PIO93

Polk CDC unveils latest housing option in Dallas - Carson Commons

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The Polk County Community Development Corporation unveiled its latest project in Dallas Aug. 27

The Carson Commons, to much local and regional fanfare. Dignitaries and leaders from nearly every level of government were on hand to witness

Rita Grady, executive director of Polk CDC, cut the ribbon to officially open the complex at 373 E Ellendale Ave.

Polk CDC’s previous several projects have catered to housing the veterans population. For this go-round, the non-profit worked with the city of Dallas to address one of its biggest needs for one-bedroom, multi-family units.

Carson Commons features 19 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom. Deputy Director Kimberly Lyell explained this will not be transitional housing. Rather, it will be a permanent, rental residence for those looking to better their lives.

Nine units will be filled through referrals from the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency for young adults moving from supervised youth housing, aging out of foster care or who have experienced homelessness, with most having ties to Polk County. The remaining affordable units are available to intergenerational individuals.

Lyell said, depending upon need, the range of rent will be from $784-$958

Polk CDC purchased the property in 2018, which used to house a dilapidated, single family home.

Lyell said Polk CDC received the bulk of the funding from Oregon Housing and Community Service

Polk Community Development Corporation executive

regional dignitaries, cuts the ribbon Aug. 27 to officially open

featuring 19 affordable one-bedroom units.

and the Oregon Health Authority. Additional contributions came from the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program, Citizen’s Bank, Energy Trust of Oregon, Oregon MEP and Pacific Power’s Blue Sky.

“With soft costs, construction costs and solar installation, the total cost for Carson Commons was $9 1 million,” Lyell said.

The first residents will be moving in Sept. 8, as Polk CDC has had to first work out some electronic and networking issues within the building, Lyell said.

But once there, residents will enjoy such amenities as a washer

and drier in each unit, a third floor lounge and gathering space, walk in showers, and sold wood cabinetry featuring soft-close design.

“That’s instrumental if you share a wall with a neighbor,” Lyell explained. “So they don’t bang closed. You’d be amazed how many people complain about that.”

She added this is the first Polk CDC property to feature a water bottle filling station, a bike room, elevator and solar power.

“This benefits the interior entrance, as the lights are running 24/7,” Lyell said. “Solar also offsets some of our electricity costs, which

we pass those savings on within operations to maintain lower rent.”

Carson Commons is named after Letitia Carson, the first black woman to legally own land in the state of Oregon. Lyell said lending the facility her name was a way to pay tribute to a pioneer.

“We feel this is a partnership, because to name it after Carson honors her perseverance to fulfill a dream,” Lyell said. “Carson was a woman with nothing but obstacles in front of her. Her perseverance is what this partnership is all about. Young people starting adulthood on the right foot. We’re hoping this inspires them.”

Shakespeare in the Park comes to Riverview

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The summer concert series may be over at the Riverview Park Amphitheater in Independence. But the entertainment continues with Struts and Frets Theater Company’s presentation of “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” Sept. 4-6

Hannah Fawcett, artistic director at Struts and Frets, said the company is a combination of adult actors and high school and middle school students. They officially created their Youth Ensemble Program in 2022 in partnership with Dallas High School.

They’ve had more than 30 students go through the program with 2025 being the first year they’ve welcomed students from multiple schools.

Struts and Frets has been rehearsing since the last week of June to get “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” ready for opening Sept. 4. The cast features 17 actors, ranging in age from the youngest at 9 and the oldest in their 70s. The production is rounded out by 10 on the tech team.

“Struts and Frets main goal is to provide professional quality theater and provide tuition free apprenticeships to local students,” Fawcett said. She said “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” is the only show

Struts and Frets has produced twice in their 10 seasons.

“Being our first time outdoors at the amphitheater at Riverview Park in Independence, we wanted to pick something that is going to be something really fun, had name recognition but stayed true to our

classical roots,” Fawcett said. “So, Midsummer was a no-brainer.”

To make it stand out this time, Fawcett said Terry Kitagawa, Struts and Frets’ associate artistic

Falls City man charged in 2024 shooting death

A year and a half after an incident on Feb 28 2024, left a Falls City man dead, another Falls City resident has finally been charged in his shooting death.

Shane Andrew Curry, 30, was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for allegedly shooting and killing Alex Maxfield. Sheriff Mark Garton confirmed Curry was charged “by secret indictment.”

Neither Garton nor District Attorney Aaron Felton’s office shared any further details about the incident before the I-O’s deadline. According to his family during a protest in front of the County Courthouse May 27 2024. Maxfield was attending a party in Falls City and by the end of the evening, he died of a gunshot wound to the belly.

“There were witnesses, there is a potential suspect, there’s no arrest. We don’t know why,” his cousin Brittany Damewood said at the time. Garton also said at the time the incident was initially investigated as a suicide, then was changed over to a suspicious death. Curry was finally arraigned on Aug 28, where he pleaded not guilty. He was released after posting bail at Polk County Jail. Curry’s next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 17

Indy city councilor censured

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The Independence City Council censured councilor Dawn Roden at their Aug. 26 meeting in response to a breach in confidentiality protocol following an executive session. Councilor Shannon Corr introduced the resolution, which passed 4-1, with Roden herself as the lone nay and Council Bill Boisvert abstaining since he was not present at the meeting in question.

On July 28, the city council completed negotiations in executive session to acquire land for a planned water treatment plant. When a settlement agreement had been announced and the council was voting to move forward with allowing City Manager

director, has written all original music for the show in the style of 60s and 70s music.

“So you’ll hear songs and say, ‘Wow, that really sounds like Minny Ripperton.’ Or, ‘That sounds like Abba.’ And it fills in with Shakespear’s poetry for the lyrics,” she said.

“When we were having our meeting with the city,

Kenna West to close the deal, Roden tried to express her concerns.

“I just want to put on the record, we’re paying approximately $220 000 more than we initially bargained,” Roden started to say at the July 28 meeting, before she was cut off by West and reminded the council was just in executive session.

“We were just in executive session. I’ll remind the council that anything that was said in executive session that was not brought forth, council cannot discuss openly. It was very, very clear,” West said.

“Well, then, I have objections I cannot discuss,” Roden concluded.

She was the only vote opposed to approving the land deal.

On Aug. 26, Corr led by saying it was a difficult topic to introduce into the meeting.

we were pitching what can we do to make this a fun event for the first time so we can get people to come,” Fawcett added. “Terry and I were talking and saw there were a lot of cover bands at the concert series. We’ve seen some Fleetwood Mac, Abba, well let’s keep it like that, in the vein of the concert series.”

So, “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” will not be dissimilar to what folks had been seeing the rest of the summer.

“During the open session following our recent executive session, Councilor Roden disclosed specific details that were confidential,” Corr read in her statement. “Council rules clearly state that executive sessions discussions are confidential and must not be disclosed, with no exceptions applying to the situation.

This disclosure is a violation of the confidentiality oath and undermines the integrity of the council’s deliberative process.”

She moved to censure Roden for failing to adhere to council’s executive session confidentiality requirements as stipulated in the council rules.

Councilor Kathy MartinWillis seconded the motion.

Before taking a vote, Mayor Kate Schwarzler read her own statement.

“As Councilor Corr mentioned, the matter before us is not about personal differences or silencing anyone’s voice or right to free speech. This is about the rules, the laws and

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“Then just add some costumes and some story around it, and call that a play,” Fawcett said. The hardest part of the production, she added, was preparing it for an outdoor presentation, increasing the scale of the performance.

Set director Jay Sharma has been building set pieces for months.

But don’t expect the same, limited space given to the bands performing during the Summer Concert Series. Fawcett said the stage has

the responsibilities that come with being elected to serve this community,” Schwarzler said.

Schwarzler reiterated that the council had been reminded repeatedly about executive session confidentiality rules, before, during and after the session. She said despite these clear warnings, Roden immediately disclosed information from that session after returning to open session.

“Executive sessions exist to protect sensitive matters, whether that be personnel issues, litigation strategy or negotiations. If we cannot maintain that confidentiality, it puts the city at legal and financial risk and damages the trust to freely discuss business responsibly,” Schwarzler said.

“A censure is not made lightly. It is a formal statement of this body that a line has been crossed and cannot be crossed again. It does not silence anyone’s opinion. It confirms that all of us are equally accountable to the same rules. That accountability is what safeguards the integrity of this council and the confidence of our community,” she added.

Roden weighed in next, saying the censure motion should have been put on the council’s agenda prior to it being posted at 3 p.m. so that she had the opportunity to defend herself. Then argued

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been expanded with additional built out platforms, making it the largest one they have probably ever performed at.

The tale of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” follows two sets of lovers. One set decides to run off to a forest and get married while the other follows along for their own reasons. They encounter a magical band of fairies who try to get involved in their love stories, with varying levels of success. Meanwhile, this occurs in

that Mayor Schwarzler was guilty of the same rules.

“The mayor should be equally censured at the same time, because she asked for discussion at that moment,” Roden said. “When she asked for discussion on a topic she knew shouldn’t be discussed, she brought forth the opportunity for discussion she knew couldn’t be discussed. She should be held equally responsible for things we discussed in open council as well.”

Martin-Willis clarified to her recollection the call for discussion was on a motion authorizing the city manager to negotiate on the city’s behalf.

“That was not an invitation to disclose the confidential issues in executive session,” she said.

Martin-Willis then sought clarity on the consequences of censure before a vote was taken.

West explained censure is the council’s ability to indicate that one of their members has violated their rules. She said the council had three options - move forward with the censure and do a verbal reprimand, do a written reprimand or do an additional investigation.

“The ramifications simply are that the councilor is publicly reprimanded for behavior that violated council rules,” West said.

and around a troupe trying to put on a play in honor of the duke’s wedding.

Fawcett believes “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is probably Shakespear’s second most produced play, behind only in name recognition to “Romeo and Juliet.”

The production overall is about two hours. After a one-hour act 1, Fawcett said there will be a half hour intermission where people can shop with vendors or get their fill from food, beverage

Evan Sorce weighed in saying it was important for his colleagues to understand it is an expectation of state law they were all responsible to be trained up on ethics and public records.

“The accountability is not with the city, but with each of us individually. And it is our individual responsibility in turn that we have the honor of being in this office. So, we have to make sure to hold ourselves to a standard we expect the public needs it,” Sorce said.

After the motion passed, Schwarzler read a required censure statement:

After the vote, Roden explained how she felt targeted ever since she’d been elected to city council.

“I have been volunteering in some sort of capacity for the city for the past 16 years,” Roden said. “And since I’ve been on city council I’ve been under investigation for over 50 percent of the time for some sort of ethics complaint.”

She said the good news was her last ethics complaint had finally been settled for failing to disclose child support on her economic interests statement.

Then, after sharing personal setbacks, including being held liable for a dog biting incident while walking her dog, her car being stolen and recovered in Salem, and sending her son

and dessert bars. Then Act 2 is another hour. She added the vendors will be open 1 ½ hours before curtain time.

“It’s going to be really fun. That’s what we set out to do with this whole thing,” Fawcett said. “And I think we’ve accomplished it.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sept. 4-5 at 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. Riverview Park Amphitheater, Independence Performances are free

off to college. Roden then voiced her suspicion that the rest of the council had successfully targeted her again.

“Congratulations everybody. You should be really proud of yourselves with that’s where you’re going with this,” she said. Then, not waiting for a response or for the meeting to adjourn, Roden got up and left council chambers, saying “I’m done.” Roden later clarified to the Itemizer-Observer that she was not resigning at that moment.

“What I meant was I was done for the evening,” Roden said. “I was just frustrated from the continual harassment of them attacking me ever since I ran for city council.” Roden added she felt it was a coordinated attack on the censure with the other councilors reading from prepared statements, while she did not get ample time to prepare a statement in her own defense. Roden was adamant she felt she did nothing wrong.

“We go into executive sessions before, talk and bring forth a motion in chambers, and are allowed to discuss it, asking for clarity. This time was different. Did I cause any harm? No. Then I don’t understand what was wrong about this. Never had the opportunity. Still don’t know what the harm was,” Roden said.

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Moonfall takes 35th season to the

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Once a year, Marlene Cox opens her living room to 50 community members to experience a combination of vaudevillian and variety show favorites and originals inspired by stage’s golden era. The catch is her living room literally has its own built-in stage with lights and sound system, better known as The Moonfall Theater.

“We think we’re the most unique theater in the whole United States,” Cox has said in the past. “Where else can you go out down a long gravel road, down past cows, chickens, and end up at an old farmhouse and have a fabulous theatre performance with top quality entertainment? I’ve traveled a lot, Europe and everywhere. I’ve never seen anything as lovely and interesting with an enchanting, old-world evening as Moonfall Theatre.”

Now in its 35th year, this year’s theme is Moonfall Goes to the Movies. Audiences will enjoy catchy reworkings of such classics as “Over the Rainbow”, “Something’s Got to Give,” “Moon River,” and “Arthur’s Theme,” to name a few.

“The second act features songs from James Bond movies,” Cox said. “I didn’t realize there were 26 James Bond Movies with themes to every one. So, we’ve chosen seven of them. And added a lot of humor to them. So, people will enjoy them in a different way.”

In between the songs are plenty of funny skits that the troupe writes themselves, Cox added.

Moonfall’s troop of seven regulars return. In addition to Cox, a vocalist, she is joined by Dobie Long on piano, Leslie Darland on percussion and vocalists Beverly Shane, Colleen Johnson, Bill Brown

and Zach Brehm. This season, they have been joined by another percussionist, Jane Honbeck, and Roger Shenkle of the Shenkle Band, who brings a wide range of acoustic instrumental experience, including guitar, ukulele and banjo.

“All of that allows us to be different, put on a newer, fresher take on more types of music. And the collaboration is a lot better as we sit around the table and think up our skits,” Cox said.

What attendees won’t get, she added, is politics.

“We just keep it clean. And this year we added a lot of humor. Because people need humor in our lives,” Cox said.

Each night, a performance by Moonfall Theater is sponsored by another non-profit organization. The first night Sept. 5 is hosted by the Mid Willamette Valley Friendship Force, who was one of the first groups to be a sponsor, and have come back every year since 1991. The rest of the performances are feature the following sponsors:

- Sept. 13: Friends of the Dallas Library

- Sept. 19: Moonfall Cast

- Sept. 20: Friends of the Aquatic Center

- Sept. 26: The P.E.O. Sisterhood

- Sept. 27: American Cancer Society Awareness

“The Friends of the Aquatic Center has never done it before, but they sold all of their tickets in July. So they have a very good support group behind them,” Cox said.

After 35 years hosting Moonfall Theater, Cox said a season never goes by where someone is amazed by how big a production they can pull off in such a small space.

One year, Cox recalled getting a call from someone who saw the sign advertising Moonfall at the end of her driveway as he drove by.

“We are from Wyoming. And we just passed by Moonfall and wondered if you have any tickets for that. They came and were astonished by it all. One of our guests who come every year were sitting behind them. They overheard the gentleman from Wyoming

lean over and whisper to his wife, ‘You don’t think we’re a part of a cult here, do you?’” Cox said laughing.

Moonfall Theater 11140 Orrs Corner Road, Rickreall Doors open at 7 p.m., seating starts at 7:20 p.m.

James Charles LaChance

April 15, 1944 – July 18, 2025

James LaChance was born April 15, 1944, to Charles and Virginia LaChance in Dearborn Michigan.

He was the first and only son in what his father hoped would be a full baseball team of boys. But Jim had no problem having only sisters. Though well established in Michigan, the family soon moved to Southern California for job opportunities and sunshine.

Jim had a bit of the daredevil in him and rode his bicycles like a maniac, forward, backwards and across a 50-foot-high water viaduct. After high school Jim signed up with the Air Force and was assigned to the Crash Rescue Crew at Camp Sherman.

After the military, Jim and his buddy returned to California where he was hired to drive an ambulance.

He got his photo in the San Diego Union when he was sent down to Mexico to pick up actor Dean Jones who had been injured there.

Jim loved motorcycles and fast cars. He bought and sold them often. He was known for being able to repaint a vehicle with cans of spray paint perfectly. More horsepower and travel lured him into driving 18 wheelers cross country. He loved seeing the country, meeting new people and always rolling. His CB handle was “Studebaker” after his truck he loved most.

For all these reasons marriage was hard to maintain. He tried a number of times. When he left the big trucks behind, he worked for Engines Plus in Missouri for a number of years before retiring. He then headed to Dallas, Oregon, to help his older sister with the property she bought here after her husband died.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest sister, Rita. He is survived by sister Judie Scofield and younger sister Suzanne Chapman.

Jim was much loved by all his sisters and most women who met him.

He treasured all his friends and family and rarely missed a birthday. He will be missed, especially his great mischievous smile.

Donald (Don) R. Hiscock

Nov 27, 1942 - June 27, 2025

Donald (Don) Hiscock, 82, of Dallas, Oregon, passed peacefully on June 27 2025, in Hood River, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones.

Don was born in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 27, 1942, to Harlan R and Althea M. (Jones) Hiscock. He graduated from Sequoia High School in 1961. Upon graduation, he worked in many trades all the way from Alaska to California. Upon settling in Dallas, Oregon, in the early 1980s, he started a longtime career as a farm equipment

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OBITUARIES

mechanic with Rickreall Farm Supply.

He was very active in his Polk County community, where he served as the Rickreall Fire Chief for 25 years, and 15-plus years serving the Dallas ambulance department as an EMT.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Oregon. Visit www. AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Shirley M. Sheaffer

Nov. 2, 1937 - July 30,2025

Shirley passed away in the care of hospice on July 30 2025. With the company of her family at Heron Pointe Senior Living In Monmouth, Oregon.

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

As a teenager, Shirley worked as a waitress at a truck stop where she met Keith Sheaffer. They later married. Shirley’s children called her one tough cookie, because she was setting logging chokers with her husband Keith while pregnant with her first child Wanda. Two years after Wanda was born they decided to move to Oregon.

Shirley got home sick really bad, but after the first winter in Oregon she decided to never move back. She then had four more children Rodney, Vickie, Karen and Marvel. She later divorced and raised her children as a single mother.

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

She then became a bartender at North Dallas Tavern and Colby’s Tavern. That is where she met David Sanders. Later they married and she then had four step children - April, Paul, Tammy and Brian.

She loved playing shuffleboard: she was in a tournament called the Ahhas Club for Corby’s tavern. She did volunteer work for Polk County

Gleaners. She loved playing pinochle with David, Vickie and son-in-law

Richard who was her life-long pinochle partner. She liked cribbage, Yahtzee and bingo. This last year she was pretty good at beating her daughter Karen at rummy. But most of all, she liked spending time with her family.

The September of 2024 family reunion was a very special time for Shirley. Her daughter Marvel wrote her a song “Bartender’s Daughter” that Nathan Meyers played on guitar while Marvel sang it to her.

She loved old-time country music and dancing. In June of this year, her sister Phyllis, her niece Bibi and her husband Frank came from Iowa to visit. Bibi played the piano and Shirley was able to do one last dance for just a short time with her sister whom she had not seen for 12 years.

Shirley is survived by her five children Wanda Brown, Rod Sheaffer, Vickie (Richard Wilson) Karen Eklund and Marvel Hammers; three step children, April Jewell, Tammy Sirois and Brian Sanders; her sisters Phyllis and Cynthia; her niece Bibi (Frank); and many other nieces and nephews; 19 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 21 great great grandchildren.

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

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

Shirley’s funeral service was Aug. 4 2025, at Bollman’s Tribute Center. She was laid to rest at Restlawn Cemetery. Rest In Peace.

Dallas library hosts author Emma Pattee Sept. 5

The Dallas Library hosts author Emma Pattee at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 to discuss her bestselling debut novel, “Tilt.”

“Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. With no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a city left in chaos, there’s nothing to do but walk,” the Kirkus review reads. “Recounting Annie’s precarious journey across the city and into her past, Pattee reveals that the quake has upended more than the earth. A captivating novel.”

Pattee is a journalist and fiction writer who lives in Portland.

Her journalistic writing about climate change has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and more. This free event is made possible, in part, by funding from the Polk County Cultural Coalition and the Friends of the Dallas Library. For more information, contact the library at (503) 623-2633 or go to facebook.com/ dallaslibraryoregon.

Keep pets in mind for emergency plans

With several fires burning in Oregon and hot, dry conditions expected to continue, it is important to have an emergency plan that includes animals.

For animals, pack a “go bag” containing at least one week’s supply of food, water, and medications, along with medical records, bowls, comfort items, and litter box supplies for cats.

It is equally important to research places that accept animals ahead of time — animal-friendly hotels, shelters, and campgrounds can be good options. Tuck a printed list in your bag. To increase the chances of being reunited if you are

NEWS & VIEWS

separated, animals should be microchipped and wear ID tags with current contact information. It can help to have photos of you with your animals. If evacuation becomes necessary, take animals with you. Transport dogs on a harness and leash and cats and other small animals in carriers, as frightened animals may try to escape. If authorities force you to evacuate without your animals, never leave them tied up or confined. Cut fences and open stalls to give animals at least a chance to escape.

We can’t control when and where wildfires and other natural disasters will strike, but we can control how prepared we are.

Melissa Rae Sanger The PETA Foundation

A warning for America: We wrestle not against flesh and blood

By MICKY GARUS

I have never hidden where I stand on God, on faith, on politics, on morality, and on this nation entrusted to us. I will not be silent while America, this great Republic forged by the hand of Providence, is being torn apart by hatred, lies and spiritual wickedness in high places.

For more than a year, I have warned of what we are now witnessing: the erosion of the pledge that we are “one nation under God,” the mocking of patriotism, the sneering contempt for our President, and the scorn for anyone who dares defend traditional American values. This is not mere partisanship. It is a sickness, a rot, a hatred not only of a man or a political party, but of America herself. And make no mistake: it is not simply ignorance. It is evil.

History has shown us the face of such evil. We saw it in Nazi Germany, where millions were deceived into marching their neighbors to death camps. We saw it in the gulags of Stalin, in the killing fields of Cambodia, in every tyranny that rose when good men stood silent. People still ask: How could such atrocities have taken place? Why didn’t anyone stop it? The answer is the same now as it was then: because there is a devil, the great deceiver, who blinds men’s eyes and hardens their hearts.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us plainly: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The hatred we see in America today is not natural. It is supernatural. It is demonic. Unless we wake up and recognize it, it will devour us.

How else can you explain millions of Americans rejecting truth when it is right before their eyes? How else

can you explain their willingness to destroy their own freedoms, their own livelihoods, and their own children’s future… all for lies and false idols? They are not simply wrong. They are enslaved to deception.

If not for the divine wisdom of our Founding Fathers, who built this Republic upon the bedrock of JudeoChristian principles, and if not for the stubborn grit of the American spirit, those of us standing for truth would already be treated as enemies of the state. Do not doubt it. The same spirit that filled the camps of Auschwitz and the dungeons of tyrants is stirring in America today.

And yet, where are the churches? Where are the watchmen on the wall? Too many pulpits are silent. Too many preachers are lukewarm. They fear the mob more than they fear God. They twist Scripture to excuse sin, or worse, they join hands with it. Christ Himself warned that the lukewarm would be spat out. Silence in the face of evil is not compassion. It is cowardice.

This divide in America is not politics as usual. It is not something we will simply vote away. It is a rift that cannot be healed by human hands. Without divine intervention, it will only deepen. The deceiver knows his time is short, and he is working overtime.

So what are we to do? First, we must be unashamed of the truth. Speak boldly, even if it costs you friends, comfort, or status. Let the world hate you… it hated Christ first. Second, we must fall on our knees in prayer. Pray for America. Pray for our leaders. Pray even for our enemies. Christ commanded us in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use

Special Moments, Special Memories

By GARY DEROWITSCH

I’m in my later years. I often find myself thinking about my past, an exercise I’m sure many of us partake in. There are times in my past I seem to remember more often than others, times and events that have made the greatest impression on me as a little boy growing up in Independence. Some of these events are so powerful that they can still find a hidden tear, a burst of laughter, or a very big smile. I would like to share some of these with you, the reader. Maybe, it will provide a magical key that opens a door leading you to some of your own special memories.

Summer in the back yard

At a very young age, my brother and I used to play in our back yard, a section of ground that sloped gradually down to the creek. This section of ground was our garden but also served as our playground. One very special fun thing to do was play a game, for lack of a better word, we called Dam.

We would drag the garden hose across the lawn to the garden. After constructing a small bowl like shape in the dirt one of us would turn the water on which would fill up the dug out area we called a Dam. A small piece of galvanized pipe would be placed in the Dam wall and plugged with mud to hold back the water. When the Dam was full the person operating the Dam would unplug the pipe with a twig allowing the water to continue down stream where my brother had built a second Dam.

The first Dam controlled the water flow. If you were the operator of the second Dam down stream you would have to ask the operator of the first Dam to allow some water to be released so his Dam would also fill up. We played this game for hours constructing multiple Dams.

One very hot day we began to play in the garden. We had just begun to play

building the first dam when out of nowhere my brother got up and started walking back toward the house. I asked him where he was going but got no response. I continued watching him until he disappeared in the garage. Immediately a feeling of sadness and a deep sense of loneliness came over me, a very real sense of fear I was being left behind. I’m not sure why those feelings were so strong but even today there are times when I think back about that particular day. I had no desire to play alone so I got up and followed him into the garage. People today might say we all experience such feelings even as children, but I know this was different. This particular event sitting on the dirt, watching my brother walk away, reached deep into my physique and turned on a slew of very strong emotions. Today as an adult I have felt sad, lonely, even left behind, but nothing

even close to that day. There are times when these same emotions come back being triggered by any number of occurrences. All I can say is when they do there is no mistaking them. I instantly go back to the place in the garden where I sat alone. I can feel the heat from the sun. I can see my brother walking away. I can feel the intense sadness. I can feel the fear I was being left behind.

A Turtle with a mission

This is a story I don’t remember but my mom did and has told it many times. When my brother and I were still in diapers not able to walk but working on it, she took us outside and let us crawl around in the back yard while she did the dishes. She had a clear view from the window and not much fear we could crawl away faster than she could run from the kitchen at a moment’s notice to stop us.

On this particular day we were crawling around in the back yard and at some point my brother discovered a rather large Turtle crawling toward him. He decided to hop aboard and began enjoying a slow but rather pleasant ride. Unfortunately the Turtle decided he wanted none of this so headed directly toward the creek. My mother looked up and in shock and maybe disbelief saw my brother riding a Turtle. Mom ran out of the house and grabbed my brother, (to the turtle’s delight). There was a long way to go to reach the creek not to mention how slow the Turtle was walking but I’m sure the ride was a lot of fun. (If only we had movie cameras in those days.) Gary Derowitsch retired from the Post Office in Monmouth after 33 years. He still lives in Monmouth.

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• On Sept. 15, 1916, British troops employed tanks for the first time in history, during an offensive against the Germans during the Battle of the Somme. While some were too slow to hold their positions during the German counterattack and were subject to mechanical failure, General Douglas Haig realized their potential and ordered the war department to produce hundreds more.

• On Sept. 16, 1845, Phineas Wilcox was stabbed to death by fellow Mormons in Nauvoo, Illinois, on suspicion of being a Christian spy. The crime reflected the frequently violent conflict between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and surrounding communities.

• On Sept. 17, 1967, British rock band The Who ended their nationally televised performance of their hit “My Generation” on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” with a literal bang from a blast of fireworks that Keith Moon had packed into his bass drum. Guitarist Pete Townshend’s hair was badly singed, Moon’s arm was hit with shrapnel and the show was momentarily knocked off the air, but everyone survived intact.

• On Sept. 18, 1974, actress Doris Day won a $22.8 million malpractice suit against her former attorney. Day had allowed her third husband, Martin Melcher, to handle her finances, but following his death discovered that her $20 million in life savings had disappeared, and sued her lawyer for mismanagement.

• On Sept. 19, 1959, during a trip to California, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev’s famous temper displayed itself in his exasperated reaction to learning that he could not visit Disneyland, as he’d previously requested, due to government authorities fearing that the crowds would pose a safety hazard for him.

• On Sept. 20, 1988, at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, American diver Greg Louganis won the gold medal on the springboard despite nearly knocking himself out during a qualifying round dive, becoming the first man to win back-to-back gold medals in both the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform events.

• On Sept. 21, 1996, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette married at the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia. Because the wedding began late and the old building didn’t have electricity, the priest conducted the ceremony with the aid of a flashlight. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

FOOD & DRINK: The Middle Eastern dish called falafel is made mostly of what ingredient?

GEOGRAPHY: Which country has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites? 3. TELEVISION: What is the name of Hawkeye’s living quarters in the “M*A*S*H” sitcom? 4. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a male swan called?

LITERATURE: Which Irish author wrote his last novel in crayon?

MEASUREMENTS: How many square feet are in a square yard?

SCIENCE: What’s the main function of red blood cells?

MOVIES: Streaming movies became eligible for the 2021 Oscar awards for what reason?

ANATOMY: What type of acid is found in the human stomach?

U.S. CITIES: Which city was named for a British prime minister? Answers

Does each child have an angel?

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

Children surprise us. A young child had a school assignment. She asked her mother where she came from. Her mother said, “A stork brought you.” She then asked, “Where did you come from mommy?” Her mother said, “I was found in a cabbage patch.”

Then she went to her grandmother and asked the same question. The grandmother said, “I was found in a rose bush.”

This was the first sentence in her report: “In three generations there has not been a natural childbirth in my family.”

Jesus surprised his disciples when they questioned him

and he answered them using a child. Even after more than two years with Jesus, the disciples worried about status.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:1-4 English Standard Version used throughout).

This is the paradox: Become important by abandoning the struggle for importance.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5).

Children keep us humble. In the Reader’s Digest, Sue Struthers reported delivering her son to his military base for basic training. She heard him say in a halting voice, “I’m going to miss you.”

She was near tears when she turned to him and saw he was addressing a can of Pepsi he’d just opened.

In this section of scripture, Jesus continued illustrating with a child: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea…See that you do

not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:5-6 10).

In the New Testament, “little ones” are children and other times they are disciples. Both meanings are acceptable. God’s angels watch over both children and believers. While there is no clear assignment of one angel for each “little one”, one-on-one guardianship isn’t required. Angels, who see the “face of God”, have access to the power of God to protect in life and in death.

God sent an angel to Elijah, one of the two men mentioned in the Bible who never died. At the end of his life, Elijah walked with his disciple Elisha, “…when

chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11).

However, even this great prophet suffered despair.

Threatened with death by the soldiers of Jezebel, he fled to a wilderness. Hungry, exhausted, he said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life,...”. He laid down and fell asleep.Then, “…an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat’

And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water.” (1 Kings 19:4-6).

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote of a family whose baby boy had just died. His little sister asked her mother where her baby brother had gone.

“To be with Jesus,” said the mother.

Several days later, the mother was sharing her great sadness with a friend.

“I am so grieved to have lost my baby.”

Her little daughter overheard this and asked: “Mama, is something lost when you know where it is?”

“No, of course not,” her mother answered.

The child then asked, “Well, how can a baby be lost when he has gone to be with Jesus?”

[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 (M.Div., M.Th.).

Polk County Worship Directory

Worship Directory

DALLAS

Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call 971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.) More about the Bahá’í Faith: www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org

Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship Gatherings: Sundays 9am & 10:30am. Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman. www.dallaschurch.org Dallas Church of Christ — 691 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, 503-623-8791. Sundays: 9:30am Bible Classes for all, 10:30am Worship, 2:00pm Group Bible Talk, Wednesdays: 6:30pm Bible Study. Come to any, come to them all! Individual Bible studies gladly made by appointment. Web:dallaschurchofchrist.com.

Dallas Evangelical Church — A Place of Hope and Healing: 783 SW Church Street, Dallas Oregon, across from the Post Office. Find us on Facebook: on page DallasEC, MyDallasEC Friends and www.dallasec.org. Join us on Sundays in person or on Zoom for weekly Bible Study and Worship Service. We worship in a contemporary, casual format. Sunday Services: Bible Study 9:00 AM; Worship Service 10:00 AM, zoom room 228-034-850. Celebrate Recovery (a Christ Based 12 Step Program) is also on Sundays and starts with Dinner 5:00 PM; Large Group (Worship) 6:00 PM, and small groups at 7PM. We have a Community Clothing Closet: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat 9 AM - Noon; Thurs Nights 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Step Studies are often starting or ending all year and meeting at various times. Message phone 503-623-3778. Find us on Facebook: DallasEC or join MyDallasEC Friends. You can email pastor Dave at pastor.dave@dallasec.org

Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St., on the corner of Washington and Hayter. Senior Pastor: Darrin Hausler. Worship Gatherings: Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Youth Home Groups: Sunday evenings from 6-8:00 p.m. Please call for locations. We are a multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or visit us online at dallasfour.com.

Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe St., Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Troy Bassham, Youth Pastor Andrew Wheeler, Administrative Pastor Mike Fast. Sunday services 9:00am & 10:30am. Awana 6:30pm Wednesday. Weekly Prayer meeting 6:30pm Wednesday. Women’s Bible Study Thursday 9:30 am & 6:30 pm. Men’s Bible Study Thursday 6:30pm. Compass Middle School Youth Group Thursday 6:30pm. Forged High School Youth Group Tuesday 6:30pm. Live Streamed services via facebook and youtube @EBCDallas.

Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, 503-623-4961. Lead Pastor- Dave Bertolini, Sunday Worship Gatherings 9:00am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, Youth Life Groups, and scheduled Sunday School Classes running concurrently & 10:45am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, and scheduled Sunday School Classes, running concurrently.

Live Stream our 10:45am service at www.graceindallas.online.church Visit our Website at www.graceindallas.org for office hours, sermon downloads, event information, and more!

House of His Presence — House of His Presence, located at 177 SW Oak St. in Dallas, welcomes all who are seeking to know God intimately and live life abundantly. We believe God transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ as we encounter His Holiness, Righteousness and Truth through His manifested presence, worship and the Word of God. Sunday morning service at 10:30 am, visit the website for ongoing ministries during the week. For more information call 503-420-4612 Website www. houseofhispresence.net

Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062.

Pastor Ray Huff. Sunday Prayer 9:30am, Worship 10:00am, Children’s Church (during service, nursery provided). Wednesday Prayer 6:30pm, Worship 7:00pm. Men’s fellowship second Saturday, Pastor Ray Huff is in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for info 503-623-9062.

Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Lead Pastor David Curtis, Family Pastor Josiah Buhler. Sunday School 9:30am. Sunday morning Worship Gathering 10:50am. Nursery provided for worship services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Middle and High School youth at 6:30pm. Please call for information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch St PO Box 450 Dallas, Or 97338 503-623-5872

Pastor Ted Perry, Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 9:30 am, Worship Service 11 am Study and Prayer Wednesday 7pm Office hours: Wed, Thurs & Friday 9-12 . Community Services for food and clothing Wednesday 10am to 1pm.

St. Philip Catholic Church — Fr. Michael P. Johnston, Pastor

Pastor Email: mpjinpdx@yahoo.com | 825 S.W. Mill Street, Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: (503) 623.2440 - www.stphilorg.org.

Liturgical Schedule

Monday- Wednesday - 5:30 p.m. Mass

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. ( No Mass on Friday)

Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Masses - 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Coffee and Donuts will be served after Sunday services

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. In-person 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, 503-8385119. 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 11am Wednesdays: AWANA 7pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group 6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at www.independencefirstbaptist.com St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela. Saturday Masses: 5pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish. Sunday Masses: 9am English & 11:30am Spanish. Daily Masses: Monday 9:30am Communion Service. 9am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm or by appointment. Faith Formation: Monday 6:45pm -8:15pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45pm-8:15pm. Grades 1-4. Youth Group Thur. 6:30pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday 7pm Fellowship

MONMOUTH

Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W, Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Steve Mitchell. Worship Service 11:15am Call for information on small groups.

Cultivate Community Church — We exist to cultivate a community of people who love Jesus, each other, and our cities, joining God in the renewal of all things. We meet at 655 S. Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99), Monmouth. Just south of Bi-Mart. Our Sunday service is at 10:00am. Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at 7pm. Missional Community groups meet in homes throughout the week. Call the church at 503-838-1369. Come join us!

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

Pentacle Theatre unveils 2026 season lineup

Pentacle Theatre is thrilled to announce its dynamic and diverse 2026 season, featuring seven unforgettable productions that promise to captivate audiences with a rich mix of comedy, mystery, music, and heart. With a blend of Broadway hits, beloved classics, and endearing contemporary voices, this season reaffirms Pentacle Theatre’s commitment to excellence in live, local theatre.

“Our 2026 season has it all — laugh-out-loud comedy, edge-of-your-seat thrills, daring adventures, heartfelt journeys, and the origins of a holiday classic,” said Executive Director Steven Trahan.

Season tickets are now available and offer the best value for experiencing the full scope of Pentacle Theatre’s outstanding productions. With something for everyone —whether you’re drawn to heartfelt stories, musical adventures, side-splitting comedy, or classic drama—there’s never been a better time to join the Pentacle Theatre family.

For tickets, show dates, and more information, go to www. pentacletheatre.org or contact the Pentacle Theatre Box Office at (503) 485-4300

The 2026 Season includes the following productions: You Can’t Take It With You

Directed by Scott Ramp

This timeless American comedy kicks off the season with eccentric charm and heartwarming humor. When a love-struck couple’s worlds collide, chaos ensues in this Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that reminds us of what truly matters most.

Show Dates: Jan. 30 - Feb.

21

Something Rotten!

Directed by Robert Salberg

A hilarious mash-up of Shakespeare, musical theatre, and Renaissance antics, this crowd-pleasing Broadway hit follows two brothers in 1595 as they set out to write the world’s very first musical. Expect outrageous laughs and show-stopping numbers.

Show Dates: March 20

April 11

The Lost Virginity Tour

Directed by Karen McCarty

Four friends set out on a road trip to revisit the places where they first felt the pangs of adulthood. Funny, candid, and touching, this empowering new play explores friendship, memory, and the experiences that shape us.

Show Dates: May 8-30

Rumors

Directed by Robert Barnett

Neil Simon’s farcical gem delivers razor-sharp wit and rapid-fire confusion. When a dinner party goes hilariously off the rails, secrets, suspicions, and split-second timing

lead to a wild night that no one will forget.

Show Dates: June 26 - July

18

Catch Me If You Can

Directed by Wendy Boyack

Based on the true story of con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., this high-energy musical soars with jazzy tunes and dazzling storytelling. A cat-and-mouse game between charm and justice keeps audiences guessing and grooving.

Show Dates: Aug. 14Sept. 5

Angel Street (Gaslight)

Directed by Gregory Jolivette

A gripping psychological thriller that gave rise to the term “gaslighting,” this

Victorian mystery follows a woman slowly questioning her reality. Suspense, manipulation, and a chilling plot will keep you on edge until the final reveal.

Show Dates: Oct. 2- 24

Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol Directed by Chris Davidson In this inventive twist on a holiday favorite, journey into the imagination of Charles Dickens as he crafts the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Perfect for families, this heartwarming story celebrates the power of storytelling and redemption.

Show Dates: Nov. 20 - Dec. 12

PATHS partnership achieves record-setting results

By RYAN POLLARD Homeless Prevention & Outreach Coordinator

Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions (PATHS) is celebrating a milestone in the success rate of their strategic plan to address homelessness in Polk County. PATHS was launched in 2022 to tackle the growing homelessness challenge in rural Polk County. The partnership includes the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Polk County, the MidWillamette Valley Community Action Agency, and the cities of Monmouth, Independence, Dallas, Falls City, and Willamina.

Micky

From Page A5

you.” Third, we must prepare ourselves. Strengthen your soul, guard your family, and

In its first months, PATHS analyzed local data and developed a strategic plan to guide long-term action. Since mid-2023, PATHS has housed more than 440 individuals experiencing homelessness, including more than 200 youth and 130 parents. An impressive 91% of households enrolled in the Rapid Rehousing program have maintained stable housing and reached self-sufficiency — the highest rate in Oregon and well above the national benchmark of 65%.

put on the whole armor of God.

Patrick Henry warned us: “It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains.” Look around, the chains are already being forged. Will we sit idle, or

“When we provide individuals and families in rural communities not only keys to a home, but also a community of support and respect, the outcome is long term success and a thriving community for all of its members,” said Breezy Poyner, Chief Program Officer for Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.

Another key to success is PATHS’ strong landlord network. Public and private landlords, including the West Valley Housing Authority, work with tenants and county partners through landlord engagement meetings and

will we rise as the generation that remembered God and reclaimed His blessing on this land?

America was meant to be a shining city on a hill, a beacon of liberty to the nations. That light is dimming. And

tenant education programs such as Rent Well.

”Building trust and growing relationships with local landlords has been essential in keeping people housed and preventing homelessness in rural Polk County,” said Ryan Pollard, Polk County Homeless Prevention and Outreach Coordinator.

Jeremy Gordon, PATHS Board Chair and Polk County Commissioner, praised the collaboration, saying homelessness has no single cause, but a collaborative and supportive,housing-centered approach is the proven path forward.

yet, it is not gone. If we repent, if we return to God, He can still heal our land. But if we continue down this path of apathy, cowardice, and compromise, then judgment will come, as it has to every

“Nobody wants to be homeless; many are just one or two strokes of bad luck away from a housing emergency.

Preventing homelessness and guiding people back to housing saves immense costs and prevents untold trauma,” Gordon said. “Kids can focus on studies, parents on self-sufficiency, and seniors on health. Inaction is not an option. This partnership has achieved real results, and I’m proud of our joint accomplishments.”

While continued state investment in shelter is essential, recent state budget cuts to eviction prevention and

rehousing programs could slow progress. Still, PATHS partners remain committed to adapting to changing funding conditions to maintain community gains. Special acknowledgement goes out to the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, Polk County Health Services, law enforcement partners, and the tribal and city representatives on the PATHS Board of Directors.

PATHS meets quarterly and invites the public to attend and participate. For more information, go to pc-paths. com.

nation that turned its back on the Almighty. This is my warning. I know it is controversial. I know it will not be popular. But I would rather speak truth and be hated, than stay silent and be complicit. For the blood of silence stains the hands of cowards. Pray for America. Stand for truth. And never forget: if God is with us, then no power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever prevail against us.”

Harvest good health this fall

Fall is the perfect season to reset and refocus on your well-being. With crisp mornings and sunny days, it’s a great time to schedule check-ups, get ahead of seasonal illness and set health goals for the months ahead.

At Salem Health Medical Clinics, we offer care for every stage of life — from preventive screenings to managing chronic conditions.

New to Salem Health? Our clinics in Independence and Monmouth are happily accepting new patients of all ages. Call us to schedule your first appointment today!

salemhealth.org/primary-care

For the Dragons, it’s all about the process on the field

Sport BRIEF

SPORTS CALENDAR

Sept. 3-9

Thursday

XC at Darrel Deedon Invite

Cascade High School, 4:20 p.m.

St. Paul vs. PHS Volleyball, 6 p.m.

Parkrose vs. CHS Girls Soccer, 7 p.m.

ChS Boys Soccer at Franklin, 7 p.m.

Canby at Dallas Boys Soccer, 7 p.m.

Friday

PHS Volleyball at Elgin, 5 p.m.

Beaverton at CHS Football, 7 p.m.

Churchill vs. DSH Football, 7 p.m.

PHS football at Elgin, 7 p.m.

Gilchrist vs. FCHS Football, 7 p.m.

Saturday

DHS Volleyball at South Eugene Tourney

Monday

FCHS volleyball at C.S.

Lewis Academy, 6 p.m.

Tuesday

PHS volleyball at Falls City, 6 p.m.

DHS Volleyball at Silverton, 6:30 p.m.

Tigard vs. Central Boys Soccer, 7 p.m.

South Albany vs. CHS Volleyball, 7 p.m.

CHS Girls Soccer at Clackamas, 7 p.m.

SPORTS SCOREBOARD

Football

Aug. 29 Central 28, Eagle Point 12 Volleyball

Aug. 28

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

Dallas head football coach Andy Jackson knows better than to look too far ahead.

Now entering his 13th year on staff and eighth season as head coach, Jackson has guided the Dragons into perennial contention while sticking to a simple mantra: Focus on the process.

“We don’t project where we’re going to be at, or any of that stuff,” Jackson said.

“Right now, I’m not looking at this season like, ‘Oh, we’re going to be really good.’ We’re worried about today. What do we have to do today?”

Dallas graduated several standouts from last year’s team, including all-league quarterback Eli Hess, all-state linebacker Justin Hofenbredl, all-state lineman Jordan Braziel, and all-state defensive back and punter Jack Strange.

Hofenbredl was also Special District 2’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“That was a very good group of kids that were overachievers and worked really hard,” Jackson said.

In their place, a new core is emerging. Junior quarterback Tommy Hess, Eli’s younger brother, takes over under center after earning all-state honors in baseball last spring.

There are differences in the brothers’ game.

“I’d say Tommy is ahead of Eli in the throwing game. But he needs to develop more as a runner,” Jackson said. “Both

are highly intelligent kids, and both are talented.”

Other key returners include all-state linebacker Hunter Rivers, all-state safety Chase Ericksen, and running back Landon Holbrook, who posted a breakout season in 2024

Junior Aidan Galusha, who set the school’s power clean record at 315 pounds, returns to the backfield after an injury-shortened year.

Sophomore Bertram Latta, a two-way lineman and standout thrower in track, is expected to make a big leap in 2025

Jackson credits offensive coordinator Tristan Ringhouse for diversifying the playbook.

“We’re definitely more of a running ball club, but we’ve expanded and began to throw a lot more than we used to,” Jackson said. “We have some good receiver-type kids that we’re not used to always having at Dallas. Getting them involved only helps our offense and makes us harder to prepare for.”

Be prepared for the Dragons to spread the wealth on offense.

“We’re not that team that’s going to give one kid the ball 35 times,” Jackson explained.

“We divvy the ball around a lot. It’s all about team ball.”

The program’s winning tradition stems from culture more than size or flash.

“We may not have the biggest or fastest players. But they play with a tremendous motor,” their coach said.

“We’re not going to put a player on the field who isn’t going to fight his butt off

every rep. Effort, attitude and being coachable … those are nonnegotiable for us.”

The culture between the sidelines reflects the community, Jackson added

“Dallas is a unicorn. It’s a special place,” he said. “Friday nights are awesome. We’ll go places on the road and we have more fans there than the home team.”

The Dragons will need every ounce of their toughness this fall. Their nonleague schedule includes matchups against Churchill, Ida B. Wells and Class 6A Willamette. Each of these teams either went 8-1 and/ or won their conference last season.

League play won’t be any easier, with Silverton, West Albany, Central, Corvallis, Lebanon and South Albany on the docket.

Like the Dragons’ preseason foes, Silverton and West Albany won eight of nine regular-season games in 2024

“There’s no ‘catch-yourbreath’ games on our schedule,” Jackson said. “But it’s also where we want to be. We want to be in big games.”

The Dragons opened the year at a preseason jamboree hosted by Wilsonville (the two-time defending Class 5A state champion) and including Southridge and David Douglas. For Jackson, the goal wasn’t about wins or losses. It was about evaluation.

“I want us to walk out of there proud that we played our butts off,” he said. “If we come out healthy and know what we need to clean up, it’ll have been a good night.”

While Jackson acknowledges the team has goals, he’s

careful not to let players get ahead of themselves.

“We are a processed-base program, not an outcome-based program,” Jackson said. “When you look too far down the road, you miss small details. If we take care of the process every day, the outcomes will take care of themselves.”

Jackson also issued a guarantee.

“Every time our kids step on the field, they’ll fight their tails off. The outcome, I can’t promise. But I can promise you this: We will come ready to scrap.”

The Dragons open league play Sept. 19 against Corvallis, at home. Kickoff is 7 p.m. They are at Ida B. Wells Sept. 12

Hard grind begins for the Panthers football team

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

When Central High School football coach Joel Everett looks at his team’s schedule, an “easy” week is nowhere to be found.

“This league has been the toughest since the creation of Class 5A,” Everett said of Special District 3, which consists entirely of teams from the old Mid-Willamette Conference. “Top to bottom, our conference is really hard. Even the teams that end up finishing lower in the standings will play you tough.”

Last year, Central, Silverton, McKay and Woodburn joined Wilsonville and Woodburn in Special District 2

Dallas, Lebanon, West Albany, South Albany, Corvallis, and Crescent Valley were in Special District 3

As for this year’s changes, McKay remains in SD 2 while Crescent Valley and Woodburn now play at the Class 4A level.

After a year’s absence, Central and Silverton rejoin a stacked lineup of familiar foes with historic ties to the MWC. This reunion brings with it an aura of mystery, especially early in the season, given the Panthers’ unfamiliarity with some of these teams.

“Normally you have a feel for what a program has coming up through JV, but this year we’ll be learning on the fly,” Everett said. One matchup that has already caught the eye of players and fans alike is the renewal of the in-county clash with Dallas.

“This game is just fun because of the rivalry,” Everett said. “It’s not so much about the coaches, it’s

about the communities. It’s about the players. We actually found an old Polk County trophy from 1925 that was given to the winner of the Independence-Dallas game. That’s pretty cool history.”

The teams take to the gridiron Oct. 3 at Dallas High School.

Central’s biggest unknown this season is how it stacks up front. The Panthers debut four new starters on the offensive line after having lost all-league tackle Gabe Haines and fellow tackle Porter Keeney to graduation. Haines now pays for Colgate University.

“Our O-line coach has had his work cut out for him,” Everett said. “We’ll find out a lot about that group in Week 1.”

Isahi Aguirre, a senior, is the unit’s lone returning starter.

Elsewhere, the roster is set. Central returns an experienced core, with many of its players thrust into varsity roles last year as sophomores.

“We started eight sophomores on offense and five on defense,” Everett said. “Now they’re juniors, and you can tell they’re more experienced. (Practices) have been smoother. We’re refining, more than teaching.”

Quarterback JT Girod and receivers Ryan Perkins and Joe Mendazona - all juniors - are primed to build on last year’s success.

“JT is starting to feel like an extension of the coaching staff on the field, which can be rare at the high school level. Same with … Perkins and Mendazona,” Everett said. “They played varsity towards the end of their freshman year. They aren’t just players, they are dudes.

They are mature, fast, and physical. They are going to be exciting to watch.”

That junior core also includes running back Kao Phantern, and linebackers Josiah Vela and Mason Vela.

Gone are the days when the coaching staff was obligated to teach the basics.

“It’s like starting off by taking English 3 versus English 1,” Everett said of coaching experienced players. “You already have so much more pre-knowledge and experience you can start much further down the road than the start.”

In 2024, the Panthers were 4-0 in preseason, 3-2 in conference and 7-3 overall, having lost to Churchill in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Panthers want to exceed last year’s success.

“Their number one goal is to win a league title,” Everett said of his players. “They also want to go further in the playoffs, not just make it,

but win a game and ride that roller coaster.”

That season-long ride began Aug. 29 at Eagle Crest, with the Panthers xxxing, xx-xx.

The Panthers left Eagle Point with a better understanding of where they are as a team.

“The first game is more about discovering what this team is then it is scouting the opponent. It’s the first time we’ll really see how we execute, how the players react under pressure, what kind of leadership shows up,” Everett said before gametime. “If we take care of our business, the scoreboard will take care of itself.” The Panthers’ first home game is 7 p.m. Sept. 5 against Class 6A Beaverton.

50 years ago

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 1975

City Council considers hiring additional police officers

A request to add one policeman to the Dallas Police Department was presented to the Dallas City Council Tuesday night by Howard Brandvold, Dallas city manager.

The request has the support of Brandvold and Dallas Police Chief Don Pursel.

The council is expected to pass the recommendation.

The request come from a comprehensive personnel study done by Pursel which lists Dallas below average for a city’s size in number of policemen.

Two companies search for oil, natural gas in county

Reichhold Energy Corp. and Northwest Natural Gas

Co. are in the process drilling for natural gas and oil in the McCoy area of Polk County, 4 ½ miles south of Amity on Highway 99W.

The two companies began drilling last week. Four crews of four men are working 24 hours per day on the oil derrick. They will continue drilling until late September when the 6,850 foot level is reached.

Ducks begin falls drills

Don Read and his staff greeted 95 players over the weekend as the Ducks began fall drills. Thirty-three letterman are among the returnees (16 on offense; 17 on defense) and 13 starters are back (6 on offense; 7 on defense), plus placekicker Stan Woodfill. The Ducks will work three times a day for the first two weeks and then taper to one practice per day the week prior to the opener with Oklahoma.

40 Years Ago

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1985

Gray picked as manager for downtown Steffeni M. Gray, a recent graduate of the University of Oregon, was selected last week as the new manager of the Main Street program for downtown Dallas. Gray will coordinate the revitalization program for the Dallas Downtown

Development Association. The Main Street program is sponsored by the Oregon Downtown Development Association. Her selection culminates a year-long research project by the Dallas group’s board of directors.

Dallas fire burns 33 acres

A sudden burst of wind helped turn a small field fire into a blaze Thursday afternoon before area fire officials were able to contain the fire in northwest Dallas.

Community Calendar Sept. 3-10

Wednesday, Sept. 3

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Community Center

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

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

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

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

10 a.m. - Computer Basics, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5:30 p.m. - Dallas Urban Renewal District Advisory Committee meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St.

Thursday, Sept. 4

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Community Center

8 a.m. - Polk County Fair Board meeting, meeting Room #2, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Highway West

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

10 a.m. - Calvary Chapel

Dallas Sewing and Craft group meeting, 628 SE Jefferson St.

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

Senior Community Center

10:15 a.m. - Low Impact

Exercise, Dallas Area

Senior Center

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

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

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

Senior Center

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

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

12 p.m. - 10-Minute

Writing/Bridge, Dallas Area

Senior Center

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

1:30 p.m. - 10-Minute

Writing, Dallas Area Senior Center

6 p.m. - Live Music: Ronni Kay, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

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

Friday, Sept. 5

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Community Center

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

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705

Salem Dallas Hwy NW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, Sept. 6

8:30 a.m. - Friends of the Senior Center Pancake Breakfast, Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St.

9 a.m. - Dallas Farmers Market, 850 Main St.

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

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705

Salem Dallas Highway NW

6 p.m. - Live Music: Sal and the Salamanders, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Sunday, Sept. 7

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

9 a.m. - Polk Productions Flea Market, Main building, Building B and Building C, $1 admission, free parking, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Highway West

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

2 p.m. - Live Music: Orvil Ivie, Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

Monday, Sept. 8

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth

Senior Community Center

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Community Center

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

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

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

Senior Community Center

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

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

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

Tuesday, Sept. 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols Street S

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, Sept. 10

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

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

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

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

10 a.m. -

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

Cornerstone offers free after school snow cones Sept. 5

Cornerstone Team-KW presents free after school snow cones for all kids, parents, and teachers at 12 p.m. Sept. 5 at 488 E. Ellendale Ave. Ste 2

Heron Pointe hosts carwash, BBQ fundraiser Sept. 5

Heron Pointe Senior Living presents a car wash and barbecue Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association at 11

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

Polk County Ducks Unlimited hosts dinner banquet Sept. 6

Polk County Ducks Unlimited hosts a Dinner Banquet and Auction at 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at Eola Hills Wine Cellars, 501 S. Pacific Highway W., in Rickreall. There will be food and drink, fun games/raffles and auctions. Online registration is open at https://bit.ly/3HAxuUE. For more information contact Carol at (503) 5106578 or russellc@aeoregon. com.

Chambers host Polk County After Hours Sept. 6

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

Polk County Democrats welcome host Zoom meeting Sept. 11

The Polk County Democrats meet via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. Sign in on Sept. 11 for an informative and educational meeting with Cynthia Aguilar-Arizmendi from Western States Center as

their guest. Aguilar-Arizmendi will speak on recognizing the presence of hate groups in society. To receive the link to this meeting and be put on their email announcements list for future events, go to www. polkdems.org. Scroll down and click on the link to our Newsletter.

Elysium Botanicals hosts candle making & wine workshop Sept. 13 Elysium Botanicals Wines and Vineyard hosts a Candle Making & Wine Workshop from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 13 at 8175 Buena Vista Road,

in Independence. You’ll be guided through the process of crafting your own custom-scented candles, from selecting fragrances to pouring your candle into a stylish vessel. No prior experience is necessary. As your candles set, unwind with a glass of our wine and enjoy the ambiance. All materials are included, and you’ll take home two beautifully handcrafted candles. Limited spots available. Sign up online at https://bit.ly/4lHMCNP.

IACT hosts Forge Fest NW Sept. 20

Industrial Artistic and Creative Therapy presents Forge Fest NW, at 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at 6665 Rickreall Road, in Independence.

I.A.C.T. provides creative therapeutic services for veterans and former first responders. Forge Fest NW features hands-on fun at the Forging Academy – try your hand at forging with skilled blacksmiths and bladesmiths. All ages are welcome. There will also be Community & Giving Back – every dollar raised goes to support life-changing

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cracked but the vehicle off.

An officer warned her that the heat in the vehicle could be deadly to her dog and she stated it would not happen again.

At 1:05 p.m., a report of a loose pit bull on Kings Valley Highway. It was returned to the owner.

At 1:53 p.m., a subject found a package on Stump Street that he thought law enforcement might be looking for. An officer advised Dallice Police was not looking for any packages and he could return the package to the listed address.

At 2:01 p.m., Kyle Brock was cited and released on Church Street on a failure to appear warrant out of Multnomah County.

At 3:42 p.m., an officer contacted a subject who was working on his vehicle in the Walmart parking lot and could possibly be there till midnight working. He advised he has already cleared this with Walmart.

At 6:25 p.m., officers investigated a verbal domestic disturbance on Barberry Avenue between a female and her ex. He was not allowing her to get a child’s belongings. She was leaving as officers arrived and said she did not need anything.

At 8:27 p.m., officers responded to a verbal and minor physical argument on Kings Valley Highway. Potential harassment charges were declined.

At 9:19 p.m., Robert Norton was charged on Court Street with escape 3

At 10:09 p.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for no operator’s license, speeding 4 mph in a 25-mph zone and for failure to carry proof of insurance.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

At 4:38 a.m., an officer investigated a noise complaint on Sheila Street. The officer parked in front of the residence but did not hear any noise violations.

At 9:58 a.m., a report of a male dropping off a mattress on a fence on Maple Street. The male came back to pay the dump fee after picking up some cash.

At 10:25 a.m., a report of an unknown male drawing art with what appeared to be window paint on multiple windows on Lyle Street.

At 10:36 a.m., Christopher Deen-Elvig was arrested on Academy Street on a felony warrant, and was also charged with resisting arrest, and escape 3

At 2:04 p.m., an officer returned a found wallet to its owner on Washington Street.

At 2:24 p.m., a report of two males looking at the complainant’s car on fenton street. It was a repo company.

At 2:27 p.m., a report of the theft of a cell phone on fairview avenue, but it was later returned to the location.

At 3:33 p.m., an officer on Maple Street placed four rounds of .38 Special into evidence for destruction.

At 5:12 p.m., a subject was formally trespassed from Southeast Lyle Street at the request of the resident.

At 6:01 p.m., a report of a found dog on Sunny Drive. The caller was advised Dallas Police would not be taking custody of the dog as they no longer have an animal control officer.

At 9:45 p.m., Christopher Stewart was arrested on Academy Street on an outstanding Clackamas County Warrant.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

At 6:31 a.m., a motorist on Mail Street was cited for speeding, received a written warning for failure to carry current insurance and no registration and received a verbal warning for no front plate.

At 11:55 a.m., a male subject from Salem, who was just released from Polk County Jail, was intoxicated and was provided a bus pass to get back to Salem.

At 2:37 p.m., a juvenile motorist on Ca creole Drive was cited for speeding 42 mph in a 25-mph zone.

At 2:43 p.m., a report of a male subject wearing all black with a ski mask “ding dong ditching” at a residence on Walnut Avenue. An officer in the area was unable to locate the subject.

At 5:35 p.m., a report of a hit and run accident on Ellendale Avenue that occurred on Aug. 26. There was minor damage.

At 7:43 p.m., a report of a juvenile that ran away from home on Uglow Avenue against probation. The juvenile returned home.

At 9:07 p.m., a subject was formally trespassed from McDonalds on Ellendale Avenue.

At 10:22 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on barberry avenue. It was gone on officer arrival.

At 10:33 p.m., officers responded to a medical incident on Academy Street with medics and helped with lift assist.

Independence Police Department

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Brian Briskey was arrested and charged with failure to perform duties of a driver in an accident with property damage leaving the scene after backing into another vehicle at the library in the 100 block of Monmouth Street. Video footage captured Briskey leaving a parking spot, hitting a parked vehicle, exiting his vehicle to inspect his vehicle for damage, then leaving the scene. He was cited and released.

Thursday, Aug. 21

At 3:10 p.m., a motorist was cited for hit and run on Main Street.

At 9:15 p.m., a report of a stolen floor jack and vehicle part on C Street.

At 9:19 p.m., a report of a juvenile who stole alcohol on Monmouth Street.

At 9:39 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Main Street.

Friday, Aug. 22

Family members tried to prevent Ericka Griffin from leaving their home in the 400 block of North Log Cabin Street by sitting in her car after they found her to be upset and intoxicated. Griffin attempted to physically remove the minor-aged victim from the vehicle and received scratches. The victim shared that earlier in the day Griffin had lightly stabbed them in the leg with a screwdriver. Griffin was arrested, charged, charged with assault 2, unlawful use of a weapon and physical harassment. She was transported to the Polk County Jail.

Officers respond to a physical disturbance in the 200 block of North Gun Club Road. Alejandro Zavala Herrera had struck a family member in the face over a disagreement over money and cooking food. Alcohol was involved. Zavala Herrera was arrested on an outstanding failure to appear bench warrant out of Marion County and was also charged with assault 4 - misdemeanor. He was transported to the Polk County Jail.

At 8:49 a.m., police took a surrendered firearm on Main Street. At 11:01 a.m., police took an anonymous safe kit from the hospital.

At 3:31 p.m., an Independence officer responded to a report of a suspect fleeing a traffic stop by Monmouth Police. The subject was re-apprehended by the time he arrived on scene.

At 4:15 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence report on Gun Club Road. A male subject who had punched his brother several times in the face was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Marion County and was also charged with assault 4

Saturday, Aug. 23

At 2:30 p.m., a juvenile on Gun Club Road was served a warrant.

At 6:27 p.m., a female subject reported a rape on Main Street.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Officers investigated a crash on I Street near Main Street. The driver, Walter Jackson, stated that his vehicle brakes failed causing him to crash into a barricade. No one was injured but damage was significant. Jackson did not possess insurance and had a suspended license. He was arrested on an outstanding failure to appear bench warrant out of Marion County and was also charged with driving while suspendedmisdemeanor. An officer transported Jackson to the hospital to get checked out, then took him to the Polk County Jail.

At 9:29 a.m., officers responded to a driving complaint on Main Street but were unable to catch up to the driver due to heavy traffic.

At 11:06 a.m., officers responded to a report of a crash on Main Street into a barrier at the end of the road. The driver, who initially tried to say he was not driving, was arrested on an outstanding failure to appear warrant and was charged with driving while suspended - misdemeanor, and was also cited for driving without insurance.

At 3:56 p.m., officers investigated a report of a dog in a hot RV on 17th Street. They found the air conditioning on and the dog being cared for while the owner was away on a trip.

At 8:10 p.m., an officer came upon a car fire on Deann Drive just as a fire unit was arriving. The officer provided traffic control.

Monday, Aug. 25

At 8:53 a.m., a motorist on D Street was warned for expired tags, cell phone use while driving and not having a physical license with them.

At 1:26 p.m., a motorist on 16th Street was warned for expired registration.

At 4:40 p.m., a male subject on Monmouth Street was warned for disorderly conduct, then left on a bus for Salem.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

At 8:14 a.m., a motorist on Monmouth Street was warned for cell phone use while driving.

At 1 p.m., a motorist was stopped on Monmouth Street for cell phone use while driving. The driver was cited for driving while suspended - violation.

At 4:03 p.m., a vehicle reported stolen from Monmouth was found on Halls Ferry Road.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

At 7:41 a.m., a ghost gun was seized on F Street. After speaking with the potential owner, no charges were made.

At 8:58 a.m., a resident on E Street reported a bag of cans were stolen from the side of the house.

At 9:11 a.m., an unknown suspect stole various items from a garage on Skyraider Drive. The loss was valued at over $4 000

Monmouth Police Department

Thursday, Aug. 21

Noise: A caller reported a loud leaf blower from the east of their address, possibly behind a store. The caller could hear the noise over the phone, and it was also heard from a patrol car. The area

was patrolled, but the noise was no longer heard. There was only one caller.

Graffiti: Graffiti was found at a business. Video of the suspect is pending. It is believed to have been done Monday evening and appears to be black spray paint.

Criminal Mischief: Black spray paint graffiti was found on the east side of a building in the 100 block of Ecols Street South. The tagging was done on Aug. 19 at 1:59 a.m. Based on the video, the suspect appears to be a specific individual.

Animal: A deceased cat was found on a park path. It appeared to have been killed by another animal.

Trespass: A transient was sleeping on the far south end of a property at Monmouth Mini Storage. They were contacted and cleaned up their belongings before leaving the property.

Driving: A complaint about kids riding a dirt bike with only bicycle helmets on. An officer located a father and two young boys at a park. The kids had electric bikes and the father had a small dirt bike. The father was informed they could not be driven downtown and understood.

Ordinance Violation:

Someone called about a person running a generator in a field next to their trailer, concerned it might spark a fire. The person was spoken with and turned off the generator, agreeing the street might be a better place for it. They stated they should be moving the trailer tomorrow.

Animal: A person called about a neighbor’s dog being aggressive and growling at their dog. They explained there was already a case of their dog being attacked by another dog. They were advised to avoid the dog, and an officer would be contacted about possible solutions. No dog attack occurred today, and both animals were not outside.

Citizen Contact: A specific person’s dog was returned to them.

Friday, Aug. 22

Disturbance: While parked at a property management location, an officer overheard a disturbance. A verbal disagreement occurred between a resident and another individual. The latter had reportedly been served a trespass notice from the landlord on Aug. 1, indicating they were not welcome back to any portion of the property. The individual was not invited to the location tonight but contested the notice was not for them because their first name was spelled incorrectly. A voicemail was left for the landlord. The individual was told to move on as the resident did not want them there.

Welfare Check: A shirtless male was reported laying on the sidewalk. The individual was not located.

Trespass: A church reported a late trespass of a male defecating in one of their toilets by the dumpster. The individual was identified and was trespassed from the property.

Animal: A report of a male hitting his dog with his hand 2-3 times all over its body while driving near a location. The male was located and stated he only patted the dog once on the rear end as it ran out of the house, and it was not a hard hit. The dog appeared fine and happy and did not seem scared of the male.

Citizen Contact: A complaint about an RV parked in violation of city ordinance. The RV had been parked there the previous day, so it was not in violation, which was explained to the caller. An officer was already aware of the RV.

Driving: A report of a turquoise pickup swerving in traffic and speeding. An attempt to intercept the vehicle was unsuccessful.

Arrest: Officers attempted to stop a vehicle with expired tags also containing a known, wanted subject. As the vehicle turned a corner, jumped out of the car. The male initially gave a fake name but then identified himself. He was arrested and lodged for four outstanding warrants and released for a municipal warrant.

Assist Other Agency: A request was received from another county’s sheriff’s office to help notify residents of a high-risk grass fire burning nearby. There was also information about an overturned vehicle on the highway in the same area. The vehicle was not located, and one residence was helped with notification of the nearby fire. The fire department contained the fire shortly after.

Hangup: A 911 hang-up call was received. Dispatch was able to get the caller on the phone, who was having difficulty breathing but was going to use an inhaler and call back if medics were needed.

Citizen Contact: A caller reported losing a medication bottle near a laundromat or restaurant a couple of hours ago. No one had turned the bottle in. The subject was told to go to the hospital if not feeling well..

Alarm: A panic alarm was received at a location. An employee was contacted and advised everything was clear.

Saturday, Aug. 23

DUII: Contact was made with a person who had just driven up to and parked in front of their house. The driver exhibited indicators of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. The subject was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and later provided a .03% blood alcohol content. They were cited and released to family.

DUII: Officers responded to a driving complaint. A vehicle was located traveling at a slow rate of speed. The driver was visibly extremely intoxicated and incapable of performing field sobriety tests. They were arrested and charged with driving under the influence with a .30% blood alcohol content.

Animal: A barking dog was reported. A dog was heard barking constantly, and there was no answer at the door. Officers left a door hanger.

Citizen Contact: A person reported making a stolen bike report to another police department and, based on video, a specific individual appears to be the suspect. The other department’s report was not yet written, but they had the individual listed as the suspect. The bike is an allblack mountain bike with dual shocks and reddish/orange pedals, valued at $2,800. The caller plans to get the video to the other department.

Illegal Parking: A person was upset when someone from a trailer park was parking in front of their home along the street, making it so they could not fit their work van in front of their house. The vehicle was legally parked, which the person was upset about, as officers could not make it move. There were plenty of other spots on the street they could park.

Missing Property: A person lost their wallet around noon. It is a black leather tri-fold ladies’ wallet with brass-gold zippers.

Driving: A driving complaint about a vehicle going over the fog line. A red van was located and followed. The driving was fine, but the vehicle was stopped for improper display of a registration sticker. The driver was driving while suspended and had no insurance. A pipe for a controlled substance was on the dash, but the driver denied using it. The driver performed field sobriety tests and performed fine. The driver was cited for driving

while suspended and driving uninsured.

Assist Other Agency: Assistance was provided to another department for a warrant arrest.

Suspicious Vehicle: A caller reported an recreational vehicle parked at the dead end of a street near their elderly relative’s house. The vehicle arrived today, so it is not in violation of any ordinances. An individual associated with the recreational vehicle was found to have an outstanding warrant. Contact was attempted at the recreational vehicle, but no one answered.

Attempt to Locate: A black sport utility vehicle with an unknown license plate was reported unable to maintain speed and swerving. The vehicle was last seen continuing west on a road from another road. Units from two different departments checked and were unable to locate the vehicle.

Noise: A person reported loud music or noise coming from a nearby residence or apartment. The person informed officers the noise had stopped once they called.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Attempt to Locate: A bartender reported a customer possibly leaving the location and was concerned due to their intoxication level. The bartender advised they had the customer’s keys and identification but did not see them any longer at the location. Officers made contact with the person in the parking lot near their vehicle. The person was intoxicated and discussed the concern of them driving. The person said they left their keys with the bartender and would likely just hang out.

Arrest: An individual was arrested and charged with driving while suspended - felony.

Drug: Officers stood by while university public safety investigated a report of young people smoking a controlled substance. The individuals were all 19 years old, except for one who was 22. They admitted to smoking a controlled substance and were referred to student conduct. The 22-year-old was trespassed for six months. The report will be forwarded to the local police department.

Suspicious Vehicle: A person called to report a tow truck dropping off a vehicle that they did not recognize. Officers responded and spoke with the tow truck driver who was dropping the vehicle off at the neighbor’s house. The vehicle was registered to the address. Nothing suspicious, no crimes were found. The caller was updated.

Theft: A person reported one of their roommates stole cash from their wallet. The person later called and advised they found their money and it was not stolen.

Assist Other Agency: Officers assisted another department with a crash into a barrier which turned into an arrest. An individual was arrested on a warrant and for driving while suspended at a misdemeanor level. They initially tried lying about who was driving the vehicle, but admitted to being the driver.

Animal: A small white chihuahua was caught. The dog is blind and old. It was returned to its owner.

Ordinance Violation: A complaint about an individual camping on a street. The individual planned on moving today, and another officer has been in contact..

Assist Other Agency: Officers assisted another department on an active burglary.

Monday, Aug. 25

Suspicious Activity: A person called in regards to their friend who recently had a miscarriage and she buried the infant at a park. She explained she did not have money to

Mountaineers’ playoff hopes rest with experienced core

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

The Falls City Mountaineers return to the gridiron with aspirations of making it to the Class 1-A six-man football playoffs for a third-straight season.

“It will be a successful season if we are once again in playoff contention,” Falls City coach Dean Munkers said.

The coach added his team will lean on experience gained from last year’s playoff run, which ended with a loss to Prairie City/Burnt Creek in the opening round.

Two key players from last year’s squad - Chris Sickles and Kyler Graham - graduated last spring. But Falls City has enough experience and

firepower to make another playoff run, Munkers said.

“Our strength lies in our returning core,” he added. “Improvement is needed in football knowledge and in the fundamentals of blocking and tackling.”

Anchoring the Mountaineers are a pair of juniors, running back Avery Burgess and fullback/tight end Daniel Arismendez. The duo also excel on defense.

New to the roster are a pair of promising freshmen in quarterback/defensive back Trent Waterman and tight end/ linebacker Brady Graham.

Munkers predicted Triangle Lake, Eddyville and Alsea as frontrunners in Special District 2. The Mountaineers

will get an early chance to see how they stack up against the Eagles, as the teams met last week for a jamboree.

“I’m excited to see how our players respond to being in new positions and battling for each other,” Munkers said of that matchup.

C.S. Lewis Academy, Jewell, Mapleton and Siletz Valley are in SD 2 as well.

The 2025 season kicks off officially at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 when Falls City hosts Gilchrist in non-league play.

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Coach Dean Munkers and the Mountaineers are vying for a third straight playoff appearance this season.

another agency was contacted in regards to the burial.

Theft: A report of two electric bicycles stolen from the side of a home. After making their report, they owner did not want to pursue charges and only made the report for insurance purposes.

Driving: A report of a blue and yellow pickup driving into oncoming traffic. The vehicle took an exit onto a highway, possibly southbound. Officers and the county sheriff’s office were unable to locate the vehicle.

Fireworks: A report of fireworks near a park was received. A family riding bicycles said a group of young people set them off and then walked west. The fireworks were described as Roman candle-like. An officer had passed some young people on the way to the call but was unable to locate them.

Crash: Officers responded to a crash where a driver hit a parked vehicle belonging to another individual. The driver’s airbags deployed, and they bit through their tongue. The driver said they looked at their phone then hit the parked vehicle. Over $2,500 in damage occurred. The driver’s vehicle was moved out of the road, and exchange forms were given. The driver was cited for driving uninsured and no operator’s license.

could have happened. They stated they last saw the vehicle intact on a specific date.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Runaway: A person reported that a family member said they were going to the state fair and left without permission. They did not have a phone and had not returned home. The individual was entered into a law enforcement database as a runaway by another city’s reports.

Suspicious Person: A caller reported a person going through a dumpster and looking into cars. The vehicle was reported to be an older sedan. An older sedan was located parked in a spot near the dumpster. The vehicle was registered to the apartment complex, and no one was seen around.

Arrest: An individual was arrested on an outstanding warrant and for probable cause from a driving under the influence crash. They were lodged at a county jail and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Citizen Contact: A person called about someone entering their property and taking a bag of cans and leaving a note with no personal information. The caller did not want to press charges but sought ideas to prevent future occurrences.

a business. No open doors or suspicious activity were found. Follow Up: Follow-up was conducted regarding an individual contacting another person despite a restraining order. A friend of the individual stated the individual was at a shelter and would return on Thursday.

Citizen Contact: A person called worried about a sister, who had not been heard from for several hours and was not at home, having gone to a park. It was advised to contact the sheriff’s office for a check of that location, but officers would look out for her and her vehicle. The sister later called back, explaining she had gotten lost and her phone had died but was fine and did not need assistance.

Fight: Officers responded to a fight at an establishment. An intoxicated individual was yelling and refused to leave after being told to do so by the bartender. The individual continued to refuse to leave and became verbally aggressive with others and officers, resulting in an arrest for disorderly conduct.

checked but the person was not located.

Suspicious Activity: A person reported an individual standing in an alleyway, blocking them, shouting, and making rude gestures. The individual did not enter the property. Concerns were expressed about the individual’s mental health, noting it was a recurring issue. The individual was not located.

Graffiti: Graffiti was reported on the side of a building. The graffiti was not recognized, and video footage was being reviewed.

Graffiti: During follow-up on graffiti at a business, it was discovered a dispensary’s wall was also tagged. Multiple reports of this graffiti design have been received, and a known individual is likely responsible.

Suspicious Activity: A person called reporting their friend was likely being held hostage at an apartment, claiming to hear yelling and the apartment shaking. The caller has a history of mental health reports. The resident of the apartment stated she was home alone and there were no signs of a disturbance.

Theft: A person reported that their family member’s vehicle in the driveway had been vandalized (broken window and stripped seats) and had items taken out of it, including a radio, a vacuum, and two car batteries. They had no further suspect information to provide nor a timeline of when this

Citizen Contact: A person reported a neighbor engaging in sexual acts in front of their window. Contact was made with the neighbor, who stated nothing was happening and agreed to keep windows and blinds closed if anything did happen.

Alarm: An alarm company reported two motion alarms at

Runaway: A person reported their 14-year-old son left their residence late at night. The parent explained the son had been sneaking out frequently, possibly to meet others and smoke marijuana. The parent requested the son be entered as a runaway.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Suspicious Person: A report of a male looking into trash cans and riding away on a bike with a trailer full of cans. An individual with a similar setup was seen earlier. The area was

Arrest: An individual was cited and released on an outstanding warrant. Civil Matter: A person’s sister called about retrieving property from another individual. Two musical instruments and a firearm were retrieved and returned to the owner. The other individual later stated the owner had assaulted them, but this was not mentioned when officers were present.

Complete Blotter online at polkio.com