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Wednesday June 4, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 23

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Whitworth Elementary rolls into State of the county spring with Safety on Wheels is ‘very strong’

Staff REPORT

When spring settled into the region, students at Whitworth Elementary geared up for one of the school’s most exciting events of the year — Craig Button’s Safety on Wheels Unit. Throughout April and May, more than 365 third through fifth graders actively participated in P.E. lessons focused on riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards safely. Under the guidance of physical education teacher Button, students mastered essential skills that covered: • Helmet Safety & Proper Gear – Understanding the importance of protective wear. • Bicycle Road Rules – Recognizing that bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey traffic laws. • Hands-On Safety Drills – Bringing their own helmets to class to practice what they’ve learned. “We want every student to understand that safety isn’t just about wearing a helmet—it’s about knowing the rules of the road and respecting others,” Button said. The highlight of the Safety on Wheels Unit is the Interactive Community Ride, a yearly tradition where the participants put their road safety skills to the test. With helmets strapped on and bikes prepped, students took to the neighborhood streets to practice in real-world conditions. Students were encouraged to ride their bikes to school the morning of the event, and for those who could not, parents were allowed to drop off bikes before school. For those without their own helmets, the school had a limited number

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Whitworth Elementary students practice safe biking techniques during the school’s annual spring Safety on Wheels event. to borrow. In addition, the Boys and Girls Club and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance provided loaner bikes for those students who didn’t own one yet. “We are thrilled to partner with organizations to make sure every student has the chance to ride safely,” Button said. “Safety on Wheels is about empowering students with confidence and awareness.” This year marks a special milestone for Button, who is celebrating his 25th year of teaching. Through two and a half decades, he has inspired thousands of students to stay active, be safe and enjoy

physical education with enthusiasm and energy. From archery to bike safety, Button’s passion for teaching shines through in every lesson. His commitment to student growth and community involvement is evident in traditions like the Interactive Community Ride, which has become a signature event at Whitworth. “The students are what keep me going,” Button said with a smile. “Seeing them grow, learn, and enjoy being active makes everyday worth it.”

Button offered these final five tips other students should remember that Whitworth students learned: 1. Always Wear a Helmet – Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and strapped securely. 2. Check Your Equipment – Inspect tires, brakes, and handlebars before each ride. 3. Obey Traffic Rules – Ride on the right side of the road, stop at signs, and use hand signals. 4. Stay Alert – Watch for cars, pedestrians, and road hazards. Avoid distractions like headphones. 5. Be Visible – Wear bright clothing, especially if riding near dusk, and use reflectors or lights.

New life jacket kiosk installed in response to tragic drowning The city of Independence recently unveiled a new life jacket station in Riverview Park in memory of Gregorio Maximiano-Solano, a 13-year-old who tragically drowned in the Willamette River last summer. On July 7, 2024, just after 5 p.m., Maximiano-Solano disappeared under the water while playing near Riverview Park. His body was recovered five days later in Keizer Rapids Park following an extensive multi-agency search. In response to this tragedy, the city partnered with Oregon Corrections Enterprises to construct three new life jacket kiosks aimed at improving water safety. Each kiosk features a bilingual sign to enhance visibility and accessibility for both English- and Spanishspeaking visitors. The project was made possible through a shared funding effort: one kiosk was funded by the city of Independence, one by Oregon Corrections Enterprises and the last through additional support came from generous community donations.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Representatives from Polk County Fire District 1 and Oregon Corrections Enterprises unveil a new life jacket kiosk station in Riverview Park.

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

A4 A4 A4 B2 B2 B6 B4 A6

The Dallas and the MonmouthIndependence Chambers of Commerce sponsored a state of the county presentation May 28. Commissioner Jeremy Gordon said when he was trying to come up with a theme for his presentation, he started by saying the state of the county is very strong. “But we will need to face fiscal realities like a lot of jurisdictions in our area and across the state,” Gordon said. Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst began by summarizing the county’s budget, which he said is going to come in around $118 million, with the general fund of all the services provided at $32.4 million. Mordhorst said $24.2 million is dedicated to the commissioners’ top priority, public safety. Public safety covers patrol, the jail, community corrections, juvenile transfers, emergency management, marine patrol, dog catcher and the district attorney’s office. Behavioral Health is the county’s largest department, taking up $32.7 million of its budget. “All of that funding and all of that money comes from state and federal resources. None of the general fund goes to Behavioral Health,” Mordhorst explained. He said another 8.5 million goes to Public Works, which has 500 miles of roads and 89 bridges to maintain. “I’m excited to tell you Polk County was ranked number one in the state for the quality of its roads. We have an amazing crew,” Mordhorst said. He then pivoted to the projects the county has partnered with ODOT to make the public roads safer. An interchange is designed for the intersection of Highway 18 and 22 in front of Spirit Mountain Casino. While the state looks to secure funds for the project, Mordhorst said ODOT, Polk County and the Grand Ronde Tribe are combining forces to design an interim safety project protected left-hand lane turns. A roundabout is being designed for the Highway 22 and Kings Valley Highway interchange and will go to bid in the spring of 2026 with construction planned next summer. “So, accessing Dallas next year is going to be a little challenging,” Mordhorst warned. Still in design phase is the Perrydale Road realignment over the Kings Valley roundabout, eliminating the north end of the Perrydale intersection. This will create a more clear view for motorists merging instead of the current limited view offered. Going out to bid next spring is another project at Highway 99 and See COUNTY PAGE A2

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