any disruption to regular operations, and "the current situation is temporary." Smith echoed these statements during KAJO's Tuesday Talk Show this morning. The process of appointing a new commissioner will "occur in the very near future", Smith said. "Any commissioner appointed will serve only to ensure continuity of county government and will hold office until the general election this November." According to a call to the County Clerk's office, there will be no confirmation on future meetings of the Temporary board until the recall election of Former Commissioner Chris Barnett is certified. The election results will be posted to the county website no earlier than 5 p.m. January 28th, but no later than February 2nd. ...Read more