The INDEPENDENT, January 17, 2008
Page 13
Boy Scouts from Troop 581 earn merit badges for public meeting
Above, Debi Wyckoff is about to receive a certificate of ap-
preciation from Mayor Branstitre for donating office furniture
to the city. Left, Boy Scout Troop 581 attended the January 8
City Council meeting to earn merit badges for attending a
public meeting.
Josh Netzer, Outreach Spe-
cialist for Ride Connection, was
a special guest at the January 8
meeting of the Banks City
Council.
Netzer presented informa-
tion about Ride Connection, a
non-profit transportation serv-
ice that networks with over 30
providers and is available to the
whole community – seniors, in-
dividuals with disabilities, low-
income job commuters and the
general public. “Historically,”
Netzer said, “the organization
started out with older adults,
but the service is available to a
lot of people; we give kids rides
to Banks Christian Academy.”
Ride Connection is funded
by the state, Tri-Met, Spirit
Mountain, and donations. In
August, 2007, Spirit Mountain
Community Fund and the Con-
federated Tribes of Grand
Ronde awarded a $50,000
grant to be applied to transport
and mobility solutions in rural
Western Washington County.
The areas served are the rural
communities outside the urban
growth boundary and west of
185th Avenue, including Banks,
Gaston and North Plains.
Netzer said that “currently
they are providing 380-500
rides per month; I would like to
see that number around 1,000
to 1,500 monthly.” Ride Con-
nection has a 5-Step Guide:
Make a decision where you
would like to go, what day and
time and when you want to re-
turn; call Ride Connection at
503-266-0700 at least two days
in advance; speak with a Ride
Connection Navigator to set up
your profile; await confirmation
(you will be contacted one day
in advance to confirm your re-
quest); make sure you are
ready for your trip – Enjoy your
ride!
According to Netzer, Ride
Connection can provide trans-
portation for a lot less than Tri-
Met, and he wants to get the in-
formation out to the general
public. Netzer will speak to lo-
cal groups, churches or organi-
zations; he can be reached by
email at jnetzer@rideconnec
tion.org, or call (503) 528-1738.
Boy Scout Troop 581 also
attended the council meeting.
The boys are working on merit
SUNSET LAUNDRY
badges that require them to at-
tend a public meeting. Mayor
Teri Branstitre gave them a
warm welcome.
Deputy Tran summarized
the city police report. The sher-
iff’s office received 17 calls for
service in the city, resulting in
four arrests, and 13 citations
were issued following 54 traffic
stops. Tran attributed another
quiet month in the city to holi-
day spirit.
Deputy Tran said that the hit
and run accident on Main
Street and NW Banks Road
has been resolved. The compa-
ny whose truck was involved is
working out a civil compromise
with the city for $5,000 in dam-
ages.
Deputy Tran was asked by
council about the January 7 in-
cident when a clerk at the
No Custom Work
180 S. Main St. • Banks, Oregon
CHERRY
PRODUCTS
2-4-6 S PIRAL W IRE • S UCTION H OSES • A DAPTORS - 3/16” TO 2”
A MERICAN & M ETRIC F ITTINGS • B ULK O IL P RODUCTS
276 S UNSET , B ANKS • 503-324-9808
that the city office was notified,
as well.
Mayor Branstitre presented
certificates of appreciation to
seven Banks citizens in recog-
nition of their contributions to
the city. Debi Wyckoff was rec-
ognized for donating office fur-
niture for the city hall and coun-
cil chambers; Wyckoff’s son,
Devin, was recognized for sig-
nificant public service to the city
by assisting in refurbishing city
hall and council chambers.
Steve Derfer and Art Hayden,
both of Banks Lumber Compa-
ny, and Randy Sheldon of Shel
Please see page 14
Just the finest in
collision repair
Wash…$1.25 Dry…25¢
S TRASSEL ’ S A UTO R EPAIR & H YDRAULIC H OSES
NAPA Auto Parts store, across
the street from Banks City Hall,
was accosted by a knife-wield-
ing robber who demanded
money. Tran, who was not on
duty at the time, said he was
currently unable to share any
details about the crime be-
cause it is under investigation.
He did say “...the people of
Banks will be happy with the
outcome; this was a serious of-
fense.” At the time of the inci-
dent, the sheriff’s office con-
tacted the school district, which
immediately locked the doors
to all of the schools. Banks City
Recorder Jolynn Becker said
Auto Body & Paint
1875 E. Baseline
Cornelius
503-359- 5993
When you shop at Jim’s you can count on
friendly ,reliable home-town service
660 So. Main, Banks • 503-324-2171