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Food bank seeks county support

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The Dallas Emergency Food Corporation sought a letter of support from the Polk County Board of Commissioners Aug. 20 to help the organization’s plans for a new building for the Dallas Food Bank.

Eileen Dicicco, board secretary, said the letter would become part of funding proposal packets for the project, the first of which is for a $1 5 million Community Development Block Grant requested by the city of Dallas on behalf of Dallas Food Bank.

The Dallas Food Bank has been serving the community since 1983 as an all volunteer, 501c3 non profit and remains the primary food assistance provider in the Dallas area, Dicicco said.

Food insecure individuals seek assistance from the Dallas Food Bank on average 520 times a month. Families are allowed to shop twice at the food bank. Dicicco said last year, the food bank served more than 1,500 unique households comprised of 4 882 individuals. They expect that number to rise to 5,000 this year.

The reason they are developing plans for a new building is they’ve outgrown their current space of 1,800 square feet they lease within the Main Street Plaza. The original purpose of the space was as a business office, thus the chopped up rooms have proven to be less than ideal for their food distribution purposes.

Dicicco said they don’t have a lobby, so individuals have to wait outside for their turn, and the food area is very small, allowing for only one cart at a time.

“So, if you have a slow shopper in front of you, the whole process is slowed up dramatically,” Dicicco told the commissioners.

Their current lease expires at the end of 2025 and the board has yet to see a proposed renewal.

“We know our costs for being in this space are going to rise. Our current rent is about $1 725 per month. And $150 of that goes toward utilities,” Dicicco said.

She added they’re facing an increase of $500-$600 in utility costs if they stay under a new lease.

The search for a new space has been ongoing for the past two years. Since January this year, they have been negotiating with the United Methodist Church to purchase a portion of their property at 565 SE La Creole Drive. They have completed partitioning plans and a purchase and sale agreement is under review, Dicicco said. The purchase will be made with their own funds.

“We have been saving up for 10 years to be in a position to be able

MINET Bubble Fun

Get back in the action with new physical therapy business PerformX

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Between Dallas, Monmouth and Independence, there are plenty of gyms that help clients get back into and stay in shape. However, there’s a new facility in Independence that can help you get back to the gym should an injury occur along the way - PerformX Physical Therapy.

The business celebrated its official grand opening Aug. 23 rather unconventionally. Before the traditional ribbon cutting, assisted by the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce, the husband and wife owners of PerformX Dalton and Sidney Urrutia organized a workout with the Firehouse Crossfit where they have their own gym memberships. They were joined by family, friends and other community members.

“It was a good handful of people, it was a nice workout, nice heat, a good amount of fun for everybody,” Dalton said.

Dalton said he and Sidney have been offering physical therapy services since 2018. It has been a part of an overall plan ever since he went to physical therapy school in 2010

“It’s been a lot of learning and processing bumps in the road. But, we’re here,” Dalton said.

Originally from the Willamette Valley, the Urrutias took a detour, moving abroad, where Dalton got his physical therapy education in Scotland. After offering physical therapy in five or six countries, they returned to the U.S. during the pandemic and moved to Independence in 2023. Many of the gym owners in the region helped the Urrutias get their feet settled offering their services locally.

“When we first got to Independence, we rented a room from Jen (Lindh) at Anytime Fitness. That’s where we started,

ing of PerformX Physical

with an office space in the back,” Dalton said. “She was immensely helpful and supportive and kind of keeping us in the loop with how things were going and gave us a big push getting us started. So, we can’t thank her enough.”

He went on to thank Firehouse Crossfit in Monmouth where the Urrutias work out as their home gym and made many of the community connections.

“Owners Dave and Leslie (Plotts) have done tons to help us out, too. Same thing with Jared and Lauren (Dickerson) at Shred City in Dallas. And Shane (Rider) with Kiowa Fitness has been insanely helpful for us, too,” Dalton said.

As the name implies, PerformX offers performance rehab and therapy. But in a twist, the Urrutias help injured athletes get back to their specific sport.

“We help injured people get back to doing the things they love the most,” Dalton said. “We’re a little bit different. We kind of go outside the standard system and focus completely on what the person wants to get back to. So, no matter what

it takes, whether it’s chiropractic, massage or physical therapy, our goal is getting them back to doing what they want.”

He added they can help if it’s getting back on the ground playing with the grand kids or back in the game as a top contender.

In addition to Dalton, PerformX has two members on staff who are physical therapists and another who is a sports chiropractor. Among their staff of six is a virtual physical therapist, Tom, who helps people rebound from all over the world from his home in Connecticut.

Their facility has about 1,500 square feet in the front side of the building at the corner of Main and Monmouth streets, the former location of Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar. They are not using the space in the back yet, which Dalton said would be used if they ever expand. For now, the space is still for lease.

They have two treatment rooms, one geared toward chiropractic, the

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce has shaken up its leadership due to ongoing financial challenges. The chamber board of directors has eliminated their president/CEO position, which is currently held by Mackenzie Newland.

Newland will continue to work with the MICC through Aug. 29

“The board has made the difficult decision to eliminate the position as part of a broader restructuring plan,” the MICC board said in a press release.

The board also called Newland, who joined last October, an exceptional leader during her tenure with the MICC, “guiding the Chamber with heart, innovation, and unwavering commitment.”

“Her passion for building a stronger, more connected business community has left a lasting legacy. From launching new initiatives to forging meaningful partnerships, Mackenzie’s leadership has elevated the Chamber’s role as a trusted hub for education, collaboration, and advocacy,” the board statement read.

The board blamed the financial challenges on unexpected operational costs, reduced funding and declining membership, which all led to unavoidable significant changes.

Newland told the I-O that she and the MICC Board have been reviewing the Chamber’s budget and options for sustaining operations and came to the conclusion that there needed to be some adjustments due to the economy and rising costs.

“We looked at multiple scenarios, including reducing my hours. Ultimately, we mutually agreed that a reduced schedule wasn’t sustainable for me or my family, and that MICC needed time to restructure the role and overall operations,” Newland said by email.

The board indicated the move to eliminate Newland’s position was a difficult decision because she was performing so well.

“Mackenzie has remained dedicated to supporting the chamber through every challenge. She has worked tirelessly to bridge funding gaps and preserve the chamber’s mission, even while facing her own family’s needs,” the chamber board wrote.

Monmouth mourns passing of finance director Susie Marston

By SABRA JEWELL Monmouth Communications Director

The city of Monmouth is saddened to announce the passing of Finance Director Susie Marston, a respected colleague, leader, and friend.

Although Marston served as finance director for only a few years, her career in public service spanned decades leaving a lasting impact on communities across

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to do something like this,” Dicicco said.

Meanwhile, she added, the city of Dallas has applied for a $1 5 million Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to construct a 3 000 square-foot building on the lot. The Polk Community Development Corporation is assisting with the grant application, and if successful, will manage the construction project.

She added the board is looking at “stick-built” and “modular options” ranging

MICC

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Newland is moving on from the chamber to serve as the founder and executive director of The Reading Nest, a nonprofit mobile library dedicated to bringing books and learning to underserved areas. Newland said The

Oregon. She was widely recognized for her leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Among her colleagues in Monmouth, Marston was known as a “silent warrior.” She brought beauty, levity, and grace to every situation. She will be remembered for what she meant to the city of Monmouth, what she gave in public service, and who she will

from $1 7 million to $2 1 million.

The open-floor plan will include a receiving area for food deliveries, ample storage for fresh, frozen and dried foods, a shopping area that accommodates two-way cart traffic, ADA bathrooms, mop and utility sinks, office and waiting room. In addition, the plans come with adequate parking for volunteers and clients.

“The CDBG funding opportunity is critical. And according to Business Oregon, which is administering the program, funds are available,” Dicicco said. “It’s uncertain if this funding

Reading Nest has been developing alongside her Chamber work for months, with partners and early programming already underway.

“Our current programs include Southtown Storytime (a recurring pop-up storytime for ages 0–5 in partnership with Fostering Hope Initiative and Polk County Family & Community Outreach) and

forever be to the people who knew and loved her.

To ensure continuity of leadership within the Finance Department, the city of Monmouth has appointed Jon Steed as interim finance director. He will serve in this capacity until a permanent Finance Director is selected. The city will begin a formal search process for the role in the coming weeks.

opportunity will exist in the future.”

A letter of support from the board of commissioners is just one of many the food bank board is seeking, including the Dallas Community Foundation and U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas’s office. They also plan to reach out for support from Sen. Ron Wyden’s office and state Rep. Anna Scharf’s office. Their CDBG application is due Aug. 30 and they expect an invitation from Business Oregon to submit the full application, Dicicco said.

County Chair Craig Pope’s first concern was the rate the food bank was facing

event pop-ups that bring free books and literacy tools to the community,” Newland said.

“We’re actively building our collection and saving toward a fully accessible bookmobile so we can reach more communities throughout the county.”

She clarified her transition from MICC was driven by

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purchasing the new building per square foot.

“Seven hundred dollars per square foot for an empty space essentially that you can plug refrigerators into, and put up shelves,” Pope summarized, seeking clarification.

Dicicco said they’ve scaled back their plans all they can to reduce the costs, explaining why they’re exploring a modular option for their new facility.

“But a lot of it is in the labor costs associated with doing the project,” Dicicco explained. “There’s about $500 000, I think, in the fees and administrative costs.”

Pope then asked if the Dallas Food Bank has

budget realities and the need to right-size the role.

“I care deeply about MICC and 100% remain supportive of the Chamber’s success,” Newland said.

The MICC board said Newland’s vision and leadership “will no doubt continue to inspire and uplift our region in new ways.”

touched bases with the Ella Curran Food Bank, as both are seeking new facilities with aid through Polk County.

One difference, Dicicco said, was Ella Curran had their land donated to them from the Oregon Community Foundation and is getting additional funding as a regional distributional center.

Pope asked how many total food banks were in operation in Polk County.

Besides Dallas’s, Dicicco pointed to Grand Ronde, Ella Curran, West Salem, a very small food bank operated by Willamette University, and Dallas’s Seventh Day Adventist serving one day a month.

“We fully support her decision to pursue new opportunities that align with her values and provide long-term stability,” the MICC board wrote.

“On behalf of the entire board and community, we thank Mackenzie for her incredible service, steadfast leadership, and the meaningful impact she has made. She will be greatly missed.”

“We’re all members of Marion/Polk Food Share’s network of hunger relief facilities,” Dicicco said, adding they are not contributing to the construction of a new building for Dallas.

Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst suggested meeting with additional contractors, of which he could suggest a couple, to seek out a better and lower cost to the food bank construction.

Pope concluded the meeting by saying the board will take under consideration their application for a letter of support.

Commissioner Jeremy Gordon was not present.

Meanwhile, the MICC board said it is actively exploring new operational models to ensure continued service to its members and the community.

“We remain hopeful, committed, and focused on building a sustainable path forward — and will share more updates in the days ahead,” the board concluded.

You have the right to know what’s happening in your community.

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Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, Oregon legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions.

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‘I respectfully disagree’: Kotek says Oregon will follow sanctuary law despite threats

MIA MALDONADO

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Tuesday, Aug. 19, pushed back against claims from the federal government that the state is obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts because of its sanctuary law.

On Aug. 13, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi gave Kotek, along with dozens of other elected officials in sanctuary states and cities, until Tuesday to respond to a letter threatening legal

consequences because the state prohibits law enforcement and other public agencies from cooperating with federal officials on immigration enforcement.

“You demanded a response by today,” Kotek said in her letter.

“On behalf of the state of Oregon and its citizens, I respectfully disagree with your assertions.

The state of Oregon, its public officials and its law enforcement officers do not engage in conduct that thwarts federal immigration enforcement.”

Kotek explained the history of Oregon’s 1987 sanctuary state law and said that most Oregon voters support the law. In a 2018 ballot measure, 63% of Oregon voters opposed repealing the law.

Under the sanctuary law, law enforcement agencies in Oregon in nearly all circumstances cannot inquire about immigration status or investigate someone for immigration enforcement purposes. Requests from federal agencies to local law enforcement agencies about immigration enforcement

place ready. People kept poking their heads in and telling us awesome stories about Taylor’s building and growing up here. So it’s been really exciting,” he said.

“It has been really fun because we were actively involved in the build process. We had a lot of handy family members. We were here constantly getting this

Their business, depending upon the availability of the therapist, is open as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 5 p.m.

“We invite people to come in and talk with us for 20-30

without a judicial order must be documented, reported and denied.

Kotek said the state of Oregon complies with federal law and it will continue to follow its own laws.

At a Monday press conference related to the state’s most recent lawsuit against the federal government, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the federal government is asking Oregon to break its own laws.

Out of the 37 lawsuits Oregon’s filed against the Trump

minutes to find out what’s

administration, Rayfield said “a handful” stem from threats to force compliance on immigration issues such as by withholding funding used to support victims of domestic abuse and funding for road repairs and flood protections.

To report violations of Oregon’s sanctuary law, individuals can contact the Oregon Department of Justice’s Sanctuary Promise hotline at 1-844-924-STAY/1-8446-AMPARO or report online at SanctuaryPromise.Oregon.gov or PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2025/08/19/i-respectfully-disagree-kotek-says-oregon-will-follow-sanctuary-law-despite-threats/

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

Katherine Ann Mulvey

July 4, 1927 – Aug. 17, 2025

Katherine Ann Mulvey, affectionately known as Kay, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17 2025, at the age of 98. Born on July 4 1927, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to William Mulvey and Mary Fagan. Kay was one of 11 children.

A proud graduate of Norwalk High School in 1947, Kay went on to live a life filled with love, family and adventure. Kay married her beloved husband, Joseph R Caligure, and together they shared 72 years of marriage until passing.

Kay and Joe raised four children - Ron, Lorraine, Michael and Tony. Kay was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother to 11 grandkids and 20 great grandkids. Mom always made sure you had breakfast, lunch and dinner, and never missed a kids event, be it a game or other event.

After retirement from Central School District, Talmadge Middle School, Kay embraced life’s joy with Joe. They traveled to spring training baseball games and cruised the world, creating cherished memories.

Kay’s kindness and zest for life will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements were Friday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m.

Walter Cleveland Baker

March 3, 1943 - Aug. 13, 2025

Walter Cleveland Baker passed away on Aug. 13, 2025 in Salem, Oregon. He was born on March 3 1943, in Monmouth, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and Robert Baker, his brothers Robert Jr. and Jon Allen and his sister Luellyn Akers.

He retired from teaching in 2001 and moved from Spring Lake Hts., New Jersey, to Dallas, Oregon, in 2007. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Marianne, and son Jon A, and a sister Pam in New Jersey.

He enjoyed fishing, boating and swimming in the Atlantic and was an avid skier in the Midwest. He worked summers as a builder and made carvings in later life. Although a private person he was a loving husband, father, uncle and fierce friend to those who knew him.

Bollman’s Tribute Center is caring for the family.

Douglas Lund Sept. 26, 1940 - Aug. 15, 2025

Douglas Lund, affectionately known as Doug, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family.

His passing followed complications from a fall. Doug was a cherished member of the Cottage Grove and Creswell, Oregon, communities and a resident of Willamette Oaks in Eugene. Doug leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.

Born on Sept. 26, 1940, in the rural farming town of Dawson, Minnesota, Doug was the son of Conrad and Alice (Gustafson) Lund. His early years were shaped by the rhythms of farm life, instilling in him a deep appreciation for hard work and simplicity. In 1948, the Lund family relocated to Oregon, eventually settling in Dallas, where Doug graduated from Dallas High School in 1959

Following high school, Doug joined the Oregon Air National Guard and later pursued his calling in funeral service, graduating from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1962. While in San Francisco, he discovered a lifelong passion for jazz, inspired by the city’s vibrant music scene.

Doug returned to Oregon and began his career in funeral service in Salem, where he met the love of his life, Jeryl. They married in June 1965 and soon moved to Cottage Grove to pursue a business opportunity. That same year, they purchased Smith Funeral Chapel. In 1977, they expanded by acquiring Mills Mortuary, merging the two into Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel. With his son Marc joining the business, the family acquired Fir Grove Cemetery in 1997. During his career, Doug was an active member of the Oregon Funeral Directors Association (OFDA). After 40 years of compassionate service to the community, Doug retired in 2004

Doug’s commitment to South Lane County extended far beyond his professional life. He was deeply involved in local charitable efforts, playing a pivotal role

in the construction of the Cottage Grove hospital and serving as past president of the Cottage Grove Community Hospital Foundation. He was also a lifelong member of the Cottage Grove Lions Club and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church, in Cottage Grove.

Doug found joy in sailing, notably the San Juan Islands, skiing whenever he could, and relaxing at the family’s beach cabin on the Oregon coast. He and Jeryl shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and creating lasting memories.

Doug is survived by his children, Krista (Jason Wamhoff) of Longwood, Florida, and Marc (Christina Lund) of Eugene, Oregon; grandchildren Amanda Watkins, Hayden Wamhoff, Jacksen Lund and Nicholas Lund; and great-grandson Rylan Springer. He is also survived by his brother Robert Lund, sister Judy Kindwall, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeryl, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years, in May 2022

Doug will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his service to others, and the love he shared with his family and community. A funeral service and reception will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel & Crematorium in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Interment at Fir Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove. Contributions in Doug’s memory may be made to the Cottage Grove Community Foundation, PO Box 1326, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

David C. Howard “Cricket”

Sept. 9, 1945 - July 8, 2025

David was born Sept. 9, 1945. He passed away on July 8 2025

David moved to Oregon with his family when he was around six years old with his parents Lester and Ola Mae and six brothers. They drove in a caravan and camped along the

way; his oldest brother was driving the car and dad was driving the truck. Once settled in Oregon, the truck was turned into a log truck.

He first attended school in Perrydale, then at schools in Dallas.

David joined the Navy in 1964; upon discharge he returned home.

David married Beverly Walker, they had three sons and later divorced.

David later married Donna Weston. They remained married until her death.

Eventually David met and married the girl of his dreams, Jessie Bancroft. They would travel together for hunting, fishing and family reunions in New Mexico and Texas. They celebrated 52 years of marriage this year.

They eventually had two children completing their family of seven.

David’s working career began driving log trucks at the age of 16 for his dad. His first job driving outside of the family was for Harvey Marr. He went on to drive a truck for Siletz Trucking, Howard Brothers, Boise Cascade and Mitchell Brothers. He retired in 2002 from Marr Brothers. David also ran log loaders and other equipment.

David is survived by his wife Jessie; his sons David Jr., Timothy, Daniel and Donald (Melissa); daughter Lisa (Brian)Wood; his 13 grandchildren Raelynn, Robbie, Felicia, Joseph, Austin, Ryder, Keely, Kyann, Patrick, Charlie, Madilyn, Alexandria and Kenzie; and great-grandchildren Aaliyah and Maverick. He is also survived by his brother Gene (Candy) Howard, sister Barbara Morrow and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Albert, Glenn, Allen, Johnny and Jerry; and sister Patricia.

David’s funeral service was on July 25 2025, at Bollman’s Tribute Center, 287 SW Washington St., in Dallas, Oregon. He was laid to rest at the Dallas Cemetery.

Shirley M. Sheafer Nov. 2, 1937 - July 30, 2025

Shirley passed away in the care of Hospice on July 30 2025 at Heron Pointe senior living in Monmouth, Oregon.

Shirley was born to Raymond Dean and Dorothy Irene Earley in Lamoni, Iowa. She had eight siblings - Hazel Mae, Donald Dean, Joyce Darlene, Francis Eugene, Harlan Keith, Phyllis Jean, Lester Leroy and Cynthia Joann.

As a teenager, Shirley worked as a waitress at a truck stop where she met Keith Sheaffer. They later married and had their first child Wanda Brown. Two years after Wanda was born they decided to move to Oregon. Shirley got home sick really bad, but after the first winter in Oregon she decided to never move back.

She then had four more children - Rodney Sheaffer, Vickie Wilson, Karen Eklund and Marvel Hammers. She later divorced and raised her children as a single mother.

She worked at Polk County Extension Service in the late 1960s. She worked as a cook for Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and as a waitress for Country Place Restaurant in Rickreall, Oregon, in the 1970s.

She then went to bartend at North Dallas Tavern and Corby’s Tavern. That is where she met David Sanders. Later they married and she then had four stepchildren - April, Paul, Tammy and Brian.

She loved playing shuffleboard; she was in a tournament called the Ahhas Club for Corby’s Bar. She did volunteer work for Polk County Gleaners, she loved playing pinochle with David, Vickie and son-in-law Richard, who were her lifelong pinochle partners. She liked cribbage, Yahtzee and bingo. This last year she was pretty good at beating her daughter Karen at rummy. But most of all, she liked spending time with her family.

The September of 2024 family reunion was a very special time for Shirley. Her daughter Marvel wrote a song “Bartenders Daughter”, Nathan Myers played the guitar while Marvel sang it to her. She loved old-time country music and dancing. In June of this year, her sister Phyllis, her niece Bibi, and her husband Frank, came from Iowa to visit. Bibi played the piano and Shirley was able to do one last dance for just a short time with her sister whom she had not seen for 12 years.

Shirley is survived by her five children Wanda, Rod, Vickie (Richard) Karen and Marvel; her sisters Phylli and Cynthia; her brother Lester; her niece Bibi (Frank) and many other nieces and nephews; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her sisters Hazel and Darlene; her brothers Sonny, Bubby and Keithie; her stepson Paul; and her lifelong partner David Sanders.

Shirley was a great sister, aunt, mama, stepmother, grandma, great grandmother, great-great grandma and friend. We all love and miss you so much.

Rest in peace.

By JUNE CASAGRANDE

For nearly 20 years, Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty has been tackling grammar myths with the grace and patience this columnist can only aspire to. On her wildly popular podcast and blog, “Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing,” she has addressed every entrenched grammar prejudice under the sun, from the myth that says you can’t end a sentence with a preposition to the mistaken belief that an adverb between “to” and an infinitive, as in “to boldly go,” is a grammar mistake. And for lo these past two decades, as I’ve repeatedly stooped to petty grammar disputes, I’ve marveled at her natural magnanimity. So trust me when I tell you it takes a lot to make her say “I’m so annoyed,” “It’s driving me crazy” and “Please stop.”

She’s talking about a language myth that won’t die. Perhaps you’ve heard it: Dashes in a piece of writing prove, or at least make it likely, the piece was written by AI. Fogarty has heard this online a lot, mainly on social media. Based on her experience, she wasn’t buying it, so she did some digging. Fogarty couldn’t pinpoint exactly where the idea started, but she found the source that likely blasted this belief into the mainstream — a video for a popular podcast that talked about “the ChatGPT hyphen,” calling it a “longer hyphen,” and got about 2 5 million views.

Remember that Mark Twain quote “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes”? Well, that’s a good example of how fast misinformation could spread before the internet because, apparently, that wasn’t Twain. It was more likely Jonathan Swift. Whoever the source, we know that nonsense travels exponentially faster in the information age. And, as Fogarty explained, the business about dashes being a sign of AI writing is indeed nonsense.

“Em dashes” — the correct term for the punctuation marks setting off this clause — “are not a sign of AI writing,” Fogarty said. The very idea is kind of silly when you understand how AI writing tools learn.

NEWS & VIEWS

“So why might AI use a lot of em dashes?” Fogarty wondered. “And if it does, then how could seeing a lot of em dashes in someone’s writing not be a sure sign they’ve used AI? Well, all the writing you see coming out of tools like ChatGPT are the way they are because they were trained on human writing. The only way em dashes would be in there is if people used them.”

In other words, AI’s writing habits are humans’ writing habits — humans like Emily Dickinson, who famously used a lot of them. That’s why em dashes are useless for identifying AI-written text. So instead of trying to learn some secret for spotting AI writing, why not invest that energy in this quick refresher on em dashes?

Em dashes, so called because they’re about as wide as a lowercase letter m, connect one part of a sentence to another. They’re not hyphens, which are about half that width and connect words to other words, prefixes or suffixes.

The two main jobs of an em dash are to indicate an abrupt change in sentence structure or tone and to set off parenthetical information. An abrupt change in structure is — well, it’s like this. Parenthetical info — examples, related thoughts, etc. — could also go into parentheses, but dashes keep them more prominent in a sentence. Technically, dashes are not for connecting clauses that could stand as their own sentences — this sentence should be broken into two instead of made one with a dash. But that’s not so much a rule as an interpretation (mine).

Some editing styles put a space on either side of an em dash. Others attach the dash directly to the surrounding words. Either way is correct. If you like em dashes, go ahead and use them. I, personally, am a fan. But if you’re evaluating someone else’s writing, don’t assume em dashes mean they cheated and got AI to do their work for them. You just can’t know that from their dashes.

— June Casagrande is the author of “The Joy of Syntax: A Simple Guide to All the Grammar You Know You Should Know.” She can be reached at JuneTCN@aol. com.

Your Environment

Weather…or not? Will future weather warnings come in time?

“How much time/money is it going to cost to train a bunch of new people when we had already-trained people in place?”

— NOAA official on rehiring National Weather Service employees

By PHILLIP S. WENZ

Call it “The Chain Saw Massacre.”

It’s hard to erase the mental image of Elon Musk charging

around the stage of February’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) meeting in Washington, D.C., wielding a chain saw and shouting, “This is the chain saw for bureaucracy!” to wild cheering from the crowd. Indeed, Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was willy-nilly cutting 280,000 government employee and contractors’ jobs in a few short months. Seventy-five thousand of those employees took government

Stay safe, healthy this wildfire season

Dr. Kristina Petsas

Guest Column

I-O

Clean air is something we might take for granted. But when the air quality becomes an issue, especially due to recent wildfire activity in Oregon, it can affect our daily lives.

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency, citing an “imminent and ongoing threat of wildfire.”

When smoke from wildfires infiltrates the air, it can create a mixture of gases and fine particles. These microscopic particles are what can cause health issues, including burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

While all Oregonians should prioritize their health during wildfire season, several groups may be more at risk when air quality becomes

buyouts, rather than waiting to be fired.

One person taking a buyout was National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Paul Yura, who worked in the bureau’s Austin/San Antonio region office. Yura, a senior meteorologist, was the office’s only “warning coordinator.”

His job was informing the public about impending weather disasters so timely warnings could be issued and evacuation protocols initiated. The work required maintaining ongoing contact with both the weather analysts in his office and a variety of local officials in the area where a dangerous weather event was developing. Such public contacts typically include local government officials, police and fire departments, schools, television and radio stations and social media.

Yura left his job in April, and was not replaced.

During the early hours of July 4, a quickly-developing, intense rainstorm caused the water along a stretch of Texas’s Guadalupe River known as “Flash Flood Alley” to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes. The resultant flooding caused at least 132 deaths, most by drowning, with some possible victims still unaccounted for. Among those killed were more

poor. This includes people with lung diseases like COPD or asthma, people with heart disease, older adults over 65 young children and pregnant women.

It’s important to take steps to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your home from wildfires to reduce risk. Here are some additional guidelines that can help protect your health:

Check your local Air Quality Index using local news forecasts or AirNow.gov to see whether air is rated from “Good” to “Hazardous” and know when it’s safe to be outside.

• Avoid exercising outdoors when air quality issues arise.

• Limit the time your child spends playing outside if air quality is unhealthy.

• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your

than than 35 children, many of them campers at a Christian summer camp on one side of the river.

Ironically, the part of the camp that flooded was sitting on the river’s lower bank. Those campers on somewhat higher ground, less than one-quarter of a mile, or a five-minute walk, from the river’s edge, were not harmed — at least physically.

The inevitable post mortem, which unfolded in the days and weeks after the flood, revealed that little or no warning was given to the campers and others sleeping near the river. They first became aware of the danger when the roaring floodwaters were directly upon them, and few had the time or means to escape.

But the NWS regional office forecast the developing storm

windows and doors closed, run an air conditioner but keep the fresh-air intake closed and keep the filter clean.

• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution like burning candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.

• Don’t allow anyone to smoke inside. If the air becomes dangerous, everyone needs to take steps to help protect themselves. People most at risk should take precautions before air quality reaches “hazardous” levels, especially staying indoors with filtered air. If you must be outside for an extended period of time, consider wearing a tight-fitting N95 mask. Oregonians should generally keep activity levels low and use air filtration whenever possible.

and flood danger at least three hours before the river began to rise. The meteorologists on duty tried to issue warnings. But without ready access to the pipelines that Mr. Yara had developed, their alarms were mostly unheeded.

To be fair, the ineffectual NWS warnings were not the only factor in the fiasco. Despite numerous urgings and admonitions, the state of Texas and local governments had failed to install flood warning sirens, claiming that their cost of $1 million was prohibitive. And we certainly may question why campsites were permitted where flash floods occur regularly. There have been 10 major floods along the Guadalupe in the past 90 years, and 10 children lost their lives in a 1989 flood.

Even if you are healthy, you may experience symptoms of poor air quality. Some symptoms to be aware of include coughing, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, chest tightness and shortness of breath. For those with heart disease or other heart issues, be aware of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Most health symptoms of poor air quality should go away when the conditions improve. During this wildfire season, Community members need to take care of themselves and each other to ensure safety this summer. If you have concerns about your symptoms, contact your health care provider. Dr. Kristina Petsas is Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Oregon.

Still, had Mr. Yara been on duty that night, many lives might have been saved. And national coverage of that story embarrassed the Trump administration. So, with experts predicting that climate change could make this year’s hurricane season especially dangerous, and pointing out that the DOGEweakened NWS is less capable of predicting danger as it arises, the government has decided to take action and hire, and begin to train, new meteorologists to fill many of positions it cut this spring.

Mr. Musk’s chainsaw was a metaphor. But Texas deaths resulting, at least in part, from DOGE’s cuts are quite real.

Philip S. Wenz studies environmental trends and developments. Visit his blog at Firebird Journal (firebirdjournal.com).

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YORK, NY 10019

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257

MOMENTS IN TIME #12345_20250825 FOR RELEASE AUG. 25, 2025

• On Sept. 8, 2012, a pair of Elvis Presley’s undershorts, which had been framed under glass, failed to sell at a British auction, though they’d been optimistically expected to go for more than $10,000.

• On Sept. 9, 1942, a Japanese seaplane dropped incendiary bombs near Brookings, Oregon, in the first such attack on the U.S. mainland. The bombs were intended to start a forest fire, but fortunately caused little damage, due to wet conditions. Twenty years later, the pilot, Nobuo Fujita, visited Brookings in a gesture of reconciliation and friendship.

• On Sept. 10, 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his first short story collection, “Flappers and Philosophers.” In a copy he sent to editor and critic H.L. Mencken, Fitzgerald labeled four of the stories “worth reading,” one “amusing” and the remaining three “trash.”

• On Sept. 11, 1841, American portrait painter John Goffe Rand received a patent for the first collapsible tin paint tube. Until then, artists had to mix their own oil paints, storing leftover supplies in animal bladders tied with string. French artist PierreAuguste Renoir later declared that “without paints in tubes there would have been no Cézanne, no Monet, no Sisley or Pissarro, nothing of … Impressionism.”

• On Sept. 12, 1972, cowboy actor William Boyd, best known for his role as Hopalong Cassidy, died at the age of 77. He was the first cowboy actor to make the transition from movies to television, after more than 50 successful B-grade Westerns in which he was accompanied by his faithful and exceptionally intelligent horse, Topper,

• On Sept. 13, 1940, Benito Mussolini’s forces crossed the Libyan border into Egypt, achieving what “Il Duce” described as the glory Italy had been seeking for 300 years.

• On Sept. 14, 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton (née Bayley), who was raised Episcopalian but later converted to Catholicism after being left a widow with five children, was canonized by Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in Rome, becoming one of the first Americanborn Catholic saints. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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TRIVIA TEST #12345_20250825 FOR RELEASE AUGUST 25, 2025 By Fifi

Rodriguez

1. GEOGRAPHY: What canal connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea?

2. MOVIES: Which of Disney’s animated princess movies was the first to get a live-action version?

3. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a male duck called?

4. LITERATURE: In which famous museum does a murder take place in the novel “The Da Vinci Code”?

5. SCIENCE: What part of the plant is responsible for photosynthesis?

6. TELEVISION: When did the animated TV sitcom “The Flintstones” debut?

7. U.S. CITIES: Which city is known for the saying, “Where young people go to retire”?

8. FOOD & DRINK: Which Southeast Asian fruit has such a strong smell that it’s banned on public transportation?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which star is the brightest in the night sky?

10. MEASUREMENTS: How many meters are in a kilometer? Answers

1. Suez Canal. 2. “Cinderella.”

3. A drake.

4. The Louvre in Paris, France.

5. The leaves. 6. 1960. 7. Portland, Oregon. 8. Durian. 9. Sirius. 10. 1,000. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Central Lions Car Show a success with 117 entries

There were a total of 117 entries in the Central Lions Car Show of many makes and vintages, the oldest being a 1927 Essex Sedan, and the newest being a 2021 Dodge Challenger.

We had about 20 more cars than last year. Like last year, the threatening weather limited the number of entries, as we have had over 190 in the past. However, as this was the first year that we had on-line registration, we had more pre-registered cars than ever before. It was a very enjoyable show, with drivers and visitors alike praising the show and also the venue of Independence Riverview Park. Central Lions Club earned about $5000 for various Lions charities and projects.

The Central Lions Club would like to thank the following sponsors who have contributed financial support, awards, auction and raffle items:

Anytime Fitness, Independence Arena Sports Bar & Grill

Ash Creek Animal Clinic, Independence Bent Wrench Farm & Auto Repair, Independence Brandt’s Sanitary Service, Monmouth-Independence Brooks & Terry’s Espresso, Independence & Dallas

“C” Cable Realty, Independence Campbell’s Snacks/Kettle Chips, Salem Croft Vineyard – “The Stomp”, Salem Davison’s Auto Parts, NAPA Monmouth

The Jaffer Family Les Schwab Tire Center, Independence

The Lund Family Main Street Tattoo, Independence Monmouth Cannabis Monmouth Fitness

Monmouth Senior Center

Mungo’s Designs, Monmouth

O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Monmouth

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Monmouth

Polk County Master Gardeners – Inspiration Gardens, Independence

Polk County Public Health

Rookies Sports Tap, Monmouth

Roth’s Fresh Markets, Monmouth

Salem Electric, West Salem San Antonio Mexican Restaurant, Independence Town & Country True Value Hardware, Independence Tractor Supply, Monmouth

Travel Oregon University Barber Shop, Monmouth West Salem Cannabis

Lions Rod & Debbie

Bach

Lion Cal Hudspeth

Lion Jon Jay

Lion Steve Moser

Lion Kathy Zehner and Darryl Zehner

Lion Walt Synclair

The support provided by these sponsors is critical to the success of the Central Lions Cruise In, and the raising of funds to support the various charities and good works of Central Lions Club.

Money raised through these donations, as well as entry fees, goes to programs within the community, such as eye exams and glasses, hearing aids for those who cannot afford them, and vision screening for local school children (Lions Clubs nationwide screen more school children for vision than any other organization, and Oregon Lions Clubs screen more children

than any other state’s Lions Clubs).

Additionally, local Lions Clubs are involved statewide and internationally. Lions Clubs support diabetes awareness and training, environmental education, peace and diversity understanding, and humanitarian assistance both at home and world-wide.

Through the support and generosity of car owners and sponsors, over the past 13 years Central Lions Club Cruise-In and Car show has raised over $65,000 in support of local and statewide Lions Club charities, including vision screening and eye glasses, hearing tests and hearing aids, Pediatric Cancer Research, disaster relief, environmental restoration projects, and more!

The winners in the judged categories

Best Interior: 1947

Buick Conv. Lyn Proaps,

Dallas C Cable

Realty

Best Engine: 1935 Chev.

Master Touring Nancy Wilson, Dallas

Bent Wrench Farm & Auto

Best Paint: 1930 Ford

Model A Bob

Stone, Sweet Home Main

St. Tattoo

Favorite Pickup: 1955 Chev. PU Doug Tomlinson, Albany Monmouth Fitness

Favorite Import:

1967 Austin Healy 3000

Jack Spears, Corvallis

Inspiration Garden

Favorite Sports Car: 1959 Chev. Corvette

Kevin Derowitsch, Salem Rookies Sports Tap

Favorite Unfinished

Project: 1964 Continental Convertible Dale Colton, Salem, San Antonio Mexican Restaurant

Favorite Rat Rod: 1936 Plymouth D-2

Andrew Romero, Dallas Ash Creek Animal Clinic Favorite 20102024: 2016 Chev. Corvette Stephen Benetti, Lebanon Brandt’s Sanitary Service Favorite 2000–2009: 2005 Ferrari 430 Jim Schra, Salem Les Schwab Tires

Favorite 1980–1999: 1985 IROC Camaro Lee Hofenbredl, Grand Ronde Monmouth Cannabis

Favorite 1970-1979: 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda

Paul Mulkey, Monmouth West Salem Cannabis Favorite 1960–1969: 1969 Chev. Camaro

Mark Milici, Keizer

University Barber Favorite 1950–1959: 1959 Austin Healy 3000

Gerald Halfman, Keizer

Brooks & Terry’s Espresso Favorite 1930–1949: 1937 Plymouth Cpe

Robert Musil, Gervais Anytime Fitness

Favorite 1929 & Older: 1927 Essex Sedan Oliver James, Scio In Honor of Lions Mo & Pat Jaffer Longest drive: 2021 Dodge RT/TA Mark England, Estacada Lion Kathy & Darryl Zehner

Central Lions Club

President’s Award: 1937 Chev. PU David Faller, Albany Central Lions Best of Show: 1952 Ford F-1 PU Byron Johnson, McMinnville Central Lions

HEALTH DIRECTORY

CHIROPRACTIC

• JOYNT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Brian Joynt, DC - 629 Clay Street East, Monmouth, OR 97361  Family-oriented chiropractic clinic, dedicated to creating an unparalleled experience of service, quality and care by teaching the true principles of chiropractic. We look forward to empowering each of you to help your family participate more fully in life. New patients welcome. Accept most insurance. Auto/ personal injury and work comp. Massage therapist on site. Complimentary consultations. Call us today to make your appointment (503) 837-0550.

• THORNTON CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Sharon and Marty Thornton - Palmer Graduates - We care, God cures. 1650 Monmouth St., Independence, OR 97351 503-838-3346. Office hours: Mon & Wed 8am-12pm & 2pm-6pm, Tues & Thursday 8:30am-12pm & 2pm-6pm, Fri 8am-noon.  Serving Polk county for 27 years. Offering Thompson Drop and other hands-on techniques, as well as Advanced Activator Methods and Functional Neurology. We provide gentle and effective full-spine and extremity adjusting for all ages in a loving and caring environment. We are accepting new patients for Family Wellness Care, Medicare, Auto or personal injury & Workers Comp. Licensed Massage Therapy available on site.

COUNSELING

• CROSS AND CROWN COUNSELING offers counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. We also offer workshops and seminars. Areas we support but are not limited to include children, adolescent, premarital, marriage, family, trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, anger, and divorce. We help our clients find healing and healthy responses to individual and family needs. We provide a safe and caring environment to face life situations, address interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict and help individuals realize their full potential. Our counselors are trained NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselors, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselors and Certified Temperament Counselors. We also have

Domestic Violence and Trauma Resilience Protocol trained counselors. Our office is located at 177 SW Oak St. Dallas, OR 97338. For more information please visit our website at www.crossandcrowncounseling.com or call (503) 917-1625.

IMAGING SERVICES

• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  offers state-of-the-art, all-digital diagnostic imaging services. With your physician’s referral, we provide bone density tests, CT scans, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI services. Check out our comfortable and spacious mammography suite. Our imaging services are located at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-6237302. Learn more at salemhealth.org/westvalley.

LABORATORY SERVICES

• SALEM HEALTH HOSPITALS & CLINICS  provides lab services at three convenient locations in Dallas, Monmouth and Independence. Both fully accredited labs accept health care provider referrals for collections and testing. The labs also offer employment and selfreferral drug testing. Appointments are not required at either location. Learn more at salemhealth.org/lab. WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  outpatient lab available weekdays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekends 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-814-5227

SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC – MONMOUTH  is open Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-814-5227.

SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC – INDEPENDENCE is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., 1430 Monmouth St., 503-917-2255.

PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION SERVICES

• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL  offers a wide range of rehabilitation services. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are located at 1050 SE Uglow Ave, Dallas, 503-917-2121.

• SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINIC –MONMOUTH offers physical, occupational and speech therapy. Located at 512 Main St., 503-838-1388. Learn more at salemhealth.org/rehab.

PRIMARY CARE

• SALEM HEALTH MEDICAL CLINICS  are accepting new patients in Dallas, Monmouth and Independence. With a proactive health care approach, the clinics provide care for all ages. Services include annual exams, immunizations, lifestyle counseling. Learn more at salemhealth.org/primary-care.

Dallas — 1000 SE Uglow Ave., 503-623-8376

Independence — 1430 Monmouth St., 503-917-2255

Independence — Central Health and Wellness Center — 1601 Monmouth St., Suite 100, 503-838-0045

Monmouth — 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-838-1182

URGENT CARE

• BESTMED URGENT CARE  provides treatments and services for time-sensitive injuries and illnesses — and now offers Primary Care services too. We have caring and knowledgeable providers to treat a wide range of needs, including: Fever & flu, Sprains & strains, Allergies & asthma, UTIs, Dehydration, Ongoing primary care needs like wellness exams, chronic condition management, and preventive care. Additional services include: Sports physicals, On-site lab & x-ray, and Sutures & stitches. Urgent Care Walkins are welcome, call to schedule a Primary Care appointment. Learn more online at BestMedClinics. com.

BestMed Urgent & Primary Care is located at: 186 West Ellendale Avenue, Dallas Phone: 971-900-4984

MINET Customer Appreciation

Food, music, family games were a big draw for MINET’s 4th Annual Customer Appreciation celebration

Five tips for busy parents to reduce stress

Parenting is a rewarding journey, and it can also be a source of stress.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, while some stress can motivate and build resilience, excessive stress without healthy coping mechanisms can lead to harmful effects on physical and mental health.

Here are a few tips to reduce stress and embrace mindful parenting:

1. Prioritize self-care: Carving out time for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or a short evening walk, these moments recharge your batteries, making you more present for your family.

2. Connect with your children: Dedicate quality time to engage with your kids without distractions. This strengthens your bond and provides a sense of fulfillment. Pediatricians recommend 15 to 30 minutes of dedicated time for a meaningful impact.

Build a support network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family or support groups. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can provide new perspectives and emotional relief.

4. Maintain healthy routines: Establish consistent routines for meals, bedtime and activities. Predictability provides a sense of security for you and your children.

5. Seek professional help when needed: If stress becomes overwhelming, consider consulting a mental health professional. They can offer strategies tailored to your situation.

Parenting is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small, intentional changes that lead to a more balanced and joyful family life.

PREP SPORTS CALENDAR

(Aug. 27 - Sept. 2)

Thursday

CHS Boys Soccer at McMinnville Jamboree

CHS Girls Soccer at McMinnville Jamboree

Country Christian vs. Perrydale Volleyball, 3 p.m.

Crescent Valley at Dallas Volleyball Jamboree, 3 p.m.

West Albany at Dallas Volleyball Jamboree, 6 p.m.

Mapleton vs. Perrydale Volleyball, 6 p.m.

Dallas Football at Wilsonville Jamboree, 7 p.m.

Friday

Falls City Volleyball at McKenzie, 2 p.m.

CHS Cross County, at The Opener

Western Oregon University, 5:30 p.m.

Dallas Cross Country, Wilsonville High School, 6 p.m.

Central Football at Eagle Point, 7 p.m.

Saturday

Central Varsity Volleyball Tournament, 8 a.m.

Falls City Football at Eddyville Charter, 10 a.m.

Tuesday

Falls City Volleyball at Alsea, 5 p.m.

Perrydale Volleyball at Southwest Christian, 6 p.m.

Central Boys Soccer at Hillsboro, 7 p.m.

Panthers kick off fall sports season with Red & White Day

By LANCE MASTERSON, For The Itemizer-Observer

Central High School

ushered in a new year of athletics Saturday with Red & White Day, a celebration intended to expand the traditional football scrimmage into a showcase for all fall sports teams.

“The goal is to make this a community day for athletics,”

Athletic Director Brandis Piper said. “It’s a chance for people to connect, enjoy a meal, and see our athletes in action. Red & White Day is about more than football. It’s about every team that represents Central.”

The day began with Panthers’ football team scrimmaging, followed by a community barbecue, followed by the volleyball, and concluding with girls soccer and boys soccer teams in action.

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

The Panthers volleyball teams scrimmaged during Saturday’s Red & White Day. The event, new to the school, showcased the school’s fall sports teams.

Proceeds from the barbecue covered the cost of the event.

Piper, who stepped into his new role this summer, said he hopes the event becomes

a tradition for fall, winter and spring sports.

“I’m a big believer that food is a great way to have community,” he added.

“This is about showing what Central athletics is all about.”

Another highlight from Saturday was the return of head coach Joe Orozco, who rejoined Central’s boys soccer program after an absence of six years. For the former MidWillamette Conference coach of the year, the scrimmage served as both a homecoming and first evaluation of his new roster.

“It’s kind of new because we didn’t have Red & White Day … back when I was here before,” Orosco said. “It’s all new to me. But it’s good stuff for the kids.”

The one-hour scrimmage gave Orozco and his staff an early look at player communication, chemistry and positional strengths.

“I hope to see more passing, not just kicking the ball,” he

said. “More talking between each other, more settled play, and keepers getting more involved.”

The Panthers get another chance to refine their lineup Thursday at the jamboree in McMinnville, where Orozco plans to experiment with different combinations.

“The Red & White game helps me place guys where they can actually do better,” he said. “The jamboree will help even more because I can experiment with different positions for different guys and see where they fit in best.”

For Piper, Red & White Day represents more than a preseason preview and a chance to evaluate one’s roster. It’s a way to bring together students, families, and fans.

“This is about creating an environment where our athletes can thrive academically and athletically, while also building school spirit,” he added.

Former competitor happy to be part of Panther family as athletic director

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

When Brandis Piper accepted the role of athletic director at Central High School, he did so with more than just administrative experience. He also brought firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to compete against the Panthers.

During his time as a coach at McKay High School, which included five years leading the football program, Piper regularly matched up against Central. What stood out to him on game days wasn’t just the Panthers’ talent on the field, but community support surrounding the program.

“I always respected the way Central competed,” Piper said. “They had quality athletes, but beyond that, you could see how much pride the school and community had in supporting the kids. It was something you noticed right away as an opponent.”

Those impressions left a mark. Even then, Piper recognized Central as a place athletics were more than just games; they were a point of connection.

“From the outside looking in, you saw a program that worked hard, played with character, and had people in the stands who cared,” he said. “That’s part of what makes this such an exciting opportunity for me now. I get to be part of that tradition instead of just coaching against it.”

Piper, who also serves as vice principal, began meeting with Central coaches and retiring Athletic Director Brett Baldwin in May to ensure a smooth transition.

“I wanted to feel like I could hit the ground running,” he said.

“Sprinting” might be more accurate phrasing, given that he’s already helped hire a new varsity boys soccer coach (Joe Orozco), organize a Red & White Day to showcase fall sports teams, and is implementing an academic tracking system for athletes.

In this system, students are placed in zones - be it Panther, Green, Yellow, or Red - based on GPA and attendance numbers. The level of support and guidance a student-athlete receives will depend on what zone they are in.

For example, athletes in the Panther Zone (above 3 0 GPA with strong attendance), will be celebrated and recognized for their efforts. Students in the Red Zone (low GPA and poor attendance) will be required to follow structured academic plans to stay eligible.

The end game is to keep athletes in school, especially those who are struggling.

“I believe if we can keep kids connected to athletics, we can keep them connected to school,” Piper said. “Sometimes the reason a student comes to school is because they want to play. That’s something we need to build on.”

Piper also had some unfinished business that needed resolution. Following a few incidents last year, students were required to complete an OSAA sportsmanship course in order to attend games. Students begin this year with a clean slate

“This is my first year here, so we’re starting fresh,” he

said. “When we attend a game, it’s really about celebrating the hard work of our athletes. Whether you’re a parent, a classmate, or a community member, we want to build up our athletes, not tear them down.”

He added student leadership groups will help set the tone for fan behavior moving forward.

Piper grew up in Hillsboro, played three sports at Century High School, and was a wide receiver at Lewis & Clark College. He later coached football and basketball at Stayton and McKay high schools, and at Willamette University.

Under his guidance at McKay, the Royal Scots achieved the program’s first playoff berth in more than a decade, and its first winning season in more than 20 years.

Off the field, Piper was the school’s athletic success coordinator, thereby helping student-athletes track academic progress. These experiences, he said, will shape his approach as athletic director.

“For me, it’s about creating sustainable systems. Coaching will always be something I love, but this job gives me the chance to support every program and every athlete,” he added.

50 years ago

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1975

Smileroo-Bicentennial committee plans rolling

The Dallas SmilerooBicentenial Committee is currently making preparations for the Sept. 26 to 28 “Smileroo”, a fund-raising celebration that died out in the Dallas area several years ago and is now being revived as part of Dallas’ Bicentennial celebration.

‘“The Smileroo is a good chance for organizations to make money through the sale of items in booths,” said Curt Lamb, director of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. “Along with the Smileroo we plan to have a parade and several other events.”

A Queen’s contest is planned, with the candidates now competing.

Recall election upholds board

A recall action against two Perrydale School Board members went down to

overwhelming defeat Monday, Aug. 25

Residents voted 108 to 24 against recalling William H. McKee and 88 to 43 against the recall of Leroy Gibson.

Petitions had been circulated in July charging the two with failure to provide leadership, resulting in failure of patrons to support the budget and irregularities in the presentation of the budget. One of the biggest complaints centred on the dropping of the school lunch program.

Dragons getting prepared

Dallas High School’s head football coach Ron August worked his squad out on the weights during the week of Aug. 18. Monday, Aug. 25 he put his boys in pads where they will remain until Saturday, Sept. 6, at which time they will play their annual Picnic Bowl at 7:30 p.m. on the local gridiron. All that time the team will be divided into “Blacks” and “Whites” and the two squads will go at each other under game conditions.

40 Years Ago

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1985

Board votes on boundary, tuition issue

Boundary changes requests which have given a neighboring school district headaches have prompted the Dallas School District to come up with a way to help avoid similar situations.

The Dallas School Board approved a recommendation Monday night by Superintendent Gary Burton to waive tuition of students who

want to transfer into Dallas schools from another district.

The waiver of tuition would happen only under “mutual consent” by both districts involved. In other cases, outof-district students have to pay tuition while the district in which they lives continues to receive basic board support.

Dallas downtown choice delayed

The drive for selection of a city downtown manager was temporarily stalled last week when the first choice of the Dallas Downtown Development

Association pulled out of consideration.

John Bollman, chairman to the DDDA’s board of directors, said that an offer was made Aug. 19 to one of two finalists picked by an interviewing committee and interviewed by the board.

The finalist called Friday and said she wouldn’t be able to accept the position because of “personal reasons.”

Dallas starts title defence versus Tigard

Going into his 16th year as Dallas High’s football coach, Ron August isn’t about to make any

and advanced to the second round of the

AAA playoffs. But he’s not ready to collect any trophies yet.

“It’s

Deputy Brad Patenaude graduates from basic police class

Deputy Brad Patenaude came to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in March to begin his training, then transferred to Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) in April to attend classes related to Oregon laws, crimes versus violations,

defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, firearms safety and shooting, physical and mental health awareness, and other important topics that will help create a foundation for his career in law enforcement. After four months at the academy, Patenaude graduated and is ready to return

WOU inducts 21 new members into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Western Oregon University inducted 21 new members into its Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society this past spring.

Established in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest all-discipline honor society, dedicated to recognizing academic excellence across various fields. Western’s Chapter 223 was founded by faculty in 1979, and membership is extended by invitation only to the top 7 5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent

to PCSO to complete the rest of his Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). This includes working alongside trainers and being observed, quizzed, and advised for the next few months before being shadowed in the final phase to ensure he can handle calls on his own.

of seniors and graduate students.

The list of 2025 initiates are: Shannon Kuuipolani Mele Ravins, Sydney Teachworth, Gisela Morales, Alexandra Brooks, and Hyung-sim Grimm, Lily Snyder, Areli Santos Gomez, Katherine Marshall, Clayton Lynch, Brooke Lopez, Deborah Ashon-Imoroa, Martin Hainz Stephen Hantzmon, Susan Ames, Joseph Andaya, Michelle Cottrell, Henry Fonseca, Jasmine Hiebert, Nathan Hurtado, Katelyn McGough and Alexis Pacheco.

Local students make Eastern Oregon University dean’s list

Eastern Oregon University named 611 students to the dean’s list for the 2025 spring term. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3 5 or higher on a 4 0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term.

The students honored were:

Dallas

Joshua Biery - Arts, Humanities & Social Science, Interdisciplinary Studies IP

Cody Green - STM and Health Science, Cyber Security

Owen Jones - STM and Health Science, Health and Human Performance

Grand Ronde

Angella Schultz - Arts, Humanities & Soc Science, Interdisciplinary Studies

Independence

Mallory Parker - STM and Health Science, Health and Human Performance

West Salem

Adria Dixon - Education, Multidisciplinary Studies

Christopher SarnackiSTM and Health Science, Computer Science

Community Calendar Aug. 27- Sept. 3

Wednesday, Aug. 27

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

8:30 a.m. - Mayor of Independence Office Hours, stop by and share your thoughts, ideas, and questions, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Tai Chi with John, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - 4-Handed Pinochle/Card/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Story Time with Miss Jo, Independence Library, 175 Monmouth St.

11 a.m. - Mah-Jongg, Dallas Area Senior Center

11 a.m. - Lunch with Meals on Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - Watch Repair & Knife Sharpening, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Ten Minute Writing, Monmouth Senior Community Center

4 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads for Charity, Monmouth Senior Community Center

5:30 p.m. - Municipal Court Arraignments, City Hall, 555 South Main St., Independence

6:30 p.m. - Music in the Park, Coming Up 3’s. Main Street Park, 120 Main St., Monmouth

Thursday, Aug. 28

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Cards/table games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Calvary Chapel Dallas Sewing and Craft group meeting, 628 SE Jefferson St.

10 a.m. - Master Gardener Chat: Start Your Harvesting, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10:15 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Bounces & Rhymes, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

11 a.m. - Grief 101 Class, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11:10 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

11:30 a.m. - Lunch Bunch, Dallas Area Senior Center

12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - 10-Minute

9 a.m. - Trip to Oregon State Fair, meet at the Monmouth Senior Community Center

Writing/Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Needle Craft Group, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1:30 p.m. - 10-Minute

Writing, Dallas Area Senior Center

4:30 p.m. - Downtown Independence Walking Tour, meet at Main & C streets (in front of Brew Coffee and Taphouse)

6:30 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads, Monmouth Senior Community Center

Friday, Aug. 29

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Stretch exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705

Salem Dallas Hwy NW

10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/ Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Gardening Class, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Rock Painting Class, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1:30 p.m. - Jewelry Making, Monmouth Senior Community Center

2 p.m. - Free English Second Language classes at the Dallas Library, 950 Main St.

4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

5 p.m. - Bingo Dinner, Dallas Area Senior Center

6 p.m. - Live Comedy: Friday Funnies at Elysium!, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

6 p.m. - Bingo, Dallas Area Senior Center

6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley Highway S.

7 p.m. - Live Music:

Tuesday String Band, TwoWolves Taproom, 171 Court St., Dallas

Saturday, Aug. 30

9 a.m. - Independence Farmers Market, Umpqua Bank parking lot

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705

Salem Dallas Highway NW

6 p.m. - Live Music: NyteByrd Dance Rock & Party, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Sunday, Aug. 31

8 a.m. - Yoga in the Park, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth

10 a.m. - Cultural Harvest Collective Market, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E.

2 p.m. - Live Music: Dylan Santiago Band, Benedetto Vineyards, 14020 Orchard Knob Road, Dallas

Monday, Sept. 1

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Cards/table games/5 Crowns Game, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Cribbage/ASL Class/Card Making with Jen/Lunch with Meals on Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Card Making w/Jen, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Lunch w/Meals On Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Technology Help with Ian, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Lunch & Listen Mural Chat, Monmouth Senior Community Center

4 p.m. - Karaoke, Dallas Area Senior Center

4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

6:30 p.m. - New Horizons Orchestra, Monmouth Senior Community Center

Tuesday, Sept. 2

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Wii Bowling, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Meet volunteers from Friends of Delbert Hunter Arboretum at the Arboretum Center to maintain arboretum grounds, coffee break at 10:30 a.m., Dallas City Park

9:30 a.m. - Walking Club, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Financial Education, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Grand Activity Days/Kitchen Science Class, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols Street S 10:30 a.m. - Circle of Friends, Dallas Area Senior Center

11:10 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Healthy Soul, Dallas Area Senior Center

6 p.m. - Dallas City Council Work Session, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

6:30 p.m. - Monmouth City Council meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

7 p.m. - Dallas City Council Work Session, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

8:30 a.m. - Mayor of Independence Office Hours, stop by and share your thoughts, ideas, and questions, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Tai Chi with John, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - 4-Handed Pinochle/Card/Table

MICC, Visitors Center hosts AI themed Lunch & Learn Aug. 27

The MonmouthIndependence Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center presents Lunch & Learn: AI and Your Business, at 12 p.m. Aug. 27 at Indy Commons, 154 S. Main St., Independence. Learn how AI can help you, write better marketing content like emails, social posts, and website copy; respond to customers faster and stay top of mind; and save time and money and get better results on everyday tasks, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Sign up at https:// bit.ly/4l6leJb.

Heron Pointe Senior Living hosts classic car show Aug. 28

Heron Pointe Senior Living presents their annual classic car show from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 504 Gwinn St. E. in Monmouth. Bring your fun classic car, truck or custom ride to show it off. There will be one People’s Choice Award voted on by those in attendance. RSVP if you have a car you would like to enter to sales1@heronpointesl.com or (503) 831-8331. Food sales/ raffle tickets proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Salem Area.

Vineyard hosts Fleetwood Mac cover band Aug. 30 Elysium Botanicals Wine and Vineyard (formerly Redgate Winery) presents a free performance of Fleetwood Mac cover band NyteByrds from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 30 at the

winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, in Independence.

Vineyard hosts Grateful Dead tribute band Sept. 1 PDX based Grateful Dead tribute band, Caught Dead Handed, is headed back down to Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard (formerly Redgate Winery) to celebrate Labor Day with a free and all ages show from 3-6 p.m., Sept 1. The vineyard is located at 8175 Buena Vista Road, in Independence.

Learn computer basics Sept. 3 at Monmouth Library

The Goodwill Career presents the free class, Computer Basics from 10-11 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S. Build a strong foundation by learning the basics of computer use.

local

Learn how to log in, personalize computer settings, navigate applications, and manage files and folders. No registration required. Computers supplied.

Moonfall Theatre goes to the movies in September

Celebrating 35 years of theatre in the country, Moonfall Theatre presents Moonfall Goes to the Movies, from 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 5, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, at 11140 Orrs Corner Road, Rickreall. Proceeds support different local charities each night. Tickets are $28 52 and can be purchased online at https://bit. ly/45pN92a.

Heron Pointe hosts carwash, BBQ fundraiser Sept. 5

Heron Pointe Senior Living presents a car wash and barbecue Fundraiser for the

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world, MINET provides Gig Speed for a good price. A truly outstanding characteristic of MINET is their incredible customer service. No long hold-thephone waits, no robo-chatting, just extremely fast service. MINET’s standard of service extends from the office to the field. MINET values its subscribers. Their 4th annual customer appreciation event was held this month and it was fun, wild, and hugely attended. As MINET matured expansion opportunities emerged. Today MINET, once limited to Monmouth-Independence, serves Rickreall, much of Dallas, and is lighting up Falls City. MINET is a fully committed community supporter with outstanding internet and voice services. MINET is a deserving Chamber Member of the Week

Alzheimer’s Association at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at 504 Gwinn St. E., in Monmouth. For $7 get a hamburger or hot dog, side cookie and drink. Donations accepted for the car wash.

Polk County Ducks Unlimited hosts dinner banquet Sept. 6

Chambers host Polk County After Hours Sept. 6

The Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce and MonmouthIndependence Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center present Polk County After Hours, featuring a bouquet making course with Walton’s Collective and TL Celebrations, at 5:30 p.m., Sept 6 at 169 Broad St. in Monmouth.

Bambinos hosts swap & shop Sept. 20

Polk County Ducks Unlimited hosts a Dinner Banquet and Auction at 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at Eola Hills Wine Cellars, 501 S. Pacific Highway W., in Rickreall. There will be food and drink, fun games/raffles and auctions. Online registration is open at https://bit.ly/3HAxuUE. For more information contact Carol at (503) 510-6578 or russellc@ aeoregon.com.

Bambinos Oregon hosts a Fall Swap & Shop at 10 a.m.

& Grub presents the King of Hearts Quarterly Poker Tournament from 2-7 p.m. Sept. 21 at 186 SW Court St. in Dallas. To sign up, RSVP Neil Anthony Young at Youngneil77@gmail.com.

CHILD FIND Notice

Parents who believe their child may benefit from special education services and programs offered by the Dallas School District are invited to call the district at 503-623-5594. Also, those who wish to inquire about what services and programs are available are encouraged to call. Any inquiries will be treated with all due respect and confidentiality.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, inside the new lobby at the Jefferson Street entrance of the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main St, Dallas, OR 97338 County of Polk, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 07/02/2025 By: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 NPP0476502 To: POLK COUNTY ITEMIZER-OBSERVER

08/13/2025, 08/20/2025, 08/27/2025, 09/03/2025

PCIO25-1316 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK In the Matter of: Case No. 25CV20962 ESTATE OF LORETTA KAY SHAW, Plaintiff,

v. KRISTIN THOMAS, Defendant. NOTICE OF CIVIL PROCEEDING KRISTIN THOMAS, you are hereby required to appear and defend COMPLAINT (Fraud, Conversion, and Unjust Enrichment) filed against you in the above entitled cause within thirty (30) days of the date of first publication, and in case of your failure to do so, Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the COMPLAINT (Fraud, Conversion, and Unjust Enrichment). The COMPLAINT (Fraud, Conversion, and Unjust Enrichment) alleges that you owe $193,000.00 plus interest and the prevailing party fee to Plaintiff. NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY! THE DEFENDANT HEREIN SHOULD TAKE NOTICE THAT IF IT IS YOUR INTENT TO CONTEST THE MATTERS INVOLVED HEREIN, A WRITTEN RESPONSE SPECIFYING THE MATTERS TO BE CONTESTED MUST BE FILED BY YOU WITH THE TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR WITH PROOF OF SERVICE OF A COPY THEREOF ON PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY NOT LATER THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION August 13, 2025, along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the Plaintiff’s attorney. ABSENT GOOD CAUSE SHOWN, NO CONTEST TO THE COMPLAINT (Fraud, Conversion, and Unjust Enrichment) SHALL BE PERMITTED UNLESS THE CONTESTANT HAS FILED A WRITTEN RESPONSE. If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503)684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at (800)452-7636. Anthony B. James, OSB #052924 Attorney for Plaintiff 1206 Main Street E. Monmouth OR 97361 (503) 838-4996 / Fax (503) 837-0575 Email: anthony@ pjattorneys.com

PCIO25-1298

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS NO.: 25-73831 Reference is made to that certain Deed of Trust (hereinafter referred as the Trust Deed) made by EDWARD LARA as Grantor to AMERITITLE, LLC, as trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC., beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, as Beneficiary, dated 6/16/2022, recorded 6/17/2022, as Instrument No. 2022-007327, Rerecorded on 7/25/2022 as Instrument No. 2022-008694, modified by Loan Modification Agreement dated 9/18/2024, signed on 1 1/07/2024 in mortgage records of Polk County, Oregon covering the following described real property situated in said

County and State, to-wit: LOT 171, WOODHAVEN ESTATES PHASE 4, IN THE CITY OF SALEM, COUNTY OF POLK AND STATE OF OREGON. SAVE AND EXCEPT THEREFROM THE NORTHWESTERLY 5 FEET

THEREOF. MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 171, WOODHAVEN ESTATES PHASE 4, IN THE CITY OF SALEM, COUNTY OF POLK AND STATE OF OREGON. SAVE AND EXCEPT THEREFROM THE NORTHWESTERLY 5 FEET THEREOF. The street address or other common designation, if any for the real property described above is purported to be: 2814 HOOVERAVE NW SALEM, OREGON 97304-3779

The Tax Assessor’s Account ID for the Real Property is purported to be: 564743 / 07320CV-12901 Both the beneficiary and the trustee, ZBS Law, LLP have elected to foreclose the above referenced Trust Deed and sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and a Notice of Default and Election to Sell has been recorded pursuant to ORS 86.752(3). All right, title, and interest in the said described property which the grantors had, or had power to convey, at the time of execution of the Trust Deed, together with any interest the grantors or their successors in interest acquired after execution of the Trust Deed shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed and the expenses of sale, including the compensation of the trustee as provided by law, and the reasonable fees of trustee’s attorneys. The default for which the foreclosure is made is: The monthly installment of principal and interest which became due on 1 1/1/2024, late charges, and all subsequent monthly installments of principal and interest. You are responsible to pay all payments and charges due under the terms and conditions of the loan documents which come due subsequent to the date of this notice, including, but not limited to, foreclosure trustee fees and costs, advances and late charges. Furthermore, as a condition to bring your account in good standing, you must provide the undersigned with written proof that you are not in default on any senior encumbrance and provide proof of insurance. Nothing in this notice should be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the beneficiary under the deed of trust, pursuant to the terms and provisions of the loan documents. The amount required to cure the default in payments to date is calculated as follows: From: 11/1/2024 Total of past due payments: $29,265.05 Late Charges: $373.59 Additional charges (Taxes, Insurance, Corporate Advances, Other Fees): $2,959.50 Trustee’s Fees and Costs: $842.00 Total necessary

PUBLIC RECORD

Information for the report comes from law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included. The status of arrests reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Dallas Police Department

Thursday, Aug. 14

At 5:16 a.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for speeding 32 mph in a 20-mph zone.

At 7:28 a.m., a report of an elderly male walking in the middle of the road near the construction area of Levens Street. He was gone upon officer arrival.

At 8 a.m., a report of a non-injury non-blocking single vehicle crash on Mill Street.

At 1:20 p.m., a subject was trespassed from a business on Davis Street, including the garage area.

At 3:30 p.m., a resident on Ana Avenue reported someone attempted a scam using Washington County sergeant’s name stating they would be arrested if they didn’t transfer $5 000 using a cash app.

At 4:33 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle was parked beyond a road barricade within park property on applegate trail drive. It turned out to be city of Dallas Public Works/Parks staff who were working at that location.

At 5:59 p.m., a report of a late theft at Walmart.

At 8:23 p.m., a motorist on Fairview Avenue was cited for failure to carry and present an operator’s license, driving

uninsured and failure to renew registration.

At 8:52 p.m., a report of a water main break on Uglow Avenue. Officers assisted with getting a response from utility companies and road closures.

At 9:40 p.m., a report of a hit and run accident on Miller Avenue.

At 10:14 p.m., a motorist on Hankel Street was cited and released for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

At 11:30 p.m., a report of a barking dog on Birch Street. An officer stopped and walked along Birch Street but did not hear anything.

Friday, Aug. 15

At 3:28 a.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for driving uninsured, fail to display plates, and warned for nonstandard lighting.

At 8:30 a.m., a report of a man yelling profanities in the park on Brandvold Drive. Upon arriving, an officer was unable to locate anyone.

At 10:07 a.m., a report of an older male walking around with his pants down below his butt Ash Street. An officer made contact with a subject who seemed to have mental issues and refused to speak with law enforcement. His pants were not down when the officer contacted him.

At 12:37 p.m., a resident on Academy Street called to ask for more police presence near the location due to several speeders and people running stop signs.

At 6:29 p.m., an alarm was reported on Uglow Avenue. The reporting person let law enforcement into the building which was searched. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary.

to cure: $33,440.14 Please note the amounts stated herein are subject to confirmation and review and are likely to change during the next 30 days. Please contact the successor trustee ZBS Law, LLP, to obtain a “reinstatement’ and or “payoff’ quote prior to remitting funds. By reason of said default the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the Trust Deed due and payable. The amount required to discharge this lien in its entirety to date is: $501,864.62 Said sale shall be held at the hour of 9:00 AM on 11/18/2025 in accord with the standard of time established by ORS 187.1 10, and pursuant to ORS 86.771(7) shall occur at the following designated place: Main Street Plaza of the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338 Other than as shown of record, neither the said beneficiary nor the said trustee have any actual notice of any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the Trust Deed, or of any successor(s) in interest to the grantors or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: NONE Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation(s) of the Trust Deed, and in addition to paying said sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Trust Deed, together with the trustee’s and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778. The mailing address of the trustee is: ZBS Law, LLP 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 400 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (503)946-6558 In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed, the words “trustee” and ‘beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold

At 8:09 p.m., officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Ellendale Avenue. A subject was arrested and charged with menacing and unlawful use of a weapon.

At 10:51 p.m., a report of domestic disturbance on Hayter Street. A female subject was cited and released for harassment.

Saturday, Aug. 16

At 2:12 a.m., an officer contacted a driver on Brandvold Drive who stated he was just driving through the park on his way home. He was advised the park was closed and he would need to take Ellendale.

At 2:09 a.m., officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle with its lights on while parked on Kings Valley Highway. They contacted four juveniles in the vehicle. A male was told to go home back to Silverton. The female passengers were returned home to addresses in Dallas.

At 6:01 a.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for driving while suspended - violation and for driving uninsured.

At 6:01 a.m., a report of a possible fire alarm on Monmouth Cutoff Road. Officers contacted a resident who stated he was hard of hearing and did not hear the alarm. No signs of fire were detected.

At 10:25 a.m., a resident on Bridlewood Drive was told her pigs had gotten loose.

At 3:17 p.m., a report of non-injury, non-blocking crash on private property on Davis Street, with damage to a chain link fence. The driver will notify the property

at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. Dated: 7/8/2025 ZBS Law, LLP Amber L. Labrecque, Esq., OSB#04593 ZBS Law, LLP Authorized to sign on behalf of the trustee A-4848172 08/13/2025, 08/20/2025, 08/27/2025, 09/03/2025

PCIO25-1301 TS No.

OR07000228-24-1 APN 549008 TO No 240669213-OR-MSI

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, KYLE L. GLASS as Grantor to AMERITITLE, INC as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for SOUTH PACIFIC FINANCIAL CORP. DBA NORTH PACIFIC FINANCIAL CORP., Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of October 24, 2017 and recorded on October 27, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-012948 and the beneficial interest was assigned to OREGON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT and recorded February 20, 2018 as Instrument Number 2018-002098 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Polk County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 549008 LOT NUMBERED TWENTYNINE (29), PIONEER HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION, IN THE CITY OF WILLAMINA, POLK COUNTY, OREGON Commonly known as: 1532 SW PIONEER DRIVE, WILLAMINA, OR 97396 Both the Beneficiary, Oregon Housing & Community Service, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 2 Monthly Payment(s) from 08/01/2024 to 09/01/2024 at $1,348.52 5 Monthly Payment(s) from 10/01/2024 to 02/01/2025 at $1,350.79 4 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2025 to 06/01/2025 at $1,421.98 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $167,083.48 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.75000% per annum from July 1, 2024 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice

manger of damage before her car is towed.

Sunday, Aug. 17

At 12:04 a.m., a report of a couple flashing lights on the Southwest end of the Old Mill property near the underground building. No signs of transient activity or people were located.

At 2:08 p.m., Lucero Lugo, of Monmouth, was arrested on Davis Street by Keizer police and was charged with two counts of burglary 1 and two counts of criminal mischief 2 from two separate incidents.

Monday, Aug. 18

At 3:06 a.m., an officer stopped Robert Cerda for no taillights on Barberry Avenue. He was arrested on an outstanding failure to appear warrant. He was also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and cited for no operator’s license.

At 1:53 p.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for speeding 39 mph in a 25-mph zone and was warned for failure to register vehicle and improper display of registration stickers.

At 6:21 p.m., a resident on Maple Street reported hearing gunshots in the area. An officer searched the area but was unable to find the source of the noise.

At 9:02 p.m., a motorist was stopped on Miller Avenue due to safety concerns. The vehicle was dragging what was later determined to be legs to a rocking chair under the passenger rear tire.

At 9:53 p.m., officers investigated a physical domestic disturbance on Solomon Court. A male subject was arrested and charged

is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on November 4, 2025 at the hour of 09:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110,

with assault 4 (felony) and strangulation (felony).

At 10:23 p.m., a report of a possible prowler on Fern Avenue. An officer talked with the complainant who stated an unknown male was seen on his property via his cameras. The officer drove the neighborhood and was unable to locate anyone.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

At 12:03 a.m., officers were unable to locate a reported suspicious person walking with a phone light in the alley between Main and Jefferson streets.

At 8:02 a.m., a motorist on Walnut Avenue was cited for speeding 45 mph in a 20-mph zone.

At 8:32 a.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for speeding 35 mph in a 20-mph zone.

At 8:59 a.m., a report of a Cherriots bus crossed into an intersection on Miller Avenue and crashed into a van. There were no serious injuries resulting from the crash.

At 11:29 a.m., a pedestrian was hit by a cyclist who was turning onto Southeast Academy from Southeast La Creole Drive. No serious injuries were reported.

At 12:42 p.m., Brenda Graydon was arrested and charged with criminal trespass 2 after she went to Walmart after previously being trespassed.

At 1:05 p.m., a resident on Hayter Street reported purchasing a purse on Amazon and it had a receipt, debit cards and photo inside.

At 5:02 p.m., a report of two decent sized logs in the middle of the intersection on Main Street. An officer stopped and removed them

charge by

Notice is further given that any

named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs,

representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this

as they were a safety issue to cars traveling through.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 At 1:28 a.m., an officer responded to a complaint on 11th Street of a barking dog. The owner was not home so a citation was prepared for unnecessary noise.

At 3:58 a.m., a motorist on Jefferson street was cited for driving uninsured and warned for operating a vehicle w/o lighting equipment (brake lights and turn signals).

At 10:58 a.m., a subject on 11th Street reported someone had stolen a notebook and old keys from her purse.

At 11:12 a.m., an officer investigated a report of an alarm on Academy Street. The officer found a faint steady tone coming from bushes. It was an old carbon monoxide detector in bushes that appeared to have been there for a while. The officer turned it off and disposed of it.

At 9:13 p.m., a resident on Fern Court reported the theft of fuel/siphoning over the last week.

Independence Police Department

Thursday, Aug. 14

At 1:11 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Monmouth Street.

At 5:25 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on 17th Street.

At 7:21 p.m., a report of an alarm on Hoffman Road. It was a false alarm and the janitor had already disarmed the alarm.

At 7:56 p.m., a report of a stolen amazon package on Deann Drive.

Blotter

From Page B6

At 9:46 p.m., a report of someone attempting to use a movie prop $100 bill for a purchase on Main Street.

Friday, Aug. 15

At 1:38 a.m., an officer assisted Monmouth police on a pursuit of a suspect who had run from a traffic stop for suspicion of driving under the influence. A perimeter was set up and the Salem Police K9 and drone team responded. The suspect was located hiding in the back of a pickup truck and was taken into custody.

At 10:57 a.m., a report of a theft on C Street.

At 3:38 p.m., a report of a possible burglary. There was a landscaping crew working on the property.

At 4:01 p.m., a motorist was stopped for a stop sign violation on Monmouth Street. The driver was cited for driving while suspended and driving without insurance. The vehicle was towed.

At 5:25 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Monmouth Street.

Saturday, Aug. 16

At 3:43 a.m., a report of a suspicious person on Main Street.

At 10:29 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance that had happened earlier. No crimes were reported.

At 7:56 p.m., an officer provided a courtesy transport for an intoxicated man who was a mile from his home.

Sunday, Aug. 17

At 12:05 a.m., a report of a hit and run on White Oak Circle.

At 12:48 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Deann Drive.

At 6:10 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on 6th Street.

At 1:33 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on White Oak Circle. The victim had video of the suspect walking towards them with a large kitchen knife. The suspect fled to Salem but was stopped by the Marion County Sheriff. Sarah Rodriguez was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated assault, menacing, harassment and possession of methamphetamine.

At 6:14 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Marigold Drive.

Monday, Aug. 18

At 2:01 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on 7th Street. Jackie Villanueva was arrested and charged with assault 4

At 8:23 a.m., a report of a suspicious person on Monmouth Street. Robert Garrison was cited for theft and was trespassed from Grocery Outlet.

At 1:08 p.m., Haley Patterson was cited and released on a failure to appear warrant from Dallas Municipal Court.

At 2:19 p.m., a report of a stolen car on 11th Street.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

At 11:37 a.m., a motorist was cited for using a cellphone while driving. This was a third offence, which caused the charge to be a class B-misdemeanor.

At 7:29 p.m., a report of an armed person on Meridian Street. There was a disturbance between six neighbors and a motorcyclist they accused of speeding. The motorcyclist reported putting a hand on a weapon and warning the neighbors to stay back. One of the neighbors took the motorcyclist’s keys and threw them on a driveway. The motorcyclist got the keys and left. The motorcyclist was arrested and charged with criminal mischief.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

At 8:33 a.m., a motorist was warned for using a cellphone while driving.

At 1:15 p.m., a report of a hit and run on Main Street.

At 1:30 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Main Street. There was damage to a building. All present parties denied damaging the building and the damage appeared old.

Monmouth Police Department

Thursday, Aug. 14

Suspicious Activity: A caller reported a bad smell in a park and was concerned about a body. The area was checked, but no smell or anything concerning was found.

Citizen Contact: A person called because her husband lost her vehicle after getting intoxicated and parking it somewhere. The call was forwarded to another department for follow-up.

Check Welfare: A person accidentally locked keys in a car with a two-year-old inside. The fire department and police arrived and opened the car door. The child was okay.

Driving: A report about a flatbed pickup speeding and passing dangerously. The vehicle was followed, but no violations or signs of impairment were observed.

Driving: A report about a vehicle failing to maintain its lane and the driver appearing to nod off. The vehicle was not located.

Animal: A person reported their dog broke its leash near a park. The area was searched, but the dog was not located. An update stated the dog was found by the owners.

Theft: A person reported a laptop, a binder of collectible pennies, and a jar of unique coins stolen from their bedroom. The former roommate and possibly their son are suspected parties, as the roommate still had a key to the residence. An attempt will be made to interview the suspected parties.

Arrest: A person was located at a bank and arrested on an outstanding county warrant. The person’s dog is being housed at kennels, and follow-up was requested.

Suspicious Person: A caller reported a male following a female. The couple was located and found to be fine with no altercation.

Suspicious Activity: A person approached officers on a domestic call, stating an upstairs neighbor had body limbs in their apartment and was stalking them. The person seemed to have an emotional disturbance and was not making much sense, but stayed in their apartment for the night with their mother. Information was recorded.

Noise: Attempts to contact a caller regarding a noise complaint were unsuccessful, and no parties or sources of noise were located.

AOA: Police assisted in searching a field for persons, but none were located. There is a history of kids playing hide and seek in the area.

Noise: An anonymous caller complained of noise from an apartment where residents were having a party with 10-20 people. A verbal warning was given, and they were told citations would be issued if the noise continued.

Driving: Multiple callers reported a vehicle driving erratically. The driver was described as banging on his vehicle before speeding and yelling he would kill someone if he did not get his stuff back. His family said he was not making any sense and seemed intoxicated. He was last seen driving south of town.

Friday, Aug. 15

Field Interview: A juvenile was contacted about being out walking past curfew. His mother confirmed he had left the house via a tracking app.

Police walked him home, and his mother was reminded about his last curfew violation and referral to the juvenile department.

Elude: Police attempted to stop a motorist for traffic violations and suspicion of driving under the influence. The driver fled, ran a stop sign, and then stopped and fled on foot in a park. A perimeter was established, and the vehicle was cleared. With the help of K9 and drone, the driver, a 17-year-old male, was located hiding in a pickup bed. He was taken into custody without further issue. He had a parole violation warrant and was listed as a missing juvenile. He was evaluated by medics and cleared for transport. Several passengers were juveniles; some were released at the scene, and two were later released from the department to their responsible parties. The vehicle was towed. The driver was lodged at a juvenile detention center for attempting to elude (misdemeanor and felony), reckless driving, and six counts of recklessly endangering another person. He was not impaired.

Domestic Disturbance: A verbal domestic dispute occurred between a male and a female. The male was unwilling to speak, but the female stated they were arguing about financial issues and the male being woken up early. The female denied anything physical, and no visible signs of injury were observed. An officer planned to reach out to the female later to see if resources could assist with rent.

Trespass: A subject was sleeping on senior center property. He willingly collected his belongings and left when asked to move.

Animal: A person found a gray male French bulldog and inquired if anyone had reported a lost dog. No reports were found, and the person planned to take the dog to a vet to check for a chip. An update stated the owners were located, and the dog was returned.

HangUp: A young juvenile called 911 and was not making much sense. A parent was contacted, and there was no emergency.

Crash: A person accidentally struck the back of a neighbor’s van, causing over $2 500 in damage. The person did not immediately contact the neighbor but requested their wife leave a note, which was delayed. The neighbor was upset about the delay but did not want to pursue charges after getting insurance information. The driver was educated on the duty to inform other involved vehicle owners or immediately place contact information.

AOA: A report of a 92-year-old female who fell and hit her head on concrete, unconscious or not breathing. An officer responded and found the female conscious but bleeding. The officer cleared the scene once fire and medics arrived.

Suspicious Activity: A person reported their gaming controller stolen from an amphitheater five days prior. The incident is actively under investigation.

Crash: A four-vehicle crash was caused by a rear-end collision. One driver was at fault. There were no blockages or injuries. A vehicle involved in the crash was in the parking lot and was to be moved the next day. The at-fault driver was cited for following too closely.

Disturbance: Two individuals got into an argument. One knocked cereal out of the other’s hands, and the other spit on the first person’s face. It was determined to be mutual combat.

Ordinance violation: An RV was tagged for a seven-day parking limit. Towing was set for the following week.

Disturbance: A juvenile ran from staff members and tried to escape. The call came in as a fight on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, officers assisted in calming the juvenile down so staff could take over and get everyone safely back to the group home. No one was injured. Information was recorded.

Civil: A person called to address concerns over their roommate stealing items from common areas and smoking marijuana in the house. The officer informed the caller that these issues were civil in nature and should be handled between him, his roommate, and the landlord. The caller was understanding

Alarm: A non-emergency call was received regarding an alarm sounding from a fire panel on the first floor of an apartment complex. Maintenance was aware and had advised residents it would be addressed in the morning. No emergency was present.

Driving: Officers responded to a driving complaint regarding a driver speeding and almost hitting children. The caller initially blocked the vehicle but then moved back into their driveway. Ring camera footage showed the vehicle driving at a higher rate of speed, but not fast enough for probable cause for reckless driving. The driver was spoken to and told to slow down in residential areas and was released without further incident. Residents asked about solutions for slowing vehicles down, and an officer suggested getting a speed sign put up in the area.

Saturday, Aug. 16

Check Welfare: A caller reported their 14-year-old daughter was intoxicated at her boyfriend’s house and no one was answering the door. The boyfriend’s mother was contacted, who was unaware the daughter was there. She got the daughter out of the house and back to her mother without incident.

Suspicious activity: A report of an intoxicated male knocking on a door and yelling for a female to give him a chance. As an officer responded, the male was seen walking away. There had been previous similar calls for service at this location. The male had a history of getting agitated with law enforcement, so no contact was made. The caller was told to report if he returned.

Crime: A caller reported that her 14-year-old son was being provided marijuana items by his father, as evidenced by text messages and marijuana found in his room. The mother did not think the son would be cooperative if interviewed immediately due to high emotions, but said he could come to the department in a few days. An interview with the father will be delayed until after the son is interviewed. The son is currently at his mother’s home in another city. The hotline was notified.

Hangup: A hangup call was received from a location with no answer on callback. Residents at the location were all fine, and the phone number did not match theirs. Nothing suspicious was found in the area.

Animal: A report was made of two loose dogs that the caller was trying to catch. An officer responded and saw the dogs at the park. A person mentioned that one dog tried to bite a child. The dogs were running around and did not want to be caught. An officer was unable to locate them after a search. Another person reported finding two dogs at large near the park, which were secured on leashes and held until an officer arrived. The dogs were identified as two female husky mixes, one tan and white, the other black and white. They were brought to the department. One had a chip but it was not registered. A social media post was

made, and a person called advising she was checking on the dogs for their owners who were out of town. The dogs were returned to this person. The owners were contacted and educated on the dog at large ordinance and potential for fees or citations.

Theft: A delivery driver dropped off an order at a location, took a photo, and then immediately picked it up and walked off with it. The incident was captured on the victim’s camera and the value of the order was $25 40. The driver was later identified from license plate readers and an attempt will be made to interview and arrest them.

Prowler: A person reported a male wearing a dark shirt and brown pants walking around, taking photos of houses and peering into windows. The subject was last seen possibly southbound on a street. The area was checked, but the subject was not located. No additional callers reported the incident.

CPR: Officers responded to a report of cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a location.

Upon arrival, a male was unresponsive and stopped breathing. He was given two doses of medication and compressions were started until medics arrived and took over. The male began breathing again before being transported to a hospital. Later, medics reported the male had a major heart attack but his condition had improved and looked promising.

Check welfare: A person reported that two males went into his neighbor’s apartment and he could hear yelling before they left in a white truck. He tried to knock on his neighbor’s door, an elderly Hispanic male who lived there with his two granddaughters, but no one answered. He could hear movement inside and saw someone peeking out the window as he left. An officer left a business card at the door.

AOA: An officer arrived at a location to locate and interview a person for a case. Another person answered the door and was cited and released on a warrant.

CPR: A report was made of an unconscious male and compressions started. Upon arrival, the male was breathing but unresponsive. His family explained he was diabetic and had consumed a lot at a party earlier. Medics transported him to a hospital.

EDP: A 14-year-old female called to report she had cut her arms and legs with a kitchen knife and was trying to kill herself. She was willing to go to the hospital. She was staying at a friend’s house whose mother was not home. Contact information for her mother and grandmother was provided. The grandmother could not be reached, but the mother, who was out of state, said she would come down and arrange for another family member to meet the female at the hospital. The female was ultimately transported to a hospital by medics.

Sunday, Aug. 17

Crime: A complaint was made about trash left by a recreational vehicle on the street. A person called the owner of the trash, who said it belonged to others from the recreational vehicle but she had unloaded it. She planned to have it picked up by that night.

Citizen contact: A person called frustrated about a previous report of a male possibly casing properties, followed by a stolen motorbike, though the victim did not want to make a report.

The caller then mentioned frequent speeding on a specific avenue. Steps were discussed to address the speeding issue, and the caller was thankful. Extra speed enforcement was requested for the area, and it will be added to the list for speed trailer deployment.

Citizen contact: A person called suspecting their bank account was hacked by their ex-partner. They reported nothing missing from the account, had changed the password, and planned to go to the bank the next day to discuss changing account and routing numbers. They were advised to call if they had further issues.

AOA: Assistance was provided on a domestic call where probable cause was developed for unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and harassment. A female was arrested, and no further action was needed by the local police department.

Check welfare: A report of a male lying on the side of the road. Contact was made with the male, who was sitting on the side of the road with bags of cans. He stated he was recovering from drug use and taking a break but did not need assistance.

Monday, Aug. 18

Theft: A person reported that the tires and wheels were stolen from her son’s car. The car had been parked in the driveway after breaking down two months prior. The caller believed her former daughterin-law and her husband stolen the items. The son was working on locating the car’s title and receipts for the tires and wheels and confirmed he did not give anyone permission to take them.

Suspicious Activity: A report was made of people in a park with flashlights. Officers arrived and saw what appeared to be two to three juveniles running from the far south end of the park through bushes toward a main street. The area was checked, but the juveniles were not located. They left behind a blue backpack, which was placed into safekeeping. Attempts to update the caller were unsuccessful.

Check Welfare: A person reported that a female was in an abusive relationship and he had not been able to reach her, worrying because she was supposed to be leaving with him that day. The female was contacted at her home and was okay. She explained she was leaving the relationship and had already packed her bags. Resources and domestic abuse patterns were discussed. She stated she would call her father.

Check Welfare: Public safety received a report of screaming and glass breaking from a person’s home and requested a welfare check on her 5-year-old daughter. The mother complained of a stalker breaking in, installing speakers, and hacking her phone. The daughter appeared fine and happy, with no suspicious injuries.

Arrest: A report of a male looking into vehicles. A male with a face covering was contacted. He would not identify himself and officers were unsure of his identity, so he left. Jail for tattoo photos of a known individual were requested, and they matched the male who was contacted. The male was located and arrested on a warrant. He was also trespassed from a laundromat

Animal: A person called to report two loose dogs near a fast-food restaurant and a retail store. The dogs were described as two huskies. The area was circled, but the dogs were not found. Another person called later, asking if anyone had found his two dogs. This person was contacted and reported he had found the dogs. No further action was taken.

Suspicious Activity: A person reported people were in the park. Two teenagers were contacted, who were just chatting and moved along without issue. Attempts to update the caller were unsuccessful.

Orozco returns to lead Panthers’ boys soccer program

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

When Central High School returns to the soccer pitch this fall, it will do

with a familiar face on the sideline.

Joe Orazco has been hired as coach of the varsity boys soccer team after an absence of six years. He is an alumni, having graduated from Central in 1987, and longtime member of the community.

The decision was among the first made by the school’s new athletic director Brandis Piper, who officially took over for Brett Baldwin in July.

“Joe stood out immediately,” Piper said of the hire. “He cares about our student-athletes, communicates transparently, and brings a genuine authenticity that kids can trust. Add in his deep ties to Central, having coached both boys and girls here, led youth programs, and attended the school himself, and it was clear this is where he belongs.”

Orozco last coached the team in 2018, when the squad advanced to the state semifinals. That season capped an earlier eight-year coaching stint that included a conference title in 2017 and multiple

playoff appearances on both the boys’ and girls’ sides.

“I think it was the last time we made it to the semifinals,” Orozco said of the 2018 run.

“It was a fun season … Now it’s a different era, different players, and I’m excited to be here again.”

The coach added he emphasizes discipline and accountability, and aims to build the program from the ground up.

“Discipline is what will take us to the next level.

Every player has to be accountable. On the field, off the field, and at practice,” he said.

Orozco is straying from a tried and true formula when it comes to conditioning his athletes. No running for running’s sake. Instead, he incorporates ball work and running into nearly every drill.

“We do our conditioning on the field, with cones, speed ladders, and touches on the ball,” he said.

A new coach brings fresh opportunities for the Panthers’ roster, as each player began the season having to prove himself.

“No one gets a spot handed to them, even varsity players,” Orozco said. “You have to earn it, and then you have to keep it.”

An experienced core of seniors is bolstered by talented underclassmen who are expected to compete for playing time.

“I’ve seen them in practice, and they look good,” Orozco said of his youngsters. “Now we’ll see if we can carry that into games.”

The coach sees this year as just a start. Long-range plans include establishing a pipeline of talent, starting at the middle school level.

“We need to start from the roots up,” he said. “If younger kids learn to touch and control the ball earlier, they’ll arrive here a step ahead instead of starting over. That’s how you build a program that sustains success.”

For Orozco, soccer has been a constant in his life for more than three decades. First as a player in California, then as a club and high school coach. He stepped away from coaching initially due to injuries, but family encouragement, and a call from his longtime assistant coach, convinced him to return.

“Soccer has meant a lot to me,” he said. “When kids step on the field, they can forget what’s going on in their lives for a while. Coaching lets me help them grow, not

just as players but as people.

And even though I never had sons of my own, coaching the boys feels like I have a whole group of them.”

For now the goal is clear, get Central into the postseason.

“I’m not saying we’re going to be the top team. But we can get into the play-ins and playoffs,” Orozco said. “That’s our focus right now. If we stick to our plan and work

hard, I think it’s going to be a positive season.”

Any success will come in a conference that’s generally considered one of the state’s best in Class 5A.

“We’re in a tough league,” he said. “There are strong teams out there. But we can compete with everyone.”

The Panthers saw intrasquad action on Aug. 28 during the school’s Red and White Day. They’re at the McMinnville jamboree on

Thursday, and then at nonleague Hillsboro on Tuesday to open the season. Other important dates include Sept, 9, the first home match versus Tigard, and Sept. 30, the Mid-Willamette Conference opener at South Albany. Russell Moreno is the varsity team’s assistant coach; Jorge Figueroa is the junior varsity head coach.

Dragons welcome new athletic secretary

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

The Dallas High School athletic department has a new face this year. Originally from Berthoud, Colorado, athletic secretary Micki Fregosi relocated to Dallas in 2023, but not before traveling the Pacific Northwest in a fifth wheel. The move was inspired in part by her son, a senior at Ripon College in Wisconsin, who had long dreamed of making the Northwest home.

“He’s never been here before, but he loves the idea of the climate and the culture,” she said. “We traveled for about nine months and just fell in love with Oregon and Dallas, and here we are.”

While Fregosi admits she doesn’t have much of an athletic background, other than playing soccer in high school, she is no stranger to working in schools. In Colorado, she spent a decade filling nearly every office role except that of athletic secretary.

Her responsibilities at Dallas High School include enrolling students in sports, managing compliance with OSSA requirements such as physicals and concussion testing, coordinating buses, and making sure scheduling runs smoothly.

“It’s a lot of the same skills I used before,” she said. “But I’m also learning new regulations since every state does things differently. I’m bringing in some ideas from Colorado while adjusting to how things are done here.”

One of her priorities is to modernize the way DHS handles monetary transactions. She has already worked with Athletic Director Ron Snively to add credit card payment options at games and concessions.

“Fans will also be able to purchase tickets online through our website,” Fregosi said. “That’s something I’m excited to help bring here.”

Fregosi is ready for the new school year to start.

“I am so excited for the kids to be in the building and to feel that energy,” she said. “That’s what makes this job so rewarding.”

Though still learning the school’s athletic traditions, Fregosi is confident her mix of experience, energy and

fresh perspective will benefit the program.

“I’m just taking it all in right now and figuring out how things are done,” she said. “I’m happy to be here.” Danielle Landis is the school’s former athletic secretary.

The Dallas Booster Club is