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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 11, 2017)
Polk County News 2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • January 11, 2017 BOC considers 2017 ballot measure NEWS IN BRIEF By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer DALLAS — The Polk County Commissioners on Tuesday approved moving forward with considering placing an up to $10 million facilities maintenance bond on the May 2017 ballot. Tuesday’s unanimous vote was not the final decision on the bond, but the first step in the process of getting one onto a ballot. A final decision would come after a public hearing on the issue. The amount the board could ask of voters is still in flux. See COUNTY, Page 7A Maintenance bond project costs may increase By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer DALLAS — Results from a survey testing for lead- based paint and asbestos in Dallas School District build- ings may increase costs of maintenance bond projects. The district commis- sioned the study, performed by JSE Labs of Milwaukie, to help prepare for mainte- nance work projects. It re- vealed what officials had thought would be the case with lead-based paint. “In the lead-based paint testing, we were able to confirm suspicions, and we found lead paint in every one of our buildings,” said Kevin Montague, the dis- trict’s facilities director, dur- ing Monday’s Dallas School Board meeting. That included the Dallas High School stadium, which had readings that were par- ticularly high for lead-based paint. “The results of the tests will result in significant cost increases to any fu- ture renovations to the bleachers as a result of the lead paint mitigation that we now will have to under- take, knowing that facility has a significant amount of lead-based paint,” Mon- tague said. Asbestos testing had a few surprises in store in that items expected to contain asbestos didn’t. The oppo- site is also true. “Overall the new assess- ments provide us with a more detailed plan and a quick-reference map which will allow staff to quickly identify areas which contain asbestos containing build- ing materials,” Montague said. In other business, the board: • Learned the district will have more time to finish seismic upgrades at Whit- worth Elementary School. The state awarded the dis- trict a grant for seismic im- provements at the school in May 2016, with a 24-month timeline to finish the proj- ect. Mo n t a g u e s a i d t h a t meant all the work had to be condensed into one summer, which would have been difficult to pull off. The district requested an exten- sion of the deadline, and the state granted it. Projects now must be done by No- vember 2018. • Learned the Dallas High School production of “The Aristocats” raised more than $1,300 for Sable House. • Heard the district’s food service program do- nated several cases of per- ishable food to Christmas Cheer after school was canceled due to snow just before Christmas break. The food, which would have spoiled before stu- dents returned to school, was used to fill more than 300 food boxes delivered in the community. The Itemizer-Observer DALL AS — years, Chelsea event planner Dallas Chamber Center and the After 12 Metcalfe, with the & Visitors organiza- tions’ former executive di- rector, is leaving the or- ganization. JD Shinn, the chamber’s CEO, announced her depar- ture on Jan. 3, which was Metcalfe’s last day on the job. M e t - calfe has played a major role ove r t h e last 12 years with the cham- ber and Metcalfe visitors center, Shinn said. She has served in many capacities, including board member, board president, executive director and chief event planner. “It’s time to make room for new leadership and a new direction,” Metcalfe said in a statement. “I’ve come to realize that it’s time to step away fully from these organizations so that they can move in a new di- rection that will be best for the Dallas area. “This community has my heart and I have enjoyed being a part of both organi- INDEPENDENCE — Independence police officers made 10 driv- ing under the influence of intoxicants arrests during the month of December, including three on New Year’s Eve. The average breath test result for DUII alcohol arrests was 0.15 percent blood alcohol content. The legal limit in Oregon is less than 0.08 percent. Four of the 10 arrests were cannabis-induced impairment. Overtime shifts were given to officers through a partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Grant for extra patrols. This grant will continue through November. Super Bowl Sunday will be the next required date for extra en- forcement. There will also be unannounced days throughout Jan- uary with extra enforcement. The Independence Police Department reminds citizens to find another way to get home if impaired and to call 911 to report an impaired driver who cannot be persuaded not to drive. Martin Luther King honored at free event DALLAS — A free event on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, aims to help people learn about and participate in local social jus- tice advocacy. Martin Luther King Day of Service Celebration will take place at Dallas First Presbyterian Church, 879 SW Levens St., Dallas. Admis- sion is free and child care will be provided by Dallas Indoor Play Park, which organized the event. The event will begin with live music by the Dallas Evangelical Church worship band and blues artist Gabriel Cox from 5:45 to 6:50 p.m. Dallas Indoor Play Park is hosting children’s activities from 6:50 to 8 p.m. during the main event, the celebration service. Starting at 7 p.m., the service will be in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and features speakers Dr. Rev. Furniss, a theolo- gian and Bible scholar, and representatives of Causa of Oregon, and local groups James2 Community Kitchen and Polk County Taskforce on Human Equality. For more information: 503-623-3397. Ron Lines Bridge dedication Saturday Metcalfe leaves chamber By Jolene Guzman Independence officers make 10 arrests zations through the years. I am confident in JD’s ability to lead the organizations from where they are now to new heights.” Shinn, who took over as CEO in October 2016, rec- ognized Metcalfe’s years of service in Tuesday’s an- nouncement. “Chelsea has a great amount of knowledge about the area and the town of Dallas, as well as a great passion for this communi- ty,” he said. “I have no doubt in my mind that she will be successful in her next endeavor.” Shinn said Metcalfe will be replaced, but he said he isn’t sure what the job de- scription on the position will look like just yet. “That will be a little up in the air,” he said. “I would hope to have someone by the end of the month.” Metcalfe had been focus- ing on planning events with the Dallas Area Visitors Cen- ter since stepping down as the chamber’s executive di- rector in October. DALLAS — The Ron Lines Memorial Bridge ribbon cutting and memorial walk has been rescheduled to Saturday. The memorial walk will begin at 11 a.m. The ribbon cutting for the bridge, which is named after former parks supervisor Ron Lines, who helped secure the grant that made the project possible, will follow at 11:30 a.m. The event will take place on the side of the bridge closest to the Dallas Aquatic Center, 1005 SE LaCreole Drive. Parking is available at the aquatic center and at the lot on Wal- nut Street. Refreshments will be provided. JD Shinn, the Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mayor Brian Dalton, and City Manager Ron Foggin will speak during the ceremony. For more information: 503-831-3502. OCSO arrested two during DUII patrols POLK COUNTY — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people on driving under the influence of intoxicants and handed out 34 unrelated traffic warnings during DUII patrols conducted from Dec. 15, 2016, to Jan. 1. In October of 2016, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) awarded the sheriff’s office a grant directed toward DUII enforcement. During the more than two-week period, deputies worked 17 hours of focused DUII patrols. The sheriff's office will continue to participate in the DUII grant throughout the year. HOUSE OF MIA BELLA Upscale Resale Clothing this month 503-623-3117 837 Main St. • Dallas Mon-Fri 9-5:30 Sat 9-4 WINTER SALE 50% Off Coats 30% Off Sweaters GRAND OPENING! Sale good through Jan. 31, 2017 10% OFF EVERYTHING! 226 S Main St., Suite A (Little Mall on Main) Independence, OR miabella_redhouse@yahoo.com • Find us on Facebook rn! Popco s! Prize One day only: Jan 14, 2017 Photo Boo th! Face P a from inting 11-5! 625 E. Clay St. Monmouth • 503-837-0861 All day every day discounts. 10% off for students with WOU & Central I.D. cards.