http://www.itemizerobserver.com/ Stories from the Polk-County Itemizer-Observer (c)2012, Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved http://www.itemizerobserver.com/images/iologo2.jpg Follow Itemizer-Observer Sports Editor Nicole Watkins on Twitter for live updates of tonight's Oregon West Conference boys basketball showdown between two Class 4A state powers, No. 2 Central (15-1, 4-0) and host No. 4 Newport (15-1, 4-0). Game time is slated for 5:30 p.m., and updates will start after shortly after. Updates from the girls game (7 p.m. start) will also be provided. Follow me at @NicoleWatkinsIO http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22348/live-twitter-updates-for-tonights-central-basketball-contests-at-newport Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:14:34 GMT 22348 DALLAS -- A 25-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department was found dead at his home Wednesday afternoon. At about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, family members of Senior Police Officer Lee Ingram discovered he unexpectedly had died of what appear to be natural causes, according to Dallas police. Ingram was not on duty at the time. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22347/22-breaking-news-dallas-police-officer-dies Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:07:26 GMT 22347 DALLAS -- A widespread power outage left about 4,400 Pacific Power customers in the Dallas area without power starting Tuesday evening and lasting into early Wednesday morning. Pacific Power spokeswoman Jan Mitchell said an insulator at a Dallas substation failed and the system shut itself down around 10 p.m. Tuesday. A technician was onsite in about 15 minutes and discovered the problem, but no cause was determined for the failure. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22346/21-breaking-news-power-restored-after-dallas-outage Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:19:35 GMT 22346 If you go... Western Washington (9-1) at Western Oregon (7-4) When: 7 p.m. Thursday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22332/western-oregon-mens-basketball-team-gears-up-for-showdown-with-western-washington Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22332 Twitter http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22333/follow-the-itemizer-observer-sports-editor-on-twitter Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22333 WOU set to open baseball season MONMOUTH -- The Western Oregon University baseball team steps to the plate to open the 2012 baseball season this weekend. The Wolves, ranked 33rd in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's NCAA Division II preseason poll, travel to La Jolla, Calif., for a four game nonconference series with UC San Diego. The season opens with a single contest Friday at 2 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at noon and the series finale Sunday at 11 a.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22334/polk-county-sports-briefs Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22334 SALEM -- In 1986, Ron August led the Dallas football team to the Oregon Class 3A state championship and was named the 3A Coach of the Year that same season. On Saturday, August passed away at Salem Hospital. He was 70. August spent 25 years as a teacher and a coach at Dallas, the final 19 (1970-88) as its head football coach. The Dragons reached the state playoffs 10 times under August, including another appearance in the state title game in 1988. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22335/longtime-dallas-educator-football-coach-ron-august-dies-at-70 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22335 PERRYDALE -- Two weeks ago, the Perrydale girls basketball team was riding high with an undefeated Casco League record, prepared to control its own destiny. Two losses -- the toughest to rival St. Paul on Jan. 23 -- served up some bitter-tasting humbleness. Perrydale junior Brooke Barnes said those losses weren't what her squad has been all about this season. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22336/phase-over-for-perrydale-girls-basketball-team Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22336 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Perrydale defeated Oregon School for the Deaf Tuesday night, 84-24. The Pirates improve to 11-9, 8-5 Casco League. PERRYDALE -- The Perrydale boys team didn't do the improbable on Friday -- beat the Casco League's first-place team, Country Christian -- but the Pirates didn't lose, either, according to coach T.J. Bailey. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22337/perrydale-boys-basketball-squad-hangs-with-casco-league-leader Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22337 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 Wrestling: Cascade, Elmira, Sweet Home at Central Crossover Meet, 4 p.m. THURSDAY, FEB. 2 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22338/local-sports-schedule-for-feb-1-feb-8 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22338 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The Dallas boys basketball team pulled off a big 47-44 Mid-Willamette Conferece win at West Albany on Tuesday night. The victory puts the Dragons (5-4 MWC) tied for third place in league standings with West Albany. Dallas has a big game Friday when it hosts Crescent Valley (4-4, fourth place). ALBANY -- Brady McKinley knows he can score. The 6-foot-4 forward showed South Albany just about everything in his repertoire in Friday's 76-59 Mid-Willamette Conference boys basketball win, hitting driving layups, finishing three-point plays, and making offensive rebounds look easy. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22339/learning-curve-dallas-boys-basketball-squad-on-upswing-in-mid-willamette-conference-second-half Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22339 DALLAS -- Basketball players who spend a lot of time honing their skills in the gym are often referred to as "gym rats." With the amount of time that Kalon Schmidt and Jesse Genualdi -- swimmers for both the Blue Dolphin Swim Team and the Dallas High boys squad -- spend in the water, "pool rat" seems rather fitting. "I'm swimming about five days a week," said Genualdi, a freshman who attends Mid-Valley Christian Academy in Monmouth, but lives in Dallas, allowing him to swim for the Dragons. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22340/dallas-swimmers-schmidt-genualdi-a-wave-of-youth-for-dragons Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22340 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The Dallas girls basketball team fell in Mid-Willamette Conference play Tuesday with a 59-37 loss to West Albany. The loss puts the Dragons (7-10, 2-7 MWC) in seventh place in league standings. Dallas travels to Crescent Valley (11-7, 5-3 MWC) Friday. DALLAS -- Blair Harris scored 16 points to lead the Dragons (7-9, 2-6 Mid-Willamette Conference) to a big 61-52 win over South Albany Friday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Hannah Smith added 12 points and Maddie Pape had 10 in the victory. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22341/dallas-girls-basketball-squad-snaps-losing-skid-then-falls-to-west-albany Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22341 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The Central girls defeated Stayton on Tuesday night, 56-29, in Oregon West Conference play. The win puts the Panthers (6-10, 2-2 OWC) in fourth place in league standings with Friday's game at Newport (7-8, 2-1 OWC) looming. The boys squad also won Tuesday, defeating Stayton, 69-31. The Panthers (15-1, 4-0 OWC) have a huge matchup at Newport (14-1, 3-0) on Friday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22342/central-basketball-teams-on-cruise-control Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22342 Columbia Empire Volleyball Association (CEVA) What: The regional (representing Oregon and Southwest Washington) organization of USA Volleyball. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22343/boys-volleyball-a-reality-for-local-youth Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22343 Tanner Omlid Central High Tanner Omlid http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22344/polk-county-athletes-of-the-week Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22344 HILLSBORO -- It's been a season of firsts for the Dallas wrestling team: defeating perennial Class 5A champion Hermiston for the first time; winning the Oregon Wrestling Classic; and even beating Newberg for the first time since 1979. And the Dragons apparently want more. Well, at least senior Josh Christenson did. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22345/josh-christenson-picks-up-first-for-dallas-wrestling-team Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22345 The mood must have been a lot different than it has been at the New Physical Education Building following Saturday's Western Oregon women's basketball contest. I wouldn't know. After waiting outside the Wolves' locker room for close to 45 minutes Thursday, after another confidence-shattering 57-41 loss to Montana State Billings, then interviewing players near tears and shaking my head at a stat sheet full of bad numbers, I decided not to attend Saturday's contest against the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's second-place team, Seattle Pacific. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22331/why-i-dont-fill-out-ncaa-brackets-nicole-watkins-column Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:12:21 GMT 22331 DALLAS -- Laurie Linn said her heart sank a little when the phone rang just after 11 p.m. on Sept. 22, 1999. "Nobody calls me at that time of night," she recalled. It was Linn's son-in-law of about eight months. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22302/a-heart-tugging-lesson-learned Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22302 INDEPENDENCE -- A vote on chickens in Independence could come before spring. The Independence City Council has asked for rough draft legislation outlining rules for citizens being able to keep hens as personal pets in backyards. This after majority of councilors, and Mayor John McArdle, expressed interest during a Jan. 24 meeting in seeing the city change its prohibition on poultry -- or at least explore it further. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22303/backyard-chicken-debate-still-on-table Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22303 DALLAS -- A West Salem man will spend the next 62 years in prison for sexually abusing three children. Greg Evensizer, 33, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Court Judge William Horner on Monday on four counts of sex abuse in the first degree, and sodomy and unlawful penetration in the first degree. Those charges were based on incidents that occurred between the fall of 2009 and fall of 2010. The children were all known to Evensizer and under the age of 12, said Jennifer Gaddis, chief deputy district attorney for Polk County. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22304/child-abuser-sentenced-to-62-years Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22304 MONMOUTH -- Interested in starting a nature walk around Monmouth? An outdoor art class? What about a flag football tournament? If you have ideas, the city's park and recreation board of directors is willing to kick in cash to help make them a reality. Citizens are encouraged to submit their activity and event proposals for funding through Monmouth's parks and recreation grant program. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22305/city-offering-grants-for-recreation-ideas Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22305 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 e-mail (ionews@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22306/21-community-calendar Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22306 Church bell choir seeking members Community members who have a basic knowledge of reading music are welcome to join a newly formed bell choir at Dallas United Methodist Church. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22307/21-community-notebook Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22307 POLK COUNTY -- Damages in Polk County from last month's flooding will exceed $1.37 million, officials said. That amount entails mostly impacts to public facilities and infrastructure in cities and in unincorporated areas, said Dean Bender, county emergency manager. "We'll be assessing things for quite a while," Bender said. "We haven't had a chance to go down every road, to look at culverts and see which need to be flushed out." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22308/costs-of-flood-damage-exceeding-expectations Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22308 RICKREALL -- Farmers who attended Friday's public hearing about a proposal to close Polk County's Farm Service Agency office were left frustrated with the reasons given for shuttering the local office. Polk County's office is among 131 slated for closure nationwide and three in Oregon if a proposal announced by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last month is implemented. A public hearing was required in each county where an office is considered for closure. The Friday morning hearing in Polk County drew about 15 farmers. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22309/farmers-decry-fsa-move Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22309 FALLS CITY -- It was a difficult choice for kids at Falls City Elementary School at lunchtime Jan. 25 -- go for the corn dogs or cheese quesadillas? The following day, they built their own sub sandwiches, with ingredients rivaling any deli's and on freshly-baked rolls. Pam Hassler, head cook for the school district for the last eight years, debuted pizza on whole wheat crust recently. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22310/fc-meals-benefit-from-deal Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22310 DALLAS -- A woman skillfully carrying a tray full of spaghetti and salad dinners slowly makes her way to a table in a crowded room inside Living Hope City Church. She serves the meals to waiting guests -- just as if they had ordered them in a restaurant. Filled with large round tables, the room -- next to the church's kitchen -- is known as "the cafe" for the day. Those plates of spaghetti are just a few of the 500 or so meals prepared at the first Polk Community Connect Wednesday in Dallas. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22311/first-connect-makes-big-impact Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22311 DALLAS -- Joe Huff expertly glides a hand-held plane across the solid wood top of a custom-built desk he is building in his shop. The crisp sound resembles the sound of chalk on a blackboard. With each stroke a thin layer of shavings peels off the wood. A slight shininess emerges and the color of the grain intensifies. The repetitive nature of the work -- and the closeness to the wood -- seems to lend the task a contemplative nature. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22312/a-handcrafted-leap-of-faith Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22312 INDEPENDENCE -- The summer concert and movie series at Riverview Park Amphitheater will get a reboot this year. The program has gotten a new name, The River's Edge Summer Series, a new coordinator and an ambitious goal of luring larger-name performers than it has in the past for a paid show or two. The revamp would also entail brand new events, such as a classic car cruise-in paired with a cooking competition. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22313/independence-has-big-plans-for-amphitheater Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22313 MONMOUTH -- Interested in hearing what a classical piano composition sounds like as swing jazz? Community members are welcome to attend the "Classics get Jazzed!" concert at Smith Music Hall at Western Oregon University on Thursday. The concert is part of the WOU Faculty Recital series. Melodies by Beethoven, Mozart, John Phillip Souza and others have been rearranged in the styles of bossa nova, samba and original jazz by Kevin Helppie, a vocal professor and singer, and composer Cassio Vianna. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22314/jazz-concert-set-at-wou Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22314 SALEM -- Balance the state budget. That is the first priority for state legislators starting this week as Oregon's first session in an even numbered year begins. This one -- scheduled for 29 days -- will be a whirlwind of action. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22315/legislators-know-budget-is-priority Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22315 What's happening with state lottery? Last week's State of the Union address has me thinking of the state of the Oregon lottery. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22316/21-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22316 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22317/21-library-calendar Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22317 Eckman Maliah Jo Eckman was born to Ryan and Melissa Eckman of Amity at 9:21 a.m. on Jan. 17 at Salem Hospital Family Birth Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 20 1/4 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22318/21-births Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22318 INDEPENDENCE -- A local artist was recognized at the Independence River Gallery on Saturday for one of his pieces on display in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Paul Gentry said he was first contacted by the curator of the library's permanent fine prints collection in 2010, inquiring about a wood engraving entitled "The Traveler." The work is a 7-inch-by-9-inch print based on a photograph Gentry took while walking through the concourse of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport several years ago. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22319/local-artist-gains-national-honor Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22319 MONMOUTH -- Facebook, Twitter and other social media makes the notion of pen pals seem like an obsolete one. But Western Oregon University is putting that concept to use for the benefit of its teachers-in-training. The university began in January a long-term project with Ash Creek Elementary School in which education undergraduates will mentor through letters fourth- and fifth-graders at Ash Creek Elementary on math problems. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22320/math-pen-pal-idea-adds-up-for-wou-ash-creek-students Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22320 For all of us who have been swapping January flood stories and are tired of the wet wool smell in coat closets and boots in the hallway, Wednesday marks the beginning of the brand new, bright and shiny month of February. Let's hope we can put that old wintry month behind us and think about the prospects of longer days and occasional flashes of sunshine. This year is a leap year, so we will have one extra day this month. Feb. 14 is also Valentine's Day, so here's your early reminder to do something wonderful for that special somebody in your life. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22321/21-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22321 POLK COUNTY -- School districts in Polk County likely will not be opting to use looser out-of-district student transfer rules under the newly approved open enrollment law. School districts have until March 1 to decide whether they will accept students from other districts during the 2012-13 school year under the open enrollment law passed by the state legislature last session. The new law allows districts to decide before each school year to accept out-of-district students without the permission of the incoming students' home districts. Under current rules, both districts must approve a transfer. School boards in Dallas, Central, Falls City and Perrydale have discussed or will be discussing the option this month before the March 1 deadline. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22322/new-open-enrollment-law-shouldnt-lead-to-changes Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22322 Polk Democrats slate speakers DALLAS -- The Polk County Democratic Central Committee will hold its next meeting Thursday at the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main St. (enter from the Jefferson Street side). http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22323/21-news-in-brief Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22323 DALLAS -- The Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for this year's 55th annual Community Awards. This year's theme is "Dazzling Diamonds" and the awards ceremony will be held Feb. 24 at BeckenRidge Vineyard in Dallas. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 8. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22324/nominations-under-way-for-55th-dallas-awards-event Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22324 William 'Bill' J. Byrom Aug. 16, 1922 - Jan. 25, 2012 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22325/21-obituaries Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22325 POLK COUNTY -- A majority of Polk County school districts, excluding Salem-Keizer, saw a decrease in the number of students who earned a high school diploma on time in 2010-11 compared to the year before, according to a state report released Friday. The rate measures how many students who began the 2007-08 school year as a freshman and graduated within four years earning a regular high school diploma. Only Central School District saw an increase -- from 60 percent for 2009-10 to 65 percent for 2010-11. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22326/on-time-graduation-rates-drop-in-county Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22326 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/22327/21-police-report Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22327 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 e-mail (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22328/21-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22328 SCHOOL NOTES Scholarship applications available DALLAS -- The West Valley Hospital Foundation scholarship application for students in medically-related fields of study is available beginning Wednesday. Applications must be returned by March 31. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22329/21-school-notes-academic-honors Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22329 This fall's display of colorful leaves has blown to the winter winds and now garden trees are beginning to reveal their subtle beauty with the colors and textures of their bark. Neil Bell, an Oregon State University Extension community horticulturist, explains how the function of bark leads to such variety in its appearance. "The basic function of bark is to help the plant survive drying winds and extremes of temperature," he said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22330/21-your-garden-judy-scott Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT 22330 POLK COUNTY -- A Salem man died Friday morning when a pickup struck the bicycle he was riding. According to a Polk County Sheriff's Office press release, at about 10:50 a.m. a Dodge Ram pickup was traveling west on Hopewell Road near Spring Valley Lane northeast of West Salem when it hit a bicyclist riding in the same direction. The bicyclist, David Apperson, 57, of Salem, was thrown from his bike and died of injuries sustained from the accident. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22300/127-breaking-news-fatal-accident-in-northeast-polk-county Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:07 GMT 22300 GRAND RONDE -- Customers of the Grand Ronde Community Water Association have been warned to boil any water used for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth until further notice. Results from regular testing revealed Monday that water in the system tested positive for E. coli, a bacteria. The utility uses water from four springs and it is routinely tested for contaminants. As of Friday afternoon, water association officials weren't certain of the source of the bacteria. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22301/127-breaking-news-grand-ronde-residents-must-boil-water Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:07 GMT 22301 DALLAS -- Three area teams captured first-place finishes at the Dallas Basketball Classic Tournament held Jan. 14-15. Courtesy photo Dallas seventh-grade boys team, first-place. Back row, from left: Jake Ronco, Cade Caudill, Harry Broadus, Coach Jason White. Front row, from left: Zack Wallace, Jake Collins, Jason Ritchey, Aaron White.    Fifty-four boys and girls teams from around the state competed in grades 5-8. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22299/dallas-basketball-classic-winners Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:43:45 GMT 22299 INDEPENDENCE -- Philomath's outside shooting was too much to overcome for the Panthers, as the Central girls fell in Monday's nightcap, 40-28. After trailing 21-10 at the break, Central (4-9, 0-1 OWC) tried to make a run in the fourth, but Philomath (10-4, 1-0) hit a couple of jumpers late to keep the Panthers at bay. Catherine Cutsforth and Auna Berry each scored eight points to lead Central. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22288/central-girls-basketball-squad-drops-league-opener Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22288 DALLAS -- The Dallas boys basketball team had a rough week, dropping two Mid-Willamette Conference games. Friday, the Dragons (8-8, 2-4 MWC) lost on the road at Silverton, 60-42. Kelton Chapman led Dallas in the loss with 10 points and Landon Hattan added eight. On Jan. 17, the Dragons dropped a road matchup to Corvallis, 55-33. Brady McKinley was the leader with 12 points and Hattan added eight. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22289/dallas-boys-basketball-team-drops-two-in-mid-willamette-conference-play Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22289 DALLAS -- Midway through Saturday's eight-team Dallas Invitational, Dragons wrestling coach Tony Olliff stood leaning against the wall, calmly watching as a couple freshmen wrestlers squared off on a mat across the gym. It may have been the Dragons' home tourney, but don't think for a moment Olliff was stressed about any of the details of directing a smooth-running operation. "I don't have to do a thing," he said with a smile. "When we go to other tournaments, the head coach is very preoccupied - and I just get to watch and coach." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22290/its-a-family-thing-at-the-dallas-wrestling-tournament Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22290 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 Boys Basketball: Perrydale at Willamette Christian, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball: Perrydale at Portland Waldorf, 6 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22291/local-sports-schedules-for-jan-25-feb-1 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22291 PERRYDALE -- Holding a 16-6 lead against Casco League and Polk County rival Perrydale midway through the second quarter last week, the Falls City boys basketball team might have surprised some fans in attendance at Perrydale. The Mountaineers (10-7, 3-6 Casco) didn't finish in that 42-40 loss on Jan. 17, but they proved one thing: this isn't your typical Falls City squad. "Let's put it this way," Falls City coach and former Pirates head coach Terry Newton began. "When I coached at Perrydale, Falls City ... I don't think they were ever within 15 points." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22292/falls-city-boys-basketball-team-having-a-competitive-year Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22292 MONMOUTH -- When Jordan Freelander put up a driving layup with just nine seconds on the clock and his Western Oregon University men's team down two in a Jan. 5 matchup at Simon Fraser, he was a bit skeptical of its chances, as the ball slowly rolled around the rim. He had missed his first five shots prior to that attempt. "It was my strong side, I had a left-hand drive, I took it, and it rolled around a couple times," the senior recalled. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22293/western-oregons-jordan-freelander-a-spark-plug-for-surging-mens-basketball-squad Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22293 Track team crab feed set Tuesday DALLAS -- The track and field program at Dallas High School will hold its 10th annual crab dinner and silent auction fundraiser Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the forum at DHS, 1250 SE Holman Ave. Cost for a crab dinner is $15 and includes a whole crab, salad (with shrimp added optional), bread, drink and cookie. A half crab dinner or shrimp Louie is available for $12. Attendees are asked to bring their own crab cracker. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22294/local-sports-briefs Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22294 ST. PAUL -- Perrydale coach Luke Lindell knew his team would have to play its best basketball in order to beat a tough St. Paul squad on its home floor. Monday, that didn't happen for the Pirates. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22295/st-paul-gets-revenge-over-perrydale-girls-basketball-team Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22295 DALLAS -- It's become apparent that when Dallas junior Jessica Mitchell can get the ball on the low block, she's most likely going to score. And that's usually with two to three -- or sometimes four -- defenders surrounding her. Mitchell scored 12 points -- six straight buckets -- in the third quarter alone in Friday's 48-44 Mid-Willamette Conference girls basketball loss to Silverton. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22296/time-to-take-ownership-for-dallas-girls-basketball-team-nicole-watkins-column Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22296 The Western Oregon women's basketball team lost a heartbreaker Saturday, falling to Alaska Fairbanks on the road, 69-68. Lorrie Clifford led the way in the loss with 16 points and Melissa Fowler added 13. The Wolves (4-15, 3-6 GNAC) led, 57-51, with 7:02 left in the game before watching the Nanooks (6-13, 2-7) go on a 14-2 run to close out the contest. The Wolves also fell at Alaska Anchorage, 86-58, on Thursday. Peterson had a team-high 18 in the loss. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22297/western-oregon-womens-basketball-team-drops-two-in-gnac-play Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22297 PERRYDALE -- When a shot leaves a basketball player's fingertips, the hope is that the ball will drop through the net. So when Perrydale's Justin Cruickshank looked up to see that his ball had fallen and got stuck into basketball's "no-man's land" -- that undesirable spot between the rim and the backboard -- during last week's Casco League contest against Falls City, he dropped his head in frustration. The Pirates -- battling injuries, missing players and losing three games they feel they should have won -- have had a lot of knocks, like that ball embarrassingly stuck between the rim, this season. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22298/perrydale-boys-basketball-team-gains-momentum Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:59:31 GMT 22298 INDEPENDENCE -- Early in Monday's Oregon West Conference boys basketball opener between Central and Philomath, the mood was a bit, well, anticlimactic. Bob McBeth's first-quarter outburst -- which resulted in an ensuing technical foul -- certainly served as a nice wake-up call. "I have never been afraid to look stupid as a coach, so...," Central's head coach said with a bit of sarcasm, explaining his reason behind the foul. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22285/a-rude-wake-up-call-central-boys-basketball-team-wins-league-opener Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:35 GMT 22285 Jessica Mitchell Dallas High Jessica Mitchell http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22286/polk-county-athletes-of-the-week Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:35 GMT 22286 INDEPENDENCE -- Although Zach Miller only has two seasons of coaching experience -- American Legion summer baseball at that -- under his belt, the former Western Oregon University pitcher isn't as green in the manager's seat as you would think. Zach Miller    Battling injuries throughout his playing career, Miller did his own kind of coaching on the sidelines -- as a teammate. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22287/central-tabs-baseball-coach Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:35 GMT 22287 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22284/125-library-calendar Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:05:54 GMT 22284 INDEPENDENCE -- The high school reconstruction and other work related to Central School District's 2008 bond came in under budget and ahead of time, according to an analysis of the project's management. But there was room for improvement when it came to things like communication between key administrators and stakeholders and financial reporting and documentation, the study also showed. FCS Group, a Washington-based consulting firm, issued its performance audit of the $47.3 million bond levy last week. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22252/central-bond-audit-shared-with-board Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22252 INDEPENDENCE -- When it comes to the story of "Cinderella," generations of little girls have been raised on the Walt Disney 1950 animated version. When trying to produce a live theater version, even at a high school level, you still have to compete with those memories of fanciful sets and endearing characters. And that dress. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22253/cinderella-comes-to-chs Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22253 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 e-mail (ionews@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22254/125-community-calendar Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22254 Mexican Fiesta set Friday in Monmouth The Heron Pointe senior living community is hosting a "Spice Up January Mexican Fiesta" Friday from noon to 1 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22255/125-community-notebook Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22255 DALLAS -- Polk Community Connect, a one-day event designed to help people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, is being held Wednesday (today) in Dallas. The Polk County Commission for Children and Families and numerous organizations and churches are collaborating to provide free medical and dental care, pet care, bike repairs, employment assistance, clothing and haircuts. There will be opportunities to inquire about or sign up for Social Security and veterans benefits, as well as contacting other available service providers. The Polk Community Connect will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Living Hope City Church, 450 SE Washington St., Dallas. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22256/connect-event-is-today Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22256 FALLS CITY -- A long-standing Independence Day tradition in Falls City is in danger of ending if it doesn't secure more financial support. The annual July 3 fireworks show put on by the Falls City Fire Department has become too expensive for the agency to foot the majority of the bill any longer. Falls City Fire Chief Bob Young said the show costs from $5,500 to $7,000 for fireworks alone. Insurance and incidental expenses -- such as acquiring permits for the show -- related to putting on the display add to the total cost. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22257/falls-city-fireworks-need-a-boost Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22257 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- Reducing personnel, streamlining service levels and seeking an operating tax levy are some of the actions Polk County Fire District No. 1 may weigh during the next two years. A financial forecast for Polk No. 1, based on the district's current operations, predicts a general fund shortfall beginning in 2013-14 that could rise to $660,000 the following fiscal year. Contributing factors include flat tax revenue, expense hikes and loss of significant income following the expiration of a five-year operating levy in 2010, said Polk No. 1 Fire Chief Jason Cane. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22258/fire-district-faces-challenges Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22258 POLK COUNTY -- Officials in Polk County's communities are assessing the scope of damage and financial toll from last week's widespread flooding. Polk County declared a state of emergency on Friday and will seek reimbursements for damages from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Polk Administrator Greg Hansen said. County and local governments are all tallying the cost of the flood; the collective amount will determine whether Polk qualifies for FEMA dollars. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22259/flood-damage-being-assessed Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22259 INDEPENDENCE -- Chance Henschel said as he was preparing to leave his old job last fall, he started toying with the idea of running a restaurant. An opportunity presented itself -- in the form of a listing on craigslist. Chance's brother, Jason, happened upon a "for sale" notice for the former Dusty Spur Pizza Co. in downtown Independence. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22260/indepizza-is-a-family-affair Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22260 Dallas wrestlers appreciate support I am a captain for the Dallas High School wrestling team, and I have come to understand that due to the efforts of the Dallas Booster Club we have received more than $2,000 for transportation and overnight stays at wrestling tournaments. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22261/125-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22261 Lucatero Rizo Gieselle G. Lucatero Rizo was born to Salvader Lucatero and Miriam Rizo of Independence at 8:06 a.m. on Jan. 9 at Silverton Hospital Family Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 20 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22262/125-births Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22262 Smith-Brubaker Montella Smith of Dallas and Christopher Brubaker of Salem are planning a June wedding. Montella Smith and Christopher Brubaker http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22263/125-engagements Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22263 POLK COUNTY -- A public hearing addressing the possible consolidation of the Polk County Farm Service Agency office takes place Friday at 9 a.m. at the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 520 S. Pacific Highway West, Rickreall. The public is welcome to comment on the proposed consolidation at the meeting, which will be held in the main room of the main building at the fairgrounds. All input will be used to make a final decision on whether to move forward with consolidation plans, which are part of a proposal affecting 131 FSA offices in 32 states. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22264/meeting-will-address-fsa-move-proposal Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22264 My wish is that by the time the Itemizer-Observer reaches your mailbox, we have bid a fond farewell to this latest January rainstorm. In our household, we have done more than our share for the economy by replacing a sump pump under the house and unclogging some outdoor drains so we can use the garage and downstairs bathroom without wearing waders. Friends have shared similar stories -- none of them good -- and many people in MI Town have newly added lakes to backyards, driveways and sidewalks. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22265/125-mi-town-patty-dutcher-taylor Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22265 POLK COUNTY -- The Bureau of Land Management announced the distribution of the final county timber payment last week, just in time for counties throughout the state to begin considering life without them. Polk County Administrator Greg Hansen has begun compiling the county's 2012-13 budget, the first without the timber payments if another renewal is not approved by Congress. Hansen is basing the budget as though that will not happen. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22266/next-budget-wont-count-on-timber-payment Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22266 John K. Grimes Dec. 9, 1915 - Jan. 17, 2012 John K. Grimes, 96, of Wilsonville, and former longtime Dallas resident, died Jan. 17 in Wilsonville. John had served as a Polk County Extension Agent for many years before he retired. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22267/125-obituaries Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22267 POLK COUNTY -- The way the educational success of schools in Oregon is formally measured could change in 2012-13. The state is one of several across the country seeking exemptions from parts of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the 2002 federal legislation that sets academic targets for students in math and language. Some educators have criticized the law because of a perceived overemphasis on test preparation and the fact that entire schools can be ranked as failing if just one of many student groups -- minorities, learning disabled -- underachieves. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22268/oregon-seeking-waiver-to-nclb-requirements Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22268 DALLAS -- Bonnie Beck has been promoted from assistant branch manager to branch manager at the Dallas location of OSU Federal, Your Community Credit Union, at 210 NE Orchard Drive. Beck started with OSU Federal in June 2003 at the Monmouth branch and assumed the assistant branch manager position at Dallas in November 2005. She was named the recipient of OSU Federal's community contribution award for 2011. Beck is currently serving on the board for the Dallas Area Visitors' Center and also volunteers for Polk County Association of Realtors, Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce, Law Enforcement for Youth and the Dallas High School Band Boosters. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22269/osu-federal-announces-promotion Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22269 Pedee Creek Road was very wet last week. Water was running across the road in several places and several sections, as well as driveways, were washed out. My husband, Paul, has recorded our rainfall for several years now, and Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 broke all records by quite a bit. We measured 4.25 inches and 6.55 inches, respectively. Dave Burbank, who works on the county road crew, felt that the road was the worst hit in the county. Pete Bennett said he's lived here for 72 years and has never seen more rain all at once. -- http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22270/125-pedee-news-arlene-kovash Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22270 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/22271/125-police-report Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22271 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- Community members in Monmouth and Independence will have a chance to meet professional snowboarder Andy Finch during special Saturday night screenings of the snowboard movie "ONE YEAR." The events are being sponsored by The Gate Youth Association, a nonprofit faith-based organization that provides area children with afterschool activities and tutoring. "ONE YEAR" follows Finch, a well-known Christian athlete from Puyallup, Wash., and four other pro snowboarders as they ride mountains, backcountry terrain and halfpipes across five continents. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22272/pro-snowboarder-to-appear-saturday Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22272 DALLAS -- Most teenagers living in the United States don't think of toothbrushes, soap, hair brushes and abundant clean water as luxuries. But to teens living in third-world countries across the globe, those simple necessities are rare, if not nonexistent. The 55 students attending Morrison Campus Alternative School were given a glimpse into how people in such places live at Medical Teams International's "Real. Life." exhibit in Tigard. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22273/project-inspires-morrison-students Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22273 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 e-mail (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22274/125-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22274 POLK COUNTY -- "Well, at least I won't have to rake," Barbara Holly said, gesturing to a pile of leaves deposited at the edge of her driveway -- a parting gift from the overflowing Little Luckiamute River. "I do like that." A small reason to smile is better than none. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22275/residents-of-floodplains-shoulder-risk Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22275 SCHOOL NOTES Perrydale groups to host barn dance PERRYDALE -- The leadership and FFA programs at Perrydale School are hosting a barn dance fundraiser Saturday at the school, 7445 Perrydale Road. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22276/125-school-notes-academic-honors Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22276 MONMOUTH -- Two Monmouth siblings won their respective schools' editions of the National Geographic Bee. Brett Meador, an eighth-grader at Talmadge Middle School, beat out 120 of his fellow students on Jan. 5. Brett took part in the statewide competition in 2011. His sister, Melanie, who is in fourth grade at Monmouth Elementary School, scored highest on the test among fourth- and fifth-grade students at her school earlier this month. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22277/siblings-top-geography-bees Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22277 DALLAS -- Polk Soil and Water Conservation District has scheduled a series of winter workshops designed to help landowners maximize their resources. "Making the Most of What You've Got" is the title of a series of four workshops being offered beginning this week. The public is welcome to take part in any one class or all four. This year's schedule includes: http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22278/soilwater-agency-sets-workshops Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22278 DALLAS -- St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dallas has announced the arrival of the Rev. Elizabeth Morse. A graduate of Oregon State University, Morse was ordained after completion of work at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, Calif. She comes to Dallas after serving as both vicar and rector in several churches in southern California and Hawaii. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22279/st-thomas-welcomes-new-vicar Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22279 POLK COUNTY -- Residents of Polk County are in cleanup mode after last week's perfect storm combination of snow, followed by warmer temperatures and heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding. This first major storm of 2012 caused Polk County to declare a disaster and has drawn comparisons to the floods of 1996 and 2007. And there may be more rain on the way. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22280/storm-wreaks-havoc Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22280 SUVER -- Chuck Tenney can breathe a little easier now, safe -- and dry -- at his home about seven miles south of Monmouth. Thursday, however, Tenney, 68, was experiencing nothing short of panic as two creeks that flow near the property he is the caretaker for flooded, sending water past his front gate and toward his home. The house has just one access road, and by Thursday that road had disappeared under an expanse of water. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22281/suver-man-grateful-after-flooding-surrounds-home Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22281 DALLAS -- Need to find out the population of Polk County, the nearest location of your bank, a list of nearby wineries and a good spot to have dinner in Dallas all at once? Look no further than the Dallas Area Visitor's Center "Explore Dallas" site through the organization's website. The site features all of the above information and much more of interest to tourists and people thinking of relocating to the area. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22282/website-promotes-all-things-dallas Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22282 INDEPENDENCE -- We're reaching a point in society where art need not be considered a male-dominated institution. Locally, that effort is manifested in the The River Gallery's Wild Women art show, which started Jan. 18 and runs through Feb. 25. A kickoff reception takes place Saturday. The annual event, in its 11th year, is "a celebration of the female spirit," said Barb Meyer, a painter, craftmaker and part owner of the gallery. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22283/wild-women-art-show-returns-to-gallery Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:28:49 GMT 22283 Polk County declared a state of emergency Friday (today) after widespread flooding due to melting snow and heavy rainfall wreaked havoc throughout the county Wednesday and Thursday. Click here to see slide show of flooding the Polk County http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22251/slide-show-of-flooding-in-polk-county Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:07:03 GMT 22251 POLK COUNTY -- Western Oregon University and Chemeketa Community College have announced that their respective campuses will close early this afternoon. All evening classes at WOU have been canceled, and the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration dinner scheduled for Thursday night has been rescheduled for Feb. 9. However, the WOU men's basketball game against Alaska Anchorage is still on as scheduled. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22250/119-breaking-news-flooding-updates-as-of-4-pm Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:04:17 GMT 22250 POLK COUNTY -- Here is updated information as of 2 p.m. Thursday as it pertains to local flooding and high water issues in and around Polk County: * Due to expected higher water, the Dallas School District is encouraging parents to pick up their students early. School will remain in session and any child still at school will be cared for as long as necessary. Buses will be operating at regular release time. Students that can't be taken home safely will be returned to their school. Staff is prepared to care for students that end up back at school. * In Dallas, high water is causing problems on West Ellendale Avenue at Wyatt Street. The road is not closed and currently no water is flooding the street. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/22249/119-breaking-news-flooding-updates-as-of-2-pm Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:47 GMT 22249