WBS Ends with Allegations and Disagreements on Appointment Process
The Board of Commissioners responded to the public, allegations, and disagreed on the appointment process during last night's Weekly Business Session. The meeting commenced at 5:37 p.m. with a Public Hearing in the Matter of Library Annexations. Motions to pass both annexations were not seconded. Topics brought to the board during public comment included 2 Guys 1 Truck, recusals and quorums, emails against fair fees, with some questioning Commissioner Ron Smith's reasoning for not voting on the vacancy and his responsibilities. Other topics included wanting elected officials to work as a team, in-person voting, the homeless, a time capsule, appreciation for both Smith and Commissioner Chris Barnett, questioning Barnett for not seconding the Library Annexation motions, and a document brought by former Commissioner John West regarding Smith and alleged sexual harassment. In response, Smith said West lied. Smith then defended his reasoning for not participating in the vacancy meetings. Barnett responded to each comment, bringing up Rogue Indivisible, the Library Lease, the recall, and alleged misinformation. He also had a citizen escorted out due to a lack of decorum. ...Read more

Former GP Employee Pleads Guilty in Child Pornography Case

A former Grants Pass employee pleaded guilty Tuesday to three counts related to child pornography possession. The Daily Courier reports Timothy James Conway, known as James Conway, was arrested in June and indicted on 20 counts of First and Second Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse. The charges were based on accusations he possessed visual recordings of sexually explicit conduct involving a child, while knowing the creation of such recordings involved child abuse, according to an indictment. Conway, 42, pleaded guilty to three counts of First Degree Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse Tuesday, Josephine County Circuit Court records show. His sentencing is for February 2nd. The district attorney's office has offered a prison sentence of 35 months, nearly three years, according to a plea agreement offer dated January 6th. Conway could have faced a maximum of more than 26 years in prison, the offer said. ...Read more

Board Disagreed on Appointing Process during Workshop

During today's County Administration Workshop, the board disagreed on the Vacant Position Appointing process. Before adjourning the meeting, Commissioner Chris Barnett said, because of a quorum, both Commissioners had the right to appoint to the position. Commissioner Ron Smith said Legal Counsel has already advised that the two of them aren't a part of the process anymore. Barnett disagreed. Appointment meetings for the vacancy are scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 14th and 15th. During other matters, Barnett asked if Smith would be interested in discussing the 32 applicants for the vacant board seat, but Smith declined. When Barnett asked if Smith has secured an attorney, Smith said, "No comment." At the beginning of the meeting, the board moved to approve the renewal of a Grant Agreement for the Boys and Girls Club with dollars passed through their prevention department. The grant will help support Smart Moves, a curriculum program designed to teach local kids valuable skills and to avoid risky behaviors via targeted programs and interactive learning. ...Read more