Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2020)
Page A-2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 Letters to the editor Illinois Valley News welcomes letters to the editor. Please e-mail them to laura@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 The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity.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.) Reader applauds volunteers at Jubilee Park Reflecting back on last month’s evacuation from the Slater Fire, I want to recognize the deep personal commitment on the part of volunteers and Cave Junction City Administration. Jubilee Park became an ad hoc evacu- ation center from day one. Although it was not desig- nated as an official anything, to my knowledge, it became a safe place to go while in liter- ally weeks Level III status. So many folks just took it upon themselves to make it all happen without the luxury of any preplanning. Right from the first day, Mayor Meadow Martell arrived on the scene and realized what an asset the park was in this emergency. Alex Ponder opened gates and shut down the irrigation so that evacuees could utilize the parking lot and restrooms for the duration. I know, I slept on the lawn there that night while my wife slept in the car with the cats and dog. On the second day Mark War- ren arrived and immediately swung into action with Tim Leyba and Suzanne Vautier to provide meals (which they continued for the next two weeks!). Considering the pandemic, the pavilion was an open, airy dining area and when the kitchen was opened, donated food arrived from all over. City Councilor Tina Jones joined in and several other folks whose names I never knew. No one told them to do it; they just did what was necessary. Trump hats, Biden shirts; no one cared. It is not what you believe, it is what you do. So in this time of such deep political divisions in our society, right down to the local level, I want to speak up for the amazing outpouring of human care and cooperation that came in this event of real emergency. Our city govern- ment, all the volunteers and, very importantly the heroes in our local fire department, rose to the occasion and took bold actions to truly protect the citizens of this valley. Let’s commend and support them all for a job done truly from the soul of our human spirit. Robert Hirning Takilma ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reader is not a fan of Trump Donald Trump isn’t a good president. Why? 1.The new postmaster general ordered dismantling of mail-sorting machines and removing official mailboxes in Democratic communities “because of debt.” DeFazio said the debt is largely from a law requiring the agency to pre-pay many years into employee retirement funds. A good president would appoint someone to save this vital institution. 2. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Follow the advice of the President of the United States at your own legal peril,” referring to Trump’s inciting violence. When is this not a crime? 3. Let’s remember WWII, when millions made sacrifices to save the world from fascism. I honor those veterans. That must make me anti-fascist. 4. Trump is $420 mil- lion in debt, to the Russians. This explains friendship with Putin. He didn’t want his tax returns exposed. Tax evasion is how Al Capone was taken down. Is it still illegal? 5. Trump closed the pandemic office set up by President Obama. He doesn’t respect or listen to scien- tists or doctors, fired many scientists who worked for the government, falsified data that he didn’t like. When Covid- 19 appeared here, he said it would go away soon and we shouldn’t worry, claiming lat- er that he didn’t want to alarm people. Further, he sets a bad example by refusing to wear a mask. How many thousands respect him and infected oth- ers by doing the same? 6. The birth rate in this country is decreasing. We need more workers in years to come to pay into Social Security, or tax the rich more. Even without considering the humanitarian perspective of granting political asylum, it would be in our best interest to allow more immigrants. Trump would rather cut Social Security. 7. Thousands of scien- tists around the world agree it’s human activity causing climate change. With the Arc- tic melting, Antarctica break- ing apart, ocean temperatures changing currents, marine life changing movements, hur- ricanes more frequent and de- structive, more massive flood- ing, drought causing more frequent and intense wildfires, we can’t close our eyes to it. We need to listen to ideas for alternative and renewable energy and change over when and where possible. The oil industry discourages this. Also- his stances on food security, sexual assault, endangered species, public lands, clean water regulations, etc. I love our country and grieve the losses that have been suffered. I pray for solu- tions to our myriad problems. Please vote for someone who will begin to mitigate them. Susan Gustafson Cave Junction ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ READER is for Allen I’m voting for Jerry Al- len for State Senator, District 2 and this is why: Jerry lives here in the Illinois Valley and cares about his community. He understands that the il- linois Valley has not always gotten its fair share. But living here doesn’t help navigate the State Senate in Salem. Jerry can because he has crucial experience on a wider stage. Jerry was an elected trustee of Sonoma County, California’s 1.8 billion pen- sion fund, a position where he had to work construc- tively and assertively with persons of varying points of view. As 5 year chair of the fund’s investment commit- tee, he learned to make sound financial decisions for the fund. He will be a fiscally responsible Senator who also has a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and has worked as a hospital ex- ecutive, recruiting infectious disease physicians. This back- ground will help him under- stand and address important issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic., and allow him to make sound decisions that benefit us. Southern Oregon will need to rebuild from both the pandemic and wildfires. Jerry Allen is able to work in groups and to help reconcile opposing points of view. He can navigate today’s complex issues to find solutions that help all of us move ahead. Rachel Goodman Takilma ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Election season is here: it’s time to know who you are voting for. Let’s lay out the facts. Everything stated in this letter is factual and can be proven via paper, records. There are no secrets: this is all public record. Chris Hall, who is run- ning for mayor, attempted to convince the State of Oregon to not give the city of Cave Junction a grant that would be put toward the city park. Hall felt that the city was undeserving of the grant and tried on multiple recorded occasions to pursue the state to withhold the money. The grant, which was given to the city despite Hall’s efforts, totaled $268,000.00 and is being used to remodel the pa- vilion, create shade structures for the playground, and build a brand-new splash pad water feature that will be accessible for all members of the com- munity. Spring of 2019, the city made a call to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (DOA) regarding a motorized sprayer and the requirements for using such a product. The city then followed proper procedures to obtain a license, and begin spraying under proper protocols set in place by the DOA. After all of this took place, Hall made multiple attempts to have the city fined by the DOA and relentlessly harassed the department to the point where a representative was forced to visit the city to assess the situ- ation. The DOA interviewed the staff, reviewed the sprayed areas, and wrote a letter determining the exact same statement they had made the first time, in that the city had done exactly what the DOA guidelines requested. Hall pursued this for no other out- come than the hope of costing the city money and targeting city employees, and instead wasted the time and money of the state of Oregon. Hall has sent hundreds of emails to the attorney general, the district attorney, county commissioners and more attempting to cause chaos and convince others that there is “subterfuge” tak- ing place at city hall. “Sub- terfuge” was Hall’s choice of word, and means dishonesty or deception. Hall has accused the staff of city hall of hiding things and lying, and insists that those individuals aren’t working for the best interests of the citizens. Hall has stated that he intends to remove several members of staff and replace them with outside contractors. These individu- als include three of the most experienced staffers, with over 40 years of experience between them, not to men- tion all of which are born and raised in the local community. Hall moved to this community from elsewhere and has spent his time here since attempting to cause disruption, chaos and harm to the city. Hall has attacked the staff on numerous accounts without a single legitimate basis for any of them. He was unable to meet the qualifica- tions to run for mayor, and as a response to his inability to meet those qualifications, Hall sued the city to force a work- around and allow him to run for office. He then attempted to make the city pay for his at- torney fees, but those charges were dismissed. Bottom line: Hall worked hard to dazzle citizens with impressive words and a smile that holds no legiti- macy or honesty. His plans are vindictive and destructive, and his plans are not for the best interests of the citizens, but for personal gain and vendetta. He wasn’t in it for the citizens of Cave Junction when he started this journey, and he certainly won’t be in it for the citizens if he’s allowed to become Mayor. It’s time to know who you are voting for. Raina Strebig Cave Junction SEE LETTERS ON A-8 SEE OBIT ON A-6 SLATER FIRE STORIES WILL CONTINUE OCT. 28 H&R Block 210 W. Lister St. Cave Junction 592-3667 Ted Crocker, LTC Bob Litak, LTC Licensed Tax Consultants B14914 I llInoIs V alley F uneral D Irectors www.since1928Hull.com 541-592-4110 Save the date Oct. 23 & 25 11 Nov. 11 A parent from Madrone Adventist El- ementary School is holding a fund-raiser to support her student tuition at Madrone. They have had serious medical issues in their fam- ily which as impaired her ability to work. The GARAGE SALE will be Friday, October 23 and Sunday, October 25 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The sale will be held at 106 Woodcock Court in Cave Junction. Contact Laura Bowlby at 541- 415-1326 for questions or more information. *VETERANS’ DAY SCHEDULE - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, RECOGNITION OF ALL SERVICE BRANCHES, Grand Mar- shal –Commander Bob Soria, American Le- gion Post 70 9:15-9:45 a.m.: Attention to Colors Flag Raising @ Laurel Cemetery and Pledge of Al- legiance and Invocation Bagpiper; 10-10:30 a.m .: Flag raising City Hall; American Legion Commander Bob Soria; 10:45 -11:30 a.m.: Grand Marshal Ride Thru CJ; 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Grand Marshal Drive Thru Lau- rel Cemetery: 12-3 p.m.: Lunch and Annual Meeting; 12-5 p.m.: Memorabilia Display- Courtesy of Kerbyville Museum Curator Den- nis Strayer, American Legion Post 70 Cave Junction-Courtesy of Commander Bob Soria, Souvenir Purchase, Envelope Fundraiser $5- $100, Registration for Official Bronze Service Branch Insignia, Interment Marker (5 separate jars for drawing) Insignia on each jar/Grand Marshal draws winner, and $1 Balloon Raffle for Kids Ages 7 to 9 and 10-15 bikes w/hel- mets $1 per ticket or 6 tickets for $5; $1 Fer- bie Raffle for Kids ages 3-6 (limit 3 tickets Oct. 22 and 29 Virtual Town Hall Forums next two Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. This is for the I.V. community - mainly, but everyone can view. We’ll be on location (to be determined Wednesday, Oct. 21), and utilizing ZOOM (video) and its phone in feature. We’ll be us- ing Facebook, “IV Forum” group, to organize topics and participants. Yes, you get to ask the questions, dialog. Event will be announced on Facebook or contact me for information. All candidates will be solicited. Guenter Ambron - 541-415-1929 - or text. Illinois Valley News Published weekly by I.V. News LLC Daniel J. and Laura M. Mancuso, co-publishers POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR 97523 Illinois Valley News is published weekly except the first week of January 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 per family) 12-4:30 p.m. Silent Auction Bids (close at 4:30 p.m.) 5-6 p.m. Prizes Awarded to Winners, WINNERS NOT PRESENT WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PHONE LISTED ON TICKET Tuesdays New Food Pantry Welcomes Public Tuesdays 9-11 am. Cave Junction Seventh Day Adventist Church Reopens its Community Services Center, 265 South Old Stage Road in Assistance to everyone, with no church atten- dance required. Due to COVID-19 precautions, all food will be pre-boxed. After this crisis, the food pantry staff hopes to return to a “shopping model,” where clients may select the foods they prefer. In the future the CJSDA Community Ser- vices Center will also offer clothing, houseware and hygiene items. People wishing to make contributions to this effort, as volunteers or in donations to feed local people, are encouraged to contact Patti Delk at patti47delk@gmail.com or to send a check to the Cave Junction Seventh Day Adventist Church marked “food pantry” to PO Box 330, Cave Junction, OR, 97523. Ongoing ** The dog walking group is open for more participants! Monday through Friday we walk our dogs either in town or at The Forks, from 9 a.m. to about 10:15 a.m. Our in-town walks feature stops at local businesses for dog treats. In the summer our Forks walks include a dog swim. Dogs must be vaccinated and masks are recommended. For more info. call or text Becky at 541-660-2032. (After smoke clears.) ** The Illinois Valley Safe House Alli- ance after-hours Crisis Line can be reached at 541-415-9367. The new local crisis line will be answered any hours the Safe House is closed. The line will be answered by an advocate who will be able to respond locally, also recognizing the barriers that may come up due to our rural lo- cation. For more information contact the Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance 541-592-2515. ** HIV Alliance offers services in Cave Junction every Monday from noon – 3 p.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church (across from ShopSmart). Services include: Free and confiden- tial HIV and Hep C testing. Needle Exchange and drop box (all syringes welcome), and overdose response and Naloxone training. editor -Laura Mancuso SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $35 One year in Jackson and Douglas counties - $36 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state - $43.00 Illinois Valley News does not refund subscriptions. Remainder of subscription will be donated to the charity of your choice. laura@illinois-valley-news.com copy editor - C.J. Schatza classified ads - Laura Mancuso laura@illinois-valley-news.com circulation - Laura Mancuso laura@illinois-valley-news.com advertising / composition - Dan Mancuso dan@illinois-valley-news.com mailroom - Kimberly Potter DEADLINES: News, Classified and Display Ads, Announcement and Letters 4 P.M. FRIDAYS 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.
