Polk County Itemizer-Observer

Photo by Adam Korst

Dedee Phillips of Portland takes a shot at a clay pigeon during part of the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” event that took place in February at Luckiamute Valley Pheasants near Pedee. The event gave participants opportunities to learn safety and care, target shooting and hunting live pheasants. See more on Page 11A.

Photo by Adam Korst

Dallas High student Ricky Huerta (left) hugs teacher Penny Johnson, whom he nominated to receive the Dallas Distinguished Educator of the Month award. Johnson who teaches catering and foods at DHS, received her award Friday, Feb. 19, during a class.

WOU's Chinese Club hosts a celebration to ring in the year 4707

Photos by Adam Korst

Members of the Northwest Dragon and Lion Dance Association of Portland perform the Lion Dance, complete with two lions and a drummer, at the Wester Oregon University Chinese New Year's celebration Feb. 12 at WOU.

Photo by Adam Korst

Western Oregon University's International students perform the "Jasmine" dance before a full house in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center during the celebration ringing in the 2010 Chinese New Year. The event included multiple entertainers, music, food and more.

Photos by Adam Korst

The Portland performance group performs the "Happy New Year" ribbon dance staged in front of a large Chinese flag during the New Year's celebration.

Photo by Adam Korst

Trina Martinelli (second from right) was presented the Dallas Distinguished Educator of the Month award for December during a ceremony Friday, Feb. 12. The second-grade teacher at Lyle Elementary School was nominated for the honor by several individuals. One nominee praised Martinelli for helping students with their organization skills and self-confidence. Another said "Dallas is very fortunate to have Trina Martinelli teaching our children."

Photos by Adam Korst

Jen and Adam Casalegno say goodbye as Ben is handed off to anesthesiologist Dr. Veronica Swanson moments before going into the operation room.

Swanson and OHSU anesthesiology resident Dr. Thomas Rinehart give Ben the last of the necessary medicine to ensure a medically induced sleep prior to the operation.

With his eyes taped closed to help prevent them from drying out, and an air tube in his mouth, Ben is prepared for the final steps before his surgery, with McMenomey standing above him.

Dr. Don Plapinger tests Ben's implant to ensure it is functioning while Ben is still under anesthesia. Though he is still unconscious, his brain processed the sound displayed on the laptop computer screen -- the first sound that Ben has ever heard out of that ear.

With an ankle bracelet on, Ben and his parents have a final good-bye moment before entering the operating room.

The surgeon's fingers gently place the implant behind Ben's right ear.

Adam and Jen see Ben for the first time after his surgery. Ben's reaction to the surgery was good, though he continued to have a difficult time coming out of the anesthesia, and required an air tube for longer than expected.