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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (May 6, 2015)
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • May 6, 2015 9A Polk County Living Moles, voles and gophers dig garden Sign-ups begin for Spring brings buds and blooms, but it also brings moles, voles and gophers. The small mammals take gardeners to their knees to peer down tunnels, set traps and toss in everything from kitty litter to gum. They wage war against the critters before they know what they’re fighting, which can lead to frustration. “How you deal with them depends on what you have,” s a i d D a n a Sa n c h e z , a wildlife specialist for Oregon State University’s Extension Service. “The traps are dif- ferent and so are the baits you would use.” Moles, voles and gophers all create tunnels and are active underground, but what they eat and the dam- age they cause varies. They all improve the soil by aerat- ing it and mixing nutrients, but sometimes their habits get them in trouble with gardeners. Gophers favor bulbs and roots. Voles go for grass, but also gnaw on shrubs and stems nearest their holes K YM P OKORNY Your Garden and runways. Moles, which are rarely if ever seen, prefer non-plant food. “People say moles are eat- ing my garden, but moles are adapted for swimming through the soil to hunt prey,” Sanchez explained. “They just tunnel through looking for worms, grubs and insects.” Mole tunnels can cause damage to plants, though, when their runways create paths around roots. And the mounds of dirt drive home- owners crazy and interfere with mowing. Gophers — about the size of ground squirrels — will eat whole plants. “If you see a plant disap- pear,” she said, “it’s a gopher. They’re famous for pulling things below ground.” Though voles live in little tunnels, they spend time above ground eating grass and nibbling on other plants. The mouse-size voles leave a lot of small holes and connecting runways through the damaged grass they’ve been dining on. You can tell you have a mole on your hands if the mounds in your yard or gar- den take on a volcanic, rounded shape. Gopher mounds, on the other hand, are flatter on top, fan- shaped with the hole off to the side. “The important part is for people to assess the level of damage with the level of control,” Sanchez said. “Is having a few holes in the lawn enough of a problem for you to take action?” For those who choose combat, stick to research- based controls, she advised. Gadgets and homemade recipes have not been shown scientifically to work, she added. One way to control voles is with mousetraps, which can be set at the entrance to their tunnels. But because of their high rate of reproduc- tion, it can be difficult to control them, she said. Scissor-jaw traps are rec- ommended for moles, while two-pronged pincher traps are effective for gophers, ac- cording to Sanchez. In states other than Oregon, be sure to check regulations as laws on which — or whether — traps are legal. To figure out where to set traps, find an active tunnel by probing about six inches down near a fresh mound. You can also push down on mounds to close them and wait to see where a fresh one appears. Set traps in a tun- nel near a fresh mound. In raised beds, you can repel moles and gophers by using a barrier of welded wire on the bottom. Tilling in rows between crops may help. Using bait is an option, Sanchez said, but will be dangerous to pets and other animals. As with all pesti- cides, read the label careful- ly, she added. MI TOWN My Grandpa Robertson used to refer to us early-ris- ers as being up with the chickens, and on these gor- geous springtime mornings, it’s a fine thing to do. The dogs are eager to hurry to the backyard every morning, and sometimes there’s a traf- fic jam in the middle of the dining room, because the cats are running in for breakfast. Sitting on the back deck for a few minutes with the day’s first cup of coffee is a bonus. — We’re right in the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8), which gives me an opportunity to thank all those dedicated and over- worked folks who spend their days — and evenings — working with our next generation of stu- dents to provide them with the best learning experi- P ATTY T AYLOR D UTCHER Columnist ences. We’re fortunate to have shared our cottage with WOU students Carrie Mork Palenske, who teaches in Knappa; Melissa Nelson, now teaching in Woodburn; and Sara King, who will be teaching at Ash Creek this fall. I still have fond memo- ries of my favorite teacher, Genevieve Herrington, who was such an inspiration to all who knew her. — The Ash Creek Arts Center, located at 311 S. Monmouth St., in Independence, is host- ing a Saturday Family Arts class this Saturday for adults and children. The class is from 2 to 4 p.m. and is free. This looks to be a very enjoy- able afternoon for families. — Have you had the oppor- tunity to play Scrabble with Betty? Every Wednesday af- ternoon at 1 p.m., an adult group gets together at the Independence Public Li- brary for an afternoon of fun. Scrabble has been around for many years, but each game can be challeng- ing, and it’s a good way to keep your mind active while having a great time. — The Once Upon a Thurs- day book club meets at 7 p.m. on May 14 at the Mon- mouth Public Library. This month’s book selection is “The Orchardist,” by Amanda Coplin. All adults are invited to attend the meetings, and now you have a week’s notice to read the book and attend the upcoming gathering. — If you haven’t attended Western Oregon University’s Spring Dance concerts in the past, this year promises to be better than ever. The con- certs will be held in Rice Au- ditorium, located on cam- pus, Thursday through Sat- urday. General admission tickets are $12; students $7; and seniors $10. For more information and to reserve tickets, please call the box office at 503-838-8462. — The Monmouth Public Li- brary still has free seeds available to those who would like to plant vegeta- bles and/or flowers. It’s a great way to introduce chil- dren to gardening by starting seeds in small containers so they can watch the growing process. PEDEE NEWS Congratulations to Pedee Church’s pastor Daniel Rus- sell, who graduated from the Pacific Evangelical School of Ministry with a Master’s of Ministry. The school’s commencement ceremony was on Sunday, April 26, in Salem. Twenty- six members of Daniel’s im- mediate and church fami- lies cheered him on, includ- ing a very proud and happy wife Heidi and children Al- lana, Alex, Abigail, Aliyea, and Arwyn (better known as Winnie). The school is based in Portland, but has students from around the countr y. Pastor Daniel preaches an uncommonly good sermon, which you might want to check out sometime. Services are from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every A RLENE K OVASH Sunday. — The Camerons have had a busy spring. On Easter Sunday, Steve and Audrey attended church at Mount Scott Church of God in Portland where their son James is the worship leader. The next week, they drove to Astoria to visit grand- daughter Natasha who was o n s p r i n g b re a k f r o m boarding school in San Anselmo, Calif. Coming along were son Clayton and his new fiancee Jennifer McCormick of Anderson, Calif., who were busy plan- ning their August wedding at the family reunion at Coffinbury Lake. — Audrey and her sister Joan, who visited from Cali- fornia the week after Easter, celebrated Joan’s and broth- er Bill’s April birthdays at their sister Georgia’s home in Astoria. Audrey and Steve’s son James and his daughter Eliana went to spend Saturday, April 11, with the family at Seaside to visit Audrey’s niece, Esther, who is head librarian at the Seaside Library, while Au- drey and the grandkids joined daughter Stephanie Barth and granddaughter Anastasia in the Dragon MONMOUTH — The Monmouth Police Department will host a dedica- tion and open house for the new Mon- mouth Police Station on May 16. The dedication will be at noon, fol- lowed by tours of the station from 12:15 to 3 p.m. The building was started after voters approved a $4 million bond for the project. The total cost of the project is about $4.4 million. The new station will have more space for officers, interview rooms and evidence storage, among other things. The new station is the result of re- modeling the old Boise Cascade build- ing. The project ran into a few bumps, Itemizer-Observer staff report POLK COUNTY — Polk County Extension Service 4-H Program is offering three summer camps for children in kindergarten- through seventh grade in June. The 4-H Mini Camp for children who have com- pleted second through fourth grades will be June 12-14 and will be held at the Oregon 4-H Center in West Salem. This two- night camp introduces youngsters to what it is like to camp. Cost is $80 if registered by May 22 or $95 if after that date. Wild West Camp for children who have com- pleted fourth through sev- enth grades will be June 13-18 at the Oregon 4-H Center. Campers will have hands-on outdoor experi- ences, including hiking, riding horses, canoeing, fishing, archery, swimming and more. Cost is $225 if registered by June 16 or $260 after that date. Junior Master Gardener Camp for children in kindergarten through sev- enth grade will be held twice, in Dallas June 16-18 and in Monmouth June 29-July 1. The program is de- signed to give youth hands-on outdoor learn- ing experiences with natu- ral science, forestry, gar- dening, herbs, flowers, vegetables, entomology, soils, ecology, crafts, and more. Cost is $30 for each camp if registered by June 5 or $35 after that date. Children don’t need to be 4-H members to attend the camps. To find appli- cations, go to OSU Exten- sion Office at 289 E. Ellen- dale Ave., Suite 301, Dallas or online at: http://exten- sion.oregonstate.edu/polk /camp. For more information: 503-623-8395 or email: Judi.peters@oregon state.edu. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Continued from page 8A — WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 • Helping Hands Emergency Food Bank — 10 a.m. to noon, Monmouth Christian Church, 959 Church St. W., Monmouth. For eligible community members; available every Wednesday. 541- 404-6517. • Polk County Republican Women — 11:30 a.m., Oak Knoll Golf Course, 6335 Highway 22, Independence. No-host lunch available; everyone welcome. 503-623-5759. • Polk County Relay for Life Team Believers fundraiser — 7 a.m. (all day), Pink House Café, 242 D St. Independence. Portion of the proceeds from each order will go to Relay for Life. 503- 623-3641. • Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce Lunch Forum — Noon, Independence Grill, 154 S. Main St., Independ- ence. Lunch prices start at $7. 503-838-4268. • Willamette Valley Food Assistance Program Food Bank — 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., 888 Monmouth Cutoff Road, Building E, Dallas. Weekly distribution for eligible community members. 503-831-5634. • Free Blood Pressure Check Clinic — 2 to 3 p.m., West Val- ley Hospital (surgery admitting area), 525 SE Washington St., Dallas. 503-623-7323 • Monmouth Senior Center Music Jam — 6:30 p.m., Mon- mouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St., Monmouth. Open to the public; musicians of all types welcome. 503-838-5678. • Dallas American Legion Post No. 20 — 7 p.m., Academy Building, Room 108, 182 SW Academy St., Dallas. 503-831-3971. Monmouth~Independence Rotary Club Run in Dallas on that day. — Several third- through fifth-grade girls in Pedee, Falls City and Kings Valley belong to a Willamette Val- ley “Girls on the Run,” group which meets twice a week for 10 weeks in the spring. Laura Hauck of Kings Valley is the certified coach for the nine girls, in- cluding McKenzie Hauck, Allana Russell, Cameyna Gilson, Jenica Baker, Paige Belyeu, Eva Rain, and Na- talie Stauffer. The girls learn life skills through fun, engaging lessons during the 10 weeks, concluding with a 5K run at the end of M a y. C h e c k o u t g o t r- willamette.org to find out more about this innovative program. Monmouth Police to host open house at new building Itemizer-Observer staff report 4-H summer camps including having to cut a planned aux- iliary storage unit and covered parking. Even with the trimmed plans, the new station provides much needed space for the police and public, includ- ing increased and easier accessed park- ing. For more information: Monmouth PD, 503-838-1109. Solution on Page 6A Pencil us in! www.polkio.com STRAWBERRY SALE From the same club that has been doing this for over 25 years. 30 lb. containers of fresh locally grown strawberries $ 48 Yummy, stemmed,washed, sliced, ready to eat, freeze or cook. DEADLINE TO ORDER JUNE 1 PICKUP: INDEPENDENCE, DALLAS, or CORVALLIS To place your order email: strawberry@mirotaryclub.org or call: 503-838-6687 www.mirotaryclub.org Please leave your phone or email. We will notify you when they’re ready. TO BENEFIT ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAMS Public Notice West Valley Housing Authority has developed its Five- Year and Annual Agency Plan and Annual and Five- Year Capital Fund Plan in compliance with the Public Housing Reform Act of 1998. It will be available for the review period beginning May 11, 2015 at the housing authority’s office located at 204 SW Walnut Avenue, Dallas, Oregon 97338. The housing authority’s hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Plan will also be available on the authority’s webpage at www.wvpha.org beginning May 12, 2015. Following the review period, a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at the West Valley Housing Authority Conference Room, 204 SW Walnut Avenue, Dallas, Oregon. The public hearing will be held at the beginning of the Work Ses- sion scheduled for the same date and time. The locations for review of the plan and the public hearing are wheel-chair accessible. Call (503) 623- 8387 during business hours if other accommodations are required to attend or participate in the meeting. Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed to the attention of the Executive Director, West Valley Housing Authority, P.O. Box 467, Dallas, Ore- gon 97338. Written comments received before 4:30 p.m. on June 23, 2015 will be reviewed at the public hearing. For information, please call (503) 623-8387, TDD 1-800-735-2900. Recycle this newspaper.
