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Wednesday June 11, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 24 www.polkio.com

Council discusses next steps for police station

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Pomp and Circumstance Jennifer Ward

Dallas promotes Jennifer Ward to public works director

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The city council is not ready to give up the fight in securing a new police station for the city of Dallas after voters rejected a $17.2 million bond proposal to construct a new facility. City Manager Brian Latta led the discussion, seeking input and direction for city staff toward next steps. As of June 2, the bond proposal received 2,344 votes in favor and 2,853 votes in opposition. To turn around public opinion, Latta laid out three initial plans staff recommended. He said the first option is referring the same measure to the ballot again, just with a more educational component. “Maybe justify why it costs what it costs, developing a strategy in the campaign in a public setting. Then taking that same project forward to a future election,” Latta said. “That’s a common practice to other communities who have bond measures or levies that have failed the first time around.” Another option is to develop plans for a different project altogether other than a new police station or do nothing. Although Latta said the staff does not recommend the council take no action. A third option is to explore alternative ways to fund the project that were not given to the voters to consider. Latta said in his conversations in private with councilors and from the community there is a need for this project and there is a desire to make it happen. Councilor David Shein’s first inclination was to hash this out in a work study session. “No matter what happens, it’s going to be an extended conversion,” he said. Council President Larry Briggs said a limited amount of time was his biggest issue if they were to go back out for another levy or bond. Latta said that depends upon which election they target. He explained there is not a general election this fall. But there is an election date. “That means if you wanted to target this fall for an election… you would have to refer the measure by the first meeting in August,” he explained. “The city would have to pay for the printing and distribution (postage) of that ballot. So you’re looking to spend less than $10,000 to have that election.” To get it on next May’s election, the measure would have to be referred by February. Or to be on on next fall’s general election the council would have a little over a year to submit an item on the ballot.

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PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

The first ever graduating class of Dallas Community High School gathers for one more group photo before celebrating with family and friends after their ceremony June 5 at the Nesmith Readiness Center. The graduates are (back row from left) Sinae Fast, Thomas Rankersley, Dean Burwash, Jack Sparks, and Beau Burnette; front row (from left) Callie Sparre, Shyleigh Stanley, Mason Gann and Bridgett Osgood. For more photos from this graduation ceremony and other Polk County Schools last week, see page A8.

Monmouth Has Pride celebrates unity for all By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Getting stronger every year. That’s what’s happening with Monmouth Has Pride, which shows no sign of slowing down as it marked its fifth year on Saturday. The festival, which celebrates unity and inclusion for all, drew its largest numbers ever: an estimated 400-plus attendees and more than 60 vendors. “This is the biggest it’s ever been, for sure,” volunteer Matthew Matz said. “I was walking through the park earlier and was just surprised by how full it was.” Vendor booths took over the upper park area, with crowds mingling throughout. Heather Matz, volunteer coordinator, noted that festival growth is due to the positive buzz created by past Monmouth Has Pride events. “I think it’s just … if you build it, they will come. People love it because it’s community oriented,” she said. Providing an accessible and affirming environment is also part of the festival’s lure. “Our goal is to provide a safe space for anyone who might not feel they fit in elsewhere. We want people to know that this is a community where they can be themselves, whatever that looks like,” Matthew added. Activities include a parade, free picnic lunches for 250 people, family games, music, face painting and a craft table. All in a park atmosphere heavy on relaxation. “Everything’s about creating a welcoming space for everyone,” Matthew said. Carol McKiel, who co-founded the event with Rebecca Salinas-Oliveros,

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PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Monmouth Has Pride keeps getting bigger and bigger, drawing an estimated 400-plus attendees and more than 60 vendors to Saturday’s event. The annual affair, now in its fifth year, was at Main Street Park. remembered the festival’s humble beginnings. “That first year, there were about 20 people. It was 112 degrees outside,” she said. McKiel credits much of the festival’s growth to social media outreach, both by the organizing team and by vendors with large followings. “We’re also listed on the statewide Pride calendar alongside Portland, Salem and Eugene,” she said. “Monmouth is right up there with the big cities.” McKiel also acknowledged how the current political climate - where basic human rights are under attack, some say - may have galvanized community support. “As you walk around today, it just feels like a bubble of love. You’ve got young people, parents, little kids,” she said. “It’s glimpses into

what life could be like if we just respected one another. People are here to be seen, to be accepted … maybe that feels even more necessary right now.” Organizers noted that they took additional safety precautions this year given tensions around LGBTQ+ events elsewhere. Though all was peaceful as of early afternoon. Among the many vendors was Nancy Anderson, owner of Hazel’s on Main, a local restaurant and wine bar. “We’re here to increase awareness and support Pride,” she said of her presence. “It’s also a chance to meet new people, give out business cards and let folks know where we are.” All in all, on a day that featured blue skies and no clouds, there were hundreds of rainbows at Main Street Park.

The city of Dallas announced June 4 that Jennifer Ward has been promoted to be the new public works director. Ward will officially begin her new role on June 24, as part of a planned transition of current public works director Gary Marks’ retirement on June 30. Ward has served as a member of the Dallas Public Works Department for the past 3 ½ years, contributing to the city’s infrastructure and services. Mayor Rich Slack said Ward’s deep understanding of the department’s operations, combined with her commitment to public service, makes her well equipped to lead the department into the future. “I am confident that the city manager has made an excellent choice and I look forward to seeing where she takes the department into the future,” Slack said. Ward added she has been fortunate to love the work she does and genuinely enjoy the people she works with. “As public works director, I’m looking forward to advancing the projects and services of the city, strengthening community partnerships, and developing supportive relationships with the men and women who anchor our community – the public works employees of the city of Dallas,” Ward said.

Dallas joins the Oregon Film Trail Dallas has joined into a partnership with the Oregon Film Trail, highlighting the history that film has in the city. Dallas joins more than 40 physical signs and hundreds of digital scene locations across Oregon that celebrate and recognize this history with the installation of a sign highlighting the location where filming occurred, and more about the film and the people behind it. See DALLAS, page A3

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