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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 14, 2007)
Page 13 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, February 14, 2007 ATV rulings big concern for riders Rep. Smith questions government intervention Joe Brown (Photo by IVFD Media Dept.) He’s not your average Joe: firefighter honored at RCC By SCOTT JORGENSEN IVN Staff Writer Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Firefighter Joe Brown recently was honored for his academic efforts at Rogue Com- munity College (RCC). Brown had spent four years volunteering with IVFD until the agency obtained funding to hire two student apprentices and help send them to school. Brown started his first term at RCC in September, and is pursuing a fire science degree. Every year, the Oregon Community College Association selects two students from each of the state’s 17 community colleges to be honored during a special event with the state governor and all the community college presidents. Brown was one of seven RCC students nominated. Although Brown won’t be one of the two RCC students to attend the event, he said he was honored to even be consid- ered for it. Brown said that the recognition will help inspire him to continue his studies. “Sometimes when you get overwhelmed with homework, it’s easy to get frustrated because you’re working all the time,” Brown said. “You tend to get down and have second thoughts, and then something like this comes along and reas- sures you that you’re doing a good job, to keep at it and stay strong.” Brown, under his agreement with IVFD, pulls shifts at Station 1 in Cave Junction as part of his “hands-on” education and training. He has been involved in a number of emergency re- sponses, including a rescue in which he saved a young woman marooned on a rock in Illinois River. SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - The family of the late Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Volunteer Firefighter Brenton ‘Brent’ W. Monsma, who died of complications from ALS, received a special glass-enclosed plaque from the district. Chief Harry Rich made the presentation to Gertrude Monsma, his widow, and their son, David, during the board meeting Thursday night, Feb. 8 at HQ. The me- mento contains his badge, which is now retired; a shoul- der patch, and a brass plate with Mr. Monsma’s name and the dates of his service: 2004-2006 at Takilma Station 6. A certificate signed by the board of directors, and the chief and Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik attest to his devotion to duty and community spirit, even during his illness. (Photo by Dale & Elaine Sandberg/IVFD Media Dept.) Oregon taking pains for patients A statement drafted by Oregon's 19-member Pain Management Commission to strengthen Oregonians’ access to effective pain treatments has been signed by eight state licensing boards and 12 associations of health-care professionals. It is the latest step in the state’s efforts to bolster the availability of effective pain treatment in Oregon. It is recognized as among the leading states in addressing the issue of chronic pain be- ing under-diagnosed and under-treated. “I always get a little uncomfortable when we start trying to legislate com- mon sense,” said Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) after reviewing a series of bills moving through the capitol to restrict the use of All- Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Smith is a member of the House Transportation Committee which heard three of these bills last week in Salem. The Oregon Parks Dept. is proposing the new rules because its leaders feel that it will enhance safety. “There are five children in my immediate family and we love to ride ATVs,” said Smith. He added: “I also think it is my job as a parent to teach them how to ride responsibly and safely. Our family chooses to wear helmets when we ride. I’m not convinced that more government interven- tion is necessary. We may be talking about a solution in search of a problem.” The legislation consid- ered by the House Transpor- tation Committee included the following: House Bill 2062 re- quires anyone older than 18 to wear a helmet on an ATV. (Current law already requires anyone younger than 18 to use a helmet). House Bill 2063 pro- hibits passengers on ATVs not specifically designed for them. House Bill 2064 re- quires ATVs to have a title through the Oregon Dept. of Transportation. Besides these bills, on the Senate side there are two pieces of legislation to further restrict the use of ATVs by children younger than 15 and to require man- datory safety training for all operators. “We already have laws on the books to hold reckless drivers account- able,” said Smith. “Why should we put up roadblocks to family fun when we’re not sure this will lead to a significant increase in safety?” Smith also is worried that the state is unfairly targeting one segment of the recreation industry without looking at larger policy im- plications “What about snowmo- biles? You don’t need pro- tective headgear to ride one of those,” Smith said. “What’s next, requiring adults to wear helmets on bicycles? And are we going to require titles for jet skis, scooters and (electric scoot- ers)?” Residents can let their state representatives and senators know what they think about the proposed changes for ATVs. Visit leg.state.or.us. Any workout which does not involve a certain minimum of danger or responsibility does not improve the body. It just wears it out. - Norman Mailer - Llama Love to You on Valentine’s Day From all of us at Jerry Work at work (Submitted photo). SOG class illuminates digital photography In the first of a series of classes for artists and arti- sans, Jerry Work, president of Illinois Valley-based Southern Oregon Guild (SOG), demystified film and digital cameras. He also illuminated studio lighting, providing a foundation for the artist stu- dents to take high-quality photos. Titled, “How to Reach Any Prospect, Gallery or Agent Anywhere in the World In Any Media,” the series of classes will prepare SOG members and non- members to utilize the Guild’s suite of photo equip- ment, computers, printers and other resources to reach those distant markets. The course was taught at the Guild’s Artist Center and Gallery at the RCC Learning Center in Kerby on Saturday, Feb. 10 to a packed classroom, utilizing the Guild’s equipment. The series is part of the Guild’s mission to support artists and artisans to in- crease their commercial suc- cess. Also as part of that pur- pose, SOG and RCC are developing a cooperative relationship to enhance learning and marketing op- portunities for artists, accord- ing to an announcement. The second class in the series is slated for March 31. Outback Septic Services Servicing The Illinois Valley Exclusively If it has been 5 years or longer since you last pumped your septic tank-Now is the time to set your appointment before the rain starts. Cost is $300.00 for a 1,000 gallon tank with an exposed lid. Additional Costs: Dig & Expose Lid Minimal $50.00 Charge Emergency Call Out Fee $100.00 (541) 592-6307 Progress comes from the intelligent use of experience. - Elbert Hubbard - * * * Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. - Andrew Jackson - Act Now While limited funding is still available for clearing hazardous vegetation from around your home. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Home Assessment Team is available to evaluate your prop - erty for wildland fire survivability free of charge. Limited funding is now available for defensible space and additional fuel reduction projects if you qualify. Call for details. This will create defensible spaces around homes in Josephine County and help make our community fire safe. Now would be the best time to prepare your home for wildland fires. Call to schedule an appointment to see if you qualify: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Grants Pass Office (541) 474-3152
