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Rough landing at the Rodeo

PHOTO BY EMMANUEL GOICOCHEA

State Rep. Paul Evans joins Independence Mayor John McArdle in adding a ceremonial first shovel of dirt to a new tree planted at Sunset Meadows Park. Evans and McArdle were first elected at the same time in 1998, Evans as mayor of Monmouth.

John McArdle to retire at

end of 2024

Mayor looks back at who helped build Independence

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

In

John McArdle chose

the character of

the city rather than its physical appearance. When he announced his retirement in June this year, McArdle came up just four years short of

Juventino Banuelos named Independence police chief

Following an extensive search process, Independence Police Detective Sgt. Juventino “Tino” Banuelos has been hired as the next Independence police chief. Banuelos will collaborate with current Independence Police Chief Robert Mason to ensure a smooth transition until Mason retires in December 2024. Banuelos is expected to officially assume the role on Jan. 1, 2025.

“I am thrilled that Tino will take over as my successor,” said Mason. “With a proven track record of dedicated service, strong leadership, and a deep sense of compassion, I am confident he will enhance the department’s efforts to protect and serve our community.”

“Tino brings a wealth of experience, passion, and heart to our exceptional agency,” said City Manager Kenna West. “I am excited to work alongside him on our management team.”

Bañuelos is the eldest son of Juventino and Rosa Bañuelos, who moved to Independence when he was about 4 years old. He attended Independence Elementary, Talmadge Middle School and

Central High School. Bañuelos became a cadet in 1997 and a reserve police officer in 1999. In 2000, he was hired as a full-time officer. During his career, Bañuelos has been a patrol officer, school resource officer, field training officer and detective. During his time as an SRO, he discovered his passion for investigating crimes against children and doing his part to hold those who hurt children accountable. In 2014, Bañuelos was promoted to detective sergeant and spent a few years as team lead

Independence receives grant for improvements

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

On Aug. 1, the city of Independence learned it received a $4 million grant from the federal Department of Economic

for

improvements. This project was made possible through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which provided funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act. This investment will be matched with $1 million from Business Oregon and is expected to create or retain nearly 250 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“We are thrilled to receive this

investment which will fund important improvements at our wastewater treatment plant,” said Independence Mayor John McArdle. “The additional capacity this project creates will allow our rural community

Grant rounds out Dallas reservoir expansion project budget

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

Dallas was one of 25 Oregon cities to receive funding for community-initiated projects in the Senate’s draft FY25 InteriorEnvironment funding bill passed July 25 totaling $43.7 million.

Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley secured the funding through the Senate Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which encompasses funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health Service (IHS), and several other agencies. The community-initiated projects program funds approved for Dallas was $500,000 to build water reservoir on James Howe Road. It’s an important project, according to city Public Works Director Gary Marks.

“It’s a project we’ve been looking at maybe three years,” Marks said. “We bought land about 4 years ago with a water reservoir in mind. The principal reason was to increase resiliency in our water system as the community grows, so we have enough potable water to serve the community.”

He added the additional water reservoir will also help the Dallas Fire Department maintain its water need to keep pace with the growing community.

Marks explained Dallas has a current water reservoir with its Clay Street complex that amounts to four cells, with another reservoir at the south end of town on Main Street just outside of town. With their current finished water plant, that adds up to 8 million gallons available to Dallas.

He said the new reservoir planned for James Howe Road would add another 3 million gallons of finished water that would pass through a process plant and be ready for human consumption.

Marks said the city’s projections show its current water supply is adequate.

“However, surely as growth continues, we need to expand. So, we try to be proactive, get it in place ahead of demand,” he said.

He estimates the entire expansion project to be $7 million, which will be funded through three sources – the recent community-initiated projects program funds grant of $500 000; abut $2.1 million from the city’s system development charges (SDCs) developer pay into to fund expansion of facilities; and $4.4 million Dallas has been approved by the state of for a safe drinking water fund revolving loan.

“We’re waiting for the state to indicate when that money is available. It will be the determining factor when the project moves

PHOTO BY SMY PHOTOGRAPHY

A bull gets the better of a rider during the Hell on Hooves Rough Stock Rodeo at the Polk County Fair Aug. 8. For more images from the event, see page B1.

Juventino Banuelos

Independence Riverview Saturday Market hosts Kids Market Aug. 24

Young entrepreneurs are invited to set up their own booth at the Independence Riverview Saturday Market’s Kids Market Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no booth fee. The opportunity is open to youth ages 5-17 and must be accompanied by an adult. To register, contact Ashley at (503) 999-5473 by Aug. 21.

Storage unit fire extinguished

On Aug. 5, a watchful citizen noticed smoke coming from the storage units located on Godsey Road. Dallas Fire & EMS arrived to find a fire located inside one of the storage units. Crews gained access and extinguished the fire within minutes. Damage was limited due to the quick response of personnel. The cause is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducts enforcement campaign in August

In August, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Oregon Impact for another enforcement campaign to reduce the risk of dangerous crashes due to speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.

This enforcement campaign is being conducted through Aug. 31. During this time, there will be enhanced marked patrols conducted by members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. This enhanced enforcement is made possible through grant funding provided by the NHTSA and by Oregon Impact.

In July, the sheriff’s office’s enforcement campaign netted 14 contacts for speed, six for other traffic violations, one arrest for DUII and one other arrest. This enhanced enforcement was also made possible through grant funding provided by the NHTSA and Oregon Impact.

Suspect charged with multiple felonies in Dallas liquor store fire

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to an intentionally set fire at Dallas Liquor Aug. 8. At about 10:51 p.m., an individual broke into the liquor store, located at 170 W Ellendale Ave., lit multiple fires, damaged property and became combative with first responders. Dallas Fire & EMS had a responded to the scene within 2 1/2 minutes.

The suspect, Russell Littleton, was treated for minor injuries then arrested and lodged at Polk County Jail, according to a press release from the city of Dallas. Littleton was charged with arson 1, burglary 1, unlawful use of a weapon, 16 counts of attempted assault 2 and 16 counts of reckless endangering.

This case remains under investigation.

Dallas Police and Dallas Fire & EMS were assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, SW Polk Fire District and Polk County Fire District No. 1, Oregon State Police, SWAT Staff, the State Fire

The Dallas Library welcomes author Joe Wilkins Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. He will be discussing his new novel

“The Entire Sky.” It is a poignant story about a troubled boy on the run, an aging rancher, and a woman at a crossroads, who find unexpected solace and kinship in the family they make. With its lyricism, tangible evocation of place, and piercing insight reminiscent of the novels of Barbara Kingsolver and Kent Haruf, “The Entire Sky” is an unforgettable piece of modern American fiction.

Wilkins is the author of the novel, “Fall Back Down When I Die” and winner of the Oregon Book Award for his poetry collection, “When We Were Birds”. Wilkins was born and raised north of the Bull Mountains, out on the Big Dry of eastern Montana. In his memoir, “The Mountain and the Fathers”, he captures the lives of boys and men in that desolate country. His memoir won a 2014 GLCA New Writers Award. He now directs the creative program

at Linfield College.

This free event is made possible, in part, by funding from the Polk County Cultural Coalition and the

The Dallas School District and the Dallas Police Department are seeking the community’s help regarding an incident of vandalism

Aug. 5. At 10:40 p.m., two unidentified suspects used a combination of an unknown accelerant and other flammable materials to ignite a large section of the parking lot at Oakdale Heights Elementary School, located at 1375 SW Maple St.

The fire, approximately 20-feet across, was under and near large trees bordering the north side of the parking lot.

Security camera footage captured a suspect white vehicle with black top resembling a later model Ford Flex, Bronco Sport or similar SUV. Due to the dry conditions, and the fire’s close proximity to trees, the fire posed an imminent and serious threat to the school, surrounding properties and residents in the area. This case is under investigation by the Dallas Police Department. If you have any information that may help identify the vehicle or suspects in the case, contact the DPD at (503) 831-3516

Friends of the Dallas Library. For more information, contact the library at (503) 6232633 go to facebook.com/ dallaslibraryoregon.

(Salem, OR) - As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. The application deadline is Sept. 2. Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this benefit.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28 if their households:

- Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

- Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

- Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level

- Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply

to determine their eligibility. Families are encouraged to visit www.sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at (833) 6737328) to verify their eligibility and apply.

“Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht, “This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.”

Since June 28, more than 329 000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.” Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2. To learn more, call (833) 673-7328. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or go to www.sebt.oregon.gov.

Marshall’s Office and city of Dallas water crew members. Dallas Fire and EMS will

remain on scene for fire watch. Public Work crew members are helping with

WSO teams with Chemeketa CCC for expedited master program

Western Oregon University and Chemeketa Community College recently established a streamlined path with additional academic resources and graduate coursework for Bachelor of Applied Science program students.

Starting Aug. 1, students enrolled in Chemeketa’s Bachelor of Applied Science program with a GPA of 3.25 or higher will be eligible to apply for non-degree undergraduate status at Western. Once admitted, these students will have the unique opportunity to enroll in up to 15 credits of graduate coursework toward Western’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program during their final year as undergraduates.

One of the key advantages of this partnership is the ability for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science program to apply graduate credits towards the requirements of both their bachelor’s degrees and reserve them for the commencement of their master’s degree studies. This integrated approach maximizes the efficiency of their academic journey and ensures a seamless transition into graduate-level studies.

“This partnership exemplifies our

commitment to promoting student success and facilitating academic excellence,” said Amber Deets, director of Graduate Studies. “By providing students with enhanced opportunities for growth and development, we empower them to become future leaders in their respective fields.”

“This work is the result of extensive collaborative efforts between faculty members from both Western Oregon University and Chemeketa Community College. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chemeketa for their invaluable collaboration and support in bringing this initiative to fruition,” said Western’s Provost Jose Coll. “Together, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact this partnership will have on nurturing the academic aspirations of our students and fostering a vibrant community of lifelong learners.”

“This valuable collaboration gives our students an opportunity for a seamless pathway from a Career and Technical Education degree to a master’s degree,” added Chemeketa Community College’s Chief Workforce Innovation and Community Success Officer Holly Nelson.

Historic ribbon cutting

On Aug. 6, city leaders celebrated the inclusion of Dallas in the National Register of Historic Places with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event took place at the corner of Main and Mill streets where a sign proclaimed visitors are entering the Downtown Historic District. Helping Mayor Ken Woods celebrate the ribbon cutting (center) are (from left) City Manager Brian Latta, Dist. 23 Rep. Anna Scharf, Gustavo Guerrero representing Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley’s office, and City Council President Michael Schilling.

Tuesday String Band concludes run of homegrown talent

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

A three-week run of local acts headlining the Music in the Park summer concert series ends tonight (Wednesday).

Bringing this run to an end are Ryan Hanson, Gage Carter and Mason Akers, all members of the Tuesday String Band (TSB), all students or alumni of Western Oregon University.

Two weeks ago it was Salem’s very own The Severin Sisters. Last week it was Monmouth’s very own The Shinkle Band. This week it’s TSB.

The band’s genesis took place right across the street from the park. Carter and Hanson met while part of the WOU Wind Ensemble. Hanson played oboe, Carter the baritone sax. But they had other passions.

“We got to talking about a number of things and

eventually figured out that we both loved playing guitar. I had recently taken up the mandolin and fallen in love with Bluegrass music. So I suggested we play the fiddle tune ‘Blackberry Blossom’ together,” Hanson said. “Gage learned the tune quickly and we found that we had great musical chemistry.”

Bassist Caron Perl, also of WOU, completed the trio and building a setlist began. TSB made its debut at Sing Fay Restaurant & Lounge in Monmouth. This was some two years ago, and they’ve been busy ever since.

“I began treating the role of booking manager as a fulltime job,” Hanson said of the demand. “We’ve come a long way since then and had a blast doing it.”

According to their website, TSB plays some 100 shows per year throughout the Pacific Northwest. They’ve performed at several major festivals,

including the North Cascades Bluegrass Festival.

TSB has also been featured by several media outlets, including ‘Go! Eastern Oregon’, ‘Polk County Itemizer-Observer’ and ‘The Bluegrass Express’, along with KMUZ radio and KGW News.

As for the name - Tuesday String Band - it speaks to the band’s practicality, especially as it relates to their regular gig at The River restaurant in Independence.

“We play there every Tuesday, and we’re a string band in the traditional style, so we figured that this name would tell people exactly what they were getting while advertising when they could hear us,” Hanson said.

TSB performs from 5-7 p.m., to be even more specific.

According to Hanson, Bluegrass music “originates from the ornamented fiddle tunes of the British Isles,

He added “this music was designed for dance, and Bill Monroe and others combined these traditions with the songwriting styles of black Blues musicians and early Country artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family to create a unique kind of folk music.”

Hanson grew up in Quincy, Illinois. He moved to Oregon with his brother in 2014, earned his bachelor’s degree in music from WOU and teaches.

He fell in love with Bluegrass six years ago after

he purchased a mandolin at an antique store and began learning fiddle tunes. Carter grew up in Alaska. He was 16 when he began busking, gigging and teaching music. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and racing quad bikes competitively.

His inspirations are guitarists Tony Rice and Norman Blake. For vocals, Carter turns to “folks like Hank Sr., Jimmy Rodgers and Hank Thompson. I also listen to a fair amount of jazz.”

Akers, the newest member, has his own connection to Western Oregon, where he majors in music. The band’s bassist, he plays varying

styles, including rock, metal, jazz, chamber and percussion. This is his first venture into Bluegrass.

Akers moved to McMinnville while in middle school. He started out playing drums and percussion before taking up the bass.

TSB isn’t his only musical outlet. He plays with the fourpiece band, Interstate-5. Their first full length record will be out soon.

“In my free time I like to indulge in composing, reading, video games and collecting manga and vinyl,” Akers said. He also has time to play with Hanson’s other group, Ida Jane and the Weekend Gardeners, when their bass player isn’t available.

Perl left the band for a position at Hayden Home Amphitheatre in Bend.

The TSB concert is tonight (Wednesday), 6:30 p.m., Main Street Park, Monmouth. Admission is free.

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 CONTRIBUTED

which were brought over with settlers who moved into the Appalachian mountains.”

William Michael Horner

June 11, 1943 - July 20,2024

Bill Horner passed away peacefully at the age of 81 after suffering a sudden stroke.

Bill was born in San Francisco, California, to Alvis Raymond and Genevieve Margaret Horner. He was joined by brothers Kerry Alan in 1947 and Dennis John in 1950. They lived in Oakland, California, until 1954 when they moved to San Lorenzo, California.

Bill graduated from Arroyo High School in 1960 and graduated from the University of California at Davis. While at Davis he joined the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation. Most importantly he met his future wife, Karen L Green, while at Davis and married

her on Aug. 14, 1965, at her family home in Orinda, California. Their honeymoon was a trip north along I-5, with a detour to view Crater Lake, to Salem where Bill attended and graduated from Willamette University College of Law. Bill worked at the former Union Title Company for the last two years of law school.

After graduation, Bill went to Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Holabird, Maryland. Karen joined him in Maryland where they enjoyed the Washington, D.C. sites and many historic sites in Virginia.

caused delays for him being admitted to the Oregon Bar as you had to be a resident of Oregon. It was not until Bill was in Vietnam with the Army’s 9th Infantry Division that it was accepted that he was an Oregon resident and was sworn in as an Oregon lawyer in the Mekong Delta by a captain from Texas and witnessed by a lieutenant from New Jersey!

After training, they traveled cross-country along a northern route stopping at all of the capital cities in the states they went through. Bill then deployed to the Republic of Vietnam for a year in the Mekong Delta, which

Elinor Mary Elizabeth Hillebrand

June 23, 1927 - July 18, 2024

Elinor Mary Elizabeth Hillebrand, 97, died July 18, 2024, in Salem, Oregon.

She was born Elinor Mary Elizabeth Biedenfeld in Faulkton, South Dakota, on June 23

Upon returning to Oregon, Karen and Bill moved to Monmouth and Bill became active in the Jaycee’s for several years and participated in many fun events.

Bill joined Scott McArthur in the practice of law and was elected mayor of Monmouth for three two-year terms. In 1984, Bill was elected district attorney for Polk County and in 1987 was appointed district court judge.

In the 1990s, District

1927, to Eduard and Cora Biedenfeld.

Elinor was a registered nurse and worked for many years specializing in neonatal intensive care. She retired from Salem Hospital in 1989. After that retirement, she worked part-time then did volunteer work for the Polk County Health Department

Court merged with the Circuit Court and Bill went on to serve Polk County as a judge for over 25 years. In 1995, Bill was the founding judge for the creation of Polk County Drug Court and served for the last seven years as the Drug Court Judge. He was also the president of the Oregon Association of Drug Court Professionals. After retirement, Bill served as treasurer of the Oregon Senior Judges Association for several terms. Bill was actively involved with the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and traveled with the church to the Holy Land of Israel in September 2023 Bill loved the church and all the charitable programs it supports.

One of his most enjoyable activities was joining a group of retired friends who meet every morning at the Roth’s grocery store sitting area.

in Dallas, Oregon.

Elinor married William James Glendinning on Aug. 19, 1951, in Faulkton, South Dakota. Together they raised five children. They moved to Dallas, Oregon in 1969 William died in 1984

Elinor married George Joseph Hillebrand on May 21, 1988, in Dallas,

They loved to talk about city projects and politics. After retirement, Bill continued to engage in judicial work. He also spent time reading extensively, researching genealogy and, weather permitting, working in his yard. He pursued lifelong learning by auditing courses at Western Oregon University, taking one class each trimester. Bill was an avid sports fan of the Texas Rangers, Oakland Raiders, OSU sports and Gonzaga basketball.

He was also appointed to several committees in Monmouth, including serving as chair of the Monmouth Library Board on the 20th anniversary of its current location, Budget Committee and Planning Committee. Additionally, he participated in a Permanency Committee with the Department of Human Service and served the Bar as a member of the State Lawyers Assistance Committee.

In 2015, Karen and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by traveling to South Dakota where they enjoyed seeing Mount Rushmore and many other interesting sights, including visiting the capital city, Pierre.

Bill and Karen’s children are Mari Kristin, Gregory Michael, Bradley John and Jonathan Tyler.

Bill and Karen have six grandchildren: Ashleigh Rose

Oregon. George died in 2008

Bernsen, Derek Anthony Horner, Ethan Tyler Horner, Annika Sophia Horner, Harrison Cooper Horner and Chloe Alena Eckebrecht.

Bill’s paternal ancestors arrived in Oregon as part of “The Great Migration of 1843” and their ancestors came to the US with William Penn. His maternal grandparents came to the US from Ireland in 1904 Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Karen; children Mari Horner of, Independence, Greg Horner and Melissa Kidd-Horner, of Monmouth, Brad and Rosa (Crissy) Horner, of White Salmon, Washington, and Jonathan Horner, of Tualatin; grand children Ashleigh Bernsen (Beau), Derek Horner, Ethan Horner, Annika Horner, Harrison Horner and Chloe Eckebrecht (Leland); great grand child Blossom Bernsen; siblings Kerry Horner (Nancy) of California and Dennis Horner (Juanita) of Texas; many nieces and nephews; and pet cats Torie, Starlight and Severus.

No additional funeral service will be held per the wishes of deceased.

Donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1275 E Street, Independence, OR 97351, Tunnels to Towers (https://t2t.org/), Oregon Humane Society Salem branch or Monmouth Music in the Park.

Elinor is predeceased by her two husbands, William and George, and by her two sons, Jim and Brian. She is survived by her son, Craig; daughters Cynthia and Elizabeth; 10 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. A funeral mass will take place at St. Philip Catholic Church in Dallas on Aug. 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. A reception at the church will follow the service. Interment at Dallas Cemetery will take place after the reception.

Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family. Bollman’sTributeCenter. com

Investigating the Bible: Lies and Dishonesty

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

The country preacher said, “Brothers and sisters, my sermon this morning will be about liars. Now, has everyone read the 30th chapter of Matthew?” Half the hands in the congregation went up. “You’re just the people I want to talk to,” said the preacher. “There is no such chapter.”

The Bible gives examples of consequences. Honesty has its rewards; lies bring pain. In the early church, one time dishonesty was deadly. Believers in Jerusalem were excited. When the Holy Spirit filled them, they had miraculously glorified God in languages from around the world. Peter and John saw a man crippled from birth

begging for money at the temple gate. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6, New International Version, used throughout).

The man jumped up and followed them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God! Barnabas, sold his field and brought all the money, putting it at the feet of the apostles to be shared for the common good of the Jerusalem believers.

Then, church members “… Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’

feet.” (Acts 5:1-2). His silence was a lie of omission. Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?... You have not lied to men, but to God. When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.” (Acts 5:3-5).

“About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘That is the price’. Peter said to her, ‘How could you test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will

Don’t miss deals and discounts at the Oregon State Fair

The Oregon State Fair has some great deals to take advantage of before and after it kicks off Aug. 23. Here’s a rundown of all the ways you can save at the fair this year.

Purchase discounted tickets at O’Reilly Auto Parts through Aug. 22 Adult tickets are $10 and children’s tickets are $8. If you want to bring the whole family, you can get a Family 4-pack from O’Reilly for $20. That includes admission for two kids and two adults. Senior admission tickets for ages 65 and up are $1 through Aug. 22 Afterwards, senior tickets go up to $3.

With any purchase at one of Wilco’s Oregon locations, receive free parking at The Oregon State Fair, good for one day. Passes are available through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. Thanks to Mattress Firm, tickets are only $5 when bought at the box office on Aug. 23. That’s $7 off regular adult admission.

Bring two cans of food to The Oregon State Fair on Aug. 28 and get $2 off admission. This year, The

National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of canned food. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the structure and donate the cans to the Marion Polk Food Share program. This deal can’t be combined with another offer.

Kids Day is Aug. 29, when youth 12 and under get into the fair for free. Get a deal on carnival rides before the fair starts. Carnival wristbands and tickets are discounted through Aug. 22. Go to https://oregon.funcardapp. com/events/345 to see the pricing.

The fair wraps up by honoring the heroes in our community. On Heroes Day Sept. 2, military service members, veterans, first responders, teachers, healthcare workers and their families get free fair admission. ID is not required, show up at the gates of the Oregon State Fair to redeem the offer.

The fair offers a limited number of free seats at all Umpqua Bank Concerts on a first-come, first-served

basis. Lines for free seats form around 5 p.m. on either side of the L.B. Day Amphitheater, closest to the back. Here’s the lineup of performers:

- Aug. 23 – veteran and country star Craig Morgan

- Aug. 24 – roots reggae group Steel Pulse

- Aug. 26 – timeless rock band The Goo Goo Dolls

- Aug. 27 – rapper Yung Gravy

- Aug. 29 – premier entertainer Ludacris

- Aug. 30 – singer and songwriter Daya

- Aug. 31 – legendary rock band Foreigner

- Sept. 2 – Winner of “The Voice” Huntley, with support from Oregon native Jacquie Roar Tickets will only be available for purchase on The Oregon State Fair website https://oregonstatefair.org/tickets and in person at the Fair box office. Thanks to Umpqua Bank, there will be no service fees.

For more information, sign up for the Oregon State Fair’s newsletter at https://oregonstatefair.org/ newsletter.

carry you out also.’” (Acts 5:7-9).

She instantly fell down, dead. “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11).

Some lies are obvious. A Brazilian official was suspected of stealing money from the government. The investigator asked, “How do you explain the money found in your bank account?” The man said, “It’s my money.”

The investigator pressed: “But can you please explain to us how you made this kind of money?” “Easy,” he replied. “I won it all in lottery tickets. I won 125 times in the last two years.”

And there are lies of omission. During the last football season playoffs, the Houston

Texans won their wild-card game. In NBC’s postgame interview, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, said, “First of all, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Then , “…it’s been amazing being in this city for as short as I’ve been...”. Shortly after, when NBC posted the interview on “X”, the quarterback’s first words of thanking Jesus were omitted, no explanation later given.

The social media response was swift. One man wrote, “It seems like being religious and praying to a god is no longer allowed.” C.J. Stroud reacted graciously, saying, “I wish it wasn’t that, but you know, I pray for people and I think God has called us to love one another through

thick and thin, mistakes or success.”

The apostle Paul reminded the church that words and actions matter. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8).

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

SW Polk Fire District sells surplus water tender to Sixes Rural Fire Protection District

SW Polk Fire District sold a surplus water tender to the Sixes Rural Fire Protection District in Curry County.

“This transaction underscores our commitment to resource optimization and inter-district cooperation, enhancing firefighting capabilities across Oregon,” SW Polk Fire District said in a press release.

The decision to sell the surplus water tender, a critical firefighting asset, was made after a thorough evaluation of SW Polk Fire District’s current and future operational needs. The water tender, which has served their community diligently for many years, will now support Sixes Rural Fire Protection District in its mission to protect lives and property in their jurisdiction.

“We are delighted that the water tender will continue to serve the public in Sixes,” said SW Polk Fire District Chief Fred

Hertel. “This sale not only helps us streamline our equipment but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and support among fire districts in Oregon. We are confident that Sixes Rural Fire Protection District will benefit greatly from this addition to their fleet.”

The water tender transfer aligns with both districts’ goals of maintaining a high standard of emergency response services. This asset will bolster Sixes Rural Fire Protection District’s operational readiness, providing a crucial tool for water supply in areas without sufficient hydrant coverage.

“SW Polk Fire District is committed to ensuring that all equipment and resources are utilized to their maximum potential,” Hertel added. “The sale of the surplus water tender is a testament to our ongoing efforts to manage resources efficiently while supporting neighboring districts.”

As new school year looms, health officials urge measles vaccination

Highly effective MMR vaccine the best way to prevent highly infectious virus

PORTLAND, Ore. —

With the start of the new school year around the corner – and as a measles outbreak continues in three Oregon counties – health officials are urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the highly infectious virus before classes begin.

A total of 25 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Clackamas, Marion and Multnomah counties, all among unvaccinated individuals. Two people have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. Ten of the cases are 9 and younger; 10 cases are ages 10 to 19; and five cases are 20 and older.

Marion County has the most cases with 16, followed by Clackamas County with eight and Multnomah County with one.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, joined Clackamas

County Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D., for a media briefing this morning to give an update on the outbreak. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel at this link.

Cieslak said state and county epidemiologists have seen several waves of measles cases since mid-June, “so now about two months of sustained transmission of measles.” It’s the largest measles outbreak the state has seen since 2019, when Oregon experienced 28 cases that were linked to a much larger outbreak in Clark County, Wash.

“Before 2019, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see case counts this high,” Cieslak said. “The reason is we maintained very high vaccination rates and very high population levels of immunity. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an erosion in the percentage of people who are getting vaccinated against measles.”

Since about 2000, an increasing number of parents have chosen nonmedical exemptions from state school vaccination requirements for their children. Before that year, only about 1% of kindergarteners had vaccination

exemptions; since then, the number has risen steadily, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the exemption rate reached 8.8%.

“In Clackamas County, as in other Oregon counties, pockets of unvaccinated people raise risk of infection in communities where they live,” Present said. “That’s why the counties reach out to every case that’s been identified and try to determine exactly where they’ve been while infectious.”

the burden of having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. According to state law, an unvaccinated person exposed to the virus must be excluded from school or child care during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. And this exclusion can be extended if there are more measles cases. “It’s really an important time to make

Someone with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the telltale rash appears, and their symptoms may be mild during that time. As a result, the counties and OHA have been sharing information about specific locations that cases are known to have visited, so “we can let members of the public know they may have been exposed to measles,” Present said.

sure students and their families are up to date on vaccinations as we go into the new school year,” Present explained.

Learn more about measles at www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ DISEASESCONDITIONS/ DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

She noted that since measles is so contagious, an estimated 95% of a population needs to have received two doses of measles vaccine to be able to protect the most vulnerable members of the community via community or “herd” immunity.

Getting the MMR vaccine can also help families avoid

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

SW Polk Fire District sold this surplus water tender to the Sixes Rural Fire Protection District.

President Biden, Don’t Undo Your Innovation Legacy

By DANA COLARULLI

President Biden wants to lower drug prices. While that is a laudable goal, we can’t afford to undermine the intellectual property rights that helped produce these innovative drugs in the first place. A recent proposal would do just that, and it’s not limited to drugs.

The proposed policy change would reinterpret a 1980 law that ushered in a new era of American innovation and collaboration between the public and private sector. But if this proposed policy change is finalized, it will cause a wide swathe of our high-tech sector to stall out. And, while in Congress, Biden was a passionate champion of this very law and the critical innovation it spurred.

Most Americans probably hadn’t heard of the Bayh-Dole Act until the White House announced the change. The goal of the popular bipartisan act was to get the public and private sector to work together to further technology first developed on university campuses. The law enabled universities to keep control of their patents and leverage them in license deals with businesses. Universities gained a new revenue stream. The public gained access to new innovative products -- the fruits of taxpayer-sponsored research that otherwise would have never seen the light of day.

Biden was among the 91 of 100 senators to vote yes, and the legislation launched an innovation renaissance. Based on the Bayh-Dole framework, thousands of startups have formed to transform early-stage research into applications that improve health and quality of life.

Yet today, as part of a war on drug pricing, the current Biden Administration proposal departs from his previous pro-innovation stance. The law provides for the government to “march in” and seize patent rights on discoveries that once received federal funds, but only in rare circumstances, such as when a

company has failed to commercialize

a much-needed product altogether.

Now, Biden aims to let federal agencies march in whenever they decide that the price of a medicine is too high. But based on the actual proposal, the new authority would be used on other promising technologies as well -- for instance in renewable fuels, EV technologies or any product deemed to be in the public interest.

Companies (and their investors) need reliable patent rights to justify the financial risks of licensing new discoveries. If the government guts Bayh-Dole, companies won’t invest in or license academic research.

And Biden isn’t just going against his previous stance on Bayh-Dole.

By endorsing march-in rights as a means of price control, he’s counteracting other ambitions he’s been vocal about: fostering economic growth, competing with China, generating high-skill U.S. jobs, and tackling cancer. All of these goals depend on secure patent rights.

The President is right to prioritize affordable health care and to ensure that Americans have access to life-changing drugs. But, there are other ways to accomplish this goal without undercutting the success of Bayh-Dole. The 44-year-old act has made the United States a world leader in the very pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries that we need to solve global health challenges -- a model that other countries have tried to replicate.

In short, protecting Bayh-Dole is far more consistent with Biden’s legislative track record and his ambitious goals for the nation -- which is why he fought for it all those years ago. Let’s get back on track, Mr. President.

Dana Robert Colarulli is a partner at ACG Advocacy LLC and executive director of Licensing Executive Society International. He is a former director of governmental affairs at the USPTO. This piece originally ran in RealClearHealth.

STRANGE BUT TRUE

* After 10 minutes of looking at yourself in a mirror in a dimly lit room, your bored brain will distort your reflection, triggering the appearance of imaginary monsters such as “Bloody Mary.”

* Sologamy is the act of marrying yourself.

* In 1895, there were only two cars in the entire state of Ohio ... and they still ended up crashing into each other.

* The record for most passengers on an airplane was set in 1991 when 1,086 Ethiopian Jews were evacuated to Jerusalem on a Boeing 747. However, the plane landed with 1,088 passengers, as two babies made their earthly debut during the flight.

* Pineapples were a status symbol in 18th century England. In fact, they were so expensive that you could rent them by the night and take them to parties with you.

* In the first quarter after Covid lockdowns, lipstick sales shot up nearly 50%.

* The Apollo 11 astronauts had to go through customs upon their return to Earth and declare moon rocks, moon dust and other lunar samples, according to the form signed by all three and filed at the Honolulu Airport in Hawaii on July 24, 1969.

* Cymothoa exigua is a parasite that severs the blood vessels of a fish’s tongue and becomes a new functional tongue.

* Bella and Edward’s relationship in the “Twilight” book and film series meets all 15 criteria set by the National Domestic Violence Hotline for being in an abusive relationship.

* An estimated 10% of Europeans are immune to HIV infection because they have an ancestor who survived bubonic plague.

***

Thought for the Day: “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” -- Dale Carnegie

Letters to the editor

Differences stood out between political party booths

During Dallas Days, I visited the Democratic and Republican booths.

The Democratic booth featured a list of ideas, proposals, and achievements they support, and a list of ideas and proposals Republicans are said to support. The Republican booth had no comparable list on display, so I asked if they had one. The answer from a person wearing a MAGA type hat: “The Democrats write them down because they are too dumb to remember them.”

Back at the Democratic booth I found intelligent, helpful people (one a fellow retired military officer) with a good grasp of current local, national and international issues and events.

I think I’ll go with the Democrats this election cycle. But don’t totally tune out the Republicans, sometimes they have something very important to say. It’s just that they have done a horrible job lately in selecting party leaders. Integrity matters.

Don Ellingson Dallas

Learn more before protesting homeless property

In response to last week’s letter “Don’t let homelessness industry make backroom deals” - what deals?

It sounds to me like Mr. Wienert isn’t the best landlord or neighbor if he allows garbage and junk to accumulate at his properties. If you are worried Church at the Park might contribute to the mess in your neighborhood, I urge you to visit their current locations in Salem and browse their website, www.church-at-thepark.org. They do have tours and you can see for yourself what the properties look like.

After seeing them and reviewing their success stories, I think you might find they would be the better “landlords”. No offense meant to Mr. Wienert, I don’t know him and have never rented from him, but it seems like Church at the Park would be doing the neighborhood a service. I am sure that all proper applications, permits and proposals will be provided as necessary to the mayor and city counsel. Until then, Mr. Wienert’s letter is nothing but supposition and suspicion.

Sherry Bullard Dallas

DR. KEITH ROACH: Botox Injections Used to Treat Overactive Bladder

DEAR DR. ROACH: In two weeks, I am supposed to get Botox injections for my overactive bladder (OAB) and my frequent need to urinate at nighttime. Are these injections safe? Are there any bad side effects? How long do they work?

-- D.J.

ANSWER: The initial treatment for OAB symptoms usually consists of lifestyle changes (i.e., quitting smoking and avoiding medications that worsen symptoms at night), pelvic floor muscle exercises, and bladder training. If these are ineffective, medication is often used. If medications don’t work or cannot be tolerated, additional treatments are considered, such as Botox.

The underlying problem with an OAB are uncontrolled bladder spasms. Botox is a powerful suppressor of muscle activity. If just the right amount is used, the excess muscle spasms are reduced, and the person gets good results. However, if too much is used, the person may not be able to urinate spontaneously at all, so your urologist will be giving you instructions on how to self-catheterize, in case you are unable to void your bladder after the injection.

If you note that the leakage has worsened a week or so after the procedure, this is a big clue that the bladder is not functioning after the injection. This can last for months, but typically no more

than three months. Fortunately, this complication happens uncommonly, in about 2%-7% of people. Other complications include infections and bleeding, but these are not common. Antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of infection. Very rarely, muscles outside of the bladder are affected, including generalized weakness and eye muscle weakness. When it works well, most people start noticing benefit in a week or so, and relief typically lasts 9-12 months before another injection is given.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been a registered nurse in a hospital for many years. I worked with a urologist who mentioned something that kept him very busy: improperly inserted Foley catheters. When the balloon is inflated, these catheters can damage the urethra. Of course, a catheter is supposed to be inserted into the correct spot before the balloon inflates.

I found out that nursing schools are teaching their students to inflate the balloon when urine is seen, but sometimes there can be urine in the urethra. The catheter can also get stuck in the prostate, where there can be urine as well. Can you help me get the word out about this?

I also like to let male patients know about transurethral lidocaine use to anesthetize the urethra for a catheter insertion. It is cruelty to

catheterize a man without it! -- S.H.

ANSWER: I appreciate your writing. I am seeing a downward trend in hospitals using Foley catheters, which are plastic tubes to drain the bladder. In men, these are inserted in the penis and have a balloon to prevent the catheter from falling out. The balloon is supposed to be inflated when the tip of the catheter is safely inserted into the bladder. Inflating the balloon in the urethra is very dangerous.

During my fellowship, I read that Foley catheters are the most likely of all lines (IVs and central lines, among others) to cause harm to patients. Not only can they cause damage to the urethra (estimates range from 0.3%-25% of inpatient hospital visits for men), prolonged placement of these catheters may cause infection and scarring. There are new low-friction catheters that do not require lubrication, but they still have the potential for complications and discomfort.

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

(c) 2024 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Mayor

John McArdle to retire at end of 2024

together and nobody cares who gets the credit,” he said.

witnessing his prognostication while still in the office of mayor. Looking back and describing his legacy, he was just about spot on.

“I see a community where people know their neighbors. ... A community where parents and grandparents take kids to any one of our beautiful parks. Residents are proud and boast about the quality of cooperation between school, county and municipal governments,” McArdle said. “I see a community that continues to live with a ‘can do’ spirit that Independence is noted for.”

When asked what he’s most proud of – he points to the additions to the city in his tenure, including MINET, the library, the downtown streetscapes, the river view project, the amphitheater, the sports fields, a downtown that this is a hub for entrepreneurs and a really positive business environment.

“But what I’m most proud of is our attitude. We have exemplified in so many ways a positive ‘can do’ attitude. We have shown what can be done when people work

Grant

Independence receives grant

From Page A1

to continue attracting new industry and residents, growing and diversifying our local economy.”

Independence Public Works Director Gerald Fisher said the EDA grant was a good match for this project because of the work the city was already doing on its treatment plant upgrade with expansion components.

A treatment plant upgrade of the four lagoons, located just south of Independence Airport, was identified in the wastewater master plan of 2022, Fisher said.

“One of the issues in the current lagoon is nothing is screened. All of the wastewater, all of the solids, is just dumped into the lagoons,” Fisher explained. “Normally what you have is a screen, called a headworks, at the front that takes all the big particles off.”

The particles are bagged and then hauled off to a landfill. What’s left are very small particles and the water goes through. That allows for the bacteria that is already in

Banuelos named next Independence police chief

From Page A1

From Page A1 for the Polk County Major Crime Team. In 2017 he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a member of the Oregon Air National Guard where he still proudly serves as a medic. Bañuelos and his wife Erin have been married for 26 years and raised their three children, Marina, Karissia, and Mateo in and near Independence. In his off time, Bañuelos enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and strumming his guitar.

McArdle spreads the credit that has led Independence to being named one of the smallest towns in the U.S. that has won an AllAmerican City Award.

“People come from around the state and around the country to learn what we’ve done and how we’ve done it,” he said. “We’ve been able over so many years to build a community team. All of us that have made a real difference.”

He said people are proud to say they’re from Independence. He adds he’s proud to have played key roles, sometimes where pride is checked at the door. In the annual Independence Day Parade, he along with now State Rep. Paul Evans, who was elected mayor of Monmouth at the same time as McArdle, was the designated “pooper scoopers” behind the horses.

“We do that to show, one, we do really work together in concrete terms, two, we obviously talk to each other, and three, we’re not too big to laugh about this,” he said.

That bringing together community leaders was emphasized during COVID, when McArdle met regularly through Zoom with both city managers, the school

the water to break down all of those solids, called biochemical oxygen demand.

“Think of it like sugar and water,” Fisher said. “Bacteria loves it. But when it eats it, it takes oxygen out of the water. So, one of the problems we have is you start adding more and more stuff in there, you need to provide more oxygen. Otherwise, the, I like to call them ‘bugs’, the bugs don’t work well. They’re not happy. They like constant temperature, constant amount of food and a lot of oxygen. And then just go nuts and they do their work. And they break that wastewater down.”

In addition to installing screened headworks to the city’s four lagoons to take out the big solids off, Public Works is also dissolved aeration, so the pipes on the bottom, basically bubble air up through it. What that does is boost that oxygen level for the bacteria to do its work, Fisher explained. Independence is also updating its disinfection system, using chlorine to disinfect and sulfur dioxide to counter the chlorine.

“Because when you discharge to the river, they want a very, very low chlorine residual,” he said. “We’re doing some expansion for future capacity. We’re not

From Page A7 Chief

Reservoir

Grant rounds out Dallas reservoir expansion project budget

superintendent, the fire chief, the president of Western Oregon University, our two legislators and SEDCOR.

They still get together every two weeks, working on joint communication lines, so when something bad happens, they’re all right there.

“When the Central School District got hacked, people were able to respond within minutes. Why? Because they live here. That’s about relationships. It makes a real difference.”

When he was working at Western Oregon University, his wife Patty, before they were married, was working in Portland. When they got married in 1992, they had choices of where to go.

“This seemed like a good place for us. We chose to raise our son here. An epitome of a commitment and a decision,” he said.

The flow of the conversation is interrupted by the arrival of the M-I Trolley outside The Brew Coffee and Taphouse. The trolley also epitomizes a connecting thread for the residents of Independence and Monmouth.

“What is the trolley really about?” he asked. “It’s about connecting people.”

More than 10 000 people a month take a ride. To make his point that the trolley

connects people, McArdle shared the tale about the time he, Paul Evans and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon coerced Gov. Tina Kotek to hop aboard. This led to a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday nice lady” to one of regular riders who recognized the governor.

He said kids now are able to ride the trolley home from after school sports, music, or drama. McArdle, a volunteer at the Ella Curran Food Bank, which is also ran by his wife Patty, routinely sees people come off the trolley to get groceries. Salem Health clinics report appointments are up and on time because patients can now get there reliably thanks to the trolley.

One of the 1998 candidates worried McArdle was only running as a steppingstone for higher office. The thought never crossed his mind.

One of the highest honors you can have is to be selected by your neighbors to lead a community. Because, here, people know you. They see you in a grocery store. They see you mowing your yard. They ask me, ‘Do you have a moment?’ Sure. You’re not abstract. When you have a higher office, you’re distant,” he said.

While congressional campaigns have mailing lists of over 700,000, McArdle is proud in Independence in all his campaigns he was able to knock on almost every door and talk to people.

“We all have our tasks, but this has been very personally rewarding.”

At a recent Council of Governments event, a speaker from the Grand Ronde Tribe said one of the things we talk about in leadership circles is our goal is to be a good ancestor. That’s really an interesting thought when you think about it. Because what do we do these things for?

When people think about it like that, they go, okay let’s spend the time on the important things, whether we should paint a park bench purple. Let’s make decisions we need to move. So that when our grandchildren ask did you make a difference?

I am proud that so many things we have done here have set an environment for businesses to flourish. That people want to be here.

McArdle still sees things that are unfinished he plans to track as a private citizen. We need a community center. Childcare is an issue, not just for parents with children. The lack of childcare has an impact on local business at

CITY OF INDEPENDENCE PHOTO The city of Independence received at $4 million grant from the federal Department of Economic Development Administration to expand capacity at its wastewater lagoons.

changing the size of our lagoons, just improving them so they work more efficiently.”

In addition, Public Works in the midst of removing biosolids from the lagoons. So far, 1,800 tons of biosolids were removed from lagoon 2 and Fisher anticipated removing about another 2,500 tons from lagoon 1.

He expects the overall cost of the expansion of the lagoon capacity to be around $11.23 million. Right now, it’s about 30% through design phase. Fisher said it should be ready to go to bid by the end of 2025. “We’ve done our set of plans and preliminary engineering report. (Oregon’s Department of Environmental Equality)

ahead,” Marks said.

Once funding is finalized, the project will be finalized in design phase, go out to request for proposals for construction, which will include an above ground, 3-million-gallon tank. He

“I’m truly blessed to be a part of an amazing team, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them to serve our community,” Banuelos said.

all sorts of different levels. It’s not easy trying to put that together. A lot of people at the Y, the school district, the city, community members are all looking for that. Another thing is the need for additional medical. He and Monmouth Mayor Cecilia Koontz have been working on to increase the number of doctors and medical personnel. They are helping Salem Health promote their communities to recruit more medical professionals to move here.

The decision to retire had nothing to do with health, with family. Having worked with some of the most famous athletes in the world dating back to his days as an Olympic athlete, McArdle said you just know when it’s time to step down.

“We’re not going anywhere. Patty’s working on moving the food bank forward. I still serve on the YMCA Advisory Board. I just got elected national election to the National Executive Committee for Olympians and Paralympians Alumni Association. He’s still involved in the Rotary Club.

“It just felt like it was time. No particular reason. At some point, is it difficult? Yeah. It’s a bit of a transition. It’s just, time,” he said.

DEQ even mentioned to us stuff you guys have coming out looks so much better after you cleaned 2.” They have since received no further fines from the agency. Fisher added the work they’re doing with biosolids removal will have an additional benefit, helping alleviate the issues they’ve been having with the odor.

when and how.

DEQ did a courtesy review of it. They usually don’t review it until it’s a lot further along. We want to partner with them through the whole process so that when they get it next time, they already know all about the project,” he said.

The need to expand the city’s wastewater lagoons literally spilled over before Fisher took over as public works director in 2022. The city was fined by DEQ when the lagoons overflowed and unclean waste made its way to the Willamette River.

Since then, Fisher said Independence changed some procedures at the treatment plant, wrote clear and concise policies for operators to follow, including on testing,

added it will be seismically designed and built to withstand the earth moving around.

“We hope to be able to start building within two years,” Marks said. “The $500 000 grant was a good

“The cleaning of lagoon 2 has really helped out taking the load off the lagoons.

Then, the cleaning of lagoon 1 be make it even better,” Fisher explained. He added essentially, solids build up in the initial ponds led to less polishing of clean water being output in the later ponds.

“Water out of lagoon 4 right before disinfection is supposed to be high quality water. What was happening was they were so choked out, they weren’t getting as good a break down through that process,” he said. “So, we did lagoon 2. It basically became a polishing pond, like 3 and 4, and our treatment process got really good.

amount of money, a welcome addition to the budget, as it rounds out the project’s overall budget.”

He added the city’s administration recognized the need for its water reservoir expansion as its

“Every year, (local residents) are complaining about odor and we know what the causes are. Lagoons are like lakes or ponds. Twice a year they flip – the bottom comes to the top, and the top goes to bottom. So, you get this big upwell of nutrients, (and odor),” Fisher said. Their current efforts are making that problem go away. With the additional screening off solids and installing additional aeration, it keeps the remaining material constantly turning.

“The upwelling of bubbles it creates are cyclical. So, it never gets this stinky layer on the bottom that twice a year comes to the top. It’s constantly going to be turning. Any odors created while bacteria are doing its job, is getting whiffed off by the wind. Once plant in place and up and running, shouldn’t experience that anymore,” Fisher said.

infrastructure was built decades ago.

“It brings back to idea of resiliency, to have a tank in place for the idea of recovery for needs and emergencies for the community,” Marks said.

And we take pride in being able to say

Polk County Fair heats up

Visitors braved temperatures into the 90s to attend the opening days of the Polk County Fair Aug. 8. Here’s a look at some of the images captured of those attending. Photos by David Hayes

Hannah Watson’s dress won outstanding exhibit in textiles for teens.

The water slide proved to be popular attraction at the Field of Fun.

Fair visitors check out the 4-H photo exhibit.

Youngsters from Star Studios Dance Group wrap up their routine on the Les Schwab stage.

Youth participate for grand champion in the poultry division.

Atlas the Serama rooster struts proudly behind his champion ribbon.

Three grand champion New Zealand rabbits try to remain cool around a frozen water bottle.

Reece, 7, and Henry, 3, try to befriend a goat in the goat barn.

The Jones family (from left) Crosby, Angela, Nehemiah and Forrest, examine entries in the 4-H art exhibit.

Photos by SMY Photography

Rough Stock’s Hell on Hooves Tour came to Polk County Fairground’s expanded arena on Aug. 8. Here’s some images captured during the event.

years ago Aug. 15, 1984 Police chase nets stolen property A foot and car chase led Dallas police to three arrests and helped them recover allegedly stolen property during the early morning hours of Aug. 7. At about 5 a.m., Dallas Officer Dan Thompson pursued a suspi-

with 8 RBI’s.

Local students make Eastern Oregon University Dean’s List

Eastern Oregon University named 591 students to the dean’s list for the 2024 spring term. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term. The students from Polk County honored were Cody Green, of Dallas, STM and Health Science, Cyber Security; and Erin Baxter, of West Salem, Business, Business Administration.

Local students graduate from Linfield University Linfield University announced its list of Polk County students who graduated from the spring 2024 semester. The university awarded 510 degrees to 505 graduates, with five awarded double degrees. The commencement ceremony was held on the university’s McMinnville campus on May 26.

Honors are determined once a student’s final grades have been submitted. For undergraduate students, these include summa cum laude (3.9-4.0 cumulative GPA), magna cum laude (3.8-3.89 cumulative GPA) and cum laude (3.65-3.79 cumulative GPA). Graduate students earn honors or high honors for earning a GPA of 3.8-3.89 and 3.9-4.0, respectively.

Local students who graduated are: Dallas

Jesse Genualdi, bachelor of science in biochem and molecular biology

Tayah Gipson, bachelor of arts in law, rights and justice

Adrian Lee, bachelor of arts in studio art

Rachel Robinson, cum laude, bachelor of science in nursing Independence

Sarah Linder, cum laude, bachelor of science in nursing

Sarah Moe, bachelor of science in accounting

Veronica Oliveros, bachelor of science in nursing Monmouth

Ainsley Beam, cum laude, bachelor of science in nursing West Salem

Lizzy Campos, bachelor of science in biology

Tyler Good, bachelor of science in exercise science

Ethan Hoppe, summa cum laude, bachelor of science in management

McKayla Jones, bachelor of science in nursing

Patrick Estes, Master of Science in Business with a focus in sports leadership

IPD welcomes newest officer Eric Alcaraz

Independence Police Chief Robert Mason recently swore in the IPD’s newest officer, Eric Alcaraz. Alcaraz graduated

from Western Oregon University, earning a bachelor of science in exercise science with a minor in human biology. While at WOU, he was part of the track and cross-country teams. After graduation, Alcaraz decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. He worked as a security guard at the Nike World Headquarters for two years, then at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as an institution sheriff’s deputy for about three years.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Eric enjoys exercise (lifting and running), outdoor activities (fishing and hiking) and spending time with friends and family. Local students make WOU Honor Roll

Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for spring 2024. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits that are not of a pass/ no pass nature and who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

The following students have been named to the Spring 2024 Honor Roll:

Dallas - Logan Beck, Maddie Blanchard, Danielle Bosse, Rachel Boyce, Nikole Ceballos, Katelyn Cooley, Naomi Cruickshank, Drea Dalke, Meagan Dickey, Madeline Doig, Seth Ellingsworth, Kala Geissinger, Kristen Guerra, Luke Hagedorn, Jake Hendrickson, Joshua Hobson, Brieanna Howard, Caleb Ihne, Alyssa Irwin, Hayley Johnson, Caleb Kiner, Morgan Kumnick, Cameron Mance, Braxton McFarland, Nicole McKinney, Justus Mikkelsen, Ryan Miller, Wesley Mullins, Benjamin Nelson, Brady Parksion, Shane Pelinski, Riley Petersen, Cassy Polen, Shelby Rayburn, Katie Reimer, Angie Rodriguez, Heather Seals, Tommy Segovia, Maverick Smith, Kameron Spicer, Daniel Toma, Cora Watkin, Emily Webb and Amy Beth Whitfield

Falls City - Brynn Abeling, Amber Houghtaling, Kassidi Thompson Independence - Havalah Altamirano, Patricia Alvarado Azua, Kayla Buffington, Gwyneth Couey, Abby Davis, Emma Delgado, Anabelen Garcia Estrada, Stephanie Herrera, Angel Larios, Jesus Larios, Norma Manzo Jauregui, Vanya Martinez, Julissa Mateo, Angela Mendoza, Andrea Mendoza, Vickie Ortiz Martinez, Delfino Perez Martinez, Gracee Potter, Rae Pound, Alex Prine, Lexy Ramos, Elle Robischon, Perla San Miguel Morales, Sofie Stonebrink, John Thoma, Daisy Torres Flores, Joshua Wall, Miryam Waterman Cervantes

Monmouth - Esmeralda Amescua, Jackson Bouchard, Lillian Boyack, Jordan Clark, Paru Dahal, Katie Dufner, Andrew Esch, Kaylee Hatch, Emily Heisinger, Sarah Hoogendam, Berean Jones, Josiah Jones, Alex Lofton, Yesenia Lopez, Emilie Means, Oliver Meyr, Kailey Newbeck, Skyler Neyenhuis, Ellie Osborn, Marcie Pacheco, Easton Pomrankey, JP Powers, Kaitlyn Puffpaff, Zoe Robb, Brynn Rodrigues, Jackson Schoenbachler, Victoria Statsenko, Olga Statsenko, Riley Stearns, Carrie Visuano, Sadie Wendring and Kaitlyn Woodard

Willamina - Andrea Capellino and Kailey Yoder

PUBLIC RECORD

Information for the report comes from law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included. The status of arrests reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Dallas Police Department

Thursday, Aug. 1

• At 2:59 a.m., a report of a disturbance on Ellendale Avenue. Nathan Mason was arrested on outstanding warrants from Polk Parole and Probation and Newberg Municipal Court.

• At 10:08 a.m., a report of possible mail theft on Church Street.

• At 11:46 a.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended and given a written warning for failure to display a front license plate.

• At 4:05 p.m., a report of a hit and run to a vehicle on Kings Valley Highway.

• At 4:52 p.m., Jeremiah Whitford was arrested and charged with theft of a minibike on Walnut Avenue.

• At 8:51 p.m., a report of shots fire on Ironwood Avenue. The officer did not find anything out of the ordinary.

Friday, Aug. 2

• At 11:50 a.m., Joshua Dryden was cited and released on Court Street on a failure to appear warrant.

• At 4:12 p.m., Christopher Stewart was lodged at Polk County Jail on a parole violation warrant.

• At 9:02 p.m., a noise complaint of a vehicle playing loud music on Oregon Avenue. The responding officer did not hear any music at

the location.

• At 9:18 p.m., a report of a ding-dong-ditch on Walnut Avenue. The responding officer was unable to locate a suspect.

Saturday, Aug. 3

• At 8:37 a.m., Aiden Chatlovsky was arrested and charged with parole and probation violation after contacting his victim. He was lodged at Polk County Jail.

• At 11:51 a.m., a report of suspicious activity on Walnut Avenue. The subjects had run out of gas and were trying to get money to get out of Dallas. They left the area later.

• At 2:06 p.m., a report of a theft from a vehicle on Main Street.

• At 3:57 p.m., two juveniles were warned for being up by the water towers on Main Street.

• At 5:24 p.m., a report of a theft of a large bag of cans on Jefferson Street.

Sunday, Aug. 4

• At 1:49 a.m., a report of a disturbance on Uglow Avenue. The two individuals were gone when an officer arrived.

• At 5:58 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 45 mph in a 35-mph zone on Main Street and driving while suspended .

• At 7:29 a.m., Danny Fiero was cited and released for offensive littering on Mill Street.

• At 8:05 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding on Jefferson Street.

• At 10:21 a.m., Victoria Hiatt was cited for theft and giving false information on Kings Valley Highway.

• At 11:52 a.m., Cody Flanders was cited and released on a failure to appear warrant from Dallas Municipal Court.

Monday, August 5

• At 2:26 a.m., a report of a theft of cigarettes on Court Street. Jeremiah Whitford was cited and released for theft.

• At 6:02 a.m., Russ Littleton was cited and released for trespassing on Uglow Avenue.

• At 9:31 a.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended and given a written warning for speeding.

• At 11:35 a.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 12:27 p.m. Kenneth Ericson was cited and released on Howe Street for telephonic harassment.

• At 1:14 p.m., a report of a physical domestic dispute on Filbert Lane. They declined to press charges.

• At 4:14 p.m., a motorist on Brookside Avenue was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured.

• At 10:30 p.m., Iris Richter was arrested and charged with offensive littering and lodged was at Polk County Jail.

Tuesday, Aug. 6

• At 8:03 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 42 mph in a 25-mph zone on Orchard Drive.

• At 9:57 a.m., a motorist was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device on Academy Street.

• At 11:53 a.m., a report of a theft on Kings Valley Highway.

• At 2:25 p.m., a report of a fight on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 4:15 p.m., a report of fraud on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 5:11 p.m., a crash on Miller Avenue. One motorist was cited for failure to maintain the lane.

• At 5:37 p.m., a report of a theft of a bike on Ellendale Avenue.

• At 5:55 p.m. a report of the

theft of $84 worth of groceries on Ellendale Avenue. Don Hosley was cited for theft 3.

Independence Police Office

Friday, Aug. 2

• At 10:51 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding on Monmouth Street.

• At 3:43 p.m., a complainant reported a violation of a no contact order on Evergreen Drive.

• At 10:22 p.m., a report of a disturbance on Walnut Avenue. The residents were warned for being loud.

• At 11:26 p.m., an officer initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle did not stop at the stop sign. There were two females in the car who got out and notified officers that the driver had been drinking. The driver, Michael Lee Blocker, showed signs of intoxication and he agreed to field sobriety tests. After failing, he was taken into custody. Blocker was on probation for burglary 1 and rape 1 and was a registered sex offender. Officers advised Blocker’s passengers of this sex offender status. Blocker was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicant and parole violation and lodged at Polk County Jail.

Saturday, Aug. 3

• At 10:11 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding on Main Street.

• At 2:20 p.m., a motorist on Hoffman Road was cited for driving without a seatbelt.

Monday, Aug. 5

• At 12:10 p.m. a report of a theft of fire equipment and bags of cans on E Street.

• At 2:07 p.m., a report of a physical domestic dispute on Grand Street.

• At 4:07 p.m., a report that Michael Vandyke Steifer was in violation of a release agreement on Jefferson Street. The complainant had several photos of him sitting in his vehicle parked on the property nearby and texting messages. Steifer was later arrested and charged with violation of release agreement.

• At 10:37 p.m., officers assisted the Monmouth Police Department with pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Pursuit was terminated due to the suspect’s reckless driving.

Wednesday, Aug. 7

• At 12:11 a.m., a noise complaint of yelling and dogs barking on Log Cabin Street. Residents had been having a heated discussion and agreed to keep the noise down.

Monmouth Police Department

• Walter Scheiderich III, 58, was arrested July 26 and charged with restraining order violation.

• Ariana U Morales, 25, was arrested Aug. 4 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

• Jacob Nate Andersen was arrested Aug. 1 and placed on hold for Benton County (arson, criminal mishief).

• Drake Alan Douglas Carson was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with interferring with a peace officer, criminal trespass 2, theft 2 and escape 3 and was placed on hold for Marion County (manslaughter 2).

• Devon Benedict Cartwright was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with disorderly conduct 2 and post prison

supervision violation (theft 1).

• Aiden Christopher Chatlovsky was arrested Aug. 3 and charged with two counts of probation violation (attempted assault 4, criminal mischief 2).

• Skyler Wayne Goodwin was arrested Aug. 2 and charged with theft 2.

• Jacob Daniel Hauser was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with criminal trespass 2 and attempted trespass 1.

• Zackerie William House was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with violation of court stalking protection order and assault 4.

• Jacob Wylie Jaeger was arrested Aug. 1 and placed on hold for Benton County (driving under the influence of an intoxicant).

• Garrett Wayne Kilgore was arrested Aug. 6 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and resisting arrest.

• Moises Angel Saldana was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with three counts of reckless endangering, attempting to elude police officer vehicle (foot) and reckless driving and was placed on hold for Marion County (parole violation - illegal weapon use).

• Christopher Michael Stewart was arrested Aug. 2 and charged with post prison violation (strangulation).

• Joshua Louis Taylor was arrested Aug. 6 and charged with post prison violation (escape 2) and placed on hold for Yamhill County (parole violation - DCS methamphetamine).

• Natasha Brook Miller was arrested Aug. 4 and charged with criminal trespass 2.

• Iris Bea Richter was arrested Aug. 6 and charged with offensive littering and disorderly conduct 2.

Oregon on track to set new wildfire record for acreage burned

The season has likely not peaked and already 1.3 million acres have been blackened and several dozen homes destroyed

By LYNNE TERRY

Oregon Capital Chronicle

The wildfire season in Oregon has likely not yet peaked and already 1.3 million acres have been blackened or are ablaze, with 34 large fires burning. And five of them have spread over 100,000 acres each.

“We are on a trend of possibly setting a record in the state of Oregon for the amount of acres affected by fire,” Carol Connolly, a spokesperson for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates fire resources, told the Capital Chronicle.

“Typically the Northwest peaks around Aug. 14, so we still have a while to go in this fire season.” Since 1992, when the center started tracking burned acreage, only the 2020 Labor Day Fires came close, with about 1.2 million acres burned in 11 counties. But those blazes were much more destructive to communities, killing nine people and destroying more than 5,000 homes.

This year, the fires have

destroyed at least 30 homes and more than 60 other structures, with hundreds of buildings remaining under threat. One death has been reported this year: Air tanker pilot James Bailey Maxwell, 74, died while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire on July 25.

The wildfires have prompted Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a statewide emergency and ask for federal help and regulatory flexibility for farmers and ranchers. She’s also invoked the Conflagration Act nine times. The most recent was on Monday for the Elk Lane Fire, which has burned nearly 5,100 acres northwest of Madras in Jefferson County. She also invoked the act last Thursday for the Telephone Fire in Harney County, which has scorched more than 50,000 acres northeast of Burns. It is threatening more than 150 homes and about 350 smaller structures, with evacuation orders in place.

“Conditions are prime for high fire activity today, and the fires continue to test our crews’ fortitude and resilience, but lines are holding,”

the Harney County Sheriff’s Office said in a Tuesday update on Facebook.

Kotek’s invocation of the Conflagration Act allows the state fire marshal to unleash resources to protect homes and people threatened by the Telephone Fire, which the sheriff’s office said is likely to remain active on Tuesday.

The weather across much of Oregon has been cooler in recent days but the forecasters predict hotter and drier conditions later this week.

“Ongoing incidents will see increasing areas of active fire behavior as both cloud cover and surface moisture is transported away this week,” the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said in a morning briefing.

The fires have prompted the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to issue air quality alerts, with the most recent one on Monday when DEQ warned residents of unhealthy, smoky conditions in eastern Douglas, Grant, northern Harney, northern Klamath, eastern Lane, northern Malheur and eastern Wheeler counties. Officials also said that people in Crook,

Deschutes, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine and Lake counties could face intermittent smoke, which can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Children and older adults along with those who are pregnant or have heart or lung disease are especially at risk.

Connolly of the coordination center said Tuesday that in Oregon, the Diamond Complex of nine fires that have scorched more than 6,600 acres east of Roseburg in the Umpqua National Forest is a top priority. It threatens four houses, 70 mixed commercial and residential buildings and 39 small structures along with utility services and access to Crater Lake along Highway 230

Officials have deployed more than 550 people to the fires along with four helicopters to fight the blazes from above. It could take until mid-October to snuff the blazes, the coordination center said.

Among the five fires over 100,000 acres, the Durkee Fire in Baker and Malheur counties remains the biggest in Oregon. It has burned

nearly 295,000 acres and destroyed four homes and 19 other structures. It is now 86% contained, which means firefighters have stopped the spread on most of the perimeter.

The Battle Mountain Complex of four fires west of Ukiah has scorched more than 188,000 acres. The fires have destroyed seven homes and 10 other structures and are 39% contained.

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said on Tuesday: “Crews will continue mop-up operations around the entire perimeter of the fire.”

The Falls Fire northwest of Burns has burned more than 146,000 acres and is 75% contained. The fire is running through timber and evacuation orders are in effect, the coordination center said, with road and trail closures in the area. The fire has destroyed 13 homes and 15 other structures.

The Lone Rock Fire southeast of Condon has burned more than 137,000 acres and is 92% contained. The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook on Tuesday that

the acreage blackened is not likely to grow, with a few acres in forestland in Wheeler County “proving difficult to contain.”

“However, the fire crews in those areas are working hard to ensure any activity is contained within the already burnt areas of the landscape and will not become an external threat to the areas,” the sheriff’s office said.

And the Cow Valley Fire in Malheur County northwest of Ontario, which scorched more than 133,000 acres, is now 99% contained. It destroyed two homes and five smaller structures.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

Read the story online at https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2024/08/06/oregon-on-

Community Calendar Aug. 7 - 14

Wednesday, Aug. 14

• 7 a.m. - Monmouth Library Board Meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S

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

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

• 9 a.m. - Seniors Trip to Dahlia Festival, meet at Monmouth Senior Community Center, 180 Warren St. S.

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

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

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

• 10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 10:30 a.m. - Story Time with Miss Jo, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

• 12 p.m. - Watch Repair Day, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

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

• 6:30 p.m. - Music in the Park: Tuesday String Band, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth

Thursday, Aug. 15

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

• 10 a.m. - Polk County Fair

• 10 a.m. - Online and Mobile Banking 101, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, ages 0-5, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

WOU hosts Pacific Puppet Palooza Aug. 14-17

Western Oregon University presents the Pacific Puppet Palooza Aug.14-17 a Puppeteers of America Pacific Northwest Regional Festival. The following performances are open to the public and free of charge:

- Winnie the Pooh: Aug. 14, 7-8 p.m. Rice Auditorium

- Dragon Theatre Puppets presents Dungeons & Dragons & Decisions, Aug. 15, 7-8 p.m., ITC Room 211

- Oregon Shadow Theatre, Aug. 15, 8:40-10 p.m., Main St. Amphitheater

- Randel McGee & Groark, Aug. 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m., ITC Room 211

- The Great Northwest Puppet Slam Volume 2, Aug. 16, 8-9:45 p.m., Rice Auditorium

For more information go to https://wvpuppeteers.weebly.com/ pacific-puppet-palooza-festival-2024. html.

RSVP by Aug. 15 for Sheridan High School 60th reunion

Sheridan High School launched the first graduating class from its new building in the Spring of 1964.

The SHS Class of 1964 will celebrate its 60-year reunion Sept. 12 from 1-6 p.m. at the Seibert/ Fredrickson Memorial Picnic Shelter, Dallas City Park, 600 S.W. Allgood St., Dallas. Use the Southeast Academy Street entrance. For information about food and schedule contact Edgar Brandt at (503) 917-1326 or edgarbrandt74@ gmail.com.

Reunion planners request that 1964 class and family members planning to attend RSVP to Brandt before Aug. 15.

Central Lions Cruise-in Car Show returns Aug. 17

The Central Lions Club of Monmouth-Independence will hold its 13th annual Cruise-in and Car Show on Aug. 17 at Riverview Park and Amphitheater in downtown Independence. The registration fee to enter a car is $25 and includes

• 1 p.m. - Free family movie:

“Arthur the King,” Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

• 1 p.m. - Genealogy Assistance. Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

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

• 5 p.m. - Live Music: Dante Zapata, Benedetto Vineyards, 14020 Orchard Knob Road, Dallas

• 6:30 p.m. - Comedy Night at The Inferno, 915 N. Main St., Independence

• 6:30 p.m. - Ash Creek Arts Center 3rd Thursday Adult Class with Jessica Rehfield, 311 Monmouth St., Independence, ashcreekarts.org, askcreekarts@gmail.com

• 8:30 p.m. - Oregon Shadow Theatre performance of “Jack and the Dragon”, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth

Friday, Aug. 16

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

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

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

Senior Center

• 10 a.m. - Polk County Fair

• 10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem Dallas Hwy

NW

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

Senior Center

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

• 1 p.m. - Age Cafe, Dallas Area

Senior Center

• 6 p.m. - River’s Edge Concert Series Opener: Conjunto Allegra, Riverview Park, Independence

• 6 p.m. - Independence Parks & Recreation Board meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

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

• 7 p.m. - Author Joe Wilkins discusses his new book, “The Entire Sky”, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 8 p.m. - River’s Edge Concert Series Headliner: La Super Sonora Dinamita, Riverview Park, Independence

Saturday, Aug. 17

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

• 9 a.m. - Central Lions Club Cruise-In classic car show, Riverview Park and Amphitheater in downtown Independence

• 10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem Dallas Hwy

NW

• 10 a.m. - Polk County Fair

• 2 p.m. - Play Chess in the Park at Main Street Park in Monmouth

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

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

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: BlackSmith Neighbors, Checkpoint 221, 1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem

Sunday, Aug. 18

• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Dylan Santiago, Redgate Winery,

8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

• 2 p.m. - Live Music: Dante Zapata, Benedetto Vineyards, 14020 Orchard Knob Road, Dallas

Monday, Aug. 19

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Center

• 9 a.m. - Senior Trip to Tillamook, meet at Monmouth Senior Community 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

• 5:30 p.m. - Independence Historic Preservation Commission meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

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

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

• 7 p.m. - Dallas Urban Renewal Agency meeting, City Hall, SE 187 Court St.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Center

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

• 10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

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

Community Briefs

breakfast for the driver. This year a full breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage is available for all visitors for $10.

A goodie bag and a dash plaque will be given to the first 100 registrants.

The car show begins at 9 a.m. Gates open for cars at 8 a.m. The awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Activities include a raffle, a 50/50 drawing and trophy presentations. Car club participation is encouraged. The show is open to all years, makes and models of vehicles. Proceeds will help support the Lions many community projects throughout the year.

For information, go to the Central Lions Club website https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/central_or/page-6.php or contact the Central Lions Club at CentralLionsCruiseIn@Gmail.com.

Hazels on Main hosts Watercolors Made Easy class Aug. 17

Western Rose Studios and Hazels On Main present Watercolors Made Easy: Peony Vase, from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 17 at 105 Main St E,, in Monmouth. No drawing or painting experience is needed for this class. Tickets are $45 Pre-registration online at bit.ly/4dvaErE.

Take in a feast and D&D campaign at The Inferno Aug. 18

Inferno Kitchen presents One Shot D&D: The Inferno Feast on Aug. 18 at 915 N. Main St., in Independence. The feast beings at 1 p.m. The D&D campaign starts at 2 p.m. Character sheets will be provided. Registration is $30 per player and includes dinner and a drink. Register online at www.peek.com/independence-oregon/r06jrky/exciting-one-shot-ddadventure-with-dinner-included/ a05w8nwb.

Syndergize hosts 4th Cars & Coffee Aug. 18

Join Synergize Auto for their 4th Cars & Coffee Event, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at their Dallas location, 201 Polk Station Road

NE. There’s free admission, coffee, baked goods, music and raffle giveaways. Synergize expects this yo be their biggest show yet. Last time, they raffled off a PS5 and $200 in Gather Food Park gift cards. Come discover what they’ll have this time.

Central Wrestling Scramble Golf tourney returns Aug. 16

The 19th Annual Central Wrestling four-person scramble

golf tournament is Aug. 16 at the Dallas Golf Club from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a shotgun start at 5 p.m.

Registration is $45 and includes 9 holes of golf, hot dog dinner, door prizes, prizes for first- through thirdplace finishers and mini trophies. To schedule your preferred tee time, RSVP Arnold Garcia at (503) 6896743 or arnold.garcia@gmail.com.

CHS schedules fall registration

Central High School has scheduled its fall registration. Juniors and seniors are Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Freshman and sophomores are Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.

Registration makeup day is Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. School pictures will be taken at registration. Entrance will be on the north side of the school.

MICC hosts restaurant tour Aug. 24

The Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center presents the MICC 2024 Restaurant Tour Aug. 24 from 1:30-4 p.m. Explore amazing bites from local vendors, ride the trolley, and indulge in tastings at each site. Your $25 ticket includes all the tastings, specials, and plenty of fun! Plus, fill your stamp card and get a chance to win local gift cards. Get bites from local vendors including Arena Sports Bar & Grill, Brew Coffee & Tap House - Independence, Divine Distillers, Golden Hop Saloon, Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, Melting Pot Candy, New York Squares, Rookies Sports Tap, and more. For more

• 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

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

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

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

Wednesday, Aug. 21

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

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

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

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

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

• 10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

• 10:30 a.m. - Story Time with Miss Jo, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

• 12 p.m. - Watch Repair Day, Monmouth Senior Community Center

• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Brandy Nicholson, Checkpoint 221, 1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem

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

• 6:30 p.m. - Music in the Park: DTW (funk/jazz/rock), Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth

information, go to www.micc-or.org.

DHS seniors host rummage sale Aug. 23-24

The Dallas High School Senior class of 2025 is holding a rummage sale at the Evangelical Bible Church Aug. 23-24 at 1175 SE Howe St., in Dallas. Proceeds go toward funding the Senior All Nigh Party.

Wetzel Estates Winery hosts paint & sip Aug. 24

Join Wetzel Estates Winery for a fun day of painting and sipping with Artistic Chaos by Debbie from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 24. Located at 17485 Highway 22, Let your artistic side shine as you sip on a complimentary glass of delicious wine and create your own masterpiece with Debbie from Artistic Chaos. No experience necessary. Registration is $35 online at bit.ly/3YvTV3r.

Independence Airport presents Fly In and STOL Wars Aug. 24-25 Wings Over Willamette presents Fly In and STOL Wars, Aug. 24-25 at the Independence State Airport, located at 4803 Airport Road. This two-day event is packed with aviation activities, lots of food, and a great opportunity to connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts. There will be unique aircraft from homebuilts to historical, fixed-wing to rotorcraft with presentations ranging from technical to flying experiences. Sunday’s STOL Wars features a short take off and landing competition in multiple classes, from classic Cessnas to purpose-built high-performance bush planes. Breakfast will be available in the morning, doors open at 7:00 AM. After the competition, Lunch will be available starting at 11:30 followed by the awards ceremony. Tickets are $10 for adults and admission is free for ages 18 and under. To purchase tickets, go to https://wow-flyin.com/get-tickets.

Back to School Bash returns Aug. 25

Back to School Bash, the largest school supply give away in the area,

is Aug. 25. Monmouth Christian Church, Life center Foursquare, and Resonate Church are hosting the event at the Gate with sponsorship support from the Siletz Tribe. Monmouth Christian Church is also hosting the same event in Falls City with sponsorship support from the Siletx Tribe.

Last year the churches provided around 600 backpacks and school supplies to students and expect to see even more this year.

The Oregon 4-H Polk County presents Four Nights at the Forge Historical Blacksmithing at the Brunk Farmstead, located at 5705 Salem Dallas Highway NW. Classes are from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 26-29 for ages 15-18. Registration is $30 and covers Blacksmithing for Beginners, one pair of safety glasses, and all fuel and materials necessary for class training and for two take home projects. Registration is required and spaces are limited. Go to https:// beav.es/pWp.

Moonfall Theatre offers fall shows in September Moonfall Theatre is hosting seven local non-profits with a fall show in September. Below are details and the non-profit groups who are sponsors of individual evenings.

Tickets are $20 and available through Eventbrite or email at latitudeone@hotmail.com.

Schedule is:

7:10 p.m. - cello music in outdoor garden

7:20 p.m. - theatre seating

7:30 p.m. - performance begins Performance dates and non-profit sponsors are: Sept. 6 - Friends

MOMENTS IN TIME

• On Aug. 26, 1791, John Fitch and James Rumsey were each granted a federal patent for the steamboat. The men were rivals who devised different systems for, and battled over claims to, the invention.

• On Aug. 27, 1976, the United States Tennis Association barred transgender athlete Renée Richards (born Richard Raskind) from competing in the U.S. Open as a woman, stating she needed to pass a chromosomal test. Richards failed the test, sued the USTA, and a year later was granted the right to compete following a New York Supreme Court ruling in her favor.

• On Aug. 28, 2003, pop singers Britney Spears and Madonna shared a kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards, delighting some viewers and offending others. MTV received hate mail “from the older generation,” according to network president Van Toffler, who said: “I think the beauty of the VMAs was the combustibility. You wanted to make it fun and semi-chaotic. That’s what we did.”

• On Aug. 29, 1982, Swedishborn actress and three-time Academy Award winner Ingrid Bergman died of cancer on her 67th birthday. Bergman was best known for her role as Ilsa Lund in “Casablanca” alongside Humphrey Bogart, as well as the international scandal she sparked in 1950 when she had a son with Italian director Roberto Rossellini, to whom she was not married at the time.

• On Aug. 30, 1859, Edwin L. Drake successfully drilled the first oil well near Titusville, Pennsylvania, ushering in the modern petroleum industry. His discovery of an efficient way to extract oil from the ground revolutionized energy production and would help transform the global economy.

• On Aug. 31, 1989, England’s Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, publicly announced her separation from her husband, Mark Phillips, but the couple stated they were not intending to divorce.

• On Sept. 1, 1928, groups of Boy Scouts placed approximately 2,400 concrete markers at sites along the Lincoln Highway to officially mark and dedicate it to the memory of President Abraham Lincoln.

TRIVIA TEST

By FIFI RODRIGUEZ

1. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin prefix “audio-” mean in English?

2. TELEVISION: Gladys Kravitz is the annoying neighbor in which TV comedy? 3. ANATOMY: About how many taste buds does the average human tongue have?

GEOGRAPHY: The Brandenburg Gate is in which European capital city?

5. HISTORY: Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during WWII?

6. MOVIES: Which movie features the line “I’m the king of the world!”?

7. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Egyptian sun god?

8. LITERATURE: “The Great Gatsby” is set in which U.S. city?

9. MONEY: What is the basic currency of Poland?

FOOD & DRINK: Which country is associated with the side dish kimchi?

1. “Sound” or “hearing” (e.g. “audiophile”). 2. “Bewitched.” 3. 2,000-8,000. 4. Berlin, Germany. 5. Joseph Stalin.

“Titanic.”

Puzzle answers on page B2

Photos by Lance Masterson

Volunteer engineer Allison Wells (left) of Polk County Fire District No. 1 provides Independence Police Officer David Richey with the safety gear he needs to climb the extended ladder.

Lt. Matt Olafson of

Monmouth Police Department talks

community