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Coyote: Menacing but valuable See page 8
School board apologizes to community
RESS March 23, 2015
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All Press Wrestling See page 16
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By Larry Limpf News Editor news@presspublications.com
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...if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is and can be a red flag... Sgt. Joe Hefferman See page 4
Eastwood against the world
Eastwood basketball fans brightened Bowling Green State University’s Stroh Center by wearing red t-shirts saying “Eastwood against the world” as the Eagles’ boys basketball team took on Columbus Bishop Hartley in the Division III regional semifinals Wednesday. The Eagles lost to Bishop Hartley (14-11), 56-46, in the school’s first regional contest since 1960, when Eastwood went 22-1 and lost to Scott in a Class AA tournament game. (Press photo by Lee Welch/FamilyPhotoGroup.com)
Online protection
City adds safe zone for Craigslist By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com Oregon plans to create an online exchange zone in the parking lot of its police department on Seaman Road for those who want an added layer of protection when they complete online sales. The safe haven would allow buyers and sellers who do business on Craigslist and other online markets to feel more secure when meeting in person to carry out an online purchase and sale. Craigslist, in particular, has received negative publicity over the years after the media have reported incidents involving buyers and sellers getting robbed, assaulted and even murdered during transactions. “As more and more transactions take place as the result of individuals going online, like Craigslist, there’s been some significant press about robberies, cons, and murder,” explained City Administrator Mike Beazley at a council meeting on March 9. “A lot of communities are creating a safe zone
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Always be careful of last minute changes to your agreements, especially when it comes to location.
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With two levy requests looming on the May ballot, the Woodmore school board is acknowledging its responsibility for the district’s dire financial situation. Reading from a prepared statement at Tuesday’s meeting, Grant Cummings, board vice president, said the board failed in its responsibility when it repeatedly didn’t identify an error in the district’s financial statements. “This oversight led to decisions which have now compromised our district’s financial health. We feel it is important to own up to our mistake and offer a public apology. To the students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community members who are impacted by our error, we are deeply sorry,” Cummings said, fighting back tears. “For the good of the district and our community, we now humbly ask for your partnership as we move forward together to solve this problem.” The district’s 5-year forecast in May 2013 didn’t properly account for the phasing out of the tangible personal property tax, resulting in an overstatement of projected revenues by about $430,000. The forecast was compiled by a former treasurer of the district. Woodmore voters on May 5 will decide a renewal request for a $600,000, 5-year emergency property tax levy and an additional 0.75 per cent, 10-year tax on earned income. If passed, the income tax would generate about $1.05 million a year. Questions about the district’s finances and the transparency of the board dominated Tuesday’s meeting. Trish King, a parent, said more families are discussing moving their children to other districts – a reflection of the “frustration and mistrust.” “Fair or not, it is the silence surrounding these issues that is fostering what many are feeling within the community,” she said. She urged the board to reconsider recommendations of a 2009 performance audit by the state to reduce costs and make operations more efficient. By a 4-1 vote, the board agreed to re-
outside police headquarters where people can pull in. If I’m selling you an antique, it’s an area where people can handle an exchange confidently…and engage in that sort of commerce in a place that’s a little bit safer.” Mayor Mike Seferian noted that there are similar online exchange zones in other communities, adding that Oregon Police Chief Mike Navarre, “thought it would be a
good think to do in Oregon.” “We believe we’ll have this done sometime this month,” said Seferian. “We’ll get some signs printed to display that action.” Craigslist, said Councilman Jerry Peach, “is the site most frequently mentioned as representing perhaps a little more risk for people who are exchanging payment for items.” Councilman Terry Reeves asked Beazley if the public would have to contact the city before the meeting took place. “Would they call ahead and let somebody know?” asked Reeves. “Generally, it’s the community’s designated location outside where the police are parked,” said Beazley. “And it might be a place where one of our video cameras has it covered so that people feel secure knowing that this is a location that a crime is unlikely to occur. If I’m going to be involved in chicanery or a plot to rob somebody, I’m not going to do it at police headquarters.” Beazley said there would be more deContinued on page 4
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