Suburban Edition 10/31/16

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Voters to decide on curfew By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com

Deter crime Render and other proponents of the curfew hope it will deter such crimes as loitering, ransacking vehicles, theft, fighting, vandalism, trespassing, littering, congregating on street corners, parks and yards, egging vehicles and houses, and toilet papering. Areas that are having issues include neighborhoods off Starr, Navarre, Woodville, Wheeling, Pickle and Coy. Render said neighborhoods are reluctant to put up Halloween and Christmas decorations outside because many are stolen. “That’s one of the biggest things we see,” she said. The proposed curfew has the support Continued on page 6

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Farmers were frustrated and felt they had done their part... Matt Reese See page 7

Monarch tagging celebrated A monarch butterfly tagged at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is shown. (See story on page 3)

Woodmore treasurer

Union rescinds no confidence vote By Larry Limpf News Editor news@presspublications.com The union representing the teachers of the Woodmore school district has rescinded its vote of no confidence in Jaime Pearson, the district treasurer. The Woodmore Education Association last Wednesday announced its decision to rescind its vote from earlier this year, saying its members look forward to working collaboratively in the future. “At this time, the Woodmore Education Association members are confident in our treasurer and her ability to continue to meet the financial needs of our district, our community and our students. We feel this is a very positive step for Woodmore Local Schools and look forward to working collaboratively toward a brighter future, the union’s statement says. Carla Smith and Tammy Kissell, co-presidents of the WEA, issued the statement. Pearson said Wednesday she was glad to have the union recognize the efforts of her office to improve record keeping and controls. “I appreciate the union’s recognition

We recognized that she took over a district that had severe financial problems and she had to put controls in place to protect taxpayer dollars.

Oregon voters will consider a proposed curfew for minors that will be on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Members of block watch groups promoted the curfew at Safety Committee meetings earlier this year, but city council on March 21 voted 5-2 against the measure. At the time, city officials announced plans to beef up road patrols in areas where block watch groups have complained about juvenile crime and to post signs that restrict attendance at some parks. But proponents of the curfew circulated petitions to get it on the ballot so voters could decide. The curfew would restrict youths younger than 18-years-old from being out between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. Lori Render, a member of block watch who helped circulate petitions in support of a curfew, said she’s confident the measure will pass. “When I was circulating the petitions, support was over 50 percent,” she told The Press last week. “They thought a curfew was needed.” Render said the ballot language left out the time when the curfew would be enforced, something people were interested in when she circulated petitions. “I think they could have included that on the ballot,” she said.

of the extensive work done by the treasurer’s office to restore confidence in the finances that affect the Woodmore community,” Pearson said in a prepared statement. “With stronger internal controls and a thorough examination of our personnel records, Woodmore is at a point where the district can be proactive with our finances. I look forward to the continued cooperation

of the unions, as well as all stakeholders, while we build a strong school district.” Joe Liszak, president of the Woodmore school board, said Pearson has always had the support of board members. “We recognized that she took over a district that had severe financial problems and she had to put controls in place to protect taxpayer dollars,” he said. Pearson was hired in October 2014. Last March, the WEA notified the school board of its vote, citing the union’s concerns over issues with payroll, personnel files, contracts, purchase orders, sick days and fee monies. The union said the flow of information from the treasurer’s office was frequently “inaccurate and contradictory.” In its response to the union, the board said Pearson had to restore accuracy to the payroll department which was “riddled with errors dating back several years” and Pearson was acting on board instructions to require all staff members have necessary approvals prior to a purchase. During the board’s Oct. 18 meeting, Pearson received applause from residents after giving a financial report of the district’s operating cash flow and budget balance, Liszak said.

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