The INDEPENDENT, September 2, 2010 Page 13 Evers cleared on six of 13 charges New brochure for Banks and N. Plains Dale Evers, 42, Banks, has been cleared on some of the charges that were brought against him. Charges of sex abuse were brought against Evers in November 2009 after a 15-year-old girl said he touched her inappropriately when she was at his family farm. Other girls and women came forward later and, all told, 13 counts of sex abuse and three counts of supplying alco- hol to minors went to a Wash- ington County jury recently. The “Exit the Sunset to Ad- venture” visitor’s guide, which features the cities of Banks and North Plains, has been updated and reprinted and is now avail- able. The first guide was a product of the second Ford Family Foundation Leadership class for Banks and North Plains residents. The gradu- ates of the class created this project to benefit current and future businesses and resi- dents, promote tourism and The jury found Evers not guilty on six counts of sex abuse, guilty on the three counts of supplying alcohol to minors and deadlocked on the other seven counts of sex abuse. A mistrial was declared by Judge Kirsten Thompson on the seven counts. A hearing this week will decide on Evers’ sentences on the charges of supplying alcohol to minors, and set possible new trial dates for the remaining seven sex abuse charges. New website for traffic safety What do traffic engineers, road maintenance workers, bike and pedestrian advocates, deputy sheriffs and firefighters in Washington County have in common? A concern for public safety! And traffic safety is a huge component of public safe- ty. Recently, concerned staff from three county agencies de- cided to pool their efforts, be- ginning with a new county-wide web site where traffic safety in- formation can be easily ac- cessed. Launched in July, the web address is http://www. co.washington.or.us/LUT/Traf ficSafety/index.cfm. The site includes videos and links for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, neighborhoods, and even a Kids Korner. Public feedback and requests for top- ics are welcome; email com- ments to lutdir@co.washing ton.or.us . Washington County is com- mitted to building and maintain- ing the best transportation sys- tem, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the county roadway system in a cost-effective and environmen- tally responsible manner. School starts September 7, Please drive carefully and watch out for children provide information about en- tertainment, historical and recreation options in the area. The publication was first printed in 2006. In 2010 the Banks Community Foundation took on the task of updating and reprinting the guide to in- clude information about new businesses and outdoor activi- ties. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Wash- ington County Visitors Associa- tion. This beautiful area is ever changing and the popularity of the “Exit the Sunset to Adven- ture” guide is proof that visitors and residents want to know what to see and do in the area. The guide will be available at many locations including Banks Trail Cafe, L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, Jim’s Thriftway, Banks Visitors Center at Log Cabin Park, Banks Public Li- brary, North Plains Public Li- brary and North Plains Senior Center. Wash. Co. CCF seeks new members The Washington County Commission on Children and Families (CCF) is currently seeking applications for new members. The Commission’s charge is to help every child reach their full potential and to support families and the community in achieving that goal. Working with many partners, the Com- mission looks at conditions in the community that affect chil- dren and families and recom- mends planned strategies and funding to improve those condi- tions. There are fifteen members who represent the geographic and cultural diversity of the county, and bring expertise and knowledge about the develop- mental stages of childhood and adolescence, and issues facing children and families. At least eight of the members must be lay citizens who do not derive income from children and fami- ly services. The commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. The length of each term is four years. The application deadline is October 5 or when all vacan- cies are filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the web- site, or by calling 503-846- 8685. Descriptions of all boards can also be found on the Boards and Commissions web site at http://www.co.washing- ton.or.us/BOC . 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