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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (June 29, 2016)
Polk County News 2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 29, 2016 NEWS IN BRIEF Indy police to take part in DUII visibility enforcement period InDEPEnDEnCE — The Independence Police Department will participate in a DuII High Visibility Enforcement period from Friday through Monday. During these dates, officers will be given the chance to work overtime shifts in search of impaired drivers. The goal is to find impaired motorists and get them off the roadways. During the Fourth of July weekend, as well as during the rest of the month of July, officers will be able to work traffic enforce- ment overtime shifts that will focus on speed, seatbelt use and cellphone use. “If you plan to consume alcohol over the Fourth of July week- end, think ahead,” said Officer David Oliveros. “Get a ride home or make arrangements to get picked up. Designate a driver. Do whatever you have to do, but never drive intoxicated.” Independence receives honor InDEPEnDEnCE — The city of Independence was honored with the Certificate of achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers association of the united States and Canada for its comprehensive annual fi- nancial report. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting, and its at- tainment represents an accomplishment by a government and its management. The association is a nonprofit professional association serv- ing about 17,500 government finance professionals. EMIlY MEnTzER/ Itemizer-Observer The Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce started its ambassador program last week. MI Chamber kicks off ambassador program Organizers hope new initiative builds relationships with businesses Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH/INDEPEN- DENCE — Leaders of the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce hope a new program will re- invigorate both the chamber and the communities. The Chamber Ambassa- dor program gives people an opportunity to get more in- volved. “It’s a way to be involved on a lower level, and fun,” said Miriam Haugen, cham- ber board first vice president and organizer of the ambas- sador program. Ambassadors will be called upon to network with chamber members, find out what’s working for them and what isn’t, and tout the ben- efits of chamber member- ship. “If you’ve ever wanted to get more engaged in the community, get to know p e o p l e m o re, n e t w o rk more,” the ambassador program provides that chance without having to make a three-year com- mitment to the chamber board of directors, Haugen said. “Many hands make light work,” she said. Chamber Executive Direc- tor Jean Love said she is the at Legacy Vineyard only paid employee of the chamber, which is largely dependent on the work of volunteers to put on events such as the annual Commu- nity Awards Banquet, Dis- cover MI Town, and Spook- tacular Bingo. “Ambassadors will build relationships with business- es aside from just asking for sponsorships,” Love said. “It’s very grassroots.” Because the program is in its beginning stages, the Am- bassadors themselves will decide a lot about how the group will work, Haugen said. “Be there, be part of the community, and make it better in the process,” Hau- gen said. “You get to build your own brand.” Chamber Ambassadors will meet monthly. Details have not yet been decided. Ruby is the HIGH STREET BAND birthstone for July. July 9th AARON MEYER August 6th PATRICK LAMB 3pm Gates open • 5 - 8pm Concert $15/concert, $60/series pass Food and wine available EOLA HILLS Legacy Vineyard 1600 Oak Grove Road, NW, Salem August 13th BEN RICE August 20th THE SLICKER BAND For tickets, map and information: eolahillswinery.com or tickettomato.com August 27th See coupon on page 6A In history, it was believed that the Ruby evoked images of riches, royalty and passion. 20% Off this Month 503-623-3117 837 Main St. • Dallas Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-1 Fire district finalizes timeline to select new district fire chief InDEPEnDEnCE — The Polk County Fire District no. 1 board of directors finalized the time line to select the next fire chief at a special board meeting on June 22. The search for the next chief started with internal recruit- ment on Thursday and will continue until July 11. The board will decide at that time if it wants to open the search to outside candidates. The new chief should be in place by aug. 1. Oppliger named as new Rotary Club President through July 2017 MOnMOuTH — al Oppliger was installed as president of the Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club at the organization’s an- nual banquet held in the Gentle House Friday. He succeeds Chuck Thurman and will serve until July, 2017. Joining them on the Board of Directors are President-Elect Paul Doellinger, Secretary Kati Weyer and Treasurer Scott Mc- Clure. The following key committee chairmanships were an- nounced: membership, Molly McDermond; Rotary International Foundation, Don Duncan; youth exchange, Bob archer; CHS In- teract Club liaison, Patty nevue; and newsletter, Sandy new- land. Oppliger, a retired Realtor, had served as president in 2005- 06 which was Rotary International’s Centennial Year. “Rotary Plaza,” with paver stones, new drinking fountain and two mar- ble benches was developed that year in Monmouth’s Main Street Park. Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursdays at noon in the con- ference room of the First Baptist Church. Visiting Rotarians, guests and prospective members are welcome. For more infor- mation: al, 503-838-1353. HALO loses funding from act InDEPEnDEnCE — HalO, Helping achieve lifelong Objec- tives, will not have access to the Workforce Investment act dol- lars it has previously operated, director Justin Glaze said. HalO will continue to act as a 501 c 3 nonprofit dedicated to the mission of serving youths aged 16 to 24, he said. Glaze said the organization will continue to look for grants in the coming years and appreciates the support given to HalO from the communities it serves. HalO offices at Henry Hill Education Support Center and at the academy Building will no longer be used as of Friday. For more information: info@oregonhalo.com. Falls City to discuss library FallS CITY — The Falls City School District and Falls City City Council will meet Wednesday (today) at 6 p.m. to discuss the fu- ture of the Wagner Community library. The meeting will be held at the Falls City Community Center, 320 n. Main St. Facing potential closure of the library, the Wagner Trust was released to cover operating expenses in 2014. The fund could potentially have as much as $111,000 after the 2016-17 fiscal year. The school and city are meeting to discuss the library’s future and possible long-term funding options. For more information: 503-787-3631.