Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868

9/14 News in Brief

*Thompson plans to seek re-election*Livermore Road closure scheduled*Foundation fundraiser sets record*Mediation training offered in Dallas

September 13, 2011

Thompson plans to seek re-election

DALLAS -- Rep. Jim Thompson plans to seek his third term representing District 23 in the Oregon House after filing paperwork with the Secretary of State to run for re-election in 2012.

Thompson, a Republican from Dallas, is co-chairman of the House Health Care Committee.

"As our economy struggles, we need to remember that government does not create jobs," Thompson said. "Government's role is to support workers and employers by doing its part to keep them competitive in a changing world. As state representative, I'll continue efforts to reform and create a regulatory structure that rewards hard work and innovation."

Livermore Road closure scheduled

POLK COUNTY -- Polk County Public Works will close Livermore Road on a 24-hour basis today and Thursday, Sept. 14-15, for culvert replacement.

The closure takes place on Livermore Road, one mile north of Smithfield Road, north of the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. No traffic, including emergency vehicles, will be allowed.

For more information: Polk County Public Works, 503-623-9287; http://www.co.polk.or.us.

Foundation fundraiser sets record

DALLAS -- West Valley Hospital Foundation's 12th-annual Moonlight and Wines Gala, held last month at BeckenRidge Vineyard in Dallas, set a fundraising record.

The event, held Aug. 19, featured a dinner and silent auction and raised $39,600.

Proceeds will be used to support scholarships for students pursuing health care careers and West Valley services, such as the Connections Van that provides patient transportation to and from the hospital.

The event's title sponsor was Spirit Mountain Casino, and Gold sponsors were Capitol Auto Group, CB|Two Architects and Meduri Farms.

The foundation's 15 volunteer directors help raise funds and manage the resources, while carefully distributing funds according to the wishes of those who have generously given.

For more information: 503-831-3456; www.westvalleyhospital.org/foundation.

Mediation training offered in Dallas

DALLAS -- A Basic Mediation Training program that provides 35 hours of training that meets or exceeds Oregon's requirements for community mediators has been scheduled at Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 SE Fir Villa Road, Dallas.

Training takes place Friday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This training will equip you to handle conflict more proactively, to develop skills to listen for the concerns underlying a conflict, to reframe hard to hear accusations into more palatable communication, and work toward mutually satisfying resolutions.

Everyone who attends the entire training will receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to be mentored as a volunteer mediator.

Cost is $200 per individual.

For more information: Ken Braun, 503-623-3111; e-mail to vorpcmsfms@gmail.com.