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Wednesday September 3, 2025 | Volume 150, Issue 36

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Falls Polk CDC unveils latest housing option in Dallas - Carson Commons City man charged in 2024 shooting death

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

I-O STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY DAVID HAYES

Polk Community Development Corporation executive director Rita Grady, surrounded by regional dignitaries, cuts the ribbon Aug. 27 to officially open Carson Commons, a facility 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.

IN THIS ISSUE

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

PHOTO BY HANNAH FAWCETT

The cast rehearses a scene involving fairies in Shakespear’s “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream” being performed at the Riverview Park Amphitheater Sept. 4-6 in Independence. “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 See RIVERVIEW, page A2

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 See CENSURED, page A2

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