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Carson Langford, 14, competes next at Pan-Am Games in El Salvador

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Carson Langford has yet to wrestle a day for Dallas High School. But when the 14-year-old eighth grader joins head coach Austin Markee’s roster next year, Langford will have a resume unlike few others –national champion.

On April 25, Langford wrestled at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas in the 85KG (187 lbs), U15 Division, and came home with a third place in freestyle competition and a national championship in Greco-Roman. Langford wrestled in sixth grade for Markee at La Creole Middle School before being promoted to replace Dragon’s longtime coach Tony Oliff. Even then, Markee said he saw something special.

“He definitely had a lot of potential. He would pick up on things pretty quickly and was a fast learner,” Markee said. “He wrestled a lot of the kids that were a bit older than him at middle school but also

started wrestling the coaches as he got a little bit older.”

As his prowess grew over the seven years he wrestled, so too did Langford’s stature. Just one glance has many wondering if he’s really only in eighth grade.

“I’ve had a couple of challenges on my age,” Langford admits.

While he’s also played baseball and football, it’s wrestling he’s gravitated toward most so far.

“It really teaches you how to be a hard worker,” Langford said. “No other sport matches how hard you have to work in it.”

He said he and his dad Clint, who got him into the sport, scout out “super big” tournaments to compete in. His best finish previously had been a fourth-place finish last October at another national event.

Competing in April in Greco-Roman and freestyle required developing a whole different set of skills.

“Grecco is similar, but you can’t touch the legs, so it’s basically all upper body,” Langford said of one of the oldest sports in world that goes all the way back to the first Olympics. “It’s really hard to find position. There’s a lot of waiting, until you get into position. You can’t

See

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Soggy Dallas Farmers Market welcomed back

By David Hayes Itemizer-Observer

Even in a steady, light rain, hardy Dallas residents braved the elements to explore the return of the city’s Farmer’s Market May 4

Like many other ventures, Dallas’s Farmers Market fell victim to the COVID pandemic and was cancelled in 2020, said Mikayla Slawosky, farmers market Manager, and city of Dallas Agribusiness Development Coordinator.

“We’re very excited to have it back,” she said, explaining the farmers market went on hiatus during the pandemic due to social restrictions, causing people to be less comfortable being out in groups. That made it harder for them (vendors) to thrive. A move to the Academy Building didn’t help, which proved to be harder to access for some patrons.

“There just wasn’t enough support for it,” Slawosky said.

She said behind the scenes there was a growing buzz for its return. The city of Dallas, the Dallas Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce all chipped

BY DAVID HAYES

By DAVID HAYES

Adapted

honor of May

in to fund Slawosky’s position, because they felt really strongly the city needed the farmers market, she said.

For its debut, the market featured 11 vendors. However, it didn’t kick off without a few hitches.

“People had to drop out because it’s colder than usual and crops

aren’t ready,” Slawosky said, adding even the cos-players in Star Wars

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Carson Langford, 14, displays his first place plaque in Greco-Roman and third place freestyle plaque he won April 25 at the U.S. National Championships in Las Vegas.

In

the 4th Dallas celebrated the return of its Farmers Market for the first time ever using a light saber for the ribbon cutting. Mikayla Slawosky, Farmers Market Manager, swings the light saber down while the ribbon is held by Skyanne Pierson of the Dallas Area Visitors Center (left) and Tyler Ferrari, Economic Development Specialist.

THE WOU advances toward official Hispanic serving institution designation

Rotary, Food Bank support

Stamp Out Hunger Drive

May 11

Dallas Rotary and Dallas Food Bank are partnering with local letter carriers for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive that will collect food for local families in need May 11

Stamp Out Hunger is the annual letter carriers’ food drive. Dallas area residents can participate two ways in the drive. Those living outside the city limits may drop off their food donations at the Dallas Post Office parking lot (Church & Mill streets) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 11. Those living within the city limits may leave their bagged, non-perishable food donations at their mailbox for pick-up or them may drop them off at the Post Office parking lot.

Dallas Food Bank provides a lifeline to hundreds of food-insecure neighbors every week. The food bank especially needs canned corn, pasta sauce, boxed cereal, peanut butter and canned fruit, as supplies of those items are quite low.

PCSO teams with OAMP for large animal disaster preparedness training

The Oregon Association of Mounted Posses, with sponsorship from Benton and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices, is holding all-hazards disaster preparedness training for equine and other livestock, May 17-19.

This course will provide community members with tools to protect, respond to, and recover from the consequences of disasters (e.g. fire, flood, heat, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, hazardous materials, and catastrophic disease exposure) involving animals in rural communities.

The course will introduce participants to the unique issues that must be considered and addressed when animals are involved in an emergency such as safe animal handling, animal evacuation, animal sheltering, humane euthanasia, and carcass disposal.

The training will take place at the Polk County Fairgrounds at 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall, OR 97371. Friday’s training is from 5-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-5 pm, and Sunday 8-11 am. Registration deadline is May 15 at https://i.mtr.cool/ fddetvrftc.

Judicial Department wants to hear from court users

If you have interacted with Oregon’s circuit courts recently, the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) wants to hear from you.

OJD is asking court users to take an anonymous Access and Fairness Survey. The survey results will help OJD identify ways to improve and ensure that everyone has equal access to the courts. Questions on the survey include: Did the court treat you with respect? Did the court make things easy to understand? Did the court make you feel safe?

OJD invites anyone who has interacted with the state circuit courts to participate. This includes people involved in lawsuits or other court cases and their family members. This also includes witnesses, jurors and potential jurors, victims, attorneys, and law enforcement.

The survey is available online at www.courts. oregon.gov/survey in English, Spanish, Russian, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. People who prefer a paper survey can ask for a copy at their local court.

Western Oregon University

latest Hispanic student enrollment figures brings it closer to becoming eligible to obtain an official Hispanic Serving Institution designation.

As of the fall of 2023, 25.2 percent of Western’s full-time equivalent undergraduate students and 24.1 percent of all Western students (both graduate and undergraduate) identify as Latino. Western is the first four-year public Oregon institution to achieve these numbers.

Achieving official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution requires Western to maintain a minimum enrollment of 25 percent full-time equivalent undergraduate students for three consecutive academic years and maintain the same percentage at the end of the award year immediately

preceding the application date to become an official HSI.

There are additional criteria that higher education institutions must meet in order to become an HSI, some of which Western has met and some of which are ongoing.

Attaining official HSI status will provide Western opportunities to apply for Title V federal grants to expand and enhance academic offerings, program quality, and student services.

“As we look towards becoming an official Hispanic-Serving Institution, we recognize the significance of our role in empowering Latiné students and fostering their academic success,” said President Jesse Peters. “Our commitment to serve all of our students extends beyond the classroom, as we strive to create an inclusive

environment that values their unique perspectives, stories, and cultures. Together, we provide a personalized learning community where individuals experience a deep sense of belonging and empowerment.”

Over the last few years, Western’s Latino student enrollment has been steadily increasing. President Peters shares his excitement about the growing Latino student enrollment but also understands the continued work ahead. “Western is committed to not only sustaining current Latino enrollment numbers but also enhancing student engagement, support, and enrollment. This will be achieved through increased participation in community events, additional bilingual campus liaisons, enhanced bilingual resources, expanding

the Latino alumni network, and restructuring key campus areas to facilitate smoother communication and reduce barriers. This is a journey we are all on together.”

Western is also a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Faculty and staff members from Western have participated in HACU fellowship programs that aim to foster the development of Hispanic leadership on a variety of levels.

On April 26, Western hosted the third annual Hispanic Institution Summit with nearly 300 participants which included state and national partners, universities, and greater community members sharing ideas and

best practices throughout the day in plenaries and workshops. Western also recently added the position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a HispanicServing Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia was selected for this role and officially started on April 22

According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of fall 2021, there were 561 Hispanic Serving Institutions in 28 states, including the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Dallas Library hosts author Therese Oneill

The Dallas Public Library hosts author Therese Oneill on May 9, at 6:30 p.m. She will be discussing her new book “Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America.”

With irresistible charm and laugh-out-loud impertinence, New York Times bestselling author Oneill chronicles the lives of 18 unbecoming ladies whose audacity, courage and

sheer disdain for lady-like expectations left them out of so many history books. She writes about women like Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who, despite being the only woman ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, was shunned and forgotten due to her insistence on wearing pants in public. Then there’s Elizabeth Packard, whose careful record of her

own unjust incarceration in a 19th century madhouse by her husband (her crime: not wanting to be Presbyterian anymore) led to nationwide law reforms to protect the rights of those with mental health issues.

Oneill’s other books include “Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners” and “Ungovernable: The

Victorian Parent’s Guide to Raising Flawless Children.”

Oneill lives in Monmouth.

This is a free event funded by the Polk County Cultural Coalition. There will be books available for purchase and signing by the author. You can contact the library for further information at (503) 6232633 or go to facebook.com/ dallaslibraryoregon.

Luckiamute Watershed Council among inaugural PFA grant program awardees

The Private Forest Accord Grant Program, administered by ODFW, funded its first-ever round of habitat restoration projects awarding more than $10 million to 25 projects throughout Oregon. The Luckiamute Watershed Council was among the 25 awardees.

This year’s PFA grant funding prioritized projects that improve stream and wetland conditions for fish and wildlife. The projects will restore critical spawning grounds, fish passage, and other important aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife with a focus on the recovery of native salmon, trout and select amphibians. They will also improve water quality, remove invasive species,

and restore native plant communities.

These carefully selected projects represent a strategic investment in Oregon’s aquatic habitats and align with the PFA Grant Program’s conservation goals.

“This is a good day for all Oregonians,” said Chad Washington, Chair of the PFA Grant Advisory Committee. “The projects to be funded represent the culmination of many volunteer hours by the PFA Grant Advisory Committee working with state and federal agencies and other partners. They demonstrate the conservation benefit that can be achieved by focusing on shared goals and objectives.”

The Luckiamute Watershed Council receiving $102,077

for the North Fork Pedee Creek Enhancement Project. The goals of the project are to improve salmonid and lamprey production and water storage in the upper Luckiamute watershed by addressing the limiting factors of physical habitat quality/ quantity and water quality in NF Pedee - specifically by increasing bedload retention, improving channel-floodplain interaction, enhancing riparian structure and forest dynamics, and providing a source of future large wood. The target is UWR steelhead; the project will benefit salmonids, lamprey, and other species.

“These PFA grants demonstrate the important strides Oregonians can make in our efforts to recover and sustain sensitive species by working

collaboratively and finding common ground,” said Chrysten Rivard, Vice-chair of the PFA Grant Advisory Committee.

The Private Forest Accord Grant Program was established in the 2022 Legislative Session as an outcome of the landmark agreement between timber and conservation groups to recommend changes to the Forest Practices Act.

The PFA Grant Program’s purpose is to fund projects that benefit aquatic species and habitats that may be affected by ongoing forest practices on private lands.

PFA grant funds come from the state’s General Fund and timber harvest tax revenues.

For most projects, these funds are then matched with funds from partners like nonprofits,

Watershed Councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Tribes.

“This $10 million investment is a critical step forward in conserving our state’s fish and wildlife resources,” said Sarah Reif, ODFW Habitat Division Administrator. “By supporting these diverse conservation projects, we ensure a healthy environment for these species and for generations to come.”

The next opportunity to apply for a PFA grant is planned for Fall 2024 and will award millions more in funding.

For a full list of recently funded projects, go to the PFA Grants website at PFAGrants.com.

A Monmouth man was sentenced to federal prison May 1 for distributing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a teenager in Salem.

Javen James Pedro, 21, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and six years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2022, officers from the Salem Police Department responded to an

overdose of a 15-year-old teenager. Paramedics quickly transported the teen to a local hospital where he died. Further investigation revealed that on the previous day, the minor victim had purchased and consumed counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in front of several other juveniles. Investigators also obtained video surveillance footage from a neighbor

showing the minor victim completing what appeared to be a drug transaction with a person determined to be Pedro.

Later on Feb. 24, investigators located and arrested Pedro in Monmouth and he admitted to selling 10 counterfeit Oxycodone pills to the minor victim the day prior. Pedro further admitted to selling pills to the minor victim

approximately five to 10 times previously.

Pedro was charged by criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl. Later, on March 17, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Pedro on the same charge.

On Feb. 6, 2024, Pedro pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with

distributing a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21.

This case was investigated by the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Salinas delivers over $1.3 million to Independence

On April 23, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) delivered over $1.3 million for two projects in the city of Independence. Salinas fought for and secured this funding in the government funding package for Fiscal Year 2024, which passed Congress and was signed into law by the President last month.

“For far too long, Oregon’s rural communities have been ignored by our federal government. It’s time we change that, which is why I am so proud to deliver this federal funding for important community projects that will make life better for folks in Independence and

Polk County,” Salinas said. “The funding I secured will be used to help deliver clean, reliable drinking water for residents and build the new Chestnut Street Bridge, which will improve traffic flow and allow for additional economic and housing development in the city. I will keep fighting to ensure communities across Oregon’s Sixth District get the resources needed and deserved from our federal government.”

Salinas delivered funding for two critical projects in the city of Independence, including $500,000 for the design and construction of a bridge over Ash Creek. This new bridge will connect Chestnut

Street and 13th Street, helping relieve traffic bottlenecks and allowing for additional economic and housing development. Additionally Salinas delivered $880,000 to replace an aging water line under Corvallis Road, which will help ensure continued access to clean drinking water for residents.

For more details about Salinas’ FY2024 community project funding requests, go to https://salinas.house.gov/ fy2024-community-project-funding-recipients.

WOU supports multilingual learners in schools through grant

Western Oregon University received a five-year grant from the US Department of Education through the Office of English Language Acquisition’s program Project PROMISE, which provides professional development for teachers both in-service and pre-service, to support multicultural and multilingual student learners.

The first component is pre-service teacher support, which offers scholarships and mentoring to current

undergraduate students majoring in education and receiving an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement at Western. The second component, in-service ESOL teacher support, targets current teachers working in dual-language early elementary school settings who do not possess an ESOL endorsement.

“I’m hopeful in the ways this grant affords the capacity to build a network across Oregon that can be informed

advocates, educators, and impact instruction for multilingual learners in schools,” said Kristen Pratt, Ph.D., one of the principal investigators of the grant. “The idea of equipping the students who come through our program with the tools they need to be effective educators for multilingual learners students and families is really powerful.”

Curriculum development is also a component, involving revising the current curriculum to be culturally

sustaining, ensuring it reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the students.

The home-school connections are also a part of this, which includes partnerships with the Salem-Keizer School District and Hillsboro School District.

Mentorship also plays a large role. Current teachers who have completed the program are paired with pre-service students to offer guidance and support. They also participate in a leadership and mentoring graduate seminar,

where they complete coursework and engage in relevant readings.

“The most exciting thing about this grant is the ability to impact different levels of educational decisions within two Oregon districts,” said Maria Dantas-Whitney, Ph.D., co-PI on the grant. “We can have an impact not just on current and future teachers, but also on the students and their families. We can impact whole communities.”

Western officials acknowledged that this grant would not be possible without the work of the school district partners, Western faculty and staff in the College of Education, partnerships with evaluators, and the students and families who participate in the program so data and research can be gathered for this grant along the way.

Historical Society seeks Memories of Past

Do you want an opportunity to wax poetic about the good old days? Reminisce over the old corner store you used to hang out at? Or maybe tell

everyone about the first time you became interested in the history of Polk County, or your first impression of living in the area? The Polk County

Historical Society invites members of the community to send in a story about living in Polk County. Whether you were born here or moved here,

Presents: Gerlinger Carrier Company 1918 to present

have lived here five years or 50, the PCHS would like to hear from you.

Submissions under 1,500 words will be published in The Polk County Historical

Society Newsletter in future editions. While PCHS welcomes longer submissions, they may have to be published online or in a future compilation publication. Email

submissions are preferred. The deadline for this round of submissions is July 1.

Please include the following information with your submission:

• Subject Line: Memories of the Past

• Author’s Full Name

• Contact Information (for PCHS staff use only)

• Story Title

• Location of Event

• Approximate Date of Story

• Short Biography of Author (Optional, Maximum 200 Words) By sending the PCHS your story, you are granting PCHS permission to publish it at will.

Please send any submissions or questions to pchsoregon@gmail.com or mail documents to:

Polk County Historical Society & Museums P.O. Box 67 Monmouth, OR 97361

Visit our website, www.polkio.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Oregon Rep. Adrea Salinas presents a check of $500,000 to Independence Mayor John McCardle, along with Economic Development Director Shawn Irvine (left) and Public Works Director Gerald Fisher. The money will to go toward the design and construction of a bridge over Ash Creek.

Five Myths about Social Security

By STACY LARSEN Communications Director, AARP

Oregon For most of us, Social Security is – or will be -- essential for helping to cover daily living expenses and pay bills as we get older. The bottom line is that Social Security is your money, earned through a lifetime of hard work. Yet there are persistent misconceptions about its long-term financial stability and how it works. Here are facts behind five of the most stubborn Social Security myths. Myth #1: Social Security is going broke. The facts: Social Security will not run out of money, as long as workers and employers continue to pay payroll taxes. It’s a pay-asyou-go system: Revenue coming in from payroll taxes largely covers the payments going out. But Social Security does face longer-term funding challenges. For decades it collected more than it paid out, building a surplus that stood at $2.83 trillion at the end of 2022. But the system is starting to pay out more than it takes in, largely because the retiree population is growing faster than the working population and is living longer. Without changes in how Social Security is financed, the surplus is projected to run out in 2034, according to the latest annual report from the program’s trustees. Even then, Social Security will still be able to pay benefits from incoming payroll tax revenue. But it will only be enough to pay about 80% percent of scheduled benefits, according to the latest estimate. If Congress doesn’t take action in the next 10 years to protect and save Social Security, your Social Security could be cut by 20%—an average of $4,000 a year. The last time Congress took major action to shore up Social Security’s nearly depleted reserves was 1983.

Myth #2: The government raids Social Security to pay for other programs. The facts: Social Security is primarily funded with workers’ and employers’ payroll taxes and has never been part of the federal government’s general fund. The federal government does, however, borrow from Social Security and in return issues Treasury bonds. The federal government has to pay back any money it borrows from Social Security with interest. The government has always paid it back in full, and annual interest payments increase Social Security’s assets, to the tune of $66.3 billion in 2022.

By LUCIE WINBORNE

• Forget “hair of the dog” -- a banana milkshake sweetened with honey is one of the best ways to cure a hangover. The banana helps calm the stomach while the honey builds up depleted blood sugar levels.

• If you sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry, anyone who places a sales call to your number can be fined up to $40,654 per call.

• Asian hair grows 30% faster than Caucasian hair.

• The rainbow eucalyptus tree sheds strips of bark as it grows, revealing a green inner layer that

Myth #3:

Members of Congress don’t pay into Social Security. The facts: Actually, they do. A common complaint about Social Security is that members of Congress don’t bother fixing it because it doesn’t cover them. Members of Congress came under the Social Security umbrella in 1984, along with the rest of the federal workforce, as part of sweeping changes to the program.

Myth #4: You get more Social Security benefits if you collect early. The facts: Your annual payments will be larger the longer you wait to start collecting your benefits. You can begin receiving retirement benefits at age 62, but it will cost you. Say you were born in 1960. If you claim Social Security at age 62, you’ll get 70% of the benefit amount calculated from your lifetime earnings. If you wait until full retirement age— in this case, 67—you’ll get 100%. If you delay taking your benefit past the full retirement age of 67, Social Security increases your benefit 8% a year until you hit 70. There’s no financial incentive to delay past age 70.

Myth #5: You lose a portion of your benefits permanently if you take benefits and keep working. The facts: Not true. Social Security does have a rule, called the “earnings limit” or “earnings test,” that can temporarily reduce your payments if you are still working. But it doesn’t apply to all working beneficiaries, and it is not permanent. The rule only covers people who claim benefits before full retirement age and continue working. In this circumstance, Social Security withholds a portion of your payments if your earnings from work exceed a set cap, which changes every year and differs based on how close you are to full retirement age. However, any withheld money is credited back to you, and the benefits you receive later will be higher.

You can find out more about your Social Security at AARP’s Social Security Resource Center (aarp.org/ retirement/social-security).

New Dutch Brothers location sacrificed scenery

I was, and still am, disappointed at the owners of Dutch Brothers for removing all of the landscaping at the old house at 820 E Ellendale.

The thing that bothers me the most is the fact they took down the big trees that lined Ellendale. With the size of the lot, surely there was another place to put the coffee shop, which would not have required the removal of the trees.

It’s like the song from the 60’s - they paved paradise and put up a coffee shop. Was that really necessary?

Clifford Brown Dallas

Mordhorst has too many unanswered questions to be re-elected

“Lyle is no politician – he’s a neighbor who truly looks out for us.”

- Dan Clem.

This quote describes the Lyle Mordhorst appointed to the Board of

Commissioners five years ago, not the politician seeking re-election.

Three weeks ago Lyle wrote, “I have more pressing issues that I am focusing on, like my election and my responsibilities as a commissioner.”

Nor has he answered the following questions.

1. What are the responsibilities of a Polk County Commissioner which supersede his personal word and commitment to the truth?

2. He named five Oregon counties with financial administrative systems similar to Polk County’s. How are Columbia and Jefferson County’s financial administrative processes equal to Polk County’s?

3. How can the commissioner make a public declaration and then avoid providing information to back up your unsupported claims?

Incumbent Mordhorst recites false staff claims, rubber stamped a flawed and illegal ordinance, and apparently is prepared to support the county against a law suit challenging the county’s illegal stripping of an elected constitutional official – the Polk County treasurer – of his statutory duties.

Why should honest voters cast ballots for a candidate who endorses

INVESTIGATING THE BIBLE:

What About Hell?

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

changes color over time, taking on vibrant blue, purple and orange hues.

• Java junkies, did you know that when coffee spread from Arabia to Europe, some people called it a “Muslim drink” and wanted it banned? Fortunately, it became widely accepted when the Pope tried a cup and liked it enough to declare it a Christian beverage.

• In much of the U.S. it is illegal to buy a new car directly from the manufacturer.

• Japanese scientists successfully created an MRI machine that can record dreams and reconstruct them for you to watch while you’re awake.

• Blue-eyed people have the highest rate of alcohol dependence.

• Ever wonder if you have a doppelganger? Head on over to Twinstrangers.com, where you can register to find your lookalike from anywhere in the world by uploading photos, selecting your facial features, and looking through matches.

•••

Thought for the Day: “A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.”

– Bruce Lee

At a dinner party, Mark Twain was quiet as the subject of eternal life and hell was discussed. A woman seated next to him asked why he had not spoken.

“Madam”, he replied, “I am silent because of necessity. I have friends in both places.” According to 2021 Pew Research, 62% of U.S. adults believe in hell and 73% believe in heaven. The final punishment of a hell seems too harsh for a loving God; it is only less so if we consider Hitler, Stalin or terrorists. What does the Bible say?

Hell is described as a real place of eternal suffering. As Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount that if a person is angry to the point of calling someone a fool, he “will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:22, New International Version used throughout).

The Greek word for hell used here is Gehenna, which was also the name of a place outside of Jerusalem, where refuse was dumped and a smoldering fire burned constantly. Gehenna is used in the New Testament to describe the place of final punishment. The gospels describe this as a place, where the “…worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:48).

Hades is the New Testament word for a temporary place of punishment at death, until the final judgment.’

Jesus used this word in his parable of an unnamed rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. When the time comes for both to die, Lazarus is carried away by angels to a place of comfort described as Abraham’s bosom. The scripture explains that “The rich man also died and was buried. In hell [Hades], where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side, so he called him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” (Luke 16: 22,23).

One internet pastor softened this by explaining that the rich man had a choice; he could stay or leave. There is nothing in the context to support that interpretation. The rich man only asked for permission to go and warn his brothers so they would not come to this terrible place, saying “…if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” (Luke 16:30). Abraham denies this request. His response is a clear reference to the death and resurrection of Jesus: “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced, even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:29,31).

After the final judgment by God, “…death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s

outrageous self-serving claims and avoids the truth?

E.M. Easterly West Salem

LETTERS POLICY

Letters to the editor should contain at most 350 words. The Polk Itemizer-Observer reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject any letter to the editor. Letters published in The Itemizer-Observer will also be published online. Letters to the editor and guest columns must include your first and last name, city or town or residence, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters endorsing candidates or campaign issues must be received no later than ten days before an election. Letters written by candidates will not be accepted. Letters to the editor should be the author’s work. We strongly discourage and will attempt to weed out form letters, letters mailed to other news outlets, or letters written and edited by a third party, including but not limited to political parties. We try to restrict the printing of one submission per author per month. We do not publish anonymous letters, personal attacks, personal complaints, poetry, consumer complaints, or letters written in bad taste. 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.

name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14,15).

The New Testament makes it very clear that God’s intention and desire is to offer people eternal life and not eternal punishment. Numbers alone indicate this. The words Gehenna and Hades are used in the New Testament 20 times. The word for Life is used 129 times and the word for Heaven is used approximately 573 times! God’s offer and method of escaping hellfire permeates the New Testament. Speaking of Jesus, the apostle John wrote, “…to all who received him…he gave the right to become the children of God.” (John 1:12).

The Bible offers freedom of choice before the grave. Christian author, C.S. Lewis wrote that there are two kinds of people, “…those who say ‘Thy will be done’ to God or those to whom God in the end says, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell choose it. Without that selfchoice it wouldn’t be Hell. No one that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it.”

[Brief bio: Mr. Pastor (yes, that is his last name but not his profession) is a Polk County, Oregon resident and graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota (M.Div., M.Th.).]

TOWN CRIER

•

•

Independence Municipal Court, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

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

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

• 5:30 p.m. - Heritage Museum Advisory Board meeting, Heritage Museum, 281 S 2nd St. Independence

• 6 p.m. - Monmouth Parks & Recreation Board meeting, Monmouth Public Works, 401 Hogan Road

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

• 6:30 p.m.Independence Budget Committee meeting

• 7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, Volunteer Hall, 144 South Warren St. Thursday, May 9

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

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

• 10:15 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Songs, bounces and rhymes, for 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

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

• 6:30 p.m. - Meet the Author: Therese Oneill discusses her new book “Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America”, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

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

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

• 6:30 p.m. - Comedy at the Inferno, Inferno Restaurant, Divine Distillers, 915 N. Main St., Independence

• 7 p.m. - CHS Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at CHS auditorium, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at tinyurl.com/ legallyblondechs

• 7 p.m. - DHS Theatre presents “The Storm in the Barn,” at Bollman Theatre, tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and are available at dhstheatre.org/buy-tickets

Friday, May 10

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

• 9 a.m. - Polk County OSU Master Gardener Plant Sale, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy. West

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

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

• 10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/

composed of local kids ages 5- 16. This is an adults only event, ages 21 and older as alcohol will be served. There will be photos, drinks, candy and treats. Tickets are $25 and available online at bit. ly/4cA5s64.

Learn to make Korean Lotus Lanterns May 11

and

house plants, lots of

and hanging baskets, a country store and lots more. For more information, go to www.polkmga.org.

Panther Kids Wrestling hosts adult prom fundraiser May 10 Tickets are still available for the Panther Kids Wrestling program’s Adult Prom fundraiser May 10 at the Elks Lodge, 289 S. Main St., Independence. All proceeds will go to support the Panther Kids Wrestling team,

The Friends of the Monmouth Library present Korean Lotus Lantern Crafts, for ages 11 and older, at 10:30 a.m. May 11 at the Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S. Learn how to make a lovely, flower lotus lantern. The program will be facilitated by the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project via Zoom and includes a short video about Korean culture. Registration is required. To sign up, call (503) 838-1932 or stop by the check out desk.

Listening Ear, Dallas Area

Senior Center

• 10:30 a.m. - Baby Sign Time, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

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

Senior Center

• 1 p.m. - Age Cafe, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Sal and the Salamanders, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 6:15 p.m. - Monmouth Senior Center trip to CHS Theater production of “Legally Blond”

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

• 7 p.m. - CHS Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at CHS auditorium, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at tinyurl.com/ legallyblondechs

• 7 p.m. - DHS Theatre presents “The Storm in the Barn,” at Bollman Theatre, tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and are available at dhstheatre.org/buy-tickets

Saturday, May 11

• 9 a.m. - Polk County OSU Master Gardener Plant Sale, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy. West

• 9 a.m.Independence Farmers Markets, Riverview Park and Umpqua Bank parking lot. 302 Main St. S.

• 10 a.m. - Touch-aTruck, Independence Riverview Park, no admission, donation to Ella Curran Food Bank requested

• 10:30 a.m. - Korean Lotus Lantern Crafts, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S., ages 11 and up, registration required

• 12 p.m. - Asian American Pacific Islander Vendor Market, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E.

• 1 p.m. - Mother’s Day Hi-Tea Luncheon, Stafrin

Monmouth hosts AAPI

Vendor Market May 11

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Monmouth is hosting a Vendor Market on May 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Main Street Park Amphitheater, 120 Main St. E. Vendors will be selling Hawaiian food, desserts, clothes, accessories, and more! Free tasting of local Asian American owned restaurant fares.

United Methodist bishop to preach in Monmouth May 19

Bishop Cedric Bridgeforth will preach in Monmouth at Christ’s Church: Methodist and Presbyterian United on May 19 at its 11 a.m. worship service. The public is welcome to attend. Bridgeforth has been the spiritual leader of the United Methodist Churches of Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska since the fall of 2022. A time of fellowship will follow the service. For more information, call Christ’s Church’s office at (503) 838-1724 weekday mornings. The church is located at 412 Clay St. W., in Monmouth.

Room, Polk County Museum, 560 S Pacific Hwy W., $35, register polkcountyhistoricalsociety.org

• 1 p.m. - Listen to historic legacy essay, Monmouth Senior Center, 180 Warren St.

• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Mitch Lies, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 2 p.m. - DHS Theatre presents “The Storm in the Barn,” at Bollman Theatre, tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and are available at dhstheatre.org/buy-tickets

• 2 p.m. - CHS Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at CHS auditorium, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at tinyurl.com/ legallyblondechs

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Huckle Buck Highway, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

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

• 7 p.m. - CHS Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at CHS auditorium, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at tinyurl.com/ legallyblondechs

• 7 p.m. - DHS Theatre presents “The Storm in the Barn,” at Bollman Theatre, tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and are available at dhstheatre.org/buy-tickets

• 7:30 p.m. - Pentacle Theatre presents “Ripcord,” 324 52nd Ave. NW, buy tickets at https://pentacletheatre. org

Sunday, May 12

• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Orvil Ivie, Redgate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 2 p.m. - Pentacle Theatre presents “Ripcord,” 324 52nd Ave. NW, buy tickets at https://pentacletheatre. org

Dallas Garden Club hosts “In the Garden Faire”

The Dallas Garden Club, in keeping with its motto of “Making a Difference Where We Live,” is hosting its fourth annual “In the Garden Faire” May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Evangelical Bible Church, 1175 SE Howe St., in Dallas. The “free to the public” Faire will feature 60+ area vendors located in the gym and in the Miller Street parking lot displaying their plants, yard art, craft offerings and more. Club proceeds from prior events have supported the Pollinator Garden and Blue Star Marker at the Dallas Post Office, The Kindness Club, Youth Scholarships to attend 4-H Day Camps, and youth awards for the Polk County Fair. Upcoming projects will also include the 2024 Junior Fair Awards and the installation of a Gold Star Memorial Marker in Dallas to honor the families of the 6,000 Oregon veterans who died during wars from World War I to the present to protect our freedoms.

Monday, May 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 6 p.m. - Dallas Budget Committee meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

• 6:30 p.m. - New Horizons Orchestra, Monmouth Senior Center

Tuesday, May 14

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

• 9 a.m. - Monmouth Senior Center trip to Adelman Peony Farm

• 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

• 1 p.m. - Healthy Soul, Dallas Area Senior Center

• 4 p.m. - You and Me Paint Night, limited to signup of one child and one guardian duo, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

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

• 6:30 p.m. - Monmouth Budget Committee

Central class of 1974 plans 50th reunion

The Central High School Class of 1974 will have its 50th reunion on Aug, 3-4. For more information, contact DeAnn (Cobine) Ainsworth at (503) 559-2400 or email central74reunion@gmail.com.

Annual Touch-aTruck returns to Independence Touch-a-Truck is back! Bring your family and friends to Independence’s Riverview Park on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy all the fun and excitement. From construction equipment and police vehicles to fire and rescue apparatuses, experience all the literal bells and whistles of some of the most recognizable automobiles on the road. Quiet hour is 10-11 a.m., with no sirens or horns, to accommodate anyone with noise sensitivity. No cash admission is required, but organizers encourage you to bring food donations for the Ella Curran Food Bank. This event is made possible by the city of Independence and the Strategic Economic Development Corporation. SEDCOR is a nonprofit organization working with private and public partners to enhance and diversify the MidWillamette Valley economy.

meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

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

• 7 p.m. - Dallas Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St. • 7:30 p.m. - Basics of Social Dance, Monmouth Senior Center Wednesday, May 15

• 7 a.m. - Monmouth Library Board meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols

Tuesday String Band plays benefit concert May 31 Come enjoy a benefit concert by the Tuesday String Band May at 409 N Main St, Falls City. The concert is to raise funds to send Falls City third grader Abigail to the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM summer camp. Entry is $20, lawn chairs and blankets permitted. Kids under 16 are free. Care to contribute, but can’t make the concert? Donations accepted online at https:// gofund.me/f0de51d7. Annual Auto Swap Meet taking vendor signups The 25th Annual Rickreall Auto Swap Meet is June 2 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, at 520 Pacific Highway. Organizers are taking signups now for vendors. Booths 10-feet by 20-feet, inside or outdoors, is $55.

Frances Taylor Simons

Oct. 21, 1940 - April 26, 2024

Frances Taylor Simons, a resident of Dallas, Oregon, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Dallas. Francy was born on Oct. 21, 1940, in Falls City, Oregon, the daughter of Ron and Mary Taylor. She attended school in Falls City and graduated from Dallas High School in 1958. She lived in Falls City, Jefferson and Dallas, Oregon.

Francy loved to paint. She was an accomplished oil painter and was known for painting Native American art and owls. She loved going to Spirit Mountain Casino.

She is survived by her son, Rob Dunaway; grandchildren Kerri Neuenschwander, Steven Miller, Sara Turner and Shelby Dunaway; along with seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons Ricky Dunaway and Julie Dunaway; brother Ron Taylor; and sister Kay Taylor Doke.

Graveside services will be on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at Dallas Cemetery. To leave an online condolence or share a memory with the family go to www.BollmansTributeCenter. com. Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Michael Sterrett

Michael Sterrett, 62, of Dallas, Oregon, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

If you might know Michael, please reach out to Bollman’s Tribute Center at (503) 623-2325.

Champ Carson Langford competes next at Pan-Am

From Page A1

really use your legs to your advantage. It’s easy to do in free style, take someone down with leg attacks.”

Sally Livingston Peyree

Sally Livingston Peyree, of Independence, Oregon/Seattle, Washington, passed away in Seattle on April 25, 2024, at the age of 73.

Born Nov. 22, 1950, in New York, New York, to Helen Crow and Robert Livingston (both deceased), Sally was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, “lunch lady”, mentor and beloved friend to so many. She was the oldest of five children, and adored her siblings Jim (Ging), Don, Ann (deceased) and Jane (deceased).

Sally attended Central High School (graduated 1968) in Independence, Oregon, where she met her high school sweetheart and the absolute love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Hersel Peyree, her husband of 52 years by whom she is survived.

Sally attended Oregon State University, and graduated from Western Oregon University where she later went on to work. For many years Sally also ran a successful company called Band Ribbons.

A proud and loving mother, Sally leaves behind her two sons Robert (Jennifer), and Scott (Michelle) Peyree. She also leaves behind her three grandsons Ethan, Luke and Tyler (Rob and Jennifer) and two granddaughters Jenna and Sammy (Scott & Michelle) who were the lights of her life.

Full of gratitude for her ‘fabulous’ life, Sally’s philanthropic efforts and generosity knew no bounds. She was graciously giving of her time, talent and financial support, putting her heart and soul into each cause. From growing schools in Africa (from

He explained most wrestlers are not as good at GrecoRoman as freestyle.

“I had to work my tail off in Grecco,” Langford added. Markee said the coaching staff is very proud of Carson, having witnessed him working very hard to get the success that he has had.

“I can’t say that we are surprised of his success at the national level, having wrestled a lot with him and watched

200-18,000 students!), to her dedication to the church lunch program and The Gate, to getting glamorous and attending various charitable events, the lives she has touched and the impacts she has made are numerous.

Sally will be deeply missed by all of us who knew and loved her to the moon and back. We are grateful to have experienced her warmth, generosity, and sparkling joy.

Sally’s unwavering devotion and faith in our Lord assures us that she is at peace in Heaven with Jesus, smiling down and watching over us, reunited and rejoicing with loved ones that have gone before her. We are all blessed with lives that are better for Sally having been a part of them.

Sally would never miss a party or a chance to get together with her favorite people.

A celebration of the life of Sally Livingston Peyree was held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at The Gate Community Youth Center, Independence, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gate Community Youth Center.

Online Donation: https:// thegateyouth.churchcenter. com/giving

Mail Donation: The Gate Youth Association PO Box 453 1501 Monmouth Street Independence, Oregon 97351 Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family. To leave an online condolence or to share a memory with the family go to www. BollmansTributeCenter.com.

Fred H. Kuykendall

March 5,1939 – Aprril 23, 2024

Fred Kuykendall, of Dallas,

other coaches wrestle him,” Markee said. “He is a tough ask for a lot of adults to wrestle let alone 15-year-olds. He keeps improving and getting better and that is a lot of fun to watch.”

The hard work paid off for Langford en route to his national championship – he won all four of his matches by eight points or more.

The win qualifies Langford for the U.S. team

Oregon, passed away peacefully at Dallas Retirement Village with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. Fred was born in Canton, North Carolina, the sixth of 13 siblings, to Lewis and Grace Kuykendall. His passing was attributed to health complications and a broken heart losing his wife, Shirley, his rock of 62 years, two months previous.

Fred attended high school in Canton, North Carolina. He met Shirley in Oregon and they were married in October 1962.

Fred worked hard his entire life - at construction, falling timber, at the rock crusher in Dayton, at Drader’s Truck Shop in Amity. He was a jack of all trades. In 1970 after moving to Amity he started his own Volkswagen business - Fred’s VW Service and Repair was in business for 30 plus years.

Fred loved hunting. He spent time tracking elk and deer, always looking for the prized bull elk. Fred spent many long hours in the shop building dune buggies, baja bugs, and “goats” and participating in sand drags and hill climbs at Sand Lake where he won many trophies.

Fred and Shirley traveled all 50 states together and visited many relatives along the way. He enjoyed playing pinochle, dominoes, and five crowns with friends and family after a good meal. Fred had many conversations with friends and strangers that became friends over the years while fixing motors or diagnosing issues with Volkswagens, farm equipment, and whatever he got his hands on. He had a God given gift of how to fix anything. Fred was a generous man, his wallet was always open to his grandsons. Fred was loved and will be missed by family and long time friends.

Fred is survived by daughter Chris Schmidt and husband Neil of Dallas; grandson Kyle and wife Deaven and great-granddaughters Rhyan and Stevie of Salem; grandson Joshua Schmidt of Dallas; sister Linda Mann and husband Bobby of Canton, North Carolina; sister Clara

heading to the Pan American Championships in El Salvador in June.

“I’m super excited,” Langford said, adding it will be his first international competition. “All my tournaments have been in the U.S.”

He’s already focused his training to take him that next level.

“I’m going to train even harder, get my body and mind ready,” he said.

Winstead and husband Jesse of Conover, North Carolina; sister Loretta Holcombe of Conover, North Carolina; and sister Ruby Rhoads of Canton, North Carolina. Fred is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Lewis and Grace Kuykendall and nine siblings.

Celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. at Bollman Tribute Center at 287 SW Washington St., Dallas, Oregon, 97338.

Marie (Shiner) Morgan

Sunday evening, April 7, 2024, the most beautiful soul in the world went home to heaven. My mom truly embodied every ideal anyone can think of when they imagine a perfect mom. Loving, patient, gentle, understanding, prodding us when we needed it, encouraging, proud of us, giving of herself to the utmost. Every one of her family and friends adored her. She was the most selfless person I ever knew or heard of. She lived for her husband, children and grandchildren and we are all blessed beyond measure by her life. She was incredibly talented and gave up serious opportunities in music and ballet so she could be the most perfect mom and grandma anyone could ever have. She completed her life mission without fault and

Regardless how Langford does in June, Markee can’t wait until November.

“We are very excited to have Carson and several other tough eighth graders from LaCreole come up to our high school room next year,” Markee said. “He will be a great addition to the high school team. We wrestle a pretty tough schedule and Carson will get a lot of opportunities to compete against

is now receiving a glorious reward.

It was an amazing blessing that the whole family could gather in the hospital, tell her what she means to us, and sing hymns over her as she went home, from our loving arms to her savior’s loving arms. Her last act of bonding us together. There is joy along with sadness. We will miss her terribly but know it’s not a final parting.

Born Nancy Marie Shiner in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she lived in Fountain Colorado until age 8 when the family moved to Texas. As a young girl she was very attached to her grandparents. Her life goal became to “be a chubby little grandma.” In time she achieved that goal very well. On the way, three children were born: daughter Tracey and sons Randy and Jeremy. When the grandkids came along, she was all-in, grandma to Caleb, Hope, Ben and Emily.

In her youth she was a very promising dancer in tap, modern and ballet. Toe shoes and tutus! She played clarinet in the award-winning Pasadena Texas High School school band.

She taught kindergarten in a church school and taught kids classes in church most of her life, and was church janitor for 20 years. For a while she worked at the Texas Land Board transcribing old land records as a blazing fast key punch operator! Her major gifting was compassion and mercy. She and husband Larry celebrated 50 years of marriage in October. In recent years, health issues took a toll and the end stages came all too quickly for her - and us! At the very end most of the family was with her and sang “Amazing Grace” and her favorite hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Her passing was like her life - merciful and gentle. In place of a formal event, the family gathered to remember her life with pictures, stories, tears, and laughs. And we sang the same songs, this time for each other. Her absence leaves us with a huge strongly felt, un-fillable emptiness!

Her youngest grandchild said: “Grandma loved like God loves.”

kids who are pretty tough and often a bit older than him.” The feeling is mutual for Langford.

“It’s super cool, him being one of my mentors involving me in wrestling and training me, that kinda started what I become now,” Langford said.

Nancy

From Page A1

costumes were a no-show (with a tie in to the May the 4th date). But Slawosky didn’t let the hiccups ruin her sunny disposition. “That’s just the nature of farmers markets. Rain and all, we have a really good turnout. I’m super happy to see the community come out.”

Shopper Sherry Bullard, of Dallas, who had filled her bag

Theatre

DHS challenge its audience with its latest production

From Page A1

with purchases including sourdough bread and spicy salad micro greens, was excited the farmers market was back.

“I was really disappointed when it went away when it did. I think it’s great. I hope it continues to spread,” she said. Slawosky confirmed there’s plans to expand the market as the season progresses and more vendors join.

“The hope is to get more vendors to join as the season progresses. We’re leaving the vendor application open. The process looks a little different for folks selling farm direct goods versus crafters. We

local bullies, his father’s desperate attempts to keep his family intact, an older sister getting sicker by the day, and a little sister with an eye for trouble. But he’s also facing the epic disaster of the Dust Bowl—which means families disappearing overnight, tempers flaring in his small town, and the steady spread of the mysterious illness “Dust Dementia.” So, can Jack even trust his own eyes when he makes a terrifying discovery

prioritize leaving space for our farmers,” she said.

JoAnn Beal, who had participated in past farmers markets with produce from Beal Christmas Tree Farm, was offering up a different bounty this go-around. Retired from the Christmas trees business, Beal was instead selling the leftover baskets her produce were delivered in, which proved to be a hot seller.

“I love that it’s back. I think it’s great for the community. I mean look at all the people here on a rainy Saturday,” Beal said as the rail continued to run off from her canopy.

in the abandoned barn next door? Is the sinister shadow with a face like rain—a creature with a plan to deprive humans of water forever — real? This uniquely American fable uses haunting music and startling imagery to ask: When everyone says you’re too small to be the hero of any story, where do you find the strength to save your family … and the world?

“We were looking for a title that would be challenging for our students,” Fawcett said. “We opened it up for our students to research and ultimately, this is the one they were interested in. What excited them most about it was the kind of inventive devised storytelling we do in it. We were drawn to that to help them grow and encourage those skills.”

She said Dallas’s shows that the audience knows are well attended – they sold out every showing this year of “Wizard of Oz” and “Peter and the Starcatcher” was well attended.

She hopes to turn around the trend of lesser-known spring shows not selling well with “The Storm in the Barn.” The production was commissioned by the Oregon Children’s Theatre. It is a graphic novel designed for beginning readers.

“And I think the story really speaks to what is most exciting about YA, young adult work, which is that

The problem, she admitted, her baskets may prove so popular, she’ll sell out before the season progresses very far. The market will be every first and third Saturday of the month through Oct. 19. Vendors like Jennifer Erdmann will use that time to expand the offerings from her Double E Ranch, located just up the top of Oakdale Road. “I think it’s fantastic. This is our first year doing a farmers market. We’ve been doing the ranch for five years. It’s really hard to get your product out without a venue like this. Every year I would grow

this because I need stuff for my garden. Then I’d have so much extra that would go to waste. I always had goals to go, but just never did,” Erdmann said.

Initially she offered plant starts of tomatoes, mint and hot pepper from her booth and plans to add throughout summer more vegetables from their garden, probably as many as 30 to 40 plants.

“The response was better than I expected, even with the rain. I’m a little bit shocked that people came out in the numbers they have. We’ve done really well. We’ve been

busy all morning,” Erdmann added. To entice additional shoppers, Slawosky said Dallas set up its market to accept SNAP benefits.

“We have a program funded through Salem Health and Dallas Community Foundation to offer a smaller amount of market match for people to use SNAP,” she said.

students and kids can understand complicated stories in a way that we often overlook. That’s what this story does really well. Because ultimately there’s magic, and set in the Dust Bowl, and it’s really hard. But it’s genuinely a simply a coming of age story but it’s wrapped up in this complicated package. I think that’s what the genre really excels at,” Fawcett said.

Savanna Young, who co-stars as one of the Jacks, said “The Storm in the Barn” has some mature qualities that adults would admire, but still has some childish aspects she thinks kids would enjoy.

“Only a select few can say that they saw something like this. And every time that they say they saw it and tell

people about it, it gets more and more people interested in things like this,” Young said.

“And it gives it more of an intimate feel that a lot of other plays don’t have because it’s not this big ol’ production and we get to show our true talent and have fun with it.”

In addition, “The Storm in the Barn’s” script was written for nine actors. With so many talented actors within Dallas’s theater program, she instead cast 18

“Every single role, except for the storm king and one ensemble member, there are two actors playing that role.

But there are not two casts. They are interchangeable. So, at every performance, you’ll see a different itineration of the cast. Why? Because there

were so many kids we wanted to get involved in the production,” Fawcett said. “We’re graduating off a huge amount of seniors this year, so investing in our underclassmen was the name of the game.”

“The Storm in the Barn” May 9-11 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. May 11

Dallas High School Bollman Auditorium Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students without ASB cards and senior citizens ages 65 and older, free for students with ASB cards Purchase tickets at the door or online at www.dhstheatre.org/buy-tickets

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.

PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION SERVICES

• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  offers a wide range of rehabilitation services. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are located at 1050 SE Uglow Ave, Dallas, 503-917-2121.

• 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. Learn more at salemhealth.org/primary-care.

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

Independence — 1430 Monmouth St., 503-917-2255

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. Learn more online at bestmedclinics. com. The BestMed Urgent Care clinic is located at 186 West Ellendale Avenue in Dallas; 971-900-4984.

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Dallas High School’s cast rehearses a scene from “The Storm in the Barn.”

“That is our slogan, so to speak. That’s what freeze-drying does, basically. It just transformed the candy from what you would normally experience,” he said. “Everything you would think the candy would typically be is no longer.” Blackwell points to his candy display.

“You can see them straight down there in the center. The yellows and greens and blues and oranges. Those are Gummy Worms that we freeze dried,” he said. Once “freeze dried, Gummy Worms are like Cheetos (in texture), at least

that’s what my customers tell me.”

But that’s not the only change. Freeze dried Skittles aren’t chewy. Instead, they are crunchy, airy and light. Their taste is also more intense, more varied. And they look like marbles.

Blackwell’s favorite is Bit-O-Honey.

“It has been freeze dried, so instead of being a really chewy taffy, it’s now crunchy, kind of gritty, almost the texture of stir peanut butter, like Adam’s. How you stir it, and it has that little bit of grit to it. You get all the flavor,” he said. “Taffy used to be my number one, but then we started doing Bit-O-Honey, and that just blew me out of the water.”

Second favorite on his list is Big Hunk.

“So when you bite into them, there’s a light crunch. First thing, you taste like a marshmallow, but then the peanuts that’s in the Big Hunk comes through. You get all

that flavor,” he said. “As it melts in your mouth, you get a silky divinity.”

According to Wikipedia, freeze drying is a “low temperature dehydration process that involves freezing the product and lowering pressure, thereby removing the ice by sublimation.” In contrast, the conventional method of dehydration relies on heat to evaporate water.

For Ice Age Candy, this transformation takes place on site.

“I do all the different things here,” he said. “I have Snickers. I have Charleston Chews. I have Milk Duds. I have a bunch of Mallos and Airheads and Jolly Ranchers.”

The process changes the candy enough to allow Blackwell to sell his creations as unique.

“Because I buy actual candies and take it and freeze dry it, I’m adding value to it. Which is why we can resell,” he said. “Like I said, candy transformed. We’re transforming it into something different.”

That said, restrictions are in place to protect manufacturers. Blackwell does not sell or advertise his candies under their product names. At Ice Age Candy, Charleston Chews are Pillow Puffs, Snickers are Snackers, Jolly Ranchers are Jolly Munchers. And so on.

“I don’t actually use the straight-up names because legally you can’t. On the back, on the ingredients list, is the only place I can use the actual name,” he said.

Blackwell picks up a bag.

“Right here (in the ingredients) it says Freeze Dried Skittles Sour Berry Mix, which (we sell as) Sour Wild Berry,” he explained. “I believe the Supreme Court

(ruled) that the only place you can legally put it is on the back of the ingredients because you actually used it. So that is what I do. I go out and buy different candies, try them out, and if they work and I like them I put them out here for sale.”

Blackwell has greater freedom with product names when talking to customers.

“When I’m talking about a candy, I try to let them know. Because they can look at a chocolate caramel and they’re not going to know that it is a freeze dried Milk Dud. It does not look like that anymore. Because all that caramel has puffed right out,” he said.

Blackwell got into freeze drying because he wanted

to take nourishment with him while hiking, along with improving his own diet to address health concerns.

Later, he experimented with freeze-drying Skittles and Gummies.

“I realized that I need to take this to the farmers markets here,” he said, “I’d been here doing my baked goods and stuff like that. So I took the candy there and I found that it was doing really well. People were really enjoying them.”

Part of the fun of selling freeze dried candy is watching those who are tasting them for the first time.

“The look on people’s faces when they try freeze-dried candy is so great. There’s

like a look of confusion, excitement and enjoyment at the same time, because they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “They expect something chewy when they have a Skittle, and it ends up being crunchy. Then they find the flavor is so intense, not exactly what they were expecting. And the flavor comes through more because you pulled all the water out.” Ice Age Candy Company is at 227 So. Main Street in Independence. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. You can reach Blackwell by phone at (503) 420-9156.

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Shane Blackwell (pictured) owns Ice Age Candy Company in downtown Independence. It’s where his customers are discovering a new take on old favorites.

• South Albany 4, CHS softball 6 May 1

• CHS softball 1, Silverton 13

•

• Woodburn 2, DHS BB11

• April 29: Corvallis 0, DHS softball 5

May 1

• DHS baseball 19, Woodburn 2 May 1

• DHS softball 16, Crescent Valley 0 May 3

• DHS baseball 1, Lebanon 7 May 3

• McKay 0, DHS softball 15

Panther golfer qualifies for state tournament

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Central sophomore golfer

Akira White has already qualified for the state finals.

White finished the season ranked third in the MidWillamette Conference rankings. That was enough to earn a passport to one of the biggest tournaments of the year.

“Based on my placing in league, I get to go (straight) to state,” White said. “My goal was to make it to state through districts (as an) individual. But I surprised myself and made it just on season play.”

The Class 5A state tournament was May 6-7 at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis (results were unavailable before the I-O’s deadline). It’s a course she is familiar with, and one that compliments her game.

“I think it is going to play to my strengths because it is not super long and doesn’t have a lot of trees,” she said. “I can hit the ball far and straight for the most part. This year my putting has gotten quite a bit better. I’m averaging two putts (per hole) instead of three putts.”

But it’s her short game, she added, that could ultimately determine her standing.

“I need to get my 60 yarders down good, so I hit the greens,” she said. “If I am hitting the greens in regulation, I will play well.”

White has all the tools, physical and mental, her coach Joel Everett said.

“Akira has a smooth and calm approach to the game. She never shows herself to be too high or low,” he added. “She keeps a calm outward demeanor.”

Everett points to last year’s tournament as an example of White’s mental toughness.

“Last year at state Akira had a pretty tough day one. She could easily have gone through the motions and been happy with making state as a freshman,” Everett said. “Instead she tied her best round ever on the second day, and really set the tone for this year’s season, and what I believe will be her high school career.”

Another strength, playing each round one shot at a time.

“She doesn’t allow a bad shot or hole to derail her round. She is able to be a goldfish, have a short

memory, and play each shot and hole in the moment,” Everett said. “This has really separated her out from other golfers that might be more talented, but not as consistent.”

White began golfing when she was 6. But years passed before she decided to dedicate herself to it.

“I never really took golf seriously until my freshman year of high school, which was last year,” White said. “I had only played 18 holes three times before I had my first tournament.”

White was the only girl on the varsity team. There were, however, six girls on junior varsity. Each of the seven girls are freshman or sophomores. Without a team, White can only advance to state as an individual.

“But that’s okay,” she said, “because so far I am doing good and have made it both years that I have played in high school.”

White also reached state finals as a member of the cheer squad.

Don’t expect her to put away her clubs once the high school season ends.

“I am planning on competing in more Oregon Golf

District championships ahead for Panthers track athletes

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Trending in the right direction is the Central High varsity track team.

“As always, we are hoping our kids have their best performances at the end, and it feels like they are primed for that to happen,” coach Eli Cirino said.

Cirino and his staff will know soon enough the fate of their athletes as the Mid-Willamette Conference Championships are Thursday through Saturday at McGinnis Field in Silverton.

The Panthers lack the numbers to contend for a district title.

“We don’t have the depth that we had last year on the boys’ side, so we will be trying to maximize each individual’s chance of scoring well or advancing,” Cirino said.

A similar strategy is in place for the girls’ team.

“Our girls team does not have much depth either, but there are several individuals that have a great chance to advance,” Cirino added.

For those who do advance, the OSAA Class 5A state meet is Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at Hayward Field, University of Oregon, Eugene.

Whereas the team may lack quantity, it boasts quality.

Several Panthers enter districts as top seeds in their specialties: sophomore Ty Cirino in the 1500 and 3000 meters, junior (and defending state champion) Gabriel Haines in the discus, senior Jordan Vega Ramos, juniors Caleb Castillo and Jackson Stevens, and sophomore Ryan Burgett in the 4X100 relay.

Top seeds for the girls are Lili Nunez in the javelin and Amanda McArthur in the triple jump.

Burgett is seeded second in the 300 meters hurdles, as are Vega in the 200 meters and Haines in the shot put.

Seeded third are Vega in the 100 meters, and Cirino in the 800 meters. However, Cirino will not compete in the 800 meters due to a scheduling conflict.

Freshman Brynn Taufa’asau is second in high jump for the girls.

“We have such a young team, it’s just been really fun to see the growth that they’ve made this spring,” Eli Cirino said. “There will be great performances that don’t earn state berths or even place and those, honestly, make me just as proud.”

More on the district leaders:

Ty Cirino, 1500m, 3000m

Sophomore Ty Cirino’s first district meet provided him with a lesson well learned.

“I came into districts knowing I would likely make it in the 3K. So I made it in that race pretty easily,” he said. “But the 1500, I knew it was tough in our league. That it was going to take a really fast race. It was a fast race. I almost ran a PR. But I didn’t quite make it. It was kind of humbling. To know I was fast, but there’s still these fast

See TACK, page B3

Association tournaments over the summer and play golf as much as possible to help improve my game,” she said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Central sophomore Akira White will tee it up at next week’s Class 5A state golf championship at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Gabriel Haines of Central High heads into the district finals as one of its top throwers. Haines, a junior, is the defending state champion in the discus.

50 years ago

May. 8, 1974

Mini-computer ballot counter added to Polk voting system

The Polk County election system added another first last week, when a newly acquired mini-computer called a ballot tab counter was certified for use to county votes via the punch card voting system now in use here. County clerk Lyn Hardy announced last week that the small specialized computer, purchased at a cost of $19,700, will make his election process complete and under local control. He said that the tab counting device will cost justify itself in about eight years.

Dallas city park board plans ahead

The Dallas City Park board met Friday evening to review work accomplished this spring, and to plan for the future. The three city parks toured were the main Dallas City Park, Gala Park and two lots in the vicinity of Birch Street where a third park is in the planning stages. In the wilderness area of the Dallas City Park the Botanical group headed by Rob Roy decided on an arboretum and gardens keeping the area as near a

wilderness section as possible. The program will start this fall, and is scheduled to cover a span of five to six years before completion.

Freshman spikers extend string

Last Monday Dallas defeated visiting St. Helens freshmen track squad by a 75½ -51½ score. This put the Dallas team at 8-0 for the season. The meet produced many personal best marks along with the tying of two school records and the setting of two more.

40 years ago May. 9, 1984

Dallas company taps new leader

The Dallas unit of the National Guard has a new company commander. First Lieutenant Fritz Kraus, 32, officially received command Sunday in a ceremony at the armory. He replaced 1st Lt. Jim Shoemake, 27, who was reassigned to the battalion headquarters in Salem after four months as head of the Dallas company.

Marketing plan ready for Dallas

Just over a year after its creation, the Dallas Economic

Development Commission has formed a workable plan for marketing the city of Dallas. Since its inception in February, 1983, with the help of a $1,500 grant from the U.S. National Bank of Oregon, the 14-member commission has prepared economic development and marketing plans designed to make the city more attractive to current businesses and for prospective ones. According to a presentation before the Dallas City Council on Monday night, the commission features

Community Achievement

Local student graduates from UT Tyler

Meagan Mendazona, of Monmouth, graduated during Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies May 3-4 from the University of Texas at Tyler College of Education and Psychology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Grand Ronde’s Corporal Tyler Brown completes IPSLEI

Corporal Tyler Brown, of the Grand Ronde Police Department was one of 19 public safety leaders from throughout Oregon who completed the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) on April 25 at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in Salem.

three main goals – retention, expansion, and attraction.

“You can’t just sit on your laurels and assume businesses are happy,” said Dallas City Manager Roger Jordan.

“Retention is a major goal.”

Valley hospital auxiliary volunteers

2,525 hours

Members of the hospital auxiliary of Valley Community Hospital in Dallas gave 2,525 hours of volunteer service to the hospital in 1983. They were honored

with a luncheon April 24 at the Illahee Hills Country Club. Volunteer of the year was Catherine Snyder with more than 20 hours of service. Others who have given more than 100 hours of service were Margie Alderson, Robin Fromherz, Pat Luciano, Earlene Richardson, Ruby Tompkins, and Dixie Darby. Hospital administrator Ed Zintgraff thanked the auxiliary for their efforts and described new services and plans for the hospital.

IPSLEI is an intensive leadership program that involves a variety of learning methodologies, including written case studies, video case analysis, and interactive learning processes. Students explored a number of films, books and articles that inspired a deep exploration of ethical decision-making principles and their application to the students’ own leadership journeys. By simply asking the question “why,” the students developed their critical thinking processes related to leadership and their own self-awareness.

The 160-hour IPSLEI training program takes place over the course of four months and consists of four modules that highlight:

- Developing a Personal Philosophy of Leadership and Ethics - Leading Others Ethically - Ethical Leadership in Organizations - Ethics and the Challenge of Leadership Over 350 public safety professionals from the police, fire, corrections and community corrections disciplines have completed the program since DPSST began hosting it in 2008.

Dallas Fire & EMS honors three volunteer firefighters

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

On May 2, Dallas Fire and EMS recognized three volunteer firefighters for their commitment over the last year. Brant Barnes, with wife Makayli, Bryce Thatcher and mother Chennan Thatcher, Bryden McAllister with mother Leanna McAllister, dedicated this last year to not only better themselves, but also learn a new craft to serve the citizens of Dallas. These three completed months of training and events to get cleared to respond as Firefighters.

(left to right) Annissa Olsson, Cara March,

Jeanna McKibben, Amber Gordon, Tanya Parker, Charity Osteen, Jamie Huber, Katie Johnston,

Kathy Metzler and Sierra Huff. Each of the 41 children in grades one and two will share in the afternoon’s program, directed by teachers Gail Gengler and Ellen Overstreet.

DHS girls whip Tigers

The Dallas girls’ track team improved its dual meet record to 4-1 on the season after rolling to a 91-35 victory over visiting Newberg Thursday. The Dragons travel to McMinnville Thursday for their final dual of the year. Dallas was led by five double winners – Wendy Solheim, Kathy McDill, Mary Tepper, Melanie Byrner and Lori Nolen.

Sport SCHEDULE

SPORTS CALENDAR

May 8-14

CLASS 5A

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday

• Dallas at Central baseball, 5 p.m.

Thursday

• Central Track at Conference Championships, TBA

Friday

• Central Track at Conference Championships, TBA

• Central baseball at Dallas, 5 p.m.

Saturday

• Central Track at Conference Championships, TBA

Monday

• Central Baseball at Woodburn, 5 p.m.

CENTRAL/FALLS CITY HS

Wednesday

• Crescent Valley at Central Softball, 5 p.m.

Friday

• Central softball at McKay, 4:30 p.m.

Monday

• Dallas at Central softball, 4:30 p.m.

DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday

• Dallas Baseball at Central, 5 p.m.

• Dallas Softball at Woodburn, 5 p.m.

Thursday

• DHS Track at Conference Championships

• McGinnis Stadium, Silverton, TBA

Friday

• DHS Track at Conference Championships

• McGinnis Stadium, Silverton, TBA

• Lebanon at Dallas softball, 4:30 p.m.

• Central at Dallas baseball, 5 p.m.

Saturday

• DHS Track at Conference Championships

• McGinnis Stadium, Silverton, TBA

Monday

• Dallas at CHS Softball, 4:30 p.m.

• Silverton at Dallas Baseball, 5 p.m.

CLASS 1A

FALLS CITY HS

Friday

• Track at District Championships

• Portland Christian Schools, 11 a.m.

Saturday

• Track at District Championships

• Portland Christian Schools, 11 a.m.

PERRYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday

• Nestucca at Perrydale softball, 3 p.m.

• Nestucca at Perrydale softball, 4:30 p.m.

Friday

• Track at District Championships

• Portland Christian Schools, 11 a.m.

Saturday

• Track at District Championships

• Portland Christian Schools, 11 a.m.

Monday

• Perrydale softball at St. Paul, 4:30 p.m.

T

Panthers track trending in the right direction

From Page B1

guys, that it’s such a jump to get to state.”

Cirino’s solution to last year’s disappointment was to work harder. As a result, he now owns the school record in both events. So every time he PRs, he sets a new school record.

“It kind of takes the pressure off me,” he said of the school records. “I’m just racing to race now. It’s definitely fun every time I get a PR. But when I don’t, I reflect on the fact I’m still running fast. I can’t be upset with almost running a PR.”

Also noteworthy, Cirino owns the second fastest time in the 3000 meters ever posted by a sophomore runner in state history.

“It’s fun to have that accomplishment,” he said. “But then my real accomplishment is if I can be up there for one of the fastest senior times in state history.”

Cirino has run one race in the last week or so as he prepares for districts.

“I ran a good race at Jesuit last week, and I feel my times have been consistent. So I think my body is primed to run fast,” he said. Cirino has always been fast, but he started seeing huge jumps last year as a freshman. He wants those jumps to keep coming for the next two years.

“I’m taking in the moment. But I’m also looking ahead. I want to be able to keep this speed. I don’t want to peak this year and then not go to the college I want to go to,” he said. “My goal is to keep getting faster.

Gabriel Haines, Discus, Shot Put Been there. Done that.

Gabriel Haines enters the district finals as the defending state champion in the discus. Others might be more impressed with that feat than the discus thrower himself.

“I don’t think I fully understood how big it was. Maybe I still don’t,” Haines said of his state title.

In fact, his strategy as he heads into the most important two weeks of the high

school season is to make sure the grandeur of the moment doesn’t overwhelm him.

“I don’t want to say it’s just another meet, but that’s kind of how you got to think about it,” he said of the state finals. “Just don’t stress yourself out too much. I’ve got to act like I’ve been there before.”

Haines will take that same approach with him into this week’s district finals. Where one of the marquee battles will be between Haines and Hayden George of Lebanon. George leads Haines, the second seed, by one foot in the shot put; Haines leads George by less than two feet in the discus.

“Obviously, I want to win. But I’m really looking to stay consistent with what I’ve been throwing,” he said. “Last week I didn’t have a great week. But I’ve got another week-ish to improve myself.”

Many see the throws as tests of raw physical power. But don’t underestimate the importance of finesse.

“I could argue strength is a big part, but I think in discus it’s really about technique. I could be big, huge, bigger than I already am. But with bad technique, I could throw it a lot less,” he said. “There are little guys that are half my size that can just sling it. Just because they hit their positions.”

Despite ongoing success, Haines knows there’s more to learn.

“I think I’m still getting there. I think I have enough grasp so I can have success. But I still have a lot more meat on the bone, you know.”

Amanda McArthur, Triple Jump

Amanda McArthur wants to conclude her senior campaign by setting a new school record. To do so, she’ll first need to top herself.

“My PR (personal record) is 36’8” set last year,” she said. “When I hit that mark it broke our old school record. So I really want to break it again.”

Her junior year, which was a banner year, ended with a medal ceremony.

“I was on the podium for triple, and it just felt really good,” she said. “It was exciting, as good as I wanted it to be.”

For McArthur, there’s more to triple jump than just jumping.

“I don’t think my physical abilities will have anything to do with how I’m going to do,” she said. “I think it’s just what mindset I’m going to have. So I really need to work on locking in on that.”

McArthur is a late arrival to the sport, having picked up triple jump her sophomore year. It was a case of love at first leap.

“When you really love something, you just get better and better at it, and I just kept getting better and better at it, so I felt really good. That’s why I kept at it.”

It’s McArthur’s opinion that the triple jump is deceiving to non-practitioners.

“Maybe the fact that it’s a lot harder than it looks,” she said. “It looks really easy, but you get to doing it and you realize that it’s not. But it’s actually really fun.”

Lili Nunez, Javelin She’s back.

Lili Nunez advanced to state her freshman year, placing sixth at Class 6A as she attended West Salem at the time. But then the family moved to California where javelin isn’t a prep spor. She went two years without regular competition. The hiatus couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“After my freshman year, I realized that this is what I want to do in college. And so California, it was tough for those two years, to have it … stripped from me,” she said.

Down south, she’d compete in a few out of state track meets each year, but it wasn’t the same. Not for someone who loves the javelin.

“There’s just something about it that I can’t really put into words,” she said. “It’s just that I’ve always had success with it, so that’s what keeps me pushing. And my older brother throws, so he keeps me motivated, keeps me going.”

Familial motivation - her father also coaches her - has helped push Nunez to 131’1” this season. Or almost 11 feet farther than current runner-up Greyson Glivinski of Silverton. But Nunes is taking it one step at a time.

“I think the field’s pretty open, like, anyone can take it on a given day,” she said of her competition. But “I’m going for first.”

Technique keys Nunez’s success.

“Since I’m kind of smaller, not big and muscular, I’m more of a speed thrower,” she said. “Being quick and explosive for me as a thrower is really big.”

For her, it’s always been the javelin.

“My parents started me in track early. And I fell in love with Turbojav there,” she

said, pointing. “I’ve thrown it ever since.”

Jordan Vega Ramos, 4x100 relay

One of the conference’s leading sprinters wasn’t always fast. In fact, it wasn’t until his sophomore year in high school that he began taking his speed seriously.

“It was the 100. My 200 wasn’t that good. But my 100 definitely boosted my confidence” that year, Jordan Vega Ramos said. “It made me focus on track.”

The senior is no stranger to Hayward Field. His state finals resume includes finishes of fifth in the 100m and seventh in the 200m his sophomore year, and fourth in the 100m and second in the 200m his junior year.

“It’s amazing,” he said of Hayward Field. “I love the track. I love the crowd. It’s always an adrenaline rush. It feels good to be out there.”

The senior owns the school’s seventh fastest time in the 100, (11.10) and fifth fastest in the 200m (22.6). But he wants more.

“My goal … is to break the school record in the 100,” he said.

Vega will compete in three events at districts, the two sprints and as a member of the top-seeded 4X100 relay. He enters each event intent on winning it. And that includes when he runs against the best the district and state has to offer.

“I’ve learned from experience, confidence going into state is one of the key components to performing well,” he said. “Going into my sophomore year, I wasn’t confident at all, and it obviously showed.”

Vega won’t make that mistake again.

Wolves want even more success in rugby 7s

By LANCE MASTERSON For

The Itemizer-Observer

The Western Oregon men’s and women’s+ rugby 7s teams closed out last month’s National Collegiate Rugby championships with wins. The Collegiate Rugby Championship for 7’s teams was held April 26-28 at Boyds, Maryland.

The men’s team defeated Denver, 20-14, in the last of four matches; the women’s team edged Sewanee University, 25-24, in their finale.

Rounding out their tournament play, the men’s team lost to top-seeded Christendom and Loyola (MD) and bested Howard.

“We did well, though certainly not as well as we would have liked,” coach Ben Barlow said of the men’s team, which placed 11th in the small college division. Each loss was followed by a win.

“The guys really demonstrated their resiliency throughout this tournament,” Barlow said. “They fought through a number of setbacks, but continued to hold their heads high and fight for the wins.”

Barlow expects his team to build on this success, one that includes consecutive appearances at the national finals.

“This season was an excellent stepping stone for us. The guys played well and I’m extremely proud of them, but they now have the experience

to see where we’re going and what it’s going to take to get there,” he said. “We have a young team. Almost everyone will be back next year, and now they have all been to one national championship, several of them two. They’ve seen the work ethic and dedication it’ll take to play at that level. They’ll be coming back next year in an even better position.”

As for the women, they won one match against two losses.

“We finished 14th in the nation for small colleges and that’s worthy of celebration considering that half the team is made up of rookies,” said coach Nic Smith.

In addition, the women’s+ team had only nine players on its roster, and some of those players were injured.

“(Injuries) caused players to be in positions that they hadn’t played consistently,” said Smith. “We faced a lot of obstacles. I’m very proud of my team and their accomplishments.”

The goal is to be even better next year.

“While we accomplished a lot with a predominately new team under a first-year coach, we have a ways to go,” Smith said. “We will focus on building our team culture, promoting transparency and inclusion, where trust in each other flourish, building team chemistry.”

One byproduct of the women’s+ run is that others are taking notice.

“Our team got a lot of exposure after winning the Boise qualifier, which led to nationals,” Smith said.

“We’ve been able to use that to our advantage. We have several high school students who are interested in attending Western Oregon and joining our team.”

The teams did share an honor. No one traveled further to get to Boyds than the Wolves.

Western’s “rugby programs are clearly on the rise, and I’m confident in saying that this won’t be the last time both teams qualify for 7s nationals,” said Andy Main, associate director for Western Oregon Campus Recreation.

The women’s+ team learned what it takes to compete against the best, he added.

“They earned their first match victory … and are

clearly motivated to improve on that next year,” Main said.

The men’s team, meanwhile, continue their march toward prominence.

“(They’re) one step closer to being among the upper echelon of teams in the nation,” Main said.

Scoreboard:

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Jordan Vega Ramos, a senior, competes in the sprints for the Panthers track team. He’s attempting to qualify for his third straight appearance at state.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Lili Nunez is number one in javelin heading into this week’s district finals. The senior Panther is back throwing after two years in California, where the javelin is not allowed in high school competitions.

Sewanee

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Western’s women’s+ 7s rugby team was in Boyds, Maryland last week to take on the nation’s best. Pictured, left to right, for the Wolves: Estella Miranda-Aguilar and Emily Moore (with ball).

FILE PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Malaetasi Sofa (with ball) and Howard Yost of the Western Oregon men’s rugby 7s compete at the national qualifier at WOU, which the Wolves won. Western split four matches at the national championship to place 11th in the small college division.

Information for the report comes from law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included. The status of arrests reported may change after further investigation.

Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Dallas Police Department

Thursday, April 25

• At 5:22 a.m., David Gonzalez was arrested on a Douglas County warrant and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 8:45 a.m., a report of six high school students at Walmart during school hours. The officer asked students to return to school.

• At 10:27 a.m. a report of theft of four batteries and two coat hooks, and damage to the p-trap under the sink of the newly remodeled bathroom at city hall.

• At 3:12 p.m. a report of a dog at large on Joseph Lane. An officer was unable to locate.

• At 4:31 p.m., a report of a hit and run on Washington Street. There was no damage to the vehicle.

• At 6:03 p.m., Jordan Sage and Windy Jones were arrested on Walnut Avenue and charged with trespassing in the park after they had previously been excluded from all parks.

• At 6:36 p.m., a report of theft on Kings Valley Highway. An unknown suspect stole a computer.

• At 9:28 p.m., a report of theft of some tools from Walmart.

• At 10:11 p.m., a report of theft on Ellendale Avenue. Three juveniles took $20 cash left at a register and stole some food items.

Friday, April 26

• At 8:30 a.m., a report of trespassing on Jefferson Street. The subject was almost done moving out of their old apartment.

• At 2:50 p.m. a report of theft of $250 cash on Brentwood Avenue.

• At 3:41 p.m. a juvenile motorist was cited for “speed racing” on Maple Street.

• At 3:44 p.m., a report of a non-injury blocking crash on Holman Avenue.

• At 3:46 p.m. a complainant requested extra patrols on Walnut Avenue for speeding.

Saturday, April 27

• At 11:27 a.m., Glenn Webb was arrested and

charged with contempt of court on Sequoia Lane and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 3:29 p.m., an alarm went off on Rhododendron Avenue. Cats at the location had set off motion sensors and owners were contacted.

• At 6:14 p.m., there was a two-vehicle T-bone crash on Barberry Avenue. There were no injuries.

• At 6:30 p.m., a report of a truck illegally parked on the curb on Dallas Drive. The owner moved the vehicle.

• At 10:23 p.m., a report of a fight on Ellendale Avenue. The disturbance was verbal only.

Sunday, April 28

• At 12:20 a.m., Alex Stuller was arrested on Main Street, charged with stalking and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 5:51 a.m., four unhoused persons lit a fire in a ditch. The fire was extinguished. Kyle Casey was arrested and charged with failure to report as a sex offender and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 11:43 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Court Street. It was a verbal only disturbance.

Monday, April 29

• At 1:45 a.m., a report of a prowler on Ellendale Avenue. The officers checked the location and found nothing amiss.

• At 11:14 a.m., a report of a possible burglary in progress on Clay Street. There were no people found in the area.

• At 12:48 p.m., a juvenile was arrested and charged with harassment, disorderly conduct, and assault on La Creole Drive. The subject was lodged at Yamhill County Juvenile Detention.

• At 2:26 p.m., a report of theft of registration stickers on Monmouth Cutoff.

• At 3:13 p.m., a report of theft on Kings Valley Highway. A subject had switched price tags on a bike lock.

• At 3:22 p.m., Russ Littleton was arrested and charged with criminal mischief 2 on Uglow Avenue and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 3:11 p.m., a report of theft on Hill Street. Theft did not occur, and it was a civil issue.

• At 7:40 p.m., a report of a theft of over $100 in groceries on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 8:05 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle. The owner was taking pictures in

the parking lot of her vehicle to sell.

• At 10:49 p.m., a report of a burglary at the school on Holman Avenue. The school custodians were doing their nightly check of the campus.

Tuesday, April 30

• At 6:48 a.m., a report of a suspicious person pulling out yard signs on Lyle Street. The officers were unable to locate.

• At 7:36 a.m., a report of an assault on Washington Street. It was a verbal domestic disturbance.

• At 8:10 a.m., a report of a transient camp blocking the sidewalk on Uglow Avenue. The unhoused person was trespassed from the location.

• At 3:11 p.m., a report of a possible theft on Rainbow Avenue. Further investigation is needed.

• At 4:22 p.m. a motorist was cited for no operator’s license, failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, and verbally warned for failure to register vehicle.

• At 4:34 p.m., a report of a theft of a $130 Lego set on Kings Valley Highway.

Wednesday, May 1

• At 2:48 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 60 mph in a 35-mph zone.

• At 9:00 a.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured and was verbally warned for failure to register the vehicle.

• At 9:16 a.m., Bret West was arrested and charged with theft 2 from Walmart and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 10:10 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 39 mph in a 20-mph zone.

• At 10:56 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 39 mph in a 20-mph zone.

• At 1:22 p.m., an attempted theft of $113 worth of items on Kings Valley Highway.

• At 6:15 p.m., a report of a theft of $15 worth of items on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 7:23 p.m., a report of a car of subjects driving by and shooting Nerf guns at people and employees on Kings Valley Highway. Subjects had driven out of town by the time police responded.

• At 7:57 p.m., police located the vehicle involved in the Nerf gun incident and warned three juveniles for their actions. Parents were contacted and instead seemed upset that juveniles had been stopped as they didn’t agree with the municipal code.

Independence Police Department

Thursday, April 25

• At 12:29 a.m., a citation was issued for parking illegally in a designated disabled parking spot in Deann Drive.

• At 4:59 p.m., a report of attempted fraud on 17th Street. Someone called and told the complaintant they had kidnapped their daughter and were holding them for $1,000 ransom. The citizen spoke to their daughter and confirmed she was okay.

• At 6:18 p.m., a report of someone littering at the dog park on Grand Street.

Friday, April 26

• At 2:36 p.m., a report of fraud on River Oak Road. The victim paid $1,500 through a 7/11 cash transfer service to pay a “power bill” that was three months late.

Saturday, April 27

• At 4:13 a.m., an officer responded to a report of a vehicle stopped in the roadway on G Street at a stop sign with their turn signal on and the driver slumped over in their car. An officer was finally able to wake the driver who said they had fallen asleep. There were indications that the driver was intoxicated, and the officer performed field sobriety tests. Jose Angel Aspericueta was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an inxotican. His BAC regesitered at .10 %.

• At 8:30 a.m., a report of a hit and run that damaged a mail box and a beauty strip with new plants and mulch on Main Street. Part of a gold side mirror matched the damage to the car of the previous DUII arrest and he was cited for failure to perform the duties of a driver.

• At 4:41 p.m., a report of assault on Church Street. Independence Police Department assisted Monmouth Police Department to take a person into custody.

• At 9:55 p.m., a report of a disturbance on 6th Street turned out to be a noise complaint regarding loud yelling.

Sunday, April 28

• At 9:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to a fight call at the Independence Library. During the investigation, it was found the issue was that Robin Lee was making derogatory comments about the other subject’s girlfriend. When the victim approached Lee about his comments, Lee allegedly assaulted the victim.

Lee was arrested and charged with assault 4 and disorderly conduct.

Monday, April 29

• At 11:01 a.m., a motorist was stopped for an illegal u-turn on Main Street. The driver was cited for driving while suspended and failure to install an ignition interlock device.

Tuesday, April 30

• At 5:46 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Monmouth Street. It was a verbal only disturbance.

• At 8:40 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on E Street.

• At 7:08 p.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 39 mph in a 25-mph zone.

Monmouth Police Department

• Garry Bau, 55, was arrested April 24 and charged with disorderly conduct 2 and prohibited exposure.

• Raymond Murray, 35, was arrested April 26 and charged with disorderly conduct 2 and criminal trespass 2.

• Gregory McConnell, 33, was arrested April 23 on an outstanding warrant.

• Brandon Espinosa, 21, was arrested April 26 and charged with violation of protection order.

• Malachi Fitts, 19, was arrested April 27 and charged with assault 4.

• Michael Young, 19, was arrested April 28 and charged with disorderly conduct.

• Alec Gerard Wynkoop, 32, was arrested May 2 and charged with stalking, disorderly conduct and trespass 2.

• Joshua Michael Gonzalez, 26, was arrested April 27 and charged with prohibited exposure.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

• Edauto Calvillo was arrested April 26 and charged with felony driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

• Forrest Dylan Dalton was arrested May 2 and charged with post prison violation (felony strangulation, robbery 3).

• Kyle Christian Esquiro was arrested May 2 and charged with drive under the influence of an intoxicant.

• Malachi Fitts was arrested April 27 and charged with assault 4.

• Trevor Stuart Harris was arrested April 30 and placed on hold for Benton County (disorderly conduct, harassment, offensive littering, escape 3, criminal trespass).

• Gary Shane Irons was arrested April 30 and placed on hold for Benton County (theft 1).

• Dana Lee Johnson was arrested May 2 and placed on hold for U.S. Marshals (drugs and weapons offense).

• Robin Edward Lee was arrested April 28 and charged with assault 4 and disorderly conduct 2.

• Russell Allen Littleton was arrested April 29 and charged with criminal trespass 2 and two counts of postprison violation (burglary 2, fail appear).

• Cesar Lopez was arrested May 2 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

• Roger Jay Martin was arrested May 2 and charged with violation of release agreement and contempt of court.

• Todd Burton Rancore was arrested April 28 and charged with two counts of probation violation (burglary 2, theft 1), contempt of court and harassment (physical contact).

• Michael Allan Stroud was arrested May 3 and charged with criminal trespass 2.

• Alex Henry Stuller was arrested April 28 and charged with stalking and criminal trespass 1.

• Isaiah Immanuel Thomas was arrested May 2 and charged with unauthorized use motor vehicle, felon in possession of firearm, possess burglary tools and criminal driving-susp/revoked and was placed on hold for Snake River Correctional Institution.

• Clarence David Lee Vogel was arrested May 3 and placed on hold for Benton County (theft 1, theft 2, theft 3, and criminal trespass 2).

• April Sarah Barlow was arrested April 29 and charged with criminal mischief 2 and burglary 1 and was placed on hold for Washington County (failure to appear – theft 3).

• Tiffany Taylor Cummings was arrested May 2 and charged with post prison violation (elude).

• Lauren Danielle Dudenhoeffer was arrested May 1 and charged with aggravated theft 1, forgery 1, 35 counts of mail theft, forgery 1 and forgery 2.

• Ashley Lorine Padgett was arrested April 30 and charged with failure to appear (assault 4).

• Brenda Gail Sites was arrested May 2 and charged with two counts of probation violation (driving under the influence of an intoxicant, possession of methamphetamine).

MOMENTS IN TIME

• On May 20, 1506, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus died in Valladolid, Spain. The first European to explore the Americas since 10th-century Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland, he traveled the West Indies, South America and Central America, but died feeling he had been mistreated by his patron, King Ferdinand of Spain.

• On May 21, 2000, the bones of President James Garfield’s spinal column, showing where one of two assassin’s bullets had passed through it in 1881, were displayed for a final day at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington, D.C., in an exhibit featuring medical oddities from the museum’s archives.

• On May 22, 1856, South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks, wielding a cane he used after suffering injuries in a duel fueled by a political debate years before, savagely beat Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumber during a meeting of Congress when tensions escalated over the expansion of slavery.

• On May 23, 1900, Army sergeant William Harvey Carney became the first Black American serviceman to receive the Medal of Honor, for heroically protecting the American flag during the Civil War.

• On May 24, 1797, Thomas Jefferson wrote to his friend Angelica Church with a casual inquiry about their mutual friend, Maria Cosway, a woman who’d once captured his heart and inspired a romantically themed essay. Her marriage, his desire to maintain integrity and their physical distance had helped cool his hopeless passion for her some years before.

• On May 25, 1977, China’s communist government lifted its decade-old ban on the writings of William Shakespeare, providing additional evidence that the Cultural Revolution initiated by Mao Zedong in 1966 had ended. Officials also announced that a Chineselanguage edition of the Bard’s works would soon be available.

TRIVIA TEST

By FIFI RODRIGUEZ

Puzzle answers on page B2

women’s

“The Wolves Athletic Auction is important because it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Wolves Athletics,” said Randi Lydum, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “It has become a tradition at the university and in the community, and it brings alumni and

GIVE WILDLIFE A CHANCE:

friends of Wolves Athletics together to support all of our student-athletes.”

Western senior Women’s Soccer standout Hannah Rispler will once again serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening, and alumna and former volleyball and track & field standout Samantha Moore is the evening’s featured speaker.

All proceeds from the evening go towards student-athlete scholarships, Wolves team equipment, and team programs.

“The impact of the auction is immeasurable and makes a big difference in the lives of all WOU student-athletes,” said senior Women’s Soccer star Hannah Rispler. “The auction not only provides

scholarships for student-athletes that make our education possible but proceeds also support other team needs that benefit all student-athletes.”

Attendees can bid on dozens of high-quality items and experiences at the live and silent auctions. Events also include a catered dinner with beer from Parallel 45 and wine from Eola Hills Winery,

Leave young wild animals where you found them

Finding a young wild animal alone does not mean it needs to be rescued. In fact, the best course of action is to leave them where you find them. The advice you are likely to hear from ODFW if you pickup or bring young wildlife home is “put it back.”

Kidnapping young wild animals can take away their best chance at survival. The misconception that a young animal found alone has been abandoned or orphaned often leads well-intentioned individuals to intervene, but this can harm the animal and hinder its chances of survival.

It can also lead to a warning or citation from Oregon State Police.

Removing an animal from the wild is illegal under Oregon wildlife laws. (ORS 497.308 – No person shall remove from its natural habitat or acquire and hold in captivity any live wildlife in violation of the wildlife laws.)

Many wildlife species will leave their young while they forage for food. When people remove them from the wild, young animals miss the chance to learn where to seek cover, what to eat and how to escape from predators and other dangers. The time young animals spend with their parents and in their natural environment are crucial for the development of survival skills long term.

Unfortunately, every year around this time, ODFW offices, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and even Oregon State Police are flooded with calls from well-intentioned people who picked up a deer fawn, elk calf, fledgling bird learning to fly, or other young animal they assumed was orphaned because it was alone.

Even if they receive care from a wildlife rehabilitator, successfully returning a young animal to the wild is not always possible. Options for long-term placement in wildlife sanctuaries or zoos are limited and animals often must be euthanized since they lack the survival skills to be released back into the wild. Some animals can also become dangerous as they grow into adults and pose a serious threat to human safety.

Here’s how to help instead: Keep pets and other domestic animals away from wildlife. Pets will stress wildlife, especially if there are young wildlife or fledgling birds in your yard. Keep dogs on a leash when recreating outside. Keep cats indoors to protect them and our native wildlife. If you are certain an animal is orphaned because you observed the parent animal deceased, or you see an animal that is injured, please

call ODFW, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or OSP for advice.

Don’t feed wildlife. All species of wildlife have a specialized diet that coincides with seasonal changes. Access to human-provided food can negatively impact their health, lead to conflict with people and in many cases have fatal consequences. When given access to food provided by people, wild animals can lose their fear of people and pose a threat to human safety. Share this information with your friends, family and neighbors. Living responsibly with wildlife is possible and it’s up to everyone to do their part to give wildlife a chance.

Deer and elk

Oregon’s deer and elk give birth from May through July. It’s natural for mother animals to leave their young alone and hidden for extended periods of time while they go off to feed, so never assume a young animal is orphaned when you see it alone. The mother will return when it’s safe to do so—when people, pets or predators aren’t around. Deer and elk see dogs as a threat to their young and may act aggressively in response to disturbance from a dog.

Marine mammals

Harbor seal pups are born in late March through April. Females often leave their pups at haul-outs or along sandy beaches while searching for food. Never pick up or handle a seal pup or any other marine mammal you find at the beach. Beachgoers should stay away from resting seals and sea lions and keep dogs away from these animals as well.

Marine mammal strandings should be reported to OSP’s hotline at 1-800-452-7888.

Birds

Birds nest in the spring and young birds may be found from late February through early summer. Some baby birds, called fledglings, may become separated from their parents as they learn to fly. These are sometimes thought to be abandoned and brought to wildlife rehabilitators. Unless obviously injured, birds should be left where they are or lifted carefully back onto a branch to help them avoid predators (like outdoor cats), so they have the best chance at survival. Ducklings and goslings frequently become separated from their mothers due to disturbance from people or predators. If you spot young waterfowl without a mother, please leave them alone and

leave the area so the mother can return.

Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Oregon continue this year and it is important to avoid close contact with waterfowl (ducks and geese). Do not feed ducks and geese. Feeding congregates susceptible birds and enables the disease to spread between birds more easily. Also, note that Oregon’s wildlife rehabilitators are not currently accepting injured or sick ducks and