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Wednesday October 29, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 44

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Non-profit takes over running Indy Days

It’s a Potter Party

PHOTO PROVIDED

Comedian Sam Miller

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Willamina welcomes back comedian Sam Miller By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Ward said staff were preparing to go for a second, different type of grant, a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, with an application deadline of Nov. 17. “However, one of the capital improvement projects was to resurface the basketball courts at the entry to City Park,” Ward said. “As we were preparing to do that, a light bulb went off. This space could accommodate those 10 pickleball courts.” So, Sports Services supervisor Michael Pierce put together a plan and cost estimate for installing pickleball courts. Instead of building

The city of Independence is handing over the reins of running its annual Independence Days festival to a new non profit composed of community volunteers. The move frees up city staff that were over taxed keeping the three-day event running smoothly. During his presentation to the City Council, Shawn Irvine, city Economic Development Director, said the plan came from a recommendation by the Independence Days Ad Hoc Commission. “The Independence Days Ad Hoc Committee was formed to review the Independence Days event and identify how it can be managed with less of a burden on city resources,” Irvine said. “The review process provided an opportunity for community input and actively sought comments from residents about how the event could be sustained with less city involvement.” The committee met five times between June and September, interviewing city staff responsible for event operations as well as community members interested in seeing the event continue Irvine said after thoroughly exploring all viable alternatives, the committee’s recommendation is to transfer the Independence Days event to a new community-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization. “The idea, which I think is actually pretty elegant, is that the community non-profit can take on the event. But if there is a surplus of funds after the event is done, that same non-profit can turn that back into Independence Parks to support the development and upkeep of Independence Parks,” Irvine said. This new non-profit is Friends of Community Parks, whose initial focus is running Independence Days, with a longer-term focus of supporting parks and recreational development within the community. The staff report described the non-profit’s charter, saying in addition to the required board of directors,they would also create a subcommittee, similar to the Independence Days Commission, that is responsible for running the event. The new organization would also take ownership of event-related equipment, contract for insurance and manage any staffing needs to ensure a successful event. Irvine said the Ad Hoc Committee further recommended that the council use a Memorandum of Understanding to codify the event transfer, identify shared goals, clarify any continuing relationship with regard to the event, and account for the transfer of assets. He added there are several members of the Independence Days Committee who would continue

See PLANS, page A2

See INDY, page A2

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Whenever Sam Miller heads out to take his comedy tour on a West Coast swing, he’s now likely to include one of the smallest venues with a growing fanbase here in Polk County. Miller is making his third trip to Willamina’s Wildwood Hotel Nov. 7. “I’ve been all over the WIllamette valley – McMinnville, Dallas, Independence. I started just doing Salem a lot,” Miller said. “I love small towns for stand up comedy. The smaller venues, they’re doing their own thing. It’s a fun thing when they’re surprised. Holy moly in Willamina. They don’t have to deal with big city problems.” Miller added he just did a show in SoHo, midtown Manhattan and finds its just as equally fun as Willamina. “Only in Willamina, you don’t have to worry about plane tickets or subways,” Miller said. While Miller tours the country now as an award winning comedian, his path to the stage was anything but ordinary. After battling addiction, homelessness, and spending time behind bars, Miller found sobriety and comedy at the same time. Now 15 years sober, he has turned his chaotic past into a fast-rising career. His debut special “Round Trip” hit number one on the iTunes Comedy Chart, and he recently signed a three-album deal with Grammy-winning label Stand Up! Records. Now residing in Olympia, Washington, with his wife and two kids, ages 12 and 14, Miller said he considers any venue that’s within four hours a local show. That’s why he’s so eager to include Willamina on his itinerary. “Matthew from the Wildwood loves comedy, and treats comedians well. I love that weird, funky hotel. It’s got great food,” Miller said. “It’s not a big deal to shoot out there. I’ve come to really enjoy that little town. It’s got a decent fan base.” Since he cleaned up his personal act, Miller has been on the comedy circuit for 11 years. He quit his job four years ago to do comedy full See MILLER PAGE A2

IN THIS ISSUE

Korah Smith, 13, dressed as Dolores Umbridge, takes a turn at Pin the Scar on Harry at the Dallas Public Library’s popular Harry Potter Night Oct. 24. For more photos from the event, see Page A8.

Dallas changes pickleball, basketball court plans New direction to save over $1 million

approved a plan to build 10 new pickleball courts in Dallas City Park on the northwest corner of Levens The city of Dallas has pivoted in its plans to construct new pickleball Street and Brandvold Drive. The courts at City Park and instead trans- project would include the excavation form the existing basketball courts at and appropriate fill of the old city swimming pool which is buried at a substantial savings. the site. Public Works Director Jennifer “Staff sought grant funding to offWard presented the option to the city set a project that was coming in at council last week. $1.7 million,” Ward explained. She said beginning in 2021, the The city first applied for a Parks Advisory Board and city Large Local Government Grant staff had been looking into options from the Oregon Parks and to add additional pickleball courts Recreation Department with System within the city parks system. After Development Charges (SDC) funds considerable engagement with the provided as a match. The city did Parks Advisory Board, Building not receive the grant. and Grounds Committee and City Council, in 2024 the City Council By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

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