Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 3, 2007)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, October 3, 2007 National Newspaper Week is designated for next week: Monday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 13. And I know that for the masses that ranks with National Wine Bottle Week and National Kiss A Toad Week. But those of us in the Fourth Estate, well, we kind of like the recognition. It doesn’t put more cash in our tills or bigger numbers on payroll checks, but it’s nice to be recognized in any fashion other than irate phone calls and vitriolic letters that of- ten are anonymous. Novelist Jeffrey Archer in his work, The Fourth Estate, made this observation: “In May 1789, Louis XVI summoned to Versailles a full meeting of the Estate General. The First Estate consisted of 300 clergy. The Second Estate, 300 nobles. The Third Estate, 600 commoners. Some years later, after the French Revolution, Edmund Burke, looking up at the Press Gallery of the House of Commons, said, ‘Yonder sits the Fourth Estate, and they are more important than them all’.” I know that some in the media have inflated egos and take themselves way too seriously. (I differentiate between the me- dia -- encompassing radio, TV and newspapers -- and the press, which to me is comprised only of newspapers). Chauvin- istic, I know, but after some 44 years in the press, what can I say? Anyway, it’s not that we don’t take our work seriously; it’s ourselves we make fun of. This is not the first time, and it will not be the last, that I will say: Anyone who has not worked at a newspaper will not un- derstand the how and why of what we do. So we do not try to explain to or argue with those who disagree with us on matters of content or placement. We listen, and take the commentary in stride; working to note it sincerely and keep it in mind for future reference. If we are guilty of actual errors, we print corrections. It’s a fascinating endeavor, putting out a newspaper. You ought to try it. Oh, and Happy National Newspaper Week to all. * * * * * * (Editor’s Note: The following is by Steve Haynes, a N.W. Kan- sas newspaper publisher and president of the National Newspa- per Association). The front pages of our nation’s newspapers are more col- orful and compelling than ever. From the smallest weekly to the largest city daily, action shots reach out to draw in readers. We try our best to help you stay informed, even as you blog, GPS and phone-video your way through the world. But while there’s plenty of interesting news in the front, I find the back of the paper even more important. The public notices in most newspapers appear in the classified section. In some states, that is because state law considers them classi- fied ads. In others, it’s simply tradition. They’ve been there all our lives. Lewis and Clark used public notices. Most state con- stitutions were drawn up with the help of public notices. Now they are so much part of our tradition that we some- times forget them. They are part of the three-legged stool of democracy: open public meetings, public records, and public notices. They let us know about tax increases, zoning changes and property foreclosures -- when they are allowed to work. Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire drew attention to these notices this year when she signed a bill requiring her governments -- state and local -- to resume using public notices to inform citizens. The law she signed is a reaction to a state Supreme Court decision involving the owners of a small busi- ness whose property in south Tacoma was condemned to make way for a train depot parking lot. The public notice pro- vided by the transit authority was posted solely on its own Web- site. There it announced condemnation of private property. The property owners never saw the notice. They sued, but the Washington Supreme Court said notice on an obscure Website was enough. The Legislature thought otherwise. It now requires notices to be mailed to property owners -- and a notice to be put back into the newspaper, where people will see it. As the state of Washington has acknowledged, people have a right to know. And notices are meant to be noticed. Newspaper notices also help get people back together with something they have lost -- unclaimed property. In most states, an unclaimed property fund exists in the state treasury for assets in long-forgotten bank accounts, un- collected insurance claims and personal property, all belonging to someone who has not yet found it or laid claim to it. Not sur- prisingly, some state governments happily sit on these assets. In the days of more vigorous newspaper notices, readers could pore over interesting catalogs of unfound heirs and uncashed checks -- and let their friends know of an unfound bounty. To- day, in many states, notice of these funds has shrunk to a Website page buried in a state computer. A federal judge in California has stepped into that state’s hoarding of these rich deposits. He stopped the state from con- tinuing to rake in the contents of abandoned lockboxes and the like. He demanded a better effort by the state to find rightful owners. (The list of unclaimed property in that case included a Medal of Honor and Navy Cross awarded to a World War II hero buried in Arlington National Cemetery.) One big problem with California’s program is the lack of newspaper lists of the property. The public’s right to know is served when we can see for ourselves what is going on. Other states should pay attention to this lesson of government ac- countability: a government Website doesn’t do the job. The Internet is going to be an important channel for deliv- ery of newspaper information. It also will help newspapers pro- vide broader public notice. But the Internet must not become a tool of secrecy for governments. Washington’s governor and Legislature understand this principle. The California judge knows visible public notice is important. Newspapers provide public notices week after week where people can see them, not locked away on some ob- scure Website. That’s why so many readers are like me. We read news- papers from back to front. illinois-valley-news.com (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including state- ments made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.) * * * Typed, double-spaced let- ters written solely to this news- paper are considered for publi- cation. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. ‘Thank you’ submissions are not accepted as letters. Lost girl searchers bring heartfelt note From Joe & Rikki Larese Cave Junction We appreciate the peo- ple of Cave Junction for coming together as a com- munity in the search for our daughter, Candessa, 5, on Monday, Sept. 24. We have lived here two years, and have thought of moving. But after the sup- port we received from so many people that we had never met, and those we’ve known since moving here, we will never leave Cave Junction. It is a wonderful town, and the people are just as great. We feel more grateful than words can describe. ‘What is this world coming to?’ From Sonny Moore Cave Junction Wednesday, Sept. 26 marked “See You At The Pole,” a day where students gather around flag poles to pray for their schools, teach- ers, students, local and na- tional governments. Several students of faith distributed the following note to the teachers and staff of Lorna Byrne Middle School: “While you were pre- paring for the day and the lesson plan we took the time to pray for you! May God bless you for your dedica- tion and commitment to our education and may you see the fruits of your labor even when it seems to be an im- possible task … ‘The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)’.” The note was not met favorably by some of the staff. In fact, some were offended. One was quoted as saying, “This is wrong ... this is illegal.” What is this world com- ing to? We are amid a national government that can’t fix our educational problems, and a state legislator who puts education on the bot- tom of their list of priorities. Teachers complain of over- crowded classrooms and not enough resources to get the job done. In most schools there is an atmosphere on the border of chaos, hate crimes committed in the hallways, students cussing out their teachers for the homework they did not complete. Students are dying right before our eyes because of poor choices; and all the while, a total lack of respect, self-control and basic hu- man decency toward one Following are the high-and- low temperatures, and rainfall, recorded in O’Brien by Cheryl & Harry Johnson. *Fri., Sept. 21: 83 - 46 *Sat., Sept: 22: 73 - 46 *Sun., Sept. 23: 68 - 44 *Mon., Sept. 24: 75 - 35 *Tue., Sept. 25: 77 - 36 *Wed., Sept. 26: 84 - 40 *Thurs., Sept. 27: 80 - 44 Following are the high-and- low temperatures, and rainfall, recorded in Cave Junction at Natural Designs Farm. *Fri., Sept. 21: 84 - 39 *Sat., Sept: 22: 80 - 40 *Sun., Sept. 23: 70 - 42 *Mon., Sept. 24: 75 - 32 *Tue., Sept. 25: 78 - 31 *Wed., Sept. 26: 86 - 35 *Thurs., Sept. 27: 86 - 36 another. Have we been so conditioned to the ugliness and curses of our day that we look a gift horse in the mouth? What is this world com- ing to? I personally would like to go on public record in favor of the students of faith for taking time out of their day and putting others be- fore themselves. They are part of the solution instead of the problems. In a world that seems so bent on the negative, I welcome any blessing I can get. All students of faith will find that great is their reward. Rebuttal to Wally Aiken by JCSO volunteer From Charles MacNeil Cave Junction Untruths, let us count the ways. We will wait for Wally Aiken (IIllinois Valley News Letter to the Editor, Sept. 19) to remove his shoes. First, I am not a deputy sheriff; I am a volunteer for the sheriff. I do not wear a gun, carry handcuffs, or get paid. We buy our own uni- forms, coats, shoes and hats. If Aiken grows some, we will be happy for him to join us, or the CJ Citizens Patrol. Aiken was breaking the law by parking across handicap stripes and parking space. It was at 3 in the af- ternoon, and he was unloading (I suppose) band equipment. There were other spaces to park (not handicap). And man has invented a device called a dolly; he might try to figure out how to use one to move his equipment. He suggested that I should be in Baghdad issu- ing citations for littering. On 9/11 I tried with many other vets, but was turned down because of my age. I am 62. I am a proud Vietnam vet, with three Bronze Stars and other medals. In 1966 and ‘67 I did not see Aiken, but if he was there, thank God he made it home. Across the street at Ster- ling bank, people were get- ting money out of the ATM for lunch (at Nacho Mama’s) where he was blocking the handicap space. Now they will never eat there because of the con- duct of him and his friends conduct. They are proud parents of a son in Iraq, so Aiken and his voiceless friends should remove their feet before yelling. Toler seems to write off forest industry, she feels From Jennifer Phillippi Rough & Ready Lumber Co. Cave Junction I was astonished to see Josephine County Commis- sioner Dave Toler’s recent guest opinion coming out against the Bureau of Land Management’s preferred forest harvest plan. With less than one year of the timber safety net re- maining, we face the loss of funding for law enforcement, libraries, health care and public works. We count on our commissioners to look out for our county’s eco- nomic and social well being, and the BLM preferred Al- ternative 2 provides a much- needed opportunity to stabi- lize our county. Toler’s position on the place of timber harvest in our county’s economy is markedly at odds with three other prominent voices heard recently. Grants Pass Daily Cou- rier editor Dennis Roler did an excellent job describing the need for a diversified local economy. Roler, in agreement with Toler, points to health care and service jobs as important components of a robust economy. But where the two diverge is in the role forestry should play in creat- ing economic resiliency. Roler points out the need to protect existing jobs in the forest sector and hopefully add to them. He notes that given the vast forest tracts in the county, the forest industry can, and should still, contribute sig- nificantly. Harvard Business School’s Dr. Michael Porter corroborates the view Roler holds. Porter told the 2006 Oregon Business Leadership Summit that Oregon’s com- petitive advantage for eco- nomic growth in the global economy is its potential to combine unique strengths in abundant natural resources with capabilities in high- technology, higher educa- tion, and its tradition of strict environmental stan- dards. Porter believes that it is a mistake, for example, to think of forestry and high- tech as separate or compet- ing clusters. The third voice endors- ing forestry’s place in Ore- gon’s economy is that of Gov. Kulongoski. In a re- cent letter to several eastern Oregon counties, the gover- nor offers support relevant enough to warrant substan- tial inclusion here. He says: “News reports of mill closures in Harney, Grant and Wallowa counties are deeply troubling to me … any Oregonian who values the diversity and independ- ent spirit of our state should be equally troubled. The wood products industry has been and continues to be a major industry in Oregon and we must do more to ensure that the raw material with which we have been naturally blessed continues to be harvested, in a predict- able, competitively priced, sustainable and ecologically sensitive fashion.” In conveying his dis- tress at the loss of 200 jobs in a region of 22,000 people, the governor describes the often-overlooked contribu- tions of rural counties, a subject close to my heart: “The social fabric and health of rural Oregon com- munities must be protected, and I am committed to (Continued on page 3) We make one-of-a-kind llama felt hats for men & women Have You Tried One On? COME SEE THEM Fawn & cream marble Fedora with wide brim & leather band At the S.O.G. Gallery in Kerby At Shop River Rock in Grants Pass Illinois Valley News Cave Junction Wednesday, Oct. 3 Some clouds with rain late High--64 Low--40 Thursday, Oct. 4 Cloudy, cooler & chance of rain High--58, Low--37. Friday, Oct. 5 More sun & warming High--64, Low--33 Saturday, Oct. 6 Proliferation of sunshine High--72, Low--40 Sunday, Oct. 7 Some sun High--74, Low--39 Monday, Oct. 8 Morning clouds and afternoon rain High--69, Low--39 Tuesday, Oct. 9 Returning sun, evening showers High--65, Low--37 www.illinois-valley-news.com An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (AKA Bob or El Jefe), Editor and Jan Rodriguez Entered as second class matter June 11, 1937 at Post Office as Official Newspaper for Josephine County and Josephine County Three Rivers School District, published at 321 S. Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523 Periodicals postage paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523 Post Office Box 1370 USPS 258-820 Telephone (541) 592-2541, FAX (541) 592-4330 Email: newsroom1@frontiernet.net or newsdesk@illinois-valley-news.com Volume 70, No. 29 Staff: Michelle Binker, Zina Booth, Josiah Dean, Jennifer Newsted Millie Watkins, and Tina Grow Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association DEADLINES: News, Classified & Display Ads, Announcements & Letters 5 P.M. THURSDAYS (Classified ads & uncomplicated display ads can be accepted until Noon, Fridays with an additional charge.) POLICY ON LETTERS: ‘Illinois Valley News’ welcomes letters to the editor provided they are of general interest, in good taste, legible and not libelous. All letters must be signed, using complete name, and contain the writer’s address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The ‘News’ reserves the right to edit letters. Generally, one letter per person per month at publishers’ discretion. Letters are used at the discretion of the publishers. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the publishers’ opinion. POLICY ON “HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,” DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADS & NOTICES: All submissions must be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to us for publication. Submissions must be resubmitted weekly if the item is to run more than one week. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $22.80 One year in Jackson and Douglas counties - $26.40 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state - $36 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction OR 97523
