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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 6, 2017)
Polk County Voices Polk County itemizer-Observer • September 6, 2017 4A EDITORIALS Slow down, leave early for school It’s that time of year again, when our neighborhood streets become flooded with children and teenagers, cars and buses, on their way to school. From the 6-year-old kid who is going to kindergarten for his or her first day to the 17-year-old teenager working on his or her final year of high school, they’ll be everywhere. And their parents will be driving them — or maybe they’ll be driving themselves for the first time. Police vehicles will be out in force around our school buildings, making sure drivers stop for pedestrians and slow down to the 20 mph speed limit around school zones. Make their job easier this week — and our kids and teens safer — and leave a bit earlier for work or school. Take your time and keep your foot light on the gas pedal. Be patient, and don’t forget to stop for buses when they’ve got their lights blinking. The start of a fresh school year is an exciting time for kids, parents, teachers, staff and administrators. Rather than getting impatient and dreading the impending traffic, smile at children as you stop or slow down for them. Wish them good luck and a good day. It’s also time to look at your schedule and see how you can help alleviate some pressure on school employees by volunteering. Our schools have many chances and ways to volunteer, from reading to kindergarteners who need extra help to at- tending parent-teacher organization meetings. Some schools may need a community volunteer to help in the li- brary or to help mentor children in art or a profession. Volunteers are often subject to background checks — check with your school for more details on how you can get involved. When the adults in the neighborhood join forces to help our youths, it helps grow the community locally and at large. These are the future leaders of our community, our state and our nation. They are the ones who will develop a cure for cancer or the next iPhone technology. These are the kids who will figure out the answers to questions we continue to ask. They’ll build better roads, better homes and better skyscrapers. Maybe they’ll even build a better mousetrap. But without the proper support and education, the chances of any of that decrease substantially. Be a part of the solution and volunteer. 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 email (ionews@polkio.com). — WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6 • Monmouth Historic Commission — 6 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 Warren St. S., monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Monmouth Planning Commission — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 Warren St. S., monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, first floor conference room, 850 main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. MONDAY, SEPT. 11 • Dallas School Board — 6:30 p.m., Dallas School District of- fice, 111 SW Ash St., Dallas. 503-623-5594. TUESDAY, SEPT. 12 • Independence City Council — 6:30 p.m., independence Civic Center, 555 S. main St., independence. 503-838-1212. • Monmouth Tree Advisory Board — 7 p.m., monmouth Senior Center, 180 Warren St. S., monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Polk County Board of Commission work session — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, BOC office, 850 main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. • WIMPEG Board of Directors — noon, Volunteer Hall, 144 Warren St. S., monmouth. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13 • Independence Heritage Museum Commission — 4 p.m., independence Heritage museum, 112 S. third St., independ- ence. 503-838-1212. • Monmouth Library Advisory Board — 7 a.m., monmouth Public library, 168 Ecols St. S., monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Monmouth Parks and Recreation Board — 7 p.m., Volun- teer Hall, 144 Warren St. S., monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, first floor conference room, 850 main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Try walking a mile in our shoes The tragic fire on Catron Street that claimed the life of a 1-year-old affects the whole community. As first responders, our local fire department was heroic in its efforts to save the life of that child. But tragically the fire was too in- tense when they tried to enter the burning house. Two of our firefighters were burned during the attempt- ed rescue. Our local firefighters are part of our community, and they don’t leave their job at the job. Many of them also have families and are pro- foundly affected by this tragedy. We want to thank our he- roes for the work they do every day. Their primary goal is to help prevent tragedies such as this. As a reminder, check your smoke detectors regularly. As board members, our responsibility is to see that your tax dollars are spent wisely. Tom Snair Independence Board President Polk County Fire District No. 1 Polk County Fair huge success The 2017 Polk County Fair was a great success — in huge part to our commu- nity. Thanks to the parents and leaders for helping young people gain new knowledge, skills and reach their project goals. We appreciate our many award donors by honoring our winners from premium money for scholarships. It’s exciting to watch the smiles and elation as kids earn their first blue ribbon or win a trophy. Special thanks to Cross Creek Golf Course for the loan of a golf cart that was greatly appre- ciated by a staff member re- covering from back surgery. The Polk County Live- stock Association is a tremendous partner as sponsor of our Market Auc- tion. They make it possible for youth to recoup much of the cost of raising their mar- ket animals. The auction wouldn’t be successful without the many buyers. The profit from their animals will be used to pay feed bills, invest in school clothes and sup- plies and college tuition, going right back into the local economy. Thanks to the fair board and management for man- aging the details. The su- perintendents do an out- standing job organizing the barns, classes and judging. It takes hundreds of hours of prepare for fair. To our Teen Superintend- ents, we could not do it without you. Seeing the growth in our older youth as they help in the 4-H Fair Of- fice to organize and deliver the awards programs makes you believe in the future of our country. Our program year begins Oct. 1. 4-H is open to all youth grades K to 12. We hope you and your family will join us in this grand ad- venture we call 4-H. It truly takes a village, and Polk County 4-H is thankful to be part of your village. Thanks for your part in helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Susan Busler and The Polk County 4-H Staff Dallas Kudos to organizers of party The Dallas community recently enjoyed a spectacu- lar party to celebrate the eclipse over a four-day weekend of Aug. 18-21. Our town welcomed visitors from neighboring commu- nities, at least 28 states and 18 countries from as far away as Iceland, China and Romania. Folks enjoyed fabulous music concerts, food, ven- dors and entertainment for young and old while shop- ping and celebrating in our downtown. This event showcased our downtown in a fabulous way. Great fun was had by all with a resounding “great job” being heard from en- thusiastic folks for days to follow. This event didn’t just “happen.” Credit should go to those who put in the most time and went the extra mile for many months to prepare WANT TO WRITE A LETTER? letters to the editor are lim- ited to 300 words. longer let- ters will be edited. Each writer is restricted to one letter per 30-day period. letters that are libelous, ob- scene or in bad taste will not be printed. Attacks by name on businesses or individuals will not be printed. letters to the editor that are obvious promotions for a business, products or services will not be printed. letters, like all editorial ma- terial submitted to the news- paper, are edited for length, grammar and content. letters must include the author’s name, address and telephone number. this in- cludes letters submitted via the I-O’s website. names and cities of residence are pub- lished; street addresses and telephone numbers are used for verification purposes only. the deadline for letters to the editor is 10 a.m. monday. letters submitted may not be retractable after this deadline. For more: polkio.com. for this grand event. Rachel Phelps, Doug Graven, of Pressed Coffee & Wine Bar, along with the city of Dallas staff and the Dallas Down- town Association were the heavy hitters, along with the chamber and visitors center lending support. Doug and Rachel lined up the wonderful music and professional stage that brought a spectacular dis- play to our downtown. They coordinated the wine and beer garden, and the wine tasting event in- side Pressed. The city and DDA lined up the vendors and children’s activities. The city arranged for some great campsites in Roger Jordan Park at the aquatic center, sent out dozens of beautiful visitors packets, and provided the community with over 12,000 protective glasses. Finally, a big shout out to Emma Guida for continuing the arrangements she start- ed while at the DDA as she finished her tenure working for the city. A special thanks to Mayor Brian Dalton for organizing and coordinating the vari- ous entities in our commu- nity almost a year in ad- vance. Everyone involved should be proud of the suc- cess of one of the biggest parties this town has ever seen. David Morelli Dallas Monmouth needs to do more for kids Paul Sieber’s request for some sort of foot traffic control on access to the in- tersection of Sacre Lane and Church Street school cross- ing is well presented. He and I are four-decade- plus residents of this neigh- borhood. We have watched the area grow and traffic multiply. Ninety nine percent of that growth passes through that intersection. Our city has looked the other way and made no ef- fort to provide access to the new homes. Council members sat and watched as street access was closed over the years. First a cable, then a pipe closed the end of Alberta Street, which led directly to Highway 51. This is a street that could easily have had controlled access to our area. Then, a subdivision was permitted to build at the end of Mar- garet Street. A street to connect with Hobart Road was requested but refused. Reason given? The soil was considered unsuitable for street construction. Later, approval was given to fill in (about 4 feet of fill), and houses were built over the flood plain. Lastly, many dollars were spent by the state in im- proving the S-curves. Look what they have done to pro- vide access on the south side of the curves while ef- fectively blocking good ac- cess to the north. Councilor Sharmer, we support you, but please look past the council. This is also a management issue. Harold E. Pippin Monmouth Woman is blessed by good neighbors I have got to be one of the luckiest people in the world. I have such wonder- ful neighbors. I am in the twilight years of my life, and through the kindness of my neighbors, Anna and Josh, who lent me a pair of special sunglasses, I was able to watch the eclipse. What a thrill. That was a once-in-a-lifetime ex- perience for me. I have another neighbor named Frank. I recently took an extended trip, and Frank made sure my flowers and yard were watered. And on many a garbage pickup day, I go outside to find he has already wheeled my cans to the curb. Across the street is my neighbor Jake, who recently did some work around my house that I have been try- ing to get done for the past year. And when he was done, he told me if I ever needed any help to contact him. He would be glad to help me. And last winter when we had all the ice and snow, I got my car hung up on some ice by the mailboxes up the street. Before I knew it, two neighbors (I don’t even know their names) had pulled my car off the ice and I was free to go again. With all the turmoil going on in this world, I can only say thank you to my wonder- ful neighbors. I just wish everyone was as lucky as I am. Helvi Ross Dallas HOW TO REACH US Vol. 142, No. 36 (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. 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