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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 25, 2015)
2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • February 25, 2015 Polk County News Wine-Down back for encore Falls City attorney search continues Event expands to Monmouth for Saturday’s tour of towns FALLS CITY — The committee assigned to review candidates wanting to become Falls City’s next city attorney has begun work this week. Candidate proposals were due Friday and four firms applied for the post, vacant since former city attorney Lane Shetterly re- signed in December. The committee, comprised of two city councilors, Mayor Terry Ungricht and Interim City Manager Jon Hanken, was appointed Feb. 12. It hopes to have a recommendation to the full city council at its meeting on March 12. The goal is to have a new attorney on the job in April. By Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH/INDEPEN- DENCE — Stroll through two Main Streets and take a wine tour simultaneously Satur- day at the Wine-Down Downtown event, sponsored by the Oregon State Univer- sity Enactus club. Last year’s event through Independence went so well, club members decided to bring it back to the area, this time including Monmouth in the tour. Usually, the club, which focuses on making positive societal change, moves the Wine-Down event from town to town. “We really like Independ- ence,” said club member and event coordinator Cody Stover. “We like how it looks, the historic buildings and the shops are tucked away. That was the look we wanted for Wine-Down.” Both participants and businesses were very recep- tive to club members pour- ing wine at various stops in town, Stover added. “It’s cozy,” said Kiersten Kreusser, club member and event coordinator. “All the participants were really nice, and that makes a big differ- ence.” This year, the event kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m. at 2EZ Café in Independence. A trolley will cart people from Independence to Mon- mouth. Each city has five businesses participating, ranging from bars and restaurants to a bookstore and flower shop. Wine-Down is more than a chance to sample Oregon wines, Stover said. “It’s to promote shopping local, supporting mom-and- pop stores, and creating awareness of the different stores around here,” he said. NEWS IN BRIEF Legislator plans Thursday town hall EMILY MENTZER/ Itemizer-Observer Cody Stover and Kiersten Kreusser will toast the towns of Independence and Monmouth during Saturday’s Wine-Down Downtown wine walk, sponsored by OSU Enactus. Wine and a Walk What: Wine-Down Downtown Monmouth-Independence, presented by Oregon State University Enactus club. When: Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. Where: The wine walk starts at 2EZ Café in Independence, 211 S. Main St. Admission: $19 in advance; $26 at the door; $15 for stu- dents; free for youth under 21. Purchase at participating busi- nesses or online. Who’s participating: 2EZ Café, Second Chance Books, Ar- tisan Treasures, Lionshare Coffeehouse and Bakery, Mangiare Restaurant, Rick’s Place Coffeehouse, Yeasty Beasty, Petals & Vines, Main St. Pub and Eatery, and Crush Wine Bar. Of note: A portion of tickets sold will benefit the Willamette Valley Assistance Program. For more information: Find the event on Facebook. “Sometimes when you drive by, you don’t really know ex- actly what’s here unless you actually walk around and take the time.” Enactus clubs are interna- tional social change organi- zations, Stover said. OSU’s We are a locally family owned metal roofing & siding manufacturer. We still believe in value with quality. “Thanks to all that stopped by our booth last week at the Polk Home & Garden Show!” Oregon rain will be here soon. Are you ready for it? Have a shed or barn that needs to be covered immediately? Recycle this newspaper. chapter is filled with busi- ness students, entrepreneurs who want to make tangible positive changes for small businesses. “At (last year’s) event, we definitely heard a lot of peo- ple say, ‘Wow, I never knew this was here,’” Stover said. “It opened people’s eyes to businesses.” “It boosts word of mouth,” Kreusser added. “It kind of makes you realize what you have in your town and never checked it out before.” The ultimate goal would be to save some Monmouth and Independence residents a trip to a box store in Salem — getting them to think about supporting their neighbors’ businesses in- stead. “This group is focused on making community, real- world change,” Stover said. “Going into small-town busi- ness sectors that could al- ways use a little amp-up in sales.” This year’s event is open to minors — those younger than 21 — when accompa- nied by someone older than 21. They may tour the busi- nesses and enjoy the appe- tizers, just not the wine. INDEPENDENCE — State Rep. Paul Evans will host his “Welcome to Session” Town Hall on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Inde- pendence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St. As the legislative session has just com- menced, this will be an opportunity for Evans to meet with the citizens of Polk Coun- ty and to introduce the recent accomplish- ments in Salem. Specifically, Evans will dis- cuss the progress made concerning policies Evans surrounding both class action lawsuits and equal pay. Additionally, he will address future priority issues. This forum is an opportunity to learn, listen and for Evans to hear any questions or concerns you may have. Refreshments will be served. For more information: 503-986-1420. Job hunting workshop slated Friday MONMOUTH — Are you or someone you know job hunting and in need of a little help? The Monmouth Public Library is hosting Goodwill Job Con- nections, which will offer a free job hunting assistance class, Fri- day at 4 p.m. at the library, 168 Ecols St. S. Need help filling out an application? Want assistance creating a resume? Not sure who to use for job references? You can get help with these and other questions. Admission is free and the class is open to anyone. For more information: Monmouth Public Library, 503-838- 1932. Dallas nonprofit recipient of grant DALLAS — A Gift of Time of Oregon, a Dallas-based respite care organization, has received a $2,500 donation from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund. The mission of A Gift of Time of Oregon, a local nonprofit, is to provide a break offering education, self-renewal, supportive friendships and relaxation for non-professional family caregivers and relatives-as-parents. The Siletz Tribe donated more than $118,000 to 45 nonprofit organizations during a Feb. 6 quarterly fund distribution. The next deadline to submit applications for grants is March 18. In- formation on applications and requirements is available online at ctsi.nsn.us/charitable-contribution-fund, or by calling Rose Williams at 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1227. New bar and grill open in Monmouth MONMOUTH — A ribbon cutting to welcome the newest business to Monmouth, The Gym Bar & Grill, will be held Thurs- day at 5 p.m. at 423 Main St. E. in downtown Monmouth. The event is hosted by the Monmouth-Independence Cham- ber of Commerce, the city of Monmouth and the Monmouth Business Association. Food and beverage specials will be available, and the public is welcome. For more information: Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce, 503-838-4268.