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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 13, 2016)
Polk County Voices Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 13, 2016 4A EDITORIALS Communities should come together After an Independence man lost his life in a tragic car- bicycle crash on Hoffman Road on Dec. 30, it has the town of Monmouth asking: What could be done to prevent such tragedy from repeating itself? The first thought is to building a bike lane and sidewalks on this narrow stretch of road between 16th Street and Highway 99W. Cries from City Councilor Marshall Guthrie and from residents and business owners came last week to invest in this strip of road and make it safe for bicycles and pedestri- ans. The road is in Polk County, outside of Monmouth city limits. If there was a point where the county and cities of Monmouth and Independence all collide, in fact, it would be in this area. That is one reason why police officers from both Monmouth and Independence responded with Polk County deputies to the fatal accident. While we know the project would be costly — estimates by Polk County public works director Todd Whitaker are $2 million to $3 million — we can’t help but share a vision brought to life in both communities, a vision of more trails, more access via bicycle and on foot for the people who call Monmouth and Independence home. We have a recent example of city-county road coopera- tion on Talmadge Road in Monmouth, where the city worked with the county, sharing costs, to add a sidewalk and bike lane on a one-block stretch where people were concerned about children walking to school. That project wasn’t inspired by a fatal accident. In fact, no accidents could be found in police reports for five years. Hoffman Road accident statistics also are minimal, but even one life lost is tragic. In fact, if that roughly 1-mile stretch of road was bike- ped safe, it would make an amazing loop around and be- tween the two cities. We could host a 10-kilometer race during the Fourth of July weekend, starting on Main Street and Highway 99W, down Highway 51 through downtown Independence, up to Polk Street which turns into Hoffman Road, back to Highway 99W and swing around to the inter- section with Main again. Imagine the possibilities for fitness and health. Imagine the ease of travel next time we have a large bicycling event in Monmouth and Independence, at least on that stretch of county road. We know it won’t be easy. We know it will be expensive. But we are confident it would be worth it. Perhaps if the cities, already strapped for cash as new expectations for public employees retirement system fig- ures come in, maybe the communities of Independence and Monmouth can join forces and raise money to make this happen. PUBLIC AGENDA Public Agenda is a listing of upcoming meetings for gov- ernmental and nongovernmental agencies in Polk County. To submit a meeting, send it at least two weeks before the actual meeting date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503- 623-2395) or email (ionews@polkio.com). — WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 • Polk Soil and Water Conservation District Board — 6 p.m., USDA Service Center, 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas. 503-623- 9680, ext. 5. • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, irst loor conference room, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. • Monmouth Parks and Recreation Board — 7 p.m., Volun- teer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Monmouth Library Advisory Board — 7 a.m., Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Independence Heritage Museum Commission — 4 p.m., Independence Heritage Museum, 112 S. Third St., Independ- ence. 503-838-1212. • Dallas Residential Street Task Force — 4 p.m., Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court Street, Dallas. 503-831-3502. THURSDAY, JAN. 14 • Western Days Commission — 7 p.m., Independence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St., Independence. 503-838-1212. • Polk County Fire District No. 1 Board — 6 p.m., Central Station 90, 1800 Monmouth St., Independence. 503-838-1510. • Falls City City Council — 7 p.m., Falls City Community Cen- ter, 320 N. Main St., Falls City. 503-787- 3631. TUESDAY, JAN. 19 • Dallas City Council — 7 p.m., Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court St., Dallas. 503-831-3502. • Polk County Board of Commission work session — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, BOC oice, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503- 623-8173. • Monmouth City Council — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Independence Historic Preservation Commission — 4 p.m., Independence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St. 503-838-1212. • Falls City School Board — 6:30 p.m., Falls City High School, 111 N. Main St., Falls City. 503-787-3521. • Dallas Parks Advisory Board — 5:30 p.m., Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court St., Dallas. 503-831-3502. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, irst loor conference room, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. • Monmouth Planning Commission — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR U.S. becoming dictatorship? The United States of America stops being a democracy when the inhab- itant of the White House starts making laws by issu- ing executive orders in di- rect contradiction to deci- sions made by the members of Congress. When these ex- ecutive orders are in viola- tion of our Constitution, our Republic then becomes a dictatorship. And the group in charge becomes exactly the same as the ruling groups in all previous dictatorships throughout all history. And we are watching these events happen on a daily basis. We, the people, elected individuals to represent us within the government that we created for this country. When these individuals were elected to their Con- gressional office, they swore an oath whereby they prom- ised to abide by our Consti- tution and defend it from all enemies, both from outside and from within. Apparently, some of these elected members of Con- gress have forgotten their oath of office and have cho- sen to be totally loyal to their political party’s poli- cies rather than to our Con- stitution, and have allowed this individual to repeatedly subjugate their lawmaking function. Members of Congress have the power and the right to remove this dictator from office, but have stead- fastly refused to do so. They have allowed this individual to repeatedly lie to us, rationalized his activi- ties, and totally disregarded our laws with impunity. This period of time will be recorded as the time of insanity. When the world’s greatest democracy was transformed into a dictator- ship by the refusal of elect- ed officials to perform their duties. Richard C. Evans Monmouth Monmouth workers shine We want to say thank you to the city workers of Mon- mouth. Once again out town looked very festive with the Christmas decora- tions along Main Street and throughout the town. Year- round, they work diligently, without applause, and we wanted to relay our appreci- ation to them. Larry and Karen Gratreak Monmouth Woman shows kindness at store This a great story of how nice people in Oregon are. Yesterday I was in the store buying my monthly groceries and I couldn’t find my debit card, as this store does not take credit cards. I was stuck to digging into my wallet. The bill was $119 and I only had $84 in my wallet. I was about to put some things back when this very nice young lady said, “I will pay the difference for you.” That was about $40, and I wanted to pay her back but she said no. I wonder if she would have said no if she loaded my groceries into a $28,000 sports car. Anyway I really appreci- ate the helping hand but feel bad about not being able to pay her back as I’m not a poor man even if I dress like one. Walt Davies Monmouth Coach grateful for wrestling volunteers Thank you once again to Alice Bibler, the wrestling parents, alumni, the boost- ers, administrators, the Ore- gon Army National Guard, and community at large for the exceptional support you give the Dragon Wrestling Team every year at the Brunner Invitational. Sever- al of the top 5A, 4A, 3A wrestling schools in Oregon were treated to a Saturday of top-of-the-line high school wrestling. Without your help, it would have been “Just a typical wrestling tourney,” and we've never settled for that. On behalf of our wrestlers, thank you so much. Coach Tony Olliff Dallas Bruner Invite smashing success The fourth annual Brun- ner Invitational, named after Janet Brunner (who ran the tournament for 20 years), was an exciting event once again. This year, there was a total of nine teams competing on five mats in two gyms at Dallas High School. The tournament consisted of 382 matches with 176 student athletes participating. Huge kudos to the many volunteers that assisted — the tournament would not be possible without you. Special thanks to Liz Duna- gan in her final year run- ning an amazing conces- sions and Betty Jordan who headed up the hospitality room. The DHS Athletic Direc- tor Tim Larson was there countless hours helping out — his dedication is un- matched across the state. We are fortunate to live in a generous community such as Dallas. DHS Wrestling very much appreciates our many spon- sors: Oregon National Guard, Thrifty Market, Lime Berry, Mira Mar, Columbia Distributing, Franz, and Costco. The number of fans this year was much higher than prior years. All admis- sions and concessions re- ceipts will help fund the wrestling program. Thank you for your continued sup- port and we hope to see you next year. Alice Bibler, Tournament Director Dallas Lines helped make parks beautiful Our beautiful Dallas City Parks have never looked better. The Rickreall Creek Trail system continues to grow and give a whole different view of Dallas to those who travel it. The person largely re- sponsible for making the parks and trails such won- derful showplaces for our community in recent years has been Ron Lines. The legacy he has left those who succeed him isn’t to exceed his standards but to maintain them. That, in itself, will be a big challenge. Thank you, Ron. Your work is appreciated. You will be missed. Dave Weston Dallas Nutria live trap program available Thank you for the story on nutria in Independence. Nutria are active not only in Independence, but also in residential areas in Mon- mouth and elsewhere along Ash Creek. Nutria are more than a nuisance. When they bur- row into streambanks to make their dens, the weak- ened banks can erode or collapse. To reduce nutria impact, the Ash Creek Water Control District operates a free live- trap lending program. Those living near Inde- pendence can borrow up to five traps for a month at a time. Residents of Polk County can borrow up to two traps. Please contact Ed Matteo at the Independence Nurs- ery on Monmouth Street in Independence (by Les Schwab) for detailed infor- mation. Dan Farnworth Ash Creek Water Control District Monmouth Thank you from Dallas Cheer Our goal every year is to help families in need in our area to have a Merry Christ- mas by providing them food and if possible some gifts. We had good indicators that the number of applicants would be similar to the 325 families we provided for in 2014 and it was. For 2015 we had 320 families and senior citizens apply for help and we can say with pure joy that all were provided for very generously. Our goal was met be- cause of your commitment to make this “your priority” for the Christmas season. Local Businesses, Civic Groups, Churches, Govern- ment agencies and Individ- uals young to old stepped up and came together not just on Christmas Eve morning but months prior to the event. On Christmas Eve morn- ing with out prompting over 500 volunteers arrived at La Creole middle school to sort, shop, pack and deliver the holiday food boxes that fill receiving families refrig- erators and cupboards. It was a morning full of fun and excitement to see the hands and feet of our com- munity come together to provide to those in need. The Dallas Christmas Cheer Board of Directors, Grant and Judy Boustead, Debbie Davies, Mary Wein- bender, Brooke Masingale, Warren and Sue Lamb, know that without you tak- ing ownership for this pro- gram nothing gets accom- plished. Our hope is that you understand how grate- ful we are of you hard work and support. Your act of kindness will be remem- bered throughout the New Year. To all the donors and vol- unteers, again we say Thank You and look forward to seeing you next year. Warren and Sue Lamb and Dallas Christmas Cheer Board Directors Write a letter Let us know what’s on your mind with a letter to the editor. Letters are limited to 300 words and must be turned in by 10 a.m. on the Monday prior to pub- lication. All letters are subject to editing. See our full letters to the editor policy on www.polkio.com. HOW TO REACH US Vol. 140, No. 2 (USPS) - 437-380) The official newspaper of Polk County • Serving Polk County families since 1875 Winner of 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 General Excellence Awards from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, OR, Independence, OR and Monmouth, OR. Published weekly at 147 SE Court Street Dallas, Oregon 97338 Phone: 503-623-2373 Fax: 503-623-2395 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Polk County — One Year $27 Other Oregon Counties — One Year $33 Outside of Oregon — One Year $38 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, Oregon 97338 The Polk County Itemizer-Observer assumes no inancial responsibility for errors in adver- tisements. It will, however, reprint without charge for the portion of an advertisement which is in error if the Itemizer-Observer is at fault. NEWSROOM Nancy Adams ...............Publisher/Editor .............................................................nadams@polkio.com Lukas Eggen..................Sports Editor......................................................................leggen@polkio.com Jolene Guzman............Dallas/Falls City/Polk County Reporter ................jguzman@polkio.com Emily Mentzer ..............Monmouth/Independence Reporter ..................ementzer@polkio.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Heidi Leppin .................Display Advertising Manager ....................................hleppin@polkio.com Rachel Best ....................Display Advertising.............................................................rbest@polkio.com Karen Sanks...................Client Services ...................................................................ksanks@polkio.com CLASSIFIED LINE ADVERTISING Dawn Ohren .....................................................................................................................ioads@polkio.com PRODUCTION Kathy Huggins ..............................................................................................................iosales@polkio.com Karyn Pressel .................................................................................................................iosales@polkio.com Web: www.polkio.com Phone: 503-623-2373 Fax: 503-623-2395
