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 5A BOYS STATE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS When: Thursday-Saturday. Where: Tualatin Hills Tennis Center, Beaverton. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23109/dallass-thomas-braun-sabin-gramelt-headed-to-state-tennis-tournament Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:24 GMT 23109 CORVALLIS -- After winning her quarterfinal singles consolation match at Thursday's Mid-Willamette Conference Tennis Championships, Dallas sophomore Bethany Steele walked over to the scorer's table to see who was on the slate next. Ironically enough, it was Deaven Vessell -- her own Dallas teammate. "Whaaaat?" Steele asked incredulously. "This is exactly what I didn't want to happen," she added with a nervous laugh. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23110/dallas-deaven-vessell-excels-in-first-year-of-tennis Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:24 GMT 23110 CLASS 4A BASEBALL PLAY-IN Central (8-11) at Sweet Home (12-13) http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23111/central-baseball-wins-wild-game-over-stayton Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:24 GMT 23111 NCAA DIVISION II WEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS When: Thursday-Sunday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23112/western-oregon-baseball-earns-no-1-seed-hosting-west-regional Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:24 GMT 23112 CLASS 4A SOFTBALL PLAY-IN Cottage Grove (5-14) at Central (19-4) When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23102/centrals-emily-kenyon-going-to-the-ivy-league Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23102 NEWBERG -- The 12-and-under West Valley HERricanes softball team took first place at the Mothers Day for Moms tournament in Newberg Sunday. Pictured, from left to right -- First row: Ashlee Lichtenberger, Olivia Nelson, Mariah Hyre, Karlie Dalke, Emily May. Second row: Erin Cole, Abby Sampont, Aunika Farley, Jessica Morrill, Coach Danny Lichtenberger. Third row: Coach Mike Dalke, Madi Feldman, Claudia Augustine, Coach Todd Nelson. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23103/youth-sports-12u-herricanes-win-tournament Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23103 MONMOUTH -- Shortly after running his third and final race of the day, Western Oregon's Kody Rhodes hadn't quite taken in what he had just accomplished. "It's really surreal -- like, it hasn't hit me yet," Rhodes said after running the first leg for the Wolves' 4 x 400 meter relay team in Saturday's Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships. What the sophomore did -- snag a conference title in the 110-meter hurdles and take second in the 400 hurdles with lifetime personal records in both -- was nothing short of remarkable, but not unexpected, according to his coach. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23104/western-oregons-kody-rhodes-has-a-career-best-kind-of-day-at-gnac-championships Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23104 PORTLAND -- The Polk County boys rugby team fell to defending champ Lincoln/Westside 33-19 in Saturday's Rugby Oregon Division 2 playoff semifinals. The Lost Boys led at the half, but were unable to hold on for the win. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23105/polk-county-rugby-team-falls-in-playoff-semifinals Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23105 PORTLAND -- Reaching the state track and field meet has always been a goal in the back of Bridget Regan's mind. Saturday, the junior's dream became a reality. With a time of 1:02.94, Regan held off Damascus Christian's Kristen Wood to capture her first district title in the 400 meters in Saturday's Special District 1 Championships at Portland Christian. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23106/prep-sports-roundup-perrydales-bridget-regan-going-to-state Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23106 WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 Baseball: Class 5A State Play-In Game: Eagle Point at Dallas, 4:30 p.m. Track and Field: Dallas at Mid-Willamette Conference Championships, Willamette University, Salem, 3 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23107/area-sports-schedule-for-may-16-23 Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23107 DALLAS -- In-person registration sessions for the 2012 Dallas Pop Warner Football Association have been scheduled during the next week. Registration sessions are scheduled Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and May 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration takes place in the cafeteria at LaCreole Middle School, 701 SE LaCreole Drive. Players are placed on teams based on age and weight. Cost is $220 per player. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23108/youth-football-signups-slated Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23108 DALLAS -- The Dallas 12-and-under baseball team captured the Hilsboro tournament title Sunday. Pictured, from left to right -- Bottom row: Lukas Taber, Eric Kessler, Dawson Barcroft, Jeremy Labrado, Devin Floyd, Dustin Silber. Middle row: Morgan McBeth, Carter Weisensee, Jarrett Stewart, Logan Graber, Dylan Bauman. Back row: Mark Weisensee, David Barcroft, Wayne Taber. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23096/youth-sports-dallas-12u-baseball-squad-wins-hillsboro-tournament Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23096 MONMOUTH -- I will admit, I've never watched an entire javelin competition. So I wasn't sure what to expect in Friday's women's contest at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships at Western Oregon University's McArthur Field. For two hours I witnessed all the athletes complete their three throws in preliminaries, and then -- for those that qualified -- throw three more throws in the finals. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23097/eye-on-the-prize-western-oregons-amanda-schumaker-a-gnac-champ Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23097 Ryan Hansen Western Oregon Ryan Hansen http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23098/polk-county-athlete-of-the-week Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23098 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The Class 4A Boys Golf State Championships wrapped up Tuesday afternoon at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks. With a score of 637, LaGrande was the champion, North Valley (650) finished second and La Salle Prep (660) was third. Central finished in 10th place out of the 14 teams with a score of 728, just edged by Oregon West Conference foe and ninth-place Stayton (727). Brandon Sackett led the way for the Panthers with a two-day total of 166. Tre Whittemore carded a 173 and J.J. Waddell finished with a 180. GLENEDEN BEACH -- Tre Whittermore certainly saved his best for last. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23099/central-boys-golf-team-takes-10th-at-state Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23099 5A BASEBALL PLAY-IN Dallas (20-6) vs. Eagle Point (6-20) When: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23100/lucky-no-13-for-coach-mac-dallas-baseball-wins-first-mwc-title Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23100 5A SOFTBALL PLAY-IN Dallas (20-5) vs. Ashland (4-20) When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23101/mission-accomplished-dallas-softball-captures-mwc-title Wed, 16 May 2012 11:36:25 GMT 23101 POLK COUNTY -- Two new leaders for Polk County's criminal justice system were tapped during the primary election on Tuesday. A round two, however, will be needed to settle Position 1 on the Polk County Board of Commissioners. Aaron Felton won the race for Polk County District Attorney, receiving nearly 52 percent of the vote. His challenger, Polk County Deputy Chief District Attorney Jennifer Gaddis received 48 percent. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23095/516-breaking-news-polk-county-election-results Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:28 GMT 23095 Many people are aware that despite its name, Douglas fir is not a true fir. It's also not a pine, not a spruce and not a hemlock. Outside of the United States, it is often called Oregon pine, also a misnomer. What is a Douglas fir, then? It's a unique species, in a class by itself, according to the newly revised Oregon State University publication, "Understanding Names of Oregon Trees" (EC 1502). The publication is available only online at http://bit.ly/OSUESec1502. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23094/516-your-garden-judy-scott Wed, 16 May 2012 10:15:52 GMT 23094 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, MAY 16 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23058/516-community-calendar Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23058 Beekeeping subject of Rogue workshop Rogue Farms Micro Hopyard will host a do-it-yourself workshop on beekeeping Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23059/516-community-notebook Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23059 Correction In a story headlined "FCSD's chronic absenteeism rate concerns school leaders," which appeared on Page 19A of the May 9 issue of the Itemizer-Observer, Falls City School District Superintendent Pat Evenson-Brady was incorrectly referred to as interim superintendent. She is also superintendent of the Willamette Education Service District; a reporter mistakenly referred to her as WESD's director. The I-O regrets the errors. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23060/516-correction Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23060 POLK COUNTY -- Polk County Community Corrections lists these individuals as "most wanted" for May. Citizens with information on the whereabouts of any of these individuals should call Community Corrections at 503-623-5226. * Sarah Jean Cook, born May 18, 1987, 4-foot-11, 109 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. Charges: DUII-Felony. * Luie Zuniga, born Jan. 10, 1962, 5-8, 150, black hair, brown eyes. Charges: Possession of a controlled substance. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23061/corrections-posts-most-wanted Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23061 DALLAS -- Adjustments to Dallas School District's state funding actually brought good news this month -- and the possibility of adding more school days back into the 2012-13 schedule. The Dallas School District Budget Committee approved the district's $32.9 million overall budget at its meeting Monday. Of that amount, approximately $24.89 million is in the general fund. But the committee didn't conclude its work without making a strong recommendation to the Dallas School Board that it add back at least two school days to the 2012-13 schedule. The budget proposed April 23 included cutting 10 days from the school year as part of $1.2 million in reductions. Dallas Business Manager Tami Montague said since the proposed budget was introduced, the district received notice that it will be receiving more money. The adjustments are due to corrections to district funding calculations from the 2010-11 and current school years. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23062/district-gets-good-state-funding-news Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23062 DALLAS -- Monday marked the end of a years-long journey for Dallas resident Tammy Nordman -- a journey out of drug addiction. Ironically, it ended in a courtroom. But this was no typical day in court. Monday, Nordman and six other participants graduated from Polk County Drug Court. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23063/drug-court-success Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23063 Tax Freedom Day arrived this year on April 17, coincidentally the same day tax returns were due. Tax Freedom Day is a calendar-based measure of Americans' cumulative tax bill. It is calculated as the day on which Americans have worked long enough to pay all their taxes. Americans worked 107 days to earn enough money to pay this year's combined federal, state and local taxes. These taxes include personal income taxes, payroll taxes, corporate income taxes, and property and sales taxes. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23064/516-editorial Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23064 WEST SALEM -- The eight alternatives for an improved -- or entirely new -- crossing of the Willamette River from Salem to Polk County were explained in detail at an open house at West Salem High School on May 8. The first of two open houses on the project's draft environmental impact statement, the meeting had a steady stream of people coming through to learn about the options. The estimated costs range from $148 million to simply widen the existing bridges to $708 million for the most expensive new bridge. Those estimates include the expense of having to pay for properties the project would displace and contingency, said Julie Warncke, the deputy project manager representing Salem. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23065/eight-bridge-ideas-on-table Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23065 POLK COUNTY -- Results from the May 15 vote-by-mail primary election in Polk County were being counted Tuesday night after the Itemizer-Observer had gone to press. Local election results will be posted online by Polk County. Log on to the Polk County Clerk's website, www.co.polk.or.us/electionresults, for up-to-the-minute results. The Itemizer-Observer will also provide election results on its Facebook page. Election stories will also be available online at the I-O's website, www.polkio.com, by Wednesday afternoon. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23066/election-results-to-be-posted Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23066 DALLAS -- The Dallas Fire Department has a renovated station. Now it wants to show it off. The department will host an open house Wednesday, May 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the station, located at 915 SE Shelton St., across the street from City Hall. Visitors will be able to take tours of the refurbished fire station, see demonstrations of firefighting and vehicle rescue skills, tour fire trucks and ambulances, and find information from several local public safety agencies. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23067/fire-department-to-show-off-remodeled-station Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23067 INDEPENDENCE -- Bingo players and dog enthusiasts, take note: there's an event on Saturday happening in the Buena Vista area with your name on it. "Dog Park Bingo," a benefit for the forthcoming Independence dog park, will take place at the Rogue Ales Micro Hopyard, 3590 Wigrich Road. The event, sponsored by Independence Community Dog Park, will start at 5 p.m. Buy in for unlimited play is $15 or buy two cards for $25. All ages are welcome, though participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23068/fundraiser-for-independence-dog-park-on-tap Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23068 FALLS CITY -- How can $5,000 improve a community? Just ask the six students in Falls City High School's Community 101 class. Since September, the six students have tried to make the best use of $5,000 to better their community -- and perhaps save lives. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23069/grant-program-lets-fchs-students-help-community Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23069 DALLAS -- An Independence man arrested in April on public indecency charges connected to an incident at the Dallas Safeway is now facing more charges, including attempted kidnapping. Tommy Ray Vollendroff, now in custody at Polk County Jail on $145,000 bail, is facing two counts of public indecency, two counts of unlawful contact with a child and one count of first-degree attempted kidnapping in two separate cases. If convicted, Vollendroff could face life in prison under Oregon statute, due to previous felony sex crime convictions. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23070/kidnap-attempt-added-to-charges Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23070 MONMOUTH -- Dale Claussen -- or Captain Claussen, his late 18th-century alter ego -- organizes students in his fifth-grade class at Ash Creek Elementary School into lines out on the soccer field and then orders a forward march. "Left. Left. Left," he calls out. "Column right!" The two parallel groups collapse into one another as they begin to turn, amidst laughter. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23071/kids-get-lesson-in-history Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23071 Teachers must take their job seriously I would like for the teachers in our community to take a stand and start teaching our students to prepare them for the work force. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23072/516-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23072 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23073/516-library-calendar Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23073 Hill -- 50th Jules and Shirley Hill of Dallas will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday, May 19, with a casual gathering hosted by their children from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Greenway Mobile Park Clubhouse in Dallas. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Jules A. Hill and Shirley K. Spady were married May 26, 1962, in Portland. The Rev. Beal performed the ceremony. The couple was attended by Lydia Joerg (matron of honor) and Danny Gescher (best man). http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23074/516-anniversaries Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23074 Smuin Zoey Lynn Smuin was born to Ronald Smuin and Terra Nuciforo of Dallas at 3:22 a.m. on May 1 at Silverton Hospital Family Birth Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 20 1/4 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23075/516-births Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23075 POLK COUNTY -- Your best bet at finding trout within the 202,000-acre Luckiamute watershed would be in the upper west fork of the Luckiamute River. A biological assessment shows that an 18-mile stretch that includes Beaver, Boulder and Miller creeks -- 8 percent of all stream miles in the basin -- produces about 91 percent and 45 percent of all steelhead and cutthroat trout, respectively. Overall, however, fish numbers in the basin are low and there's a limited amount of functional stream habitat, the report also showed. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23076/luckiamute-fish-runs-need-help Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23076 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- The annual Monmouth and Independence Cleanup and Beautification Day will take place Saturday. The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will coincide with the statewide SOLV enhancement project. Residents of Independence and Monmouth are welcome to show support by cleaning up their own properties or volunteering for the greater communitywide cleanup. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23077/m-i-slates-cleanup-day-for-saturday Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23077 MI Town is alive with the sounds of lawn mowers and weed whackers. There are days you wonder if the weeds are winning the battle in every neighborhood. For gardeners, these bright and sunny days bring a mixed blessing -- the weeds seem to grow faster than the flowers, and it's a challenge to stay ahead of the game. This is truly the season of renewal in so many ways, and a day in the yard will bring so many rewards for each of us and for our neighbors, who will welcome an opportunity to chat over the back fence and take a welcome break from our mutual labors. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23078/516-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23078 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- The reasons Phil Garrett is no longer the general manager of Monmouth-Independence Network (MINET) were not revealed last week following the MINET board's announcement that he would be leaving the public utility. Neither did board members comment on the reasons it felt it needed an operational review in February, the subject of the review, or its findings. David Clyne, MINET's board president, said the silence is the product of the separation agreement MINET made with its former general manager. The agreement, which is also confidential, limited what can be said about Garrett's departure and what led to it. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23079/minet-finances-appear-shaky-for-next-two-years Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23079 DALLAS -- A Siletz man convicted of felony sex crimes against young members of his family will spend 50 years in prison. A Polk County jury convicted Tommy Lee Mullings, 24, in February of 10 counts of sodomy, sex abuse in the first degree and unlawful sexual penetration for abusing three children, all of whom were under the age of 12. The incidents were reported to have occurred in Dallas sometime between 2003 and 2007. Mullings was taken into custody in January 2011, after two of his victims showed up at the courthouse to report the abuse to the authorities. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23080/mullings-gets-50-years Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23080 MONMOUTH -- If you're looking to expand your musical palette, Wednesdays in downtown Monmouth this summer are a good place to do it. The Monmouth Business Association has released the lineup of acts for its annual Music in the Park series at Main Street Park and it features everything from Dixieland and soul music to Cajun dance tunes. Community Development Director Mark Fancey, who's coordinated the program during the last few years, said he's been trying to mimic -- on a smaller scale -- what Western Oregon University does with its Smith Fine Arts Series. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23081/music-in-the-park-lineup-set Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23081 Main Street water line work begins MONMOUTH -- Installation of a new water line will temporarily eliminate parking on some parts of Main Street during the next month and a half. Construction crews were scheduled to start work this week on replacing an aging transmission line that sits between Knox and Heffley streets with one nearly a foot in diameter. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23082/516-news-in-brief Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23082 Verna Vesta Marx March 9, 1913 - May 6, 2012 Verna Vesta Marx http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23083/516-obituaries Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23083 Gardens are being tilled and planted throughout Pedee. Dorothy McBeth got hers planted last week. Fortunately, the frost we had won't hurt those seeds in the ground -- although they may be a might chilly. Carla Burbank went over to son Dennis' house and helped her granddaughters, Rachel and Jewell, plant more than 200 bulbs of all kinds, she instructing and supervising and the girls planting. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23084/516-pedee-news-arlene-kovash Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23084 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/23085/516-police-report Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23085 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, MAY 16 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23086/516-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23086 INDEPENDENCE -- Independence Police Department responded to three motor vehicle thefts within the city over five days in late April. Cars in two of those incidents have been returned, while a third was found burned in Salem. Sgt. Bob Mason said there may be a connection in the cases. No arrests have been made. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23087/rash-of-car-thefts-reported Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23087 SCHOOL NOTES Ballston has enrollment openings RICKREALL -- Ballston Community School near Rickreall is accepting student enrollment applications for its 2012-13 placement lottery. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23088/516-school-notes-academic-honors Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23088 INDEPENDENCE -- Philip Hyre used to visit his antique collector aunt in Orange County , Calif., three or four times a year when he was a child. Her house resembled a "3,000-square-foot museum," he said. Sometimes, she'd lend him a pair of gloves and he would help her restore or re-stain a piece of furniture. He "caught the bug" for old things that way, Hyre said. "Before I was 10, I might have looked at it and thought it was all just junk," he said. "And then I started appreciating it. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23089/second-st-mall-viva-the-old-and-unusal Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23089 PERRYDALE -- It was just a simple meal of soup, rolls, salad and dessert. But what is shared at Perrydale's Spring Fling is so much more than lunch. The annual event fosters a connection between generations. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23090/spring-fling-success Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23090 INDEPENDENCE -- There are roughly 150 mantle, shelf, grandfather and novelty clocks in Brian Pendleton's small repair shop and showroom on Main Street, giving off a tick-tocking chorus that's like steady rain on pavement. The clocks aren't synchronized with one another. Doing so would be pointless because they're powered differently, Pendleton said. The hands of spring-driven clocks, like alarm clocks, for example, slow as the apparatus unwinds. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23091/under-times-spell Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23091 MONMOUTH -- Keller Coker had scheduled all but one of the six acts planned for the 2012-13 edition of the Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University as of last week. He still needed a headliner for the tribute to 1950s and 60s-era soul music next June. "The person I had wanted had passed on it," said Coker, executive director of the series. "But I'm hoping to get it filled." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23092/western-students-support-programs Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23092 DALLAS -- Polk County has confirmed its first case this year of pertussis, or whooping cough, and Public Health officials are asking residents to update their immunizations. Randi Phillips, public health manager, said Monday that the county's first case was confirmed -- a student in a Dallas elementary school. Three more were probable -- two in Dallas and one in Independence -- with test results pending Monday. "We really want to remind people that they need to check their immunization status and get vaccinated if necessary," Phillips said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23093/whooping-cough-warnings-issued Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:28 GMT 23093 MONMOUTH -- The Western Oregon University men's club rugby team made a big step Friday -- the Wolves are moving up. Effective next season, WOU will make the move from the Division II level in the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union to Division I, part of the Northwest Rugby Collegiate Rugby Conference. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23057/western-oregon-mens-club-rugby-team-makes-move-to-division-1 Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:57 GMT 23057 LINCOLN CITY -- The Central boys golf team is headed to state. The Panthers' Tre Whittemore carded a two-total of 169 to snag a second-place finish and help lead Central to second place in the teams standings at Tuesday's final day of the Oregon West Conference Championships. The Class 4A state championships will be held Monday and Tuesday at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23056/tre-whittemore-central-boys-golf-team-second-at-owc-championships Wed, 09 May 2012 12:41:34 GMT 23056 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: DALLAS 11, LEBANON 0 in five innings Dallas still tied for first in MWC with West Albany, which defeated Crescent Valley 12-4 Tuesday. DALLAS -- After suffering an ugly 6-1 loss to Silverton in Game 2 of last week's Mid-Willamette Conference series, the Dallas softball team gathered for an extra-long huddle to talk about what happened -- in a mood-fitting, steady rain. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23053/dallas-softball-team-rebounds-from-losses-tied-for-first-in-mwc Wed, 09 May 2012 12:16:32 GMT 23053 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: DALLAS 14, LEBANON 4 Dallas host crucial game Wednesday (May 9) against Lebanon at 4:30 p.m., if the Dragons win, they captured the Mid-Willamette Conference title. DALLAS -- With Friday's Mid-Willamette Conference baseball game with Silverton well in hand, there was a small sixth-inning debate taking place in the Dallas dugout. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23054/dallas-baseball-team-finds-its-game Wed, 09 May 2012 12:16:32 GMT 23054 WEDNESDAY UPDATE: After losing her first singles match, Central's Monique Reynero won her consolation match in Tuesday's first round of the District 2 Tennis Championships in Portland to stay alive for another day. The Central doubles teams of Allison Bansen and Summer Vecht and JennieLinn Jessop and Yadira Diaz won their first two matches in Tuesday's first round of play, but both teams lost their matches in the Round of 16 and were eliminated. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23055/prep-sports-roundup-central-tennis-district-updates Wed, 09 May 2012 12:16:32 GMT 23055 Griff Boyd Western Oregon http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23040/polk-county-athlete-of-the-week Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23040 DALLAS -- The Polk Pedalers Bicycle Club will hold its first monthly ride Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Everyone with a bike is welcome to join the free ride -- which can range between 20 and 40 miles long -- and no special equipment is necessary, although a helmet and water are encouraged. The group meets one Saturday a month at the Courtyard Coffeehouse and Deli, 156 SE Mill St., Dallas. The loops vary each ride, with Saturday's scheduled to hit Monmouth and include a road cleanup. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23041/polk-pedalers-bicycle-club-hosts-first-ride-this-saturday Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23041 INDEPENDENCE -- Youthful pitching and timely hits allowed the Central baseball team to accomplish something the Panthers weren't able to do a year ago: beat Newport. And with Central's 9-0 Oregon West Conference victory May 2, it wasn't close. "That clout that Newport has, for our kids to compete with that, it was good," Central coach Zach Miller said of the second-place Cubs (13-8, 8-5 OWC), who went 20-4 a year ago and advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23042/central-baseball-team-picking-up-steam Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23042 TURNER -- With her usual dominance on the mound -- she averages double-digit strikeouts every game, for Pete's sake -- Central's Emily Kenyon can sometimes overshadow the Central defense behind her. Her teammates know her talent. "Emily's a stud," freshman shortstop Ryanne Huffman said. "We are very lucky to have her." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23043/central-softball-tops-cascade Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23043 CRESWELL -- Sean Brady led the Dalla boys golf team with a two-day total of 180 in last week's Mid-Willamette Conference Golf Championships at Emerald Valley Golf Course Wednesday and Thursday. The Dragons finished in sixth place with a team total of 807. West Albany won the tournament with a score of 609, Corvallis (621) placed second and Crescent Valley (670) was third. Photo by Andy Cripe/for the Itemizer-Observer Jesse Brown watches his shot during the Mid-Willamette Conference Championships at Emerald Valley Golf Course in Creswell Thursday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23044/sean-brady-leads-dallas-golfers-at-mwc-championships Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23044 KEIZER -- The Central Junior Baseball Organization (JBO) seventh- and eighth-grade baseball team captured the 12-team Keizer Tournament over the weekend, winning all five of its games by a combined score of 54-7. Central beat Keizer, 3-1, in Sunday's championship game. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23045/central-junior-baseball-squad-wins-tourney-title Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23045 WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 Baseball: Lebanon at Dallas, 4:30 p.m. Central at Taft, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Taft at Central, 4 p.m. Dallas at Lebanon, 4:30 p.m. Perrydale at Kennedy, 4:30 p.m. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23046/local-sports-schedule-for-may-9-may-16 Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23046 PERRYDALE -- It wasn't a win. But Perrydale's gritty 9-8 loss to Class 3A Blanchet's varsity baseball team last week showed something. The Pirates can play. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23047/perrydale-baseball-squad-gaining-experience-wins Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23047 PERRYDALE -- The Perrydale softball team might make their fans worry, just a little bit. But so far, what the Pirates -- now all alone in first place in the 2A-1A Special District 3 standings -- don't lack, is excitement. Plus, they win. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23048/perrydale-softball-clutch-again-alone-in-first-place Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23048 VANCOUVER, Wash. -- The Polk County rugby team is moving on. With a 29-16 win over the Battleground (Wash.) Bulls in Saturday's Rugby Oregon Division II opening-round playoff game, the Lost Boys (3-2-2) advance to this Saturday's semifinals for a chance at playing for a state title. Polk County will face Lincoln/Westside (7-0), last year's defending state champs, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Portland's Delta Park. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23049/polk-county-rugby-team-advances-to-playoff-semifinals Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23049 MONMOUTH -- Former Western Oregon University offensive lineman Jason Slowey has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth just under $2.2 million, according to Adam Caplan of Sirius XM NFL Radio, who reported the news Friday. Jason Slowey http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23050/former-western-oregon-offensive-lineman-jason-slowey-signs-contract-with-49ers Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23050 WOU trio earns all-GNAC honors MONMOUTH -- Three members of the Western Oregon University softball team have been named to the 2012 Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-league team. Amanda Evola, a freshman outfielder, earned first-team honors after batting .378 with 40 RBI and a .667 slugging percentage. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23051/amanda-evola-andrea-bailey-top-western-oregon-softball-honors Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23051 GNAC OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS When: 2 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Where: McArthur Field, WOU campus, Monmouth. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23052/gnac-championships-preview-western-oregons-dan-sprinkle-making-his-mark Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:34 GMT 23052 POLK COUNTY -- Communities in Polk County with public pools may be spending several thousand dollars in the near future on mechanical chair lifts to meet a federal mandate requiring all pools be fully accessible to disabled patrons. The city of Independence is taking bids to install a system for its 1950s-era outdoor pool off Fifth Street. "It will be around $5,000 or $5,500," said Ken Perkins, Independence Public Works supervisor. "It's a pretty intensive fix ... we're hoping to install it before the pool opens (this summer), but we can't guarantee that because of suppliers." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23008/access-for-all Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23008 DALLAS -- The anticipatory inhale was audible from across the gym. It was time to name the winner of a brand new bike from the students in a class at Oakdale Heights Elementary School. Each of the students had their fingers crossed, some literally, as Oakdale Principal Caleb Harris opened the envelope containing the name of the lucky owner of a new bike. Once the student's name was revealed, the whole gym erupted in applause -- and one very happy elementary student jumped up to claim new wheels. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23009/big-reward-for-reading Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23009 DALLAS -- The Dallas Budget Committee unanimously approved the city's 2012-13 budget Monday night. The city's overall 2012-13 budget is approximately $28.1 million, down from about $29.8 million in the current fiscal year. Proposed general fund expenditures equal $8.3 million, up slightly from the current year. With contingency and unappropriated funds, the general fund amounts to $9.7 million. The budget includes reducing positions to several general fund departments: Dallas Public Library (half position), Ambulance (1.3 positions), Planning and Economic Development (.35), and Building division (.2). The Dallas Aquatic Center is proposed to see an approximately half position increase. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23010/budget-committee-oks-2012-13-plan Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23010 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, MAY 9 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23011/59-community-calendar Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23011 Master Gardeners' plant sale planned Polk County Master Gardeners will host its 22nd annual plant sale Friday and Saturday at the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23012/59-community-notebook Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23012 DALLAS -- Polk County ranks fifth in teen pregnancy rates in the state, according to the last available statistics. As the county's teen pregnancy rate increased in recent years, visits to Polk County Public Health's Family Planning Clinic have declined. Randi Phillips, manager of the public health department, doesn't believe that is just coincidence. Nor is her department willing to concede to the trend. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23013/county-public-health-has-place-for-teens Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23013 DALLAS -- The city of Dallas is responsible for maintaining more than 50 miles of streets. The 2012-13 budget allows for paving less than a mile of those roads. City Manager Jerry Wyatt said the main culprit for lack of funding is declining state gas tax revenues, which account for the majority of the street fund's budget. For 2012-13, the city has budgeted $150,000 for street overlays. Wyatt said with such little funding, the city is going to focus on maintaining the streets carrying the most traffic. Wyatt said that will be the priority until street fund revenue increases. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23014/dallas-lacking-dollars-for-streets Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23014 DALLAS -- The Dallas Police Department is accepting applications for reserve police officers. The department offers a four-step program, which allows reserves to begin their training with a full-time officer and work up to a solo position after extensive training and assessment. All reserves are required to complete the Mid-Valley Reserve Training Academy, which is held locally two nights per week and some Saturdays. Upon completion of the academy, reserves are required to complete a minimum of 12 patrol hours with the department each month. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23015/dallas-police-reserves-sought Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23015 POLK COUNTY -- Registered voters in Polk County have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to return their ballots for the May 15 vote-by-mail primary election. With this being a vote-by-mail election, it is important to remember that ballots must reach the county clerk's office or one of the county elections drop sites by 8 p.m. Tuesday -- postmarks do not count. "If you plan on mailing them back, we would say don't put them in the mail box any later than May 11," Kim Williams, chief recording clerk for the Polk County Clerk's Office, said of returning ballots. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23016/election-deadline-looming Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23016 POLK COUNTY -- Twenty-nine percent of students enrolled in Falls City School District were considered "chronically absent" from class during the 2010-11 school year. That means 43 kindergartners through high school seniors missed at least 15 days of school, according to a report by the Oregon Chalkboard Project. Pat Evenson-Brady, Falls City's interim superintendent, called the statistic "shocking." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23017/fcsds-chronic-absenteeism-rate-concerns-school-leaders Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23017 INDEPENDENCE -- Director and teacher Jeff Witt decided to extend Central High's theater season by one more show after some last-minute encouragement from students not ready for a final curtain call in 2012. "Honk!" seemed perfect because it wouldn't require lavish production. Aimed at elementary school students, it also wouldn't be overly heavy handed, he said. Still, this musical take on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" has poignancy with its subject matter of tolerance -- especially with the high profile of anti-bullying campaigns in recent years. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23018/honk-musical-with-a-message Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23018 WEST SALEM -- Most people plan ahead for college, their wedding, for the birth of their children, their retirement and maybe even for their funeral. But what about the final months of life? Planning for end-of-life care and decision-making is often overlooked until the last minute, according to a study conducted by Willamette Valley Hospice (WVH), a nonprofit hospice provider based in West Salem that serves Polk County. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23019/hospice-sharing-the-journey Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23019 DALLAS -- Polk County will sponsor a household hazardous waste collection event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The collection event takes place at the Polk County Public Works facility, located at 820 SW Ash St., Dallas. Citizens will be allowed to bring their hazardous household chemicals to the site for free disposal. Businesses and farms must preregister for this event and will be charged a small fee for disposal. Farms and businesses can register by calling 1-800-819-5912. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23020/household-hazardous-waste-will-be-collected-on-saturday Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23020 INDEPENDENCE -- Break out the blankets and lawn chairs. The entertainment lineup for Independence's River's Edge Summer Series has been announced. Among the notable shows happening in the coming months is a special Q-and-A and storytelling session with Sig Hansen, captain of the Northwestern fishing vessel and one of the stars of the Discovery Channel's hit reality show, "Deadliest Catch." On Aug. 10, The Police Experience, billed as the world's pre-eminent Police tribute band, will perform. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23021/independence-finalizes-outdoor-fun Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23021 Butterfield will be an effective judge As a Polk County Circuit Court Judge, I have seen Stan Butterfield in the courtroom. He has the temperment, skill and experience we need in a Circuit Court Judge. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23022/59-letters-to-the-editor Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23022 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23023/59-library-calendar Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23023 McDaniel Wyatt Lee McDaniel was born to Christopher Dreyer and Codie McDaniel of Dallas at 5:50 p.m. on March 27 at Salem Hospital Family Birth Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23024/59-births Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23024 POLK COUNTY -- Letter carriers in Polk County will join counterparts nationwide for the 20th Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday. Local letter carriers, who will become both mail and food handlers on this day, are asking residents to join them in the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive. Residents are encouraged to leave a bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday. Local letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23025/mail-carrier-food-drive-set Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23025 MONMOUTH -- Merchant Works Public Market, at 170 Main St. E., shuttered its doors on Friday. Eric and Eve Olsen and Cec Koontz, all of Monmouth, opened the business in late 2009. Their concept borrowed from Saturday markets and food co-ops, and carried work and gifts by local artists and gourmet food. Merchant Works experienced a decline in foot traffic after a fire last summer totaled the old Real Taste of India Restaurant across Main Street and forced Petals & Vines Flowers and Gifts to relocate for several months, Eric Olsen said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23026/merchant-market-bows-out Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23026 McDaniel Wyatt Lee McDaniel was born to Christopher Dreyer and Codie McDaniel of Dallas at 5:50 p.m. on March 27 at Salem Hospital Family Birth Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23027/59-births Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23027 With all the candidates' signs sprouting on lawns all over MI Town and the Letters to the Editor in the newspaper, nobody needs to be reminded that this is an election year. Oregon's primary election day is Tuesday, and if you haven't taken the time to read up on the issues and learn all about the candidates running for various local, state and national offices, keep in mind that Friday is the last day you will be able to safely mail in your ballot in order to have your vote counted. Ballot boxes are also available at the Monmouth and Independence libraries, as well as the Werner University Center on the Western Oregon campus if you need additional time to make your choices. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23028/59-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23028 INDEPENDENCE -- The Monmouth-Independence Network (MINET) Board announced Tuesday morning that General Manager Phil Garrett has left the organization. Board President David Clyne said MINET and Garrett had reached a separation agreement. The board released a brief statement Tuesday regarding Garrett's departure from MINET. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23029/minet-gm-no-longer-on-the-job Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23029 Watershed group to discuss survey MONMOUTH -- Steve Trask, fish biologist and owner of Bio-Survey's LLC, will share results of the Luckiamute Watershed Council's multiyear rapid bioassessment of native fish populations during an event Thursday. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23030/59-news-in-brief Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23030 Mona Marie Barker Feb. 26, 1925 - April 29, 2012 Mona Marie Barker, 87, of Independence died April 29. Mona was self-employed in her later years, operating the "Out of the Blue" antique shop and a bed and breakfast in her Independence home. Before moving to the valley in 1970 she was an operator for Bell Telephone for many years. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23031/59-obituaries Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23031 The Pedee Women's Club lost a longtime member and good friend on April 22. Ruth Stafford was their candy-making leader and mentor, along with her sister, Nella, and sister-in-law. Laree Jones, teaching the women to make wonderful confections to sell at the club holiday fair in November. She was young to the end of her almost 92 years. -- Norm and Donna Baldwin drove to Republic, Wash., near the Canadian border, to attend the memorial service of the best man at their wedding. On their trip, they spent one night with Donna's sister, Carol Maher, in Hermiston, and one night with Norm's sister, LaVera Wickward, in Spokane. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23032/59-pedee-news-arlene-kovash Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23032 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/23033/59-police-report Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23033 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, MAY 9 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/23034/59-public-agenda-calendar Tue, 08 May 2012 15:46:10 GMT 23034