From newly minted gardeners to avid urban farmers, everyone with a patch of land wants to grow an apple tree.

Oregon State University

For more than 50 years, the highlight of the year in Polk County was the annual hop harvest.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

The kids in the Tryoneers 4-H Club have been gearing up for the county fair by planning their animal and other projects. Alex, Allana, and Abby Russell; Jenae and Kailey Traglia; and Topaz Wilcut are increasing their sewing skills by making flannel pajamas for the fair.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

Eric and Rebekah Schwanke reported that with your help, they provided over $16,000 to help feed starving people in Dukana, Kenya. People that were hungry came and were able to eat a simple breakfast and participate in a Bible study. It started with just a handful of people and now there are …

Dallas Garden Club to meet Monday

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

Polk County Historical Society

Christmas comes around so fast — and goes so fast! I wish we celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas (ending Jan. 6) like the Germans and other countries do. On the other hand, my tree needed to come down.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

One of the most violent events in Polk County history occurred on July 7, 1887, when Oscar Kelty was lynched at Dallas.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

The Pedee Women’s Club had their last meeting and potluck of the year, since both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Wednesday. It was a festive affair with 30 people attending, including four guests from the area. Audrey Beyerle Warburton came from the Smithfield community beyond Dallas…

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

There was a big event at Independence on Saturday, Oct. 13, 1945. Not as big as the end of World War II celebrated only a few weeks before. But big enough.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

LaVerne Bennett and her friend Teresa O’Neill recently visited LaVerne’s granddaughter Amanda, and Jon Wilson and their daughter Evie in Germany. While they were there, Evie celebrated her first birthday, a miracle since Evie started life at 13 ounces. While there, LaVerne and Teresa took th…

The Willamette River was the main north-south way of commerce during Oregon’s earliest years.

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

The Luckiamute Charter School students, parents, teachers, and friends were thrilled with a presentation from Portland Opera To Go on Oct. 15. Actors taught a classroom segment to grades four through eight, then treated the kids to a live performance of excerpts from La Boheme. The Pedee Sch…

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

The first white settler of Polk County traveled by horse and wagon. Heavy goods were carried by river boats.Starting in the late 1870s, railroads began to extend into the county. Over the intervening years, there were six railroads that spanned the county in one way or another.They were:The …

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events taking place in Polk County (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).

Pedee Homeschool COOP students will be presenting their first short play and open house on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. at the church. Students have been learning about Native American culture through reading and hands-on activities.

Jose Zarate, SP4, 67 Alf Company B, 101st Aviation Battalion

Community Calendar: A listing of upcoming events (space available) 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 Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com).