PIO109 by C.M.I.

Sports

County

Forest deputy position returns to patrol county’s wood

Mountaineer netters establish superiority over rival Pirates See B1

See A3

Wednesday October 9, 2024 | Volume 148, Issue 41

www.polkio.com

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Reptile Man Richard Ritchey shares the history of his intimidating but harmless corn snake with a crowd of 200 children Oct. 3 at the Dallas Civic Center.

Reptile Man delights kids with slithering surprises

It might snap. It might hiss. It most definitely will slither. That’s why the Reptile Man’s You never know what Richard show attracted about 200 kids Ritchey is going to pull out of one of of all ages Oct. 3 to the Dallas his boxes. Civic Center. And if they were lucky enough to be called on as a

volunteer, Ritchey would call one up to hold or handle one of his prized pets. “I’ve been into (reptiles) since I was their age. It was a hobby my whole life,” said Ritchey, 61. “But eventually you want to do something

By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

$2.00

more than just keep them as a pet. So I thought, Oh, I’ll do a show for some kids.’” His first was in Salem. 33 years ago. “I had fun. The kids had fun. It paid for my hobby,” Ritchey recalled. “Four years later I was doing 450 shows a year. It just skyrocketed.” He rotates 15 animals to feature during his one-hour show, promising danger and intrigue, eliciting squeals of delight non-stop throughout the presentation. Most of the stars of his reptile show are rescues. “There were a couple I bought. I bought the alligator. I think I bought the snapping turtle, too. Tell you the truth, I’ve had him so long, I don’t remember,” Ritchey said. His humorous presentation is tinged with just enough educational tidbits to ensure the kids walk away having learned something in the process. “As I hold it, I’ll explain a little bit about the animal, I try to make it entertaining first, educational second. That’s what people want to see, something entertaining,” he said. Ritchey has few rules during his show - stay behind the box (set up before him at the beginning, which actually contained a tortoise), don’t run around and don’t make too much noise. “But it’s more for effect than anything,” he admitted. “The animals I chose have very good temperaments. Except for my rattlesnake.” But just in case, he’s developed good peripheral vision. See REPTILE, page A8

City shares future of police department building for $660,000. However, they soon learned expansion into a The community was invited Oct. 2 larger space would be less expensive, to discover first hand what the Dallas tearing the old to make way for a completely new building. Police Department doesn’t have. As part of the open house Oct. 2, Police Chief Thomas Simpson architects from Mackenzie the city lead groups of seven or eight contracted presented initial plans that through a labyrinth of spaces hapwould more than triple the Police hazardly placed throughout City Department’s space from about 4,440 Hall. He explained the list of what to more than 13,000. his department needs to be more Before moving forward with a dedicated to his officers’ activities is long including inadequate security or final design, the city is seeking the privacy, lack of privacy for both vic- public’s input to help choose the best features that fit into Dallas’s existing tim interviews and changing space character downtown. and lack of secure parking for its To engage in the project further vehicle fleet. The need to expand has also long and provide feedback on both interior and exterior design aspects of been a goal of the city. the building, go to the city’s online “We had a bond measure for a police station in oh-four (2004) that open house web page at https:// went down by 102 votes, if I remem- form.jotform.com/jlainvolve/ dallas-police-station-ooh. ber correctly,” Simpson told a tour City Manager Brian Latta said a group. firm estimated cost for the expansion The administration hopes now has not yet been determined. What is the time to revisit plans for is known, is it will take the public’s expansion. In November, the city purchased the Itemizer-Observer By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Dallas Police Chief takes a tour group through the crowded confines of the current police department, including a look at the evidence intake room, during an open house Oct. 2. approval of a ballot measure to pay for it. “The architects will complete their conceptual designs and cost estimation by the end of the calendar year. The City Council will engage

on this topic in either December or January,” Latta said.

See FUTURE, page A7

Karen Sanks

I-O names Karen Sanks as general manager We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Karen Sanks to general manager of the Polk ItemizerObserver, effective Oct. 7. Karen, a longtime newspaper advertising representative, is well-known and respected throughout Polk County for her dedication and commitment to the community. In her new role, Karen will lead the newspaper’s efforts to boost visibility at community events and foster meaningful relationships with local businesses, organizations and community leaders. Her deep ties to the area and extensive experience make her the perfect person to guide the Itemizer-Observer as it continues its mission to serve Polk County. “We are delighted to have an experienced sales leader in Karen to help spearhead our community efforts in Polk County,” said Frank Perea, Country Media’s Chief Executive of Revenue. “Her knowledge of the local market and her passion for the region’s success will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support Polk County.” Having worked at the newspaper for many years, Karen’s connection to Polk County runs deep. She’s excited to take on this new challenge and is eager to continue the tradition of delivering high-quality advertising opportunities that help businesses thrive. Be sure to congratulate Karen when you see her out and about— she’ll be a familiar face around the county, ensuring the Polk ItemizerObserver remains your business’s most trusted local resource for years.

Hand Deliver your ballot to local drop box or clerk’s office

by November 5th

SUPPORT CANDIDATES... Donald Trump, President Mike Erickson, US CD 6 Will Lathrop, Attorney General Dennis Linthicum, Secretary of State Brian Boquist, State Treasurer

Kevin Chambers, Rep. HD 20 Lucetta Elmer, Rep. HD 24 Anna Scharf, Rep. HD 23 Bruce Starr, Sen. SD 12 Mark Garton, Sheriff

VOTE “NO” MEASURES 117 Ranked Choice Voting ........Oregon Assoc. of County Clerks oppose 117 118 Largest Tax increase in Oregon’s history .......Even Governor Tina Kotek opposes 118

119 Infringement of speech for cannabis business owners

www.polkcounty.gop

paid for by Polk County Republican Central Committee #338

IN THIS ISSUE Voices Corrections Obituaries Puzzle Solutions Social Public Records Classifieds Puzzles

A4 A4 A6 B2 B2 B5 B6 B7

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