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Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, June 8, 2005
GUARDRAILS STAND AS MEMORIAL - Cave Junction residents Corey Allen and
Darrell Allen (at left in left photo) replace a cross marking the spot where their son
Josh, 22, died in a single-vehicle crash July 7, 2004. Because of their campaign to
have guardrails installed along Hwy. 199, Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT)
allocated approximately $700,000 for work from Hay’s Hill to the north end of Cave
Junction. Last week, as workers reached the location of the fatal crash, Corey
brought pizza and soft drinks as part of an informal observance. The Allens were
accompanied by Amanda Allen, who was Josh’s fiancée, Bonnie Phelps, Paul and
Nancy Allen, Mike Crotts, and ’Rascal’ Allen. The family and friends visited and
shared a meal with workers (photo to right, not in order) Chris Akkerman, Richard
Vaillencourt, Mike Thorne Sr., Michael Thorne Jr., Kenneth Boozer, Bill Hults, Robert
Bass, Darrell Hix, Angelique Moses, Chris Mendoza and Chad Ensminger. Cory
spent many months compiling a fact book about the hazardous stretches of the
highway, and contacting legislators and ODOT officials. She also worked with the
Josephine County Safer Streets Ahead for Everyone group.
Safety steps lessen power tool risk
Tim Allen’s popular TV
comedy, “Home Improve-
ment,” poked fun at the idea of
a do-it-yourselfer who, in his
never-ending quest for “more
power,” caused humorous mis-
haps.
The reality is much less
funny.
The home improvement
business is booming in Amer-
ica, and many will find that te
perfect Father’s Day (June 19)
tool comes with a power cord.
Those tools often come with
instructions and safety manuals
that remain unopened.
And that may be responsi-
ble for the rash of injuries. The
American College of Emer-
gency Physicians (ACEP) doc-
tors know the consequences
too well. Finger amputations
send an estimated 28,000 chil-
dren and adults to hospital
emergency departments for
emergency care each year.
Nearly half of all finger
amputations in men, 55 and
older, were caused by power
tools, according to researchers
from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s Na-
tional Center for Injury Preven-
tion and Control (NCIPC).
Many of these injuries
could be prevented by taking a
few simple precautions, such as
following the safety instructions
and wearing protective gear.
Always read and become
familiar with the manufac-
turer’s instructions, including
precautions and how to re-
spond to an emergency. Wear
the recommended protective
equipment, such as safety gog-
gles, clothing, earplugs, dust
marks or gloves.
Make sure that the tool is
in good working order, includ-
ing the cord, switch, and any
protective guarding. Safety
guarding should never be re-
moved.
Whenever working with a
power tool, it is important to
make sure that safety guards
are in place, in working order,
and properly adjusted. Never
modify a tool to use for a job
it’s not intended to do.
Keep safety switches in
working order; and never by-
pass or replace it with a stan-
dard on-off switch.
A common source of inju-
ries is tools starting unexpect-
edly. The best way to avoid
accidental starts is by keeping
hands away from switches
while carrying a plugged-in or
battery powered tool.
Many medications also
warn against using power tools.
The warnings should be
heeded at all times, or when
you are tired or consuming
alcohol.
A safe work area will keep
you and others safe. Keep work
areas well lit and free of clutter.
Tripping or stumbling while
carrying a power tool is dan-
gerous.
Never use powered tools
in damp or wet locations be-
cause of the risk of slipping, as
well as electric shock. Be sure
to keep good footing and main-
tain good balance.
Wear the right clothing,
avoiding loose-fitting clothes,
ties or jewelry that can get
caught in machinery. Observ-
ers should remain a safe dis-
tance away from the work area.
When putting tools away,
store them in a dry place that is
not above your head. At the
same time, store tools out of
reach of children and always
disconnect the power supply,
particularly for large powered
saws, drills and the like.
MANSFIELD R. CLEARY
THE FIRST ART & GAR-
DEN TOUR in Illinois Val-
ley concluded at Bridge-
view Vineyards Winery
Saturday, June 4 with
refreshments and raffle
drawings for donated art.
The winery unveiled its
new and expanded deck
available for visitors and
large gatherings (by
prior arrangement). Live
music Saturday was pro-
vided by Dale Hopper
and friends. Among
those recognized for in-
dividual and group sup-
port of the tour were
(from left) Gayle Bohey,
of the I.V. Garden Club;
Patty Downing, service
coordinator for Southern
Oregon Guild; Linda
Naydol, guild vice presi-
dent; and Kathy
Lombardo, incoming gar-
den club vice president.
Attorney at Law
General Practice in
Illinois Valley
since 1980
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
After 24 Years of Service to
Evergreen Federal Bank,
Corky Quen is retiring.
Please join her customers, Evergreen family
and friends on Friday, June 17th
to wish her well as she begins her retirement journey.
Refreshments will be served from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at our Cave Junction Branch Office.
FDIC Insured