PIO85

Monmouth

New duo takes over the Boondocks

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

After 14 years owning the lone restaurant in Falls City, Laura Britton and Lori Sickles were ready to sell The Boondocks. But they didn’t want it to end up with just any new owners. It had to be the right owners. Enter Angel Hatchell and Farron Dowdy. Both from Monmouth, Dowdy had made regular treks out to Falls City to enjoy the food, company and atmosphere of Boondocks and introduced it to her partner Hatchell, who became a

regular, too.

“One night we were just in here having dinner, and we were talking to Laura about her selling it, and she was like, ‘Yeah, we’re just trying to find the right people. We haven’t come across them yet,’”

Dowdy recalled. “And I think we left, and we kind of just looked at each other, and we said, ‘You know what? Let’s do it. Let’s give it a try.’”

“Let’s at least go talk to them and see, you know, what it’s about and whatnot,” Hatchell added. “So that was the thing for us.”

“We were really worried that

if they sold it to somebody, it might change the whole thing later,” Dowdy concluded.

The duo proved to be the right fit for the next Boondocks ownership. They cut the ribbon Aug. 1, held by Britton and Sickles as a more than symbolic passing of the torch.

But it came at the end of a process, Hatchell said, adding it was important they got to know everybody first.

“We told them, hey, we want to do this, but before we take over or buy or do anything, we want to make sure that we get to know the community, right? And there’s obviously

one restaurant in the whole Fall City area,” Hatchell said. “So we wanted to ensure that it’s safe, family-friendly, and that we knew them and they knew us before we took over so that we didn’t just skip a beat, essentially. We want to make sure that things just continue to run smoothly, and that’s really important to us.” Hatchell, 39, brings years of restaurant industry experience, having put herself through college working at restaurants and bars and then running small businesses.

County packs a lot into its ‘Little Fair That Could’

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

After more than a decade at the helm of the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center, Tina Anderson actually gave thought to retiring this year.

Then she had another thought soon after.

“I still have a lot to do. I can’t retire,” Anderson said.

One of those top priorities is keeping the fairgrounds open past 2026, advocating to the public the necessity of passing the operations levy in November.

“I have high hopes it’s not going to fail, but I can’t say I’m not worried,” Anderson said. “But I have to believe we’re going to continue. I know we’re more than just a fair.”

This year’s theme reflects that can-do attitude running through events and attractions this week, borrowing from the Little Blue Engine’s mantra, “The Little Fair that Could.” When the Polk County Fair board cannot afford to bring in regional carnival providers nor chart topping entertainment, they emphasize the other aspects of the county fair that continues to draw local residents.

“We focus on kids and providing a safe place to bring kids out to the fair,” Anderson said. “It’s a family fair to gather and find a safe place to play.”

See FAIR, page A8 See BOONDOCKS, page A7

Pretty Deadly brings pop punk to Dallas Nights

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

It turns out everything that Blain likes includes performing live music.

As the proprietor of the Dallas store Everything Blaine Likes… And Nothing More, Blaine Gorze has also long had a passion for music as great as accumulating and selling collectibles. Now, he’s ready to make his debut as headliner at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Dallas Nights with his three-piece punk/pop band Pretty Deadly. Providing the other half of twobands for one low price (free) is the opener at 6 p.m. Old Cross, another regional punk/ pop band. Gorze is excited to bring yet another variety of music to the Dallas Rotary Performing Arts Stage.

“I submitted our music to the city and they loved it,” Gorze said. “It’s different than your

typical cover band. Our style and music is mostly original songs, with a kind of weird rock band sound.”

He said his music is most similar to other 90s punk pop bands like Greenday, Blink 182 and the Offspring.

Gorze has been a part of the Portland music scene for decades, jamming with local musicians from many different bands, building friendships and relationships. Pretty Deadly is the amalgamation of musicians that formed from other bands two years ago.

“We’d been jamming together so much, we got to the point where we said we should just play together,” Gorze said. As guitarist and singer, he is joined by Travis Shoemake on bass and vocals, and Zach Walter on drums.

See POP PUNK, page A8

MAN SENTENCED IN WEST SALEM FRAUDULENT CHECK SCHEME

Jared Garlock, 42, has been sentenced to serve 45 months (3 years, 9 months) in prison after pleading guilty in Polk County Circuit Court to forgery and theft charges related to several fraudulent checks he attempted to deposit at the Oregon State Federal Credit Union in West Salem. In one case, Salem Police

apprehended Garlock as he drove away from the credit union after an employee alerted them to Garlock in the act of attempting to deposit another forged check.

Garlock, of Salem, appeared before Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell and pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery in the first degree and one count of theft in the first degree. He will also be required to serve 12 months of post prison supervision upon

News Briefs

his release from custody. Garlock has an extensive criminal history throughout Oregon dating back over the last 20 years.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen.

ACRES OF HOPE RECEIVES PACIFIC POWER GRANT

Acres of Hope Youth Ranch was one of 93

Pacific Northwest nonprofit organizations to receive a part of Pacific Power Foundation’s $343,800 in grants to expand STEM and educational opportunities for teachers, students and their communities.

The grants support an array of projects that inspire career readiness, improve literacy and empower skill development.

“When we invest in organizations that provide

STEM and education opportunities, we’re investing in the future of our communities,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and president of Pacific Power. “These programs provide meaningful hands-on experiences that can change a student’s trajectory.”

According to their website, Acres of Hope is a youth ranch with a mission to share HOPE (Healing, Opportunity,

Purpose, Education) with adolescents that are feeling HURT (Harmed, Unseen, Rejected, Traumatized).

The Pacific Power Foundation’s Education and STEM grant cycle is just one of several funding opportunities throughout the year. Interested organizations may apply for the Arts and Culture grant cycle online at www. pacificpower.net/community/foundation.html by Sept. 15

WOU expands sustainable infrastructure with new EV charging stations

By UNIVERSITY MARKETING and COMMUNICATIONS

Western Oregon University is expanding its commitment to a greener, more sustainable campus with the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus in Monmouth and at the Center for Graduate Studies in Salem. The project, made possible in part through Portland General Electric’s Drive Change Fund, funded through the

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program, will provide convenient, accessible EV charging infrastructure for students, faculty, staff, and visitors at both locations.

In Monmouth, the new charging stations will be located in Parking Lot O, directly across from the Welcome Center on the north end of campus, which is a highly visible and accessible location for the entire community. In

Salem, charging stations will be installed in Parking Lot V, located at 525 Trade St. SE.

The charging stations were funded in part by Portland General Electric’s Drive Change Fund, made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program. Oregon DEQ’s Clean Fuels Program requires fuel producers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in

Oregon. Since 2019, PGE has used revenue from the Clean Fuels Program to provide more than $12 million in grants and infrastructure across Oregon to support electric vehicles and charging stations, with a strong emphasis on expanding access for underserved communities and educational institutions.

Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, administered by the Oregon DEQ, requires fuel suppliers to

reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels by 20 percent below 2015 levels by 2030, and 37 percent below 2015 levels by 2035. Revenue generated through the program is reinvested into projects like Western’s new charging stations, accelerating the state’s transition to clean transportation and supporting institutions that serve Oregon’s communities.

The new charging stations reflect the

university’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable campus operations. As Oregon’s second most affordable public university and a growing regional economic engine generating $766 2 million in total annual economic impact for the state, Western continues to invest in the infrastructure and resources that serve its students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community for the long term.

Good Folk in Polk: Chaplain Freddy Moran

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

On a cold winter day, the police called Chaplain Freddy Moran of Monmouth. They were at the home of an overdose victim. A young woman had died and her boyfriend found her body.

The police needed to talk with the boyfriend, but he was in shock and couldn’t talk. Could Moran help? When he arrived, he sat down with the young man and listened. His pain and grief slowly unraveled. He couldn’t understand why and how this happened. His girlfriend was so young! How could he handle it?

Moran asked gentle questions and patiently listened without judgement, which is a “Ministry of Presence.” The young man gradually calmed. After more than an hour, he said, “Thank you Freddy. Our conversation has brought me peace. I can talk with the officers now.” Moran, who goes by “Chaplain Freddy”,

Chaplain Freddy Moran

serves the Monmouth and Independence Police departments, Polk Fire District No. 1, and the Falls City Fire Department. He provides support and help with victims of crimes or emergencies; however, he sees his primary role as being a chaplain for our first responders. Because of the stressful nature of their work, first responders have higher rates of alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, divorce, and, most critically, suicide than those who don’t encounter human crises or tragedies daily. Moran is there to listen and support those who protect our communities every day. His journey to this role

was unexpected. He was the last and 11th child of a large family in Los Angeles. His parents worked hard to raise their children, but not all followed good paths. One of his brothers was murdered and an older brother served time in prison for drug use.

He found personal faith as a young adult, but like many, he struggled. In desperation, he prayed to God for help.

When he opened his Bible, he felt God led him to this verse: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:6).

He didn’t get what he prayed for, but that day was a turning point in his return to God.

Moran attended culinary school and began work in restaurants as a chef and later as a manager, but things weren’t working out well. He moved to Texas, met the woman who became his wife, and joined a church.

They moved to Oregon

to open a restaurant, but the timing was wrong, as they got caught in the housing crash of 2008 Moran found a management position at a chain restaurant next to a hospice facility and a hospital. He discovered he was good at helping patients and grieving family members who ate at his restaurant. In 2012, he left his restaurant career to become a chaplain. In 2018, he received helpful tools of his trade at Oregon’s Department of Safety and Standards Training one week chaplaincy course. When he works as a chaplain, he respects the spiritual beliefs in the person he is helping. He listens with genuine concern and care. He prays that God will guide him to give the support the person needs. His work is full-time, providing soul care (a form of counseling), support, and coordinating the work and training of three volunteer chaplains – Gene Haraldsen, Seth Baker, and Amanda Nowacki. When needed by

first responders outside of Monmouth and Independence, he provides mutual aid support. He does all of this at no expense to the agencies or cities where he serves. He receives some income from part-time work as chaplain in a local business, however most of his income is from donations to a national organization that provides financial management for those like Moran all over the United States.

If you want to support his ministry and work, go to “In Faith Ministries, The American Missionary Fellowship” at https:// infaith.org/ministries/ freddy-moran.

Monmouth Police Chief Isaiah Haines said, “Freddy has done great work for us. We’re grateful to have him as part of our team.”

A few years back, Moran was sent to talk with Rachael, an elderly lady who attempted to take her life with pills. By her behavior, she had alienated her entire family and she

decided no one would care if she died. As Moran listened, he learned she had become part of a church family. Eventually he was able to suggest that she was a person of worth, that the people of her church family needed her, and many others would miss her if she took her life.

She said, “Freddy, you are right.”

She lived five more years without attempts of self-harm, stayed active in her church, and died of natural causes.

The Suicide Hot line is 9-8-8. Moran said he is available to help in the communities for emergencies or for training and education at Chaplainfreddym@gmail. com.

[Brief bio: David Pastor writes for the Polk I-O. He lives in Polk County and writes about its people, organizations and businesses. Send an email to the I-O editor to recommend someone or some group, at dhayes@polkio. com]

Bacon product sold at Grocery Outlet recalled

Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., is recalling more than 12 000 pounds of bacon due to an inspection violation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The FSIS said Maple Leaf Foods, located in Lisle, Illinois, imported the not-ready-to-eat

smoked bacon from Canada without the benefit of import reinspection into the United States. The problem was discovered during routine FSIS inspection activities.

The bacon was further distributed to Grocery Outlet distributors and retailers across the Pacific Northwest, including the stores in Dallas (258

W. Ellendale Ave.) and Independence (1517 Monmouth-Independence Highway).

The FSIS said there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider. However, FSIS officials

are concerned that some of the product may be in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The specific products recalled were: • 12-oz vacuum package

of “Royale Natural Applewood Smoked ALL NATURAL Uncured Bacon Product of Canada” with sell by dates of “SEP 01 2026” and “SEP 07 2026” printed on the side of the package • 12-oz vacuum package of “TOP VALU Uncured Hardwood Smoked Bacon

SALEM HEALTH ORTHOPEDICS

PRODUCT OF CANADA” with various sell by dates of “SEP 01 2026”, “SEP 02 2026”, “SEP 04 2026”, “SEP 05 2026”, and “SEP 07 2026” printed on the side of the package

The bacon bears Canadian establishment number “EST. 1” printed on the side of the package.

Sports medicine for beyond the playing field

Summer sports are about getting off the field and into nature — and Salem Health Orthopedics in Keizer wants to help you enjoy every adventure.

• Welcoming athletes of all ages

• Treatments with or without surgery

• Local specialists in hand, wrist, foot and ankle issues

Whether it’s a new injury or a recurring issue, let’s get you off your camp chair and back on the field.

Proud to support the weekend warriors of the Willamette Valley! Monday through Friday |

Oregon transportation agency faces $200 million budget gap

MIA MALDONADO Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon’s beleaguered transportation agency is staring down a $200 million budget gap for the 2027-29 budget cycle and layoffs unless the state Legislature intervenes, according to agency officials.

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s budget gap largely stems from inflation and declining gas tax revenue as more people drive electric vehicles, and it means the agency will likely experience its fourth budget cycle in a row having to make reductions, agency deputy director Travis Brouwer said in a virtual presentation Friday, July 31, to the Oregon Transportation Commission, the group charged with setting transportation policy.

That’s unless the Oregon Legislature finds a way to provide additional revenue to the agency.

Democratic lawmakers in 2025 passed a law that would bring $4 3 billion in new tax revenue to the agency over the next decade, but voters in a May referendum overwhelmingly rejected most of those new revenue streams, including increases to gas and payroll taxes and car

Anna Rae Merideth

Sept. 1, 1986 - July 25, 2026

Anna was born Sept. 1st, 1986, to Raymond Ethard Merideth and Janeace Renee HillMerideth, at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. She lived outside of Dallas, Oregon for 12 years, and had one sibling, Sister Holly Christine Hill. Anna moved with

registration and title fees.

The agency by law can’t move money from one division’s budget to another without legislative approval, and federal funding the agency receives cannot be used toward maintenance, leaving officials with few options for closing the budget gap.

‘Tragic for the state’: Agency leaders faced with cutting nearly 550 positions

The transportation agency has made significant progress in addressing its budget gaps, Brouwer said, reducing its spending by over half a billion dollars since 2019 by moving staff out of leased buildings into state-owned buildings, implementing more information technology systems to reduce staff and eliminating at least 11 vacant senior executive positions.

But those budget reductions come at a cost, he said.

Without new revenue, the agency will need to eliminate almost 550 vacant and filled jobs, or 11% of its workforce, he said. The agency’s maintenance and operation’s branch would get hit the hardest, with 193 jobs cut, followed by 125 jobs within the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division, 120

the family to Falls City, Oregon in 1998 where she lived for her remaining years. Anna went to school in Dallas, Oregon and graduated from Dallas High in 2004

Anna was well loved by many close friends and family members. Always known as “the sweet one” Her illness kept her living at home with her parents, they were all very close, and Ray would like to add, she was above all else a Daddy’s girl. Anna loved music and art, and history. She loved her two dogs, Bailey and Sarge. She learned to play Piano and loved to cook. She attended many concerts, Hanson, Guns and Roses, Paul Mcartny, CSN, Elton John, Billy Joel, Ringo Star, Motley Crue, Bob Dylan, Arlo

From humble beginnings

A “closed” sign sits at a counter at the DMV office in Albany. Since Jan. 1, 2026, there have been 34 full day office closures across Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle division offices because of staffing shortages.

project delivery jobs, and dozens of jobs within administrative services, commerce and compliance and the finance and budget division.

“The risk of these cuts is truly tragic for the state in the long term,” said Tova Peltz, the agency’s chief engineer.

If the legislature doesn’t find new revenue streams, Peltz said the agency would have more than half of its road maintenance crews operating with five or less people — putting both Oregonians and those staff at risk.

It means less people plowing roads in the winter, less vegetation removed from roads, less clearing ditches or culverts and fewer pavement

repairs. It also means fewer crews available to respond to severe weather events, she said.

At the Oregon Driver of Motor and Vehicle Services Division, budget cuts mean closing even more of its offices. The division already grapples with severe staffing shortages, especially in rural areas.

“We’ve got about the same number of budgeted positions at DMV as we did 25 years ago, but there are 800,000 more Oregonians, and of course nearly all of them need to come to DMV for our services,” division administrator Amy Joyce told the commission.

The Commerce and Compliance Division,

OBITUARIES

Guthrie, and many more. She loved ballet and Christmas and attended the nutcracker every year. She was always learning new things. She studied Russian, the Koran, and was looking forward to school in the fall to be a paralegal. She received her Medical Administration certificate at the head of her class with honors. She had a beautiful voice. She studied with many religions until she found the catholic church. She was a member of St. Phillips in Dallas, Oregon. She seemed to find comfort there. Anna became a CASA representative in 2025 and loved helping the children she represented. She was tenacious in standing up for the rights of children. Anna

suffered from blood clot disease for many years until she succumbed to it last Saturday, July 25th.

Her graveside service will be Monday, August 3rd at 2 p.m. at the Falls City lower cemetery. There will be a celebration of life for her at Guthrie Park outside of Dallas, Oregon, August 29th 3 days before her 40th birthday, at 1 p.m.

Billy Joe Simons Dec. 3, 1946 - March 13, 2026Age 79

Billy passed at home on March 13, 2026, in Delton, MI. Billy was born in Monmouth, Oregon and was a graduate of Dallas High School. After high school, he joined and retired from the US Air Force. After his military service, he

which tracks commercial driving and rail operations, would look to close some of its weight locations and redirect its focus to more popular interstate highways, Division Administrator Carla Phelps said.

As for the division that handles the agency’s facilities, human resources and IT, cuts would result in deferred facility maintenance, aging technology in a time with greater cybersecurity risks because of artificial intelligence, and possibly more workforce management issues, according to Thomas Amato, the Support Services Division interim administrator.

The meeting somberly closed with

worked for Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, FL until retirement.

He is preceded in death by his Father Dewey A Simons, Mother O’Dean Wade Simons, Sister Nell Dean Williams, Brothers John, LeRoy, Dewey aka Doc.

Survivors are his wife Deleta, son Matthew, daughters Jennifer and Lien. Stepdaughter’s Cinda, Denise and stepson Christopher. Brother Frank and sister Mary. He also leaves behind

DEATH NOTICE

Jeanne Carlson Aug. 14, 1946 - July 29, 2026 Funeral Arrangements, TBD

Oregon Department of Transportation Interim Director Chief Chris Warner apologizing to agency leaders for having to consider cuts to their staff and services.

“For anyone who has a public service ethic, it must really be painful to present those kinds of scenarios and to be thinking about those,” Warner said. “Thank you, and I’m sorry.”

A 12-member group of business and transportation stakeholders appointed by Gov. Tina Kotek has since May been working on recommendations for solving the Oregon Department of Transportation’s impending funding shortfall. The group will present recommendations to lawmakers before the next Legislative session in 2027

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/07/31/ oregon-transportationagency-faces-200-millionbudget-gap/ 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.

grandchildren

He will be greatly missed by

Funeral Arrangements - Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell Florida on July 29 at 11:30 a.m.

NEWS & VIEWS

Investigating the Bible: Christmas in the Summer

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

Jim Cymbala is pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle.

One hot August evening (90+ degrees), he felt led to have his congregation sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night”. A drunk stopped to listen.

Confused, he thought, “This drinking problem of mine is getting totally out of hand. Now I’m hearing Christmas carols. I’d better go into this church and get help!”

And he did.

The birth of Jesus changed the world, a sea change that altered human

history. It’s worth remembering any time of the year. God visited earth, bringing joy, peace, and good will.

Joy.

“And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were very much afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11, King James Version used throughout.).

Joseph Hayden is noted for his joyous musical compositions. When asked about this, he said, “For me the very thought of God is one of joy, and this intense feeling of happiness cannot help but overflow into my music.”

Peace and good will.

“And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:12-14).

God gives peace in unexpected ways. Betty Elrod and her husband had a beloved fifteen year old Yorkshire terrier named Jackson. They lived in the country with horses. One snowy, cold Christmas eve, they slept with Jackson on the foot of their bed. At 3 a.m., he barked to go outside, and her husband struggled up. In a few minutes, Betty’s husband shook her awake.

“Jackson’s gone! I thought he would stay close, but he ran away!”

They put on warm clothes, and searched with flashlights, calling for the little dog, but no answer.

They drove around, windows down and calling, without any response.

They finally gave up and went inside to wait for daylight.

Betty prayed, “Lord, keep Jackson safe and warm.”

At sunrise, they went outside. Their four majestic horses huddled in the field together for warmth, noses facing each other and low to the ground.

They called for Jackson and heard a whine from the horses’ circle. They rushed over, squeezed in between the big creatures, and saw in the middle a safe and warm Jackson.

One horse snorted, threw up his head, as if to say, ‘We took care of him for you.’ Joy, peace, and good will from God comes all year. Father Joseph Flanagan founded Boys Town to help abandoned and abused boys. One boy in his care with a wretched history, had been in Boys Town a year and was known as the boy who never smiled. No one had ever seen him even grin.

Father Flanagan never gave up hope. In a Boys Town football game with fifteen thousand people in the stands, the coach sent the boy who never smiled in as quarterback at the end of the game. The score was tied. With a few seconds left, the young man dropped back to pass, his receiver forty yards down field, and in the clear. The ball sailed high, landing in the arms of the runner, but it bounced crazily; he struggled to catch it. Finally he did. He turned, quickly eluded a tackler, and raced to the touchdown. The crowds roared. But the most amazing thing was that the boy who never smiled was laughing so hard tears ran down his cheeks.

Father Flanagan later said, “Heaven must have had its eye on that ball.”

[Brief bio: Mr. Pastor (yes, that is his last name, not his profession) lives in Oregon and is a graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota.]

“But nothing too crazy,” she added.

The Boondocks has had a reputation over the decades for its strong tie to the community. That is what inspired Britton and Sickles to take a leap from their screen printing business to purchasing The Boondocks from the previous longtime owners Ray and Debbie Waltz in 2013

“It was both an opportunity and a ‘community service,’” Britton has said in previous interviews.

Hatchell and Dowdy were eager to continue the established legacy, providing a family-friendly environment where locals wanted to come and hang out at.

“I think our biggest

thing is ensuring that the people in this town still have a place to go, you know, where they feel comfortable, where they

can eat their food and drinks and, you know, be in an atmosphere where they feel comfortable,” Dowdy said. “It’s a big

role to fill, but I think that we’ll do a great job.”

While the duo will be bringing many friends

and family to help with operations along the way, one non-negotiable was staff turnover.

“When we said that we wanted to buy it, I guess we didn’t have to, but we really wanted Nick and Christine to stay and we’ve gotten to know both of them extremely well over the last few months, and they’re like our family at this point,” Dowdy, 38, said. “This place would struggle if they weren’t around for sure.”

The Boondocks became renowned for its scratch menu featuring homemade Americana staples such as meatloaf, potatoes and gravy, roast pork, roast beef, lasagna and pizza. Hatchell and Dowdy said don’t expect too many changes to the menu, though they have added a cowboy burger so far.

Worship Directory

DALLAS

So far, when word got out they were acquiring

The Boondocks, Dowdy said it was mindblowing how welcoming the Falls City community has been.

“At first, maybe a bit when we showed up, they were like, who are these people? Because nobody knew what was going on. And so, when the word got out, people were here with open arms,” she said. “We want to make sure they’re happy, because we want them to just love us and support us. Whenever you’re here, you’re family.”

Britton and Sickles plan a retirement party from 6-11 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Boondocks featuring giveaways of the many items they’ve collected while being the previous owners over the last 14 years.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church — Welcome! Our church is located at 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. Our phone number is 503-623-5822 . Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our congregation on Sundays for the 10 a.m. service or find us live on Facebook and updates. Join us for coffee after our service. Our services are as follows: 1st and 3rd Sundays are Morning Prayer. 2nd and 4th Sundays are Holy Eucharist. Blessings!

Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas. All are welcome! Pastor Jody Becker and Pastor Johathan Thompson, Adult Sunday Bible Study 8:45, Sunday Worship Service 10 am coffee hour with treats after service. Wednesday Worship Service noon. Nursery available for parents to use. Play area for small children in sanctuary during worship service. Youth Group HS/MS 11:30 am Sundays. Weekly Bible Studies. Contact us at 503-623-2233 or at questionsdallastlc@gmail.com. Online at dallatlc.org. Check it out! Office open Mon.-Thur. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Fri. 9:00 am to Noon.Because God first loved us, we celebrate the gifts of Christ through worship, service, and community.

United Methodist Church — a church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors, 565 SE LaCreole Dr, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Pastor Rev. Ruth Marsh. Inperson Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Go to the website at: dallasoregonumc. org for additional information.

Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 SE Miller Ave., Dallas. Lead Pastor: Chris Barker; Youth: Jeff Anderson; Children: Crystal Barker; Worship/ Media: Jesse Ceballos. Sunday Service is at 10:00 am and online streaming at 10:00 am (www.valleylife.love.) On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, there is Men’s Bible Study, Ladies Bible Study, Ignite Youth, Rangers Boys Club, Mpact Girls Club, Rainbows, and nursery care. For more information, contact us at www.vallelylife. love, info@valleylifecenter.com or 503-623-4116.

FALLS CITY

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-7873907. Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 10:00am; Worship Service 11:10am. Community Service Center Food Bank: Second Wednesday, 11am-3pm, Fourth Sunday, 11am-3pm.

INDEPENDENCE

Christ The King Church — Service on Sundays 10 am, 580 S 9 St., (Corner of S 9 St. and F street) Independence OR 97351 . 503-551-9516 or visit us at www. ctkindependence.com.

Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503838-5119. Sunday Service and Children’s Church 9:30am Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30pm. Thursday Adult Bible Study 6:30pm First Baptist Church — A warm friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St, Independence (across from Central High School); 503-8381001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays: Worship Service 11 am, Wednesdays: AWANA 5:30 pm dinner, 6:00 pm clubs; Youth Group 7:30 pm. Join us for small groups for Men, Women, and Couples throughout the week. Check us out at www. independencefirstbaptist.com

MONMOUTH

Monmouth Christian Church — 969 Church St W, Monmouth 97361. Office hours M-T 9a-4p. Phone: 503-838-1145. Join us for services on Sundays, 9am & 11am. Live ONLINE Service 11am. Please visit our website for more info or on how to join our online service. WWW.MYMCC.CCSt. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth Or. St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth OR.

RICKREALL

The big attractions at the Polk County Fair take center stage each year at the arena. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, for the seventh-straight year, is the Hell on Hooves Rough Stock Rodeo, their first stop of four in July featuring competitors from around the region entering events in saddle bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing. Then they send out the invite to the audience for the next generation of riders to enter the Mutton Bustin’ contest. The youth who holds on longest to the back of a sheep as it tears across the arena wins.

favorite Aaran Shinkle Band takes the stage at 7 p.m.

Anderson said to be sure to return frequently to the Les Schwab Stage on Saturday to catch some of the Polk County Fair’s favorite events, including the Beautiful Baby Contest 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by KYKN Radio, she said there will be lots of prizes in two categories – 0-12 and 13-24 months.

signed up for outside stall slots. Be sure to bring the kids over to the Free Family Fun Zone, which features displays with free activities from the Polk County Sheriff;s Office, expanded water Slide and Bouncy Houses and the return of Chemeketa College’s CDL Truck Simulator.

Anderson hopes to top last year’s turnout of just over 20 000 and bring fair attendance back to pre-COVID numbers that eclipsed 22,000 “We’re building it back up,” she added.

The Dallas/Perrydale High School Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET) take to the arena at 6 p.m. Friday night to demonstrate their prowess at barrel Racing and pole bending. And expect the dirt to fly on Saturday at 1 p.m. when the competition gets fierce with Oregon Tractor Puller Association’s Garden Tractor Pulls.

While he blames an uncle for being bitten by the collector’s bug, Gorze said he blames his parents, sort of, for his love performing live music.

“I was a ‘problematic kid’. My freshman year I asked my parents for a paintball gun for Christmas. They said absolutely not,” Gorze recalled. “I got a guitar and amp instead.”

All his friends at that age were skateboarders who got into forming their own bands in the

Anderson said the popular FMX RAMP-AGE Motocross Show is taking a year off in Polk County, so their act does not get stale. They plan to return next year, she added.

The Polk County Fair

suburbs surrounding the Portland area. By age 14 he was writing his own songs, inspired by 90s trailblazers Greenday, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. His tastes morphed in high school to more punk rock, such as SoCal bands like Rancid. Now 38, Gorze is trying to change attitudes about the punk/pop scene with listening audiences. “You have to be careful with punk rock. People can be very scared of it,” he said. “But it’s not political. We have no hateful lyrics. We bring a different type of energy. People tend to hear us, assume they don’t like

brings out the local talent for live music on the Les Schwab Stage.

The Rockaway Band (country/rock), kicks things off at 6 p.m.

Wednesday. The Bluebird Moon Band, a lively acoustic group, makes their debut at 4 p.m.

Thursday, performing uplifting and soulful folk, Americana, blues, pop and

it, then hear us and consider us just another rock band.”

Opening for Pretty Deadly are longtime collaborators from Portland that formed their own group, Old Cross. Gorze said they’re led by Chris Hahn, of Zomie

country standards. Then at 8 p.m., Silverton’s homegrown country talent Lexi Tucker takes a break from her tour out west from Nashville to return the favor of her local fans.

The entertainment continues on Friday at 5 p.m., with Pacific Northwest regulars Cascade Rye playing their alt country brand of music. And local

Media, who produces and polishes all of Pretty Deadly’s records.

“They did a six-day run with us, doing outdoor events, and another three days with us in November in Bremerton,” Gorze said. “This is a good opportunity and platform

In between catching entertainment in the arena and on the stage, Anderson invites the fair attendees to get acquainted with the FFA and 4-H’s animal entrants. There are more than 190 animals registered, with shows going on throughout the whole fair, culminating with the livestock auction at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

If you get thirsty, hungry or have some extra cash on hand, the fair features this year 22 vendors inside the main building with another 15 so far

to help them out.”

Gorze is taking his own band on the road constantly, performing at Eve 6 Saturday in Portland and Punks in the Park at the Salem Riverfront in September and a gig at a festival at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas.

Admission is still just $10 per adult, $8 per senior ages 65 and up and juniors ages 11-15 Seniors are free on Thursday until 4 p.m. Kids under 10 and military service members with ID are free anytime. For a complete breakdown of 2026 Polk County Fair events, go to www. polkcountyor.gov/368/ Polk-County-Fair-2026

But he’s most excited about bringing his style of music to the local masses. “I love it when Dallas does these Dallas Days, Dallas Nights, downtown events, and incorporates more original music,” Gorze said.

Lifestyle

Foster keeps Music in the Park running smoothly

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Bill Foster rarely gets a chance to just sit and listen during a Music in the Park concert.

Before the first note, he helps run cables, place microphones and prepare sound equipment. During the show, he watches the stage, visits with audience members, recognizes sponsors and draws the weekly raffle winners.

When the final song ends, Foster then helps take everything down.

This has been his Wednesday night routine for the past 16 summers.

“I’m there every week,” he said. “I do

whatever is necessary to get things going.” Foster helps oversee

the stage and emcee the program. He works with Richard Mann and Ethan

Wilson to deliver quality sound.

“It’s not a one-man

show by far,” Foster said. His role began in 2010, when the city approached the Monmouth Business Association about taking over the concert series.

Foster, then a realtor and association member, prepared a list of equipment needed for the weekly shows. The city purchased it. Then Foster and Mann learned how to use it.

Mann operated the sound system at their church, so he had some experience. Foster developed expertise in the technical side.

“I said, ‘Hey, I can learn that. So Richard showed me how to run the board,” Foster recalled. “We had never

done anything like this. After a while, we got a good feel for it.”

Bands submit stage plots showing where performers and instruments will be located. Foster and crew prepare the stage before the musicians arrive. His goal is to solve problems before the show begins.

“If the bands are comfortable, then we’re going to get a good show,” Foster said. Performers notice that attention to detail.

Bill Tollner of the Irish-infused Coming Up Threes said his band has performed at

The Shinkle Band brings hometown harmonies to Music in the Park

By LANCE MASTERSON For The

Music in the Park continues its summer run with The Shinkle Band, whose roots run deep in Polk County.

The band performs at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Main Street Park in Monmouth. Admission is free.

“We feel very fortunate to have such amazing local talent right here in our own backyard,” said Suzanne Dufner, economic development director for the City of Monmouth.

Brothers Aaron, Byron and Roger Shinkle front the band. Their musical upbringing began with a modest purchase by their father.

“Back in the ’50s, our father bought one of those cheap ukuleles from the Montgomery Ward catalog,” Roger said in an earlier interview. “He would play at home, and we’d play along with him. We started playing guitars, and so we’ve been a

singing family for a long time.”

Those country influences can be heard throughout the band’s set, which often include songs made famous by Johnny Cash, Merle

Haggard and Waylon Jennings.

The group also performs original music and selections from other genres. Whatever the style, each song must leave room for one of

the band’s signature strengths.

“Because we have so much vocal stuff going on, we tend to lean toward songs that focus on good harmonies,” Roger said.

The brothers honed those harmonies through years of singing together.

“Being brothers who have been singing together forever, a lot of the negotiation has already been figured

out,” Aaron said. “We’ll run something by each other and ask, ‘How about this?’ We don’t have to spend a zillion hours rehearsing to get the harmonies right. Our voices work together.”

The harmonies are one reason the group remains a local favorite, Dufner said. Its upbeat, familiar songs also generate a broad audience.

“They perform several songs suitable for line dancing, which always gets the crowd on their feet during the show,” Dufner said.

The Shinkles have performed at fairs, casinos and festivals since 2005 They opened for Reba McEntire, Neal McCoy, Joe Diffie and other notable performers. In 2010, the group recorded a self-titled album at Dog Ear Studios in Nashville with guitarist and producer Jamie LaRitz. Still, Aaron said hometown performances are special.

Band After Midnight pays tribute to ABBA at River’s Edge

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Jessa Campbell knows how to take on someone else’s music.

A few weeks ago at the River’s Edge Summer Series, Campbell portrayed Stevie Nicks with Taken by the Sky, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.

She returns Friday with Band After Midnight, a celebration of ABBA’s harmonies, enduring hits and distinctive visual style. Taken by the Sky has performed at River’s Edge four consecutive years. Friday’s show marks Band After Midnight’s debut at the Independence venue. Campbell formed the group after enjoying her work with Taken by the Sky. Adding another project helped her build a full-time music career without spending much of the year on the road.

“As I moved into doing music full-time, I realized that having multiple projects made it easier to stay local and maintain a sustainable schedule — especially with a family,” she said. Campbell also saw an opportunity to work with familiar musicians while performing songs that make people smile, sing and dance.

“I’ve always loved ABBA’s music, and I saw an opportunity to create something joyful and high-energy while working with musicians I already knew and loved,” she said. “It all came together pretty organically.”

Campbell portrays Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, while Liz Ghiz portrays Agnetha Fältskog. Tom Morrison is Benny Andersson, and Cameron Morgan is Björn Ulvaeus. Greg Hiatt plays bass; Brian Foxworth is on drums.

Ghiz also portrays Debbie Harry in Glass of Hearts, a Portland-based tribute to Blondie.

River’s Edge audiences already know Campbell can sing Nicks’ songs. Singing as Frida requires

a different approach.

Frida’s rich, slightly deeper tone fits naturally within Campbell’s range, but the icons’ styles are far from identical.

“The difference between singing Frida and Stevie is completely different — night and day,” Campbell said.

resonance and placement of her voice to reflect each singer’s style.

“One of the things I love about singing is how much you can shape and place your sound.” Campbell changes the

“It’s really fun to explore those differences between artists like

PAGES OF THE PAST FLASHBACK

40 YEARS AGO

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6, 1986

Road bill put to ballot test

Voters are now in the driver’s seat on a road bond levy.

Polk County Commissioners on Monday ordered that a levy be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot to authorize the issuance and sale of $7 million in road improvement bonds.

County Council Mike Najewicz prepared the ballot title and explanation and the commissioners formally approved it Monday afternoon.

Chairman Craig Hanneman called road improvements “the single most critical issue facing the county.” Commissioners gathered input for the decision during a July 30 public hearing at the courthouse. Thirteen people, as well as county officials, attended the meeting.

Caterpillar workers approve contract Members of the local union at Caterpillar Industrial Inc. voted in favor of a new contract agreement by more than two-thirds during a Friday meeting.

The three-year, ninemonth contract took effect Friday and ends May 1 1990. The contract keeps the current wage rate, features gains in employee and retirement benefits, and includes a clause for temporary employee layoffs.

“I think employees of Towmotor realize that the lift truck business is

a very competitive business at the present time,” said Wayne Biebenthal, chairman of the plant’s International Machinists Association union bargaining committee. It’s fun, it’s daring, it’s skateboarding Acid drop. Boneless. Street plant. No, we’re not talking about the latest drug, a rising rock group, or the new punk hairstyle. We’re talking about skateboards.

You’ve seen them whiz by. They’re everywhere, on Dallas streets, sidewalks, and playgrounds, usually accompanied by a young rider with hair blown back and T-shirt flapping in the high-speed breeze.

It’s fun, it beats walking, and it’s nearly addictive for the true skateboard artist.

“Transportation,” says 16-year-old Del Nelson on why he rides his Sport Fun Fast Finger every day. “I like messing around on it.”

50 YEARS AGO

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 4, 1976

Council grants zone change

The Dallas City Council Monday approved a zone change for a tract of 35 acres of land to be used in the construction of the proposed Mill Valley Square shopping center. By a unanimous vote, the council approved the change of the property located at the north end of Main Street from RS, Single Family Dwelling, to CG, General Commercial Zone, paving

the way for the primary phase of the mall development. The property is owned by Andrew Lalack, Jr.

The City Council also approved by a unanimous vote a resolution petitioning the Oregon Legislature to inaugurate an income tax sharing procedure with Oregon cities.

In passing the resolution, the City Council noted that the city expected a revenue shortfall of $169,262 for the fiscal year of 1977-78 and a shortfall of $257,434 for the following year.

Fire boundary changes proposed

The Farm Bureau is considering a proposal which would alter the fire district boundaries of Polk County, according to Farm Bureau President Dean Freeborn.

The proposal, which is still in the rough stages, would suggest a redistricting of the current fire district boundaries to bring outlying areas into the same fire district as the nearest fire department.

“We currently have a situation in some areas,” said Freeborn, “in which the fire department responding to a fire must come from much farther away than would a unit from another district if they instead were responding.”

Pachino’s slowpitch kings Shortstop slugs to third

The 12th annual Dallas Invitational Slowpitch Tournament came to a head Sunday in the final games of the 16-team tournament. Pachino’s of Albany took the top prize after fighting back

from the losers’ bracket to defeat the Tillamook County Merchants 14-0 and 16-5

Shortstop Inn of Dallas came home with the thirdplace trophy and a 3-2 record for the weekend of play. Shortstop won their first three games, beating Willy’s Barber of Silverton 15-3, Weyco of Klamath Falls 10-5, and Pachino’s of Albany 17-3

The string of wins came to an end against the Tillamook team, as the hometown boys came up on the short end of an 8-2 score.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5

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

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

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

10 a.m. - Strong People, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10:30 a.m. - Little bitty story time, for babies and very young toddler, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

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

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

11:45 a.m. - Better Together, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

1 p.m. - Walking Group, Dallas Area Senior Center

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

1 p.m. - Wii bowling, Dallas Area Senior Center

2 p.m. - Fingerpaint Art, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St.

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

6 p.m. - Open Mic Night, Brew Coffee & Tap House

6:30 p.m. - Live Music: Music in the Park - Rose’s Pawn Shop, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth

7:10 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Newcomers Meeting, Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 SE Fir Villa Road, Dallas

THURSDAY, AUG. 6

8 a.m. - Yoga, 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 0-5, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Bounces and Rhymes: Spring Series, for ages 0-2, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

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

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

12 p.m. - Blood Pressure Checks, Monmouth Senior Community Center

COUNTY DEMOCRATS TO HAVE BOOTH AT COUNTY FAIR

The Polk County Democrats invite visitors to the Polk County Fair to stop by their booth which opens at 2 p.m. Aug. 5. The fair then runs every day, through Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’ll have voter and candidate information, pins, bumper stickers, yard signs and lively conversation.

DALLAS MOSAIC

LADIES HOST BUNCO NIGHT AUG. 6

Dallas Mosaic Ladies host Women’s Bunco Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m Aug. 6 at 1079 SE Jefferson St., in Dallas. The $5 buy in goes toward prizes. Bring a dish/snack/dessert to share if you want. For more information, text Jenny at (541) 300-8713

STRUTS AND FRETS

Community Calendar

12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Community Center, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area

Senior Center

6 p.m. - Name That Tune

Music Trivia with Sam, West Valley Taphouse, 957 Main St., Dallas

6:30 p.m. - Live Music: Steve Benavides (country), Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

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

Senior Community Center

7 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Back to Basics, Grace Baptist Church, 1855 E. Ellendale Ave., Dallas FRIDAY, AUG. 7

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Community Center

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

10 a.m. - Art Workshop/ CardsTable Games/6 Handed Pinochle, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Writer’s Workshop, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

10 a.m. - Strong People, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10:30 a.m. - Storytime, Independence Public Library

11 a.m. - Jewelry Making, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - Watch repair clinic, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Tai Chi with Chery/ Munchies and Melodies, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Free Movie and Craft: “The Lorax” and Lorax holder craft, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

1 p.m. - Sunshine Club, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1:30 p.m. - 10-Minute Writing, Dallas Area Senior Center

2 p.m. - Free Movie: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St.

6 p.m. - Live Music: Dallas Nights Summer Concert Series - Old Cross/Pretty Deadly, Dallas Rotary Performing Arts Stage, Academy/Main St., Dallas

6 p.m. - Speak Easy: A Community Story, Monmouth Senior Community Center

6 p.m. - Live Music: Rivers

Edge Concert Series presents Band After Midnight (Abba tribute), with opener Daring Greatly American Classic Rock & Soul) Independence Amphitheater at Riverview Park

6:30 p.m. - Live Music: Rolling Tones (Rolling Stones tribute), tickets $10, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

6:30 p.m. - Alcoholics

Anonymous Friday Night Meeting, Salt Creek Baptist Church, Dallas

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

7:30 p.m. - Alcoholics

Anonymous Speaker Meeting, Dallas Church, 450 SE Washington St.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8

9 a.m. - Independence Riverview Farmers Market, top of Riverview Park

9 a.m. - Yoga in the Park, Riverview Park, Independence, free

9 a.m. - Independence Farmers Market, Umpqua Bank parking lot, 302 S. Main St.

1 p.m. - Bingo at the Independence Elks Lodge, 289 S. Main St.

6 p.m. - Live Music: Raven Kings (blues & rock), Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

7 p.m. - Alcoholics

Anonymous Saturday Night Live, Faith Lutheran Church, 200 Monmouth-Independence Highway, Monmouth

SUNDAY, AUG. 9

1 p.m. - Live Music: Melody Jordan (pop, rock, acoustic storytelling), Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

7 p.m. - Alcoholics

Anonymous Monmouth Big Book Study, Faith Lutheran Church, 200 MonmouthIndependence Highway, Monmouth

MONDAY, AUG. 10

7 a.m. - Alcoholics

Anonymous Serenity at 7, Life Center Foursquare Church, 437 D St., Independence

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

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

10 a.m. - Rotating Pinochle/5-Crowns Game/ Cards/Table Games, Dallas

Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Hand & Foot/ Cribbage, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

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

12 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Noon Step Study, Grace Baptist Church, 1855 E Ellendale Ave., Dallas

1 p.m. - Walking Group, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Bunko/Tai Chi with Cheryl/Technology Help with Ian, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

5:30 p.m. - Independence Historic Preservation Commission meeting, City Hall, 555 S. Main St.

6 p.m. - Trivia Nights, Forest Pass Brewing, 735 SW Maple St., Dallas

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

7:30 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Old Guthrie Park, Guthrie Park Community Center

TUESDAY, AUG. 11

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

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

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

10 a.m. - Age Café, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

10:30 a.m. - Children’s Story Time, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public library at 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Circle of Friends, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Summer Stories and Play, for ages 3-5 Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

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

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

1 p.m. - Bunko, Dallas Area Senior Center

2 p.m. - Nonagenarians Club (ages 90-99), Monmouth Senior Community Center

6 p .m. - Trivia Night, West Valley Taphouse, 957 S Main

Community Briefs

PRESENTS ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’

The Struts and Frets Theater Company presents Twelfth Night at 7 p.m. Aug. 7-9 and 13-15 at the Main Street Park Amphitheater in Monmouth. The Aug. 14 performance will be ASL interpreted. Admission is free. As it’s ground seating, bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ARBORETUM CLEANUP PROJECT AUG. 8

Friends of the Delbert Hunter Arboretum seeks volunteers to help maintain and improve the arboretum grounds from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 8. Come when you can, and join in a variety of tasks to help keep this jewel welcoming to all. Stay for as long as you want. Meet at the arboretum center on Park Street. It’s a great way to give back to your community. All

are welcome.

LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION

HOSTS A YOUTH MARKET AUCTION AUG. 8

The Polk County Livestock Association presents a 2026 Youth Market Auction at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, at 520 S. Pacific Highway West, in Rickreall. The Polk County 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock Auction showcases their local 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and their market projects. Come to the auctions and make a purchase to help young people meet their goals and reward them for all of their hard work.

DDA HOSTS BINGO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE AUG. 11

The Dallas Downtown Association hosts a bingo school supply drive at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at Two Wolves Tap Room, 171 Court St. There is

St., Dallas

6 p.m. - Bingo Night, Two Wolves Taproom, 171 SW Court St.

6:30 p.m. Independence City Council meeting, City Hall, 555 S. Main St.

7 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday Grace, Grace Baptist Church, 1855 E Ellendale Ave., Dallas

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12

7 a.m. - Monmouth Library Board meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St.

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

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

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

10 a.m. - Strong People, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10:30 a.m. - Little bitty story time, for babies and very young toddler, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

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

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

11 a.m. - Bee Amazed!, enjoy hands-on science fun and buzz worthy activities, for ages 5-18, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. 11:45 a.m. - Better Together, Monmouth Senior Community Center

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

1 p.m. - Walking Group, Dallas Area Senior Center

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

1 p.m. - Wii bowling, Dallas Area Senior Center

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

5:30 p.m. - Independence Heritage Advisory Board meeting, Heritage Museum, 281 S. 2nd St. 6 p.m. - Open Mic Night, Brew Coffee & Tap House

6:30 p.m. - Music Jam, Monmouth Senior Community Center

6:30 p.m. - Live Music: Music in the Park - The Shinkle Band, Main Street Park, 120 Main St. E., Monmouth 7:10 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Newcomers Meeting, Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 SE Fir Villa Road, Dallas

a $15 buy in and extra blackout cards for school supply donations.

MINET BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEET AUG. 12

The Monmouth-Independence Network Board of Directors meets on 5 Aug. 12. The public is invited to attend at Monmouth Public Works, 401 N Hogan Road, in Monmouth or virtually. For agenda and virtual link details go to https://minetfiber.com/ board-of-directors.

CENTRAL LIONS CLUB HOSTS CRUISE-IN AND CAR SHOW AUG. 15

The 15th Annual Central Lions Club Cruise-In and Car Show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Independence Riverview Park and Amphitheater in Independence. This family-friendly event features classic cars, custom builds, hot rods, an awards

ceremony, a community breakfast, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing. A $10 Community Breakfast is from 8-10:30 a.m. An awards ceremony of the top entries is at 2:30 p.m. For more information, go to the Central Lions Club Facebook page.

XTREME DANCE COMPANY HOSTS BINGO FUNDRAISER AUG. 20

The Xtreme Dance Company hosts an Xtreme Family Bingo Night Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at 976 S Main St., in Dallas. Grab your family, invite your friends, and join us for a fun night of bingo, prizes, food, and community fun.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help keep Hunter Arboretum on Park Street in Dallas looking good for visitors on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Choose the work you want to do and take a break with us at 10:30. All are welcome.

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700 ITEMS FOR SALE

Collapsable transport chair, padded armrest, 7-inch wheels, removable metal footrest, $259 value, asking $175. 503-837-0762.

702 GARAGE SALES

Big Family Sale - 291 NW

Douglas St. Dallas - Friday Aug. 7th & Sat. Aug 8th. 9am to 4 pm. Vintage items, lawn items, furniture, clothes of all sizes, appliances, large collection of DVD’s, tools, sports cards, LP Records, toys, trailer, household items.

BRIDGEPORT CHAPEL’S ANNUAL GARAGE AND BAKE SALE Aug. 7, 9am to 5pm, Aug. 8, 9am to 4pm 16930 Bridgeport Road, Dallas. Furniture, large desk, beds, housewares, books, collectibles and more. Homemade breads, pies, cookies, etc. Homemade biscuits and gravy while supplies last on Aug. 7 and 8 mornings. All proceeds go to a children’s home in India.

Huge Yard Sale Aug 7&8 8am-3pm NO EARLIES Bowflex, Yamaha guitar, tiller, dining table, juicer/ steamer, small appliances (most like new), Kitchenware, cookware, dishes, silverware, linens, canning jars/supplies, camping lantern. CASH ONLY bring lots! 649 S.E. Rosewood Ln. Dallas

Mdw Crk VILLAGE SALES 1401 W Ellendale. Aug 7th & 8th. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 903 CONDOS For Rent 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo in Dallas. $1350/ month. Water, sewer, garbage paid. For appointment call 503-580-8875

PCIO26-356 PURSUENT TO ORS CHAPTER 87 Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be Sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 8/18/2026.

8990 Dejong Rd, Amity, OR 2014 Toyota Tacoma VIN = 3TMLU4EN0EM142544

Amount due on lien

$9440.00 Reputed owner(s)

GALLOWAY, JEREMY

RIVERMARK COMM CU LEACH, CHRIS 08/05/26, 08/12/26

PCIO26-355 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK COUNTY CASE NO. 26PB05946 In the Matter of the Estate of Marshall Edward Downs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rebekah Downs has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at 925 Commercial St. SE, Ste 200, Salem, OR 97302 within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyers for the personal representative. First published on August 05, 2026.

PCIO26-354 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A LAND USE ACTION AND REQUEST FOR COMMENT

The Polk County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive public testimony on the following applications: TYPE OF APPLICATIONS:

1. Comprehensive Plan Map amendment to change the Comprehensive Plan Map designation of an approximately 8.4 acre parcel from Agriculture to Farm Forest. 2. Zone Change to amend the Zoning Map of an approximately 8.4 acre parcel from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Farm Forest (FF) OWNER/ APPLICANT: Benjamin Smith APPLICANT’S

REPRESENTATIVE: Frank Walker and Associates

PROPERTY LOCATION: One property south of 19100 Bridgeport Road, Dallas, Oregon 97338 (Polk County Assessor’s Map: T8S, R6W, Section 21, Tax Lot 602)

FILE NUMBERS: PA 25-01 & ZC 25-01 REVIEW AND DECISION CRITERIA: Polk County Zoning Ordinance (PCZO) Sections 111.275 and 115.050 HEARING

DATE &TIME: August 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM HEARING

LOCATION: Hearing / Conference Room, First Floor, Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main Street, Dallas, Oregon 97338 STAFF

CONTACT: Eric Knudson.

Email: knudson.eric@ polkcountyor.gov; Phone: (503) 623-9237 The location of the hearing is handicapped accessible. Please advise the Community Development Department at (503) 6239237, in as far in advance

of the meeting as possible, if you will need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting. Written testimony may be directed to the Planning Division of the Polk County Community Development Department, 850 Main Street, Polk County Courthouse, Dallas, Oregon 97338-1922. Written testimony may be submitted to the Polk County Planning Division prior to the public hearing by handdelivery to the Polk County Community Development Office. Mailed or emailed testimony is not guaranteed to be included in the record and the cost of copy fees may apply for printing electronic submissions. Please include File Numbers PA 25-01 & ZC 25-01 in all correspondences related to these applications. Written comments received by the Polk County Planning Division prior to the public hearing will be provided to the Board of Commissioners. Oral and written testimony may be presented at the hearing. The hearing will be conducted in a manner, which allows testimony in favor of the applications, testimony in opposition to the applications, general testimony, and rebuttal by the applicant. Failure of an issue to be raised in a hearing, in person or in writing, or failure to provide sufficient specificity to afford the hearings body an opportunity to respond to the issue, precludes appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals on that issue. A copy of the applications, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicant, and applicable criteria, are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost. In addition, a copy of the staff memorandum will be available for inspection at no cost at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing, and will be provided at a reasonable cost, at the Polk County Community Development Department, Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main Street, Dallas, Oregon 97338; (503) 623-9237. NOTICE TO MORTGAGEE, LIENHOLDER, VENDOR OR SELLER: ORS Chapter 215 requires that if you receive this Notice, it must promptly be forwarded to the purchaser. 08/05/26

PCIO26-353 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of: MARILYN KAY NICKS, Deceased. Case No.: 26PB06512 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSON Notice: The Circuit Court of the State of Oregon, for the County of Polk, has appointed Michael Shawn Silver as Personal Representative of the Estate of Marilyn Kay Nicks, deceased. All persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same, with proper vouchers to the Personal Representative, c/o Stan

Butterfield, P.C., Attorney at Law, 605 SW Church St., Dallas, OR 97338, within four months from the date of the publication of this notice as stated below, or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by this proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the Personal Representative, or the Attorney for the Personal Representative. Date published August 05, 2026. Michael Shawn Silver, Personal Representative c/o Stan Butterfield, P.C. Attorney at Law 605 SW Church St., Dallas, OR 97338 Telephone: (503) 623-2427 Email: stan@ stanbutterfield.com 08/05/26

PCIO26-352 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON, COUNTY OF POLK, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN M. ELLIOTT, DECEASED, CASE NO. 26PB05759, NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed and has qualified as the Personal Representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present the same, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the Personal Representative at PO Box 105, Dallas, OR 97338, or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the Personal Representative or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Date of publication: August 05, 2026. Dorothy L. Colombe, Personal Representative of the Estate of Helen M. Elliott, Deceased. Gregory V. Goebel, OSB #194952, Sherman, Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, PC., Attorneys for the Personal Representative, 189 SW Academy St, PO Box 105, Dallas, OR 97338, (503) 3642281. 08/05/26

PCIO26-351 Notice Of Self Storage Auction Monmouth Mini Storage (503)8380803, 555 Gwinn Street E, Monmouth, OR 97361 Units to be auctioned off verbally on August 15th at 10am. All units sold as a whole. Unit 330,36,24 Trina Perrault, Unit 177 Robert Carroll, Unit 196 Logan Keys, Unit 184 Jazzmyn/Wyatt Davis, Unit 27 Jasmone Orozco, Unit 190 Angela Trinidad. 08/05/26, 08/12/26

PCIO26-350 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF POLK In the Matter of the Estate of: GLENN EDWARD MOORE, Deceased. Case No. 26PB06565 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons

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.

Independence Police Department

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Billy Bray was arrested in the 1300 block of Monmouth Street and charged with violating a restraining order after whistling at his victim, then calling the restaurant where she was dining a couple of times.

THURSDAY, JULY 16

At 2:50 p.m., a motorist was stopped for a traffic violation in the 500 block of South Main Street. The driver was cited and released for giving false information. The information was forwarded to the DA’s office for additional charges in another open case.

At 1:17 p.m., an officer on traffic patrol noticed Yitsak Ostrom using

his cellular phone while driving and conducted a traffic stop at Monmouth and South 5th streets. Ostrom did not have any identification and it was discovered that his driving privileges were suspended. He was arrested and charged with driving while suspended - misdemeanor and probation violation. He was also cited with failing to carry/present operator’s license, operation of a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, and failure to install an ignition interlock device.

At 7:47 p.m., an officer responded to a domestic disturbance on College Street. Both subjects were gone upon his arrival. The office did come across the female subject involved and said the dispute was mostly verbal. The officer remained until a ride came to pick her up.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

An officer contacted Luis Andrade-Nunez in the 300 block of I Street. Andrade-Nunez provided a different last name and date of birth, as later explained, because he was nervous. As he was correctly identified and the warrant was

having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at: Leassa Jo Rentz, Personal Representative c/o Tankersley & Wright, LLC Attorneys At Law 701 NE Evans Street, PO Box 625, McMinnville, OR 97128 Phone: 503-4720344 within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative, Catherine A. Wright. Dated and published August 05, 2026.

PCIO26-348 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice IN Self Storage - Salem West located at 2401 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR 97304 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 8/19/2026 at 10:00AM. Kenya Pettigrew Unit #197; Christine Leek Unit #419. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. 07/29/26, 08/05/26

PCIO26-347 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice IN Self StorageSalem Wallace located at 300 Musgrave Ave., NW Salem OR 97304 intends to hold a sale to sell the property stored at the Facility by the below list of Occupants whom are in default at an Auction. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 8/19/2026 at 10:00AM. Dustin Schur Unit #077; Laban J Quimby Unit #152; Aaron Hancock Unit #197; Lisa Szabo Unit #3014; Adam WIlson Unit #5025; David Rash Unit #602. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. 07/29/26, 08/05/26

PCIO26-337 PUBLICATION FOR: POLK COUNTY, OREGON IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF PIERCE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO ERIC D. MERCIER, alleged father IRIS MERCIER; DOB: 12/15/2010; Cause No. 267-00294-4; A Dependency Petition was filed 4/17/26; ERIC D. MERCIER, alleged father MILES MERCIER; DOB: 1/11/2009; Cause No. 26-7-00293-6; A Dependency Petition was filed 4/17/26; AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: A Fact Finding Hearing will be held on this matter on: August 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Pierce County Family and Juvenile

confirmed, AndradeNunez ran from the officer but was quickly caught and brought to the ground. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant, was transported to jail and charged with escape 3 and giving false information to a police officer.

At 11:09 p.m., an officer on traffic patrol was stationed in the 1400 block of Monmouth Street and noticed Jaimarie Hendrick going in and out of her car in the late evening and walked over to check on her. Hendrick displayed signs of intoxication and told the officer she’d pulled over to make a phone call. After failing a field sobriety test, Hendrick blew a BAC of .13% at the police station. She was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants at the misdemeanor level.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

At 9:02 p.m., a sergeant watched a motorist roll through a stop sign and conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Monmouth Street. The driver, Fernando Urrutia Ramos, was found to be driving while suspended at the misdemeanor level. Urrutia Ramos was cited

Court, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma WA 98406. You are summoned to appear at the hearing on the date, time, and place set forth above. The court expects you to appear in person unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from being able to do so. If appearing by zoom participate at https:// zoom.us/join or call 253-2158782 using Zoom Meeting ID 921 9561 1785, Passcode 444705. YOU SHOULD BE PRESENT AT THIS HEARING. THE HEARING WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR CHILD IS DEPENDENT AS DEFINED IN RCW 13.34.030(6). THIS BEGINS A JUDICIAL PROCESS WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERMANENT LOSS OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS. IF YOU DO NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING THE COURT MAY ENTER A DEPENDENCY ORDER IN YOUR ABSENCE. To request a copy of the Notice, Summons, and Dependency Petition, call DCYF at 1-800423-6246. To view information about your rights in this proceeding, go to www.atg. wa.gov/DPY.aspx. 07/22/26, 07/29/26, 08/05/26

PCIO26-336 TRUSTEE’S

NOTICE OF SALE The Trustee under the terms of the Trust Deed described herein, at the direction of the Beneficiary, hereby elects to sell the property described in the Trust Deed to satisfy the obligations secured thereby. Pursuant to ORS 86.771, the following information is provided: PARTIES: Grantor: , JOANNE K. HOFFSTETTER Trustee: , FIRST AMERICAN TITLE Successor Trustee: , NANCY K. CARY

Beneficiary: , SHERRAE M. VAUPEL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The real property is described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Block 2, in Henry Hill’s Town of Independence, Polk County, Oregon; thence South along the East line of said Block 2, a distance of 104.0 feet; thence West a distance of 148 ½ feet to the alley; thence North a distance of 104.0 feet to the North line of said Block 2; thence East a distance of 148 1/2 feet to the place of beginning and being a part of Lot 2 and all of Lot 1 in said Block 2. RECORDING. The Trust Deed was recorded as follows: Date Recorded: March 10, 2021 Recording No. 2021-004336 Official Records of Polk County, Oregon DEFAULT. The Grantor or any other person obligated on the Trust Deed and Promissory Note secured thereby is in default and the Beneficiary seeks to foreclose the Trust Deed for failure to pay: Monthly payments in the amount of $1,089.10 each, due the tenth of each month, for the months of April 2025 through March 2026; plus late charges and advances; plus any unpaid real property taxes or liens, plus interest. AMOUNT DUE.

and instructed to meet with his parole officer as it was likely that a parole violation charge would be added.

John Shones was arrested in the 1400 block of MonmouthIndependence Highway and charged with shoplifting for a June 19 incident of stealing pizza from a mini mart.

SUNDAY, JULY 19

At 1:13 a.m., Ivan Olague-Ramirez was observed behind the wheel of a motor vehicle swerving and crossing the double yellow center line and speeding on Hoffman and Airport roads. During the traffic stop, OlagueRamirez displayed signs of intoxication and failed a field sobriety test. Olague-Ramirez would not consent to a breath test so a search warrant was written for a blood draw. He was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants - misdemeanor.

At 4:48 p.m., officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Deann Drive. It turned out to be youths playing video games and being loud.

The amount due on the Note which is secured by the Trust Deed referred to herein is: Principal balance in the amount of $107,890.46; plus interest at the rate of 11.990% per annum from March 10, 2025; plus late charges of $647.52; plus advances and foreclosure attorney fees and costs. SALE OF PROPERTY. The Trustee hereby states that the property will be sold to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed. A Trustee’s Notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Terms of Trust Deed has been recorded in the Official Records of Polk County, Oregon. TIME OF SALE. Date: , September 17, 2026 Time: , 11:00 a.m. Place: , Polk County Courthouse, Front Entrance, 850 Main Street, Dallas, Oregon 97338 RIGHT TO REINSTATE. Any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time that is not later than five days before the Trustee conducts the sale, to have this foreclosure dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the

Prospective purchasers of

property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. You may reach the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800452-7636 or you may visit its website at: www.osbar. org. Legal assistance may be available if you have a low income and meet federal poverty guidelines. For more information and a directory of legal aid programs, go to http://www.oregonlawhelp. org. Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to Lisa Summers, Paralegal, (541) 686-0344 (TS #31564.19). DATED: April 8, 2026. Nancy K. Cary, Successor Trustee, Hershner Hunter, LLP, P.O. Box 1475, Eugene, OR 97440. 07/15/26, 07/22/26, 07/29/26, 08/05/26

MONDAY, JULY 20

An officer observed a vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at Hoffman Road and Polk Street and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, Perla Torres, displayed signs of intoxication and failed a field sobriety test. Her BAC was .03% so a drug recognition expert officer conducted a further evaluation for impairment. Alvarado Torres was cited and released for driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Igor Kulik was observed to be on his cellular phone while driving in the 400 block of Monmouth Street, so an officer initiated a traffic stop. Kulik admitted that he did not possess a driver’s license and that he did not have the vehicle insured. It was also discovered that Kulik had a failure to appear warrant out of Marion County. He was arrested on the outstanding warrant and was also cited with failing to carry/present an operator’s license, failure to register a vehicle, driving uninsured and driving while suspended - violation.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

An officer observed

a motorist driving with a cellular phone in her hand. The officer learned she had two previous citations and a misdemeanor arrest in 2025 for driving a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device. The driver was cited and released for the fourth offense.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

A resident in the 1000 block of South 4th Street reported a man trying to break in her garage and had opened her vehicle door. When confronted, Jonathon Huckans made strange statements and admitted he was under the influence of drugs that led him to being at the wrong residence. Huckans was criminally cited for criminal trespass i and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and was released to a family member.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

An officer responded to a report of a suspicious person slumped over on River Road Bridge. John Hoy was cited and released on an outstanding failure to appear bench warrant out of Salem Municipal Court.

See POLICE, page 6

Family members reported that Adan Rincon was under the influence of drugs. Upon contacting Rincon in the 500 block of Maple Court, officers observed Rincon in the act of using a substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine. Rincon’s parole officer issued a detainer for a parole violation and he was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

A motorist was spotted driving while using his cellular phone when nearing a construction zone. When contacted by an officer at Monmouth and South 5th streets he was initially not truthful about his identity as he knew he had a suspended driver’s license but quickly corrected his lie. The driver was criminally cited for failure to carry/ present an operator’s license and received traffic citations for driving while suspended, failure to install an ignition interlock device and driving while using a mobile electronic device.

MONDAY, JULY 27

A business owner in the 800 block of North Main Street reported that her business’ cat had been stolen the previous evening. Surveillance footage showed a male suspect drive into the parking lot, lure the cat from the business with a can of cat food, grab the cat, put it in the car and drive off, leaving behind the can of cat food. Numerous Facebook groups shared photos of the suspect who called the business later in the morning to let them know he’d return the cat. Dallas Police Officers detained Bret West who confessed to an Independence Police Officer that he’d let the cat outside of his house and it had not returned. The cat was later found and returned to the business. West was booked into jail and charged with theft 1 and offensive littering.

An officer observed a motorist in the 100 block of Monmouth Street holding his cellular phone on the steering wheel. Leonardo Tolento Jr. had received his third citation for driving while using a mobile electronic device earlier in the month and was cited and released for this fourth offense.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

A resident in the 1100 block of South 7th Street reported she’d been assaulted by her roommate. Trissya Holland struck the victim on her face several times. Holland was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. In addition to being charged with assault 4 - misdemeanor, she also had an outstanding warrant out of Albany Municipal Court.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

At 7:46 a.m., a motorist on Highway 22 near Oak Grove was cited for speeding 75 mph in a 55-mph zone.

At 11:01 a.m., a deputy came upon a vehicle parked on Bald Mountain Road near milepost 2 that had money visible on center consul. The deputy was worried it might attract ill intentions.

At 12:10 p.m., a resident on Reuben Boise Road reported some trespassers using his rope swing. Deputies got there pretty quick and were unable to locate any suspects.

At 12:03 p.m., deputies responded to a fender bender on Highway 22 that was originally thought to be a hit and run, but turned out not to be.

At 12:47 p.m., a resident on Pioneer Road reported seeing a lightning strike cause a fire on the nearby mountain. The Oregon Department of Forestry investigated and local fire was in the area as well. Fire is likely up 1905 Road off Reuben Boise.

At 2:18 p.m., a report of a backpack stolen on Corvallis Road. A credit card from the backpack was used at another location. An associate of the victim located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to follow. The suspects hit the pursuing car and sped off. Deputies located the vehicle in the 9600 block of Corvallis Road. Melisa Collinsworth and Stephanie Quick were taken into custody and charged with hit and run, three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and three counts of ID theft.

At 3:22 p.m., a resident on West Boulevard in Falls City reported her ex entered her trailer and stole a credit card that was used for a $100 transaction at another location. The resident said she was scared to make the report due to possible retaliation. She was advised of the restraining order process and was given a case number.

At 4:04 p.m., a resident on Parker Road reported his border collie ran away during the thunder storm. It is chipped and registered with the county.

At 7:04 p.m., a resident inquired about making a report about her daughter stealing $1 500. She was informed she’d need to make a report with the Independence Police Department.

At 7:49 p.m., a loose dog was returned to its owner on Crider Street. The owner advised he did not know he needed a dog license and had only lived in Dallas since March. He was cited for no dog license.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

At 12:53 a.m., a deputy witnessed a motorist on Airlie Road nearly drive into a ditch and swerve across the road a couple times. The deputy stopped the driver, Jessica Weisensee, who admitted to drinking that night and was taken into custody after refusing to take a field sobriety test. She consented to a BAC test that came back at .16 percent. Multiple alcohol containers were located in her vehicle. The vehicle was towed for no insurance. Weisensee was also cited for expired registration.

At 8:12 a.m., a motorist on Fairview Avenue was stopped for failure to remain within the lane. The driver was cited for driving while suspended - violation.

At 6:55 p.m., a deputy responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the entire southbound lane of Perrydale Road. The vehicle had stalled in traffic. A tow was called.

At 6:58 p.m., a resident on 32nd Avenue reported a vehicle in the

neighborhood she had never seen before with its door cracked open. A deputy contacted the two occupants in the vehicle who turned out to be door to door pest control solicitors.

At 9:20 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an armed person creating a disturbance on Warren Street. Andrew Greiner was arrested and lodged at Polk County Jail on a charge of disorderly conduct.

A resident on Beck Road reported a female subject in a ski mask was spotted on their trail cam stealing weeds. The suspect and their vehicle were gone upon a deputy’s arrival.

At 10:32 p.m., a motorist on Pacific Highway was on the shoulder with his hazards on. A deputy spoke to the driver who said he ran over a broken yield sign in the roundabout and two of his tires were now flat. The driver said he had a tow on the way.

FRIDAY, JULY 24

At 1:10 a.m., deputies investigated a business alarm on Highway 18 They cleared the building at the owner’s request and found no signs of criminal activity.

At 4:25 a.m., a resident on Red Prairie Road reported someone on a bicycle with a flashlight and was worried because of recent crime in the area. A deputy was unable to locate anyone.

At 10:28 a.m., deputies joined a foot pursuit of a wanted suspect on Ecols Street. After a brief chase, Irma Young was arrested and lodged at PCJ on four outstanding warrants.

At 10:57 a.m., a deputy investigated a report of a single vehicle crash into a ditch on Airlie Road. The driver was likely going too fast and was admittedly distracted with their nav system. The driver exited a curve and lost control, sliding across the road and into the ditch on the oncoming lane. The driver was uninjured. Dallas Towing handled the tow.

At 12:18 p.m., Polk County Jail inmates Robbie Labonte and Joseph Mckinney got into a fight. After jail staff reviewed security footage, the inmates were charred with one count of harassment.

At 2:26 p.m., a report of a husky with different colored eyes loose near South Main Street and Bridge Street in Falls City.

At 2:48 p.m., a motorist reported witnessing a porta potty fall off a truck and strike another vehicle. The complainant said both drivers stopped and exchanged info and that it appeared they were getting ready to clean up the debris before she left the scene.

At 3 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a vehicle crash on Wallace Road. They provided traffic control until Oregon State Police arrived and took over the investigation.

At 3:20 p.m., a subject reported the theft of tools from his prior residence on Church Street. There are no suspects at this time. He is sending a list of stolen items to investigators.

At 3:27 p.m., a resident on Corvallis Road reported money was stolen out of his vehicle either at his residence or at Jimmyz gas station in Independence.

At 6:16 p.m., deputies

investigated a report of a male sitting on the side of Oakdale Road and acting strange. The complainant reported the male started walking southbound. A deputy contacted the male near Barnhart Road. The subject said he was trying to walk to the next city. The deputy informed the subject the approx distance to Falls City and asked him to stay out of the road while walking.

At 7:37 p.m., a deputy observed two juveniles fighting at a residence on Rainbow Avenue. The larger of the two threw a punch at the smaller juvenile. The deputy stopped and talked to both who said they were “play” fighting. The two are brothers and seemed a little emotional, likely from the fight getting a little out of hand. The deputy informed them they probably shouldn’t playfight next to Main Street.

At 8:06 p.m., a deputy investigated a report of a male throwing a rock at the ground and flipping people off on Church Street. The deputy was unable to locate any suspects.

At 9:59 p.m., a motorist on Highway 22 near milepost 24 was cited for speeding 82 mph in a 55-mph zone.

At 10:16 p.m., a motorist on Pacific Highway was stopped for illegal alteration of plate. The driver received a verbal warning for failure to register, illegal altering and no front plate.

At 10:31 p.m., deputies assisted Dallas Police with arresting Daniel Mason III on Godsey Road on an outstanding parole board warrant. Mason was also charged with failing to report as a sex offender (felony).

SATURDAY, JULY 25

At 3:12 a.m., Dallas police got a report of a male threatening people with a knife and brick on Cedar Avenue and there was some sort of physical fight that took place. Deputies responded to assist with the male being taken into custody. Andrew Hamilton was arrested and lodged at Polk County Jail where he was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, attempted assault 2, and disorderly conduct 2

At 4:33 a.m., deputies responded to a roll over crash on Independence Highway. The occupant was trapped in the vehicle. Fire department personnel arrived on scene and extracted the driver. Deputies provided traffic control until Oregon State Police arrived and took over the crash investigation.

At 8:13 a.m., a deputy responded to a report of a loose, aggressive pit bull that was charging park employees off Salem Dallas Highway. By the time the deputy arrived the dog was back in its owner’s tent. Park personnel asked the owners to pack up and leave and they agreed to do so.

At 9:09 a.m., deputies on Salem Dallas Highway tagged an abandoned vehicle for removal.

At 11:17 a.m., a married couple located two dogs near Highway 99 and Hoffman Road. They brought the dogs to the PCSO. One dog had the owner’s phone number and was chipped. A deputy got a hold of the owner. He arrived at PCSO and picked up the dogs.

At 12:57 p.m., a female subject reported being on the phone with her boyfriend when he told her he had crashed and the phone went dead. Due to the concern of an injury, deputies pinged his phone, which led them to contact him at North 9th and Monmouth Avenue in Independence. He did seem to be experiencing some sort of medical issue and medics transported him. However, he was cited and released on two outstanding warrants.

At 3:43 p.m., a report of a hit and run on Ellendale Avenue involving a female subject and an unknown suspect. The case is under investigation.

At 4:34 p.m., a deputy located a subject walking along the roadway. He did not appear to need medics and he stated he was fine. The male said he was walking to Corvallis. The deputy told him to stay far off the roadway as possible.

At 5:43 p.m., a deputy investigated a report of two vehicles and occupants trespassing off Eagle Crest Road, but was unable to locate anyone.

At 7:07 p.m., a motorist on Orchard Heights Road was cited for speeding 61 mph in a 30-mph zone.

At 7:32 p.m., deputies responded to a report of domestic dispute on Highway 51. They made initial contact with a Spanish speaking female until Oregon State Police arrived and took over the investigation.

At 8:06 p.m., a deputy contacted three Spanishspeaking subjects in a disabled vehicle on Eagle Crest Road. The deputy admonished driver for driving with a permit and no licensed driver with him. They said help was on the way to assist with the disabled vehicle.

At 11:30 p.m., a deputy stopped a vehicle for no headlights. The driver had recently purchased the truck and was not aware of how to use her headlights.

SUNDAY, JULY 26

At 12:08 a.m., a deputy investigated a driving complaint on Fir Villa Road. The deputy noted no indicators of impairment in the driver who had apparently been using his mobile device. He was warned for mobile device use.

At 1:35 a.m., a motorist on Highway 99 near Perrydale Road was cited for speeding 83 mph in a 55-mph zone.

At 3:41 a.m., a deputy responded to a report of a road-struck coyote on Kings Valley Road, but was unable to locate it.

At 4:04 a.m., a deputy investigated a report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 99 near milepost 69. The driver stated a deer was crossing the road and he swerved to avoid hitting it. When he swerved around the deer he struck the concrete guard rail on the west shoulder of the northern lane of travel. The driver called his own tow.

At 5:27 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a single vehicle rollover where the driver was possibly trapped and intoxicated. When they arrived, they learned the driver had self-extricated and was not impaired or injured. He apparently fell asleep after being up for 23 hours.

At 10:44 a.m., deputies investigated a non-emergency call for a male slumped over on

the bridge. The male had a warrant out of Salem Municipal Court and was cited and released.

At 11:03 a.m., a female subject located a brown/ white male pitbull mix running around Falls City Road. She picked it up and brought it to her parents residence. A deputy arrived and took custody of the dog. It had no tags or collar. It also had a small amount of dried blood on its foot, a large tumor or cyst on its leg with small drops of blood coming from the stomach area. It was lodged in good shape at the county kennels.

At 12:55 p.m., deputies responded to a two vehicle blocking and injury crash on Hoffman Road. A passenger may have broken her arm and was transported to Good Samaritan by medics. The other driver was cited for making a dangerous turn. Both vehicles were towed.

At 2:18 p.m., a motorist was stopped for speeding on Pacific Highway. The driver was cited for driving uninsured.

At 7:22 p.m., deputies responded to a crash on Fairview Avenue. The driver had crashed into a power pole after her juvenile son unbuckled himself.

At 7:31 p.m., deputies assisted Dallas Police with a domestic disturbance on Ellendale Avenue. Phillip Allison was arrested and charged with harassment and menacing.

At 8:23 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a no contact order violation on Fernwood Court. There wasn’t any no-contact order thus no violation between the vehicle occupants. However, the driver appeared intoxicated and later admitted she had driven and was drinking. She was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail where she was charged with driving under the influence.

At 9:49 p.m., deputies investigated a report of a single vehicle crash on Starr Road. The driver had swerved to avoid a deer and left the east side of the road into a tree/brush. A friend was working on getting a tow.

At 9:24 p.m., a resident on Yampo Road complained of bird cannons going off for three hours straight. A deputy advised the county didn’t have noise ordinance and suggested the resident reach out to the farmer to work out options.

MONDAY, JULY 27

At 3:59 a.m., a motorist on Highway 22 near milepost 17 was cited for speeding 83 mph in a 55-mph zone.

At 6:25 a.m., a deputy on his way home after his shift witnessed a vehicle on Liberty Road make a u-turn in front of a bus, almost causing a t-bone accident. The deputy stopped the motorist who showed signs of intoxication. The deputy contacted Salem Police who responded to take over the DUII investigation.

At 9:04 a.m., a motorist was stopped for having the front plate in the windshield. The driver was cited for driving uninsured.

At 10:47 a.m., a resident on Rickreall Road reported someone attempted to scam them, claiming to be someone from PCSO.

At 1:39 p.m., a

Emergency alert system more popular in rural areas than metro area

SHAANTH NANGUNERI

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Participation in Oregon’s voluntary statewide emergency alert system designed for natural disasters and public safety threats has been far higher in rural counties than in the Portland metro area, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Ohio-based Miami University published their findings July 27 in Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. They found that the OR-Alert system has “surprisingly” high enrollment rates above 100% from counties such as Clatsop, Curry, Douglas, and Lincoln, while the Multnomah County area had an enrollment rate of 13% that mostly included “internal Portland employees.” The rates above 100% are likely due to people signing up for the alerts more than once.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM OREGON HAZARDS LAB

A seismic monitoring station in Oregon. A new study details emergency alert efforts in Oregon to respond quickly to natural disasters. Courtesy from Oregon Hazards Lab

emergency notification managers to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, which can send alerts to all cell phones in a given area.

While more than 50% of the alerts the system sent out use text messaging, push notifications were “underutilized” at 2%, posing “substantial barriers for time-sensitive earthquake warnings,” according to researchers. They said the geographic and notification-type disparities represent barriers to risk reduction.

Survey offers another tool that delivers automatic notifications to people on their cellphones ahead of damaging earthquakes at their locations. That is not an opt-in tool, but recipients must allow their cell phones to receive emergency alerts in their settings.

From Page B1

Stevie and Frida,” she said. Campbell’s path to ABBA began on the stage.

“I’m a musical theater kid, so my introduction to ABBA was through ‘Mamma Mia,’” she said. “Of course, I knew the big hits, The band’s visual style also appealed to her.

“What I love about ABBA is the creativity — the costumes, the sparkle, the sense of joy,” she said. “It’s just such a fun world to step into.”

Audiences can expect sparkle and choreography from Band After Midnight, but its musical performance remains

Foster

From Page B1

Music in the Park nearly every year since 2015 The Monmouth concert remains one of the group’s favorites.

“Bill Foster and the support staff have been absolutely exceptional in the way they run the concert series, how they take care of us and the other bands, and how they curate and promote the annual summer concert series,” Tollner said.

Foster and his crew contact performers before each show to review stage

Shinkle

From Page B1

“Enrollment also varied geographically, with some rural counties reporting surprisingly high participation rates, while urban areas like Multnomah County showed low participation, leaving large populations more vulnerable,” the study reads.

front and center.

The group approaches each performance as a live concert rather than a theatrical production.

“It’s not campy. It’s not ‘Mama, Mia!’,” Campbell said. “It’s more rooted in the actual band ABBA rather than the musical theater version people might expect.”

Preparing for the show required the musicians to look beyond ABBA’s studio recordings. They discovered that the band’s concert arrangements sometimes differed from the recorded versions.

“Those versions of the songs are what we really lean into,” Campbell said. “Some of what we do actually reflects those live arrangements more than the original recordings.”

Recreating ABBA’s

needs. They also assist during load-in, setup and soundcheck.

“They are always quick to adjust on the fly as needed, and work throughout the show to make sure we have the best sound and experience that we can,” Tollner said.

That support sometimes extends beyond the stage.

Tollner forgot his guitar stands before this year’s performance. Wilson, who was running the soundboard, went home and returned with two stands.

“It is a great example of how they go the extra mile to take care of the bands that perform each

That’s a reflection of the fact that natural disasters such as landslides and floods are more common in rural Oregon in comparison to the Portland metropolitan area.

The OR-Alert system

kicked off in Oregon in 2021 and allows people to visit a statewide portal to connect with local emergency alert systems in all 36 counties and tribal governments across the state who rely upon a universal mass notification service. The system allows for local

River’s Edge Summer Series presents Band After Midnight (ABBA tribute)

8 p.m. River’s Edge Park, Independence

Daring Greatly opens at 6 p.m. (Rock n Soul covers)

Admission is $10 per adult at the gate and includes both shows.

layered sound requires nearly everyone in Band After Midnight to sing.

Morgan’s addition last year expanded the group’s options. He takes the lead on songs such as “Does Your Mother Know.”

“Really, the whole band sings, so audiences can expect lots of three-, four- and even five-part harmonies,” Campbell said.

Choosing songs for the setlist presents another challenge. ABBA

year,” Tollner said.

Foster’s work is not limited to sound.

He arrives around 3 p.m. to set up equipment, tables and chairs. He installs sponsor banners, greets musicians and makes sure they have what they need.

During the show, he introduces the band, recognizes sponsors and announces raffle winners.

He also works the crowd during the “pass-the-hat” collection, which helps support the free series.

His work often continues until 9:30 or 10 p.m.

Before the Main Street Park amphitheater opened

recorded numerous hits, and devoted fans often arrive with favorites they hope to hear.

“We always aim to play the hits, and if a song is requested, we take that seriously and often add it into rotation,” Campbell said.

Coordinating six musicians who perform with other groups also takes work.

“Scheduling can definitely feel like herding cats,” Campbell said.

in 2016, Foster helped design a portable stage built from an agricultural trailer. Each Wednesday, he hauled it into the park and returned the next morning to remove it.

“In a nutshell, Bill does a lot,” said Suzanne Dufner, economic development director for the City of Monmouth.

Dufner said Foster helped preserve and expand Music in the Park into a popular weekly event that draws musicians and visitors from throughout the region.

“Without his attention to detail and commitment to doing things right, we

“Institutional coordination between emergency management, public health, and community organizations can build the engagement and trust necessary for effective warning response,” the study reads.

The U.S. Geological

“Most of us are full-time musicians juggling multiple projects.”

Band After Midnight is busiest during the summer, when festivals and concert series fill its calendar. The group is beginning to add theater performances similar to those played by Taken by the Sky.

Campbell balances both tribute bands, a children’s music project and work on a musical.

“My plate is pretty full,” she said.

Still, the projects allow her to explore different performers and musical styles without leaving the region for months.

ABBA’s music continues to fill concert venues decades after its biggest hits were released. Campbell believes the

wouldn’t have the amazing weekly shows that we’ve all come to know and love,” she said.

She labeled Foster a model volunteer.

“He’s a shining star of what it means to give selflessly,” she said. “We’re truly lucky to have him in our community.”

Music has long been part of Foster’s life. At Central High School, he sang, played sousaphone and earned first-chair honors in the All-Northwest Band.

He enjoys the people as much as the music.

“I call it harassing, but I don’t harass,” Foster said.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/ oregon-emergency-alertsystem-more-popular-inrural-areas-than-metro-area-study-says/ 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.

reason is simple.

“Great music just stands the test of time,” she said. “These projects are built on incredible songwriting and musicianship, and the fans keep coming back.” The music is also being passed from one generation to the next. Campbell hears it at home when her son sings “Edge of Seventeen” or her daughter breaks into “Dancing Queen.”

For Campbell, moments like these confirm that Fleetwood Mac and ABBA are more than nostalgia acts. Their songs continue to connect with listeners born long after their release.

“These songs are timeless,” she said. “Truly some of the best ever written.”

“I enjoy bantering with the crowd.”

The concerts are free, and supported largely by local businesses and the city. Foster makes a point of recognizing sponsors for their generosity.

“These are local businesses that have donated to make that happen,” he said. “I’m proud of the fact that it is local.” Foster would be content sitting quietly in the crowd. But that’s not his style.

“I’m really happy to sit back and listen,” he said. “I was asked if I could do it, so I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

“Concerts in the park here are awesome,” he said. “Being able to get on that stage in front of the community is really fun. Friends can come. Family can come. Half the people in the crowd we know.”

Police

From Page B6

motorist was cited for speeding 74 mph in a 55-mph zone.

At 1:39 p.m., a male subject called in regarding being involved in a domestic disturbance the previous night. He said that he would turn himself in on Sunday at 8 p.m.

At 2:07 p.m., a resident on Stevenson Road reported someone attempted to victimize them with a jury duty

The band’s appearance comes as attendance at Music in the Park continues to rise.

Dufner said weekly turnout is ahead of past years. She is particularly encouraged by the number of young families attending.

scam. The caller was not out any money. A deputy assured her it was a scam and she did the right thing reporting it.

At 2:43 p.m., a male subject called the Salt Creek Cider House because his card was being used without his permission. Deputies arrived and detained the two suspects using the card. After further investigation, the deputies learned it was a misunderstanding where the card owner and one of the suspects were good friends/coworkers that each

Children’s activities include bubbles, dancing and more. Concerts also feature raffle prizes during intermission, the Dry Town Tap Station beer garden and takeout from local restaurants.

Dufner credited local businesses with stepping forward to make the

had a gold Amex card, and they accidentally swapped cards at some point. Deputies released the two subjects and explained the situation to all parties.

At 4:47 p.m., a resident on Community Club Road reported being the victim of a scam and was out $800 in gift cards. The deputy reported he likely would not get his money back, but told him he should consult with his bank and gave him the internet scam reporting links.

At 6:27 p.m., a deputy

summer series possible.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our local business community that sponsored the event,” she said. “We encourage people to patronize the businesses whose banners are displayed next to the stage.”

The series continues

was flagged down by a male reporting a female possibly tweaking on Mill Street. The deputy contacted the female subject who said she was working on propagating lilac plants. There was no evidence of impairment.

At 8:40 p.m., deputies investigated a report of two vehicles racing and driving recklessly along Orchard Knob Road. One complainant reported being nearly struck by the motorists while walking. They had no plate information. Deputies checked the area,

Wednesday, Aug. 19, with Jujuba, a 10-piece ensemble that performs Afrobeat and Juju music. The group features Nigerian talking drum musician Nojeem Lasisi, a West African percussion section, horns and an electric rhythm section. Main Street Park will also host Struts and Frets Theatre Company’s Wild West-inspired production of “Twelfth Night.” Performances are Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9 and Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 13-15 Visit strutsandfretstheatre.org for more information.

but were unable to locate the vehicles.

At 11:16 p.m., a deputy contacted a male subject who wanted to sleep in a park off Halls Ferry Road for the night. The deputy advised him of the no parking after dark and warned him for trespassing. The deputy provided him with alternative places to park for the night and he agreed to move along.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

At 7:51 p.m., a motorist was stopped on Main Street in Dallas for

speeding 26 mph in a 20-mph zone. The driver was cited for driving uninsured and was warned for no operator’s license and for speeding.

At 11:44 p.m., a deputy stopped a motorist for speeding on Highway 22 The traffic stop was terminated when another car almost caused a collision in front of the deputy. The deputy later discovered he’d accidentally kept the first motorist’s driver’s license. He planned to contact the driver and return it.

Researchers look for clues about disappearance of old, female rockfish

ALEX BAUMHARDT

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Off the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, Canada and Alaska, three species of female rockfish have largely disappeared in the last 40 years.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife scientists hope to learn why when they board an Oregon State University trawler Aug. 1 for two weeks — including a two-day journey westward across 322 miles of ocean — to the Cobb Seamount and the edge of the North Pacific Gyre to search for the old females.

The seamount is an inactive underwater volcano that has created a solid ocean shelf where marine ecosystems thrive, and the gyre is one of Earth’s five large, rotating ocean currents. It spans from North America to Asia and stops at the equator, where the currents of the South Pacific Gyre pick up.

Some records from federal scientists and fishing crews in the 1960s detail sightings of larger, perhaps old, female black, canary and yellowtail rockfish that have largely today disappeared from Oregon’s Coast.

They are three of 86 species of rockfish found in Oregon, and both male and female black and yellowtails can live up to 60 years, while canary rockfish can live even a decade longer.

But commercial and recreational fishing crews and fisheries managers up and down the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada for the last few decades have caught very few females over 30 years old. Most of the female population begins to decline after 12 years, leaving almost exclusively males, explained Leif Rasmuson, who leads the rockfish research at ODFW’s Marine Fisheries Research Program. For the department, knowing whether the old females exist, and whether they still reproduce, is helpful for managing fisheries and catch limits to balance ocean fish stocks. The rockfish are sexually mature at 6 years old, so the disappearance of the elder females off the Coast has not yet been detrimental to stocks managed by the state.

But Rasmuson said the research is also about alleviating concerns over unanswered, “disconcerting” questions about the future of the species and whether they are dying of causes set off by a toppling domino wall of human effects. If they find the older females, he and the crew will study whether they are genetically related to nearshore populations of rockfish, and whether their diet differs from other populations and will tag and release some to learn about any migration

patterns.

HYPOTHESES

Among the lesser possible explanations, according to Rasmuson, is that the older females are out in the ocean, clustered in spots along the West Coast from California to Alaska, but just in places that all researchers, commercial and recreational fishing crews and fisheries managers have just completely overlooked for the last four decades.

“That seems highly improbable to me,” he said. “Fishermen are really good at catching fish, and I just struggle to envision a way where females get this magical ability to avoid every type of fishing gear ever known to man on the entire West Coast.”

Another hypothesis is that fishing crews are catching and killing more young black, canary and yellowtail female rockfish than males, keeping the females from growing old. But, Rasmuson said, only those three rockfish species lack evidence of older females. The other 83 species of rockfish that live off the Oregon Coast don’t have the same problem, indicating fishing is not cutting into the overall ratio of females in the overwhelming majority of species.

Another option is that aging females are swimming very far north or south somewhere.

Researchers in Alaska have tagged some females that have gone as far as the Bering Sea, but they weren’t very old when they were found there, Rasmuson explained.

Still another possibility is that the females swim from shore and go out into the middle of the North Pacific Gyre as they age. He said that articles from the 1960s and later research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration detail black rockfish in the gyre that were larger than most of their species, indicating perhaps advanced age.

If it is the case that the females go out to age in the gyre, it opens up even more questions for Rasmuson and the other researchers.

“The thing is, if it’s just old females that go out into the middle of the gyre and there aren’t

a bunch of males, what does that mean? Is it just like a retirement home for old females?” he asked.

“It’s hard to wrap your mind around. Why is this evolutionarily stable?

What’s the point? Is it:

‘Hey, we just go out there and hang out for the last 40 years of our lives?’”

To him, the most probable hypothesis is that the females are dying at younger ages of some

sort of natural cause, which could still be human-influenced, such as the loss during the last century of an important food source they need.

DICEY INTERNATIONAL WATERS

It was not easy to get permission to go to the seamount to catch fish for research, according to Rasmuson. It’s located

in international waters and regulated by an international intergovernmental group called the North Pacific Fisheries Commission that includes representatives from the United States, Russia, Korea, Japan, China and Canada, among others.

In those waters there is effectively a moratorium on commercial fishing, and growing international skepticism of the motivations of the U.S. government led other member nations to scrutinize the research and researchers more heavily, Rasmuson said.

Some commission officials shared concerns about the research boat possibly scouting deep sea mining areas, and representatives from Japan and Korea threatened to come aboard the ship to ensure the researchers are not doing any illegal fishing, he explained. When he proposed the team be allowed to catch and take with them 50 fish, commission officials were shocked, he said,

believing it was a proposal for 50 tons of fish. He said representatives from the U.S. did not help to make the process smoother, but the Canadian delegation stepped in to vouch for the researchers.

“The United States kind of dropped the ball. We’ve just had to lean on Canada,” he said. “It’s still been an ongoing adventure on the policy side.” https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2026/07/30/ oregon-researchers-journey-into-pacific-for-clues-about-disappearance-of-old-female-rockfish/ 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.

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

Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone.

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.

Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.