– The Central School District Board of Directors approved a resolution and ballot title to place a $90 million bond on the November ballot. The motion passed unanimously after two hours of discussion at a special board meeting on, Aug. 14.
“This is what we should be doing in a district this size, with the debt that we currently have, in order to provide schools that are safe and attractive for kids to go to,” Director Donn Wahl said after making the motion. “I think we have to remember that, in the state of Oregon, this is the only way we can improve our facilities. Wahl said. “We can’t save up, we can’t pay cash for it, so we have to (ask for a bond).”
He said that the lower amounts under consideration fell flat when it came to completing needed improvements.
The meeting included a presentation by Superintendent Jennifer Kubista about the steps the board had taken starting in 2020 with the Facilities Assessment Plan, including the ongoing activities of the CSD Facilities Education Committee.
Carol Samuels, managing director of public finance from Piper Sandler, presented four different bond options.
Director Peggy Clyne thanked Samuels for the “very thorough presentation,” adding that she has a “very clear understanding of what a bond could look like for our citizens.”
After reviewing the four resolution options presented, Kubista listed specific projects that could be done,
Local teachers expand their geology education in Vietnam
By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer
Most teachers give a back-toschool assignment for their students to incorporate what they did over the summer break.
For Jerry McGuffee, a Luckimute Valley Charter School teacher at the middle school campus, he instead will be sharing what he did to keep the learning process going while away from his students.
McGuffee, 58, has been taking learning excursions through the Center for Geology Education in Oregon. In July, he took his first international trip to Vietnam.
“We studied the geography of north to south Vietnam. Started in Hanoi and finished in Ho Chi Man City, better known as Saigon, and every place in between,” McGuffee said. “We traveled the length of the See TEACHERS, page A10
Bill Cote, of Corvallis (not pictured), braved the weather forecast to show his 1929 Ford Speedster Race Car at the 13th Lions Cruise-In Car Show Aug. 17 at the River View Park in Independence, the Speedster won the President’s Award. For more on the event, see story, page B1.
Independence
city council seeks
$5.5 million
levy
to
keep library, museum open
By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer
On the heels of passing a public safety fee in June to expand funding for its police department, the Independence City Council approved Aug. 13 sending a $5.5 million levy to voters to keep open the library, museum and city parks.
According to the administrative report, the five-year operating levy would tax property owners $1.82 per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, a homeowner with an assessed property value of $250,000 would pay an additional $455 per year.
The city report further expects the levy to raise $1.123 million in the first year and increase to $1.264 million by the fifth year.
During his report to the city council, Independence finance director Rob Moody explained their traditional revenue streams – from property taxes to franchise fees – are not keeping up with the costs of maintaining services.
He added to pay for operational costs at the library, police and parks, money was pulled from residential water and sewer payments.
The city’s report estimated $6.9 million was transferred out of the sewer fund, $6.2 million from the water fund, $1 million out of stormwater and $878,000 taken out of the transportation fund over an 8 ½ year period.
Moody said that means about $2 million per year of taxpayer dollars paid for sewer and water was spent on other things.
“Is any of that illegal? No. It’s not illegal to do that,” Moody said. “In my mind, I believe that there is sort of an unwritten covenant with the rate payers that when you pay your water bill, that money goes to support water services, water operations,
water capital. That’s what people believe.”
Adding to the presentation, City Manager Kenna West said the levy will give residents their first chance to have a choice whether they want to fund library and museum operations or not.
“I think it’s important that we’re going to let people decide what they want in our community,” Mayor John McArdle said.
Moody explained the library, parks and museum are funded through June 30, 2025. He said if the levy fails in November, the city could try again in May of 2025, that or be left making cuts.
“If this thing doesn’t pass, there will be some ramifications,” Moody said. “Those are not our decisions to make. The implementations of those decisions are.”
While the proposal received a strong show of support from those wanting to especially keep the museum open, not everyone was on board.
Both City Council members Dawn Roden and Sarah Jobe voted against the levy proposal. Roden, especially, has been outspoken against the city’s budget process this year, saying not enough was done to find cutbacks to continue funding for the library and museum.
“I do not want the museum to close. I do not want the library and parks to suffer. But I don’t want to put on people’s backs a tax burden that they cannot afford,” Roen said.
“We should have exhausted all of our efforts during the budgeting process to see if we could have gotten money from other sources in our budget and we failed to do that.”
Other City Council members admitted their yes vote was difficult to make. Making the decision more difficult, the city council recently adopted its first public safety fee that kicks in January of 2025. It adds $20 a month to residents’ utility bills, then decreases to $17 and again to $10 a month by July of 2026. Kate Schwarzler also pointed to recent bonds and levies passed by other taxing districts, including Polk County Fire District No. 1 and Polk County, having increased burdens on property owners.
“We are asking a lot of our community right now,” Schwarzler said. “We’re faced with rate hikes everywhere. It’s a difficult discussion right now.”
PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The Independence City Council approved sending a $5.5 million levy to voters to keep the public library (pictured) and Heritage Museum open.
NEWS BRIEFS THE
Police investigating couple found dead in Monmouth home
Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating the death of a Monmouth couple found deceased in their home
Aug. 11
Monmouth Police Officers responded at 2:21 p.m. to a home in the 300 block of Walnut Drive South after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor stating the adult daughter had found her parents dead in their home.
Officers arrived to the scene and found the bodies of Kenneth Kosko, 81, and Francis Kosko, 76, both dead in their living room with apparent gunshot wounds. According to the MPD, a gun was located on the husband’s body and handwritten notes were also found near the bodies.
Officers secured the residence. Detectives from Monmouth Police Department and Oregon State Police were called to the scene, who spent most of the evening investigating this incident.
This investigation remains open at this time as detectives continue to look into this case. Divers recover the body of a man near Wallace Marine Park
A volunteer dive team located the body of a man in the Willamette River near Wallace Marine Park on Aug. 16
The divers were searching the waters for a Salem man presumed accidentally drowned on Aug. 12, according to the Salem Police Department.
Just before 11 p.m. that night, emergency personnel responded to Wallace Marine Park after callers reported a woman had jumped into the river from the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge and was struggling to swim. Witnesses at the riverbank reported a man
Adults invited to free murder mystery movie
The Dallas Library hosts a free movie night for adults on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. with the classic comedy who done it, “Clue.”
In 1954, six strangers are invited to a secluded New England mansion. Greeted by the butler Wadsworth and the maid Yvette, each guest receives a pseudonym to maintain confidentiality:
“Colonel Mustard”, “Mrs. White”, “Mrs. Peacock”, “Mr. Green”, “Professor Plum”, and “Miss Scarlet.” Murder, and lots of comedy ensue. When the evening is over, we may have solved the crime. Then again, maybe it was with a candlestick, or a rope. No one has a clue.
One audience member will get the library’s ultimate
movie themed prize. Popcorn will be provided free of charge. Bring a friend, spouse, or date and come mingle with other Dallas movie lovers and enjoy the evening. This is a free event.
Find details about the event at www.facebook.com/dallaslibraryoregon, at the library, or by calling (503) 623-2633.
Polk County firefighters contain garage blaze
Polk County firefighters extinguished a garage fire in Independence Aug. 16.
At approximately 2:46 p.m., Polk County Fire Dist. No. 1 was dispatched to a house fire on Randall Way. Firefighters arrived on the scene by 2:49 p.m. and quickly began suppressing the fire. According to a Polk County Fire District No. 1 press release, the initial investigation indicated that the fire was contained in the garage with minimal impact on the rest of the house. There were no injuries or deaths. In total, 21 firefighters responded to this incident.
“This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of a
well-staffed fire district, supported by volunteers, in rapidly addressing and containing situations to prevent further damage”, said Division Chief of EMS & Logistics Frank Ehrmantraut.
Polk Fire was assisted by SW Polk Fire District, Dallas Fire & EMS, and the Independence Police Department in this incident.
PHOTO BY POLK COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1 A Polk County Fire District No. 1 firefighter hoses a hot spot in an Independence garage fire Aug. 16.
Emerald ash borer discovered in more Oregon counties
SALEM, Ore. – The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) pest has been discovered in three new Oregon counties this summer, according to the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF). The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) laboratory in Maryland has officially confirmed the insect in Marion and Yamhill counties. A third site on the border of Clackamas and Marion is believed to harbor EAB, Still, state officials first need to confirm with the federal lab the identity of the insects found there.
Yamhill County
One adult beetle was found in a trap in the Gaston areaone of 197 traps distributed by ODF and USDA APHIS in the Willamette Valley. The federal lab officially confirmed the find as EAB on Aug. 12. The trap was located just inside Yamhill County about seven miles from Forest Grove, where EAB was first detected in Oregon in late June 2022.
Clackamas County
... About EAB
A small, metallic-green beetle native to eastern Asia, EAB was first found in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. It has since killed tens of millions of ash trees across the eastern United States, with death rates up to 99 percent. EAB’s larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing canopy dieback and, ultimately, tree death. The ½ inch beetle is often challenging to detect, especially in newly infested trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and basal shoots.
For more information on EAB and an up-to-date list of resources, go to www.ODA.direct/EAB. Suspected EAB infestations can be reported over the phone at 1-866-INVADER or online at https:// oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create.
Prairie area east of Woodburn showing canopy decline in mid-July, not long after he and other utility workers had received training from the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture in how to identify EAB infestations. The site is inside Clackamas County, not far from the border with Marion County.
the Pudding River south of Woodburn and west of Mt. Angel. He retrieved five adults from a trap at that site, indicating a significant population. Samples from that site have also been confirmed as EAB by USDA APHIS’s lab.
At approximately 5 p.m. Friday, the divers recovered the body, tentatively identified as Morganstern; however, an official cause of death and identity confirmation are pending Oregon State Medical Examiner ruling.
Jake Downer, a contract worker with Portland General Electric, reported to the state seeing ash trees in the Elliot
ODF’s Invasive Species Specialist, Wyatt Williams, visited the site in early August. He saw evidence that EAB larvae had been feeding on Oregon ash trees (Fraxinus latifolia), with several trees showing a marked decline. Samples have been sent to the federal lab in the eastern U.S. for official confirmation.
Williams also looked at several ash trees in a steep, blackberry-choked site along Butte Creek north of Mt. Angel and south of Hubbard. The creek forms the border between Clackamas and Marion counties. He said the trees on both sides of the creek showed strong signs of EAB infestation, with declining canopies and D-shaped exit holes where adults have tunneled out of the tree trunks.
“The extent of dieback suggests that EAB may have been present for a number of years at the site but went unnoticed given the difficult access and dense vegetation, which includes a mix of oak and conifers,” said Williams.
Marion County
On July 30, Williams found adult EAB in traps set along
“Given the trees did not show any signs of damage, we would not have known about this site for some time if not for the traps,” said Williams. Cody Holthouse is Compliance and Regulatory Manager at ODA. He chairs the state’s Interagency EAB Task Force. “No state has been able to eradicate EAB, so since its first detection in Forest Grove, we have expected it to eventually show up in new parts of Oregon,”
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West Valley Housing Authority will hold their Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 beginning at 12:00 p.m. at 204 SW Walnut in Dallas, Oregon. An Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 will be held immediately following the Regular Meeting, if required. Agenda for the meeting is posted on the Housing Authority website at www.wvpha.org. The location for the meeting is handicapped accessible. Please advise the West Valley Housing Authority if you need any special accommodations to attend the meeting or wish to attend via zoom.For information, please call 503-623-8387, VRS (877) 326-3877.
said Holthouse. “That’s why folks from collaborating agencies have been methodically surveying for the insect, setting out traps beyond the known infestation area and training people to know the signs and symptoms of infestation. That definitely helps us learn where the insect is spreading.”
Holthouse said ODA will be conducting intensive searches in the coming days for EAB in areas surrounding the new sites in Marion and Clackamas counties to find out whether it shows up farther away. He said it is unknown if the newly discovered sites represent a spread from Forest Grove or if they were from separate introductions of the pest into Oregon. The pest often travels in loads of firewood transported by people, so the latter is quite possible. Holthouse says ODA is currently working out the details of a quarantine to limit the movement of ash, olive, and white fringe tree wood, and other materials similar to the one in Washington County. That quarantine restricts the movement of several tree materials, including but not limited to logs, green lumber, nursery stock, scion wood, bud wood, chips, mulch, stumps, roots, branches, and firewood of hardwood species.
“We want to protect the rest of Oregon for as long as possible to give communities more time to prepare,” said Holthouse.
To slow further spread, Holthouse urges Oregonians to buy firewood near where they intend to burn it and avoid taking firewood more than 10 miles from where it was cut.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
An adult emerald ash borer caught in a sticky trap in Marion County. This represents a new location in Oregon where this invasive pest has been found.
Expect the unexpected with DTW at Music in the Park
By LANCE MASTERSON
For The Itemizer-Observer
Music lovers can expect the unexpected when DTW lets loose tonight (Aug. 21) at this week’s Music in the Park concert.
DTW is a Mid-Willamette Valley-based horn band dedicated to bringing funk and more to the masses. Delivering the good news is an ensemble featuring up to 10 musicians, including as many as seven on horns. Trombonist Ed Propst is band director at Central High School.
The set includes original tunes and cover songs. But it’s what they do with some of their covers that will surprise.
“Expect to hear some classics that are jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, soul and rock,” bassist Justin “Shep” Schepige said. “Classics that are typical of a horn band, like Tower of Power or James Brown. Or a re-imagination of how a horn band might approach a tune by Creedence Clearwater Revival or Dire Straits.”
And there’s also a trip to bayou country on the itinerary.
“Since we’ll have our tuba player, expect some New Orleans style horn band and traditional jazz music,” Schepige said.
So far DTW’s playlist includes originals, covers, re-imagined covers and music direct from the Big Easy. So what’s missing?
“Expect some iconic movie and video game themes mixed in as well,” Schepige said. “Themes from movies or games like Harry Potter and Mario are fun for the whole family.”
Having no less than five horns provides DTW with flexibility.
“The 5-horn basic lineup we have has been the minimum needed to play the material we want to perform, and this has been determined over years of trial and error,” Schepige said. “At one point we had seven horns, and for
certain special shows we still use that many.”
Back in 2013, when the band first formed, it featured five musicians. That’s no longer the case, and it doesn’t appear a more minimalistic approach is in DTW’s future.
“More people is more fun. I love making music with other great musicians,” Schepige said. “So at a base level, having more people in the mix is a fun time.”
There’s another factor to consider.
“From a business perspective, we went with the uniqueness theorem; there aren’t many large horn bands left. The ones that are around are not doing the variety of music that we do,” he added.
“Since we bring a unique experience, we’ve been able to book shows and determine prices that work for us, free of competition.”
Each member has a voice in the band’s direction. That, too, is a strength.
“One of the cool things about having a large band is that every member is influenced differently,” Schepige said. “I think the band’s sound represents the blending of all the individuals and their contributions, so the influences are seemingly infinite.”
These contributions are needed more than ever as the band is creating a new record. What makes this process more special, more challenging, is their level of involvement.
“We are doing most of it in-house. Some of us have spent years working and learning the production side of the business. This album will reflect that,” Schepige said. “We have figured out how to capture the sound of our band. This album is not a creation, but rather a documentation.”
The end result will be a musical journey unique to DTW.
“Everything is live players and full takes, like they used to do back in the day, and everything is recorded in a way such that authentically sounds like what you might experience at a live show,” he added. “When you hear our new album of original music, it’ll feel like you are sitting right there, listening to us perform it for you personally.”
DTW is an acronym not etched in concrete. It’s fluid. This week, Schepige said, DTW could stand for Dancing This Wednesday. But the band is open to suggestions.
“Often we crowdsource some name ideas,” he said. “I’m sure we will find some good ones at the show.”
The band’s minimum configuration is nine musicians, but a tuba player and vocalists can be added as needed.
Propst isn’t DTW’s only local connection. The band’s drummer recently moved to Dallas. Schepige is a 2009 graduate of Dallas High School.
“My parents still live outside of Dallas,” he said. “I technically live in Benton County, because I’m on the south end of Kings Valley highway. I’ve spent some time traveling and living elsewhere in the US in recent years. Roots in Polk, though.”
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m., and is at Main Street Park in Monmouth. Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
Hard to believe, but the 2024 Music in the Park season wraps up Wednesday, Aug. 28, with local favorite Coming Up Threes, an Irish pub band from Portland, here for the finale.
Free nitrate screening at Dallas Farmers Market
half a cup of unfiltered well water in a clean container. The test will only take 5-7 minutes if the clinic is not busy. Various educational resources will be available concerning nitrate, other groundwater contaminants, well water and septic-related topics.
For additional information on well water and septic systems, free Rural Living Basics classes, and other nitrate screening events, visit the OSU Extension Service website https://wellwater.oregonstate.edu/ or for more information call (541) 713-5009.
CHILD FIND Notice
Parents who believe their child may benefit from special education services and programs offered by the Dallas School District are invited to call the district at 503-623-5594. Also, those who wish to inquire about what services and programs are available are encouraged to call. Any inquiries will be treated with all due respect and confidentiality.
NEWS BRIEFS
The
possible
- Increase local businesses’ ability to compete locally, nationally, and internationally
- Build community capacity to sustain growth and development of all types of businesses
Economic and Community Development Department staff schedule one-on-one meetings with interested managers and business owners to discuss the issues facing their business, as well as opportunities available. These meetings and the topics discussed will be confidential and used by city staff to build a stronger and more supportive business environment in Dallas. These meetings will be about one hour in length and it is recommended that the businesses schedule meetings ahead of time so that city staff do not interrupt operations of businesses. To set up a meeting, contact Economic Development Specialist Tyler Ferrari at tyler.ferrari@dallasor.gov or (503) 831-3579.
WOU selects new institutional research director
Western Oregon University has named Adeya Powell, Ph.D., the new Institutional Research Director, effective Aug. 30. Powell holds a Doctorate in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Georgia and is a Southern Regional Educational Scholar. With training and experience in survey and instrument development, program evaluation, and statistical analysis, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her position. Powell has over five years of experience in higher education. Three of those years were spent as Assistant Director of Institutional Research at the University of Portland, where she was commended for her assessment of equity gaps and her design and creation of a UP-centered campus climate survey. Her dream to lead an IR office at a school whose mission and strategic plan aligned with hers led her to Western. In her new role, she intends to facilitate the university’s transformation into a data-driven decision-making community that supports student success, using a combination of her skills and training, which include statistics, evaluation, research, and survey development.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
DTW performs tonight (Aug. 21), 6:30 p.m., Main Street Park amphitheater, Monmouth. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. The band features Ed Propst, band director at Central High School, and Justin Schepige, a 2009 graduate of Dallas High School.
Looking ahead to 2024 at Central School District with excitement
By JENNIFER KUBISTA, ED.D Central School District Superintendent
I’m excited to start the 2024-25 school year, with a continued focus on planting seeds for learning; growing student success; harvesting wins; and celebrating bright spots for all students and for each other. Working in education can be challenging. What keeps me going are students and staff. As I walk the halls and see students and staff experience that “ah-ha” moment – that moment that the learning clicks – it fills my heart. I value the quality, hard work that we do every day, which makes a tangible difference in our communities as we focus on and build student growth and achievement. Together, we celebrate the small wins along the way –and some big ones.
Staff have been intentional in their alignment of standards and adoption of curriculum, which has helped our students learn, and our staff continue to improve their teaching and learning. We are ecstatic about the two-way immersion program, which will be in its third year at Independence Elementary. We continue to see improvements with our multilingual students in their acquisition of English, as shown by the results of the English Language Proficiency Assessment. We continue to see an increase in the number of students graduating from Central High School with a State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma. We celebrate the accomplishments, and recognize that multilingualism is a valued asset.
Last spring, the board adopted a new math curriculum K-12. While the district
was unable to purchase the entire curriculum due to budget shortfalls, we are beginning to implement the new curriculum in our 9thand 10th-grade classes. We continue to see growth K-5 in both our district and state assessments in language arts (reading and writing) since implementing the new language arts curriculum. We are excited about heading into our second year of implementing our language arts curriculum 6-12.
I’m starting my 8th year as Superintendent of Central School District 13J. As we start the 2024-25 school year, I have seen our staff and community come together to focus on student successes. During my tenure so far, we’ve worked through some difficult challenges, including a recent network disruption that we continue to navigate.
Recovery from the network disruption is ongoing. This recovery can take 9 to 12 months, and we are in the 6th month. We continue to implement safety and security measures in our network, and with our staff and students. Some of these changes are inconvenient, but safety and security is one of our top priorities, and cybersecurity is one of those areas we need to be vigilant.
On August 14, the CSD Board of Directors voted to put a $90 million general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. To hear the board’s discussion, watch the video here: https://youtube.com/live/ XGc_rUChz2s?feature=share. We look forward to welcoming all of our students and staff – new and returning – to the 2024-25 school year! We will start the year with a focus on the importance of
attendance with September being Attendance Awareness Month. We know that the more often students attend class, the more they learn and grow!
By the numbers:
Enrollment as of Aug. 16
Elementary 1,293
Middle 731
High 1,010
Total: 3,034
Teacher count: 167
New teachers: 17
District total budget: $69,307,602
Numbers expected to ride the bus: 600
Numbers expected to sign up for breakfast/lunch: Central School District qualifies under the Community Eligibility Provision. All students K-12 may access free breakfast and lunch.
Links to school supplies: See our Back to School Resources page: https://sites. google.com/central.k12.or.us/ csd13j/back-to-school-resources?authuser=0 Key Dates - Link to school year calendar bit.ly/3WQfOrD School starts for K-5 and for 9th graders, as well as those new to Central High School, on September 3. September 3 will be orientation for middle school students.
We sat down with Dallas School District Superintendent Steven Spencer to take a look ahead at the 2024-25 school year. Following the school board approving to extend his contract for another three years two years into his first term as superintendent, Spencer discusses what’s been accomplished and challenges ahead.
What are some of new things that will be seen as kids come back to school?
Spencer - LaCreole is the biggest one we had, with a whole new secure vestibule that’s coming in the main entrance with the administrative wing down the front. They have a new camera security system. They did some things with the lighting, LED, and added a dropdown ceiling. I’m excited for LaCreole. They have undergone a lot of changes the last couple of years with the seismic upgrade first, then this expansion. That should put them in good shape.
The high school has new vestibule in the front. Card lock system there. Morrison has a new secure vestibule. The district office bathrooms were upgraded first, then they too, will receive a secure vestibule.
Roofing, not something elaborate or something people can really see, finished roofing projects. We’re just cookin’. Moving quick.
What projects are slated for the second half of the bond issuance?
Spencer - We’re kind of going through beginning phases of that process series of projects. One that is slated for discussion and then plans would be an addition of a new gym at LaCreole, one of the projects we had talked about in the bond language. There will be lots of work at the old CTE building to bring that up to code. We have plans for a commodities freezer at a central location for foods that we’ll then send out to all the buildings. Having that in place we believe gives us the ability to lower costs, buy in bulk then keep in storage. Then it will open some CTE work for high school programs.
What else is new that you can brag about for the new school year?
Spencer - Not necessarily that it’s a brag, but we’ve worked really, really hard to do all we can to bring back all the individuals that were part of the layoff process back in the spring. We haven’t brought back everyone, but
we’ve brought back a number of individuals that were part of that layoff. That’s a much better position to be in than the notices previously.
The last two years, they’ve reduced nearly $5 million from the state school fund. With our declining enrollment (about 500 students) and reduction in ESSR funds, (staffing) is a last resource we have. Staffing makes up about 85% of our budget. We had to reduce that budget.
We’re excited to have a new crop of kids come in. The next two weeks are critical. Lots of work gets done next two weeks. Finalizing those hirings, getting new teachers in classrooms.
How is the Dragon Academy doing attracting student back to enrolling in Dallas School District online learning?
The Dragon’s Academy Online program is still accepting registrations and serves more than 50 students. I feel like Dragon Academy will continue to see an influx of kids throughout the year as opposed to having students wanting to leave the high school and attend an online academy outside the district. Best part about Dragon Academy is it provided an option for students that were waiting to get into Morrison,
for example. Morrison is a critically important program for district kids helps to meet needs in a smaller environment where the anxiety or challenges exist in high school. Dragon Academy is a bridge for those two programs.
With your contract renewed for another three-year term, how are you enjoying the job?
Spencer - I love Dallas, being an educator in DSD, district has been great for me and my family. I’ve got five kids and my youngest is a senior this year. We feel very fortunate to have our kids go through this district. To me the leader of the district is a heavy task. I feel the pressure of that and the pressure from the community. The best part of it all I feel the people on the front lines and in the trenches doing all this hard work at high levels of efficiency and effectiveness that leads to the whole district’s success. We’ve got more to do. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We’ve got things we’ve still got to work on. And until we have 100% grad rate and freshmen on track, and great attendance, we’ll continue to have work to do. But I feel good about the direction that we’re going.
Expected student population
Lyle and Oakdale about 300 each.
Whitworth - Two new third grade classes raises enrollment around 380.
LaCreole: Around 560-580
DHS: Between 860-880
Morrison Campus Alternative Program: About 60-65. Registration still being accepted. The Dragon’s Academy Online program is still accepting registrations and serves more than 50 students.
Teacher count - Eight new hires bring total to 151 licensed teachers
2024 District budget General Operations $ 54,329,518
Debt Service $ 7,539,096
Bond Projects $ 15,380,000
Total $ 77,248,614
Amount of bond money left in second phase as of June 30 is $20,824,503
Links to school supply lists www.dallas.k12.or.us/ school-supplies
Dallas High School Key Dates Aug 28, DHS Welcome Back Event (Noon-6pm), Sept. 3 Freshmen Orientation, Sept. 4 First Day for All Students, Oct. 18 Homecoming Football Game
School Sports Schedule
• Sept. 17 - vs Lebanon
Dallas High School Football
• All games at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 6 - at Glenco
• Sept. 13 - vs Ida B. Wells
• Sept. 20 - at Beaverton
• Sept. 27 - vs Prairie (Washington)
• Oct. 4 - at South Albany
• Oct. 11 - at Crescent Valley
• Oct. 18 - vs Corvallis
• Oct. 25 - at West Albany
• Nov. 1 - vs Lebanon Volleyball
• All games at 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 7 - Non league tournament, TBD
• Sept. 10 - vs Silverton
• Sept. 12 - At Corvallis
• Sept. 14 - Non league tournament, TBD
• Sept. 19 - at Central
• Sept. 24 - vs Crescent Valley
• Sept. 26 - at South Albany
• Oct. 1 - vs McKay
• Oct. 3 - at Woodburn
• Oct. 8 - at West
Albany
• Oct. 15 - vs West
Albany
• Oct. 17 - at Lebanon
• Oct. 22 - at McKay
• Oct. 24 - vs South Albany
Boys Soccer
• Sept. 5 - at Canby, 5 p.m.
• Sept. 11 - vs Southridge, 7 p .m.
• Sept. 19 - at Newberg, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 23 - vs Sandy, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 26 - at Benson, 4 p.m.
• Oct. 1 - vs Silverton, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 8 - at Lebanon,
7 p.m.
• Oct. 17 - at Crescent Valley, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 24 - at McKay, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 29 - vs Woodburn, TBD
• Oct. 31- at West Albany, 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer
• Sept. 3 - vs Reynolds, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 23 - at Sandy, 6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 1 - at Silverton, 7:15 p.m.
• Oct. 3 - at Corvallis, 7:15 p.m.
• Oct. 10 - at Central, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 22 - at South Albany, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 29 - at Woodburn, 6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 31 - vs West Albany, TBD
Central
High School Football
• All games at 7 p.m.
• Aug. 30 - vs Eagle Point
• Sept. 6 - at Beaverton
• Sept. 13 - at Crescent Valley
• Sept. 27 - vs South Albany
• Oct. 4 - at Wilsonville
• Oct. 10 - vs Silverton
• Oct. 18 - at Woodburn
• Oct. 25 - vs McKay
• Nov. 1 - vs Canby
Volleyball
• All games at 6:30 p.m.
• Aug. 31 - vs Aloha, pool play tournament, 8 a.m.
• Sept. 10 - at South Albany
• Sept. 12 - vs McKay
• Sept. 17 - at Woodburn
• Sept. 19 - vs Dallas
As the school year approaches, it’s time for a healthy new start. Make sure your child is ready for the classroom and the playing field with a back-to-school checkup.
Salem Health Medical Clinics’ experienced teams can detect and prevent common health issues that make school harder for kids, such as vision and hearing problems or potential allergies, plus make sure your youngster’s vaccines are up-to-date.
For a smooth and healthy transition back to school, visit the Salem Health Medical Clinics in Dallas and Monmouth, or the Central Health and Wellness Center in Independence.
• Sept. 24 - vs Silverton
• Sept. 26 - at Corvallis
• Oct. 1 - at Lebanon
• Oct. 3 - vs West Albany
• Oct. 5 - vs Barlow, non league tournament, 8 a.m.
• Oct. 8 - vs Crescent Valley
• Oct. 9 - at Silverton
• Oct. 15 - vs Woodburn
• Oct. 22 - vs Corvallis
• Oct. 24 - at Crescent Valley
Boys Soccer
• All matches at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 3 - vs Hillsboro
• Sept. 5 - vs Franklin
• Sept. 10 - at Tigard
• Sept. 17 - vs Barlow
• Sept. 24 - at Canby
• Oct. 1 - vs South Albany
• Oct. 3 - at McKay
• Oct. 8 - vs Woodburn
• Oct. 17 - vs Silverton
• Oct. 22 - at Corvallis, 7:15 p.m.
• Oct. 24 - vs Lebanon
• Oct.29 - vs West Albany
• Oct. 31 - at Crescent Valley Girls Soccer
• All matches at 7 p.m. unless noted
• Sept. 4 - at Parkrose, 4:30 p.m.
• Sept. 10 - vs Clackamas
• Sept. 12 - at Roosevelt24
• Sept. 17 - at McDaniel
• Sept. 24 - vs Reynolds
• Oct. 1 - at South Albany
• Oct. 3 - vs McKay
• Oct. 8 - at Woodburn, 6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 10 - vs Dallas
• Oct. 17 - at Silverton, 7:15 p.m.
• Oct. 22 - vs Corvallis • Oct. 24 - at Lebanon
• Oct. 29 - at West
Albany
• Oct. 31 - vs Crescent Valley
salemhealth.org/primary-care Save time — make an appointment
TOWN CRIER
Community Calendar August 21-28
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
• 6:30 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
Thursday, Aug. 22
• 8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center
• 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.
River Gallery hosts Associates Show
River Gallery’s Associates Show runs through September. The show features 10 River Gallery associates who cover a wide range of interests and mediums: photography, painting, metalwork, ceramics and fiber arts. It is River Gallery’s first show since August renovations. Samples of the associates’ work can be seen on River Gallery’s “Artists” page at www.rivergalleryart.com.
Local associate artists being featured are Rich Bergeman, Morgen Brodie, Marla Brummer, Pat Cochran, Dean Hanson, Jim Hockenhull, Jo Hockenhull and Nathelle Norfleet.
St. Philip Catholic Church offers Tai Chi
The St. Philip Catholic Church offers the class Tai Chi - Moving for Better Balance every Monday and Wednesday Sept. 9 - Nov. 27 at their Dallas location, 825
SW Mill St. Learn basic Tai Chi forms to improve balance, strength, mobility and lower the risk of falls. Registration for the free classes, with beginners welcome, is limited to the first 20 people. For more information or to register, call (833) 673-9355.
• 1 p.m. - Genealogy Assistance. Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.
• 5 p.m. - Live Music: Robert Mead (Beatles), 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. - Get Lit Book Club meets at Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St.
Friday, Aug. 23
• 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. – 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
• 1 p.m. - Movie Matinee: “Mama Mia!”, Monmouth Senior Center
• 6 p.m. - Live Music: Ted Vaughn Blues Reunion Tour, Redgate
MICC hosts restaurant tour Aug. 24
The MonmouthIndependence 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 information, go to www.micc-or.org.
Democrats invite state fair visitors to their booth
The Democratic Party of Oregon will have a booth at the Oregon State Fair Aug. 23 through Sept. 1. The Polk County Democrats are sponsoring Friday, Aug. 23. Everyone is welcome to stop by and say hello, pick up some campaign literature, bumper stickers and other fun stuff.
Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence
• 6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley
Highway S.
• 7 p.m. - Live Music:
Dave Upton, Dry Town Tap Station, 180 Main St., Monmouth
• 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
• 4 p.m. - Dallas Public Safety Committee meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.
• 4 p.m. - Dallas Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.
• 5 p.m.Independence Library
Community Briefs
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
Board meeting, Independence Library, 175 Monmouth St.
• 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
• 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
• 1 p.m. - Senior Advisory Board Meeting, Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S Warren St.
• 6 p.m. - Belly Dancing for Fun & Fitness, Monmouth Senior Center
• 6 p.m. - Free Movie Night for Adults: “Clue”, with free popcorn, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.
• 6 p.m. - Monmouth Historic Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.
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 Siletz Tribe.
Last year the churches provided around 600 backpacks and school supplies to students and expect to see even more this year.
Dallas Evangelical Bible Church hosts blood drive Aug. 26
A national blood emergency was declared on Aug.
• 7:30 p.m. - Basics of Social Dance, Monmouth Senior Center
Wednesday, Aug. 28
• 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.
• 9:30 a.m. - Seniors’ Trip to Oregon State Fair, meet at Monmouth Senior Center
• 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: Coming Up Threes (Celtic), Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth
• 6:30 p.m.Independence City Council meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.
5th by the American Red Cross. A shortfall of 19,000 blood donations in the last month has caused the blood supply to plummet by 25% since July 1. Help ensure that patients across the country will receive lifesaving medical treatment. Register to donate at Evangelical Bible Church, 1175 SE Holman St, Dallas, on Aug. 26, from noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-733-2767.
Donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email.
4-H offers Four Nights at the Forge class Aug. 26-29
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.
Mildred Ann and Charles A. Holmstrom
Mildred (Millie) Ann Holmstrom, 89, passed away at home in Salem, Oregon, on May 31, 2024.
Born to Sam and Aili Kangas in Mass, MI, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Holmstrom, in 1952. They enjoyed a long, adventurous marriage of 72 years.
Millie had a successful career with the Kaiser Aluminum Corp as their personal relations administrator. After retirement she enjoyed homemaking, cooking and traveling with Charlie, especially back to Ontonagon, Michigan, to be with family.
Charles A. (Charlie) Holmstrom, 92, died June 27, 2024, at Salem Hospital. Born March 25, 1932, to Karl and Jennie in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. After high school in Mass., Michigan, he married Millie Kangas and they moved to California where he became an auditor for the Department of Defense. He started a successful arborist company before retiring and moving to Salem. Even in retirement Charlie continued to help others in whatever way he could.
Charlie and Millie were devoted to each other and actively served their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in their local church. They were loved by all who knew them.
Their Celebration of Life will be Aug. 31, 2024, at 10 a.m. at West Hills Community Church 1650 Brush College Rd NW, Salem, Oregon.
Dec. 24, 1940 - Aug. 11, 2024
Darlene Westbrook passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 11, 2024 in Dallas, Oregon, at the age of 83. She was born Dec. 24, 1940, in Woodburn, Oregon, to Willis Richard May and Dessie Frances (Vinson) May.
The seventh of seven children, she spent most of her childhood where she attended school in Vernonia, Oregon. At the age of 18, Darlene met the love of her life Ben Westbrook at a Jerry Lee Lewis concert in Roseburg, Oregon, then married in 1960.
In 1964, Darlene and Ben moved and settled in Vernonia, Oregon, where they raised their three children - daughter Debbie and sons Bill and Jim.
From 1975 to 1980, Darlene worked for the HeadStart school program and drove the school bus.
In 1980, Darlene started employment with Intel Technology as a computer chip assembler, retiring in 1990.
Darlene’s enjoyments and interests were being a homemaker, taking care of her beautiful family, watching sports, camping and being an avid reader.
Darlene and Ben moved to Dallas, Oregon, in 2003 to enjoy retirement and travel.
Darlene is survived by her husband of 64 years Ben Westbrook; her three children, Debbie Williams and husband Thad, Bill Westbrook, and Jim Westbrook and wife Arlene. We can’t forget Mark Lamping who she loved like a son.
She is also survived by two grandchildren, Kara Holcombe and husband Daniel and Jonathon Phillips; four step-grandchildren, Karri Toutikian and husband Aram, Amy Salvatori and husband Bryan, Kyle Sellars and wife Colleen, and Bryce Friesen; one great-granddaughter, Kensington Holcombe; and seven step great-grandchildren, Zoey, Lukas, Hunter, Connor, Logan, Jayse and John.
Services in Loving Memory to Honor Darlene will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Bollman’s Tribute Center, 287 SW Washington St., Dallas, Oregon 97338.
Darlene will be remembered as a loving wife, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her spirit of love will continue to inspire those who knew her and she will be deeply missed.
Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family. www. BollmansTributeCenter.com.
Janet Lee DiBartolomeo
June 26, 1946 - Aug. 8, 2024
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we convey Janet Lee DiBartolomeo passed away on Aug. 8, 2024. Janet was born on June 26, 1946, to Merle and Darlene (Peterson) Combs in Salem, Oregon. She attended South Salem High School and then California State University in Chico. Jan met the love of her life, Carmine DiBartolomeo, in Dillon, Colorado, in 2002 while he was visiting friends. They were married at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado in 2004 and shared four children between them. She worked as a designer for Jack Reese Interiors in Kansas City, Missouri, and as a police administrative assistant for the Town of Dillon Police Department. Janet retired from that position in 2015.
In her spare time, Janet loved to quilt -- she was the best quilter ever. She was a member of the Peace-Makers Quilting Group. Janet also loved decorative painting, embroidery, gardening and
traveling. She was the most positive, loving and giving person with an infectious smile. As the wonderful person she was, her mantra was “Enter a stranger, leave as a friend.”
Janet was so thankful for all of the generous help, love and support that was shown to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference during a trying time.
Janet leaves her love, Carmine; her daughters, Krista Mobley and Jodi DiBartolomeo; her sons, Mitchell Mobley and Brian DiBartolomeo; her sister, Ronna Gorman (Gregg); her brother, Allen Combs (Connie); five granddaughters and grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Restlawn Funeral Home (201 N Oak Grove Rd, Salem, Oregon 97304). Light refreshments will be provided after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janet’s name to SalemHealthFoundation.org and cancer research.
Frances Kosko
Dec. 15, 1947 - Aug. 11, 2024
Frances Lee Wheelock Kosko left this beautiful world on Aug. 11, 2024; she was 76 years old. Fran is survived by son Christopher Thomas, daughter Jennifer Lee, grandchildren Alec, Julian, Ayla (husband James), Cecilia (husband David/”DJ”) and Austin, plus two well-loved great-grandchildren, Oliver and Carter. She was preceded in death by daughter Elizabeth Ann.
Fran was born on Dec. 15, 1947, in Auburn, Washington, and grew up in the small town of Buckley. She was lucky to be the daughter of Lee and Marian (Streeper) Wheelock. She loved but tried to ignore her two younger brothers, Mark and Warren, and enjoyed the life of freedom that living in a rural setting in the 1950s allowed children. Her favorite pastime was to climb a tree with a book and spend the day.
Marrying her college sweetheart and hometown boy, Ken, was the best decision she ever made. They shared a lifetime with their children and the many friends they gathered around them in their Monmouth, Oregon, home. There was always enough food to feed whoever walked through the door, and their goal was to build a foundation of happy memories for their family and friends.
Whether it was Camp Kosko for the kids, at least 40 4th of July celebrations with everyone they knew or the many dinners and holiday
parties, the house was always full, and Fran and Ken loved the sound of laughter in their home.
Second only to her love of family and friends was her love of books. The Monmouth Public Library was close to her heart, and she spent many wonderful years working behind the circulation desk, recommending books to anyone who asked and enjoying generations of young readers. Ken always said that Fran could cook, vacuum or bathe a child with a book in the other hand.
If you would like to donate to the Monmouth Friends of the Public Library in her name, she would have loved that. But more than anything, Fran would be happy to know that you spent time with someone you love, taking a ride, sharing a meal, watching a movie, any of the small pleasures of life that are the building blocks to happiness.
And finally, one of Fran’s favorite quotes, best describes her deep love and appreciation for her husband, Kenneth Andrew Kosko, also deceased: “When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, And he shall be the face of heaven so fine
That all world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Tommie Gitchel
Oct. 19, 1949 - July 26, 2024
Tommie Lee Gitchel passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, surrounded by friends and family at Salem Hospital.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Christine (Zumwalt) of 37 years. He is survived by his wife Diana (Fisher); daughters Tina and Chrissie; grandchildren Jake, Marcus, Coty, Luke, Spencer, Axtin and Taylor; and great grandchildren Carson, Synnova and Zachary.
Born Oct. 19, 1949, in San Joaquin County, California, he grew up with numerous brothers and sisters and lived in various places along the west coast including Salem, Oregon.
Tommie enlisted in the US Navy Oct. 10, 1969. He served for four years as a baker on the USS enterprise before his honorable discharge Dec. 27, 1973.
He married his wife Christine in November of 1969. During their years together they had a profound love that was witnessed by all of those around them including their two daughters and
grandchildren. The two were inseparable until Christine’s untimely passing in 2006.
Affectionately known as “Wubba” by many, he spent much of his adult life in Arlington, Washington. He worked at the Weyerhaeuser Mill in Arlington for more than 35 years before working for the city of Stanwood until his retirement.
A very intelligent and handy man, he enjoyed working on cars and tinkering in the shop. He accomplished many things including building a house and a shop, all while teaching his children and grandchildren along the way.
Tom married Diana in 2008. They moved to Dallas, Oregon, in 2018 where he spent the remainder of his life.
During this period of his life, he enjoyed being close to his sisters Sandy (19482023), Thelma and Trish. He also cherished visits from family and friends including Diana’s brother Bill Fisher and his wife Sharon of New Mexico as well as his dear friend of over 50 years Danny Zumwalt and his wife Frankie of Washington. Between these visits he was grateful for the company of his neighbors including his friend Ron. You could often find him throwing the ball for his beloved dog Harley and spending quality time with his wife Diana for whom he had a fervent love. Tom and Diana had a devoted love that was consistently demonstrated by their invincible bond. He would often reflect on how deeply he loved Diana and how lucky he had been to have her by his side.
Wubba was a kind-hearted and often ornery man who loved those close to him fiercely. Those close to him loved him dearly and will continue to hold him and his memory close to their heart.
Steven Kent Roby Feb. 23, 1952 - July 25, 2024 Steven K Roby died peacefully at home on July 26 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife Beth and their three children S. Andrew (Geta) Roby of Rusca, Montana, Romania; Matthew (Nichole) Roby of Nashville, Tennessee; and Anne Roby of Nashville, Tennessee; 15 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Malynda Pries.
Steven was born Feb. 23, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Thomas Mark and Vera Madelyn Roby and moved to Oregon at an early age. He attended schools in Salem and graduated from Salem Academy in 1970. Steven
enlisted in the Army in
the Fall of 1970, married his high school sweetheart in September 1972, and was honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1975. Steven spent much of his career in sales and marketing at various companies, traveling around the United States with trips to England and Japan. He enjoyed life as a salesman but was always happy coming back home. Steven was secretary at Bridgeport Community Chapel at the time of his death.
Steven loved his God and cherished his family and friends. He valued relationships and was always ready and willing to take time for people. He loved stepping in to help anyone with a need - he loved solving people’s problems. He loved and appreciated his church family and served by leading worship services, going on mission trips to Mexico, volunteering at Camp Risen Son, and helping with the Bridgeport Chapel annual garage sale. He was a man who wore many hats, and always encouraged and supported those around him.
His greatest joy was being Husband, Dad and Papa.
A celebration of life will be held at Bridgeport Community Chapel, Dallas, Oregon, Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. Contributions can be made to Bridgeport Chapel.
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Darlene Westbrook
Letters to the editor
Break
fossil fuel companies of their monopoly
As the country and the rest of the world experience another year of scorching heat waves, private forprofit utility companies — who we rely upon for our basic necessities like heating, cooling and electricity — are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits.
When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: they power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often, they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.
We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80% of electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.
Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these private, for-profit companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark. Utility companies are charging us more while they get paid off by
the fossil fuel industry to block the transition to renewable energy.
Utility companies have gotten away with profiting at the expense of people and our planet for too long. It’s time we hold them accountable and demand they stop using our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable energy.
Jaime Ramirez Dallas
Vote Scott Hooper for Oregon Senate Dist. 12
Local voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate for Oregon Senate District 12, Scott Hooper, who can help bridge some of the current divisions which exist in our politics. As evidence, Scott has endorsements from both sides of the gun debate. His aim is to work for all Oregonians on issues of concern to all of us. He’ll be a great improvement over our last senator, who walked away. Scott has my vote, and I hope he has yours.
Dale Derouin
Dallas
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor should contain at most 350 words. The Polk Itemizer-Observer reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject any letter to the editor. Letters published in The Itemizer-Observer will also be published online. Letters to the editor and guest columns must include your first and last name, city or town or residence, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters endorsing candidates or campaign issues must be received no later than ten days before an election. Letters written by candidates will not be accepted. Letters to the editor should be the author’s work. We strongly discourage and will attempt to weed out form letters, letters mailed to other news outlets, or letters written and edited by a third party, including but not limited to political parties. We try to restrict the printing of one submission per author per month. We do not publish anonymous letters, personal attacks, personal complaints, poetry, consumer complaints, or letters written in bad taste. To send a letter: Mail: Editor, Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, OR 97338. Email: ionews@polkio.com. Office: 147 SE Court St., Dallas.
The misplaced priorities of political fundraising
By NATALIE WOOD
In an era when millions struggle to make ends meet, the staggering sums raised for political campaigns stand as a stark reminder of our misaligned priorities. Recent election cycles have seen billions of dollars poured into candidate coffers, while poverty continues to grip communities across the nation.
Consider the numbers: In this year’s election, candidates will spend a projected $10 billion for ads alone. Meanwhile, more than 37 million Americans live below the poverty line, facing daily challenges to secure food, housing and healthcare.
This disparity raises a crucial question: What if even a fraction of these campaign funds were redirected to addressing pressing social needs?
The potential impact is profound:
Housing: No family should be sleeping on the streets – but they are. More than a million Americans experience homelessness on any given night. Campaign billions could put roofs over their heads.
Education: No child should be denied a quality education because of their zip code – but they are.
Millions of students attend underfunded schools. Political war chests could form thousands of minds.
Healthcare: No one should die from treatable illnesses – but they do. Tens of thousands of Americans perish yearly because of a lack of health coverage. Campaign fortunes could save countless lives.
Jobs: No hardworking individual should live in poverty – but they do. More than 37 million Americans live below the poverty line. Election funds could create pathways to dignified, living-wage employment.
Infrastructure: No community should lack basic services in 21st century America – but they do.
Millions live without reliable internet, safe roads, or clean water.
Political millions could rebuild forgotten towns and neighborhoods.
By LUCIE WINBORNE
• When
was its own sovereign
in the mid-1800s, it briefly had a diplomatic mission in Paris.
• In 1939, George Bernard Dantzig, a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, arrived late for a statistics class and copied the two problems on the blackboard, assuming they were the homework, then handed them in a few days later. Several weeks afterward, he was awakened by his professor’s excited knock at the door: The “homework” was actually
CORRECTIONS
If you see anything that requires a correction or clarification, call the newsroom at 503-623-2373 or send an email to dhayes@polkio.com
WEATHER
Food Security: No child should go to bed hungry – but they do. More than 9 million children in the U.S. face food insecurity. The price of a few campaign ads could fill their plates for months.
These facts highlight the stark contrast between campaign spending and pressing social needs, emphasizing the human cost of our current priorities.
The absence of widespread outrage over this misallocation of resources is puzzling. Perhaps it’s due to the normalization of exorbitant campaign spending, or a sense of powerlessness in the face of entrenched political systems.
However, there are signs of growing discontent. Grassroots movements advocating for campaign finance reform and increased focus on social issues are gaining traction. Some politicians have made a point of rejecting large donations from political action committees and running on smaller-dollar contributions.
As citizens, we must demand better. We should challenge candidates to justify their fundraising in light of pressing social needs. We should support reforms that limit campaign spending and amplify the voice of ordinary voters over wealthy donors. Ultimately, a republic that allows vast sums to be spent on political theater while neglecting the basic needs of its citizens is a republic in crisis. It’s time to realign our priorities and invest in the wellbeing of all members of society, not just attempt to influence those seeking office. If you believe in policy for fighting poverty, give some money to candidates who support that, but also give directly to organizations that do the work.
The funds spent on campaigns could transform lives and communities. The real question is: Do we have the collective will to make it happen?
Wood is executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon.
unsolved problems in statistics that Dantzig had managed to prove.
• Since avocados never ripen on trees, farmers can use the trees as a way to store and keep the fruit fresh for up to seven months.
• Maine is the closest U.S. state to Africa.
• It’s a sweetly romantic tradition for the post offices of Romeo, Michigan, and Juliette, Georgia, to offer a special dual postmark leading up to Valentine’s Day.
• As comedian Bob Hope lay on his deathbed in 2003, his wife Dolores asked where he’d like to be buried. His reply? “Surprise me.”
• The three dots on the Domino’s Pizza logo represent the chain’s three original locations. Co-founder Tom Monaghan originally planned to add a new dot for every pizzeria he opened.
• England’s King Richard the Lionheart spent a mere six months of his 10-year reign in England, being there only briefly in 1189 and 1194.
• At the end of 1914, when Russia was fighting in World War I, the country’s army had 6,553,000 men, but just 4,652,000 rifles.
Thought for the Day: “Happy is the person who knows what to remember of the past, what to enjoy in the present and what to plan for in the future”
– Arnold H. Glasow
$90 million
From Page A1
depending on what resolution amount the board passed.
Specific projects ranged from new playgrounds to improved athletic facilities, air conditioning at Independence and Ash Creek elementary schools, and an addition at Talmadge Middle School
Teachers
Expand their geology education in Vietnam
From Page A1
whole country during twoweeks there.”
McGuffee had been on previous excursions through CGEO, also known as “institutes.” Most recently the Institute of Megalopolis, a trek that took his group from Washington, D.C. north through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
“It was like four graduate credits in two weeks. These institutes are intense. You go, go, go. You don’t have much downtime,” McGuffee said.
He’s also been on institutes where the CGEO sponsored PCC mapping with emphasis on drones.
“I’m a geographer. I teach aerodynamics with drones as an elective. So that was an all right one I went on,” McGuffee said. “It’s free to take these institutes. You learn more and more and more and become a better teacher.”
to add classroom and CTE (career-technical education) space. The $90 million option includes building a new elementary school to replace Monmouth’s aging structure.
Wahl reminded the board that decisions about specific projects will be made based on the priorities established through the board work sessions and board sub-committees and the Long Range Facilities Plan.
Director Susan Graham noted that the Bond
of their institutes. This year, he chose Vietnam, after the planned trip to Egypt was canceled due to the Hamas attack on Israel.
McGuffee was joined by new teacher Braxton McFarland, a 23-year-old recent Western Oregon University graduate, still looking for his first job in a classroom.
With extra time on his hands over the summer break, McFarland, a Dallas resident, applied to CGEO and was surprised to be accepted. The two didn’t realize they were both from Polk County until in country.
Once off the plane, they’re assigned a full-time tour guide who has a set schedule and stuck the 14 co-travelers to it.
“She went by the name of Happy. She took us every place and kept us learning. Not just pointing it out to us. Letting us as fellow geology teachers and history teachers, discuss the sights,” McGuffee said, adding the learning never stopped as each of their fellow travelers had something to learn from.
Development Committee considered larger bond options to replace two elementary schools, but focused on replacing Monmouth Elementary School and the $100 million mark.
Director Steve Moser said that the board has an opportunity to consider a bond for $90 million, which won’t significantly affect the tax levy rate from last year, and get everything on the priority list done.
then see it in person. How you get a true sense of a place,” McGuffee said.
As they traveled from Hanoi, down the coast through the Mai Chau Valley, to Hoa and finally Ho Chin Min City. McGuffee was struck by how he had to unlearn a misconception about the country.
“I was thinking it was being right along the edge of being a third-world country. It’s not. It’s actually fairly modern,” McGuffee explained. “You get down to Ho Chi Min City, there’s actual skyscrapers.”
McFarland added he went into the trip with his own preconceived notion of Vietnam’s economy, coming away with a completely different picture.
Director Wahl made a motion to pass Resolution 24-10, authorizing general obligation bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $90 million. Director Moser seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The ballot title includes establishing a community oversight committee.
Shannon Ball, community member, parent, and member of Long Range Planning Committee, Bond Development Committee,
and CSD Facilities Education Committee, spoke during public comment. She said that the district should be specific in its project lists, and encouraged the board to be fiscally responsible.
“I want to make it clear to the board and the community that I believe we need to pass a bond to invest in and support our facilities,” Ball said.
“Opportunities only come around every so often to pass a bond, and we can’t afford to put a measure in front of
our voters and have it be unsuccessful.”
She encouraged the board to use the 175 word summary to be as specific as possible. The board will discuss the membership of this citizen oversight committee, as well as specific projects at its Aug. 26 board retreat.
Watch the Aug. 14 CSD 13J Special Board Meeting online at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XGc_rUChz2s.
For more information about the Center for Geography Education in Oregon, go to www.pdx.edu/ geography-education/. B
Members of CGEO attend a Geofest every March, listening to breakout sessions and keynote speakers about geology. Then, they’re invited to apply for an almost all expenses paid trip on one
“It was just an amazing trip from the amount of information you gather just from talking to each other while you’re there. You can’t understand a place until you actually read about, see pictures,
“There were markets scattered everywhere. But some of the history of the economy our tour guide was telling us, up until early 2000, their main mode of transportation was bicycles,” McFarland said. “In 2010 was boom for mopeds. Mopeds were everywhere. And cars are starting to trickle in here and there. So, economics I felt was normal. It felt like being in America. The further south you went, the more westernized economically it was.”
Their trip wasn’t spent entirely on the road. The group shared fully catered family style Vietnamese
meals, excursions by kayak around the bays, and even walking tours. McGuffee explored Hanoi by foot, while McFarland when underground to take in the Cu Chi tunnels. They were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat in the Vietnam War.
“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work, too,” McGuffee said. “They get their money’s worth out of you.”
“It’s a rough schedule. Every day we did some kind of tour – a historical site, or some sort of temple. You also had the opportunity for optional tours, like extra $30. Few hours of down time for
that day. Usually get dinner. Wrap up day. Then next day, do it all over again,” McFarland added.
The funding for CGEO’s come mostly from the Gray Family Foundation. McGuffee said CGEO pays for everything except food, incidentals and optional tours.
“In return, you have to try to do a media event (mission accomplished) and you have to as group do ‘story map’ of the five things of geography - movement, location, place, region, human environmental interactions,” he said. “Place was mine, Braxton’s was movement.”
“It was cool,” McFarland said. “I’ve always wanted to visit that country. I like that culture. And love war history.”
“I had Asian history as a member of the Navy,” McGuffee added. “The only place I didn’t go was Vietnam. It’s an interesting way to start off a career (indicating McFarland). You take as a memory and use that experience to help you teach.”
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Jerry McGuffee, a Luckimute Valley Charter School teacher, goes off the beaten tourism path to explore Vietnam by round boat during a enter for Geography Education in Oregon summer excursion.
Embracing past brings big returns to concert series
By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer
Soon after the pandemic, organizers of the River’s Edge Summer Series made a change that dramatically altered the concerts’ crowd sizes.
According to Vidal Pena, who has emceed the series the past three years, local bands playing original music were featured that first year back.
“It wasn’t that the artists weren’t talented; they were. They just weren’t as recognized,” Pena said. “There would be crowds. But it wouldn’t be 5,000 people. It would be, you know, a thousand people.”
But then Alex Trevino, a Central High graduate, and Jason Fellman, of J-Fell Presents, teamed up to bring top-level tribute acts to the Riverview Park amphitheater. Tributes have since dominated the summer line-up.
Expect that domination to continue.
“Tribute bands are more popular now than ever before.
But the trajectory of ticket sales and attendance varies greatly by market,” Fellman said. “The growth of the River’s Edge series is definitely on the right side of that equation with (its) exceptional annual attendance.”
This year’s attendance reportedly averaged between 1,500 and 2,000 paid fans per concert. Attendance from previous summer concerts is not known because, unlike this year, admission was by donation. The $5 charge per person was implemented this year, which allowed for better tracking.
Quality on stage is assured because Fellman holds the bands he manages to certain standards.
“Not only do they have to look and sound like the band. They’re very professional,”
Pena said. “That’s the beauty of tribute bands. You’re getting the sounds of Guns N’ Roses, or AC/DC or whatnot. But they’re starting on time. Nobody’s loaded, And it’s a very professional show, not like in the 80s and 90s. You know, big rock shows, bottles of whiskey flying everywhere.”
Fans aren’t the only ones enjoying the show.
“River’s Edge has an excellent reputation in the Northwest. I get countless requests from bands that want to be a part of the series because it’s so well promoted, well attended,” Fellman said. “The community is highly engaged, and super friendly, and (Trevino) runs an extremely well organized program.”
Fellman describes himself as the talent agent and Trevino the promoter. Also involved is the city of Independence, he added.
Not that tribute acts are a new idea. They’ve been on the local scene for some 20 years.
“Tribute bands have been here since about 2005, 2006. At that time, I was booking bands for Lenora’s Ghost (a local bar). I was booking a Guns N’ Roses tribute band, and it was always sold out,” Pena said. “From there it just started spreading, to different genres of music. Different famous bands started getting their own tribute bands.” Cleveland, Ohio, may be home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But if that esteemed institution ever launched a road show a la Alan Freed, the famed disc jockey, it would be hard pressed to match the line-ups delivered by Trevino and Fellman.
They were faux Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, AC/DC, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd,
Def Leppard and Van Halen. This doesn’t include tributes like Budokan (Cheap Trick) that opened for Best of Both Worlds.
Taken by the Sky (Fleetwood Mac) is the only tribute to play here the past two summers. Their return didn’t go unnoticed. Reportedly some 2,000 fans packed the amphitheater. No other band here generated a larger crowd in 2024, reportedly.
Bassist Brian Link said TBS enjoyed the experience as well.
“What a great spot for a summer concert series. Great sound, great food vendors, beautiful surroundings and not a bad seat in the venue,” Link said. “I see why it’s so popular.”
The synergy between band and fans is an added benefit.
“Independence has one of the biggest and most enthusiastic crowds that we see all year,” Link said. “Last year we were completely blown away by all the excitement and energy coming back at us. I can’t believe that this year was even better.”
Jim Smoltz is lead guitarist for Best of Both Worlds (Van Halen). He agrees with Link about the crowd-band dynamics.
“The crowd was fantastic and over the top, which creates a lot of energy as a performer. It’s like getting 150 percent out of us due to that added energy,” Smoltz said. “You’d never guess we were playing at such a small community by the size of the crowd.”
Smoltz knows tributes aren’t the original goods, but they can still deliver performances that are transcendent.
“We need to recreate people’s memories of the band. So we all try to act, sound and look just like the original
members, being humble enough to know that we can only come close to what they’ve done,” Smoltz said. “But when we get really close it’s magic.”
Link knows the power of a tribute band from a fan’s perspective. He remembers seeing Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) many years ago.
“I’ve always been a big Grateful Dead fan, but was too young to have ever experienced one of their concerts,” Link said. ”When I first saw DSO I closed my eyes, let my imagination carry me to the Fillmore in San Francisco on a night when the band was playing at the top of their game.”
Link wants to pilot his fans on a similar voyage.
“I hope that our fans can share that same experience,” he said. “From the feedback we’ve been getting, it seems
Lions Club wins battle of classic cars versus Mother Nature
13th Cruise-In rakes in $5,000 for youth vision screenings
By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer
Classic car owners are a fickle group. While they love sharing their “darlings” with others, they are also at the whims of Mother Nature.
Her display of some early morning thunder and lighting scared off a good chunk of regulars for the 13th Central Lions Club Cruise-In Car Show Aug. 17 at Riverview Park. But not all.
“We still had 101 entries, about 60 off average, and 80 fewer than last year,” said Danny Jaffer, President Central Lions Club. “Due to the weather. People got worried about the rain. We’ve had that happen. Several years ago, we had a show of fewer than 100 for that very reason. Turned out to be a great day. But these car owners get nervous. Especially if there is a threat of hail.”
2024 Central Lions Club
• Best Interior - 1955 Chevy Del Ray, Ken Clark, Albany
• Best Paint - 1938 Chevy Coupe, Dan Burgess, Salem
• Best Engine - 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, Troy Skinner, Salem
• Favorite Pick-up/Truck/SUV - 1959 Chevy El Camino, John Pecorilla, Eugene
• Favorite Import - 1973 VW Bus, Danny & Hudson Johnston, Salem
• Favorite Sports Car - 1966 Sunbeam Tiger, Russ Colgon, Salem
• Favorite Unfinished Project - 1960 Ford Falcon, Carrie & Kevin Christensen, Salem
“We had more pre-1930 cars than we have ever had, which was interesting, considering that the total number of cars was down from last year,” Jaffer said.
For example, it was Blake Brown’s red 1911 Maxwell AB that drew onlookers. He recently acquired the twoseater along with a blue 1912 Metz Model 22.
The annual show still attracted many makes and vintages, the oldest being a 1911 Maxwell, and the newest being a 2023 Corvette.
“I went to Longwood, Washington, to buy the Maxwell. But the owner kind of pulled a bait and switch on me and only offered the Metz,” Brown said. “But about a week later, the owner called, probably feeling guilty,
and threw in the Maxwell as a package deal.”
His Metz won one of 18 awards judges presented that day, favorite car 1929 or older.
• Favorite Rat Rod, 1934 Chevy Coupe, Marty Parker, Dallas
• Favorite 2000–23 - 2023 Chevy Corvette, Richard Vejnoska, Eugene
• Favorite 1980-99 - 1983 Chev. S-10 Pickup, Wayne Hooper, Sweet Home
• Favorite 1970-79 - 1979 Dodge PU (Lil’ Red Express), Terry Wilmeth, Amity
• Longest drive - 1968 Shelby GT500KR, John Clarenbach, Eugene
• Lions Club President’s Award - 1929 Ford Speedster Race Car, Bill Cote, Corvallis
• Best of Show - 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, Bill Cozart, Keizer See LIONS, page B3
like people have been feeling some of that magic because they keep coming back and bringing their friends.”
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
Jim Smoltz does his best impersonation of Eddie Van Halen. Smoltz is lead guitarist for Best of Both Worlds, a Van Halen tribute act. They performed as part of the River’s Edge Summer Series earlier this month.
PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON
Brian Link and Jessa Campbell of Taken by the Sky, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act, perform during last month’s concert at Riverview Park in Independence. TBS delivered some 2,000 fans to their show, a season high for the series.
Even with fewer entries, Jaffer said the Central Lions Club still earned around
PAGES OF THE PAST FLASHBACK
50 years ago
Aug. 21, 1974
Burglars hit church
A break-in and unsuccessful attempt to open an office safe at the EMB Church was investigated by Dallas city police last Thursday following the discovery of the crime by the church janitor. Police determined that a suspect or suspects pried a front basement window on the church with a screwdriver, entered the basement of the church and then pried open the door to the office. They attempted to open the office safe, but only managed to saw and pry the hinges off and damage the dial.
Lighting installed for tennis courts
Thanks to the cooperative effort of the Dallas City Council and the Dallas School Board, electric lights are now available at the tennis courts on East Ash Street. Special recognition is given to Don Duman, Customer and Technical Representative of Pacific Power and Light Company for his untiring effort to design the facility and coordinate the project.
Lap-a-thon raises $
The Dallas Blue Dolphin Swim Club held a Dolphin Lap-A-Thon to raise money for winter swim season on Aug. 10 and earned the club $430 in pledges. The swimmer swimming for the highest total per lap was Stephanie who had $1.10 pledged for each of the 100 laps she swam. The swimmers swimming the most laps were Tom Muller -- 320 laps, Troy Abel -- 270 laps, Pam Fairchild -210 laps.
40 years ago
Aug. 22, 1984
Dallas awarded for street safety
There hasn’t been a pedestrian fatality in Dallas for 10 years, according to a Triple A “Award of Achievement” statistic. The AAA’s pedestrian program attempts to enhance public awareness on pedestrian safety.
Independence water approved
Voters overwhelmingly authorized the city to purchase its water system Aug. 14 by issuing $1.19 million in revenue bonds. The measure was approved 348 to 29, allowing the city to purchase,
Community Achievement
This
operate and maintain the city water system, currently owned by Paceific Power & Light Company.
from
county fairgrounds.
Polk County Fair proves ‘excellent’ “Excellent” is the word used by Elinore Boese, Polk County Fair manager, to describe last week’s 65th annual Polk County Fair.
Grocery Outlet food drive replenishes food supply
Dallas Grocery Outlet Owner Jason Thornton loads a pallet of food into Dallas Food Bank volunteer George Boyce’s truck. Grocery Outlet’s Independence from Hunger campaign provided nearly $9,800 in food and funds to fight local food insecurity.
Thanks to Grocery Outlet’s month-long Independence from Hunger Drive, the shelves at Dallas Food Bank are much fuller than they were. More than 1,250 pounds of canned chili, soup, ravioli, mixed vegetables and fruit were loaded up for delivery to the food bank on Aug. 6. Over the month of July, $9,778 in food and funds were raised. It was a community-wide effort that included Grocery
Outlet customers, Dallas Fire & EMS and Police departments that squared off in the Second Annual Battle of the Badges. Local businesses that matched customer cash donations, including Mitch Ratzlaff/State Farm Insurance, Jeff and Bonnie Beck, Oregon State Credit Union, Synergize Auto and Karma Coffee Bar & Bakery.
“It is a glorious sight to have full shelves at least for a while,” said food bank
treasurer Eddie Nelson. “This food donation will last us about one month.”
Since January 2024, Dallas Food Bank has served nearly 1,600 people each month. It has been challenging to stretch the available food supply to meet the needs of the Dallas community.
“We see hundreds of families regularly, but we’re also seeing dozens of new families each month that are seeking food assistance for the first
time with us. Rising costs for housing and other basic necessities are hitting families hard,” Nelson said. “It’s hard to keep up with the need.
Grocery Outlet’s donation is greatly appreciated.”
Tax-deductible donations to Dallas Food Bank are accepted online at www.dallasfoodbank.com/or by mail at 322 Main St., Ste. 180, Dallas, OR 97338. Dallas Food Bank is an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit.
annual
Boese said attendance totaled 32,932 during the fair’s Thursday through Sunday run. “Everything just seemed to run smoothly,” Boese said. “People were happy. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Weather was perfect, friends enjoyed talking to one another, the exhibits were excellent and the food was delicious.”
Aug. 21 - 28 Answer key. Puzzles can be found on page B9
week’s flashback is
Aug. 22, 1984: Mike Fairchild celebrates his 11th birthday Friday with Alpine and Nubian goats “Classy Cassie” and “Pollyanna” in honor of the
Round-up for Heifer Project at the
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Fiesta brings together community
L ions Club wins battle of classic cars
From Page B1
$5,000 for various Lions charities and projects. The funds go primarily toward vision screening for school children.
“The Lion’s Club is the largest screener of grade school children (first, third and fifth graders) in the country. And the Oregon Lions is the largest of those. We screen more in state than any other state does. Straight up numbers. Not per capita,” Jaffer said. He added through the support and generosity of car owners and sponsors, over the past 13 years Central Lions Club Cruise-In and Car show has raised over $65,000 in support of local and statewide Lions Club charities. In addition to the vision screening, they also purchase eyeglasses, hearing tests and hearing aids for those who can’t afford them, Pediatric Cancer Research, disaster relief, environmental restoration projects, and more.
Central Lions has 43 members. Jaffer said the Cruise-in is their biggest fundraiser of the year.
“These folks do great stuff in the community. We’re very lucky to have them in Independence and Monmouth. Great stuff,” said Independence Mayor John McArdle, who was judging entries along with Monmouth Mayor Cecilia Koontz. Jaffer said the Lions Club loves giving classic car owners an outlet to share their passion.
“We like doing it not just as a money maker, but as service to the community. There are few other car shows that take place. We’re the only one that is parked on the grass during the summertime in the Monmouth/Independence area. We always get good comments later. This park is so beautiful,” Jaffer said. He invites the community to join the Lions community building efforts. For more
PHOTOS BY DAVID HAYES
A row of “rat rods” line up at the Lions Club Cruise-In.
PHOTOS BY LANCE MASTERSON
Melani Betancourt (center), Central High School’s student body president last year and is its incoming president, was crowned the Community Fiesta queen for 2024 Aug. 18. Celebrating her coronation were last year’s queen Mchaley Rodriguez and Independence Mayor John McArdle.
Ballet Folklorico de Nuestros Ancestros provided entertainment as part of the 2024 Community Fiesta at Riverview Park in Independence.
A Catholic Mass was held as part of the activities.
Blake Brown, of Tigard, gives a closer look at the engine of his 1912 Metz 22 at the 13th Lions Club Cruise-In Aug. 17 at the River View Park in Independence.
Mayors John McArdle, of Independence, and Cecelia Koontz, of Monmouth, make their way around judging cars for the Lions Club Cruise-In Aug. 17.
Walt Veuck, of Dallas, is ready for potential rain sitting in a covered camping chair next to his 1956 Buick Special.
JULY 2024 RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS
Editor’s Note: Polk County Health Department conducts a bi-annual, unannounced inspection of licensed restaurants. The establishments receive an overall grade on food temperatures, food preparation practices, worker hygiene, dish washing and sanitizing and equipment and facility cleanliness. The restaurants are scored on a 100-point scale. They receive a 5-point deduction for priority violation and a 3-point deduction for priority foundation violations. Deductions are doubled if recorded on
consecutive inspections. Restaurants are compliant if they receive a score of 70 or higher. They must be reinspected within 30 days if they receive a score below 70 or face closure or other administrative action. Restaurants display a placard by the entrance that indicate passing or failing their most recent inspection.
Subway 1554 Edgewater St. NW, Salem
Inspection Date: July 31
Score: 100
Painted Pony Coffee & Cream
226 S Main St. Suite A,
Independence Inspection Date: July 30
Score: 100
Remix Antojitos y Panaderia 1353 Monmouth St., Independence Inspection Date: July 29
Score: 95 - Food-contact surfaces are not cleaned between different raw animal foods, between raw to readyto-eat foods, or as frequently as necessary, specifically
blenders on counter contained water droplets and appeared to have been washed recently; no bleach on premises to properly sanitize blenders; facility has been open for 6 hours; operator states blenders were only washed and rinsed prior to placing back on counter to use. The Inferno - Taphouse 915 N Main St., Independence Inspection Date: July 25 Score: 100
Dreaming of Sushi 1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 25
Score: 100
The InfernoMobile Unit 915 N Main St.,
Independence Inspection Date: July 25 Score: 85 - Raw or ready-to eat food is not properly protected from cross contamination, specifically raw eggs are stored above ready to eat foods in walk in inside taphouse and
silver reach in inside mobile unit.
- Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically corn is sitting in warmer at 112F. Operator states warmer was turned off a few minutes prior to prevent corn from burning. - Medicines are improperly stored or labeled, specifically opened box of advil is sitting on shelf above and next to food products.
See JULY, page B7
Polk County Worship Directory
DALLAS
Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call 971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.)
More about the Bahá’í Faith: www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org
Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship Gatherings: Sundays 9am & 10:30am. Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman. www. dallaschurch.org
Dallas Church of Christ — 691 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, 503-623-8791.
Sundays: 9:30am Bible Classes for all, 10:30am Worship, 2:00pm Group Bible Talk, Wednesdays: 6:30pm Bible Study. Come to any, come to them all! Individual Bible studies gladly made by appointment. Web:dallaschurchofchrist.com.
Dallas Evangelical Church — A Place of Hope and Healing: 783 SW Church Street, Dallas Oregon, across from the Post Office. Find us on Facebook: on page DallasEC, MyDallasEC Friends and www.dallasec.org. Join us on Sundays in person or on Zoom for weekly Bible Study and Worship Service. We worship in a contemporary, casual format. Sunday Services: Bible Study 9:00 AM; Worship Service 10:00 AM, zoom room 228-034-850. Celebrate Recovery (a Christ Based 12 Step Program) is also on Sundays and starts with Dinner 5:00 PM; Large Group (Worship) 6:00 PM, and small groups at 7PM. We have a Community Clothing Closet: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat 9 AM - Noon; Thurs Nights 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Step Studies are often starting or ending all year and meeting at various times. Message phone 503-6233778. Find us on Facebook: DallasEC or join MyDallasEC Friends. You can email pastor Dave at pastor.dave@dallasec.org
Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St., on the corner of Washington and Hayter. Senior Pastor: Darrin Hausler. Worship Gatherings: Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Youth Home Groups: Sunday evenings from 6-8:00 p.m. Please call for locations. We are a multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or visit us online at dallasfour.com.
Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe St., Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Troy Bassham, Youth Pastor Andrew Wheeler, Administrative Pastor Mike Fast. Sunday services 9:00am & 10:30am. Awana 6:30pm Wednesday. Weekly Prayer meeting 6:30pm Wednesday. Women’s Bible Study Thursday 9:30 am & 6:30 pm. Men’s Bible Study Thursday 6:30pm. Compass Middle School Youth Group Thursday 6:30pm. Forged High School Youth Group Tuesday 6:30pm. Live Streamed services via facebook and youtube @EBCDallas.
Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, 503-623-4961. Lead Pastor- Dave Bertolini, Sunday Worship Gatherings 9:00am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, Youth Life Groups, and scheduled Sunday School Classes running concurrently & 10:45am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, and scheduled Sunday School Classes, running concurrently.
Live Stream our 10:45am service at www.graceindallas.online.church Visit our Website at www.graceindallas.org for office hours, sermon downloads, event information, and more!
House of His Presence — House of His Presence, located at 177 SW Oak St. in Dallas, welcomes all who are seeking to know God intimately and live life abundantly. We believe God transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ as we encounter His Holiness, Righteousness and Truth through His manifested presence, worship and the Word of God. Sunday morning service at 10:30 am, visit the website for ongoing ministries during the week. For more information call 503-420-4612 Website www. houseofhispresence.net
Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062. Pastor Ray Huff. Sunday Prayer 9:30am, Worship 10:00am, Children’s Church (during service, nursery provided). Wednesday Prayer 6:30pm, Worship 7:00pm. Men’s fellowship second Saturday, Pastor Ray Huff is in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for info 503-623-9062.
Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Lead Pastor David Curtis, Family Pastor Josiah Buhler. Sunday School 9:30am. Sunday morning Worship Gathering 10:50am. Nursery provided for worship services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Middle and High School youth at 6:30pm. Please call for information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch St PO Box 450 Dallas, Or 97338
503-623-5872
Pastor Ted Perry, Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 9:30 am, Worship Service 11 am Study and Prayer Wednesday 7pm Office hours: Wed, Thurs & Friday 9-12 . Community Services for food and clothing Wednesday 10am to 1pm. St. Philip Catholic Church — Fr. Michael P. Johnston, Pastor Pastor Email: mpjinpdx@yahoo.com | 825 S.W. Mill Street, Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: (503) 623.2440 - www.stphilorg.org.
Liturgical Schedule
Monday- Wednesday - 5:30 p.m. Mass
Thursday - 8:00 a.m. ( No Mass on Friday)
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Masses - 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Donuts will be served after Sunday services
St. Thomas Episcopal Church — Welcome ! Our church is located at 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. Our Web site is: stthomasdallasor.org or look us up on Facebook. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our congregation on Sundays for the 10:00AM service or find us live on Facebook and updates .
May God Bless you and your families this Month of August
Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas. All are welcome! Adult Bible Study 8:45am Sundays, Worship Service 10:00am, coffee hour with treats after service. Nursery available for parents to use. Play area for small children in sanctuary during worship service. Youth Group HS/MS 11:30am Sundays. Bible Study Wednesdays 1:00pm. Contact us at 503-623-2233 or at questionsdallastlc@gmail. com. Online at, dallastlc.org and streamed on Youtube @trinitylutheranchurch6821. Check it out! Office open M-F 10:00am-2:00pm.
Because God first loved us, we celebrate the gifts of Christ through worship, service, and community.
United Methodist Church — a church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors, 565 SE LaCreole Dr, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Pastor Rev. Ruth Marsh. Inperson Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Go to the website at: umcdallas.wixsite. com/dallas-umc for additional information.
Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 SE Miller Ave., Dallas. Lead Pastor: Chris Barker; Youth: Jeff Anderson; Children: Crystal Barker; Worship/Media: Jesse Ceballos. Sunday Service is at 10:00 am and online streaming at 10:00 am (www. valleylife.love.) On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, there is Men’s Bible Study, Ladies Bible Study, Ignite Youth, Rangers Boys Club, Mpact Girls Club, Rainbows, and nursery care. For more information, contact us at www.vallelylife.love, info@valleylifecenter. com or 503-623-4116.
FALLS CITY
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-7873907. Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 10:00am; Worship Service 11:10am. Community Service Center Food Bank: Second Wednesday, 11am-3pm, Fourth Sunday, 11am-3pm.
INDEPENDENCE
Christ The King Church — Service on Sundays10 am 155 C St, Independence OR 97351 . 503-551-9516 or visit us at www.ctkindependence.com.
Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503838-5119. Sunday Service and Children’s Church 9:30am Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30pm. Thursday Adult Bible Study 6:30pm
First Baptist Church — A warm friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St., Independence (across from Central High School); 503-8381001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays: Worship Service 11am Wednesdays: AWANA 7pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group 6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at www.independencefirstbaptist.com
St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela. Saturday Masses: 5pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish. Sunday Masses: 9am English & 11:30am Spanish. Daily Masses: Monday 9:30am Communion Service. 9am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm or by appointment. Faith Formation: Monday 6:45pm -8:15pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45pm8:15pm. Grades 1-4. Youth Group Thur. 6:30pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday 7pm Fellowship.
MONMOUTH
Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W, Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Steve Mitchell. Worship Service 11:15am Call for information on small groups.
Cultivate Community Church — We exist to cultivate a community of people who love Jesus, each other, and our cities, joining God in the renewal of all things. We meet at 655 S. Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99), Monmouth. Just south of Bi-Mart. Our Sunday service is at 10:00am. Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at 7pm. Missional Community groups meet in homes throughout the week. Call the church at 503838-1369. Come join us!
Monmouth Christian Church — 969 Church St W, Monmouth 97361. Office hours M-T 9a-4p. Phone: 503-838-1145. Join us for services on Sundays, 9am & 11am. Live ONLINE Service 11am. Please visit our website for more info or on how to join our online service. WWW.MYMCC.CC
St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church
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
Monday, Aug. 12
• At 9:57 a.m., a report of three suspicious persons passing something around then hiding behind a tree. Individuals reported they had found agates and were passing them around.
• At 10:25 a.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for driving uninsured.
• At 10:51 a.m., a report of theft on Mill Street. An unhoused person reported they had been given permission to use the extension cord to power his phone.
• At 12:35 p.m., a motorist ran a red light, clipped a truck bumper, spun and crashed into the La Herradura restaurant.
• At 5:40 p.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 40 mph in a 25-mph zone on Miller Avenue.
• At 6:33 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Ellendale Avenue. A subject was reportedly yelling and asking people for money but agreed to leave the premises.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
• At 8:24 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 70 mph in a 55-mph zone on Pacific Highway.
• At 9:23 a.m., a report of email fraud on Court Street.
• At 12:03 p.m., a report of a multi-state fraud on Fairhaven Lane.
• At 3:38 p.m., a report of theft from Walmart.
• At 4:05 p.m., a report of an intoxicated individual on Walnut Avenue. The suspect denied drinking in public, and no alcohol containers were seen.
• At 4:48 p.m., a motorist was stopped for a dangerous left turn and cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured.
• At 5:42 p.m., Jeremiah Whitford was arrested on Washington Street and charged with theft and was lodged at Polk County Jail.
• At 6:45 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Ellendale Avenue. Limited suspect information was available.
Wednesday, Aug. 14
• At 12:24 a.m., Gregg Edmunson was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct on Main Street and was lodged at Polk County Jail.
• At 5:32 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Academy Street. John Hoy was cited on a Salem Municipal warrant.
• At 8:08 a.m., a report of possible credit card fraud on Godsey Road.
• At 8:13 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 8:29 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 8:52 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 9:39 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on La Creole Drive.
• At 10:09 a.m., a report of fraud on Dimick Street.
• At 11:12 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving and driving while suspended on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 11:30 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 11:51a.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 2:00 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 2:12 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 2:19 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 2:22 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile
device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 2:46 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 3:42 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 4:09 p.m., a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 4:32 a.m. a motorist was cited for using a mobile device while driving on La Creole Drive.
• At 5:38 p.m., a motorist was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device and driving while suspended.
• At 7:06 p.m., a report of a theft of wine on Ellendale Avenue.
• At 7:20 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Walnut Avenue. The officers contacted the subjects who denied any wrongdoing.
• At 8:33 p.m., a report of a theft valued at $480 from Safeway.
Independence Police Department
Friday, Aug. 9
• At 1:24 p.m., a motorist on Independence Highway was cited for driving while suspended and driving without insurance.
• At 1:52 p.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for driving while suspended and failure to carry proof of insurance.
• At 3:28 p.m., a motorist on Independence Highway was cited for driving while suspended.
Saturday, Aug. 10
• At 8:49 a.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for driving without insurance.
• At 9:50 a.m., a motorist on Hogan Road was cited for using a mobile device while driving.
• At 10:43 a.m., a motorist was cited for making two turns without using a turn signal on Monmouth Street.
• At 2:21 p.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended and driving without insurance.
Sunday, Aug. 11
• At 8:43 p.m., a citizen reported following a vehicle that was swerving onto the shoulder and into the other lane of traffic into Independence on Highway 51. The vehicle turned onto Polk Street and was then involved in a head on collision with another vehicle. After making sure all involved were uninjured, an officer conducted an investigation into the driver, Hayden Gregory Gossling, who appeared to be intoxicated. Gossling refused a breath test and the officer obtained a search warrant for a breath or blood sample. Gossling provided a breath sample as he did not want to go to the hospital. He blew a .23% BAC and was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxciant and cited for failure to take a breath test.
Monday, Aug. 12
• At 2:20 p.m., a motorist was stopped for using a mobile device while driving and cited for driving while suspended and driving without insurance.
• At 7:24 p.m., a report of a burglary on Gun Club Road. There is no suspect information.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
• At 10:06 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on 12th Street.
Monmouth Police Department
• Victor Lugo Martinez, 29, was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with harassment and criminal mischief. He was re-arrested Aug. 12 and charged with four counts of violation of release agreement and attempted trespass.
• Robert Bowen, 41, was arrested Aug. 10 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
• Emilio Olvera, 31, was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
• Laramie Anthony Torres, 48, was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with probation violation.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
• Jason Lee Barrick was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with parole violation (possession of a weapon by an inmate).
• Tyler August Biggar was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with failure to appear (driving while suspended).
• Michael Adam Campbell was arrested Aug. 12 and placed on hold for Benton County (robbery 3, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, harassment, theft 3, attempt to commit crime, post prison supervision violation - harassing communication).
• Julio Adrian CervantesBuenrostro was arrested Aug. 13 charged with post prison violation (theft 1) and was placed on hold for Jackson County (failure to appearunauthorized use of a motor vehicle).
• Peter Robert Furman was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with criminal trespass 2.
• Erik Ricardo GarciaOropeza was arrested Aug. 8 and charged with attempt to elude police and was placed on hold for Linn County (driving while suspended).
• Tyler Isaac Green was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with post prison violation (robbery 2, criminal mischief, aggravated harassment) and failure to appear (trespass).
• Logan Conner Halverson was arrested Aug. 12 and charged with interfering with peace officer, resisting arrest, criminal trespass 2 and was placed on hold for Marion County (parole violation).
• Eric Dale Hedrick was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with post prison violation.
• James Brian Jones was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with post prison violation (robbery).
• Russell Allen Littleton was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with arson 1, burglary 1, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief 1, post prison violation (failure to appear), 16 counts of assault 2 and 16 counts of reckless endangering.
• Victor Lugo-Martinez was arrested Aug. 12 and charged with criminal mischief 1,
criminal trespassing 1, recklessly endangering, four counts of violation of release agreement and four counts of contempt of court.
• Isaac Jacob Maeva was arrested Aug. 12 and charged with assault 4 (domestic violence), strangulation (domestic violence), coercion and interfering with making a report.
• Luis Antonio Medina was arrested Aug. 12 and placed on hold for U.S. Marshals (parole violation - distribution).
• Juan Erik Mendoza was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with criminal driving while suspended/revoked, unlawful possession of cocaine, driving under the influence of an intoxicant and reckless endangering.
• Travis Douglas Mottram was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with attempt to commit crime (unlawful entry of a motor vehicle) and was placed on hold for Yamhill County (theft).
• Gene Raymond Satter was arrested Aug. 11 and charged with post parole violation (felony driving under the influence of an intoxicant).
• Alex Henry Stuller was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with probation violation (stalking).
• Jeremiah Patrick Whitford was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with theft 2.
• Kimberly Ann Fouse was arrested Aug. 8 and charged with theft 3 and criminal trespass 2.
• Lorena Lemus-Torres was arrested Aug. 8 and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and was placed on hold for Clackamas County (recklessly endangering, criminal mischief 2, harassment).
• Pamela Fae Shelton was arrested Aug. 13 and charged with probation violation (trespass 2) and failure to appear (failure to carry).
• Racheal Morgan Sikes was arrested Aug. 10 and charged with failure to appear (driving under the influence of an intoxicant).
• Alisha Kaye Zerkel was arrested Aug. 10 and charged with three counts of failure to appear (robbery 3, harassment, parole violation - theft).
INTERESTED PERSONS Case No. 23PB09799 In the Matter of the Estate of Margaret L. Opager, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Mary Calkin has been appointed personal representative of the estate of Margaret L. Opager. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the personal representative at: 1250 E Main St, Ste C Monmouth, OR 97361, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings, may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published August 21, 2024.
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Mary Calkin, 2000 Robins Lane SE #84, Salem, OR 97306 Telephone: (503)910-7639.
PIO24-3043 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK In Probate Case No.
23PB08289 In the Matter of the Estate of WILLIAM JOHN ZIELINSKI, Deceased. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS By order of the Circuit Court of Oregon for Polk County, Gina Dawson, has been appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM JOHN ZIELINSKI, deceased. All persons having claims against said estate hereby are required to present them with proper vouchers, within four months from the date of hereof to them, c/o Todd Bevans, Attorney at Law, 1250 E Main St, Suite C, Monmouth, Oregon 97361, or said claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by this proceeding hereby are advised that additional information may be obtained from the records of the court, the Personal Representative or the attorney for the Personal Representative Dated and first published this 21st day of August, 2024
PCIO24-3041 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Downtown Storage and Warehouse located at 889 Liberty St NE Salem OR 97301 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur as an online auction via bid13. com on 9/10/2024 at 10:00AM. Barrett M Stoffer unit #A3149; Joyce Miller unit #A4253. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
PCIO24-3044 Notice is hereby given that Lynn M. Langlois has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative of the Estate of Myrna Loy Gilbert, deceased, in Polk County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB07170. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below to the personal representative c/o Tami S.P. Beach, 1184 Olive Street, Eugene, OR 97401, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Date of first publication: August 21, 2024.
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Lynn M. Langlois, P.O. Box 482, Augusta, MT 59410. ATTORNEY FOR PERS. REP.: Tami S.P. Beach, 1184 Olive Street, Eugene, OR 97401.
a ballot title for a measure related to a five-year local option levy referred by the City Council on August 13, 2024. Any voter may file a petition for review of the ballot title in the Polk County Circuit Court in accordance with ORS 250.296. The deadline to file a petition for review is 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2024. Copies of the ballot title are available on the City of Independence’s website, www.ci.independence. or.us, or at Independence Civic Center, 555 S Main Street, Independence, OR 97358. On August 13, 2024, the following ballot title was filed with the Elections Official of the City of Independence: Caption: Five-year levy supporting City library, museum, and parks operations. Question: Shall the City impose $1.82 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years beginning 2025-26 supporting library, museum, parks operations. This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent. Summary: The City of Independence is seeking a five-year local option tax beginning in fiscal year 202526, to support operations and maintenance of the City’s museum, library, and parks. If approved, the levy would support continued operation and maintenance of the Heritage Museum, Independence Public library, and city parks for the next five years, ensuring that current service levels are maintained. Programs and services funded by this levy include, but are not limited to, the library’s book groups for adults, Youth Coding League and STEM programming for teens, preschool and bilingual Storytime programs, and a community warming/cooling center. Museum services funded by this levy include preservation of local artifacts and history, continuation of the annual Ghost Walk event, online exhibits, continued presentation of traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian and other notable sources, special evening and weekend offerings, and support to school field trips. Continued maintenance of City neighborhood parks grounds, restrooms, and equipment are also included. The proposed rate will raise approximately $1,123,000, $1,156,000, $1,191,000, $1,227,000, and $1,264,000 over the five fiscal years, respectively. Published pursuant to ORS 250.275.. PCIO24-3047 IN THE CIRCUIT CORT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of PATRICK EMMETT ROONEY, SR., Deceased. Case No. 24PB07109 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that SHARON SUE ROONEY has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-captioned Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative at the address shown below within four months after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons whose rights may be affected by the probate proceeding may obtain additional information from the court records, the Personal Representative or the attorney for the Personal Representative. DATED AND PUBLISHED this 21st day of August, 2024. Ryan E. Gibb, OSB #972693. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: SHARON SUE ROONEY, 1200 Holly Street, Pueblo, CO 81006, (719) 242-8307. ATTORNEY: Ryan E. Gibb, OSB #972693, DOUGLAS, CONROYD, GIBB & PACHECO, P.C., 528 Cottage Street NE,
PCIO24-3048
PCIO24-3046 In the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Polk In the Matter of the Estate of Leon Bernard Johnson, Deceased. No. 24PB03634 - Probate
NOTICE TO INTERESTED
PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Matthew Haddad has been appointed Personal Representative of the estate of the above-named decedent. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present such claims within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the Personal Representative or to Michelle M. Morrow, Attorney, at the addresses listed below, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Personal Representative, Matthew Haddad, 3330 Azalea Drive S, Salem, OR 97302. Attorney for Personal Representative, Michelle M. Morrow, PO Box 3257, Salem, OR 97302. Dated and first published August 21, 2024. s\\ Michelle Morrow, Attorney for Personal Representative. Michelle M. Morrow, Michelle M. Morrow, P.C., PO Box 3257, Salem, OR 97302.
PIO24-4000 Notice of sale of personal property under Landlords Possessory lien. Personal property left in the following units have been seized for non-payment of rent and will be sold at The Storage Depot, 902 SE Uglow Ave, Dallas, Oregon 97338 on August 27th, 2024. The following units are available for viewing and sale at 2:00 pm. They will be sold to the highest bidder during live Public Sale: Calvin Green - A0111, Sueanna Post-H20227, Carrie Lewis - H20251, Shelton Yates - H20279
PCIO24-3021 IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK In the Matter of: TAMMY BROADUS and KODY HECHT, Petitioner and CHERELLE BEIERLY and KYLE BROADUS, Respondent. Case No. 24DR05307 SUMMONS TO: Cherelle Beierly and Kyle Broadus YOU ARE HEREBY REQUIRED to appear and defend the petition for custody filed against you in the aboveentitled cause within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this summons upon you, and in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, Petitioner will apply to the court for relief demanded in the petition. NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! You may be liable for attorney fees in this case. A judgment for attorney fees can be entered against you as provided in ORS Chapter 107 should Petitioner in this case prevail. You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer”. The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the Petitioner’s attorney or, if the Petitioner does not have an attorney, proof of service upon the Petitioner. If you have any questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 6843763 or toll-free in Oregon at (800) 452-7636. Date: 7/19/24, Kayla Paulsen, OSB No. 174345 Attorney for Petitioner
Tater’s Cafe
683 SE Jefferson St Dallas
Inspection Date: July 25
Score: 100
Mr. A’s All American Breakfast 1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem Inspection Date: July 25
Score: 100
Starbucks Coffee Store 1505 Monmouth Independence Hwy, Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 23
Score: 100
Ram’s Horn Ministries
154 S Main St., Independence Inspection Date: July 22
Score: 100
Dairy Queen
320 Pacific Ave S., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 22
Score: 100
The Tap Station
87 S Main St., Independence
Inspection Date: July 19
Score: 100
Jersey Mikes
555 Edgewater St. NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 19
Score: 100
The Eat Station
87 Main St., Independence
Inspection Date: July 19
Score: 95 - Poisonous or toxic materials are not properly separated or located,
specifically chemical cleaners stored next to bag of noodles.
Carl’s Jr
555 Edgewater St. NW Ste. 150, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 19
Score: 100
Rookie’s 641 E Clay St., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 18 Score: 100
Habanero’s
601 Clay St. E., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 18
Score: 95 - Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically fresh salsa is sitting in ice at 67F - ice has melted below level of product. Operator states salsa was put in ice well less than four hours ago.
Bobablastic
955 Main St., Dallas
Inspection Date: July 17
Score: 100
Dutch Bros. Coffee
515 Jefferson St., Dallas
Inspection Date: July 17
Score: 100
Pastatastic
1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 16
Score: 100
Bobablastic
1233 Riverbend Road NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 16
Score: 95 - Food employees are not washing their hands as often as necessary, specifically handwashing sink was unused/dry during hours of operation and food preparation.
Honeybean
154 S Main St., Independence Inspection Date: July 16
PUBLIC NOTICES
PCIO24-3038 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No.: 176795 APN: 376585 Reference is made to that certain deed made by Ramzi S. Gregory and Myrna R. Gregory, husband and wife as Grantor to First American Title, as Trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as designated nominee for Rocket Mortgage, LLC, FKA Quicken Loans, LLC as Beneficiary, dated 05/18/2022, recorded 05/23/2022, in the official records of Polk County, Oregon as Instrument No. 2022-006255 in Book xx, Page xx covering the following described real property situated in said County and State, to wit: LOT 16, BLOCK 3, GLEN EDEN, IN THE CITY OF SALEM, COUNTY OF POLK, STATE OF OREGON. Commonly known as: 1798 Sunburst Ter Nw, Salem, OR 97304 The current beneficiary is Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC pursuant to assignment of deed of trust recorded on 06/10/2024 as Inst No. 2024-004311 in the records of Polk, Oregon. The beneficiary has elected and directed successor trustee to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes: the default for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s failure to: Make the monthly payments commencing with the payment due on 03/01/2024 and continuing each month until this trust deed is reinstated or goes to trustee’s sale; plus a late charge on each installment not paid within fifteen days following the payment due date; trustee’s fees and other costs and expenses associated with this foreclosure and any further breach of any term or condition contained in subject note and deed of trust. 1. By the reason of said default the beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said deed of trust immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to wit: Principal balance of: $347,728.51; 2. Interest through 07/30/2024 in the amount of: $9,057.01 3. Total Fees in the amount of:
$126.00 4. Total Accumulated Late Charge in the amount of: $295.08 5. Rec Corp Adv Balance in the Amount of: $60.00 6. Together with the interest thereon at the rate
5.2500000% per annum until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced
Score: 100
The Back Porch
1142 NW Edgewater St., West Salem
Inspection Date: July 15
Score: 95 - Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically mayo sitting on counter is at 70F.
Dairy Queen
586 SE Jefferson St., Dallas
Inspection Date: July 12
Score: 97 - A handwashing sink is not accessible for employee use at all times, is used for purposes other than handwashing or is not operated properly, specifically empty milk gallon jug and used glove are sitting in basin of handwashing sink by three compartment sink.
Domino’s Pizza
772 Main St., Dallas
Inspection Date: July 11
Score: 100
Ugo’s Pizza Parlor
967 Main St. Dallas
Inspection Date: July 11
Score: 100
Dreamies Creamery
141 SW Court St., Dallas
Inspection Date: July 11
Score: 100
Starbucks Coffee
244 E Ellendale Ave.,
Dallas
Inspection Date: July 11
Score: 95 - Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically Delfield under right hand coffee machine has come unplugged - items are between 52-57F (milk, coconut milk, almond milk). operator states some items were put in unit an hour ago, and
by the beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said deed of trust. The principal sum of $347,728.51 together with the interest thereon at the rate 5.2500000% per annum from 02/01/2024 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said deed of trust. Whereof, notice hereby is given that the undersigned trustee will on 12/03/2024 at the hour of 9:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statutes, at the Main Street Plaza to the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338, County of Polk, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured (and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee). Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes; has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, trustee’s and attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for the sale. In construing this, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other person owing obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed; the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by Prime Recon LLC. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and
some have been in the unit for over four hours.
Fro-zone Yogurt
1389 Monmouth St., Independence
Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 100
McDonald’s
1315 Monmouth Highway, Independence Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 100
Odd Moes Pizza
1594 Edgewater St. #160, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 100 Subway
1379 Monmouth St., Independence Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 100
Java Crew
779 Wallace Rd Salem
Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 92
- A handwashing sink is not accessible for employee use at all times, is used for purposes other than handwashing or is not operated properly, specifically back handwashing sink has no soap and there is a metal tub sitting in the basin.
- Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically can of whipped cream (62F) is sitting out at room temperature; operator states it has been out for five minutes.
Butter, Sugar, Coffee
319 S 10th St., Independence Inspection Date: July 9
Score: 92
- A handwashing sink is not accessible for employee use at all times, is used for purposes other than handwashing or is
take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. Also, please be advised that pursuant to the terms stated on the Deed of Trust and Note, the beneficiary is allowed to conduct property inspections while there is a default. This shall serve as notice that the beneficiary shall be conducting property inspections on the referenced property. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. NOTICE TO RESIDENTIAL TENANTS The property in which you are living is in foreclosure. A foreclosure sale is scheduled for 12/03/2024 (date). The date of this sale may be postponed. Unless the lender that is foreclosing on this property is paid before the sale date, the foreclosure will go through and someone new will own this property. After the sale, the new owner is required to provide you with contact information and notice that the sale took place. The following information applies to you only if you are a bona fide tenant occupying and renting this property as a residential dwelling under a legitimate rental agreement. The information does not apply to you if you own this property or if you are not a bona fide residential tenant. If the foreclosure sale goes through, the new owner will have the right to require you to move out. Before the new owner can require you to move, the new owner must provide you with written notice that specifies the date by which you must move out. If you do not leave before the move-out date, the new owner can have the sheriff remove you from the
property after a court hearing. You will receive notice of the court hearing. PROTECTION FROM EVICTION IF YOU ARE A BONA FIDE TENANT OCCUPYING AND RENTING THIS PROPERTY AS A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THIS PROPERTY AFTER THE FORECLOSURE SALE FOR: • 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU ARE GIVEN A WRITTEN TERMINATION NOTICE, IF YOU HAVE A FIXED TERM LEASE; OR • AT LEAST 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU ARE GIVEN A WRITTEN TERMINATION NOTICE, IF YOU HAVE A MONTH-TO-MONTH OR WEEKTO-WEEK RENTAL AGREEMENT. If the new owner wants to move in and use this property as a primary residence, the new owner can give you written notice and require you to move out after 30 days, even though you have a fixed term lease with more than 30 days left. You must be provided with at least 30 days’ written notice after the foreclosure sale before you can be required to move. A bona fide tenant is a residential tenant who is not the borrower (property owner) or a child, spouse or parent of the borrower, and whose rental agreement: • Is the result of an arm’s-length transaction; • Requires the payment of rent that is not substantially less than fair market rent for the property, unless the rent is reduced or subsidized due to a federal, state or local subsidy; and • Was entered into prior to the date of the foreclosure sale. ABOUT YOUR TENANCY BETWEEN NOW AND THE FORECLOSURE SALE: RENT YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO PAY RENT TO YOUR LANDLORD UNTIL THE PROPERTY IS SOLD OR UNTIL A COURT TELLS YOU OTHERWISE. IF YOU DO NOT PAY RENT, YOU CAN BE EVICTED. BE SURE TO KEEP PROOF OF ANY PAYMENTS YOU MAKE. SECURITY DEPOSIT You may apply your security deposit and any rent you paid in advance against the current rent you owe your landlord as provided in ORS 90.367. To do this, you must notify your landlord in writing that you want to subtract the amount of your security deposit or prepaid rent from your rent payment. You may do this only for the rent you owe your current landlord. If you do this, you must do so before the foreclosure sale. The business or individual who buys this property at the foreclosure sale is not
not operated properly, specifically handwashing sink has a mixing spoon sitting in the basin.
- Potentially hazardous food is not maintained at proper hot or cold holding temperatures, specifically mugs of melted butter are in glass warmer at 125F; operator states this was put in the unit two hours prior.
Burgerville Usa
615 E Main St., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 8
Score: 100
Dutch Bros Coffee 165 Pacific Ave., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 8 Score: 100
KFC/A&W
444 S Pacific Hwy., Monmouth
Inspection Date: July 8
Score: 100
McDonald’s
570 Wallace Road NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 5
Score: 100
Starbucks Coffee 1124 Wallace Road NW, Suite 105, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 5 Score: 100
Domino’s Pizza
590 Taggart Drive NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 5
Score: 100
Brew Coffee And Tap House
211 S Main St., Independence Inspection Date: July 5
Score: 100
Taco Bell
450 Wallace Road NW, West Salem
Inspection Date: July 5
responsible to you for any deposit or prepaid rent you paid to your landlord. ABOUT YOUR TENANCY AFTER THE FORECLOSURE SALE The new owner that buys this property at the foreclosure sale may be willing to allow you to stay as a tenant instead of requiring you to move out after 30 or 60 days. After the sale, you should receive a written notice informing you that the sale took place and giving you the new owner’s name and contact information. You should contact the new owner if you would like to stay. If the new owner accepts rent from you, signs a new residential rental agreement with you or does not notify you in writing within 30 days after the date of the foreclosure sale that you must move out, the new owner becomes your new landlord and must maintain the property. Otherwise: • You do not owe rent; • The new owner is not your landlord and is not responsible for maintaining the property on your behalf; and • You must move out by the date the new owner specifies in a notice to you. The new owner may offer to pay your moving expenses and any other costs or amounts you and the new owner agree on in exchange for your agreement to leave the premises in less than 30 or 60 days. You should speak with a lawyer to fully understand your rights before making any decisions regarding your tenancy. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO TRY TO FORCE YOU TO LEAVE YOUR DWELLING UNIT WITHOUT FIRST GIVING YOU WRITTEN NOTICE AND GOING TO COURT TO EVICT YOU. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LAWYER. If you believe you need legal assistance, contact the Oregon State Bar and ask for the lawyer referral service. Contact information for the Oregon State Bar is included with this notice. If you do not have enough money to pay a lawyer and are otherwise eligible, you may be able to receive legal assistance for free. Information about whom to contact for free legal assistance is included with this notice. OREGON STATE BAR, 16037 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road, Tigard Oregon 97224, Phone (503) 620-0222, Toll-free 1-800-4528260 Website: http://www. oregonlawhelp.org NOTICE TO VETERANS If the recipient of this notice is a veteran of the armed forces, assistance may
Score: 100 Panda Express
655
be available from a county veterans’ service officer or community action agency. Contact information for a service officer appointed for the county in which you live and contact information for a community action agency that serves the area where you live may be obtained by calling a 2-1-1 information service. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that we state the following: this is an attempt to collect, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If a discharge has been obtained by any party through bankruptcy proceedings: This shall not be construed to be an attempt to collect the outstanding indebtedness or hold you personally liable for the debt. This letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Dated: 08/01/2024 Prime Recon LLC By: Devin Ormonde, Assistant Vice President Prime Recon LLC 27368 Via Industria, Ste 201 Temecula, CA 92590 Phone number for the Trustee: (888) 725-4142 A-FN4822256 08/14/2024, 08/21/2024, 08/28/2024, 09/04/2024 PCIO24-3035 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THECOUNTY OF POLK In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS M. KECK, Deceased. Case No.: 24PB06566 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MARGARET T. KECK has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovecaptioned Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the Personal Representative in care of the undersigned attorney for the Personal Representative at 841 Saginaw Street S., PO Box 741, Salem, OR 97308, within four months after the date of first publication of this Notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding in this Estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorneys for the Personal Representative. DATED this 30th day of July, 2024. Con P. Lynch, OSB # 832779, Attorney for Personal Representative. Date first published August 7, 2024.
MOMENTS IN TIME
• On Sept. 2, 1945, Vietnamese communist Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence from France following Japan’s World War II surrender, in a proclamation stating, “All men are born equal: the Creator has given us inviolable rights, life, liberty, and happiness!” It would take another 30 years for his vision of a united communist Vietnam to become a reality, however.
• On Sept. 3, 2004, a hostage crisis at School No. 1 in Beslan, Russia ended in a gun battle between Chechen terrorists and Russian security forces. More than 300 people were killed, many of them children, and hundreds more were injured. The terrorists’ demands included the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya.
• On Sept. 4, 2014, comedian Joan Rivers died at the age of 81 in a New York City hospital a week after she went into cardiac arrest while undergoing a medical procedure on her vocal cords at a Manhattan clinic. In a career that lasted more than 50 years, Rivers fearlessly tackled any subject she chose, remarking that she “succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking.”
• On Sept. 5, 1991, a group of activists made their way to the roof of Sen. Jesse Helms’ home and unrolled a giant piece of fabric that was then inflated by their companions on the front lawn. Their message? “A CONDOM TO STOP UNSAFE POLITICS: HELMS IS DEADLIER THAN A VIRUS”-- a decidedly innovative response to the senator’s strong opposition to gay rights and the funding of AIDS research and treatment.
• On Sept. 6, 1975, 18-yearold Martina Navratilova, today regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, sought political asylum in the United States after defecting from communist Czechoslovakia.
• On Sept. 7, 1876, the Jesse James-Cole Younger gang was nearly wiped out by angry citizens after attempting a daytime robbery of the Northfield Minnesota bank. For the next two weeks, a posse pursued the surviving members, eventually killing or capturing four more, but Frank and Jesse James ended up in Nashville, TN, where they began rebuilding the gang and planning more robberies.
• On Sept. 8, 1504, Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall, 12,000-pound marble masterpiece of the biblical shepherd boy David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.
TRIVIA TEST
By FIFI RODRIGUEZ
1. MUSIC: What is
Puzzle answers on page B2
Merkley, Jayapal lead congressional effort to block Kroger-Albertson’s merger
JEREMY C RUARK Country Media, Inc.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are leading more than 25 Members of Congress in urging the Federal District Court of Oregon to grant the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction in the KrogerAlbertson’s merger case.
The amicus brief outlines three major concerns with the merger: • Harm to consumers.
• Harm to workers.
• The growing consolidation of grocery chains is leading to monopolistic practices.
“A Kroger and Albertsons merger will mean higher prices and an even tougher time finding a pharmacy,” Wyden said. “Every measure should be taken to ensure Oregonians can still fill their prescriptions and put food on the table. Blocking this merger would give mom-and-pop shops a strong line of defense against corporate giants—all while protecting our rural communities.”
“In Washington State alone, 124 grocery stores will be sold off if this merger goes through – including nearly 70 in the
greater Seattle area,” Jayapal said. “There are many questions about what this merger could mean for store closures, or their quality if they remain. There is no doubt that this merger would mean fewer options, and it will likely lead to higher prices, more food deserts, and layoffs of hardworking, union employees. Greater competition, not increased consolidation is better for our economy, consumers, and workers.”
The FTC’s current challenge to the Kroger-Albertson’s merger, which threatens 617 stores nationwide, charges that the proposed deal will eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality products at stores. These negative impacts were seen in 2015 when Albertsons merged with Safeway resulting in store closures and higher consumer costs, a release from Wyden states.
According to Wyden, a potential Kroger-Albertson’s merger would also limit employment competition, reducing workers’ ability to negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. For that reason, the FTC has focused this case on the likely harm to nearly 100 000 unionized grocery
workers. Federal legislation protects workers from mergers that negatively impact employment, especially for unionized workers.
The merger is part of a larger trend toward consolidation in the supermarket industry. The U.S. has onethird fewer grocery stores than 25 years ago. Aside from the direct threats this poses to consumers and workers, it gives large grocery chains monopoly power to disadvantage smaller, independent grocers and farms, the release states.
This case is being heard by the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon where the FTC has requested a preliminary injunction.
Background
Attempts to merge the two grocery giants began in October 2022, when the companies announced that Kroger planned to acquire Albertsons for $24.6 billion.
Oregon could see 62 Safeway and Albertsons stores sold as part of a planned merger. Stores would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC, a New Hampshire based company that operates an extensive grocery supply operation, as well as grocery stores in the Midwest, South and Northeast.
Kroger and Albertsons are the nation’s two largest grocery chains. In Oregon, the two corporations operate 176 stores, serving nearly every community in the state. Kroger operates 51 Fred Meyer and 4 QFC stores, while Albertsons operates 96 Safeway and 25 Albertsons stores.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has joined the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of
attorneys general from across the nation in acting to block the proposed grocery chain merger. The lawsuit seeks to block the proposed AlbertsonsKroger merger. The FTC, Oregon, and the other states
PHOTO METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum says the grocery store merger could adversely affect services and costs at local pharmacies.
