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.