Dairy Princess Ambassador
Sports Walt Markee’s lifetime of service lands him wrestling Hall of Fame
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Wednesday March 18, 2026 | Volume 151, Issue 6 www.polkio.com
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Fire District plans layoffs, second levy attempt By David Hayes I-O editor
Following a failed operations levy in November that fell short by just over 300 votes, the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors announced March 13 the district has issued layoff notices for six positions, effective June 30. However, not wanting to accept reduced services due to reduced staffing, the board also
announced they are trying again in May to pass another operations levy to keep the current staffing levels. They are proposing a $1.37 per $1,000 assessed valuation over five years that would maintain current service levels. Without the additional funds, they say cutback in personnel is a “financial reality.” “These positions represent frontline emergency responders who answer calls for help
when members of our community experience some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” the board said in a statement. “These individuals respond to structure fires, wildland fires, medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, hazardous materials incidents, and rescue calls across our service area.” They added that issuing these layoff notices was not a decision made lightly, nor was it one
they wanted to make. “The Board understands the personal impact these decisions have on the firefighters and their families, as well as the operational impact they will have on emergency response within our District,” they said. The Board’s decision to place a levy replacement on the May 19 ballot they said is not about disregarding the will of the voters. “Rather, it reflects our
responsibility to ensure that the community has a clear understanding of the consequences of the levy’s failure and an opportunity to reconsider the issue with that information in mind,” their statement read. The Board of Directors pointed to critical improvements SW Polk Fire District made under the previous voter-approved levy. Those improvements included: • Significantly reducing
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emergency response times across the District • Providing consistent, guaranteed staffing to ensure rapid response when emergencies occur • Improving firefighter and responder safety through adequate staffing levels • Strengthening support for volunteers and regional mutual aid partners “These improvements
See fire district, page A4
Foundation grants help Dallas based nonprofits By David Hayes I-O Editor
Photo by David Hayes
Licensed Lucas Film artist Jason W. Christman’s booth draws a lot of attention, with an assist from R2D2 and Grogu, at the annual NerdCon March 13 hosted by the Dallas Public Library. The event drew authors, vendors, collectors, and cosplayers of all ages to an expanded three locations in downtown Dallas. For more photos from the event, see page A7.
The Dallas Community Foundation Community hosted its annual Awards Grant Presentation March 10 in City Hall’s Civic Center. Bob Brannigan, President of the Dallas Community Foundation, told the honorees what they’re going to hear are a lot of neat things going on here in the city of Dallas that really help support the community. “Because as I always say about this, you’re where the rubber hits the road,” Brannigan told those accepting the DCF’s grants. “You’re making a difference in lives in our community. You’re changing the livability of our community. And making it accessible for more people in a lot of See foundation, page A5
Michelle Ashley puts her heart in every cake By David Hayes I-O Editor
Michelle Ashley likes to brag she has owned the rights to a website with her name since the birth of the internet she received as a gift graduating from college. After a successful stretch in other industries, she now utilizes her namesake website www.michelleashley. com to offer up her custom cakes. Ashley is also not shy to share the detour she took through addiction that sidelined her successful career that recovery eventually landed her in
her newfound love of baking. “Before I got into bakery, I was a base project manager for base startups over in Afghanistan. It supported the British army. So it was essentially getting everything out there in the middle of nowhere and building a base,” she said. But in 2014, Ashley said she was hit with a harsh reality. “I knew that I needed help and I was somehow a functioning drug addict, alcoholic,” she said. The lasting treatment she received at the Hazelden Betty Ford
influenced her so much that Ashley continues to assist other women through their own recoveries. “I’m getting ready to go back to the treatment center and give a talk to the women about what life after treatment can look like,” Ashley said. For her, the baking became a key component for Ashley’s recovery process. “After I got into recovery, I didn’t want to go and do anything stressful. I just knew I needed a big change, but I didn’t know what See cakes, page A6
Photo by David Hayes
Michelle Ashley holds a sample mockup children’s cake on display at the counter featuring her creations at Brew Coffee & Taphouse in Independence.
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