http://www.itemizerobserver.com/ Stories from the Polk-County Itemizer-Observer (c)2013, Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved http://www.itemizerobserver.com/images/iologo2.jpg DALLAS -- Was it a fire? Was it a bomb threat? No, it was a man high on drugs who allegedly decided to pull a second-floor fire alarm that forced evacuation of the Polk County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon. Polk County deputies arrested Eric D. Beck, 30, of Dallas after he set off the fire alarm, bringing to an end a series of bizarre incidents. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25850/613-breaking-news-intoxicated-man-pulls-fire-alarm-at-courthouse Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:20:12 GMT 25850 PITCHERS Julie Postma Dallas http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25849/prep-softball-2013-all-polk-county-softball-team Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25849 MONMOUTH -- Coaching, at least in Holli Howard-Carpenter's mind, has always been a career goal. Three years of teaching high school just cemented the idea. "I've always kind of known that I wanted to be a coach," the former player at California State University, Hayward -- now Cal State East Bay -- said. "I first went into teaching, but I was too competitive for the high school level," she added with a laugh. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25835/college-basketball-western-oregon-hires-holli-howard-carpenter-as-womens-basketball-coach Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25835 MONMOUTH -- The Western Oregon University track and field team placed three athletes -- Carraig Colahan, Chris Olsen and Amanda Schumaker -- on the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District squad. Schumaker, a senior javelin thrower, earned her first academic all-district honor after recording a 3.40 cumulative grade-point average. The four-time All-American graduates this week with a degree in nursing. Olsen, a junior All-American in the indoor 800 meters, earned his academic all-district nod with his 3.41 GPA as an interdisciplinary studies major. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25836/wou-trio-of-wolves-track-and-field-athletes-earn-academic-honors Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25836 POLK COUNTY -- The Itemizer-Observer sports front page for June 12, 2013, features the Polk County Player of the Year for high school softball, Dallas senior Caitlyn McCarron, and her story of her fight through childhood cancer. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25837/front-page-the-itemizer-observer-sports-front-page-for-june-12-2013 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25837 DALLAS -- Shana Lavier doesn't like to boast about her past accomplishments. Shana Lavier http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25838/prep-volleyball-dallas-high-hires-former-western-oregon-standout-shana-lavier-as-new-head-coach Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25838 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 Baseball: American Legion: Redmond at Post 20 DeMarini Dirtbags (DH) at Dallas High School, 4 p.m. Division I Junior Baseball: Central at Cascade, 6 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 13 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25839/schedule-polk-county-sports-schedule-for-june-12-june-19 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25839 MONMOUTH -- Registration is now being accepted for the 41st annual Monmouth-Independence Fourth of July Mini-Marathon, presented by Monmouth Fitness Club and Brooks & Terry's Espresso. The 2.6-mile run and walk is mostly downhill and follows the Fourth of July parade route through Monmouth and Independence. The race starts at 11:30 a.m. outside Monmouth City Hall, 151 W. Main St., and ends at the old Independence City Hall building, 240 Monmouth St. Registration fee is $15 for adults and $5 for youths 9 and under in advance; $20 adults and $10 youths the day of the race. Day-of-race entries will be accepted from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Entry forms are available online as well as at Monmouth Fitness Club, Brooks & Terry's Espresso and Gallagher Fitness in Salem. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25840/running-registration-open-for-41st-annual-monmouth-independence-mini-marathon Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25840 MONMOUTH -- Western Oregon University seniors Blake Miller and A.J. Burke became the 14th and 15th players, respectively, in Wolves history to be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Saturday. Miller, a senior shortstop from South Salem High School, was selected in the 25th round by the San Francisco Giants as the No. 762 pick overall. Miller, a first-team all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference honoree and the Daktronics Inc. NCAA Division II West Regional Player of the Year, batted .372 with 74 hits, 18 doubles, three home runs, 49 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 2013. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25841/college-baseball-western-oregons-blake-miller-aj-burke-selected-in-2013-major-league-baseball-amateur-draft Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25841 DALLAS -- With his team down five runs, Kade Fast belted a line-drive double up the middle. Scott Schepige, already breaking for second base on a hit-and-run call, lumbered around to score in what appeared to be the start of a fifth-inning rally. No, despite the Dallas High teammate connection, this wasn't a Dragons baseball game. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25842/american-legion-baseball-post-20-demarini-dirtbags-back-in-dallas-for-2013 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25842 INDEPENDENCE -- After earning Oregon West Conference player of the year honors this season, Central High sophomore shortstop Ryanne Huffman garnered her second-straight all-state honor as she was selected to the Class 4A first team by the state's coaches. Freshman third baseman Kelsi Christenson and senior outfielder Brittney Bettles earned their first all-state honors, as Christenson was selected to the second team and Bettles was a third-team honoree. State champion Banks swept the state's special awards, as freshman infielder Makenna Partain was named the player of the year, senior Kaylin Vandomelen was selected as the pitcher of the year and coach Jenny Compton was the coach of the year. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25843/4a-softball-central-has-three-selected-to-all-state-list Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25843 INDEPENDENCE -- The 2013 Panther Hoop Camp will be held Monday through June 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Central High School. Incoming boys in grades 4 through 8 are eligible to attend the camp, which will be led by Central boys varsity coach Bob McBeth and assisted by his coaching staff and Panther players. Cost is $20 and includes a camp T-shirt. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25844/youth-basketball-central-high-to-host-hoops-camp-beginning-monday Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25844 MONMOUTH -- Central senior Branden Cutsforth and sophomore Wes Riddell were selected to the 2013 Class 4A all-state baseball team by the state's coaches for their performances this season. Cutsforth, a right-handed pitcher and catcher, was named a third-team utility player for his efforts. He's headed to Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario to continue his baseball career. Riddell, the Panthers' starting third baseman, was picked as an honorable mention infielder. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25845/4a-baseball-branden-cutsforth-wes-riddell-selected-to-all-state-team Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25845 INDEPENDENCE -- The Central High baseball team had seven players honored in the 2013 all-Oregon West Conference voting for their performances this season. Senior pitcher Branden Cutsforth and sophomore third baseman Wes Riddell were tabbed as first-team selections for the Panthers, who finished third in the OWC team standings. Earning second-team honors for Central were senior shortstop David Powell, senior outfielder Joe Leon, sophomore center fielder Kyler Fleming and sophomore pitcher Chris Rech. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25846/4a-baseball-central-has-seven-players-selected-to-all-oregon-west-conference-squad Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25846 DALLAS -- Do you remember the children's television show "Rolie Polie Olie"? Caitlyn McCarron does. "I remember sitting in the bed, watching it -- I was only 5," she recalled. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25847/player-of-the-year-dallas-caitlyn-mccarron-overcame-childhood-cancer-before-she-became-one-of-the-states-best-on-the-softball-field Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25847 DALLAS -- When you check out the 2013 Class 5A all-state softball team in Wednesday's Oregonian, it will be quickly apparent that something big is missing. Well, several big things. Not one player from Dallas, which went 24-4, reached the state quarterfinals and was the No. 5 team in the Oregon School Activities Association's final power rankings, is on that list. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25848/prep-softball-with-this-years-glaring-omissions-from-the-class-5a-all-state-softball-list-system-is-in-need-of-repair Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:15 GMT 25848 Click here to view Perrydale High School Graduation slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25831/perrydale-graduation-slideshow Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:05:09 GMT 25831 Click here to view Central High School Graduation slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25832/central-graduation-slideshow Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:05:09 GMT 25832 Click here to view Falls City High School Graduation Slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25833/falls-city-high-school-graduation Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:05:09 GMT 25833 Click here to view Morrison Campus Graduation Slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25834/morrison-campus-graduation-slideshow Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:05:09 GMT 25834 Click here to view the Dallas High School graduation slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25830/dallas-high-school-graduation-slideshow Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:59:23 GMT 25830 DALLAS -- Grace Baptist Church of Dallas has brought Jeff Howard on board as its new associate pastor of worship. Howard has pastored at churches in Indiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington. Howard grew up in Virginia Beach, Va., and attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in music composition. He received his Master of Divinity in church music from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in 2004. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25798/associate-pastor-joins-grace-baptist-church Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25798 Community Calendar is a listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County that are open to the public. To submit an event for calendar consideration, please send it at least two weeks before the actual event date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503-623-2395) or email (ionews@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25799/612-community-calendar Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25799 Dallas family night event set Thursday Dallas United Methodist Church, 565 SE LaCreole Drive, will host "Dallas Family Night Out" Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25800/612-community-notebook Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25800 POLK COUNTY -- Which election, November or May? That is the question the citizens committee exploring options for a county law enforcement levy needs to answer before Polk County can place the measure before voters. Facing steep budget cuts, county officials in December began discussing a three- to five-year property tax levy to bolster law enforcement services, including the sheriff's office, district attorney's office, community corrections and the juvenile department. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25801/county-levy-timeline-debated Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25801 DALLAS -- A Dallas man will spend more than six years in prison after being sentenced for six crimes stemming from three separate cases. Samuel Jacox was sentenced in Polk County Circuit Court May 29 after being found guilty of first-degree sex abuse in a trial, and pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Jacox was arrested in May 2012 and was indicted on 16 charges in the cases. The crimes occurred from 2009 to 2012. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25802/dallas-man-is-sentenced Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25802 A gift card sales campaign to purchase a new digital projector for the Dallas Fox Theatre -- and also the Star Theatre in Stayton -- is moving slower than owner Jeff Mexico had hoped. Mexico launched the campaign earlier this year to replace the theaters' film projectors. With film copies of movies becoming difficult to find, the upgrade is necessary to stay in business. So far only about $8,000 has been raised for the Fox upgrade and $17,000 for the Star. A new system would cost about $38,000 for each theater. Mexico may look into used systems to save money, but also has a "Plan B" -- selling Courtyard Coffeehouse. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25803/digital-upgrade-campaign-at-fox-still-in-progress Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25803 It's an exciting time of year for members of the Class of 2013. Seniors at area high schools -- Dallas, Central, Perrydale, Falls City, Morrison and Kings Valley Charter School -- have completed their requirements for graduation and have participated in their respective commencement ceremonies. Candidates for graduation at Western Oregon University will do the same on Saturday. Many words describe the feeling graduates are experiencing at this time in their lives. Relief may be one of the biggest, but excitement and anxiety also come to mind. Uncertainty is another. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25804/612-editorial Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25804 DALLAS -- Two graduating classes have left Dallas High School since the state of Oregon has required students demonstrate an increasing number of "essential skills" before receiving their diplomas. The pressure has been on, but DHS has been successful in having students demonstrate the required knowledge - with the exception of just one student. The Class of 2012 was required to show proficiency in reading. This year's graduating class had to add writing to demonstrated skills. And next year's graduates must add meeting minimum math standards to their graduation checklist. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25805/essential-skills-being-met-by-dhs-students Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25805 FALLS CITY -- Family Academic Clubs and Enrichment for Success (FACES), Falls City School District's after-school program that just completed its fifth year, is at the end of it main source of grant funding. The popular program will continue in the 2013-14 school year -- even if that means pulling from the district's general fund to support it -- but could expand based on the outcome of a grant application submitted last week. FACES offers a homework help hour and enrichment classes for district students of all ages after school. This last school year, those classes included music, art, theater and Zumba, among other disciplines. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25806/faces-eyes-grant-funding Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25806 DALLAS -- The Rev. David Hampton will conduct his final worship service at Dallas First Presbyterian Church, 879 S.W. Levens St., on Sunday. Pastor Hampton has been with the church for almost six years. Following the service, which begins at 10:30 a.m., there will be a brunch to honor the Hampton family. Anyone who wishes to join the church for either the worship service, the brunch or both activities is welcome. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25807/first-presbyterian-pastor-to-conduct-final-service Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25807 DALLAS -- Children 18 years of age and younger in Dallas School District can receive a free lunch on weekdays during the summer starting Monday and continuing through Aug. 23. No registration is required. Students can just show up at a meal site to receive a lunch. Lunches are served Monday through Friday from noon to 12:30 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25808/free-summer-lunch-program-available-throughout-dallas Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25808 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- The Green Bag Food Project has taken all the hard work out of donating food. Started in 2009 by residents in Ashland, the project has a simple premise: A neighborhood coordinator drops off a bag at your door and you load it with nonperishable goods; after two months, the coordinator takes the full bag and leaves a new one. Linda McBurney heads the recently launched MonIndy Food Project. The group had its first pick up on Saturday, gathering almost 700 pounds of food and home necessities. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25809/green-bag-food-project-makes-donating-a-snap Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25809 POLK COUNTY -- An overestimation in revenues for the Polk County Mental Health and Health and Human Services departments has forced the county to eliminate 16 positions by the end of June. Layoff notices effective June 30 went out last week affecting eight or nine employees, said Polk County Administrator Greg Hansen. The rest of the positions were either unfilled or occupied by workers planning to retire to take jobs elsewhere. The departments were originally budgeted to have 92.5 positions. Hansen said predicting state revenue for mental health and human services isn't an exact science. Funding is calculated for the upcoming biennium based on the number of clients seen in the current biennium. Hansen said that leaves county governments in danger of overestimating -- or underestimating -- revenues, requiring budget adjustments. The mental health department has been receiving higher than expected revenues in recent years, allowing for expansion, including opening a West Salem satellite clinic. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25810/health-departments-facing-job-cutbacks Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25810 DALLAS -- The case of a mother who is accused of disappearing with her daughter in the midst of a custody dispute more than 18 years ago has been assigned to Polk County Circuit Court Judge Norm Hill for the remainder of its court proceedings. A Polk County grand jury indicted Tara Wilson, the mother of then-infant Ashlyn Wilson, on two counts of custodial interference after her sudden reappearance with Ashlyn -- now 18 years old -- last month. Wilson's attorney, Tim Park, requested the case be assigned to a judge during Wilson's arraignment on the indictment on Thursday due to its complexity. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25811/judge-assigned-wilson-case Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25811 Fund established at area food bank I want to inform the Dallas community of a memorial fund that has been started by the Dave McGuffey family in his honor for the Dallas Food Bank. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25812/612-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25812 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25813/612-library-calendar Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25813 Borjes Kameron Kenneth Borjes was born to Kenny and Tiffany Borjes of Clackamas at 12:23 p.m. on April 30 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 21 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25814/612-births Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25814 These beautiful summer mornings bring so many blessings and benefits to those who are up early to savor the perfection of a brand spanking new day. There's something so delightful and almost awesome about the morning sounds of birds and the freshness of a summer breeze -- along with the anticipation of the day to come. I've found the very best way to get to know MI Town is to put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes and set out for a good walk along our local streets and throughout our neighborhoods. The walk becomes more of an adventure with a companion or dog -- or both -- and the healthful benefits of walking on a sunny morning or afternoon only add to the joy of seeing the hard work of our neighbors, and how they share with all of us the pretty green lawns and gorgeous flowers everywhere. This seems to be a fantastic year for roses and the fragrance from the colorful blooms follow us along the way. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25815/612-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25815 DALLAS -- The sun dips lower, casting a warm glow in the sky as cars begin to trickle into the Motor-Vu Drive-In on an unseasonably hot evening last week. With some schools already finished for the year, business is brisk for a weeknight, a hint of things to come as the summer rush is set to begin at the Motor-Vu. It's a special time of year at the drive-in that is celebrating its 60th year of continuous operation this season. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25816/motor-vu-drive-in-celebrates-60-years Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25816 Amphitheater open house is slated MONMOUTH -- The city of Monmouth will host the second open house for the Main Street Park Amphitheater Wednesday (today) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Monmouth Public Library. A story in last week's Itemizer-Observer reported an incorrect date for the open house. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25817/612-news-in-brief Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25817 Gerardo 'Jay' Zarate May 20, 1954 - May 31, 2013 Gerardo "Jay" Zarate http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25818/612-obituaries Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25818 POLK COUNTY -- Polk County Community Corrections lists these individuals as "most wanted" for June. Citizens with information on the whereabouts of any of these individuals should call Community Corrections at 503-623-5226. * Timothy Neal Cooper, born Jan. 31, 1977, 5-8, 150 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Charges: Driving under the influence of intoxicants. * David Jerry Straight, born April 5, 1979, 6-3, 165 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Charges: Delivery of methamphetamine, identity theft. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25819/polk-county-posts-most-wanted Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25819 POLK COUNTY -- The use of alternative fuels once provoked images of less-than-clean, long-haired youths and Volkswagen vans. Now, even "The Man" is joining the trend. The Polk County Sheriff's office recently completed work on converting 10 patrol cars to run on propane gas. The cleaner-burning, American-made fuel is one of the most popular alternatives to gasoline across the country. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25820/patrol-now-powered-by-propane Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25820 Information for the police report comes from local law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included in this report. The status of incidents reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty. -- DALLAS http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25821/612-police-report Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25821 DALLAS -- A telephone survey conducted in Dallas this spring revealed surprisingly positive feedback from citizens interviewed about the community. City officials hope through examining the data and comments -- positive and negative -- Dallas can continue to post high marks with its residents. "The main thing that we were interested in as an organization is how well people perceive the services that are being delivered," said City Manager Ron Foggin, explaining the purpose of the survey. Advanced Marketing Research of Eugene conducted the survey from April 1-18, speaking to 401 Dallas residents. The 12-minute survey included 60 questions, the majority of them asking for ratings on departments and services offered by the city. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25822/positive-feedback-received-in-survey Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25822 Public Agenda is a listing of upcoming meetings for governmental agencies in Polk County. To submit a meeting, send it at least two weeks before the actual meeting date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503-623-2395) or email (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25823/612-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25823 INDEPENDENCE -- Empty hallways and classrooms are just another part of summer for a school; for Henry Hill Elementary, it means something else altogether. Students passed through the doors of Henry Hill for the last time Friday. Teachers and administrators have had June 7 marked on their calendars since the decision was handed down by the Central School Board in March that the school would be repurposed. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25824/saying-their-final-goodbyes Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25824 SCHOOL NOTES Summer theater camps on horizon DALLAS -- The Young Artists Playtrium (YAP) is registering students for three one-week summer sessions starting in June. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25825/612-school-notes-academic-honors Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25825 INDEPENDENCE -- Hot summer nights, cold beer and some of the best live music in the state. To Alex Trevino, that sounds like heaven. That's why he's worked so hard to bring the River's Edge Summer Series back for its second year. Nationally recognized and regional artists will have fans dancing and singing to country, rock 'n' roll, blues and soul throughout the summer on Friday nights at Independence's Riverview Park and Amphitheater. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25826/summer-music-movies-set-at-amphitheater Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25826 The commencement ceremony for Western Oregon University's Class of 2013 will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at McArthur Field in Monmouth. The commencement speaker will be Dr. Claire Oliveros, a 1995 WOU alumna and current director of TRiO Student Support Services at Portland Community College's Cascade campus. Some 1,370 students are expected to participate in commencement, the largest class in WOU's history. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25827/western-oregon-universitys-class-of-2013 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25827 MONMOUTH -- Amanda Litzinger didn't need her family connections to get into Western Oregon University -- she just never had an inclination to go anywhere else. Litzinger's great-grandmother, mother, aunt and uncle attended Western. You could say she had to go to keep the tradition going. Litzinger, a Portland native, only applied to Western. It had everything she needed in a school: small classes, campus beauty and a tight-knit community. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25828/wou-grad-follows-in-family-footsteps Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25828 In a dry year, use water wisely, the Oregon State University Extension Service advises. "We're in the midpoint of one of the driest years from January to this point that we've had in 50 to 60 years," said Steve Renquist, a horticulturist with the OSU Extension Service. For example, an average of 7 inches of rain has fallen so far this year in the Umpqua Valley, when a typical year's average rainfall is closer to 17 inches, Renquist said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25829/612-your-garden-denise-ruttan Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:11:04 GMT 25829 Click here to view Dallas High School Graduation slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25796/dallas-high-school-graduation-slideshow Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:31:42 GMT 25796 Click here to view the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus slideshow. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25797/culpepper-merriweather-circus-slideshow Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:31:42 GMT 25797 DALLAS -- Dallas High senior shortstop Caitlyn McCarron has been named the Mid-Willamette Conference 2013 softball player of the year. McCarron was one of nine Dragon players who received recognition on the Mid-Willamette Conference all-league team. Joining McCarron on the all-league first team were senior infielder/outfielder Lizzie Posey, senior catcher Dani Ackerman, senior pitcher Julie Postma and sophomore infielder Kassidy Totten. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25783/5a-softball-dallas-caitlyn-mccarron-selected-as-mid-willamette-conference-player-of-the-year Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25783 PITCHERS Jarett Peterson http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25784/2013-all-polk-county-high-school-baseball-team Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25784 DALLAS -- The Blue Dolphins Swim Team has already begun its "Swim for the Summer" program, which runs through Aug. 30 at the Dallas Aquatic Center. The program includes several practice sessions per week depending on skill levels. Cost is $160 for novice, $190 for age group and $220 for seniors, and a membership to the Dallas Aquatic Center is required. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25785/swimming-blue-dolphins-summer-program-available-now Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25785 Dallas High School graduate Jesse Boustead wrapped up his first season as an assistant baseball coach at Linfield College in McMinnville. Boustead is primarily responsible for coaching the junior varsity program. Jesse Boustead http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25786/college-notebook-a-look-at-how-area-athletes-fared-in-their-college-spring-seasons Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25786 DALLAS -- Muscles tired, but with a face aglow from a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory, Mitch Ratzlaff wiped his forehead with a towel and smiled. "You know, we've been waiting," the 40-year-old Dallas native said shortly after his men's basketball team, Open Road, topped opponent I'm In Range by a score of 89-80. "It's exciting. We've been talking about it for a while and I'm really glad that Dave (Brautigam) kind of seized the reins and said, `This needs to happen.'" http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25787/basketball-adult-recreation-finally-arrives-in-dallas-with-formation-of-mens-basketball-league Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25787 DALLAS -- Registration is still open for the Dallas United Soccer Club's youth soccer camp, set for Monday through Thursday at Whitworth Elementary School. Dallas High head soccer coaches Danny Agee and Gabe Davis will lead instruction in three camps for kids in kindergarten to eighth grade. The kindergarten through second grade session will run from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Cost is $20. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25788/soccer-dallas-united-clubs-youth-camps-set-for-monday-through-thursday Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25788 DALLAS -- Dallas High School will host free structured basketball open gyms beginning Tuesday in the school's gymnasium. Children in grades 5 through 12 are welcome to attend the Tuesday and Thursday sessions that run from 10 a.m. to noon or Sunday sessions from 3 to 5 p.m. The program will run through July 11. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25789/basketball-dallas-high-school-offers-free-open-gyms-beginning-tuesday Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25789 NEW YORK -- Emily Kenyon knew the challenges she would face attending an Ivy League school across the country combined with the load of Division I softball. So far, the Central High alum has risen to every one. After a standout freshman season for the Columbia University (N.Y.) softball team, Kenyon was tabbed as a second-team all-Ivy League selection after emerging as the Lions' ace in the circle. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25790/softball-former-central-standout-emily-kenyon-shines-in-first-year-at-columbia Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25790 DALLAS -- It all started with a Fisher-Price plastic bat. Pitch after pitch, he blasted balls over his backyard fence, some so far they hit the neighbor's windows. Luckily, the ball was plastic, too. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25791/fire-from-within-dallas-jarett-peterson-brings-an-intense-focus-in-final-season-senior-is-the-2013-polk-county-player-of-the-year Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25791 PERRYDALE -- The Perrydale softball team's successful season earned the Pirates six all-Special District 3 honors as voted by the league's coaches. Earning first-team honors for the Pirates were senior shortstop Brooke Barnes, senior pitcher Bryce Baucum, sophomore catcher Cheyenne Locke and sophomore outfielder Lili Stott. Junior outfielder Sierra Grimsbo and sophomore infielder Sarah Nelson were selected to the second team. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25792/2a-1a-softball-perrydale-earns-six-special-district-3-all-league-honors Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25792 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 Baseball: American Legion: Canyon Crushers at Post 20 DeMarini Dirtbags, Dallas High School, 4 p.m. Division I Junior Baseball: Dallas at West Salem, 5:30 p.m.; Central at Sweet Home, 6 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25793/schedule-polk-county-sports-schedule-for-june-5-to-june-11 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25793 POLK COUNTY -- The sports front page for the June 5, 2013 Itemizer-Observer features this year's Polk County High School Baseball Player of the Year, Dallas High senior Jarett Peterson. Inside, you'll find the full 12-member all-Polk County baseball team, complete with indvidual capsules and photos. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25794/front-page-the-itemizer-observer-sports-section-front-page-for-june-5-2013 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25794 MONMOUTH -- Holli Howard-Carpenter, who has spent the last three seasons serving as the associate head coach at Cal State East Bay, has been named the new head coach for the Western Oregon University women's basketball program, interim Athletics Director Jon Carey announced late on Tuesday. She replaces Greg Bruce, who retired after 22 years of coaching, including seven seasons at WOU's helm. Howard-Carpenter joins WOU from NCAA Division II Cal State East Bay, where she helped lead a turnaround of the Pioneers' women's basketball program. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25795/college-basketball-western-oregon-hires-holli-howard-carpenter-as-new-womens-coach Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:04:59 GMT 25795 MONMOUTH -- The Smith Fine Arts Series' 2012-13 season comes to a close Saturday night with a trip down Memory Lane. A 1960s Soul Celebration featuring Marilyn Keller and Neil Thurston with the Western Hemisphere Orchestra takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at Rice Auditorium on the Western Oregon University campus. The evening will feature music from classic soul artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and many more. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25751/celebration-of-soul-music-caps-2012-13-smith-fine-arts-series Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25751 INDEPENDENCE -- Central High School senior Megan Marchand cried when she got her first "B"; she cried even harder after finals last year when she had a few "Fs." It wasn't for lack of trying, though. Marchand was in a car wreck two weeks before first term finals her senior year, suffering a severe concussion that kept her from finishing classes. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25752/central-senior-doesnt-let-adversity-stand-in-her-way Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25752 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- Youths up to age 18 in Monmouth and Independence can receive a free lunch weekdays beginning June 10 and continuing through Aug. 21 as part of Central School District's summer break program. Dinners are also available weekdays at Independence Elementary School. Meal locations and times are: http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25753/central-summer-lunch-program-begins-monday Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25753 FALLS CITY -- The Class of 2013 -- all six soon-to-be graduates -- at Falls City High School shouldn't be difficult to round up in 2023 for its 10-year reunion. Well, maybe. "You would think so, but we have a hard time getting us in the same room or all on the same page most of the time," said Desiree Johnson, one of Falls City's six graduates, commenting on the hectic nature of the closing days of their senior year in high school. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25754/close-knit-group-bids-adieu-to-falls-city-high Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25754 Community Calendar is a listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County that are open to the public. To submit an event for calendar consideration, please send it at least two weeks before the actual event date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503-623-2395) or email (ionews@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25755/65-community-calendar Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25755 A cappella groups to perform at WOU Western Oregon University's two a capella groups, 15 Miles West and V!BE, will perform their end-of-the-school-year spring concert Thursday at 6 p.m. on campus. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25756/65-community-notebook Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25756 DALLAS -- The Dallas City Council did approve proposed changes to its water rate structure Monday night, but it gave residents another month to adjust. Originally intended to be effective as of Monday's vote, the council unanimously approved an alternate version that will be effective as of the July billing. Before the vote, the utility rate citizen advisory committee chairman, Joe Koubek, urged the council to pass the resolutions setting the new rates. The committee worked with city consultants and staff to recommend the changes under consideration. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25757/dallas-water-rate-change-gets-ok Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25757 PERRYDALE -- An accomplished pitcher and volleyball and basketball player, Bryce Baucum wouldn't want to let on that she has a disability -- and why should she? Baucum helped lead Perrydale High School's softball team to an unlikely semifinal game against Union/Cove in the Class 2A-1A state playoffs May 28. The Pirates would lose the game but they shouldn't have even gotten there. Baucum loves softball; she's been playing since she was 7. She's going to try to walk on to the Chemeketa Community College softball team next year -- hopefully gaining a scholarship in the process. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25758/hearing-ailment-never-slowed-baucum-down Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25758 INDEPENDENCE -- The Hop & Heritage Festival has grown up; the volunteer production is now a legitimate part of Independence city government. Independence City Council agreed to make the Hop & Heritage Festival a recognized city commission on May 28. The 16-member commission comprises members of the festival board of directors, city police and city council. Festival planners brought the idea to the city several months ago with concerns over limited insurance coverage for the festival. Independence City Manager David Clyne saw a way for the festival to gain the coverage it needed with minimal cost to the city. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25759/hop-festival-is-now-a-city-commission Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25759 INDEPENDENCE -- For some people, community service is a punishment sentenced by a judge. For Caitlyn Chase, it's just business as usual. Chase, 17, of Independence collected hundreds of books, gathered shoeboxes and filled them with personal hygiene essentials for homeless teens and wrote a children's book -- all for charity -- during the last two years. Chase, a junior at Central High School, has been doing things like this for almost a dozen years as a member of Camp Fire USA, a 100-plus-year-old organization for youths across the country. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25760/independence-teen-earns-highest-camp-fire-honor Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25760 Thieves are asked to return gnomes I hope the gnome thieves are enjoying my gnomes that are now in their yard. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25761/65-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25761 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25762/65-library-calendar Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25762 DALLAS -- Just three years ago, Dallas resident Amy Ringering felt trapped. She was in a relationship with a controlling and abusive man. Without a high school education and two young boys to support, Ringering believed she had no option but to stay. That is until she decided to go back to school. The decision brought a change in perspective that, in the end, led her to change her life. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25763/life-lessons Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25763 Smith -- 70th Jim and Jean Smith of Monmouth will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. with an open house at their home. Friends are welcome. James W. Smith and Jean L. Countryman were married in Corvallis on June 5, 1943. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25764/65-anniversaries Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25764 Anderson Aivenne Lynne Anderson was born to Michael and Jenae Anderson of Dallas at 7:23 p.m. on Jan. 21 at Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center in Hopewell. She weighed 7 pounds and was 19 3/4 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25765/65-births Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25765 POLK COUNTY -- The school funding roller coaster got closer to an end last week as the Oregon Legislature's Joint Ways and Means Committee passed a 2013-15 State School Fund budget of $6.55 billion. With already approved Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) reforms included -- amounting to $200 million in saving to school districts -- that gives schools the equivalent of $6.75 billion over the two years. The debate is not over yet -- both houses still have to approve the budget, outlined in Senate Bill 5519 -- but having the committee's approval for $6.55 billion is a good sign to local districts. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25766/local-districts-get-funding-boost Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25766 POLK COUNTY -- Last week the Polk County Interagency Narcotics Team arrested five people and shut down two illegal marijuana dispensaries and three marijuana grow sites after a three-and-a-half-month investigation. Searches and arrests in three counties took place May 28 to conclude a racketeering investigation that began in Polk County when one of the dispensaries, Garden Shed, opened at 2515 Highway 22 in West Salem in January. Those arrested were Salem residents Christian Florin, 44, Zachary C. Phillips, 37, and Darin Bernards, 40; Dallas resident Edward Bennett, 48; and Marjorie Teufel, 52, of Lincoln City. All suspects face multiple drug charges, with Florin, Phillips and Bernards also charged with racketeering. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25767/marijuana-dispensaries-grow-sites-are-shut-down Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25767 POLK COUNTY -- Two local math teachers have been selected by the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) for a regional award recognizing their commitment to quality math instruction. Perrydale eighth-grade teacher Linda Romey and Western Oregon University Professor Cheryl Beaver were selected to receive the honor for the Polk, Marion and Yamhill county area. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25768/math-group-honors-two-local-educators Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25768 Now that we've turned the page on the calendar to June, summertime is so close we can almost taste it. We are dreaming of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken on the grill, potato salad and baked beans, and gallons of lemonade. We can't wait for those lazy days in the hammock and a stack of good summer books to read, with nothing to do but be lazy, watch the birds circling overhead, and listen to the happy laughter of the neighbor kids playing down the street. Sometimes the dreams have to be revised a bit to include dealing with all those pesky weeds in the garden and assembling jars for jelly and jam. Putting up strawberry jam was a big item on the "to-do" list last week, and the raspberries will be ripe before we know it. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25769/65-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25769 Buena Vista Ferry closed for repairs BUENA VISTA -- Marion County Public Works announced Monday that the Buena Vista Ferry will be closed for approximately two weeks. The closure started Tuesday. The ferry, which crosses the Willamette River between Polk and Marion counties near Buena Vista southeast of Independence, is slated to undergo repairs during the closure. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25770/65-news-in-brief Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25770 Ardith 'Artie' L. (Hibbs) Isaacson Oct. 13, 1928 - May 16, 2013 Ardith 'Artie' L. Isaacson http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25771/65-obituaries Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25771 Pedee residents noted a few weeks ago that someone in the community was burned after a brush fire. This week I discovered that it was Mike Obrist, who lives at the corner of Kings Valley Highway and Pedee Creek Road. He received first-degree burns on his face and second-degree burns on his arm when the wind abruptly changed and the fire blew back into his face. He spent a few days of pain in the hospital, but is recovering nicely. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25772/65-pedee-news-arlene-kovash Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25772 Information for the police report comes from local law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included in this report. The status of incidents reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty. -- DALLAS http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25773/65-police-report Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25773 INDEPENDENCE -- Almost six years to the day after taking the reins of Polk County Fire District No. 1, Jason Cane will resign as fire chief effective June 21. Jason Cane http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25774/polk-no-1-fire-chief-leaving-for-state-post Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25774 Public Agenda is a listing of upcoming meetings for governmental agencies in Polk County. To submit a meeting, send it at least two weeks before the actual meeting date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503-623-2395) or email (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25775/65-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25775 INDEPENDENCE -- More than 50 Central High School freshmen, sophomores and juniors were honored for their achievements in their fields of study May 20 during the Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club's 33rd annual Rotary Awards Recognition Dessert. Receiving recognition during the event at Central High School were: Accounting -- Jorge Manzo, Alondra Bocanegra and Jasmine Orozco. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25776/m-i-rotary-honors-central-high-students Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25776 SCHOOL NOTES Distinguished Educator gala on tap DALLAS -- A gala to honor teachers from the Dallas School District who have been presented with the Dallas Distinguished Educator award during the 2012-13 school year will be held Friday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25777/65-school-notes-academic-honors Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25777 DALLAS -- If there was any advice 2013 Dallas High School graduate Courtney DuMond would give to incoming freshmen, it would be this: Don't be afraid to get involved in something new. "I think when you come into high school because you are intimidated and you are just trying to figure things out, it's hard to be involved," she said. "But I also think there are a lot of opportunities." Looking back on her high school career, DuMond said she wished she had taken advantage of those opportunities before her junior and senior years. Her experiences during the last two years at DHS led to surprising discoveries -- one that turned into her life's ambition. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25778/take-advantage-of-opportunities-says-graduate Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25778 FALLS CITY -- Culpepper & Merriweather Circus' troupe wakes up at 5:30 every morning to drive to a new city. Within hours, the crew turns an empty piece of land in that town into an old-fashioned circus, complete with a big top tent, concession stand and midway. The circus puts on two shows a day starting in the afternoon and then tears it all down again at night. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25779/the-circus-is-in-town Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25779 MONMOUTH -- Susanne Monahan will join Western Oregon University as the new dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences beginning with the 2013-14 academic year. Monahan will replace Diane Tarter, who is currently serving as interim dean in place of Stephen Scheck, who was promoted to WOU's vice president for academic affairs. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25780/western-hires-liberal-arts-sciences-dean Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25780 DALLAS -- Want to make an empty plastic soda bottle fun? Add a liter of water and pressurized air and you have a rocket, of sorts. Put a small amount of rice for weight in the "nose cone" and tape cardboard wings or tubes to the side and you could have a machine capable of flying 300 feet or more. That was the goal for Whitworth Elementary School fifth-graders Thursday morning as they each designed "bottle rockets" with the hope of their creations being mounted on the school's "2-by-4 of fame" by cruising more than 300 feet through the air. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25781/whitworth-project-is-a-blast Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25781 MONMOUTH -- With ever waning appropriations from the state, students at Western Oregon University will likely again see their tuition creep up. In-state freshmen would see an increase of 7 percent in the 2013-14 school year to Western's tuition promise program from the previous year. Students not taking part in the program would see an increase of 3.4 percent. Students already enrolled in the promise program would see no change in their tuition costs. That is all based on a recent recommendation by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education's Finance and Administration Committee. The full board will vote on the proposal June 21. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/25782/wou-tuition-hike-anticipated Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:42:03 GMT 25782