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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (July 9, 2003)
Page 7 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, July 9, 2003 Pruners find hope... (Continued from page 1) that she and her husband are taken care of. “We have everything we need and then some,” she said. “We’ll just pick up the pieces and go on.” Faith also has played a significant role for Ora Mae Meyer, who also lost her home of 43 years on West River Road during the Daisy Hill Fire. Meyer said she was taking a nap when the fire reached her property. With assistance from family members, she escaped un- harmed, but with only her purse and car. “I extend my sincere appreciation to Gary and Mary Bell for getting me out in time,” Meyer said. She also expressed appre- ciation to her children, Richard and Pamela Meyer, Dr. Robert Meyer, and Cindy and Larry No- bile for their assistance after the fire and their help in dealing with her loss. Their support, plus that of the I.V. community, and Bridgeview Community Church, where she is a member, has proved a great comfort to her. “This valley is my home, most of all, because my special church and community friends have made it that way,” Meyer said. “Because of them, I am encouraged to rebuild on my property, and will continue to reside here.” A fund for donations has been set up in the Pruner name at Commu- nity Bible Church, where Donna is a member. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Pastor Don Blackburn at 592-3896. Football fund-raising... (Continued from page 1) During reunion week- end, Thornhill and some players spoke to several alumni about program needs. And earlier this sum- mer, several players spent a day in Williams bucking hay to earn funds. “We’re not just asking for money. We know the boys are going to have to work,” Jannie said. Nic and fellow team- mate, Jake Tardie, a junior, said they want to work hard to help their team. “I know we have a really good chance of go- ing to state,” Tardie said. “A lot of people come to the games,” Nic said. Plus, football has be- come an important part of the high school experience for the players. “You make a lot of friends and memories,” Nic said, adding that the sport gets him to interact with students he may not interact with otherwise. It also instills a sense of school pride and spirit, he noted. “They’re learning to work together. They’re l ear nin g d is cipline, ” Thornhill said. These values extend to the middle school program as well, he added. Thornhill stressed that football isn’t the only sport that’s strapped for funds. The track team also lost three coaching posi- tions. “I don’t see it (the situation) getting any bet- ter,” Thornhill said. “We’ve got a little bit, and we’re fighting to keep it.” For information or to make a donation, phone Thornhill at 597-2389 or Jannie at 597-2060. Next Concert in the Park: Thursday, July 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m. ‘Around the Hearth’ Celtic Music To the following businesses for their generous donations of time and merchandise, and the special attention given us making Reunion 2003 a success. Your support is truly appreciated. * Blue Marlin Inn * Captain Jack’s Lures & Blades * Carlos Restaurante * Cave Junction Cares * City of Cave Junction * Century 21 Harris & Taylor, Jim Frick * Family Tree Garden Center * I.V. Building Supply * I.V. Golf Course * ‘I.V. News’ * Junction Inn Restaurant & Lounge * McGrew’s * Rough & Ready Lumber Co. * C.J. Select Market * Shear Madness * Shop Smart Food Warehouse * Taylor’s Sausage Country Store * Treehouse Florist & Gifts * Valley Bookkeeping * Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co. Congratulations to Jamie Couick and Ivy Fink, Class of 2003 who received our $1,500 vocational scholarship and $1,500 academic scholarship. USFS did well at blaze; Daisy Hill ops outlined By JOE FELDHAUS IVFD Division Chief; Incident Commander, Daisy Hill Fire On Sunday, June 29 the Illinois Valley Fire District was faced with one of its greatest challenges, as at 3:42 p.m. we were faced with a wind-driven interface fire. With mutual aid from Josephine and Jackson counties, U.S. Forest Ser- vice and Oregon Dept. of Forestry, we were able to contain the fire at 120 acres. Unfortunately we lost two residences and some outbuildings. To clarify something that appeared in the July 9 “Illinois Valley News,” it was reported exactly as I stated, but as I read it I realized that it didn’t come across well. When we lost 580 W. River St., we reported that the forest service had done a 360 inspection, went around again and discov- ered the roof fire. The ap- pearance is that they came in and went back out in short order. This is not the case. They had taken up position in the early stages of the fire and had extinguished many ground fires around the structure. In continuing their sur- veillance, they observed discoloration on the metal roof indicating fire within the structure. Apparently, embers entered the attic through openings in the building or through the ends of the metal roof. The forest service is not equipped, trained or allowed to attack a struc- ture fire from the interior. They made every effort from the exterior, and con- tacted structural engines to assist. It was determined that there was too much fire in the structure to com- mit resources when we had other structures immedi- ately threatened. The forest service did everything within its capa- bilities to prevent the loss. As the incident com- mander, I am proud of their valiant efforts. Among the challenges we faced, the wind was blowing from 15 to 30 mph, which drove the fire hard. Second, we broke a second fire on Waldo road within five to 10 minutes of the Daisy Hill Fire. Lt. Tom Zulliger and Capt. Steve Corwin, both volunteers with the O’Brien Station, are the unsung heroes. They were able to contain that fire by themselves to approxi- mately 1/2 acre. Had that fire gotten away, we would have been in extreme trouble. We still need volun- teers in the fire district. I had five pieces of fire- fighting apparatus sitting in stations with no one to bring them to the scene. The citizens of Illinois Valley did a great job as- sisting us. I’m sure that there is frustration as to why we didn’t use a lot of them. It comes down to law and their safety. Once I ask a civilian to do something, I have as- sumed their liability. If they get hurt, it opens many doors to let in law- yers. Also, we don’t have communication with them: thus, if they get in trouble we might not know it. If they’re working the fire and we don’t know where they are, we could direct air tankers to drop on them, not known that they are there. Those pieces of equipment can kill you. My main point is that I saw a wonderful volunteer spirit during this incident. I am appealing to the valley community to join the vol- unteers and become trained so that we can use them. It’s your valley. There was a lot of wasted man- power. Yes, it’s a commit- ment. Yes, you end up de- voting a lot of time. But again -- it’s your valley. For those who are new residents or unfamiliar with the fire district, we have six stations spread through the valley. Except for Selma our staffing is, to be blunt, in the toilet. We need those folks who are out there, and I saw them in action. The rumor mill always has sto- ries about how citizens say that they would have done this or they would have done that. They might be right, but unless they join us and help their fellow residents, it’s only words. Firefighter Bill Hick- erson has beat himself into the ground for 23 years trying to get more volun- teers. I don’t know of any better evidence of need than the Daisy Hill Fire. Finally, if anybody has questions about that fire and why it was handled the way it was, they should feel free to stop by Station 1 in Cave Junction and talk with me. As incident com- mander of the Daisy Hill fire, I extend the invitation. Sharon Westcott and Jack McCornack (Photo by Steve Fairchild) Flyers soar to worlds... (Continued from page 1) from a global positioning system. Another competition will test his landing abili- ties as he will be required to land with his engine shut off on a five-meter long target for maximum points. “Every time I fly one of these I come back a greatly improved pilot,” he said. “The intensity of the competition brings out the best in me.” The theme for this year’s competition will be “100 Years of Friendship Through Flight.” Winners of the event receive a gold medal which is as prestigious in flight circles as the Olym- pic gold medal, he said. Westcott is excited to be the American represen- tative in the competition since the United States is the birthplace of flight. “We’re really trying to present a team that is proud to be invited to the cup,” she said. “We’re proud to come from the birthplace of aviation.” Laurel Cemetery Association wishes to thank True Value Hardware for the paint and varnish, Illinois Valley Building Supply for the new number plates, and the nice person for the labor who wishes to remain anonymous. Taylor’s SNACK STIX Bits & Pieces… $1.99 lb. *Honey ham/cheese *Jalapeno pepperoni & cheese ****July Events: 7-10 p.m.**** *Friday, July 11 ARTWALK - ‘COMMON GROUND’ CHRISTIAN ROCK *Special Thai Dinner* Saturday, July 12 - featured on NPR from Arcata Eileen Hemphill-Haley Friday, July 18 - ‘Delta Blues Man’ Don Haupt Friday, July 25 - ‘Fools Forgiven’ *Thursdays - UBA-Star open mic with Jake Thompson Come-one, Come-all Scrabble games *DINNERS SERVED* Thursday, Friday & Saturday - Starting at 5 p.m.