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Wednesday December 17, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 51

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Rickreall Gun show rebounds from slow spring

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

For those who host gun shows or try to sell their wares within, numbers can be deceiving. Polk County Fair manager Tina Anderson said for the first day of their annual Rickreall Gun Show on Saturday, before the show opened at 9 a.m., more than 200 people waited in a line that wrapped around the fairground’s main building. “But most of the vendors noticed attendees were not buying much,” Anderson said. Such is the hit and miss reality of a gun show that Anderson has been a part of running for the past 30 years. This year’s show featured 90 vendors renting out 150 tables, selling everything including guns, knives, ammo, self defense, lights, helmets, reloading supplies and targets. Regardless of the selection, Anderson said the December show is usually slower than the spring show in March. However, PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES due to the down economy, the Jancy Rosasco sells a Winchester Model 770 .23 caliber rifle to Thomas Russel, of Falls City, numbers this year were swapped. Sunday at the Mishler Guns table, a longtime vendor at the annual Rickreall Gun Show. Which is a good thing for Polk County. Board is implementing to cover fishermen and campers and the of Woodburn, hits 10-15 shows a “It’s our biggest fundraiser increasing costs. like. year, including sportsman shows. of the year. It’s how we keep Anderson added next spring, She said this year’s show feaHe said he’s been selling knives our doors open,” Anderson said. she plans to add an outdoor tured a wide selection of vendors, for the last 20 years, but it took Admission was still just $8, but sportsmen theme to the gun both old regulars and newcomers. that will be going up in March show, in the hope of attracting Tony the “Knife Guy” Weaver, as part of the increases the Fair See SHOW, page A2 an independent knife vendor out

Dallas Liquor Store nears a return from the ashes “It felt great. I got a little emotional,” Moore admitted. His first step was finding a new Some eagle-eyed community location. The new spot is smaller members recently spotted a delivery 1,500 square feet compared to the truck offloading inventory to the old 2,500 square feet. However, new location for the Dallas Liquor Moore said the old location had a Store. lot of unused space and non-alcohol Its new owner is a familiar face related items they inherited from the from the old location – David previous store owner. Moore. He confirmed the new loca“The new store maximizes space tion at 109 East Ellendale Avenue to put in more liquor bottles and (the former Cricket Wireless Store) alcohol. I feel I’ve done a good job is essentially ready to open, he is to make it comfortable to come in just waiting for the delivery of his COURTESY PHOTO and move around, not having to new POS (Point of Sale) system. David Moore is nearly ready to re-open the Dallas Liquor squeeze around the shelves,” he said. Moore helped run the old location Store at its new location at 109 East Ellendale Ave., 16 With inventory now offloaded, next to Rite Aid with his mother months after the prior location was devastated by an arson Moore is just waiting for his POS after his father-in-law passed away. fire. system to be delivered, for two A series of unfortunate and months now. incredible incidents has since led to every personal item that reminded his way was convincing the OLCC “OLCC has specific companies Moore, 42, to owning his first busi- them of Tim and was proof that Board of Commissioners to grant to get systems through. It’s a short ness. It has been 16 months since an Moore himself had wired there for his the license ahead of three other list,” Moore said. “It turns out one of arson fire forced the closure of the the 17 years since the store was applicants with much more experithose people is not taking new cusformer location. there. ence, including representatives from tomers. The other had to quit altoRussell Littleton, 55, was senThe only things he was able to 7Star, Center Market and another gether because of old software. The tenced to more than 31 years in salvage from the wreckage were two liquor store owner from Salem. third was unable to get me equipprison after being found guilty of statues - a frog in scuba gear and a Moore admits he was completely ment due it being on back order.” two counts of arson 1, burglary 1, tobacco punch jester. surprised when they awarded him He was told last week the equipfive counts of assault 2, and criminal “We lost all the paperwork, all the license. ment is ready to ship from the East mischief 1 for the Aug. 8, 2024, the photos of employees, sales “I went in with a power point Coast. Once it arrives and is set up, incident in which he broke into the records, computers. Literally all of presentation, with an idea how the Moore figures he can be ready for a Dallas Liquor Store, setting the inte- the store’s information for the past store would look. I didn’t come from soft opening within a week. rior ablaze. 15 years went up,” Moore said. “The much. So, I’ve never been in a posi“I’m really hoping for before “It was a very hard time, espefire burned bad enough to destroy tion like this in my life,” he said. “I Christmas,” he said. “Unfortunately cially because literally a month or the safe that had all the backup SD was very nervous. I let them know I’m at the mercy of this POS.” two before, Tim had passed away. cards.” who I am. …. But I just spoke from Moore said he’s already hired We were still reeling from that, comThen in March, an opportunity the heart.” back some familiar employees from ing to terms. Then to have the store arose he couldn’t pass up to become When the commission reconbroken into and burn up every bit the new liquor store agent at a new vened, they called his name. inside. Everything was unsalvageSee LIQUOR PAGE A4 location. The only thing standing in able,” Moore said, adding they lost By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

IN THIS ISSUE

Pope endorses Swanson for Position 2 By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

John Swanson has received a key endorsement in his bid to replace a retiring Craig Pope as County Commissioner. Pope himself recently announced the endorsement of Swanson to assume the Position 2 seat. “This is truly special. Commissioner Pope’s commitment to our county is renowned, and to have his confidence is very meaningful to me,” said Swanson in a press release. “Craig’s 16 years of service and reputation leave large shoes to fill. His presence will be missed.” Swanson announced his campaign in September, which was soon followed by Roxanne Beltz, Monmouth City Councilor. The longtime community leader and small business owner is making her second run for as a County Commissioner. Beltz previously ran for county commissioner against Lyle Mordhorst in 2024, earning 45% of the vote. It was Swanson who earned the endorsement of Pope, who is retiring after serving four terms. “John Swanson has the depth of understanding, tenacity and character to govern our County,” Pope said in the press release. “I am certain his leadership will carry us forward as tough decisions lay on the horizon.” Swanson, chief of staff for Sen. Bruce Starr, is a small business owner and executive director of the Leadership Fund – which “supports a more balanced state legislature.” Swanson lives north of Rickreall with his wife, Kim, and two children. The Swansons previously resided in West Salem. Swanson has received other endorsements since filing to run. Individuals listed on his website include Polk County Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst (Position 1), and Polk County legislators Sen. Bruce Starr, former Sen. Brian Boquist, Rep. Lucetta Elmer and Rep. Anna Scharf. Organizations that have endorsed Swanson include the Polk County Farm Bureau, Oregon Sportsmen’s Association, COPS PAC, Oregon Small Business Association, Taxpayers Association of Oregon, MarionPolk First PAC, and the Home Builders Association of Marion and Polk Counties. Meanwhile, Beltz said she has not added endorsements yet to her website www.believeinbeltz.com nor her Facebook page yet, as she is waiting to hear from the POlk County Democrats and several others who have not voted yet. But she did provide a partial list of supporters and their statements. See SWANSON, page A4

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