Alfalfa Fire District Rescinds Policy Days Before Federal Hearing, District Remains Under State Investigation

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Alfalfa Fire District Board has rescinded their policy restricting access to district facilities following public meetings. KTVZ News was present at the board's meeting Friday afternoon where our reporter, Spencer Sacks, was informed the policy had been rescinded.

On Tuesday, May 26th - United States District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai is scheduled to hold a hearing concerning the former policy, which was being challenged by investigative journalist Justin Alderman of the Prineville Review.

Alderman was served a trespass notice from attorney Jared Reid after attending a board meeting where he was trying to conduct interviews for an investigative piece. Following the notice, Alderman filed a federal lawsuit against the district's board members, claiming the board violated both the First and Fourteenth Amendment(s) - by excluding him from being able to attend public meetings.

"The district’s reversal is significant because it appears to end, at least in part, ongoing retaliatory conduct and continuing violations of the First & Fourteenth Amendments alleged in the lawsuit. Public officials should never use government authority to target journalists or citizens for engaging in protected speech, criticism, or lawful newsgathering activities," said Alderman.

Judge Kasubhai is schedule to meet with both parties on Tuesday concerning the former policy.

Alderman tells KTVZ News as of Friday afternoon the notice of trespass had been rescinded.

Alfalfa Fire District Levy Fails

This comes days after voters declined to pass a levy for the fire district, which would have raised property taxes. At a board meeting prior to Tuesday's election, members of the public informed the board they would not be supporting the levy due to financial constraints and confusion over the district's role in needing additional staffing.

KTVZ News reached out to Chief Chad LaVallee prior to the election for comment on the levy, he hung up the phone when our reporter identified himself. KTVZ News did not see LaVallee at Friday's board meeting.

Alfalfa Fire District Board Reorganization

Following today's meeting, KTVZ News can confirm that Nate Starr, the former president of the Alfalfa Fire District Board, had resigned his position. Starr made a comment prior to his resignation at the previous meeting that Judge Kasubhai was a "fake" judge.

Board Member Dustin Piggot rescinded his resignation, meaning the Alfalfa Fire District does have enough members to have a quorum for present and future meetings.

State Investigations

The fire district remains under investigation by the Oregon Secretary of State's office into alleged election-law violations involving Chief LaVallee and other district officials.

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission recently voted to initiate a full investigation into Chief LaVallee concerning multiple alleged violations.