Guthrie ‘family’ joins Christmas music jam
By DAVID HAYES Editor
For 37 straight years, Sally Clark has invited her extended “family” of amateur musicians to
On
“I
Dallas Fire & EMS places new engine into service
Staff
Dallas Fire & EMS placed a new engine into service last week. Their new 2024 Spartan S-180 will replace an almost 30-year-old fire engine.
Dallas Fire & EMS has been in the process for over a year to get this new fire engine into service. Between brainstorming, conceptualizing, ordering, and then completing the final touches, many individuals have put countless hours into this new piece of equipment.
Dallas Fire and EMS thanked everyone that had a hand in getting this project completed and in securing funds to get this project off the ground, including Mayor Ken Woods; city councilors Michael Schilling, Larry Briggs, Micah Jantz, David Schein, Nancy Adams, Kim Fitzgerald, Kirsten Collins, Debbie Virden and
Carlos Barrientos; and City Manager
Brian Latta. The city used ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to purchase the engine.
Dallas Fire & EMS also thanked the city of Dallas Fleet Maintenance personnel “who tirelessly worked on getting all the parts and pieces working along with our deputy and division chiefs who finalized all of the details.”
“Keeping our fleet up to date with current fire standards and safety regulations is of the utmost importance to Dallas Fire and EMS. This new apparatus will help our agency serve the citizens of Dallas for many years.”
said Fire Chief April Wallace.
Apparatus Specifications: 2024 Spartan S-180 3114
Pump Capacity: 1500 gpm
Water Tank Size: 750 gallons
Foam Tank: 20 gallons
Seats 5 Personnel
Dallas Fire & EMS personnel conduct a “push-in” ceremony, officially entering their new 2024 Spartan fire engine into service.
Council narrowly approves 2025 refuse rate hike
By DAVID HAYES Editor
The rate increase of 4 1% follows a hike of 5 4% last year.
Julie Jackson, Republic Services Municipal Manager, told the council on Nov. 18 the company is aware they came in last year and asked for a big increase.
“That was for service level increase. The CPI increase was also larger,” Jackson said. “I think we’re starting to see CPI level off. We would anticipate it to be even lower next year.”
She explained in addition to a increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), this year’s increase was also the result of higher disposal rates that Republic Services must pay.
“We come in every year and ask for these small increases so that so that we don’t end up every two or three years asking for 7 or 9 or 10 percent increases, because we think those are really hard on people,” Jackson added.
PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES
Three generations of the Stutzman family (from left) Robyn, Nora, 10, Janet, Danna, 12, and Bailey, perform as the first act at the annual Christmas Jam at Guthrie Park Community Center Dec. 13.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Independence Days shortened to two days in 2025
By DAVID HAYES Editor
The Independence City Council approved reducing the city’s annual 4th of July celebration down to two days for 2025 City Manager Kenna West explained at their Dec. 10 meeting that their three-day Independence Days event requires extensive planning and coordination, with the workload increasing significantly as the event dates approach.
“As you recall, this all used to be volunteer. Some key volunteers retired. And since at least 2022, city staff have assumed leadership in
planning and managing the event,” West explained to the council.
She said as a result, the city’s Finance Department has become integral to event operations, including implementing necessary financial protocols and managing funds during the event.
“This is a high personnel cost. Every day that this is going on, I have to have the entire finance team there. We shut down the finance department, close the doors and don’t serve anyone,” West said.
The shift has placed additional strain on Finance Department personnel and increased the financial burden
on the city’s general fund, West said.
“I have a small Finance Department team and giving up their holiday was not part of their contract when they came in to make sure this event goes on,” West said. “You add into that, our Public Works Department, going on a decade, have worked every, single 4th of July.”
The 2024 Independence Days event was held over three days. West said wristband fees introduced this year enabled the event to cover its direct expenses (including staff costs), feedback from vendors and business owners indicated that the third day experienced poor attendance
and resulted in financial losses for some vendors.
To reduce costs to the city’s general fund and address concerns raised by vendors and business owners, staff recommended limiting Independence Days 2025 to two days on July 3-4
“If we reduce down to two days, according to my events team, we can still have an amazing Independence Days. We’ll reduce personnel costs and we’ll allow our team to spend some of that time with their family,” West concluded.
Councilor Dawn Roden reminded her colleagues that day three this year experienced very high temperatures which is what probably most contributed to low turnout.
“I think all the work that goes into putting the 4th of July together, for me ... should be as grandiose as we can make it. If we can keep it three days, we’re already putting all the time and effort into it, the community just loves it. I think to reduce this down to two days on one year’s data is not a good idea,” Roden argued.
Councilor Sara Jobe wanted to know if this would be a decision made from year to year West confirmed this was supposed to have been presented as an annual choice for the council in the past, but the process had fallen through the cracks.
Councilor Marilyn Morton added she’s had long experience as a vendor during Independence Days in the past.
“There are long, long stretches of inactivity and no people downtown. Yes, it was hot last year, but I’ve also been down there during thunderstorms and hailstorms and nearly record flooding,” Morton said. “I think this is a very fiscally responsible thing to do being. We are trying to be careful with our budget. It doesn’t preclude us from going back to three days the next year.”
The two-day proposal was approved, with Roden providing the only no vote.
Grand Ronde Tribe receives $20 million for Resident Resilience Center
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas announced Dec. 12 a federal investment of $20 million through the Inflation Reduction Act for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to build a safe, accessible shelter that will provide services during extreme weather.
“The problems created by the ongoing climate crisis overlap with many issues already threatening Oregonians such as housing and access to essential medical services,” Wyden said. “This investment for
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in both community services and housing for Tribal members is a great example of what I fought for in the Inflation Reduction Act. We need more comprehensive solutions like this, and I will continue to fight for more resources to advance similar projects in Oregon and across the nation.”
The $20 million federal investment is through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program and will be used to build
a Resident Resilience Center that will also serve as a center for health, community, education, and wellness.
“We are grateful that EPA recognizes the importance of this project and what it means to our Tribal Members and the Grand Ronde community,” said Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy.
“This investment ensures that as stewards of the land, the Grand Ronde Tribe will have a safe place to gather and care for our people in the face of increasingly hazardous climate events.”
“This funding builds on years of work to address the need for a local gathering space in the Grand Ronde community,” said Merkley.
“The Grand Ronde’s new Resident and Recreation Center will be transformative, serving as a place where they can connect, celebrate their culture, and access resources that strengthen their resilience and well-being for generations to come.”
“I am excited to announce new federal funding for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in my district,” Congresswoman Andrea
Salinas (OR-06) added. “All Oregonians are feeling the effects of climate change, particularly those living in rural and Tribal communities with limited access to housing and services. This resilience center will provide a safe, warm place to shelter during extreme weather and ensure continued access to health, education, and other key services for the Grand Ronde Community. I will continue working with my colleagues to secure critical investments like this one for Oregon’s Sixth District.”
Winter whale watch week returns to the Oregon coast
Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Dec. 27-31
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.
The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at https://oregonstateparks.org/ index.cfm?do=thingstodo. dsp_whaleWatching.
“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14 530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will
Councilor Larry Briggs had asked Jackson if there is a pullback on CPI into the negative, “are we adjusting negatively?”
She said the 4 1% increase equates to about $1 10 extra to the average residential customer.
“We don’t adjust negatively, but we have had zero increase years,” Jackson replied.
be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit www.oregonstateparks. org.
She reminded the city council Pacific Power’s increase this year is going to be 14% and Northwest Natural’s rates are increasing between 4 5 - 5%. So, Republic’s ask is below theirs.
“The cost of landfill and waste is going up, for sure,” Jackson said “At some point, when waste has to be hauled much farther, it will go up again. So, we think keeping these landfill costs down as much as we can now is the best way to go.”
However, at their Dec. 9 meeting, councilors, led by Briggs, were bullish on being able to negotiate better terms with Republic should the CPI dip into negative territory, regardless should the council approve or deny the current rate increase request.
“I want to encourage everybody to rethink this on the methodology and the fact that if the CPI index is less than zero, our citizens are paying more than they should,” Briggs said. “And I would like to see us to resolve that before we vote this in or postpone this until June of next year.”
Micah Jantz also wanted the ability to renegotiate if the index significantly changed.
“If we vote yes now, then wait until next time to say, hey wait, if the rate goes down, and they say no, we can’t negotiate that, then we’ve already gone up this time, even if (CPI) goes down,” Jantz argued.
City Manager Brian Latta clarified if the CPI goes down, it would not apply to the current rate.
West Valley Housing Authority will hold their Board Meeting on Monday, December 23, 2024 beginning at 12:00 p.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. An Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 will be held immediately following the Regular Meeting, if required. Agenda for the meeting is posted on the Housing Authority website at www.wvpha.org. The location for the meeting is handicapped accessible. Please advise the West Valley Housing Authority if you need any special accommodations to attend the meeting or wish to attend via zoom. For information, please call 503-623-8387, VRS (877) 326-3877.
“Because the current rate is proposed is based off the previous years’ CPI fuel costs other things built into that methodology,” Latta said, adding he negotiates the agreement with Republic regardless if the rate hike is approved.
While city councilors were arguing in favor of an ability to renegotiate the rates should the CPI significantly drop in Republic’s calculations, history proves it unlikely to happen. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the last time the Consumer Price Index was negative in the United States was in 2015, when it was −0 1%. This was during a period of deflation, which is when prices decrease. The US has only experienced deflation twice in the last 60 years, the other time being in 2009 during the Great Recession.
Councilor David Shein said given that this is a future
oriented decision, he was voting yes on the rate increase.
“But I want us to drill down and deal with Councilor Riggs’ issue and deal with this before we get to next time,” he added.
Latta further clarified a no vote may not result in a re-negotiated lower rate, because Recology is negotiating from a position of what’s best for them.
“I think we can get a conversation going regardless of the outcome of the vote,” Latta explained. “And that negotiation will be to our benefit. We’ll have 7-8 months to lay into our position of that negotiation and get what’s important for the citizens.” In the end, councilors Michael Schilling, Nancy Adams, Carlos Barrientos and Kristen Collins joined Shein in approving the rate hike. Debbie Virden and Kim Fitzgerald joined Jantz and Briggs with no votes.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The Whale Watching Station in Depoe Bay is on the list of locations to visit during Winter Whale Watch Week Dec. 27-31.
From Page A1
my husband showed me. ‘I’ll probably be sorry I show you this,’ he said. This old jam is going on out in the country. I went once and I was hooked,” Ritts said.
She performs a variety of music, including blue grass, country and oldies.
“When it’s your turn in the circle, you just pick the song and we all play,” she said.
She was pleased by the turnout for the fundraiser Christmas jam.
“This is good. We used to have big crowds all the time,” Ritts said. “It’s family. This is my Guthrie Family. Once you come here, you’ll want to come back. That’s the whole feeling of camaraderie, buddies, see everybody you know.”
Right now, they have 15-20 musicians who show up to perform together on Friday nights and attract between 10-40 audience members.
Clark herself plays the mandolin, guitar and some standup base. They also get some fiddlers and banjo players in the mix of musicians.
“I love playing music every Friday night. It’s one of my great loves and I have such a great kinship with the people who come here. They keep me going, support me,” Clark said.
Pioneer David Guthrie came to Oregon in 1845 on the Applegate Trail and built the community center as a school so his growing family wouldn’t have to trudge through the mud to the nearest facility. The Guthrie Hall was eventually donated to Polk County, along with an acre of land. For nearly three decades it was rented to the public for private events.
When the county put the lot up for auction in 1987, Clark pounced. She and friends had
rented the hall for dances and as a place to play fiddles and banjos and in jam sessions.
“I had enough in my savings, that I thought I’d go for it and try,” Clark said. “I envisioned this as a place where the community would gather, be happy, be safe and have weddings, and dances.”
She had one other person she was bidding against.
“As I recall, he had plans to make it into a car garage. I was at my top. If it went any higher, I lost it,” she recalled.
Her $10,000 offer proved to be the winning bid.
From the start, she said attendance at the jam sessions was really good. Because it was before streaming services and cell phones. So, it was filled to the gills.
The Friday night jams attract participants from towns in four counties, including Salem, Corvallis, McMinnville and Dallas, Monmouth and Independence.
“I wanted to make this into a community center like they did in 1885 when they started the school, having events all the time,” Clark said. “For 33 years, I did dances, art shows and concerts. We always have weekly Friday night jams, third Saturday gospel jams, and a worship night the last Saturday of the month.”
Clark maintains the community center on a shoestring budget with the help of her husband, Herb Fecker.
Attendance took a hit during the COVID pandemic, but has slowly started building back up. A lot of the original musicians who first attended are in their 80s and 90s, Clark said. They now come sit and listen.
“It’s harder to get the younger generation, but I keep trying,” Clark said. She’s succeeded with the Stutzman family. Three generation of performers were the opening of six acts at the Christmas Jam.
Janet Stutzman, who has been coming to the Guthrie Community Center since she was 17, took to the stage to play Christmas bluegrass tunes with her daughters Danna, 12, on the mandolin and Nora, 10, on the fiddle. The youngest musicians were making their debut on the stage in front of an audience. They were joined by “daddy” Bailey on the guitar and “Grandpa” Robyn on the banjo.
“I think it’s really great,” Janet said. “Everybody comes together. It gives them something to do. Something fun, a little entertainment.”
Keep up to date on future events at the Guthrie Park Community Center on their Facebook page.
Follow their activities on the Guthrie Park Community Center Facebook page.
“I’d like to see everybody come out here and try it once,” Ritts added. “Become a part of the Guthrie Family. You’ll be glad you did.”
Santa Dollars
For $2 plus the price of your preferred bill(s), you can purchase this fun stocking stuffer and help Oregon State Credit Union raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. Come into any branch before 1 p.m. December 24 to get yours and help make a di fference in children’s lives
Visit the nearest branch today 464 Pacific Ave S in Monmouth 210 Orchard Dr in Dallas 510 Wallace Rd in West Salem
OPINION
The Sound of Winter
By Gary Derowitsch
Walking through a stand of trees I stopped on a trail and listened not for the sound of a squirrel warning of an intruder or the sound of a deer moving through the brush. Today I came to listen for the sound of winter, that time just before the first snowflake when everything around seems to grow peacefully silent. A time no one can describe or predict, but yet a time unmistakable to any who has experienced it.
Short gusts of wind weaved through the trees, whistling songs of old, and a Blue Jay called from afar. Beyond was a stand of Birch trees, leafless huddled together as though trying to stay warm. Above, the clouds, a continuous shade of gray closed in touching the tops of trees. The chill of winter whispered in my ear, “It’s Time” and before me a snowflake fell gently to the ground. Looking up I beheld other snowflakes and soon thousands followed gently drifting to the frozen earth.
The Sound of winter had come once again with the first snowflake. A time so short and yet seeming to last forever. A magical time when cares disappear, and old things pass away. A time of new beginnings and commitments to new and better things. A time when others become more important than ourselves and yes, a time when enemies become friends, and darkness light. Today, once again, I listened to the Sound of winter, a time that left as soon as it arrived.
The ground began to turn white before my eyes. It was time to go, to return by the trail I had come to slowly descend the hills, trees, and snow. All the animals were snug in their homes and all remained quiet.
A lone figure could be seen moving through the land and the falling snow and that figure was me.
Gary Derowitsch is a retired Monmouth postal worker who has lived in the area all his life.
LETTERS
lives through the gift of music. Your generosity truly makes a difference. Lu Ann Meyer Dallas School Board Member
during Dec. 9-15 1.27 in. Rain through Dec. 15 1.77 in.
Last night, I had the privilege of attending the LaCreole Middle School band concert, and I was absolutely blown away! Over 50 talented students performed in the beginner, intermediate and advanced band sections, showcasing both incredible skill and dedication. A special shoutout goes to band director Stephen Burroughs for his outstanding leadership, which was evident in every note
The touching stories you’ve shared about your instrument donations have been truly inspiring, and I know these treasures will find new life in the hands of students who might not otherwise have access to them. Your continued support of the band program is greatly appreciated. Instruments can be dropped off at Citizens Bank (across from Dairy Queen), and monetary donations are welcome at the high school front office.
Thank you for making a meaningful and lasting impact on students’
Blessed to live in Polk County
I moved to Polk County in 1990 from Marion County. I was surprised just how friendly the people are! Not just neighbors, but also the businesses.
There is one business that goes above just being friendly. I’m talking about the Westside Family Restaurant and Saloon, in Rickreall.
Tuesday,
Sunday, December 24th, services will be held at 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM All are welcome! Both will be beautiful candlelight services full of traditional Hymns celebrating the joy of our Savior’s arrival. Invite your family and friends to join you for one of these meaningful services at Trinity Lutheran Church
By DHS STAFF
Last Week, Kyleigh Whitney of the Monmouth Maps Credit Union presented a check for $1,000 to Dallas School District
CTE Coordinator Bill Masei as part of their Community Foundation Grant Award program. This annual award is given to local area educators in Marion and Polk Counties to support innovative classrooms or school-wide projects.
“It’s an honor to receive this award from Maps Credit Union. We appreciate their continued support of our local educators,” said Masei.
Dallas High School’s Financial Readiness Beyond project earned the top spot out of 190 Willamette Valley applicants. This project focuses on the development of personal financial literacy and career planning, as it relates to the Oregon Department of Education Senate Bill 3 requirements that take effect fall of 2027. As a part of this
Letters
From Page A4
Note: I am not related to the owners in any way, other than being a regular customer.
Since I’m single and not a good cook, I go there at least three times a week and am treated like family. The amazing part is they treat everyone like family.
Every year since they have been open, they have served a free Thanksgiving dinner to any and all who come through their door, with no exceptions. It is a complete dinner, including drinks and pie. They are a true blessing! Well. Maybe I am related, I think they adopted me.
Brad Bradford Monmouth
bill, every graduate will need to earn a .5 credit in Personal Financial Education and Career path skills. The project also aims to continue providing students the opportunity to earn professional certifications and licensures while in high school.
“I’m excited to be involved with the Senate Bill 3 initiative as Personal Finance and Career Planning education has been a passion of mine and I look forward to working with our team at Dallas High School to develop curriculum to ensure this need is met,” Masei said.
There is no additional state funding, so districts will need to create their own curriculum and develop learner resources that align with the standards and desired outcomes attached to Senate Bill 3, which was passed in the 2023 session. Outside grants provide vital funding sources for those districts to assist with program implementation costs.
Kyleigh Whitney of Maps Credit Union expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
“I am so honored on behalf of Maps that I got to present this grant to Dallas High School. When we read about what Mr. Masei wanted to use the proceeds of the grant for, we thought about the impact it could have on so many,” Whitney said. “Financial education is what Maps is all about and getting students set up for successful careers is right in line with that! The impact of this project is unmeasurable and will change lives for years to come.”
The grant award to Dallas High School highlights the significance of community partnerships in supporting educational initiatives. By collaborating with local organizations like Maps Credit Union, schools can access valuable resources and implement innovative programs that benefit their students.
Maps Credit Union was started in 1935 by a group of 20 teachers. To learn more about the 2024 Teacher Grant winners, visit www.mapscu. com.
Salem Symphonic Winds 50th anniversary season continues
Salem Symphonic Winds, featuring musicians from Polk and Marion counties, continues its 50th Anniversary season Jan. 12 with Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood, featuring narrator Jeff Witt. This quirky retelling of the classic fairy tale is set to music by Paul Patterson. He wrote the music for a BBC production of the fairy tale that featured a cast including Ian Holm, Julie Walters, and Danny Devito, with the music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This performance will be the US premiere of the band arrangement by Paul Pellay. John Skelton will conduct the program.
The concert opens with Sergei Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes. Prokofiev wrote the work in 1919 when he was in the United States. It was initially scored for clarinet, string quartet, and piano. Fifteen years later, he scored it for chamber orchestra. This will be a performance of Dutch arranger Andre Bodin’s new transcription for Symphonic Band.
Julie Giroux’s newly published To The Bells of Berlin Cathedral is based on a charming story about the encounter between the novelist Franz Kafka and a little girl crying about her lost doll in the park in Berlin. The work was written shortly after Giroux suffered the death of her mother. This story brought her back to composing with the realization that “everything you love is very likely to be lost, but in the end, love will return in a different way.”
Salem Symphonic Winds principal clarinetist Patrice DeRoest will be featured in the US premiere of Satoshi Yagisawa’s Angels in Allchin Garden. Yagisawa wrote the work as he reflected on comparing his students to angels while teaching at the Kobe College of Music in Japan. The work is an optimistic piece intended to deepen the bonds between the college students, faculty, alumni, and staff. DeRoest has played clarinet for 49 years, joined Salem Symphonic Winds in 1995, and serves on the board and as clarinet section leader.
The arrangement by Kazuhiro Morita of music from Spirited Away by Joe Hisaishi and Yumi
Kimura will transport our audience to the fantastic world of Japanese Anime. Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows a 10-year-old girl who stumbles into a world of spirits while moving to a new neighborhood. After a witch transforms her parents into pigs, she must find a way to free herself and her parents and return to the human world. This band arrangement includes six musical themes from the film.
John Skelton said each concert in the band’s 50th season will feature dramatic music, guest soloists, and soloists from within the band. The band takes pride in its performances, which mix traditional band repertoire with a healthy serving of fantastic new works.
This Jan. 12 concert is at 3 p.m. in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. Tickets are available at www.SalemSymphonicWinds.org or at the door. Reduced-price tickets are available for senior citizens, college students, and youth.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Kyleigh Whitney, of the Monmouth Maps Credit Union, presents a check for $1,000 to Bill Masei, Dallas School District CTE Coordinator, as part of the Community Foundation Grant Award program.
Jay Maxwell Wright
July 6, 2009 – Nov. 15, 2024
Jay Maxwell Wright, born July 6 2009, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 15 2024, surrounded by love and comfort.
He leaves behind his devoted mother, Emily Thurman, and his loyal best friend, Charly, a cherished companion who brought him much joy and comfort.
Jay’s bright smile and warm, kind heart touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A truly special young man, Jay possessed an innocence and purity that reminded us all of the goodness in the world. His laughter, light and love will remain forever in the hearts of the many family members and friends whose lives he
enriched. Jay’s life, though short, was filled with love, joy, and countless memories that will be treasured always. His gentle spirit and unyielding positivity were a beacon of hope for all who knew him.
“If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.”
Jay will be profoundly missed by all who loved him. Services to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local children’s hospitals in Jay’s memory.
Diana Frances Lehman Nov. 17, 1937 - Dec. 7, 2024
Diana Frances Lehman (Luther) was born on Nov. 17 1937, in Astoria, Oregon,
DEATH NOTICE
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OBITUARIES
to Anna Marie and Theodore Luther. She grew up in Toledo, Oregon. She was voted best dancer and best personality by her high school class. Diana received her nursing degree from University of Portland.
At a New Year’s Eve Party at Timberline Lodge she met her life long partner, Lee Lehman. They were married on July 28, 1962. They raised five daughters together, instilling the values of family, friendship, faith, and community.
Diana worked as an registered nurse in Corvallis, Forest Grove and Hillsboro and then went back for her nursing refresher course to continue her work at the Dallas hospital.
She worked as a teaching assistant in the Dallas school District and after retiring, she volunteered as a lunch buddy touching many children’s lives.
She was a dedicated member at St. Philips Catholic church where she taught Sunday School, summer vacation bible school, was a member of the Altar Society, and offered hospitality.
Over the years she volunteered with Camp Fire, Meals on Wheels, with Hospice
providing respite care, and through missionary trips to South Dakota, New Mexico, and Mexico. Diana had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed the several years they lived in Monterrey, Mexico.
She loved meeting new people and hearing their stories. She loved to dance, take walks on the beach, was a formidable card player, and had an insatiable sweet tooth. She demonstrated her love by showing up and offering a helping hand.
She is survived by her husband Lee; her five daughters and their spouses Leslie (Peter) Mahony, Theresa (Jena Elliott) Lehman, Stephanie Lehman (John Filipowicz), Jennifer (Brett) Bishop, and Sarah (Matt Thomas) Lehman; siblings Tom (Judy) Luther, Suzy (David) Whitehead, and Ted (Susie) Luther; and her 10 grandchildren Matthew Mahony, Anna (Shea) Thomas, Jacob Bishop, Samantha Otis, Ben Mahony, Madeline Bishop, Isabelle Bishop, Sophia Bishop, Ellie Thomas and Peter Thomas.
Lee and her children welcome you to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Philips Catholic Church with luncheon to follow.
There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, you can make a memorial gift to Alzheimer’s Association 5285 Meadows Road, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035. Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family. To leave an online condolence or share a memory with the family go to www. BollmansTributeCenter.com.
Gloria Van Elverdinghe
May 8, 1935 – Nov. 30, 2024
Gloria Edna (Stluka) Van Elverdinghe, a beloved wife, mother, sister and community member of Dallas, Oregon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 89
Born on the family farm in Eastman, Wisconsin, Gloria married the love of her life,
Robert Van Elverdinghe. They were blessed with nine children over a span of 20 years. An active member of St. Philip Church, Gloria served as the church organist for 30 years. She lived a life of love, faith and service. She was a devoted, dedicated and talented cornerstone of her family, church and community. Gloria is survived by her children/spouses, grandchildren/spouses, great grandchildren, brother/spouse, and sister-in-law. She is dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Known for her kindness, compassion and caring nature, Gloria touched many lives through her faith, music and unwavering love for others. She was a calm, nurturing pillar of strength and support for everyone.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church Jan. 18 2025, at 11 a.m.
Please wear blue attire in her memory. In lieu of flowers, make memorial contributions to Medical Teams International or your charity of choice. Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family.
WOU provost faculty fellows announced
Western Oregon University’s Office of the Provost fellows are
David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., and Patricia
Pratt, Ph.D.
Western Oregon University’s Office of the Provost launched a new initiative called Provost Faculty Fellows to recognize
faculty’s commitment to academic leadership, while also recognizing the significant contributions faculty make to the university community.
PRE-PLANNING YOUR FINAL ARRANGEMENTS IS A MOST PRECIOUS GIFT ONLY YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES. CALL TODAY!
This year’s first cohort of faculty fellows are Patricia Gimenez-Eguíbar, Ph.D., David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., Kristen Pratt, Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D.
PRE-PLANNING YOUR FINAL ARRANGEMENTS IS A MOST PRECIOUS GIFT ONLY YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES. CALL TODAY!
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Each fellow will work with Academic Affairs leadership for two terms on specific projects
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highlighting Western’s commitment to student and faculty success. Projects identified this year include faculty mentorship, artificial intelligence in academic and work settings, developing external partnerships related to research for the National Science Foundation, and re-envisioning Western’s student course evaluation instrument.
“The expertise these faculty fellows will bring to the table is a great asset to the university,” said Provost Jose Coll. “Their proven commitment to student and faculty success is essential for advancing our goals and ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of students.” The initiative will also provide opportunities to broaden their understanding of higher education administration, participate in various decision-making processes, support departmental and institutional efforts through concentrated and guided experiences, and engage, empower, and benefit from other faculty expertise.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
(from left) Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D.,
Gimenez-Eguibar, Ph.D. Not pictured, Kristen
Investigating the Bible: The Birth of Jesus
By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR
The birth of Jesus is treated differently in each gospel. Mark skipped it. The Gospel of John has one sentence.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, English Standard Version used throughout.)
Luke provided much more. The angel Gabriel came to the virgin Mary in Nazareth and told her, “…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus… And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will
reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33).
Luke explained the reason for the birth in Bethlehem. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered… All went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.” (Luke 2:1, 4).
Mary was in her ninth month of pregnancy and the journey to Bethlehem was ninety miles. Trusting God, they prepared for the sixday trip south, packing food for a week and blankets for cold nights. If Mary rode
a donkey, it would have slowed their journey. She was young and strong, so she probably walked; the donkey could carry supplies. They finally arrived at Bethlehem in the evening and found a stable for the donkey. Joseph searched for warm lodging. He and Mary knew the birth of the child was imminent. He found nothing. It could have been from too many people responding to the decree from Caesar and it could have been discrimination. People in Bethlehem and southern Israel looked down on anyone from Galilee and Nazareth. They spoke a different dialect. They were usually more wealthy, since the north was better for farming than the dry south and fishing in the Sea of Galilee was
profitable. At each inn, an owner, recognizing Joseph’s speech, would have no motivation to help.
“No room for a Galilean,” they could say. So Joseph returned to the stable. A midwife would help with the birth and be shocked that this very pregnant woman was still a virgin. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger…” (Luke 2:7).
Matthew’s account offers more.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 1:18). An angel
explained to Joseph in a dream the virgin birth of the child “…and they shall call his name Immanuel, (which means God with us).”
(Matthew 1:25).
Matthew told the story of the wise men. They had stopped in Jerusalem and learned from Herod that Bethlehem was prophesized as the birthplace of the Jewish king. Later Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream of Herod’s treacherous plan to murder this new king, so Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt.
There is a legend about their escape, given by William Barclay. As Joseph and Mary hurried south to Egypt, they were so exhausted they stopped at a cave to spend the night. They
were some distance from Bethlehem, but still at risk of being found by Herod’s soldiers. A little spider saw the holy child.
“What can I give Jesus?” he asked. He decided he would weave a web across the cave entrance to help keep out the cold. Late in the night, soldiers came to the cave. The leader saw the web and said, “They could not be in here. The spider’s web is not broken.”
They left and the baby Jesus was saved.
(Mr. Pastor (yes, that is his last name, not his profession) is a Polk County, Oregon resident and graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota (M.Div., M.Th.)
Polk County Worship Directory
Worship Directory
DALLAS
Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call 971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.)
More about the Bahá’í Faith: www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org
Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship Gatherings: Sundays 9am & 10:30am. Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman. www. dallaschurch.org
Dallas Church of Christ — 691 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, 503-623-8791.
Sundays: 9:30am Bible Classes for all, 10:30am Worship, 2:00pm Group Bible Talk, Wednesdays: 6:30pm Bible Study. Come to any, come to them all! Individual Bible studies gladly made by appointment. Web:dallaschurchofchrist.com.
Dallas Evangelical Church — A Place of Hope and Healing: 783 SW Church Street, Dallas Oregon, across from the Post Office. Find us on Facebook: on page DallasEC, MyDallasEC Friends and www.dallasec.org. Join us on Sundays in person or on Zoom for weekly Bible Study and Worship Service. We worship in a contemporary, casual format. Sunday Services: Bible Study 9:00 AM; Worship Service 10:00 AM, zoom room 228-034-850. Celebrate Recovery (a Christ Based 12 Step Program) is also on Sundays and starts with Dinner 5:00 PM; Large Group (Worship) 6:00 PM, and small groups at 7PM. We have a Community Clothing Closet: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat 9 AM - Noon; Thurs Nights 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Step Studies are often starting or ending all year and meeting at various times. Message phone 503-6233778. Find us on Facebook: DallasEC or join MyDallasEC Friends. You can email pastor Dave at pastor.dave@dallasec.org
Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St., on the corner of Washington and Hayter. Senior Pastor: Darrin Hausler. Worship Gatherings: Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Youth Home Groups: Sunday evenings from 6-8:00 p.m. Please call for locations. We are a multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or visit us online at dallasfour.com.
Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe St., Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Troy Bassham, Youth Pastor Andrew Wheeler, Administrative Pastor Mike Fast. Sunday services 9:00am & 10:30am. Awana 6:30pm Wednesday. Weekly Prayer meeting 6:30pm Wednesday. Women’s Bible Study Thursday 9:30 am & 6:30 pm. Men’s Bible Study Thursday 6:30pm. Compass Middle School Youth Group Thursday 6:30pm. Forged High School Youth Group Tuesday 6:30pm. Live Streamed services via facebook and youtube @EBCDallas. Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, 503-623-4961. Lead Pastor- Dave Bertolini, Sunday Worship Gatherings 9:00am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, Youth Life Groups, and scheduled Sunday School Classes running concurrently & 10:45am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, and scheduled Sunday School Classes, running concurrently.
Live Stream our 10:45am service at www.graceindallas.online.church Visit our Website at www.graceindallas.org for office hours, sermon downloads, event information, and more!
House of His Presence — House of His Presence, located at 177 SW Oak St. in Dallas, welcomes all who are seeking to know God intimately and live life abundantly. We believe God transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ as we encounter His Holiness, Righteousness and Truth through His manifested presence, worship and the Word of God. Sunday morning service at 10:30 am, visit the website for ongoing ministries during the week. For more information call 503-420-4612 Website www. houseofhispresence.net
Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062. Pastor Ray Huff. Sunday Prayer 9:30am, Worship 10:00am, Children’s Church (during service, nursery provided). Wednesday Prayer 6:30pm, Worship 7:00pm. Men’s fellowship second Saturday, Pastor Ray Huff is in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for info 503-623-9062.
Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Lead Pastor David Curtis, Family Pastor Josiah Buhler. Sunday School 9:30am. Sunday morning Worship Gathering 10:50am. Nursery provided for worship services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Middle and High School youth at 6:30pm. Please call for information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch St PO Box 450 Dallas, Or 97338
503-623-5872
Pastor Ted Perry, Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 9:30 am, Worship Service 11 am Study and Prayer Wednesday 7pm Office hours: Wed, Thurs & Friday 9-12 . Community Services for food and clothing Wednesday 10am to 1pm. St. Philip Catholic Church — Fr. Michael P. Johnston, Pastor Pastor Email: mpjinpdx@yahoo.com | 825 S.W. Mill Street, Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: (503) 623.2440 - www.stphilorg.org.
Liturgical Schedule
Monday- Wednesday - 5:30 p.m. Mass
Thursday - 8:00 a.m. ( No Mass on Friday)
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Masses - 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Donuts will be served after Sunday services
St. Thomas Episcopal Church — Welcome! Our church is located at 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. Our phone number is 503-623-5822 . Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our congregation on Sundays for the 10 a.m. service or find us live on Facebook and updates. Join us for coffee after our service. Our services are as follows: 1st and 3rd Sundays are Morning Prayer. 2nd and 4th Sundays are Holy Eucharist. Blessings!
Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas. All are welcome! Adult Bible Study 8:45am Sundays, Worship Service 10:00am, coffee hour with treats after service. Nursery available for parents to use. Play area for small children in sanctuary during worship service. Youth Group HS/MS 11:30am Sundays. Bible Study Wednesdays 1:00pm. Contact us at 503-623-2233 or at questionsdallastlc@gmail. com. Online at, dallastlc.org and streamed on Youtube @trinitylutheranchurch6821. Check it out! Office open M-F 10:00am-2:00pm. Because God first loved us, we celebrate the gifts of Christ through worship, service, and community.
United Methodist Church — a church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors, 565 SE LaCreole Dr, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Pastor Rev. Ruth Marsh. Inperson Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Go to the website at: umcdallas.wixsite. com/dallas-umc for additional information.
Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 SE Miller Ave., Dallas. Lead Pastor: Chris Barker; Youth: Jeff Anderson; Children: Crystal Barker; Worship/Media: Jesse Ceballos. Sunday Service is at 10:00 am and online streaming at 10:00 am (www. valleylife.love.) On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, there is Men’s Bible Study, Ladies Bible Study, Ignite Youth, Rangers Boys Club, Mpact Girls Club, Rainbows, and nursery care. For more information, contact us at www.vallelylife.love, info@valleylifecenter. com or 503-623-4116.
FALLS CITY
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-7873907. Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 10:00am; Worship Service 11:10am. Community Service Center Food Bank: Second Wednesday, 11am-3pm, Fourth Sunday, 11am-3pm.
INDEPENDENCE
Christ The King Church — Service on Sundays10 am 155 C St, Independence OR 97351 . 503-551-9516 or visit us at www.ctkindependence.com.
Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503838-5119. Sunday Service and Children’s Church 9:30am Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30pm. Thursday Adult Bible Study 6:30pm First Baptist Church — A warm friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St., Independence (across from Central High School); 503-8381001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays: Worship Service 11am Wednesdays: AWANA 7pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group 6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at www.independencefirstbaptist.com
St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela. Saturday Masses: 5pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish. Sunday Masses: 9am English & 11:30am Spanish. Daily Masses: Monday 9:30am Communion Service. 9am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm or by appointment. Faith Formation: Monday 6:45pm -8:15pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45pm8:15pm. Grades 1-4. Youth Group Thur. 6:30pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday 7pm Fellowship.
MONMOUTH
Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W, Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Steve Mitchell. Worship Service 11:15am Call for information on small groups.
Cultivate Community Church — We exist to cultivate a community of people who love Jesus, each other, and our cities, joining God in the renewal of all things. We meet at 655 S. Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99), Monmouth. Just south of Bi-Mart. Our Sunday service is at 10:00am. Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at 7pm. Missional Community groups meet in homes throughout the week. Call the church at 503838-1369. Come join us!
Monmouth Christian Church — 969 Church St W, Monmouth 97361. Office hours M-T 9a-4p. Phone: 503-838-1145. Join us for services on Sundays, 9am & 11am. Live ONLINE Service 11am. Please visit our website for more info or on how to join our online service. WWW.MYMCC.CCSt. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth Or.
LIGHT OF CHRIST ANGLICAN As members of the Anglican Church of North America, we are connected to Christianity’s ancient heritage through our
By ALXE BAUMHART and JULIA SHUMWAY Oregon Capital Chronicle
When wildfires popped up in central Oregon this summer, Ken Jackola, the mayor of Lebanon and vice president of Rick Franklin Corp. was quick to respond.
For months, his employees at the company’s headquarters in Lebanon near Salem provided equipment and helped build emergency roads and corridors for firefighters who faced a historic season. This year, Oregon faced more than 2,000 fires that scorched nearly 2 million acres, a new record. The season ended in October, but Jackola is still waiting for the Oregon Department of Forestry to reimburse all of his expenses.
“We’ve already paid payroll, fuel invoices for operations and all the other overhead that a business has to pay, and then we’re told by a state agency that they don’t have money to pay us back,” he said. “I don’t care what size company you are, $630 000 is still $630 000.” His company is among many that have yet to be paid, prompting Gov. Tina Kotek to call a special legislative session Thursday to come up with $218 million to pay outstanding balances from the 2024 wildfire season.
Lawmakers voted 25-2 in the Senate and 42-2 in the House to pay that bill by sending $191 5 million to the state forestry department and $26 6 million to the Office of the State Fire Marshal to cover payments like those owed to Rick Franklin Corp.
That money is about twothirds of the entire cost this year, which totaled more
than $350 million. While around half is expected to be reimbursed by federal agencies, the state agencies have to pay contractors for their work upfront while they wait, sometimes for a year or more, for federal reimbursement.
“For both agencies, basically, the fire season was expensive enough that we can’t float the money like we normally do,” said Joy Krawczyk, a spokesperson for the forestry department.
‘Absolutely unacceptable’
Lawmakers who voted for the funding, including Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, said waiting to pay bills was “absolutely unacceptable.”
Findley called for the head of the forestry department to resign before casting his vote.
“What we have done is put vendors on the hook for a lot of money,” Findley said.
“They had to borrow money. They had to go into debt. And this is wrong. I did not know as a legislator, until the middle of November, about how bad this was.”
About a dozen uniformed firefighters were in the Capitol on Thursday to watch the Legislature act, watching from large screens in hearing rooms as lawmakers met in adjacent rooms. The House and Senate chambers were closed for construction, leaving lawmakers to sit shoulder-to-shoulder in hearing rooms on opposite ends of a long hall.
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, lost his home in the Santiam Canyon to the Beachie Creek wildfire in September 2020. He told his colleagues that it was the most traumatic experience of his life, and that he misses
what he lost — the flying squirrels who traveled around the home, a picture of the steelhead he caught when he was 5 years old and all the little touches he and his wife spent hundreds of hours working on to make it their perfect home.
“All that’s just gone,” he said. “And it really hurts that fire is such a low priority in this state that we can’t even afford to pay the contractors that we hired to fight fires.”
The $218 million will come from the state’s general fund — paid for by Oregon tax payments — despite state land making up less than 2% of the burned acres. More than one-third of all acres burned have been on private land — mostly in eastern Oregon grass and shrublands. About 64% was on federal land, according to the Wildland Mapping Institute. At least 42 homes and 132 other structures were burned.
Wildfire protection and costs in Oregon are generally split between private and public landowners and the state’s general fund. But the money paid by private landowners, via a pot of money they fund through fees, is capped at $10 million once costs for any wildfire season exceed $20 million. This year, Oregonians through the general fund will pay more than 14 times as much for the fire season than private landowners.
Vote against Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, has voted against most fire funding proposals in the past decade and voted against the funding measure Thursday. He said he disagrees with the state’s history
of paying to fight wildfires and protect communities out of the state’s general fund, which leaves less money from education, public safety and transportation.
“It is time that these large forest landowners pay for the wildfire on their own lands, like most all of us do,” Holvey said.
Along with Holvey, Republican Sens. Dennis Linthicum of Beatty and Brian Boquist of Dallas and Rep. James Hieb, R-Canby, voted against the proposal.
In September, the Legislature’s Emergency Board allocated $47 5 million to the forestry department and fire marshal’s office to cover some outstanding costs. The Department of Forestry then asked the state Treasury for a $60 million loan in October but the Treasury turned that down, according to reporting from Willamette Week.
Paying for the increased costs of the longer and more expensive fire seasons associated with increasing drought and heat from climate change is a challenge the Legislature has sought for several years to address. It will hear in January from a wildfire cost committee that has spent the last year coming up with some ideas for sustainable wildfire funding.
So far the group — which includes politicians, state agency officials, lobbyists for the timber, ranching and agriculture industries, utility companies and county associations — has proposed a range of ideas for paying Oregon’s wildfire bills. They include new or increased taxes and fees — on insurers, campsites and timber,
for example — or drawing money from the state’s “kicker” tax rebate. But none of the solutions appears to call on utility companies to contribute to the funding, despite causing some of the costliest fires in state history in recent years, including the 2020 Labor Day Fires, which killed nine people, destroyed thousands of homes and were the most expensive in Oregon history, costing as much as $1 2 billion.
Push for more logging Republican lawmakers signaled that they’ll push to roll back logging restrictions, as they blame environmental regulations and reduced logging for worse fire seasons. Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, called for incoming President Donald Trump to “fix” the Endangered Species Act and Equal Access to Justice Act, which he said “created a lawsuit factory.”
“We’re not going to reduce wildfires by building electric car chargers,” Diehl said. “We’re not going to reduce wildfires by tearing out dams, and we will not reduce wildfires by building offshore wind farms. We will reduce wildfires by actively managing our lands, by selectively and sustainably harvesting, reducing our forest fuel loads and grazing our grasslands. We are stewards of these lands, not passive bystanders.”
Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, said that the Legislature needs to allocate more money toward fighting fires so lawmakers don’t find themselves in this same situation. He said lawmakers should have set aside extra money to wildland fire
response when it had a high ending balance several years ago.
“We didn’t put enough money into the e-board,” he said, referring to the Legislature’s emergency board. “We didn’t have any money dedicated in the budget to address this need, and we should in the future.”
Rep. Dacia Grayber, a Tigard Democrat and the Legislature’s only firefighter, said knowing that Oregon faces hotter and drier weather and more fires keeps her up at night.
“We talk about this as a historic wildfire season,” Grayber said. “I think that we run the risk of this being our new normal.”
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/12/12/ oregon-legislature-approves-218-million-in-additional-wildfire-funding-in-emergency-session/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
Editor’s note: The Capital Chronicle has launched a $10 000 end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our first-class coverage next year. A lot is at stake, and there’s a long legislative session in 2025. We’re completely dependent on donor dollars, which are tax deductible. Please contribute to us if you can.
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PREP SPORTS SCOREBOARD
Boys basketball
Dec. 10
North Medford 72, Central 34
Tigard 83, Dallas 59
Elkton 53, Perrydale 28
Dec. 11
Perrydale 59, Falls City 36
Dec. 13
Central 51, McMinnville 47
Mapleton 51, Perrydale 36
Girls Basketball
Dec. 10
Elkton 50, Perrydale 18
Dec. 11
Perrydale 57, Falls City 25
Dec. 13
Central 47, Westview 34
Perrydale 44, Mapleton 42
John Howey Memorial Tournament
South Wasco High School, Maupin Dec. 13
South Wasco County 58, Falls City Girls 39
So. Wasco County 51
Dec. 14 Cove 36, Falls City Girls 20
Southwest Christian 46, Falls City Boys 8
SPORTS CALENDAR
Thursday, Dec. 19
Girls Basketball Central at Capitol City Classic
Chemeketa Community College, 4 p.m.
Willamette Valley Christian at Perrydale, 5:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Willamette Valley Christian at Perrydale, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
Girls Basketball
Central at Capitol City Classic Chemeketa Community College, TBD Falls City at Mohawk, 5:30 p.m. Perrydale at North Clackamas Christian, 6 p.m.
Cleveland at Dallas, 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball Dallas at Glencoe, 6 p.m.
Parkrose at Central, 7 p.m. Falls City at Mohawk, 7 p.m. Perrydale at North Clackamas Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Panthers bounce back against McMinnville
By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer
The Panthers varsity boys basketball team ended the week on a high note, with a 51-47 win at McMinnville on Friday.
The victory came three days after falling to the Black Tornadoes of North Medford, 72-34. What a difference a few days made.
“I’m very happy with how our team responded against McMinnville after the embarrassment at home versus North Medford,” said coach Tyler Allen. “(That) game was lost in the first three possessions. We came out flat, and didn’t take care of the ball … We had little focus on the defensive end.”
It was a different story against the Grizzlies.
“After two very hard practices, we came out like a different team for our first game on the road, against a very well-rounded McMinnville team,” Allen added. “We executed on offense, focused
on our rotations on defense, and just looked ready to compete.”
David Walle netted a 3-pointer with less than a minute remaining to push the Panthers’ advantage to four points. Teammates Jack Holestine and Ryan Burgett combined for 30 points.
“(Holestine and Burgett) continue to lead us with their offensive production,” Allen said.
Branden Ball added six rebounds, along with five steals each from Holestine and Burgett.
Burgett began the week with a 9-point performance against North Medford while freshman Lucas Haines and Holestine netted six points each in that game. Burgett had a team-high five rebounds.
Parkrose is here Dec. 20 for the team’s preseason finale. Game time is 7 p.m.
Central opens league play Jan. 3 against South Albany at home.
Tigard trips up Dallas
The Dragons couldn’t keep pace with Tigard in the second quarter. That proved costly in an 83-59 loss on Friday.
The Tigers outscored Dallas 28-12 in the pivotal frame. Otherwise, the Dragons were competitive, being outscored by one point in the second half.
Diego Miranda, and his 23 points and five assists, led the visitors. Who also got 13 points from Talon Kreiger and 10 from Xander Hammill.
Derrick Johnson and Tristan Porter added seven rebounds each.
The Dragons return to the court Friday at Glencoe, with tipoff at 6 p.m.
Lady Dragons schedule full slate of matches
It’s a different story with the girls team, which will be kept busy with four games between Monday, Dec. 16, and Saturday.
This week’s action began with games versus Tillamook
on Dec. 16 and at Parkrose on Dec. 17. Results were after the Itemizer’s deadline.
Energized Pirates too much for Mountaineers
By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer
The Pirates came out energized and never let down in varsity girls basketball game at Falls City High School Dec. 11. The result, a 57-25 win over the Mountaineers in the league opener for both teams.
“I thought the energy was there tonight. The effort for all four quarters was there,” coach Madi Hull said. “So, I’m proud of them.”
Though Perrydale easily got past Elkton, 50-18, in a Dec. 10 matchup, Hull felt her team lacked energy in the first half. That wasn’t the case against Falls City.
“Well, that was the emphasis of today’s game. Because of last night’s game against Elkton, we didn’t come out very fast in the first quarter. We got there by the third quarter, but it wasn’t what it was tonight, and so that was our emphasis,” Hull said.
Freshman guard Kaila Gibson also saw a difference on the court.
“I think our mindset was just a lot more energetic tonight, and we had that energy from the beginning of the game instead of trying to get it mid game. Which is what you want to do in any league game,” Gibson said. “I think tonight went pretty good for our team.”
Gibson led the Pirates with 21 points and eight steals. Perrydale also got a
combined 15 points and eight steals from Isabelle Arthur and Mallory Gunther. Reese Cornthwaite contributed a team-high eight boards.
Playing smarter, more intense defense is also being emphasized by the Pirates this young season. Hull likes what she has seen so far.
“We’re working on a lot of new things, and I thought they did a great job. Like tipping the ball from behind, working on boxing out, moving the ball a little bit,” Hull explained. “Just creating chaos, scrambling and moving.”
Perrydale made it four straight wins by edging Mapleton, 44-42, Dec. 13 at home.
Gibson kept it going with 19 points and five steals against the Sailors. Sophie Jackson-Roteman added six rebounds.
The team’s defense forced 15 turnovers.
The Pirates now own wins against Powers, Elkton, Falls City and Mapleton. Their lone loss came against Nestucca, 47-22, in the season opener on Dec. 4
The girls remain busy this holiday season as they host Willamette Valley Christian, 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, and are at North Clackamas Christian on Friday and Eddyville Charter on Saturday.
As for Falls City, coach Micke Kidd wants to see
CHS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
Mallory Gunther (12) sets up an assist to teammate Reese Cornthwaite streaking to the basket while Mountaineers Ariel Cooper (5) and Nadia McKee (10) apply defensive pressure in last girls’ basketball action.
his players respond better to defensive pressure.
“Obviously, their full-court pressure bothered us. We had trouble matching that,” Kidd said. Kidd returned to coaching after an absence of several years - he last served in this capacity in 2020 - and so his players are starting from scratch.
“This is really only our second game learning the new system, offensively and defensively,” he said. “Our girls played hard, obviously.”
Senior guard Sofie Gonzalez saw the game as a step in the right direction for Falls City.
“It was a hard loss. You don’t want to lose,” she said. “But we’re going to continue to just keep working together and focus on the next game.” Still, Gonzales wants to see more hustle, consistency on defense and better conditioning from her teammates. But there were also pluses.
Ava Woods
“I thought we all played as a team. We communicated
Carter Smith
Carter
Carter Smith
Carter played a key role in helping the Boys Soccer team secure their first win against
A big shout out to Ava Woods. In her first game as a starting varsity point guard, she racked up 7 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 assists! This propelled the Lady Dragons to their first program win at Franklin High School 46-32. Not only is Ava a star on the court, but she’s also an honors student, representing the best of what it means to be a Dragon!
Carter played a key role in helping the Boys Soccer team secure their first win against Lebanon! As a defensive wing, Carter is known for playing nearly every minute of every game, working hard at every practice, and frustrating opposing offenses with his technical defense and aggressive play.
CONGRATULATIONS CARTER!
CONGRATULATIONS CARTER!
CONGRATULATIONS CARTER!
Friday, they host Cleveland in their final preseason home game, 7 p.m.. The girls are at North Bend on Saturday.
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
David Walle (0) drives against North Medford as teammate Jack Holestine (23) looks on in varsity boys basketball action from last week.
PAGES OF THE PAST FLASHBACK
50 years ago
Dec, 18, 1974
Santa Claus pays visit to council
An unscheduled visit from Santa Claus at Monday night’s Dallas City Council meeting brought the meeting to a halt as councilmen and members of the audience roared with laughter while Santa presented a cookie to each of the councilmen for being good for the last year. Rumor has it that a certain Curtis A. Lamb, local Chamber manager, was the one responsible for the unexpected appearance. When things got back to normal, the council went ahead with items on their agenda.
Community correction system attempting ‘early’ rehabilitation
An agency founded on the belief that law offenders are members of the community who should have the opportunity to develop their potential for living within the law, began operation earlier this year with
personnel serving Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. The responsibilities of the project now include transportation of arrestees, rehabilitative jail programs, pre-trial release, presentence reports, special reports, probationary supervision and parole supervision. The overall goal of the agency is to reduce the number of repeat offenders – especially misdemeanor offenders.
Dragons remain undefeated after three games
The Orange and Black were shooting cold in the pre-game warmups Friday evening prior to their meeting with the visiting Grants Pass Cavemen. But, after the opening center jump, they warmed to the task and finished the evening with a fine 24 for 50 from the floor and 8 of 10 from the line to easily defeat their Southern Oregon opponents 56 to 35 Dallas has now whipped McNary (by 16), Willamette (by 6) and Grants Pass.
40 years ago
Dec. 19, 1984
County survives snowfalls
Two snowfalls caused snowmen to sprout in Polk County and set people to thinking about a white Christmas, but didn’t present major problems for most county residents last week. According to the National Weather Service, Fahrenheit temperatures should rise into the 40s or low 50s on Thursday through Saturday, with rain at times late
Thursday and Friday, and partial clearing on Saturday. No snow is expected.
Students collect 7,534 food items
A total of 7 534 food items were piled high at Dallas High School Friday at the completion of a canned food drive that more than doubled the 3 300 items collected last year. Each year, DHS students gather foodstuffs for the
Deputy Wesley Parker graduates from DPSST
Christmas Cheer Committee providing boxes for needy families. A goal of four cans per student was set by the student council and a competition was arranged between second period classes.
Perrydale girls win big over CCA
A 23-1 third quarter in Perrydale’s favor gave the girls varsity basketball team more than enough
Warkentin’s class. These shiny
they have been the past year. Pictured are (left going clockwise) Dana August, Kelli Johnson, Barbara Friesen, Gigi Hartman, Antony Breeden, Shane Hoyt and Joe Sellers.
TOWN CRIER
Community Calendar Dec. 18-25
Wednesday, Dec. 18
• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 9:30 a.m. - Independence Municipal Court, City Hall, 555 South Main St.
• 10 a.m. – Four Handed Pinochle/Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 10 a.m. - Tai Chi, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 10:30 a.m. - Story Time with Miss Jo, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.
• 11 a.m. - Mah-Jong, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 1:30 p.m. - Kids Stay and Paint art show, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.
• 4 p.m. - Connecting With Loose Threads for Charity, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 5:30 p.m. - Dallas Park Advisory Board & Tree Advisory Board meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.
• 7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.
Santa visits
WFV Dec. 19
Santa Claus is coming to Willamette Valley Fiber from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 19 at their Dallas office, 988 SE Jefferson St. Bring your family, take photos with Santa, and enjoy the holiday cheer. Light refreshments and treats will be provided.
YMCA hosts Eat Like an Elf meal Dec. 20 The Monmouth Independence Family
YMCA hosts Eat Like
An Elf meal Dec. 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. at 425 Gwinn St., in Monmouth. Registration is digital. For more information, contact Amanda Schimmel at aschimmel@theyonline. org or visit the YMCA front desk.
Thursday, Dec. 19
• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 10 a.m. - Cards/table games, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 10:15 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 11 a.m. - Caring for the Caregiver Workshop, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch Bunch, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 11:10 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 2 p.m. - Third Thursday Book Club: “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.
• 3 p.m. - Friends of the Monmouth Senior Center Board meeting
• 5 p.m. - Independence Mayor John McArdle Retirement Celebration, Independence Civic Center. 555 South Main St.
• 6 p.m. - Independence Parks Board meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.
Valley Life Center
Hosts Christmas Spectacular Dec. 20
Valley Life Center presents their Christmas Spectacular: Home For Christmas, at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at their Dallas location, 1795 SE Miller Ave. The event features performances by a Christmas Community Choir, an orchestra, a quartet, drama, a live nativity, and an outside light display, Free tickets are available at the Welcome Center or online at www.valleylife. love.
Harvest CrossFit hosts Row-a-Thon Dec. 21
Harvest CrossFit’s annual Row-a-Thon returns Dec. 21. Teams of 4 will row a marathon together, while also watching favorite
• 6:30 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads, Monmouth
Senior Community Center
• 6:30 p.m. - Monmouth Tree Advisory Board meeting, Monmouth Power & Light, 780 Ecols St. S.
Friday, Dec. 20
• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth
Senior Community Center
• 10 a.m. - Listening Ear, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem
Dallas Hwy NW
• 10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/ Listening Ear/Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 10 a.m. - Writer’s Workshop, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi with Cheryl/Age Cafe, Monmouth
Senior Community Center
• 1:30 p.m. - Jewelry Making, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 4 p.m. - Kids Movie “The Happy Elf” and Gingerbread Building, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.
• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Roudy Rumblers Band, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence
• 6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley Highway S.
Saturday, Dec. 21
• 9 a.m. - Stretch exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 10 a.m. - Cards/table games/5 Crowns Game, Dallas Area Senior Center
10:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center • 10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library,
Christmas movies at their Dallas location, 745 Main St. To sign up, RSVP by calling (509) 859-3779
Windermere annual drive provides winter necessities
Windermere Real Estate brokers are teaming up for “Share the Warmth,” providing essential winter items for those in need. As part of the annual campaign, the Windermere office in Monmouth will be collecting donations from through Dec. 20 to benefit the Polk County Warming Centers and Ella Curran Food Bank. This year, the organizations are asking for all sizes of coats, sweaters, heavy sweatshirts, gloves, hats, beanies and new socks, as well as blankets and handwarmers.
• 8 a.m. - Harvest CrossFit annual row-a-thon, teams of four on row machine watching Christmas favorites, 745 Main St., Dallas
• 10 a.m. - Hand & Foot/Cribbage/ASL class, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem
Dallas Hwy NW
• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Mitch Lies Solo, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence
• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Rocknroll Cowboys, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence
• 7 p.m. - Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, with live music by Blood on the Plow, Golden Hop Saloon, 133 C St., Independence
•
Sunday, Dec. 22
• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Kevin Hansen, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence
Monday, Dec. 23
• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center
Community Briefs
To contribute, stop by participating Windermere offices to drop off donations. The Windermere office in Monmouth, located at 150 Main St. E, is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations can also be taken to the following drop-off locations:
- Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Monmouth Fitness Club, 165 Main St. E, daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full list of participating Windemere offices, go to https://helpsharethewarmth.com.
• 11 a.m. - Lunch with Meals on Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi with Cheryl, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 4 p.m. - Karaoke, Dallas Area Senior Center
• 4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, for grades 5-8, Independence Library, 175 Monmouth St.
• 6:30 p.m. - New Horizons Orchestra, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• Tuesday, Dec. 24
• Monmouth Senior Community Center Closed for Christmas Holiday
• 10 a.m. - Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center
Polk County organizations spotlighted at Holiday Village Two local organizations will be spotlighted charities at the Holiday Village at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center through Dec. 22. While enjoying the market’s music and treats, and photos with Santa, be sure to stop by on the weekends to learn more about local charities. On Dec. 19-22 Marion and Polk County YMCA will put up a tree allowing people to sponsor kids’ sports and donate money for activities.
The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center is located at 2330 17th St
NE, in Salem. For more information, visit www. oregonstateexpo.org/ magic.
Monmouth Senior Center hosts free Christmas dinner Dec. 25
The Monmouth Senior Community Center hosts a free Christmas Community Dinner, with all the trimmings, for everyone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 25 at 180 Warren St. S. in Monmouth. For more information about volunteering, donating or attending, contact Steve Milligan at (503) 269-1373
PUBLIC NOTICES
PCIO24-3152 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES EDWARD AYLWORTH, DECEASED CASE NUMBER: 24PB08678
NOTICE TO HEIRS AND DEVISEES The following information is given to heirs and devisees of the abovenamed decedent, who died in Dallas, Oregon on August 30, 2024. Estate proceedings in the decedent’s estate, bearing the clerk’s file number 24PB08678, have been commenced and are now pending in the aboveentitled Court, wherein the decedent’s will has been admitted to probate. On September 27, 2024, the personal representative was duly appointed and is now serving as personal representative of the estate. The personal representative has been unable to identify the heirs of decedent, and the decedent during life was unable identify his heirs. Your rights as an heir or devisee may be affected by this proceeding; additional information may be obtained from the records of the Court, the undersigned personal representative, or the lawyer for the personal representative. The name, address, and contact information of the personal representative and the lawyer for the personal representative are as follows. Attorney for the Personal Representative: Freeman Green, Freeman Green Law, 525 Glen Creek Road NW, Suite 200, Salem, OR 97304, Phone: (503) 567-7770. Personal Representative: Judith A. James, 6237 Arbordale Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97317, Phone: (971) 239-5518. Under Oregon law, when a will has been admitted to probate, any interested person may contest the probate of the will or the validity of the will or assert an interest in the will for any reason specified in ORS 113.075(1), but such an action must be commenced within four months after the date of delivery or mailing of the information described in ORS 113.145, or four months after the first publication of notice to interested persons, whichever is later. If you contemplate asserting any of the rights described in this paragraph, those rights may be barred unless you proceed as provided in ORS 113.075 within the specified time period. Dated and first published on December 18, 2024
PCIO24-3154 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice West Salem Storage located at 650 2nd St NW Salem OR 97304 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.bid13.com on 1/7/2025 at 10:00AM Joseph Marsh unit #110; Patricia Norris unit #125; Haylee Miller unit #144; Natasha Mann unit #147; Katherine Shows unit #40. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
PCIO24-3155 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LOCAL OPTION TAX Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held before the Board of County Commissioners of Polk County, Oregon, on the following dates, locations and times: Date Location Time January 8, 2025 Polk County Courthouse Courthouse Conference Room 850 Main Street 9:00 am Dallas, OR 97338n January 8, 2025 Polk County Courthouse 6:30 pm Courthouse Conference Room 850 Main Street Dallas, OR 97338 Regarding the submission of the following question to the electors of the County at the election to be held May 13, 2025: CAPTION: ( 10 words) POLK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS & EVENT CENTER LOCAL OPTION TAX QUESTION: (20 words) Shall Polk County authorize a five-year Fairgrounds/ Event Center local option tax of up to $0.15/$1,000 assessed value beginning 2025-26? PURPOSE: This measure authorizes Polk County to levy a five (5) year local option tax of up to $0.15/$1,000 assessed value beginning in 2025 for the purpose of providing funding to the Polk County Fairgrounds & Event Center for operations, maintenance and improvements. Monies generated from the local option tax will be used for electrical replacement/ upgrades, the resurfacing of parking areas, replacing interior walkways and paths, interior/exterior improvements to the main building, HVAC upgrades for multiple buildings, the relocation of the maintenance building, building a new main office where the maintenance building was located, and the building of a new amphitheater/stage in the northwest corner of the property. All interested persons may attend and shall be given a reasonable
opportunity to be heard. The location of this meeting is handicapped accessible. Please advise the Board of Commissioners (623-8173) if you will need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting, at least 24 hours in advance.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF POLK COUNTY, OREGON Craig Pope, Chair
PCIO24-3156 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK ln the Matter of the Estate of PATRlCIA LOUISE
CZARNIK, Deceased. N0.24PB10380. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them with vouchers attached to the undersigned personal representative at c/o Christine M. Wallace, 801 South Main, MiltonFreewater, OR 97862, within four months after the date of publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personaI representative or the attorney for the personaI representative. Christine M. Wallace. Date of publication: December 18, 2024. Personal Representative: /s/ Brian Czarnik
PCIO24-3157 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES EDWARD AYLWORTH, DECEASED CASE NUMBER: 24PB08678 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Judith A. James has been appointed Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative, c/o Freeman Green, Freeman Green Law, 525 Glen Creek Rd NW, Suite 200, Salem, OR 97304, within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Published on December 18, 2024
PCIO24-3158 Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 104-ft Monopole Tower telecommunications facility in the vicinity of 15800 Highway 22, Dallas, Polk, Oregon 97338. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 036345-PR - CMEE, EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, cmee@ebiconsulting.comor at 916.217.3831.
PCIO24-3159 Public Notice & Notice of Public Hearing The City of Falls City Council will discuss entering into a land easement agreement with Boyd Lamprecht to allow log truck access to his property at 970 Mitchell Road through Falls City’s industrial property at the NE corner of Falls City off Socialist Valley Road. A public hearing will be held by the City Council at 6:00 p.m. on January 6, 2024, at the Falls City Community Center, 320 N. Main, Falls City, Oregon, 97344. This meeting can be attended via remote access, the link and phone number are on the City of Falls City website at https://www. fallscityoregon.gov/ The location of the hearing is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact Jeremy Teal at 503-787-3631 if you will need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting
PCIO24-3160 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON, FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK, PROBATE DEPARTMENT, NO. 24PB05531, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CORRI A. SCHNEIDER, DECEASED. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Vickie Schneider has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at PO Box 781, Corvallis, Oregon 97339, within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative, Joel Howe, Evashevski Elliott PC, PO Box 781, Corvallis, OR 97339. Dated and published
on December 18, 2024. Vickie Schneider, Personal Representative. PCIO24-3150 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No.: 127532-OR Loan No.: ******9001 Reference is made to that certain trust deed (the “Deed of Trust”) executed by CAROLYN REEL, as Grantor, to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE, as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN FINANCING CORPORATION, BENEFICIARY OF THE SECURITY INSTRUMENT, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 11/23/2019, recorded 12/2/2019, as Instrument No. 2019-013987, in the Official Records of Polk County, Oregon, which covers the following described real property situated in Polk County, Oregon: LOT 10, BLOCK 20, WILARK PARK WEST NO. 6, IN THE CITY OF SALEM, POLK COUNTY, OREGON. (PLAT VOLUME 8, PAGE 24) APN: 372206 / 07316-BB-12200 Commonly known as: 1870 WESTCHESTER COURT NW SALEM, OR 97304 The current beneficiary is: US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST Both the beneficiary and the trustee have elected to sell the above-described real property to satisfy the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust and notice has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). The default for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s failure to pay when due, the following sums: Delinquent Payments: Dates: 4/1/2024 - 11/1/2024 Total: $11,373.12
Late Charges: $0.00
Beneficiary Advances: $2,965.58 Total Required to Reinstate: $14,338.70 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF: $214,072.07 By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by the Deed of Trust immediately due and payable, including: the principal sum of $194,129.81 together with interest thereon at the rate
undersigned trustee, CLEAR RECON CORP, whose address is 1915 NE Stucki Avenue, Suite 400, Hillsboro, OR 97006, will on 4/3/2025, at the hour of 11:00 AM, standard time, as established by ORS 187.110,
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CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.
257
MOMENTS IN TIME #12345_20241216 FOR RELEASE DEC. 16, 2024
• On Dec. 30, 1988, President Ronald Reagan and President-elect George Bush were subpoenaed to testify at the trial of Oliver North, a former White House aide implicated in the IranContra affair, in which arms were secretly sold to Iran while profits from the sale were diverted to guerrillas attempting to topple the Nicaraguan government.
• On Dec. 31, 1781, America’s first bank, the Bank of North America, received its charter from the Confederation Congress. It opened in Philadelphia on Jan. 7, 1782.
• On Jan. 1, 2008, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins won the NHL’s inaugural Winter Classic, the first regular-season game played outdoors in the U.S. in the league’s history, at New York’s Ralph Wilson Stadium.
• On Jan. 2, 2004, the NASA spacecraft Stardust collected dust grains from the Wild 2 comet, whose material was later revealed to contain glycine, an amino acid that is an essential building block of life.
• On Jan. 3, 1973, Congressman James Abourezk became the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate, representing his home state of South Dakota.
• On Jan. 4, 1964, Mary Sullivan was raped and strangled to death in her Boston apartment, after which her killer, Albert DeSalvo (aka the Boston Strangler) left a card reading “Happy New Year’s” against her foot. Sullivan would turn out to be the final victim of DeSalvo’s notorious crime spree, in which he assaulted and murdered a total of 13 women between 1962 and 1964. Under a deal with prosecutors, he wasn’t charged with or convicted of those crimes, but received a life sentence for a series of other assaults, and was stabbed to death by an unidentified fellow inmate in 1973.
• On Jan. 5, 1643, Anne Clarke, of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was granted a divorce from her husband, Denis Clarke, by Boston’s Quarter Court. Denis confessed to abandoning Anne and their two children for another woman, by whom he also had two children, and refused to return to Anne. It was the first record of a legal divorce in the American colonies. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TRIVIA TEST #12345_20241216 FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 16, 2024
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the northernmost capital city in the world?
2. U.S. STATES: Which state is the driest?
3. MOVIES: In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” what is the name of the angel who saves George Bailey?
4. LITERATURE: Which American novelist also wrote under the pen name Edgar Box?
5. SCIENCE: What is the process called in which plants lose water through their leaves?
6. HISTORY: What was the name of the international group that was supposed to keep the peace after World War I?
7. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom featured a holiday episode titled “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas”?
8. ASTRONOMY: What is it called when a group of stars forms a pattern?
9. MUSIC: What is the top-selling holiday song of all time?
10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many years are in a millennium? Answers
1. Reykjavik, Iceland.
2. Nevada, with an average of 10 inches of rain a year.
3. Clarence Odbody.
4. Gore Vidal.
5. Transpiration. 6. The League of Nations. 7. “Community.” 8. Constellation.
9. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.
10. 1,000.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Puzzle answers on page B2
PUBLIC RECORD
Information for the report comes from law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included. The status of arrests reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Dallas Police Department
Thursday, Dec. 5
At 9:34 a.m., a motorist on Court Street was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured.
At 11:36 a.m., Philip Kroeker was arrested on Greenbriar Avenue on two failure to appear warrants and was also charged with disorderly conduct.
At 12:01 p.m., a report of a hit and run that occurred some time in the last two hours. It is under investigation.
At 12:14 p.m., a report of a catknapping on Jasper Street. The subject police spoke with stated she did not have the missing cat.
At 3:25 p.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 43 mph in a 25-mph zone on Godsey Road.
At 4:19 p.m., a report of fraud on Ellendale Avenue. It was a scam call claiming they had a warrant in Polk County.
At 6:23 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Ana Avenue. The complainant had seen someone in a storage facility and their back yard.
At 9:20 p.m. Kimberly Fouse was arrested and charged with theft on Kings Valley Highway.
Friday, Dec. 6
At 9:07 a.m., a report of theft from Walmart on Kings Valley Highway.
At 9:19 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Main Street. The complainant had been called by someone claiming to have kidnapped their daughter. They were able to contact their daughter, who was safe.
At 11:59 a.m., a report of a theft on Academy Street. It may be a civil issue.
At 9:07 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on La Creole Drive. An officer was unable to locate anyone.
At 10:40 p.m., Paul Limu Jr. was lodged at Polk County Jail for prohibited exposure.
Saturday, Dec. 7
At 12:23 a.m., on Ellendale Avenue, Jack Sacks was arrested and charged wtih criminal trespassing and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. He was lodged at Polk County Jail.
At 5:18 a.m., Andrew Stone was arrested on Allgood Street on an outstanding warrant from 2018 and lodged at Polk County Jail.
At 6:03 a.m., a report of a burglary on Academy Street. The suspect entered the victim’s garage and was interrupted by the victim. The suspect left a trail of their belongings as they fled. The victim will check with neighbors for security footage.
At 7:21 a.m., officers participated in “Shop with a Cop” at Walmart.
At 7:27 p.m., a report of a theft of two firearms from a vehicle overnight on Davis Street.
At 10:39 a.m., Samantha Justice was arrested and charged with
two counts of theft in the third degree.
At 10:39 a.m., a report of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle on Rowell Street. Nothing was taken but there is video footage of the two suspects.
At 11:34 a.m., a report of harassment on Ellendale Avenue. Both parties were spoken to by an officer as there was no probable cause for theft.
At 1:40 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Davis Street. Someone had entered and searched a vehicle and damaged the ignition.
At 2:14 p.m., a report of a theft of tools from a vehicle on Hankel Street.
At 4:22 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Davis Street. Someone had attempted to pry open the victim’s car door overnight.
Sunday, Dec. 8
At 1:36 a.m., Austin Pangburn was arrested on Ellendale Avenue and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
At 12:33 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Ash Street. It was a verbal disturbance.
At 4:46 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Ellis Street. A homeowner picked up a package and a nearby citizen thought they were stealing it.
At 11:07 p.m., Matthew Miller was arrested and charged with strangulation and assault. He was lodged at Polk County Jail.
Monday, Dec. 9
At 11:42 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Uglow Avenue. One individual spat on the other but no charges were filed.
At 5:32 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle driving around the area on Walnut Avenue. The driver was contacted and said they were trying to see house numbers in looking for an address.
At 7:59 p.m., a motorist was cited for failing to renew their registration and warned for driving without lights.
At 11:39 p.m., a motorist on Washington Street was cited for driving while suspended and warned for driving without lights.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
At 10:30 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle with no license plates parked in the Walmart parking lot. The car belongs to a car dealership and was being worked on by the Walmart Auto Center.
At 10:42 a.m., a motorist on Ellendale Avenue was cited for failure to register their vehicle.
At 3:36 p.m., a resident on La Creole Drive reported that fraud had been found on their credit report.
At 11:20 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Fern Avenue. One subject was warned for disorderly conduct. Both stated they would be going to bed.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
At 9:48 a.m., a report of a theft of a television on Kings Valley Highway.
At 11:48 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Cherry Street. The person who had knocked was likely a delivery person as there was a package by the front door.
At 2:33 p.m., a motorist on Washington Street was cited for driving while using a mobile devicethird offense.
At 5:05 p.m., a report of theft on Court Street. The suspect had left without paying their tab and was trespassed from the location.
Independence Police Department
Thursday, Dec. 5
At 11:21 a.m., a report of a burglary of tools from a shop on Picture Street.
At 11:39 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Matthew Street. There was a video to try to identify the subject.
At 7:24 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Ash Street. Rocks were being thrown into an apartment complex parking lot. An officer saw the rocks that had been thrown but was unable to locate a suspect.
At 11:52 p.m., a resident on Hickory Street reported a theft from their vehicle by group of males suspects. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Saturday, Dec. 7
At 7:21 a.m., officers participated in Shop with a Cop at Walmart.
At 11:09 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on 5th Street. Justin Davis Basinger was arrested and charged with two counts of menacing and unlawful use of a weapon.
Monday, Dec. 9
At 9:52 a.m., a report of trespassing on Monmouth Street. Katie Verley was cited for violating a trespass notice.
At 2:26 p.m., a report of a suspicious package delivered that could be fraudulent activity on F Street.
Allen Richard Ediger was arrested and charged with assault 4 after a domestic disturbance on Dec. 7 and failure to register as a sex offender for not updating his address on the sex offender registry.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
At 11:45 a.m., a report of a hit and run on Main Street. The complainant has suspect information.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
At 11:55 a.m., a report of theft on Thorpe Street. A wallet was stolen from a vehicle.
At 9:09 p.m., a motorist was given a fix-it ticket for dark covers on their license plate and warned for driving without a driver’s license as theirs had expired in October.
Monmouth Police Department
Seth Munoz, 24, was arrested Dec. 8 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
John Hoy, 33, was arrested Dec. 7 on an outstanding warrant.
Michael Boggs, 50, was arrested Dec. 3 on an outstanding warrant.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Thursday Dec. 5,
At 5:35 a.m., a deputy came across a deer vs vehicle accident and removed the deer from the roadway. The vehicle was in the ditch and not drivable. The driver was calling for a tow. A speed-limit sign was knocked down and the deputy emailed public works.
At 9:36 a.m., Ashley Hall was arrested, charged with violation of release agreement
and was lodged at Polk County Jail.
At 11:15 a.m., a report of two people illegally cutting wood on Highway 18. The response was delayed and the deputy was unable to locate the vehicle.
At 12:27 p.m., a complainant from a previous call came in the office to report that the previous issue had been deemed not a criminal issue. They became very upset and behavioral health had to be called to deescalate the situation, which took hours.
At 2:57 p.m., a report of a possible theft from a vehicle at Nesmith Park. A deputy contacted the driver who had run out of gas and was waiting for their significant other.
At 4:25, a report of damage done to a vehicle when gravel was kicked up by another vehicle. The driver of the damaged vehicle has video of the incident and the deputy will follow up.
At 6:50 p.m., a report of possible road rage on Highway 22. A deputy was unable to locate the vehicle.
Friday, Dec. 6
At 1:19 a.m., a deputy saw a suspicious vehicle on Fir Crest Road. They saw movement in the vehicle but were unable to contact the occupant. The vehicle was parked northbound on the southbound side of the road and was marked for tow.
At 1:28 p.m., an individual found two new license plates on Lincoln Road. They were not registered and didn’t have stickers and were returned to DMV.
At 2:01 p.m., a report of a puppy that was left in a box at Guthrie Park. The puppy was taken to Willvet and passed away from Parvo. The box had an address label, and a deputy tried to contact the person listed on the label.
At 5:20 p.m., a two car crash on Riddel Road. The at-fault driver was cited for following too closely.
At 4:26 p.m., a report of a RV parked for three days at Fay Wilson Park. The park is posted as closed from dusk until dawn. A deputy contacted the owner and advised them they were trespassing and needed to leave.
At 5:13 p.m., a report of a stolen vehicle on Yamhill River Road. A
deputy talked with both parties to arrange return of the vehicle.
At 9:52 p.m., a report of a person in the road flashing a light on Smithfield Road. A deputy contacted the individual who was waiting for a ride.
Saturday, Dec. 7
At 2:17 p.m., a report of a panic alarm at a business on Independence Highway. The owner sent an employee to open the door. A deputy checked the premises, which was clear. It was likely the cleaning crew tripped the alarm.
At 3:04 p.m., a report of a semi truck contacting the concrete barrier on Bowersville bridge. On arrival, a deputy found that a tractor towing a disc had scraped paint off the steel railing of the bridge. The driver and the owner were advised to not tow across the bridge if they are too wide to do so.
At 3:39 p.m., a report of a trailer blocking the road on Gooseneck Road. The trailer was abandoned and not blocking and had no identifying marks. A deputy marked it for towing.
At 5:13 p.m., a report of someone walking in the road on Kings Valley Highway. They were offered a ride to Falls City but declined because they did not want to be patted down. They were warned for walking in the road and the deputy recommended using the flashlight they had so drivers could see them.
At 6:41 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Wigrich Road. Both parties had punched the other and one subject had fallen down porch steps. They were both arrested and charged with assault and lodged at Polk County Jail.
At 9:30 p.m., a report of a rear-ending accident on Ellendale Avenue.
A deputy assisted in exchanging information and the at-fault party was cited for following too closely.
Sunday, Dec. 8
At 12:17 p.m., a report of a fight in Polk County Jail. One inmate had punched another. Both inmates declined to speak with the deputy but after reviewing video footage, Travis Mottram was given additional charges
of assault and tampering with physical evidence.
Monday, Dec. 9 At 10:09 a.m., a report of criminal mischief on Pacific Highway West. A mailbox lock appeared to be drilled out. The complainant did not believe there had been any mail in the box.
At 1:20 p.m., a report of trespassing on Salmon River Highway. It was a civil issue.
At 3:42 p.m., a report of theft (by deception) on Oakdale Road. The complainant had paid for an item on Facebook Marketplace that was never sent to them.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
At 8:03 a.m., a deputy assisted Oregon State Police with a rollover crash on Highway 22 by Butler Hill Road. At 10:40 a.m., a report of possible theft on Frost Road. Individuals with reflective vests with a U-haul were on the complainant’s property. On arrival deputies believed it to be a utility company. At 10:55 a.m., a report of fraud on Airlie Road. Multiple withdrawals had been made from the victim’s account in two different states. Suspects have been using fake IDs to make withdrawals at bank branches after the data breach at Oregon DMV.
At 1:45 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on Rickreall Road threatening to kill the resident’s dog and enter their house. Anthony Eisele was located, arrested on an outstanding warrant from Douglas County and transported to Polk County Jail.
At 1:50 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle appearing to be a U-haul on Liberty Road. A deputy contacted the vehicle with two individuals who were contracted to install optic fiber wires. At 2:03 p.m., a report of a theft on Corvallis Road. A package worth $150 was stolen from the porch.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 At 7:29 a.m., a report of harassment on Fort Hill Road. The individual had been receiving threatening phone calls. A deputy discussed pursuing a stalking complaint, but they did not want to pursue that at this time.
jwarren@countrymedia.net
Late surge lifts Central past Westview in hoops
By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer
The Panthers varsity girls saved their best for the final eight minutes against Westview on Dec 13
The teams entered the final frame deadlocked at 27 when Central pulled away. Outscoring the Wildcats by 13 points in the final quarter, en route to the 47-34 win, the team’s first of the season.
Taking control late surprised no one on the Panthers’ bench. It’s part of their DNA.
“The girls had really good practices this week, just working hard and pushing. We just focus on our conditioning as much as we can within our drills,” said head coach Marc Burelson. “That’s where we’re going to win most of our games, in the fourth quarter. Especially with this group, and how fast they are.”
There was no slowing down the Panthers in the waning minutes, as they scored 20 of the game’s final 27 points.
“We condition quite a bit, I’d say. And so, we’re just prepared to play the fourth quarter and to play that kind of game,” senior guard Kamryn Winkler said. Winkler netted a teamhigh 13 points to pace the Panthers’ attack, while Emma Martinez and Bella Names combined for 15. Six of Names’ eight points came in the final quarter.
The win might serve as a wake-up call for those who underestimate the Panthers’ ability, Winkler said.
“People think we’re not as good as we are. But we showed tonight that we’re a pretty good team,” she added. Stingy defense by the Panthers (1-1 overall, 0-0 in league) kept the Wildcats
within striking distance. The Panthers mustered only 16 points in the first half and 27 total after three quarters.
“We were pretty close throughout the whole game. It was our second game of the year. Shots will start falling,” Burleson said. “But we’re a defensive-minded team. The girls dug deep every single time on every single possession. And that’s what it’s going to take.”
The preseason heats up for the Panthers with action at the Capitol City Classic set for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The tournament is at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. The girls open against South Salem, with other matchups to be determined.
Central returns home Jan. 3, against South Albany, at 7 p.m., in the Mid-Willamette Conference opener for both teams.
vides
Pirates impressive in their first win of season
with each other,” she said.
“We fought ‘til the end.”
Senior center Nadia McKee wants the Mountaineers to be more disciplined.
“We need to slow down and take a minute to think
about what our next move is going to be, and just how we approach the offense,” McKee said. “I want to see us play mentally smart with our next move on our next play, and also to hustle the ball down the court and get the play done correctly.” Falls City played Horizon Christian on Dec 16 (results were after the I-O’s deadline).
They are off until Friday at Mohawk. Both are road games.
The Mountaineers (1-3 0-1) opened their season with a win against Crow/City First Christian Academy. They have since dropped three straight to Perrydale, South Wasco County and Cove.
By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer
Brayden Leslie netted 14 points, and Landon Eichler added 12 off the bench, to power the Pirates varsity boys basketball team past Falls City, 59-36, on Dec. 11
Gavin Graber added four assists for Perrydale.
“Our first win of the season with an overall balanced attack, as everyone saw time on the court,” said coach Brian Domes.
The luck was against Perrydale on Friday the 13th as they lost at home to Mapleton, 51-33
Domes said this is a rebuilding year for the Pirates, with four freshmen on the roster and just two seniors.
“We graduated seven seniors last year. So, this is definitely a new year with a lot of young kids seeing the
court for the first time as a varsity player,” Domes added. Against the Sailors, Ashton Hamilton had 10 points and six boards.
Hamilton, Graber and Leslie are sophomores.
Eichler is a freshman.
Next up is Willamette Valley Christian at home Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Then it’s road games at Willamette Valley Christian on Friday and at Eddyville Charter on Saturday.
Falls City varsity boys
It was a rough week for a young Mountaineers squad.
After their loss to Perrydale
Falls City had back-to-back losses – first to South Wasco County Dec. 13 51-16, then to Southwest Christian Saturday, 46-8
“We have a very young team with no returning varsity players from the previous season,” coach Ken Graham explained. “(We’re) still working for our first ‘W,’ but we are measuring our growth in other ways. It’s an amazing group of young men.”
Against Perrydale, Chris Sickles netted a team-high 15 points while Kyler Graham and Avery Burgess combined for 20
Elijah Rone scored six points against South Wasco County; Sickles had four against Southwest Christian. Falls City remains winless after four games. The boys have a chance to notch their first win this week, however, as they are at Mohawk on Friday and host Triangle Lake, 7:30 p.m., on Dec. 23
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
Isabella Names readies her shot while teammate Kamryn Winkler (10), pro-
support.
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
Perrydale’s Brayden Leslie drives past Falls City’s Chris Sickles to score to help the Pirates win 59-36 Dec. 11.