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Cyberattack knocks Central back ‘to like it’s 1985’

details of a cyber-attack that successfully shut down technology district wide “to like it was 1985.”

communication tool PowerSchool went down.

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Central

The administration discovered a ransomware attack by the group LockBit in the early morning hours of Feb. 7. All networks, access to printers and the community

“By that afternoon, with the assistance of our cyber insurance carrier, Special District of Oregon, we were consulting with leading cyber security and digital forensic experts to safely restore our systems and investigate this incident,” Kubista said.

“We had, with our partners, already started communications with local, state, and federal law enforcement.

“Our building principals were ready to support and make the move to learning like it’s 1985. Staff prepped for technology-free teaching and learning for at least two weeks,” she added.

Cemetery Saviors Cemetery Saviors

Duo from HPNW work with local volunteers to preserve Dallas headstones

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

On a cold, misty morning March

5, David Pinyerd and Bernadette Niederer were fighting a winning battle against gravity.

A tall gravestone from 1891 in the Dallas Cemetery had begun to lean dangerously. They set up a tripod around the stone, secured and removed the heavy top portion, then dug around the damp ground to reinforce the base with fresh gravel.

“It’s got a 600-pound top half.

Marble is 175 pounds per cubic foot. It moves surprisingly fast if you knock it down,” Pinyerd explained.

“Every year we hear of somebody dying in a cemetery who knocked over a stone or had a stone fall on them.”

It was one of 21 markers the duo from Historic Preservation

Northwest were called upon to set right. Their business usually concentrates only on restoration and preservation, not cleaning.

“HPNW does little cleaning. Only enough to make sure it doesn’t interfere with reattachment,” Niederer said. “We encourage volunteers to do the cleaning, we give training. And here at Dallas, they have a really good system for that.”

That system is led by Sue Olmstead. A former member of the Dallas Cemetery District, Olmstead now leads a trio of volunteers, amateur genealogists if you will, including Pam Smith and Dennis Theisen, who document the cemetery stones, particularly pioneer rows, that others have started and never completed.

“Pam, I and Dennis are cataloging all the stories where we can find it. Babies buried here we find parents to match them to,” Olmstead said. “It gives us a good feeling we know who the parents are, and we’ve linked them together.”

See SAVIORS, page A8

With the help of local and state partners, the Central School District was able to slowly bring key systems back online.

Limited access returned to PowerSchool by Feb. 9 and the following week, front office staff

See

State forests plan passes on split vote

Polk County likely to see small increase in yearly revenue

By ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle

Following years of planning, tense negotiations and heated public comment, a landmark plan to reduce logging in Oregon’s western state forests to protect threatened species is nearing the finish line.

The Oregon Board of Forestry on Thursday voted to advance the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. It next goes to federal agencies for approval, and is likely to be finalized by early 2025, according to Board Chair Jim Kelly.

Kelly is among four of the seven board members who voted to advance the plan to federal agencies at the Thursday meeting.

If implemented, it will regulate logging and conservation on about 630,000 thousand acres of state forests for the next 70 years to protect 17 threatened or endangered species. Among them are Northern spotted owls, marbled murrelets, salmon and steelhead, martens, red tree voles and torrent salamanders. The volume of wood permitted for harvest from those western state forests will drop by about 20%. On average, those forests would produce about 185 million board feet of timber each year rather than 225 million board feet currently produced.

The plan has been decades in the making, but its development was accelerated around 2018, and again in 2023, following lawsuits over species loss in Oregon’s western forests. Officials say a habitat conservation plan approved by the federal government is necessary for the state to avoid lawsuits under the federal Endangered Species Act.

“Going ahead with this habitat conservation plan is actually our only way to guarantee we have a future for logging in our state forests that does not shut them down,” Kelly said at the meeting.

Over the last few decades, as fewer federal acres were allowed to be cut, logging companies turned to Oregon’s state forests, Kelly said. Today, state forests make up 3% of Oregon’s forestlands, but provide 10% of the total timber that’s harvested in the state each year.

“That’s out of balance,” Kelly said. “At the end of the day, most Oregonians don’t want our state forests to be managed like a commercial tree farm.” Leaders in western Oregon timber counties, timber company representatives and representatives of the logging industry have railed against the plan.

See

PHOTOS BY DAVID HAYES

David Pinyerd and Bernadette Niederer of Historic Preservation Northwest work to return a tall grave marker to its full, upright position within the Dallas Cemetery.

Bernadette Niederer of Historic Preservation Northwest points out headstones she and partner David Pinyerd repaired at the Dallas Cemetery.

Polk County projects among Rep. Salinas

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Independence, Monmouth win regional cooperative project award

The cities of Independence and Monmouth were awarded the 2023 Regional Cooperative Project Award from the MidWillamette Valley Council of Governments for their collaborative work on the MI Trolley. This award recognizes a partnership of local governments within the region for a project or initiative that enhances intergovernmental cooperation.

Since its launch in April 2023, the MI Trolley has had over 100,000 riders, with an average of 325 riders per weekday.

Additionally, Independence City Manager Kenna West was awarded the Wes Kvarsten Professional Service Award which recognizes a staff person or volunteer working for or on behalf of one or more member governments within the region who has exhibited sustained commitment in support of regional, intergovernmental cooperation. “I have been blessed to go to Independence, where collaboration is our culture—it’s a way of life,” West said. “Thank you very much for this honor.” The MidWillamette Valley Council of Governments is a voluntary association of over 40 local governments. Members include Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties, 32 cities, seven special districts, and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

Dallas Library presents ‘Tales from the Hedgerows’

The Dallas Library presents master storyteller William Kennedy Hornyak performing “Tales from the Hedgerows ”March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Dallas Event Center, 939 Main St.

For over a century Irish language, history and traditions were kept alive by men and women known as hedgerow teachers. They traipsed the countryside of the emerald isle teaching in the shelter of hedgerows, barns, and botheys during the brutally repressive era of the Penal Codes (1695-1771).

Storyteller William Kennedy Hornyak brings to life the spirit of a late-night hedgerow gathering with

development.

- $880,000 to replace a drinking water line in Independence, improving access to clean drinking water for residents. - $500,000 to build a community center in Grand Ronde that will provide a gathering place, community services, and improved health care for members of the Grand Ronde Tribe.

Monmouth Parks & Rec seeks programs to fund

The Monmouth Parks and Recreation Board is looking is looking for people to offer recreational activities in the park. Up to $1,000 is available to assist you and other recreate. Teach others to paint, sketch, take photos, cook garden, yoga, Tai Chi, crossfit, or self defense?

Recreation even includes bird watching, gaming or flying a kite.

Find applications online at https://tinyurl.com/ parksandrecgrant. Send completed applications to mpw@ci.monmouth.or.us by April 3.

history, stories, songs, poems and toasts in honor of those who instructed and inspired the minds and hearts of their people during those times.

Storyteller William Kennedy Hornyak weaves a wide web of oral traditions into thoughtful, engaging and beautifully crafted performances.

“Tales from the Hedgerows” is sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Library. This free performance is for mature audiences 14 and

older. For more information, contact the Dallas Library at (503) 623-2633 or go to facebook.com/dallaslibraryoregon.

Western Oregon University unveils new strategic plan

Western Oregon University unveiled its new transformative strategic plan accompanied by a new mission and

vision statement and core values that was approved by the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees at the Feb.

14 meeting. Titled Education. Innovation. Community, the plan charts the course of the university’s growth over the next six years focusing on four key goals which include institutional sustainability, student success, transformational diversity, and community strength.

Western’s new mission statement, pending approval by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, centers on the principles of personalized learning, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals. The new vision incorporates becoming a model of intentional inclusion and accessibility and improving social mobility and overall life success through focusing on critical thinking and communication skills. The Core Values include Centering Students, Embracing Diversity, Fostering Accessibility, and Valuing Community.

President Jesse Peters explained that a strategic plan is both aspirational and

inspirational, saying that it sets a tone and provides a clear framework that the university can use to set objectives and make decisions.

“This new plan marks a new phase for Western Oregon University. This university has always sought academic excellence, been committed to community engagement, and worked for the success of students and employees,” Peters said. “But now we are leaning into new strategies and directions, articulating with greater clarity just what type of institution we plan to be.”

This new plan is the culmination of hard work by many individuals. Last year, Western established a Strategic Plan Development Team that led campus conversations, gathered feedback through a survey, and consulted with faculty, students, and staff. The University Council and Senior Leadership also provided direct input. The planning began by evaluating the previous strategic plan, Forward

Together, paying close attention to its merits and weaknesses. The goal then became to draft a new plan that builds on the philosophies in the last plan but also moves Western Oregon University in new directions.

Peters said the new strategic plan captures the sentiments of the campus community about Western’s strengths and identity while also pushing the university in bold directions. He added the new plan grows out of the last plan while more clearly and directly stating who Western is and plans to be as an institution.

Board of Trustees Chair Betty Komp applauded Western for developing an exemplary strategic plan that “seamlessly integrates all facets of the university.”

“This comprehensive approach acknowledges and values the strides already taken in these areas, strengthening our collective commitment towards achieving our goals,” Komp said.

to respond to issues quickly and make necessary adjustments.”

Preliminary data the first two days after launch showed:

- More than 23,000 weekly claims have been received from existing customers.

- More than $8.1 million in claims have been paid through Frances Online.

- The average time for customers filing weekly claims was just under 11 minutes on desktop computers and under 9 minutes on mobile devices.

“The new system is mobilefriendly and will help streamline our work on UI claims so customers can get their benefits paid more efficiently,” said David Gerstenfeld, director of OED. “We are proud to be delivering on our promise to modernize our technology systems. We believe it will address a lot of the pain points customers and OED employees have previously experienced.”

What current claimants need to know

Current claimants need to take two important actions to use the new system:

Create a Frances Online account at frances.oregon.gov. If they have an active claim or applied for benefits in our old legacy systems but their claim is still being reviewed, information about their claim will appear in their new Frances Online account. If they have an account in Frances Online because they claimed benefits

from Paid Leave Oregon, they do not need to set up a new account.

File their weekly claim at frances.oregon.gov/claimant. Claimants can now file for the week of February 25-March

2. If they did not file a weekly claim for the week of February 18-24 and they are seeking benefits for that week, they can still claim that week using Frances Online. They will be able to file all future weekly claims using Frances Online going forward.

Customer Service Tips

The agency anticipates high call volumes at the UI Contact Center. Current claimants are encouraged to use self-serve features available through Frances Online. Other tips: Check U.S. mail and email daily and respond quickly to requests for information. Also check email spam filters. Some information will still have to come by U.S. mail, even if claimants select to get email alerts. Letters and emails may have due dates

for responding. If claimants miss due dates, their benefits could be delayed or denied. Uploading documents is easier in the new system.

Check online before calling the UI Contact Center. Many questions can now be resolved quickly through the new self-serve features in Frances Online. Review and continue to follow UI eligibility rules. This will help avoid a disruption in receiving benefits.

Check out tutorials and how-to guides on navigating Frances Online at unemployment.oregon.gov/frances.

Know where you can get help. Customer service is available at Frances Online () via secure messaging, live chat, chatbot and the Contact Us form.

The agency says there will be a learning curve for employees and claimants for the next few months. OED has hired 40 additional staff with one-time funding to support the transition.

“Frances Online is more agile and efficient,” said Lindsi Leahy, director of the UI Division at OED. “We expect that the system will work well for most and that a small number of claimants will experience issues. We will continue providing a more staff-intensive level of customer service for those who need it.”

Like other states that have launched new UI systems, the state may see an uptick in fraudulent claims. Leahy stressed that the new system is more resilient and has enhanced fraud protection features that will better protect UI benefits. Leahy also reminded consumers that Frances Online is free to use, and OED will never call a customer to ask for customers to pay to use any of OED’s services. If customers get a suspicious piece of mail, call or text, or see a questionable website or link, they should visit OED’s webpage on fraud

for more information and a link to reporting fraud.

The addition of UI benefits to Frances Online is the final stage of the state’s approximately $106 million effort to modernize its online customer service systems. Paid Leave Oregon launched in Frances Online in 2023 and employer contributions for UI and Paid Leave launched in 2022.

The name “Frances” was chosen in honor of Frances Perkins, who was born in 1880 and was a lifetime advocate for working Americans. She was the first female presidential Cabinet member and the longest-serving Secretary of Labor in U.S. history. Perkins was instrumental in forming the Social Security Act and the Unemployment Insurance program.

Go to unemployment. oregon.gov/frances for more information and resources about Frances Online for UI benefits.

Helping

find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in March. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. To enroll in the fixed donation program, customers can call Pacific

Power toll-free at 1-888-2217070 or Donate to Energy Assistance (pacificpower.net). This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power. Oregon Energy Fund is Oregon’s leading energy assistance nonprofit. Since 1989, OEF has helped more than 300,000 people pay their monthly energy bills in times

of financial crisis. By connecting those in need with energy assistance services, OEF’s programs provide a basic need that helps prevent hunger, debt, illness and homelessness, and gives our neighbors the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need

within the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.

“Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund’s start in 1989,

Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping them keep healthy and safe and keeping their lights on.”

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 1,591 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 793 adults, 196 seniors, 174 people with disabilities and 602 children.

This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888221-7070 who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help.

Seven tips on how to stop constant worrying in your life

By STAN POPOVICH

Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you?

It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health, and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary.

As a result, here are seven tips on how to overcome the cycle of worry and fear in your life.

1. Focus on the facts of your situation, not your thoughts: When people are stressed out, they rely on their fearful and depressing thoughts. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. When you are anxious, focus on the facts of your current situation and not on what you think.

2. You can’t predict the future: Remember that no one can predict the future with 100% certainty. Even if the thing that you are afraid of does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage.

For example, you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on. Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything.

3. Take a break: Take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of your anxieties and stresses. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, watch TV, play on the computer, or do an activity

By LUCIE WINBORNE

• In a process called rice-fish culture, Indonesian farmers introduce fish into their rice fields so the fish droppings will act as fertilizer. In turn, the fish also eat harmful insects and improve oxygen circulation, increasing crop yields by up to 10%.

• Anuptaphobia is the fear of being single forever.

• The people who falsely claimed the copyright to the “Happy Birthday to You” song made $2 million a year for decades, until the song was ruled to be in the public domain.

• A man who had received the transplanted heart of a suicide victim married the donor’s widow and took

that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This will distract you from your current worries.

4. Take it one day at a time: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or month, focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems.

5. Learn how to manage your thoughts: Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

6. Things change over time: Regardless of your circumstances, your current situation will not stay the same. Everything changes over time. Knowing that your situation will improve will help give you the confidence that things will get better.

7. Get some help: Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about your stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with the fear of the unknown. Remember that there is nothing wrong in asking for assistance.

Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www managingfear.com.

Biden proved he’s ready for four more years

A few months ago (July 2023)

I wrote a letter to you that stated: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Donald Trump disappeared, never to be heard from again, . . . and Joe Biden announced his retirement.”

Well, I’ve changed my mind. After watching Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address (and checking some facts), I have concluded that Biden has done a lot of good things, identified many more good things to do, and has the energy and talent to get many of them done. So, Joe, put your retirement off for a few years, we need you.

(Sidenote: You might want to reevaluate the situation in Israel-Palestine.)

his own life in the exact same way as the donor did.

• After two thieves in England broke into a man’s house and made off with his laptop, they found child abuse material on the device and took it to the police. The pedophile received a sentence of three years in prison, while the thieves were given 12 months of community service in light of their “good deed.”

• During his presidency, John F. Kennedy refused to take his salary of $150,000 per year, instead donating the entire amount to charity.

• Hundreds of people die each year from shoveling snow.

• Who says cats don’t care? After one feline owner survived a series of strokes, he tried to train the animal to dial 911. While he wasn’t sure at first that the attempt would pay off, after he fell from his wheelchair following a seizure, police received a silent emergency call from his home and arrived to find him incapacitated and his cat next to the phone.

• Loneliness poses a greater risk to one’s health than obesity.

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Thought for the Day: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Rather than explaining exactly why I think the State of the Union address was great, I urge readers to watch it on-line and make their own judgments. Readers might also find the Republican rebuttal informative in an unexpected way. I haven’t changed my mind about Trump.

Don Ellingson Dallas

LETTERS POLICY

The Polk County Itemizer-Observer encourages readers to submit letters to the editor for the weekly opinion page. Factual letters of on all topics are welcome. Writers must include their name, hometown (for publication) and daytime phone number (for verification, not publication). Letters from an agency or group must be credited to the author or a contact person. Anonymous letters are not

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH:

Proton-Pump Inhibitors Highly Recommended for Barrett’s Esophagus

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a retired male over 65 and a former occasional cigar smoker. I quit 15 years ago after I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. I was also a former drinker and quit seven years ago. I regularly completed all the biopsies as required and took my proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) daily as instructed.

This year, I read an article about PPIs contributing to dementia and neuropathy, which I have. My primary care physician suggested that I switch to over-the-counter H2 blockers as a safer approach. I developed an irregular heart rhythm and soaring blood pressure.

I was then diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib). My stress test and echocardiogram are normal for my age. I am now on some heavy-duty beta blockers, blood thinners and a very expensive rhythm-control drug.

A book I recently read written by two top cardiologists stated that long-term use of PPIs is dangerous and can cause AFib, but a recent article published by the National Institute of Health states the opposite. I also read that an irritated esophagus stimulates the esophagus nerve and triggers AFib. I’m confused now.

Because Barrett’s vastly increases my chances for getting a very aggressive cancer, doing nothing is not an option. I have already modified and continue to modify my diet, but that only goes so far. And as I’m sure you are aware of, a stroke caused by AFib is often life-threatening.

My complicated question is, which professional approach would you recommend: PPIs or H2 blockers? Is there a third option? -- B.B.

ANSWER: There is not a definitive answer on whether PPIs, like omeprazole, increase the risk of AFib. Studies are potentially confounded by the fact that people with AFib sometimes think they have stomach problems and may take a PPI, leading to a false association between the PPI and AFib. As you say, there have also been studies that suggest a decreased risk of AFib in people who use PPIs.

In my mind, the increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus as a result of untreated stomach acid

accepted. Letters must be 350 words or fewer. Letters longer than 350 words may be published as guest commentary at the discretion of the editor. Deadline for letters is Monday at 10 a.m. The Polk County ItemizerObserver reserves the right to edit all letters for length or content. Letters must be civil. Vulgar or inappropriate language will not be considered, nor malicious, false or misleading statements. Letters attacking an individual, rather than an expressed opinion are not acceptable. Letters attacking a class of people based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age will also be rejected. The opinions expressed in letters are “the voice of the letter writer,” and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Polk County Itemizer-Observer, its staff, publisher or advertisers. — To send a letter: Mail: Editor, Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, OR 97338. Email: ionews@polkio.com. Office: 147 SE Court St., Dallas.

reflux in a person with Barrett’s esophagus is the key in this situation, as Barrett’s is a condition where abnormal lining of the esophagus occurs due to years of acid exposure.

I do not believe over-the-counter H2 blockers, like famotidine (Pepcid), are adequate enough to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, so I advise patients in your situation to use PPIs, despite their known risks.

The data suggesting a risk of dementia are weak. While there might be a small risk, the risk isn’t high enough to avoid using a PPI in a person with Barrett’s. B12 deficiency is absolutely a risk in people taking long-term PPIs. Low B12 can certainly lead to neuropathy, but both can be prevented and treated by testing for B12 deficiency and by getting supplementation, if needed.

I am very glad to hear you are getting routine endoscopic surveillance and biopsies so that any abnormal growth of the esophagus can be identified and treated promptly.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell. edu.

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EAA hosts teen aviation weekend March 16-17

The Experimental Aircraft

ages under 2, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 10:30 a.m. - Children’s

Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 11 a.m. - Simple games/ Walking Club, Monmouth Senior Center

• 11:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch Bunch, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Knitting/Needle Craft, Monmouth Senior Center

• 3 p.m. - Friends of the Monmouth Senior Center Board meeting

• 5:30 p.m. - Thursday Pinball Tournaments, West Valley Taphouse, 957 Main St., Dallas

• 5:30 p.m. - Dallas State of the City Address, 945 SE Jefferson St., seating is limited

• 6 p.m. - St. Patrick fundraiser, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Independence Days Commission meeting, Independence City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 6:30 p.m. - Oregon Humanities Conversation Project-Loneliness and Aging: Making Space for Our Elders with Pamela Slaughter, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

Friday, March 15

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Writers Workshop/Drawing For Fun, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi w/Cheryl/ Bingo, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Bingo, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/ Listening Ear, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 4 p.m. - Kids Mad Hatter Tea Party, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley Highway S.

• 6:30 p.m. - Healing the Big River, featuring visual storyteller Peter Marbach, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 7 p.m. - Live Music: Chris Tardiff, Golden Hop Saloon, 133 C St., Independence

• 7 p.m. - Storyteller William Kennedy Hornyak presents Teachers of the Hedgerow, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

Saturday, March 16

• 10 a.m. - Reptile Expo, Polk County Fair Grounds, Adults and kids 10 & older $12, kids age 5-9 $6, kids 4 and under are free

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Myrtle Brown, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Association hosts Teen Aviation weekend March 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Independence

• 7 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Day Party, with music by the Taliesin Band, Golden Hop Saloon, 133 C St., Independence

Sunday, March 17

• 2 p.m. Live Music: The Loose Flagstone (Celtic Band), Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Monday, March 18

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Cards/table games, Dallas Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Marketing

Mondays – Your Business

Website: Do’s and Dont’s, Independence City Hall, 555 South Main St., register at www.ci.independence.or.us/ marketing-mondays

• 10 a.m. - ASL Class/Hand & Foot, Monmouth Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Tai Chi w/Cheryl, Monmouth Senior Center

• 4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, for 5th-8th graders, Independence Library

• 4 p.m. - Age-Friendly Older Adult Listening Session, Monmouth Senior Center

• 5:30 p.m. - Polk County Coin Club meeting, Polk County Fairgrounds main building

• 6 p.m. - Dallas City Council Work Session/ Meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

• 6 p.m. - Karaoke, Dallas Area Senior Center

Airport, 4803 Airport Road. Register today for a weekend of free, hands-on aviation discovery, including learning how airplanes fly, seeing and touching aircraft from 1918 through 2022, building and flying a model glider, learning hands-on aircraft building skills, flying a flight simulator, exploring aviation career opportunities and scheduling a future Young Eagles flight. Sign up today online at www. eaa292.org/TAW or by calling or Bob Spencer at (971) 804-2303.

Winter Wildlife Field Days comes to Polk County Winter Wildlife Field Days is March 23, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Riverview Park in Independence. Join the Polk Soil & Water Conservation District for this is a free event, open to all, and learn about the local wildlife. Activities include crafts, nature scavenger hunt, bird watching, microscope observations and kinesthetic activities. Find out more at winterwildlifefielddays.org.

Pentacle Theatre presents “The Prom” Pentacle Theatre production “The Prom” runs through March 23. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk

Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Purchase tickets at https:// tickets.pentacletheatre.org.

American Red Cross blood mobile coming to Monmouth March 14 Partnerships in Community Living hosts a blood drive March 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for the American Red Cross Bus at 480 E. Main St. in Monmouth. To sign up, go to www.redcrossblood.org/ give.html/donation-time.

Monmouth Library welcomes photographer Peter Marbach March 15

The Monmouth Public Library presents landscaping photographer Peter Marbach, author if the book “The Big River,” at 6:30 p.m. March 15. Learn about the complicated history of the Columbia River Treaty and current efforts of first nations, tribes and recovery advocates to restore one of the greatest salmon runs in the world. Books will be available purchase and signing at the event at 168 Ecols St. S.

• 6:30 p.m. - Historic Preservation Commission meeting, Independence City Hall, 555 South Main St.

Tuesday, March 19

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. – Polk County Commissioners Work

Session, Polk County Commissioners’ Conference Room, 950 Main St., Dallas

• 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, 950 Main St.

• 10:30 a.m. - Family

Storytime, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 11 a.m. - Alzheimer’s Support Group, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 11:15 a.m., - Low Impact

Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 12 p.m. - Pinochle/ Ponytail, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6 p.m. - Belly Dancing for Fun & Fitness, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Monmouth City Council meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

• 7:30 p.m. - Basics of Social Dance, Monmouth Senior Center

Wednesday, March 20

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9 a.m. – Polk County Commissioners meeting, Polk County Commissioners’ Conference Room, 850 Main St., Dallas

Monmouth Library hosts virtual author talk March 20

The Monmouth Public Library hosts a virtual talk by Maria Splios, author of “The Black Angels: The Untold Story of Nurses Who Cured Tuberculosis” at 6:30 p.m. March 20. This livestream event will be hosted simultaneously at the Heritage Museum, 281 S. 2nd St., and the library 168 Ecols St. S.

New Morning

Bakery hosts Easter bunny hop/cake walk March 23

The New Morning Bakery is hosting a pop up Easter bunny hop and cake walk on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Dallas location, 799 S. Main St. There will be Easter gifts, stuffed Easter balloon’s, baskets, bunny boxes and more. Participate in the Bunny Hop/Cake Walk and win A luscious mini/cake (cupcakes).

Library hosts Pysanky egg decorating March 23

The Friends of the Monmouth Library present a Pysanky Egg Decorating class from 2-4 p.m. March 23 at the Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S. Learn the art of Ukranian egg decorating. This free class is limited to adults and registration is required. To sign up, stop

• 9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Center

• 9:30 a.m. - Independence Municipal Court, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 10 a.m. – Four Handed Pinochle, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Monmouth Senior Center Day Trips: Salem

• 10 a.m. - Tai Chi, Monmouth Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, for babies and young toddlers, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 11 a.m. – Mahjong, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 11 a.m. - Dress Like Fred Rogers Day on the MI Trolley, take photos & post to social media, free stickers to participants

• 1 p.m. - Ten Minute Writing, Monmouth Senior Center

• 5:30 p.m. - Dallas Park Advisory Board & Tree Advisory Board, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

• 6 p.m. - Independence Traffic Safety Committee meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

• 6:30 p.m. - Music Jam, Monmouth Senior Center

• 6:30 p.m. - Virtual Author Talk: Maria Smilios, author of “The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis”, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

by the checkout desk or call (503) 838-1932.

Salem Symphonic

Winds’ concert features

Dallas residents

Dallas resident Rebecca Fromherz will be performing as the featured vocal soloist and narrator for Salem Symphonic Winds’ performance March 24 at 3 p.m. in the Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School.

Fromherz will perform as narrator on the world premiere of a new band arrangement of “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam” by Aland Hovhaness. She will also sing two featured opera arias “Air de Salome” from the opera Herodiade by Jules Massenet, and “Glück das mir verblieb” from the opera Die tote Stadt. John Skelton, Salem Symphonic Winds artistic director and former Dallas band teacher of 31 years, wrote the new arrangement “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam” and will be conducting the concert. More information and tickets are available at www. SalemSymphonicWinds.org.

4-H Polk County offers tied pillows class Oregon 4-H Polk County offers the Spring Break Class: Tied Pillows, March 25 form 11 a.m. to noon. Free for Polk County 4-H members, $10/week for non-members. The class is geared for youth K-8. Registration required at https://beav.es/cSw.

Dallas

Linda Lucille Jenkins

Linda Lucille Jenkins was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 9, 1951, and passed away on Feb. 16, 2024, in Salem, Oregon.

She grew up with frequent visits to her grandparents’ tavern, Vince and Julie’s Little Tavern in the Woods. She attended San Bernardino Valley College before moving to Gainesville, Florida, where she met her husband, Tom; they were together for nearly 50 years.

Linda and Tom drove across the country in 1976 and lived in several places in Oregon before deciding on a house in the woods outside of Dallas.

Linda worked for the Oregon Department of Revenue and later as an educational assistant for the Dallas School District. After retiring, she liked volunteering as a reading buddy.

Linda, Tom and their daughter Robin enjoyed exploring the outdoors (she excelled at planning fun trips) and playing evening card games together. She took annual cruises with her sisters, Donna, and Carolyn, in the Caribbean. Linda enjoyed visiting the coast and discovering starfish in tidepools. She also loved reading - Linda actively participated in two book clubs and particularly liked author Jane Kirkpatrick’s historical fiction about places in the Pacific Northwest that she could visit after finishing the book. For the last several years, Linda really got into taking walks around town, enjoying the exercise and the nature she saw in people’s yards and along Rickreall Creek.

She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Dallas, and was an incredibly thoughtful, giving and kind person.

Linda was preceded in death by her mom Julie Neitzel and her sister Carolyn Gutt.

Linda is survived by her husband Tom; daughter Robin (Dallas, Oregon); her sister Donna Pauly (Geneva, Illinois); many great-nieces and nephews; and her wider community of dear friends.

A homily service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dallas, Oregon, on March tream will be found at dal lastlc.org).

A celebration of life memo rial will be held at the Dallas Event Center on April p.m. (livestream link TBA). Please feel free to join us wearing floral patterns or the color blue.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, The Ocean Conservancy, and American Red Cross.

The family is in the care of Bollman’s Tribute Center.

Robert Friedemann

On the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 14, Robert Clarence Friedemann, 84, passed quietly while taking care of the property and wildlife that he loved. Due to the love and care of his friends, he did not remain alone for long, for which the family sends thanks to Judy Bradshaw and Linda Winn. Robert was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he still has family roots that run deep with cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be returning to the area for an eternal home with his family in Oklahoma. Robert attended Oklahoma State University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. He met Katherine Ann Hunter in Portland, Oregon, and wed her on June 12, 1967. They spent most of their married lives in Dallas, Oregon, raising their two daughters, Sara Lynn Oliver, and Syndey (Cynthia) Brooke Friedemann. Robert worked for Towmotor, Caterpillar for many years, accepting early retirement when offered and transitioning to providing expert witness services for lift truck litigation throughout the country.

Both Bob and Kay were known in the community as happy, friendly and engaging individuals. They enjoyed socializing, horseback riding, traveling and diligently maintaining their lovely private home. Robert was well known for his mechanical abilities and a talent for fixing all of the broken things.

While we are so glad that Robert was able to enjoy a long and eventful life, living out his final days enjoying the life he chose, he will be deeply missed by his daughters Syndey and Sara; grandchildren Brandon Fernandez, Leighton Oliver and Sala Jassat (and an as-yet-unknown Jassat baby); as well as his good friend and companion, Judy Bradshaw.

Donna May

Melius-Sanders

Apr. 5 1936 – Feb. 25

Born and raised in Falls City, Oregon, Donna May Melius-Sanders was the sec ond eldest of six siblings. She

attended school in both Falls City and Dallas, started a family, and later moved to Salem, where she attended college and went out into the working field.

Years later she returned to her hometown of Falls City, where she settled into her retirement years.

She was a woman strong in her faith, always selfless, always loving and devoted to her family. She spent her time gardening, sewing, reading and studying family genealogy. She enjoyed music and self-taught, played the piano beautifully. Spiritual music was always close to her heart.

After struggling with her health, with family by her side, she was ready to meet her heavenly Father. She was 87 years of age. She leaves behind four daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved and adored her. She will be dearly missed, forever in our hearts.

Lowell W Spring

Jul. 9 1938 - Mar. 5 2024

He just never stopped: never stopped educating, never lost his enthusiasm for learning. And those of us who were lucky enough, got to be pulled along in his beautiful wake of driven curiosity. On March 5, 2024, we lost a teacher when Emeritus Professor of Biology at Western Oregon University, Lowell W Spring passed away. A student scholarship

would debate the biology of “teacher’s DNA” with me, I somehow think he inherited just such a gene.

He pursued his own education with passion: graduating from Davenport High School in 1956 and then moving to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he got his undergraduate degree at what was then known as the State College of Iowa (now the University of Northern Iowa). He of course did not stop there and moved to Seattle to graduate with a PhD from The University of Washington. He then began his long career in biology education at Western Oregon University in Monmouth and his love of the beautiful state of Oregon.

His teaching wasn’t confined to lecture halls and labs though; he taught little children how to build birdhouses and senior citizens about whales while cruising the islands of Alaska. He would send birthday presents of test tubes with the developmental stages of tadpoles becoming frogs to his little great nieces and nephews (which immediately made them the coolest kids at Show-And-Tell).

One of our last visits with him involved traversing the mid-Willamette Valley in his car, identifying birds leaning out the passenger window with his binoculars. We felt so privileged to have our very own naturalist, providing a private tour.

Lowell was serious about our role as conservators of nature. He was past director of the Salem Audubon Society and deeply involved in the development of the Ankeny Nature Preserve. Although he never said in so many words, I think he felt a responsibility in protecting these delicate natural areas just so those in generations beyond him can enjoy them as much as he did.

Lowell has left behind decades of students, some of which surely, are continuing to pass that important lamp of knowledge. And he has also left behind a family which loves him dearly: his sister, Connie Organ of Iowa City, Iowa; nieces Denise Winder, of Madison, Wisconsin,

www.

BollmansTributeCenter.com.

Dell Shannon Park

On Feb. 25, due to heart failure, Dell Park of Independence, Oregon, passed away into the loving arms of his savior, Jesus.

Surviving family members are parents Linden and Sandra Park; brother Marquis, of Independence; sister Andrea of Bremerton, Washington; daughter Brandy Park and a granddaughter Valkyrie Wright; and his aunt and uncle Doctors Marty and Sharon Thornton, and son August, of Independence.

As per his wishes no services will be held.

Donna E. Zehner (Waechter)

Mar. 18, 1949 – Jan. 13, 2024

Donna passed away Jan. 13, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. She was born March 18, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa. A Celebration of Donna’s life will be Saturday, March 23 at 11 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Monmouth.

Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family.

www. BollmansTributeCenter.com

Elizabeth R Wheeler

Apr. 2 7 1938 – Feb. 28 2024

Elizabeth R Wheeler passed away Feb. 28, 2024.

on December 17, 1960 at St.

Saviors Church in London, England. She is survived by her brother Paul Richardson, sister Lily Ruffcorn, husband Jimmie C Peterson, her sons Jimmie (daughter-in-law Danni, JD (daughter-in-law Lori), Jason, and John (daughter-in-law Lynsi), and her many grandchildren. Pamela was the best of us all. She loved her family dearly and was its backbone. While staying in our home, she brought so much joy to me and Lynsi, and to our children Elizabeth, Zachary, and Lily. She loved all of her grandchildren so very much.

Pamela’s funeral was September 19th, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Salem, Oregon, followed by Catholic internment at City View Cemetery, also in Salem.

Family in attendance her sister Lily Ruffcorn, her son John, (daughter-in-law)

Lynsi, grandchildren Emma, Elizabeth, Zachary, Lily. A light from our household is gone, a voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home and in our hearts which never can be filled…. Saying goodbye to the best mother a son could ever have. Love you forever, dearest Mum.

Deborah Main (Siemiller)

Nov. 3 1961 – March 3 2024

Deborah Ann Main (Siemiller) went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the age of 62. Debbie was born on Nov. 3, 1961, to Kathleen J. and Roscoe T. Siemiller, in Dallas Oregon, where she grew up and graduated. She spent her adult life being a mother to four daughters and being

Pamela Jean

Scams target Pacific Power utility customers

Tactics

-

the next 30-60 minutes. Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.

- The thieves may ask you to make a payment with a prepaid card (Green Dot,

Central

Cyberattack knocks

Central back

From Page A1

gained access to PowerSchool, as well as other key staff members.

“With that, we were able to access our email and robocall system, allowing for communication channels with families to reopen,” Kubista explained. “We were fortunate that our email and other Google applications were not affected by the attack, and we were able to keep other

Forests

State forests plan passes on split vote

From Page A1

Fourteen western Oregon counties – Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Douglas, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook and Washington

– have received a portion of revenues made on state timber harvests for 80 years. While some county leaders say they are angry and worried about the impact the habitat plan could have on their budgets, ODF predictions paint a rosier picture for Polk County. Polk County’s average annual share

systems going, including our websites.”

However, Kubista conceded 27 days later, they’re still working through the investigation and full network restoration. The damage from the attack was so extensive, she could not say what sensitive information may have been compromised.

“The investigation into our network disruption is ongoing. If it is determined that any personal information was impacted during the incident, we will provide notification to all affected individuals consistent with relevant laws. This investigation could take some time,” Kubista said.

of the logging profits would increase from the current 10-year average of $136,000 to about $700,000, according to new models created by the ODF.

Polk County Commissioner said he wasn’t convinced by the state’s estimates.

“I believe it will take a few years to implement the policies that will make up the collaboration of state and federal governments regarding ‘take permits.’ In the meantime, environmental justice organizations will find a legal toe-hold to infiltrate and sue on any increases in timber sales anywhere on this 650K acre landscape,” Pope told the Itemizer-Observer. “Polk County government will not be budgeting for these never

MoneyPak, etc.). Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You are able to choose how you would like to make your payment (see options).

- Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service. Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text, or in

She said the next steps will be getting the network back online, beefing up security systems and continuing to work to getting systems back up for students and families, specifically Wi-Fi and PowerSchool. On Feb. 20, Kubista said they learned that the FBI and other major international law agencies had arrested and indited members of the LockBit ransomware gang. The LockBit site was under the control of international law enforcement and their investigation continues on, Kubista said. She added Central’s insurance pool SDAO covered the cost of the incident response, with Central only having to

before seen revenues. Polk County will feel the impact of these changes in jobs and revenues lost just like we have in changes to policies on federal timber lands over the past several decades.”

Meanwhile David Reid, executive director of the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, representing 600 businesses across sectors in the area’s economy, called the plan a catastrophe.

“It’s a crime that you or anybody else has that much power over us, but you do,” he told the forestry board at the meeting.

Former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Betsy Johnson unleashed a fiery criticism of the board, painting a grim picture of a future under

person and asks for on-thespot payment.

- Scammers may use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to Caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not.

- If you are contacted in person, please ask to see the employees’ ID badge. Our employees carry ID badges with their name, photo, the company logo and verification number.

pay its insurance deductible. Payment of the ransom was never in question.

“The district did not pay any ransom and isn’t allowed to, anyways,” Kubista said.

In addition to the insurance pool, Kubista thanked a long list of contributors from the local community who jumped in to keep operations going.

For example, both MINET and Western Oregon University provided hot spots “so that the district leaders could quickly pivot. These hotspots were vital to the rapid response to this disruption,” Kubista said. In addition, WOU provided Central teaching staff access to its technology labs so that staff

the plan, including closed schools, deteriorating roads and suffering economies.

“Oregonians will remember you, and not favorably,” she said.

On average, the counties have received a combined $63.9 million each year from the timber harvests during the last decade. Under the habitat conservation plan, counties would receive an average of $51 million each year, according to an analysis from the state forestry department released in December.

But some new logging areas will open up under the plan. Six of the 14 western timber counties stand to earn thousands of dollars more in annual revenue than years

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, note any information – caller ID, phone numbers, addresses for making payments, etc. – and report it to us at 1-888-221-7070, your local police and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. If you are in doubt that the caller or visitor represents Pacific Power, please call us at 1-888-221-7070 to confirm the person’s identity and role

could come in and print materials stored on their Google drives. Willamette Education Service District supported Central through regular human resources and payroll functions.

“We still have a long way to go. Not all programs have been restored. We are confident we will be able to move forward with state assessment next month on schedule,” Kubista said. “I’m thankful for our community for showing grace, patience, support and trust as we worked through this incident.”

For example, Kubista said the attack on the district’s library system has caused staff to safely restore and rebuild

with the company before proceeding with any transaction. If you are not sure about the authenticity of a billing or other email that appears to come from us, you can log in to your account to review your statement. You can also call us anytime toll free at 1-888-221-7070.

the entire network and system. They are still in the process of evaluating where they are with that, so there’s still some steps to take before it gets back online.

She said the next steps the administration is working, pretty much simultaneously, are:

- Get all desktops back up on the network for all the staff

- Getting PowerSchool up for parents and students

- Resetting all student Chromebooks

- Getting Wi-Fi up for student Chromebooks

prior under the plan, but eight could lose up to several hundred thousand dollars each year. Clatsop and Washington counties appear to be staring

down possible multi-million dollar losses.

Reporter David Hayes contributed to this story.

HEALTH DIRECTORY

CHIROPRACTIC

• JOYNT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Brian Joynt, DC - 629 Clay Street East, Monmouth, OR 97361  Family-oriented chiropractic clinic, dedicated to creating an unparalleled experience of service, quality and care by teaching the true principles of chiropractic. We look forward to empowering each of you to help your family participate more fully in life. New patients welcome. Accept most insurance. Auto/ personal injury and work comp. Massage therapist on site. Complimentary consultations. Call us today to make your appointment (503) 837-0550.

• THORNTON CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Sharon and Marty Thornton - Palmer Graduates - We care, God cures. 1650 Monmouth St., Independence, OR 97351 503-838-3346. Office hours: Mon & Wed 8am-12pm & 2pm-6pm, Tues & Thursday 8:30am-12pm & 2pm-6pm, Fri 8am-noon.  Serving Polk county for 25 years. Offering Thompson Drop and other hands-on techniques, as well as Advanced Activator Methods and Functional Neurology. We provide gentle and effective full-spine and extremity adjusting for all ages in a loving and caring environment. We are accepting new patients for Family Wellness Care, Medicare, Auto or personal injury & Workers Comp. Licensed Massage Therapy available on site.

COUNSELING

• CROSS AND CROWN COUNSELING  offers counseling services to individuals, couples and families as well as seminars and grief recovery workshops. Areas we support but are not limited to are adolescent, premarital, marriage, family, trauma, crisis, grief, depression, anxiety, anger, divorce, and identity crisis. We help our clients find healing, learn communication skills, and appropriate responses to individual and family needs and how to obtain overall health, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We provide a safe and caring environment to face life situations, address interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict and help individuals realize their full potential in order to live decisively with truth, relevance, perspective, and purpose. Our counselors are NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselors, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselors and Certified Temperament Counselors. Our office is located at 177 SW Oak St., Dallas, OR 97338. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit our website www. crossandcrowncounseling.com or call (503) 917-1625.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

• WESTON K. MORRILL, DMD - 289 E. Ellendale Suite #201, Dallas. 503-623-6616. Family, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry. Complete dentistry for the entire family. Se habla español.

• KENNETH WINOKUR, DMD - 329 South Main Street Independence, OR 97351. 503-838-1633. High quality service with your comfort in mind. Nitrous oxide gas sedation available. www.independencedental. org

IMAGING SERVICES

• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  offers state-of-the-art, all-digital diagnostic imaging services. With your physician’s referral, we provide bone density tests, CT scans, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI services. Check out our comfortable and spacious mammography suite. Our imaging services are located at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-6237302. Learn more at salemhealth.org/westvalley.

LABORATORY SERVICES

• SALEM HEALTH HOSPITALS & CLINICS  provides lab services at three convenient locations in Dallas, Monmouth and Independence. Both fully accredited labs accept health care provider referrals for collections and testing. The labs also offer employment and selfreferral drug testing. Appointments are not required at either location. Learn more at salemhealth.org/lab. WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  outpatient lab available weekdays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekends 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-814-5227

SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC – MONMOUTH  is open Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-814-5227.

SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC – INDEPENDENCE is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., 1430 Monmouth St., 503-917-2255.

ORTHODONTICS

• YENNE & SCHOFIELD - SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS - 580 Main Street, Suite E, Dallas, 503623-5002. Providing Polk County with orthodontic care for children and adults for functions and cosmetics. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays.

PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION SERVICES

• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  offers a wide range of rehabilitation services. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are located at 641 SE Miller Ave, Dallas, 503-623-7305.

• SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC –MONMOUTH offers physical, occupational and speech therapy. Located at 512 Main St., 503-838-1388. Learn more at salemhealth.org/rehab..

PRIMARY CARE

• SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINICS  are accepting new patients in Dallas, Monmouth and Independence. With a proactive health care approach, the clinics provide care for all ages. Services include annual exams, immunizations, lifestyle counseling. Same day appointments available at the Monmouth and Independence locations, days may vary. Learn more at salemhealth.org/primary-care.

Dallas — 1000 SE Uglow Ave., 503-623-8376

Dallas — 641 SE Miller Ave., 503-623-2345

Independence — Central Health and Wellness Center - 1601 Monmouth St., Suite 100, 503-838-0045 Monmouth — 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-838-1182

URGENT CARE

• BESTMED URGENT CARE  provides treatments and services for time-sensitive injuries and illnesses. We have caring and knowledgeable providers to treat a variety of conditions such as fever & flu, sprains & strains, allergies & asthma, UTIs, and dehydration. Additional services include sports physicals, on-site lab & x-ray, sutures & stitches, and vaccinations. Walkins are welcome or check-in online at bestmedclinics. com. The BestMed Urgent Care clinic is located at 186 West Ellendale Avenue in Dallas; 971-900-4984.

PHOTO BY JORDAN GALE / OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

Slash piles burn after clearcutting near the Tillamook State Forest in western Oregon, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

“She was the guru of genealogy in this county. She worked real hard to get us to start this project,” Olmstead said.

“The Oddfellows and Masons used to be in charge of cemeteries. They had a burial plan, but not a maintenance plan,” Niederer said. That’s where HPNW comes in. The duo have dedicated more than two

decades restoring headstones in cemeteries throughout the Willamette Valley. To pay for their services, Dallas received a $2,485 grant from Oregon Park and Recreation’s Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Olmstead said the cemetery received an additional $500 from the Dallas Retirement Community Fund and another $1,340 from individual donations to keep the cemetery upkeep alive.

“Sextons, workers in cemetery are who usually do the repairs. To have an outside grant to help out cemeteries is great. They saw a real need in the state, that there were so many abandoned pioneer cemeteries, so many small groups

trying to do repairs on their own,” Pinyerd said. Dallas is the only cemetery in Polk County they’ve worked in so far. They’ve initiated restoration projects in McMinnville, Lafayette and Coos Bay, to name a few.

“Part of reason we haven’t done much in Polk County is because of Polk County Cemetery Savers,” Niederer said. “They’ve done such a good job, we don’t need to a lot of times.”

She added there’s a third, surprising group besides volunteers helping maintain local cemeteries.

“Goth kids. Your black clad teenagers who listen to really depressing music, they also

Veterans’ Mental Health Summit comes to Dallas Armory March 14

VETcare Oregon, one part of a nationwide provider of behavioral health and human services, presents its first ever Veterans’ Mental Health Summit March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dallas Armory Rental Venue, located at 12830 Westview Dr, in Dallas. At 7:30 a.m., check-in will begin well as same-day registration and a continental breakfast provided to attendees.

The summit, made possible thanks to a grant from the Willamette Health Council and support from Deer Hollow, will cover topics regarding the stigma surrounding mental health as well as

spread awareness of veteran suicide. Throughout the summit, attendees will hear keynote speakers share new and promising ideas about mental health care and suicide prevention efforts among veterans in the Willamette Valley. Keynote presentations will be made by Jennifer Hilton, WestCare Foundation director of training; Matt Quackenbush, LCSW, Deer Hollow director of education; and Jared Nesary, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and retired officer for the Yakima Police Department. The summit is open to the public and all attendees are eligible to

receive seven free Continuing Education Units.

The summit will also include a veterans speakers panel featuring insight from Peggy Quig, WestCare Texas interim director of operations; Sean Dalton, mentor for Steps Recovery Center; Roy McClain, VETcare Oregon program director; and Mark Pekkola, VETcare Oregon case manager. In between speaker sessions, attendees will be able to visit a veterans’ resource fair featuring more than 15 booths from local veterans’ support organizations.

Jennifer Hilton, Director of Training for WestCare Foundation, said while the

stats vary depending on the source, on average, almost a third of all veterans have at least one mental health concern.

“With this in mind, focused trainings like VETcare‘s First Annual Mental Health Summit, are vital to the staff who provide daily care and support for those who have served. It is especially important to

like cemeteries,” Niederer said. “And so, they tend to be more respectful.”

Regardless of upkeep, Niederer explained a lot of headstones will eventually lean a little bit.

“We don’t really worry unless it’s 8 to 10 degrees on these big ones, or 8 degrees on much narrower ones,” she said.

In addition, the duo will be called upon to fix detached, shattered, and sometimes reassembling headstones.

“We try to do as little interfering as possible. Any time we interfere, we risk damage,” she said.

Pinyerd said HPNW started initially with above ground

historic preservation for buildings. However, they found their efforts were very contentious, especially against builders who were more interested in replacing than restoring a site.

“We weren’t making anybody happy. But as soon as we turned to cemeteries, it was so rewarding by comparison. I don’t think we were ever thanked for our work before cemeteries,” he said, adding they enjoy the business of preserving a public record of sorts. “We’re coming in with the art of the stone.

Preservation. The tangible artifact of our past. It’s the written record in stone. Quite literally.”

March 13-19

CLASS 5A

CENTRAL/ FALLS CITY

Wednesday

• Forest Grove vs. BB, 5 p.m.

Thursday

• Glencoe vs. SB, 4 p.m.

• (Western Oregon University)

Friday

• BB at Hillsboro, 5 p.m.

• (Rutschman Stadium at Hare Field)

Monday

• SB at Liberty, 5 p.m.

DALLAS HIGH

Thursday

• SB at West Salem, 5 p.m.

Friday

• Reynolds at BB, 5 p.m.

Saturday

• BB at Grant, 2 p.m.

Tuesday

• BB at La Salle Prep, 4:30 p.m.

• McNary vs. SB, 4:30 p.m.

CLASS 1A

PERRYDALE HIGH

Friday

• Vernonia/Jewell vs. SB, 4:30 p.m.

• The Perrydale varsity boys baseball schedule was unavailable before deadline.

Lady Dragons look to defend state title

Road to championship now goes through new infield

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Dallas High School’s Lady Dragons already entered the 2024 season with a competitive advantage over the Mid Willamette Conference, returning all but one player from their defending state 5A championship squad.

However, the team got an early leg up on their competition already playing outdoors on their new artificial turf infield installed last summer. The team invited their most ardent fans to celebrate the new ballfield March 9 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I’ve never had tryouts outside. We were able to come out the day it snowed (March 1) and have a tryout as well as practice outside all this week,” said head coach Brandi Jackson. “It’s been cold, but it’s been worth it. Normally, my outfielders don’t see a flyball until the first game. Because we can’t.

So, you can only do so much in a gym.”

Jackson informed the crowd the artificial turf project was 100% privately funded, with $60,000 in donations and sponsorships coming from local businesses, $40,000 from donated services (such as excavation, labor and materials) and $30,000 in private donations (from the Lady

Dragons’ GoFundMe drive and many years of booster club auctions).

Jackson said the turf infield represents a significant upgrade to the overall softball program not only for the current roster of players but for future generations.

“This also means that players, coaches and parents don’t have to spend countless hours

preparing our field on weekends, holidays and game days, which is a huge accomplishment in itself. Even though I think the girls will secretly miss it,” Jackson said. She said the old field had drainage issues and rodent damage to the tarp so when it was deployed, it didn’t keep the field dry.

“We’ve spent thousands of dollars on surface, time and energy to get the field playable for even one game. This allows the girls to stay in school longer and not worry about field maintenance, being able to play at home preseason instead of traveling

See DRAGONS, page B8

Rugby 7s’ best coming to WOU for national qualifier

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Ben Barlow’s love for rugby goes beyond what happens on the field; it’s also about what happens off it.

“I grew up playing American football, soccer, basketball, baseball. All that stuff,” said Barlow, who coaches Western Oregon’s 7s and 15s men’s rugby teams. “My first year in high school I decided to give rugby a shot.”

That “shot” has now lasted 15 years.

“The culture behind rugby was very different then other American sports,” he said of his early fascination. “In a lot of the other sports the mentality is like, we’re going to go out there and kill the other team. At the end of the game, you leave and walk away.”

But rugby was different.

“Don’t get me wrong. We still want a competitive edge in rugby. But after every match there is a social,” Barlow said. “It’s a really cool experience to go shake hands with the team that you just spent 80 minutes trying to kill on the field, and actually get to know them.”

There’s also a little thing called R-E-S-P-E-C-T that extends to players and non-players alike.

“The level of respect that you find in rugby, not only with the other team but with the referees and things like that, is unparalleled in a lot of other sports,” Barlow said. “Inclusion is a huge part of rugby culture. Honestly, I quickly fell in love with this aspect of it. Once I started playing rugby, I didn’t play any other sport.”

Barlow, who played collegiately at Western Oregon, recently took his game south.

“I had the opportunity to sign a contract to go down and play in New Zealand, which is why I missed a chunk of last season,” he said. “I learned a lot from that (experience).”

Barlow played at the premier level while in New Zealand, a country whose passion for the sport rivals this country’s passion for football. Their national team, the All Blacks, is highly regarded internationally.

“Down there, my coach’s son started playing rugby when he was 3. It’s rippa rugby, which is kind of like pee-wee football, where they do non-contact. But it’s like you grow up playing rugby from that age,” Barlow said. “They get this ability to see the game a little bit better, and a little bit clearer, because they grow up playing it. So the speed of the game, the

speed of the ball, the individual skill levels were just insane.”

Some of what Barlow learned has been incorporated into the Western Oregon program.

“The structure (New Zealand) was able to put behind their system was more robust than what we had here in previous years,” Barlow said. “So coming back with (knowledge) of that structure was a huge part of what I think has helped us kind of move the program forward.”

Western Oregon has reached a point where its rugby teams are often cited as being among the nation’s best in the small college division. They can add to their reputation in the coming weeks.

The 2024 Collegiate Rugby 7s Championship is Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, in Boyds, Maryland. To advance, Western Oregon must first win a national qualifier. They have two chances to do so: March 23, at Western Oregon, and April 6, at Cal Maritime in Vallejo, California.

“I think we stand a very, very good shot of qualifying at our home tournament,” said Andy Main, associate director for Western Oregon Campus Recreation.

Two at-large bids are awarded to the national championship, but they usually go to East Coast or Midwest teams.

“The likelihood that Western would be selected for an at-large bid is pretty small. Even though we’ve been a top 10 team nationally the last few years,” Main said.

Eight teams are expected at next week’s qualifier, though a ninth is possible.

Most of the teams are from the Pacific Northwest. Cal Poly Humboldt and Cal Maritime are from outside the

region and considered strong contenders.

Western Oregon competes in the small college division, and as a club sport. But that doesn’t mean the Wolves can’t hold their own against larger schools.

“We’ve beaten Oregon and Oregon State the last two years,” Main said. “The small college division is by far the most robust. There’s like three times as many small college teams as there are in any of the other three divisions.”

There’s also quality in that quantity.

“I think it would be a misunderstanding to state our division is the easiest division,” Main said. “On the contrary, we find that small college teams are quite frequently just as good, if not better than the teams above them.”

In rugby 7s, each team fields seven players. Halves are seven minutes. Intermission is two minutes. The home turf is about as long as a football field, but wider. It is located west of campus, near the softball and baseball fields. The United States hosts the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups, according to the Goff Rugby

PHOTO BY STRYDER MORRISON

Brandi Jackson, Dallas High School head softball coach, cuts the ribbon March 9 celebrating the installation of a new artificial turf infield.

PHOTO BY SAM SANDERS

If Western Oregon is to battle for a national title, they need to win at least one qualifier. The first of two qualifying tournaments on their schedule is Saturday, March 23, at home. Action begins at 9 a.m.

PAGES OF THE PAST FLASHBACK

50 years ago

Jan. 13, 1974

Dallas stops included in Myers campaign tour Republican candidate for governor, Clay Myers, who is presently serving as secretary of state, officially kicked off his campaign tour in Polk County last Thursday with stops at West Salem, Independence and Dallas. Myers appeared in Dallas at a luncheon meeting at the Blue Garden Restaurant. Following lunch he answered questions from the group.

Capping Ceremonies

Four Polk County women were among the 32 Chemeketa Community College licensed practical nursing students honored in a capping ceremony on March 1. Dallas women receiving caps are Lorilyn R. Clifton, Anna U Scholz, and Peggy Crider. The fourth Polk County student taking part in the ceremonies was Kathleen M. Wavra of Monmouth

Posey, Veazie and Buhler selected to All-stars

After the Coast Valley League coaches compiled their vote for the season’s AllStar selections, Dallas’ Mitch Posey’s name emerged at the top of the heap. Dallas’ 5’9” Steve Veazie and 6’4” Clare Buhler were elected to the second team Coast Division.

40 years ago Jan. 14, 1984

Dallas wins mind Olympics

The imagination and ingenuity of five Dallas students earned them first place over 38 other teams from 17 schools in a regional tournament of Olympics of the Mind March 3 in Corvallis. Winning team members were Jeni Mitas, Lia Yomnick, Judy Bailey, Kandi Newton and Michele Van Elverdinghe. Olympics of the Mind encourages creative thinking and ”brainstorming” problems by teamwork.

Dallas men honored Harry Miller and Bill Seeley, both of Dallas,

FILE PHOTO

This week’s Flashback is from Feb. 13, 1974: POTTREY MAKERS – These are some of the Lyle School sixth grade students in Mrs. Fran Stuck’s class who have been working with clay. The class will go through the entire process of how to make clay items. Working hard on their clay pots are (from left)

were recently honored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for their service to the state’s Hunter Education Program. Miller and Seeley received bronze awards for their work as

Penner, Rory

instructors in the classes for young hunters.

Kids Inc. wrestlers triumph Fourteen Kids Inc. wrestlers placed in the top three

history of service and commitment to the Dallas community make her a perfect fit to lead our Dallas Branch,” said Gordon Zimmerman, president and CEO of Citizens Bank. “Citizens Bank is proud to be a part of the Dallas community and fortunate to have a dedicated Banker like Sarrah leading our Dallas team.”

McMaster also serves as the president of the Polk Adolescent Day Treatment Center, treasurer of the Dallas Area Chamber and Visitor Center, and she’s an active member of Oregon Women for Ag.

Annette Kelley and Julie Wilson.

during a junior developmental freestyle tournament Saturday at Newberg.First place performers at Newberg included Steve Page (85 pounds), Sam Sickles (95), Craig Thomas (100), Andy Foster (105),

Tony Oliff (145), Jeff Earhart (155) and Shawn Hall (175).

Second place award went to Jeremy Curtis (95), Carl Earhart (85), Sean Whitacre (125) and Jeff DeVault.

Mar. 13 - Mar. 20 Answer key.

Puzzles can be found on page B3

Scott

Wagner,

MOMENTS IN TIME

• On March 25, 2017, the world’s largest banana split made its debut in Innisfail, Australia. Concocted with 40,000 bananas, it stretched for an astounding 5 miles long. No word on the number of calories it contained.

• On March 26, 1971, East Pakistan declared its independence from Pakistan, forming Bangladesh, which started an eight-month-long war between Pakistan and the newly-formed state. As many as 3 million people lost their lives in the conflict.

• On March 27, 1989, the groundbreaking soap opera “Generations” aired on NBCTV, making it the first U.S. African-American show of its kind. Focusing on the relationship between two Chicago families, one white and one Black, the series tackled difficult subjects, including sickle cell anemia, racial bias and hate crimes, but failed to find a wide audience and was canceled in 1991.

• On March 28, 1949, English astronomer Fred Hoyle coined the term “Big Bang” during a BBC radio interview, though he also refuted the scientific theory, remarking in a later interview with the network that “the reason why scientists like the ‘big bang’ is because they are overshadowed by the Book of Genesis. It is deep within the psyche of most scientists to believe in the first page of Genesis.”

• On March 29, 1984, the city of Baltimore refused to replace its antiquated stadium, so the owner of the Baltimore Colts decided to up and leave the state. The team loaded up all their equipment into 15 trucks, moved to Indiana, and renamed themselves the Indianapolis Colts.

• On March 30, 1842, inhaled sulfuric ether was used as an anesthetic for the first time, by American surgeon Crawford Williamson Long, the first obstetric anesthetist, in Athens, Georgia. Long was also a cousin of Western legend Doc Holliday, and may have operated on Doc’s cleft lip.

• On March 31, 1923, the first dance marathon took place in New York City, with dance instructor Alma Cummings setting a new record at the Audubon Ballroom by hoofing it for 27 hours with six different partners. In just three weeks, her feat would be surpassed at least nine times across the U.S.

TRIVIA TEST

By FIFI RODRIGUEZ

QUESTIONS

1. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom featured a father figure named Philip Banks?

2. LANGUAGE: How many letters are in the Greek alphabet?

3.

Which movie features the line, “To be honest, when I found out the patriarchy wasn’t just about horses, I

4.

8.

9.

Puzzle answers on page B2

possession of or occupying the property, except: Name and Last Known Address and Nature of Right, Lien or Interest PAUL RITCHEY 3095 MISTLETOE RD DALLAS, OR 97338-9549 Original Borrower WANDA RITCHEY 3095 MISTLETOE RD DALLAS, OR 97338-9549 Original Borrower For Sale Information Call: 916-939-0772 or Login to: www.nationwideposting.com In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the

as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to

LaCreole, mat club continue Dallas wrestling success

Girls Division

1st Place: Nanasipau’u Talakali 100 lbs, Gabriella Dyer 155 lbs.

2nd Place:

Kayla Gilliard 90 lbs, Yoselin Nunez Andrade 100 lbs,

Sara Talmadge 115 lbs, Mahala Collins 185 lbs.

4th Place: Lyla Croxford 95 lbs, Nyeli Nunez Andrade 120 lbs

Boys Division:

1st Place:

Jonny Talmadge 125 lbs

Jordon Larson 140 lbs, Carson Langford 195 lbs.

3rd Place:

Griffin Atterbury 75 lbs, Corbyn Mumey 275 lbs.

4th Place:

Remington Basey 95 lbs, Alex Nunez 102 lbs,

5th Place:

Kaysen Oden 80 lbs, Braden Thomas 110 lbs

Those competitors fought very tough at the state tournament on March 9. They had many very close matches and a lot of overtime. The

LaCreole Wildcat Boys team secured third place and the girls were one point shy of 4th place. Each athlete that competes and wins a match generates points for the team. There were a lot of tough matches with kids going head to head with the toughest middle school wrestlers in the state. The following Athletes Claimed titles at the Oregon Middle School State Championship:

Boy’s Division:

1st Place: Carson Langford 195 lbs,

Jordan Larson 140 lbs.

3rd Place:

Jonathan Talmadge 125 lbs.

Girl’s Division:

3rd Place:

Nanasipau`u Talakai’s, 100 lbs.

4th Place:

Yoselin Nunez Andrade, 100 lbs

Gabriella Dyer, 155 lbs Mahala Collins, 185 lbs

The Dallas Mat club simultaneously had great success at the first freestyle tournament of the season held at Centennial High

School in Portland. All Bryce Dominquez wanted for his birthday was to go to a “wrestling meet” according to his parents. They took him to his first ever tournament on his birthday weekend and he walked away with a first place medal!

1st Place:

Bryce Dominquez Kaylin Juster Jackson Gibson 2nd place

Kapi Shinkle 3rd place Kalani Shinkle

2, ALSO BEING ON THE SOUTH

SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF POLK, STATE OF OR, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: PARCEL I: BEGINNING AT A 1/2 INCH IRON PIPE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THAT PROPERTY CONVEYED TO TONY KHA, IN POLK COUNTY DEED RECORDS MICROFILM 2007008781 (HEREIN REFERRED TO AS KHA PROPERTY 2), ALSO BEING ON THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE MONMOUTH & INDEPENDENCE HIGHWAY (A 66 FOOT RIGHT-OF-WAY), SAID NORTHEAST CORNER BEING SOUTH 89°40’50” EAST 285.09 FEET FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT “C” OF A PARTITION PLAT RECORDED AS COUNTY SURVEY NO. 11882, A PARTITION PLAT OF RECORD IN SECTION 30 OF TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, CITY OF MONMOUTH, POLK COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID KHA PROPERTY 2 SOUTH 0°18’49” WEST 148.00 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THAT PROPERTY CONVEYED TO TONY KHA IN POLK COUNTY DEED RECORDS MICROFILM 2007008782 (HEREIN REFERRED TO AS KHA PROPERTY 1), SAID NORTHWEST CORNER BEING WITNESSED BY A 5/8 INCH IRON ROD THAT BEARS NORTH 55°31’40” EAST

WAY LINE OF SAID MONMOUTH & INDEPENDENCE HIGHWAY; THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID KHA PROPERTY 2 SOUTH 89°40’50” EAST 91.37 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY CONVEYED TO NGA YEN VO BY DEED RECORDED JULY 14, 2010 AS DOCUMENT NO. 20106726, BOOK OF RECORDS, POLK COUNTY, OREGON. PARCEL II: BEGINNING AT A POINT WHICH IS 569.38 FEET EAST FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DAMON’S ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF MONMOUTH, POLK COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE SOUTH 148 FEET TO THE TRUE PLACE OF BEGINNING, SAID POINT BEING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THAT PROPERTY CONVEYED TO DAVID H. DICKINSON BY INSTRUMENT

PHOTO BY SUZANNE TALMADGE Yosalin Nunez Andrade gets a win at state.

Bryce Dominquez celebrates after taking first place in his first-ever wrestling tournament March 9 at Centennial High School.

PHOTO BY SUZANNE TALMADGE

Nanasi Talakai wrestles her way to a third place win at the state middle school championships March 9.

They were unable to locate any suspects.

• At 10:15 p.m. a report of a suspicious person on Kings Valley Highway. A suspect was cited and released for attempted theft.

Saturday, March 2

• At 1:19 a.m., Nicholas Petitte was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct on Church Street. He was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 9:33 a,m,, a report of a domestic disturbance on Clay Street. Don McAlpine was arrested and charged with menacing. He was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 10:21 a.m., a report of graffiti painted on the front doors of church on Church Street.

Monday, March 4

• At 12:28 a.m., officers responded to an industrial fire on Lyle Street.

• At 12:42 p.m., Jimmy Murray was arrested and lodged at Polk County Jail on an outstanding Oregon State Parole Board warrant.

• At 5:31 p.m., Iris Richter was arrested and charged with assault on Academy Street then lodged at Polk County Jail.

Tuesday, March 5

• At 10:03 a.m., a report of theft on Ellendale Avenue.

Wednesday, March 6

She was trespassed from Walmart.

Friday, March 1

• At 5:27 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 41 mph in a 25-mph zone on Miller Avenue.

• At 5:29 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 31 mph in a 20-mph zone on Main Street.

• At 11:40 a.m., assisted with information exchange for a two vehicle non-blocking car accident on Main Street.

• At 12:21 p.m., a resident on Fern Avenue reported a vehicle crashed into their yard, possibly because the emergency brake wasn’t set. The vehicle’s owner later returned and promised to repair the minor damage caused.

• At 1:19 p.m., a report of a two-vehicle, blocking crash on Washington Street. No medical transport was needed.

• At 2:41 p.m., officers responded to a report of two males arguing causing a disturbance on Uglow Avenue.

• At 12:20 am, officers responded to a report of a possible prowler on Barberry Avenue. They cleared the house was cleared.

• At 4:12 pm, Cameron Wagoner was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer on Wahington Street.

• At 1:18 p.m., a report of a theft of a television on Kings Valley Highway Independence Police Department

Thursday, Feb. 29

• At 1:07 a.m., a report of a vehicle with a “72-hour parking notice before tow” being driven off in the 900 James Street. Officers were unable to locate vehicle or make contact with registered owners.

• At 10:48 a.m., a report of someone spreading rubbish in the 600 block of Main Street.

• At 3:13 p.m., officers investigated a report of an abandoned vehicle in the 800 block of 4th Street.

Friday, March 1

• At 12:41 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 42 mph in a 25-mph zone in the 800 block of Monmouth Street.

• At 1 a.m., an officer investigated a report of someone camping behind a business in the 100 block of Main Street. He found evidence of a camp but no one there.

• At 5:46 a.m.,an officer stopped and warned a motorist for a substantial “rolling stop” at 7th street. The officer informed the driver the area had been receiving traffic complaints in the area. The driver responded that he knew - he was the one calling in the complaints.

• At 10:38 a.m., police investigated a report of a motorist striking a deer in the 200 block of Gun Club Road. The deer was injured but still ambulatory and was allowed to move along.

• At 11:30 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Log Cabin Street reported her juvenile daughter illegally used her Amazon Prime account without permission to make purchases over $400.

• At 2:28 p.m., a report of a motorist parked in front of a fire hydrant on Adams Street. An officer contacted the owner who agreed to move it.

• At 3:18 p.m., a resident in the 4300 block of Independence Highway reported someone damaged their mailbox and stole some mail sometime between 7 and 10 a.m.

• At 5:49 p.m., a resident in the 1200 block of 6th Street reported someone stole some items off their porch.

• At 9:22 p.m., a motorist was stopped for a traffic violation on B Street. Tracy Alan Phillips, 61, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Her BAC later registered at .17%.

Saturday, March 2

• At 12:39 a.m., a report of a loud party in the 100 block of 16th Street. By the time an officer arrived, the party appeared over.

• At 1:01 a.m., a vehicle with no headlights was stopped on Log Cabin Street. The driver was cited for driving while suspended, no insurance and no registration.

A friend with a valid license came and drove the vehicle home.

• At 2:48 a.m., an officer responded to an alarm at a laundromat in the 1300 block of 11th Street. While the doors were unlocked (as usual) there appeared to be no

one inside and the building secure. The location is known for multiple false alarms.

• At 5:19 a.m., a motorist was stopped on Main Street and received a verbal warning for using a cell phone while driving. The driver was cordial and gave the officer a fist bump after the warning. The driver also said the officer had stopped his son a few weeks ago.

• At 6:51 p.m., officers provided police presence at a school dance in the 1500 block of Monmouth Street. There were no issues.

• At 10:41 p.m., an officer responded to a report of a possibly intoxicated motorist. The driver was found on River Road and pulled over after making an unsignaled turn into 7-Star parking lot. The driver was diabetic and was going into the store to buy a soda, explaining the slow and weaving driving. However, she was cited for expired insurance.

Sunday, March 3

• At 11:29 p.m., a vehicle was found running in the parking lot on E Street since 4 p.m. Officers contacted the owner who had forgotten she left the car running.

Monday, March 4

• At 9:55 a.m., a report of a dispute on Main Street. It was found to be a civil issue.

• At 12:01 p.m., a report of an armed person riding a bike. Complainant believed there was the handle of a firearm tucked in his waistband. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.

• At 2:55 p.m. someone stolen a yard sign on Morning Glory Drive.

• At 10:56 p.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 52 mph in a 25-mph zone on Monmouth Street. The motorist failed to yield to emergency lights for several blocks.

Tuesday, March 5

• At 12:48 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 51 mph in a 35-mph zone on Main Street. The officer found the driver cordial during the stop.

• At 7:39 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle. The driver had two flat tires and a friend was on the way to help.

Wednesday, March 6

• At 7:15 a.m., a report of a two-vehicle crash on 3rd Street. Responding officers found no injuries but the vehicles were blocking the roadway. An officer stayed until both vehicles were towed.

• At 8:10 a.m., a report of a male sleeping in a building declared no occupancy. Officers found bedding and personal belongings, but no one present.

• At 10:15 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Monmouth Street. Neither party wanted to press charges.

• Transient Scott David Henry, 40, was arrested at the First Baptist Church on an outstanding warrant and charged with trespassing. He had previously been trespassed from this location and has been arrested for trespassing there several times.

• Sayge Mackinzy Wallace, 18, of Independence, was arrested and charged with harassment after a fight near McDonalds.

Monmouth Police Department

• Victor Gil, 32, was arrested March 1 on an outstanding warrant.

• Jaime Rodriguez, 43, was arrested March 1 and charged with trespassing.

• Juan Leos Jr., 56, was arrested Feb. 25 on an outstanding warrant.

• Santos Sanchez, 38, was arrested March 2 and charged with trespassing.

• Jose Bibiano, 28, was arrested March 2 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and possession of a firearm.

• Brian Fouse, 37, was arrested March 6 and charged with trespassing and criminal mischief.

Polk County

Sheriff’s Office

• Adam Edward Braun was arrested March 7 and placed on hold for the U.S. Marshals (damage property – business).

• Marvin Gene Caldera was arrested March 7 and charged with failure to report as sex offender, two counts of theft 3, and was placed on hold for Marion County (failure to report as sex offfender).

• Alan Boyd Crain Jr. Was arrested March 1 and charged with probation violation (menacing) and parole violation (harassment).

• Kristopher Anthony Dixon was arrested March 8 and was placed on hold for NYE County in Nevada (failure to appear - domestic battery).

• Thomas Anthony Dean Hays was arrested March 1 and placed on hold for Benton County.

• Scott David Henry was arrested March 5 and charged with criminal trespass 2.

• Andrew Jose Miguel Johnson was arrested March 7 and charged with failure to appear (interfering with a police officer).

• Jessie Lamont Jones was arrested March 8 and charged with felon in possession of weapon (restricted), theft 2, theft 1, criminal mischief 3 and criminal mischief 2

• Trey Alexander Lewis was arrested March 8 and charged with strangulation (domestic violence), assault 4 (domestic abuse) and harassment (domestic abuse).

• Russell Allen Littleton was arrested March 5 and charged with two counts of parole violation (burglary 2, failure to appear).

• Roderick Steven Lonsinger was arrested March 6 and placed on hold for Benton County (criminal trespass 1).

• Marcel Antonio Malone was arrested March 1 and placed on hold for Benton County (menacing, unlawful use weapon, intimidation).

• Don Lee Alpine Jr., was arrested March 2 and charged with two counts of fail to report as sex offender and menacing.

• Jonathan Mendoza was arrested March 4 and charged with probation violation (DUII) and was placed on hold for Linn County (Parole Board warrant for burglary).

• Eric Antonio Molina was arrested March 6 and charged with two counts of parole violation unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of meth).

• Jimmy Ervin Murry was arrested March 4 and charged with post prison violation (theft 1).

• Christopher Lee Woods Jr., was arrested March 6 and charged with driving under influence intoxication.

• Miguel Angel Zamora was arrested March 4 and charged with contempt of court and assault 4.

• Donna Celeste Dubbe was arrested March 5 and charged with post prison violation (theft 1).

• Brandy Kay Ferris was arrested March 5 and charged with two counts of failure to appear (failure to appear on criminal citation, contempt) and prob violation (unlawful possession of a controlled substance - meth).

• Carla Jean Jaquez was arrested March 2 and charged with disorderly conduct 2.

• Iris Bea Richter was arrested March 4 and charged with assault 4 (domestic violence).

Dragons

look to defeat state title

From Page B1

and taking them out of school. This is just all around better for our student athletes,” Jackson said.

Lebanon is the only other school with an artificial turf infield.

Now in her ninth season, Jackson has had successful programs before. But 2023 proved to be third time’s a charm, winning the state title on her third try. The 27-3 Lady Dragons capped 2023 with a 6-5 rally victory over Lebanon. Having graduated just one senior, infielder Chloe Zajac, Jackson acknowledges Dallas has pretty high expectations for 2024.

“But the biggest thing we focus on is ourselves, not anybody else. Take it one game at a time. If you think you’re up here and you play like that, it’s not necessarily going to always go your way,” Jackson said. “We just really focus on one game at a time, play Dallas softball and not worry about who the team is across the field. Just take care of what we are capable of, and good things should happen.”

She sees as a strength in this year’s squad are players

Rugby

7s’ best coming to WOU for national qualifier

From Page B1

Report. Rugby 7s is also an Olympics sport.

“So you have 14 minutes of playing time, though the referee might stop time for injury, or if the ball is kicked

returning from injury list and others earning a promotion from JV.

“That’s going to give us an extra dynamic as far as having base runners, having younger players learning from some people who might be playing behind,” Jackson said. “It’s nice to be able to have a group of kids we have confidence putting anywhere and knowing they can get the job done.”

Senior pitcher Kadence Morrison sees a third key

really far away,” Main said. “A lot of people hear seven minutes, and they’re like ‘I can do seven minutes.’ First, it’s exhausting. You get 90 seconds in, you get two minutes in, and you’re like what have I done here?”

At next week’s qualifiers, new matches are every 20 minutes. One match is played at a time. Each team plays all the other teams in its division, with winners of the round robin advancing.

Here when you need us. Always.

to the 2024 team’s road to success.

“Team chemistry is our best strength. Getting along really well is what helps us play well together,” she said. “There definitely will be a target on our backs from the other teams as well. It’s about knowing how to handle that pressure and not worry during games.”

Kaelyn Golden, a senior at second base, said the key will be recreating last year’s good mindsets of teammates

The tournament can also provide a class for those who want a crash course in the sport.

“A lot of people in the United States don’t know rugby. You just don’t grow up playing it here,” Main said.

“If you’re not familiar with rugby, then rugby 7s is a great way to get out and see it for the first time.”

Rugby 7s is faster paced and features more breakaways

trusting each other on and off the field.

“I hope that we will go just as far as we did last year, since we only lost one senior,” Golden said. “But we can’t just assume it. We still have to work hard and push ourselves hard to do it.”

Jackson also doesn’t expect any easy matchups on their schedule this year.

“We actually have a very, very good conference. We don’t take anyone too lightly,” Jackson said. “Lebanon will be a tough team, Silverton

than ruby 15s. It’s also simpler.

“There’s not as much of a technical aspect as there is in 15s that spectators need to know. There’s going to be penalties and stuff like that.

If you haven’t played rugby, you’ll have no idea what the penalty is,” Main said. “In 7s, you cut down on that. So it’s more exciting. It’s easier to understand.”

will be another tough team, Corvallis always has our number. South Albany has been improving. Our rivalry with Central, you can never be too sure with that game. Coaches in the league take a lot of pride that the league is

very competitive. Anybody could beat anybody on any given day.”

The Lady Dragons kicked off their 2024 campaign March 12 hosting Canby.

The results were after the Itemizer-Observer’s deadline.

That’s care with respect.

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

The 2024 Lady Dragons look to defend their 2023 State 5A Championship.