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Wednesday October 15, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 42

Dallas ups sidewalk repair program

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$2.00

Beltz takes second run as commissioner

Ready, Set, Glow!

Longtime Monmouth community leader running for Position 2

Reimbursement to residents, businesses expanded

Staff REPORT

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The city of Dallas has expanded a reimbursement program, increasing the amount residents and businesses can get back after making repairs to sidewalks on their property along public streets. The City Council approved the increase at its Oct. 6 meeting, codifying a program that wasn’t ever formally recognized or adopted by the council via policy or even administratively at staff level, according to City Manager Brian Latta. Following the recommendation of the Public Administration Committee, the city council approved increasing the reimbursement from $500 to up to $2,500 or 50 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less. Latta said the new policy also modifies the program. “This sets it up more like a grant program. You ask in advance of doing the work if your project is eligible and we have funding to supply that. Then we would approve that ahead of the work happening. Then do the work, submit the reimbursement then get reimbursed,” Latta explained. “As these construction costs have grown over time, we felt that was an appropriate amount for reimbursement.” There are several qualifiers that go with the program. - Eligibility would only apply to sidewalks along public streets, both residential and commercial, as approved through the Public Works Department. - Reimbursement requests will not be considered for work that is underway or has been completed prior to application approval. - Work must be completed within 90 days of application approval. If this deadline is not able to be met, applicants may apply for a one-time extension as determined by the city. - Applicants must contact the city at least 14 days prior to the deadline if additional time is needed. - A property owner may apply for the program only once per fiscal year. “Sidewalks damaged by the homeowner’s own neglect would not be eligible,” Latta added. “Damage from natural wear and tear or tree roots uplifting or cracking the sidewalk would be examples of being eligible.” The city is making up to $25,000 per fiscal year available overall to the sidewalk repair reimbursement program. Councilor David Shein said the Public Administration Committee See REPAIR PAGE A2

IN THIS ISSUE

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Nearly 700 runners who registered for the annual Dallas 5K Glow Run set off at the starting line outside the Academy Building. The annual event, featuring runners in neon glowing paraphernalia and Halloween costumes, raises funds for Christmas Cheer, a nonprofit that helps feed the needy on the holiday. This year’s total was not available before press time.

Duo share the key to home show success - marketing By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Take a member of a legacy family in Dallas who has been operating his own contracting business going on three decades. Add an experienced partner in marketing who’s been doing some sort of exhibition show since her teens. You get Rich Simons and Kelly Tynon, the power couple behind Oregon Hearth & Home Events, the duo keeping the Home and Garden Show going at the Polk County Fairgrounds this weekend. Now running Oregon Hearth & Home Events going on four years based out of Monmouth, Simons said the idea came about when the organizer for the Albany show was ready to retire. “The person running the home shows decided to retire, which was a problem for my business, as that’s where my company gets a lot of its leads,” he said. So he called up his partner, who’s now his fiance, who was working as an administrator at a private school PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES in Corvallis, but has a lot of experiRich Simons and Kelly Tynon are the power duo beence in marketing. Simons proposed hind Oregon Hearth & Home Events, hosting the Polk they keep the Albany show running, County Home and Garden Show Oct. 10-12 at the county but had just two months to organize fairgrounds. it. “I asked him if he was crazy,” and vendors from prior years. The Tynon, who has actually been putTynon recalled. “Then I asked him secret was having someone as social ting on events of one sort or other if he’d run the numbers, because I media savvy as Tynon, Simons said. since she was a teen, has learned had no idea if this would be a viable Another element to success is makmarketing is a key to success. It business.” ing sure the vendors are well taken is also the most expensive aspect They got the ball rolling, care of, including things as simple behind a home and garden show, researched the industry, and got as giving them water bottles and more so than venue rental. For everything approved, “just in the bathroom breaks. Then on Saturdays, their new show they’re planning in nick of time” to get billboard adverthey host a vendor reception that Hillsboro this fall, requires $27,000 tising and the fairgrounds gave them gives them an opportunity to netfor the venue and Tynon has already the old slots to host the event. The work with others from their industry. spent $25,000 on marketing with first year they cobbled together “Because you’re kind of stuck lots more to do. more than 60 vendors, filling up in the booth the entire time you’re Tynon said organizing home and three quarters of the Linn County here, so you can’t really go talk to garden shows is a small but rewardFairgrounds. people. So, Saturday night gives ing niche. They continued putting on the events in Salem then in Polk County, them an opportunity to relax before they have to go home,” Simons said. with their eye on Hillsboro next, See DUO, page A3 increasing the numbers of attendees

Roxanne Beltz, longtime community leader, small business owner, and Monmouth City Councilor, has announced her candidacy for Polk County Commissioner, position 2, the seat currently held by the retiring Craig Pope. Beltz said with Pope retiring, this open seat is a great opportunity to continue serving the community Roxanne Beltz she loves. “I bring the experience to do this job well and my heart is in Polk County,” Beltz said by email. “I’ve served and worked alongside Commissioners Gordon and Mordhorst on committees and shared priorities and am ready to take that collaboration to the next level to keep Polk County moving forward.” Beltz is centering her campaign on three key priorities: • A Strong Local Economy – Building on her experience as a business owner, president of the Monmouth Business Association, and a City Councilor, Beltz is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for family-wage jobs, and strengthening Polk County’s economy. She emphasizes that growth must come from bringing more resources into the county through tourism and business development — not by raising taxes on families and businesses. • Safe and Healthy Communities – Ensuring that everyone has access to the services and support they need, while maintaining safe neighborhoods and strong emergency response systems. • Accountable, Transparent Government – Drawing on more than 25 years in public service and regional leadership, Beltz pledges to bring openness, collaboration, and responsible management to county government. “I’m ready to get to work on day one,” said Beltz. “I believe in Polk County’s future and in the power of bringing people together to get real results. My campaign is about making sure every voice is heard, every community is strong, and progress is measured by the opportunities we create for every person and every business.” Beltz emphasized her respect for the current Polk County Commissioners and the importance of building on their work. “I value the contributions that Commissioners Pope, Gordon, and Mordhorst have made on behalf of Polk County — from investing in safe and healthy communities, to strengthening our roads and bridges, to supporting veterans and seniors,” she said. “I look forward to the See BELTZ PAGE A2

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