AUGUST 20, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A3 Hopefully you get that money back before the next budget year so that you can pay your current bills,” Cowan said. “It took almost the entire budget year to get that money back after our con- fl agrations in 2020. Now we will get reimbursed in the next payment cycle. That is a huge improvement for a small jurisdiction.” The bill was also implemented to make the state fi re marshal's offi ce a stand-alone agency, making it easier for them to share data, fi re prevention and fi re investigations with the Governor's offi ce. “The state fi re marshal becoming a stand alone agency and having much better resources is a big improvement,” Cowan said. “They will have a straight line of information to the governor, which will help us manage resources better.” Oregon State fair returns The Oregon State Fair is back, live and in-person for its 157th year with traditional family fun and new attractions. The iconic event kicks off Friday, Aug. 27, and runs through Monday, Sept. 6, bringing all the family fun and food that fairgoers have grown to expect. “We are elated to welcome our guests back to the Fairgrounds this year,” says Kim Grewe-Powell, CEO, Oregon State Fair. “It’s been a long time coming, and I can tell you, everyone on our team has been working really hard, going above and beyond during a very tight timeframe so we can safely celebrate fun with everyone.” The fair will be following the guidelines and mandates of the CDC, Governor Kate Brown, the Oregon Health Authority and Marion County. Guests are requested to be vaccinated to attend the State Fair, and bring a mask — masks will be on hand, but supplies are limited at this time. Hand sanitizing stations are placed all over the grounds. Staff will be walking around cleaning surfaces that get touched a lot. Water stations will also be available and guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Follow THE LEADER …in Keizer news Facebook • Twitter • Instagram @keizertimes We didn’t set the bar WE ARE THE BAR! “ This community is beautiful and the whole staff is so attentive and caring! The atmosphere is engaging and respectful and it is so good to know that Mom is in such good hands. I would highly recommend this community to anyone! ” — HEIDI r ached t h e age of si i x t y -two. t ose w h o ha v e re v i n g f o r th Qual l i t y senior lilvi Come See the Finest in Senior Living! CALL (503) 390 -1300 1165 McGee Ct NE, Keizer, OR • www.VillageAtKeizerRidge.com