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Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Letters to the editor
Illinois Valley News welcomes
letters to the editor.
Please e-mail them to
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
POLICY ON LETTERS:
‘Illinois Valley News’ encour-
ages letters to the editor provided
they are legible and not libelous
or scurrilous. All letters must be
signed, including name, 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need not be published, but will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. Letters are used at the
discretion of the publisher.
***
(Editor’s note: Views and com-
mentary, including statements
made as fact are strictly those
of the letter writers.)
Missing Facts
Regarding Sheriff’s
Budget – Part II
The Administrative
Internal Services Fund
(ISF) is a fund that includes
the budgets for the Board
of County Commissioners
(BCC), Finance, Information
Technology (IT),
Geographical Information
Systems (GIS), Human
Resources, County Legal
Counsel and Property
Management. The money
for the ISF Fund comes
from an assessment on the
operating budgets of the
departments. The BCC
has set the assessment at
10%. In short 10% of the
operational funds of the
assessed departments are
skimmed off of the top to
pay salaries, benefits and
perks for the aforementioned
Administrative Personnel.
The Sheriff’s Department
having the largest budget,
naturally contributes the
largest amount to the
ISF, over 100% more
than the next largest
contributing department.
Any funding coming into
these departments with the
exception of pass through
grant expenses will have
10% skimmed off of it for
the ISF. What this means
is, regardless of where a
tax levy originates or who
says all of the funds will
be used for the claimed
purpose, it simply is not
true. For instance, a public
safety levy, if passed, is
added to that department’s
budget, 10% is assessed
to the budget which will
go directly into the ISF.
According to budget policy
it will be removed. If
two departments were
involved in a levy, such
as, public safety and adult
corrections there would be
10% removed from each
department’s share of the
levy after it has been added
to their respective budgets.
Under that scenario 20% of
a levy would be skimmed
and added to the ISF for our
Commissioners to play with.
This is not an efficient use
of department funding.The
passage of a public safety
levy is, however, the only
way that the Commissioners
can obtain a substantial
funding increase to the ISF.
The bad news is this does
nothing to improve public
safety.
This year there was
an unanticipated windfall of
money from timber receipts.
One million dollars of
unexpected timber revenue
came into the County
coffers. Even though our
County Commissioners
have repeatedly spelled out
the horror that is coming
without additional funding
for the Sheriff’s Department,
they staunchly refused to put
any of this money towards
public safety. Ironically,
the only people that spoke
up at public meetings and
advocated for this money
to go into the sheriff’s
budget were all outspoken
opponents of the constant
yearly attempts of massive
property tax increases for
“public safety.” The County
Commissioners actions,
regarding this issue were
exactly the opposite of what
County Administrators
experiencing a “public safety
funding emergency” should
do.
These are not isolated
events. The past few
years have brought enough
falsities and negligence
from our County Leadership
to write a book on. Our
Commissioners could have
allied with the 17 other
O&C Counties (1/2 of the
Counties in the State are
O&C Counties) to create
a united voice for State
support against the Federal
Government for the violation
of the O&C Act. Instead,
they watched, silently,
as our State Legislature
crafted and introduced
various forms of legislation
designed to circumvent the
ability of County residents
to reject local tax levies that
have been proposed yearly
since the violation of the
O&C Act. In fact this year
the attempt was made by
our local leaders to enact
Chapter Law 753, A.K.A
House Bill (HB) 3453.
Had they been successful,
Josephine County residents
would have been compelled
to pay a new tax, without
their consent, for funding
services that has had 8
repeated tax levy failures.
There has been the scandal
of removing funds from the
public safety budget to make
things look more desperate
with the assurance that those
funds would be returned
with the passage of the levy.
However, the levy failed.
Or, when there were multiple
public announcements
made, each of progressive
enormous crime increases
which turned out to be
entirely false. This is not
an all- inclusive list, but a
few examples of how our
local government has been
operating.
When Josephine
County “Officials” tell the
press and the public that
they have done all that
they can do and have cut
everything to the bone, it
just does not ring true, given
some of the record and just
a few of the facts. Lastly,
in my opinion, cutting to
the bone in a “public safety
fiscal emergency” does
not include the recent pay
increases for Administrative
Personnel that the
Commissioners approved for
themselves. To name five,
our Commissioners, Finance
Director, and Sheriff with
benefits are compensated
in excess of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars. During
these desperate times and
regardless of the length of
time from the last increase,
they should have been able
to squeak by on what they
were getting.
Ray Smith
Cave Junction
Quiet no more
This once was a quiet
harmonious neighborhood.
As of January 2016 Rock
N’ Soil moved into the
neighborhood without
prior notification to the
local residents. This is a
residential neighborhood
NOT an industrial
neighborhood. They
established a business with
no permits or licenses. There
were no EPA or DOT studies
done and no consideration
of the impact it would have
on the neighborhood or the
local city park which is
located on the west side of
the business. The noise of
the equipment – the back-
up beepers – is engulfing,
disrupting and interfering
with the mood of the
neighborhood. The dust
from the vermiculite and
pumice are a health hazard
– they are carcinogenic.
The kids playing sports and
on lookers are subject to
inhaling these hazards. If
the particulates penetrate
one’s lungs then cancer
results. There are many
ball games being played
in the spring and summer
while the business is in
operation. Many people
have complained to City
Hall and still nothing is
being done. It is a county
problem with an influence to
the city. The neighborhood
feels it has been blindsided
without any consideration
or warning that Rock N’
Soil was moving in. If we
were, then maybe, we might
not be in this situation. The
values of our properties are
being depleted – who would
want to buy the properties
around the business with this
noise? I don’t even want to
be living nearby and I do.
The supporters of Rock N’
Soil don’t live next to them
– if they did they might have
a different opinion. Rock N’
Soil only employ part-time
seasonal workers, is there
any real positive impact on
the neighborhood? I think
not! We were blindsided
and had no say about this
business being forced upon
us. There are many safety
issues, narrow roads with
no sidewalks for the kids
to walk back and forth to
school; the elder who use
walkers to be able to get
out of the way of the large
trucks that use the road, plus
the trucks are going over
speed limits, the road is not
suited for large truck traffic.
The only reason Rock N’
Soil have permits now is
because it was brought to
the attention of the planning
committee and the county
commissioners. Rock N’ Soil
should have started with the
proper channels. The county
commissioners understand
this situation is wrong
and this is not the proper
location for this business.
I cannot enjoy my
backyard due to the noise
level. During the heat of the
summer I have to close all
the windows in my house
– I’m trying to block the
noise – unfortunately it
doesn’t work. The back-up
beepers are ear piercing.
In conclusion, we
would like to see the
business relocate to a
nonresidential area. Please
right this wrong.
Valerie Johnson
Cave Junction
Obituaries
Olga A. “Poggie”
Woods, 75, of Grants
Pass, died Friday, Oct. 28,
2016 at Brookdale Grants
Pass Village.
Poggie was born May
22, 1941 in Grants Pass to
Daniel and Leona Rigel. She
attended Kerby Elementary
and Illinois Valley High
School. Poggie lived in
Grants Pass and worked in
Rogue River at the Rogue
River Beauty Shop.
She attended New
Covenant Teaching Ministry
in Grants Pass and was special
friends with Betty Steward.
Poggie immensely
enjoyed crossstitch.
Survivors include three
brothers, Ray Rigel of Citrus
Heights, Calif., Howard Rigel
of Brookings and Ken Rigel
of Grants Pass; 11 nieces and
nephews including her special
niece, Shelley Mower of
Grants Pass.
Preceding her in death
was a sister, Audrey Rigel; a
brother, Dan L. Rigel and her
parents, Daniel and Leona
Rigel.
A viewing will be at 9
a.m., Friday, Nov. 4, 2016
at Hull & Hull Funeral
Directors.
A funeral service will
follow at 10 a.m., Friday,
Nov. 4, 2016 at Hull &
Hull Chapel. A graveside
service will follow at Laurel
Cemetery in Cave Junction.
Hull & Hull Funeral Directors
are in charge of arrangements.
Please visit Poggie’s
obituary and sign the
guestbook at www.
since1928hull.com.
Albert Brandt
May 18, 1945 to Oct. 21,
2016
Al lived in the Illinois
Valley for almost 50 years,
first at the James Boys’ Home
on Holland Loop Rd. for over
35 years and, then, at Hopeful
Rancho adult foster home. He
faithfully attended Bridgeview
Community Church and
Takilma Bible Church.
Al had some
“disabilities” but many local
residents know him as the
one who waved at them as
they drove past James Boys’
Home. Al enjoyed being
outside in the sunshine and
watching and greeting people.
Al couldn’t speak many
words but he showed and
communicated clearly in other
ways. He loved people and
he loved to worship the Lord
Jesus Christ, especially in
music with other believers.
Al had bladder cancer
for the last few years but he
continued his joy in life to the
end. Even the day before he
passed away he had an outing
to town and went out to eat.
He is survived by one sister,
Carolyn Haney of Nyssa,
Ore., and a nephew, Kenny.
He had a pleasant visit with
his sister just a week before
he left this earthly life. He
experienced the effects of
the prayers of friends and
of God’s amazing grace and
the nurses at the hospital
expressed what a dear, sweet
man he was and, thankfully,
that his passing was unusually
“peaceful.”
Al now has no
“disabilities.” By the promises
of the living and faithful Lord
that Al loves and who loves
him, Al now can walk, leap,
dance, speak and sing praises
in the presence of Jesus and
the other saints who have
gone on before. His friends
rejoice for him and look
forward to seeing him again,
in glory! He is greatly missed.
I llINoIs V alley F uNeral D Irectors
www.since1928Hull.com
541-592-4110
Save the date
Nov. 7
Nov. 3
CJ Patrol monthly meeting, Thursday,
Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at Wild River Pizza, 249 Red-
wood Hwy.
Nov. 5
Indoor Sale - Nov. 5, Saturday, 9 a.m.
– 3 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
E. River St. and Lewis Ct. (across from High
School)
Monday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m., at Wild Rivers
Pizza, CJ, there will be a Neighborhood Watch
Meeting for all groups interested in participat-
ing. Will Cover 2 Way Radios, Patrols, net-
working. Dec. 5, Dennis Hoke, with Idlewild
and Ken Rose Watch groups will be hosting
an Illinois Valley wide networking meeting.
Contact: Guenter - 541-415-1929 or Dennis.
Nov. 10
Nov. 5
Saturday, Nov. 5, the Cave Junction Li-
ons will hold its 14th annual Turkey Bingo at
the I.V. Senior Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.
and games start at 6 p.m. Game cards are only
0.50 cents each. Come win a free turkey or
win a free turkey dinner. There will be great
raffle items to bid on and great food.
Illinois
Valley
News
Published weekly by
W.H. Alltheway, LLC
Daniel J. Mancuso, Publisher
Green Cleaning.......recipes for a healthy
home. By following three basic guidelines
you can improve your indoor environment,
save money and help conserve natural re-
sources. Includes 1 take home sample. Lo-
cal Master Food Preservers will present a two
hour class at RCC Belt bldg. 24353 Redwood
Hwy, Kerby, Thursday, Nov. 10. Register at
541-476-6613, Josephine.Extension@oregon-
state.edu or kimberlielehman@yahoo.com, $5
class fee.
POSTMASTER: Please send
address changes to P.O. Box 1370,
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Illinois Valley News is published at
221 S. Redwood Hwy.,
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Telephone (541) 592-2541
Since 1937 periodicals postage
paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523
P.O. Box 1370 USPS 258-820
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One year in Jackson and
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One year in all other
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Illinois Valley News does not refund subscriptions.
Remainder of subscription will be donated to the
charity of your choice.
Nov. 12
Pie Auction Fundraiser Nov. 12, 1-4 p.m.
Bridgeview Community Church, 5181 Hol-
land Loop.
You are invited to join us for our 4th an-
nual Pie & Praise Fundraiser Event at Brid-
geview Community Church. Our pies are
made by local residents and are auctioned to
help support the Pregnancy Center of the Il-
linois Valley. There are pies available by the
slice also. You can socialize with family and
friends while eating your slice of pie, and en-
joy music from local musicians and singers.
Nov. 11 & 12
Nov. 11 and 12: The annual I.V. Senior
Center Christmas Bazaar will be held at the
I.V. Senior Center located at 520 E. River
Street, Cave Junction. Over 35 local vendors
with many homemade treasures. Christmas is
just around the corner, the weather is cold so
News - Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Editor -Laura Mancuso
laura@illinois-valley-news.com
Classified Ads -Laura Mancuso
laura@illinois-valley-news.com
Circulation - Kimberly Potter
office@illinois-valley-news.com
Advertising / Composition -
Dan Mancuso
dan@illinois-valley-news.com
Mailroom - Millie Watkins
this is a great way to get your shopping done.
Besides the unique gifts, the kitchen will be
open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab your friends,
family, Christmas list and come join the fun.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days!
Continuing
*The I.V. Senior Thrift Store is under
NEW MANAGEMENT and is looking for
new volunteers. Join the crew and make new
friends. You don’t need to be a senior citizen
to join the store. Call us at 541-592-6630.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*The C.J. Substation hours are changed.
We are now open on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays (closed Wednesdays)
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at
the Sub is 541-592-5151. We are looking for
more volunteers to expand the hours; applica-
tions to become a volunteer can be picked up
at the Substation.
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POLICY ON LETTERS:
‘Illinois Valley News’ encour-
ages letters to the editor pro-
vided they are legible and not
libelous or scurrilous. All let-
ters must be signed, including
name, 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.
Letters are used at the discre-
tion of the publisher.