Page 8
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Community center ...
(Continued from page 1)
a supportive environment in-
cluding rental space, adminis-
trative services, training and
technical assistance to spawn
new businesses such as web
design/maintenance, product
photography and shipping to
encourage further growth.”
The center would be a
multifunctional facility com-
bining a number of elements.
Phillips said they would be:
*A gallery and showroom
for local products, plus Ore-
gon Caves souvenirs.
*Demonstration studios
where artisans could practice
their crafts before visitors.
*A small business incuba-
tor with rental space and af-
fordable administrative ser-
vices.
*A community connec-
tivity area with high-speed
computer access backed up by
technical support.
*A training facility for
micro-enterprise organizations
and Rogue Community Col-
lege to deliver courses and
workshops.
Phillips said that the cen-
ter also could “increase the
curb appeal of the valley to
stop an increased number of
visitors passing along Red-
wood Hwy., and serve as a
focal point for dispersing visi-
tors to other attractions such
as the Caves, Rough and
Ready Botanical Wayside and
Lake Selmac.”
It also could serve as a
starting point for Biscuit Fire
site tours, winetasting and vis-
its to artist studios.
Phillips also told chamber
directors that IVCRT is seek-
ing a $50,000 USDA Rural
Business Opportunity Grant to
establish business growth in-
vestment accounts. They
could be used, he said, “to
purchase a range of training
and consulting services based
on individualized needs and
goals.”
Some chamber directors
asked whether functions of the
existing visitor center would
be duplicated by the planned
center.
Phillips indicated that al-
though visitor information
would be available at each,
they would serve essentially
different functions.
Fire chief’s paid leave ...
(Continued from page 1)
questioned by Volunteer Capt.
Bill Hickerson, a 23-year vet-
eran, who has been honored as
the district’s and the state’s
Firefighter of the Year. Hick-
erson, former president of Illi-
nois Valley Volunteer Fire-
fighters Association, referred
to injury and rumors regarding
Kirchner’s reputation, and
why the audit process has
taken longer than first
thought.
He also questioned the
notification process used for
the March 28 special meeting.
Haviland responded that
proper procedures were used,
including printing a legal ad in
the Grants Pass “Daily Cou-
rier.” In addition, notices were
posted at various locations in
the valley. The legal notifica-
tion apparently was placed in
the Grants Pass newspaper
because a decision to call a
special meeting was made
after deadline for “Illinois
Valley News.”
Haviland also told Hick-
erson that the board can call
special meetings when
needed. He indicated that
there are no grounds for ques-
tioning the notification proc-
ess, although Hickerson said
he believes that Jones was not
notified.
Jones on Sunday, May 18
agreed with that, saying that
he had not been notified, but
that Director Joe Malcolm had
told him about it when he en-
countered Jones and his wife
having dinner in a restaurant.
“Otherwise I wouldn’t have
known,” said Jones. He added
that he thinks perhaps two
other directors also were not
notified in a timely manner.
During last week’s meet-
ing, the board conducted an
executive (closed to the pub-
lic) session that lasted ap-
proximately 10 minutes. Dur-
ing the closed session the five
directors read through printed
information; then reconvened
into open session.
In the latter portion, the
board, said Haviland, “agrees
by consensus that the district’s
attorney, Martial Henault,
“bring his report to the board
on his findings and (follow)
due process after that.”
A special meeting likely
will be called to deal with that
matter. It was noted that the
“audit” is not a true audit, but
only examines a relatively
short time span.
Haviland on Thursday
night said that the audit proc-
ess has taken longer than first
thought because the certified
public accountant, from Med-
ford, was busy with tax season
and other matters. He also
noted that “there are no accu-
sations” against Kirchner.
“There is a lot of turmoil
(among volunteers and others
in the community) because of
this long situation,” said Hick-
erson. “It sucks.”
“Personally I see nothing
that should result in termina-
tion,” said Jones, “but maybe
a slap on the wrist.” He noted
that as a fire chief he some-
times inadvertently used a
municipal credit card, but al-
ways provided reimburse-
ment, just as Kirchner has
done.
“Kyle has turned the de-
partment around,” said Jones.
“He is an excellent chief;
nearly all the personnel like
him. The fact that he is such a
good chief is the reason I
joined the board.”
On May 18, Kirchner said
from his home that the entire
situation is extremely unfortu-
nate for the district. He said
that it would have been best if
the board had come to him
with its questions, rather that
going through the lengthy and
expensive process that has
occurred.
Jones added that should
there be an attempt to termi-
nate Kirchner, he fears a situa-
tion similar to one several
years ago when the then-board
made a surprise move to fire
Chief Mike Barty.
Because of that, many
volunteers removed their
badges and tossed them on the
table, quitting before the
board in protest.
“The volunteers are up in
arms about his situation,”
Jones said. “We need to con-
clude it.”
Jugglers ...
(Continued from page 1)
also has found juggling im-
proves hand-eye coordination,
boosts confidence and reduces
stress.
In his perfect world, eve-
ryone would walk down the
street juggling and all pass
bags back and forth to each
other. What a great way to
meet people, he mused.
Jeff’s story on how he
learned to juggle elicits a grin
as well. A fellow employee at
a Keebler factory taught him
on-the-job approximately 30
years ago. For Jeff, it seemed
a salvation of sorts from the
boring, monotonous work .
“I learned with dough
balls. And no, I didn’t put any
of the dough back in,” he
laughed, noting that graham
cracker dough juggles best.
Since then, Jeff has taught
many people his skill, includ-
ing his wife and children.
“Everyone in the family
juggles,” Mary said.
When she first learned
10 years ago, she found it
somewhat frustrating. Her
advice for beginners -- walk
away for awhile and come
back to it.
Jemarc is open every day
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but
will eventually be closed two
days a week, which haven't
been decided yet.
Jeff and Mary welcome
anyone and everyone to not
only come learn to juggle but
to hang out and juggle as well.
Jemarc is located at 1344
Rockydale Road and can be
reached by phoning 592-2465.
A LITTLE GIRL tamed a dragon, which was really a horse,
and children created edible necklaces with elbow macaroni
noodles (photos above) during the seventh annual Pet Pa-
rade in Jubilee Park in Downtown Cave Junction. Parade re-
sults were not available at press time.
“If You Take A
Mouse To School”
By: Laura Numeroff
Illustrated by: Felicia
Bond
Ages: 2-5
Find out what can happen
when you take a mouse to
school. Helps children learn
cause and effect.
-- This book was selected by
Senior Library Specialist Jennifer
Berubee and is available at the
Josephine County Library, I.V.
branch in Cave Junction. Phone
592-3581.
*Confidential business consultation-free of charge
*Now offering counseling in Illinois Valley
*Affordable business-related training
*Comprehensive business library
214 SW 4th Street, Grants Pass - 1-800-411-6508 Ext. 7494
Phone today - let us help you succeed
http://www.roguecc.edu/sbdc
MANSFIELD R. CLEARY
Attorney at Law
General Practice in
Illinois Valley since 1980
CHILDREN RODE on the backs of African elephants, ate col-
orful snow cones and watched acrobats swing from the big
top during the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus held on
Thursday, May 15, adjacent to the Illinois Valley Family Re-
source Center. The circus was sponsored by the Illinois Val-
ley Family Coalition.
(Photos by Britt Fairchild)
Keep a definite goal of achievement constantly in view. Real-
ize that work well and worthily done makes life truly worth
living.
- Grenville Kleiser
Practice includes but not limited to:
Bankruptcy - Eliminate
financial problems
Living trusts - Avoid probate
Estate planning - Wills,
power of attorney
Domestic relations
Auto accident - Personal Injury
Criminal - DUII
Real Estate contracts - Foreclosure
592-2195
200 W. Lister