http://www.itemizerobserver.com/ Stories from the Polk-County Itemizer-Observer (c)2010, Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved http://www.itemizerobserver.com/images/iologo2.jpg INDEPENDENCE -- One thing Kraig Davis has learned in his relatively short time as Central's baseball coach is patience. When the time comes for Davis to start preparing his players for the baseball season, he's found he'll have to wait until basketball coach Bob McBeth is finished with them. Just like last season, while Davis is trying to start the baseball season, many of his players are with McBeth in Corvallis trying to win the state basketball championship. "We've got seven kids still playing basketball so we're going to get a bit of a late start," Davis said. "But the kids we do have with us now are working hard and getting a lot of repetitions. We're going to be young again, but we're excited about where we're at. We've got two proven pitchers, a really good junior class and some good kids coming up." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17209/central-again-waits-for-basketball-players Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17209 INDEPENDENCE -- Ron Warkentin retired at the end of last season after 27 years as Central's boys tennis coach. Much like NFL quarterback Brett Favre, though, Warkentin's retirement didn't last long. He's already been brought back as the assistant to new head coach Bruce Beltz. "I absolutely will put him to work," Beltz said. "I will use every bit of him that I can. After 27 years, I can't fill his shoes. I will try to hold my own. Plus, he's probably glad to have the freedom to come out whenever he wants." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17210/warkentins-retirement-doesnt-last-long Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17210 INDEPENDENCE -- This season truly marks the beginning of a new era for the Central softball team. Soon after the Lady Panthers lost 6-4 in nine innings to Sutherlin in the 2009 Class 4A state quarterfinals, seniors Kayla Auer, Sarah Ritacco, Amanda McLean, Amanda Cole and Taylor Hoffman all graduated. Those five players were the last remaining links to Central's 2007 state championship team, which started seven sophomores and two juniors. "I would say my general outlook for the team is very positive," CHS coach Amber McLean said. "We've got some girls who have worked very hard to step into some very big shoes of the five seniors who graduated last year. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17211/new-era-begins-for-lady-panthers Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17211 DALLAS -- Seeing how these are teenagers, every high school baseball team is heading into the 2010 season with a young squad. But Dallas will be younger than most. "We have 14 guys, and only four have played varsity before," DHS coach Scot McDonald said. "That's where we're at experience-wise. We're going to be a young team. But we've got some kids who have pretty good talent. Our goal is to go out and win every game. We'll see how we do." Dallas' four returning varsity players are Bryan Masingale, Matt Reynolds, Connor Locke and Alex Donahue. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17212/young-dragons-are-younger-than-most Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17212 DALLAS -- Last season was Erich Berg's first as Dallas' boys tennis coach. It's only natural that he learned a lesson or two, and he hopes to put that knowledge to good use as he enters his second term with the Dragons. "I noticed last year some of the other teams we played were better athletes, particularly in terms of endurance," Berg said. "We're doing a lot of speed and agility drills. We're doing a lot of running. The philosophy is that among even players, the guy who gets tired first is the guy who loses. We're trying to build up their endurance a little bit." At press time, Berg was just beginning to divide his squad into varsity and junior varsity groups. Obviously, the lineup remains a work in progress. However it all works out, Cody Rogers and Glen Nicol will be two of the squad's top players. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17213/dallas-hopes-to-be-fitter-smarter-in-2010 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17213 DALLAS -- Al Perkins is back for a second stint as Dallas' softball coach, and it appears he might have returned at the right time. The Lady Dragons reached the playoffs last year for the first time in eight seasons. What's more, eight players who made significant contributions to that club are back for their senior seasons. "I'm excited to see the improvement that's taken place in the last couple of years," said Perkins, who was the team's head coach from 2005-2007 before Lindsy Perry took over for two seasons. "We have eight returning seniors. That's very unusual. None of them are going to be on the bench very much. Most of them will be starting." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17214/lady-dragons-return-eight-seniors Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17214 DALLAS -- Bill Masei likely will encounter some problems this spring in his first season as Dallas' track coach. But the number of participants in the program will not be one of them. "I'm definitely optimistic," said Masei, also Dallas' head football coach. "We've had a great turnout. We've got 110 kids out, which is a lot. I know in the past they had about 70 or 80 come out. We've got uniforms for about 75, and we've got 110 kids out. That's a little bit of a predicament. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17215/new-coach-greeted-by-huge-rise-in-numbers Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17215 PERRYDALE -- Perrydale's boys basketball team was right with host McKenzie of Finn Rock Feb. 24 halfway through their Class 1A first-round playoff. Unfortunately for the Pirates, it didn't stay that way for long as McKenzie opened the second half with a quick surge and pulled away for a 62-41 victory. "The boys played pretty well in the first half," Pirates coach T.J. Bailey said. "We only trailed by five points at halftime, but McKenzie caught fire in the second half, and we couldn't keep up with their scoring. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17216/perrydale-ousted-in-first-round-playoff Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17216 PERRYDALE -- Perrydale's girls basketball team won 34-33 in thrilling and somewhat controversial fashion Feb. 23 at Damascus Christian in the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs. The Pirates, though, weren't able to duplicate that performance Feb. 26 at Mohawk of Marcola and suffered a season-ending 31-20 loss. "Overall, I think it was a positive," Perrydale coach Luke Lindell said. "Winning that game at Damascus was big. Winning on the road in the playoffs is big. It was a little bit of a letdown for us against Mohawk. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17217/season-ending-loss-follows-thrilling-win Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17217 INDEPENDENCE -- Central's boys basketball team had to sit on a bus for more than four hours March 6 prior to its Class 4A second-round playoff at Hidden Valley of Grants Pass. The experience understandably left the Panthers a bit sluggish. They missed easy shots and fumbled passes that hit them right in the hands. They hardly resembled the team that had been ranked No. 1 for much of the season in the 4A coaches poll. They also found a way to pull out a 56-48 victory, advancing to the state final site this week at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17218/long-tough-journey-leads-chs-to-gill Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17218 INDEPENDENCE -- What a difference a few points can make. Last season, Central's girls basketball team won the Val-Co League Championship but then lost 44-41 against visiting Molalla in a Class 4A second-round playoff. The Lady Panthers again won the league title this season, earning another second-round postseason matchup at home. This time, though, CHS came out on top in the loser-goes-home tussle, earning a tough 40-38 win March 5 against Henley. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17219/close-win-puts-central-in-elite-eight Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17219 WILSONVILLE -- It's safe to say all of the many Dallas fans who made the trek to Wilsonville March 5 were totally sad to see their Lady Dragons lose 48-34 to the Lady Wildcats in the second round of the Class 5A girls state basketball playoffs. It's also safe to say those Dallas fans were even sadder because this would be the last chance they would have to see these girls play together. "Wilsonville is a very good basketball team," DHS coach Dave Brautigam said. "We had a game plan going in that we executed well at times. We didn't execute as well at other times. But all-in-all, the kids went out swinging. The turnout from our community was amazing. We had three times as many people in the stands, and it was a home game for them. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17220/dragons-playoff-path-blocked-by-wildcats Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17220 ♦ The Dallas High Booster Club will help kick off the school's spring sports season with a "Meet the Dragons" event today (Wednesday, March 10) . The event at Dallas High School, 1250 SE Holman Ave., begins at 5 p.m. with the eighth annual crab dinner and silent auction to benefit the DHS track and field team. Cost is $15 for a full-crab meal, and $12 for a half-crab meal or shrimp louie. Dinner includes fresh crab, salad (shrimp optional), bread, drink and cookie. Athletes participating in spring sports will be recognized during team introductions in the school gym at 7 p.m. For more information: 503-623-8336. ♦ Registration for Central Youth Sports baseball and softball is underway . The CYS office is open Wednesdays from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and the Web site address is www.centralyouthsports.com. ♦ The Dallas High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held May 7 at the Chemeketa Viticulture Center . The DHS Hall of Fame honors past athletes, coaches, teams and special contributors who have brought honor to the school and community. Nomination forms can be found at www.dallas.k12.or.us. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17221/sports-news-and-notes-around-polk-county Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17221 MONMOUTH -- Western Oregon's softball team trailed 5-0 after three innings March 7 at home against Montana State Billings. But the Wolves outscored the Yellowjackets 13-1 during the next 13 innings to claim a double-header sweep by scores of 10-6 and 3-0. Bailey Rueck hit a grand slam home run for Western (5-4 overall) in game one. Pitcher Jessie Lessard tossed a three-hit shutout in the second game. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17222/western-rallies-from-5-0-deficit-sweeps-twinbill Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17222 CORVALLIS -- Central's girls basketball team advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals March 10 with a convincing 40-29 defeat of Ontario. Central never trailed in the game, which was the first of 20 that will be played over three days in the girls and boys state tourneys at Gill Coliseum. The Lady Panthers used their usual blend of strong defense and balanced scoring to bump the Lady Tigers into the consolation side of the bracket. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17223/central-breezes-past-ontario-into-semifinals Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT 17223 CORVALLIS -- Brianna Berg scored nine points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help lead Central to a 40-29 victory over Ontario on Wednesday afternoon in a quarterfinal game at the Class 4A girls state championship basketball tournament. Kayla Cuellar added eight points and 10 rebounds, and Chloe Waddell chipped in eight points for the Lady Panthers (22-4 overall), who advance to face Marist of Eugene in the state semifinals Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Gill Coliseum on the Oregon State University campus. Central outscored Ontario in each of the first three quarters to open a 32-16 lead en route to the victory. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17208/3-10-breaking-news-central-girls-advance-at-state-tournament Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:38:51 GMT 17208 Evelyn C. Selby Aug. 5, 1934 - March 1, 2010 ***PHOTO*** Evelyn C. Selby, 75, of Monmouth, formerly of Dallas, died March 1 in Dallas. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17207/3-10-obituaries Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:33:54 GMT 17207 Note: Listings are regularly scheduled events during the week and may not include special, one-day programs. Schedules are subject to change. For a complete calendar, contact the Dallas or Monmouth senior center. -- DALLAS SENIOR CENTER http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17206/3-10-senior-calendar Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:49:31 GMT 17206 Julie Hedrick, Desiree Rardin and Kaitlyn Mason (from left) celebrate Central’s thrilling 40-38 state basketball playoff victory March 5 against Henley that advanced the Panthers to the Class 4A state tournament this week in Corvallis. For more details, see Sports page 18A. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17205/corvallis-here-we-come Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:24:37 GMT 17205 AIRLIE -- There was a time when Julie Atkinson's lush eight-acre hilltop in South Polk County could have been audibly mistaken for "a jungle," she said. Among tall firs and ferns sits an aviary once home to 900 colorful macaws, cockatoos, conures and other species of parrots for nearly 20 years. During breeding season, the building "exploded" with chatter, screeches and calls, Atkinson said. The hundreds of cages and quarantine pens inside are empty today; Atkinson locked the doors of the facility six years ago. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17175/a-bittersweet-passion Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17175 MONMOUTH -- Legendary Chilean group Inti-Illimani will perform Saturday, March 13, at Rice Auditorium at Western Oregon University as part of the 2009-10 Edgar H. Smith Fine Arts Series. Inti-Illimani is celebrating its 43rd anniversary and the release of its 43rd album, "Pequeno Mundo," in 2010. The group is an instrumental and vocal Latin American folk music ensemble that first performed in Chile in 1967. Over the years, the group's sound has taken on a multifarious character. Musicians perform on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments, creating a sound that some describe as "modern world music." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17176/chilean-group-due-at-western Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17176 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 (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17177/3-10-community-calendar Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17177 'Financial fitness' class being offered The Polk Community Development Corporation is presenting a four-part "financial fitness" class on Wednesday evenings beginning today (March 10). Classes will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the community room at Rickreall Creek Townhomes, 277 SW Walnut Ave., Dallas. The course is designed to help participants gain greater control over their financial lives, covering everything from setting achievable financial goals to building good credit to buying a home or a car. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17178/3-10-community-notebook Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17178 In a story headlined "Hearing is set to discuss Valley Concrete proposal," which appeared on Page 7A of the March 3 issue of the Itemizer-Observer, an incorrect date was reported for the meeting. The hearing takes place on Wednesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. The I-O regrets the error. -- In a story headlined "BeckenRidge plans open house event," which appeared on Page 12A of the March 3 issue of the Itemizer-Observer, an incorrect date was reported for the event. The I-O regrets the error. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17179/3-10-corrections Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17179 DALLAS -- Applying for a seismic upgrade grant that was originally considered a long shot at best paid off for the Dallas Fire Department. Last month, the department received notification that it would indeed see money from a state program providing grants for seismic upgrades. The fire station at 915 SE Sheldon St. was built in 1972, likely making it too young to receive funding relative to other fire stations and schools competing for grants, Dallas Fire Chief Bill Hahn said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17180/dallas-fd-scores-grant-for-seismic-upgrading Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17180 DALLAS -- Timber Country Sports opened the doors to its new store in the old Vintage Vine building in downtown Dallas last week. With more than 10 times the space of its previous location, the expansion is getting rave reviews. "This is nice," customer Jim Mentzer said Friday morning. "It looks like a store." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17181/dallas-outdoor-store-expands-into-new-site Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17181 INDEPENDENCE -- "Te gustarian en un caseron? Te gustarian con un raton?" You might not understand Spanish. But had you eavesdropped on Central High senior Alberto Gomez as he read those words to a dozen or so Henry Hill Elementary School kindergartners last week, there's little doubt you could have mistaken the familiar rhyme pattern of "Green Eggs and Ham." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17182/dr-seuss-day-enjoyed-by-all Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17182 The deadline has passed for candidacy filings. Hot-button issues have qualified for the ballot. That means another election season is upon us in Polk County. Voters in the region will face key issues and important races during Oregon's May 18 vote-by-mail primary election. Ballots go out April 30. Issues facing voters include the creation of an Oregon State University-Polk County Extension Service taxing district, which all voters in Polk County will weigh in on. City of Dallas residents will determine the fate of a street maintenance fee approved earlier this year by the Dallas City Council. And Monmouth residents will decide whether or not to end a ban on the sale of hard alcohol in their community. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17183/3-10-editorial Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17183 FALLS CITY -- Falls City High School Principal Sid Hobgood accepted an administrative job with the St. Paul School District last week. He will complete this school year and begin his new job as superintendent and St. Paul middle and high school principal on July 1. Hobgood has worked in Falls City for four years, two as the high school principal. He said his job search was the result of budget cuts in the district. Continued declining enrollment put the district in the position to have to cut an administrator. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17184/fchs-principal-accepts-st-paul-post Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17184 Ash Creek Trail not really a trail When we first heard about the Ash Creek Trail, we envisioned a lovely nature trail meandering through trees bordering the north side of Ash Creek. After attending neighborhood and city-sponsored meetings, we learned that the plan for a trail was not really a "trail" at all. The draft calls for a 10-feet wide concrete road with gravel shoulders on each side, and a map that identifies sections running adjacent to private property. Additionally, the plan calls for property owners to maintain "their section" of the trail, as well as meet future restrictions regarding property rights. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17185/3-10-letters-to-the-editor Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17185 POLK COUNTY -- Nobody's happy about the recession. But if you're a librarian like Robin Puccetti, the crowds that have turned out to libraries of late is sort of a silver lining. "That (cliche), 'if you build it, they will come?'" said Puccetti, Independence Public Library director, as she referenced the construction of the downtown facility more than six years ago. "In this case, it was true." Puccetti said January was the busiest month in the library's history, with more than 9,500 items checked out -- a circulation increase of 19 percent from 2009. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17186/libraries-enjoying-surge-in-popularity Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17186 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17187/3-10-library-activities-calendar Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17187 Riester Army National Guard Pfc. Bryan J. Riester of West Salem graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. He is a 2004 graduate of West Salem High School. Bolson-Oakes http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17188/3-10-military Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17188 Hanlon-Gritton Tammie Michele Hanlon of Independence and Loris Orville Gritton III of Independence were married Feb. 16 at the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas. Judge Fred Avera officiated the ceremony. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17189/3-10-weddings Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17189 One of my favorite signs of springtime is the opportunity to buy Girl Scout cookies. Not only do we get a taste of those goodies such as thin mints or the old favorite, trefoils, but the girls involved in scouting get to practice their sales and math skills on all of us lucky enough to stop at their displays. One new idea this year is for folks to donate a box of cookies to our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17190/3-10-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17190 Crash demo, safety fair set MONMOUTH -- Western Oregon University's Department of Public Safety has scheduled an alcohol awareness event with a mock DUII crash and safety fair today (Wednesday, March 10). This event is free and open to the public. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17191/3-10-news-in-brief Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17191 The ride to Pedee Memorial Evangelical Church on Sunday, Feb. 28, for the 10 a.m. worship service was under low clouds in the semi-gray sky. The sun broke out at times. Several homes had flower beds with pretty daffodils. I was with my nephew and his wife, Larry and Mary Shellenbarger of Buena Vista. The sky was brighter as we neared the church. There were few people at the church when we arrived. I noticed the yellow daffodils in the flower bed, both the regular ones and the tiny ones. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17193/3-10-pedee-news-nola-womer Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17193 PERRYDALE -- The Perrydale Parents' Club hopes to find a pot of gold at the end of its "Luck of the Pirates" fundraising auction on Saturday, March 13. Those who don't have tickets for the event still have a chance to attend by purchasing tickets at the door. This year, attendees have a wide selection of items to bid on, including wine tasting tours, beach house rentals, a stay at the House of Rogue Bed and Beer (Rogue's take on bed and breakfast) in Newport, Oregon Shakespeare Festival tickets, and restaurant gift certificates. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17194/perrydale-gearing-up-for-annual-fundraiser Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17194 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/17195/3-10-police-report Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17195 POLK COUNTY -- Starting next week, patrons of libraries in Polk County will have access to 4,000 to 5,000 electronic books -- or e-books. The Oregon Digital Library Consortium received a $100,000 federal grant last year to create the "Library to Go" program. This will allow 26 library systems in the state to make available e-book titles for download. Chemeketa Community Regional Library System, to which all of Polk County's libraries belong, is included in the venture. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17196/polk-libraries-ready-to-bring-e-books-to-the-public Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17196 POLK COUNTY -- County leaders are standing by their 10-year-old decision to use 100 percent of payments from state timber harvests in Polk County to maintain roads designated as timber routes. This position is in the face of claims reported in the March 3 issue of the News-Register newspaper of McMinnville that a portion of the money should have gone to local schools, specifically the Falls City School District. In January 2000, Polk County commissioners Mike Propes, Ron Dodge and Tom Ritchey voted unanimously to use state timber payments to repair and maintain access or haul routes to and from the approximately 6,000 acres of state forest in the county. Those lands are located near Falls City and in the southern region of the county. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17197/polk-timber-fund-usage-scrutinized Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17197 MONMOUTH -- Professors at Western Oregon University make, on average, less than their peers at other public higher education institutions in Oregon. The state's universities, meanwhile, are charging their students more than comparably-sized schools in the rest of the country. Those are some of the more glaring items listed in a "Facts and Figures" publication for 2009 by the Oregon University System. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17198/professors-pay-at-western-at-bottom-in-state-system Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17198 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, MARCH 10 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17199/3-10-public-agenda-calendar Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17199 SCHOOL NOTES Career fair scheduled in Falls City FALLS CITY -- "Explore Your Future: Career Day" has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Falls City High School. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17200/3-10-school-notes-academic-honors Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17200 WEST SALEM -- A Salem man was taken into custody by the Salem Police Department SWAT Team after a standoff of more than five hours on March 4. Salem Police Detectives and FBI Agents went to 2205 Marine Drive NW, No. 349 at about 11:30 a.m. to contact 37-year old Adam Williams regarding several theft and forgery related charges. Williams refused to open the door, stating that he had a hostage, weapons and possibly explosives, said Lt. Dave Okada. Detectives continued to try and convince Williams to come out as other officers and SWAT were called to assist. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17201/standoff-ends-with-capture Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17201 DALLAS -- The man facing charges in three cases, including a Jan. 30 stabbing incident south of Dallas, will be going to trial in April. Jared Spencer, 22, appeared in court Monday, March 8, for scheduling. The defendant also told Polk County Circuit Judge William Horner he wanted to consider finding a new lawyer. Spencer was arrested on charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and first-degree burglary in a stabbing incident on Guthrie Road on Jan. 30. Later a charge of criminal mischief was added. An investigation into the stabbing resulted in charges of assault IV and harassment in an incident that occurred at the same location on Jan. 29. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17202/trial-date-scheduled-in-stabbing-incident Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17202 DALLAS -- When Bill George is doing his job as an emergency blood courier for regional hospitals, he's seldom informed what spurred his trip in the first place -- be it a car accident or a surgery. "They'll either tell me they need it now or as soon as I can get it there," George said. "That makes a difference on how you approach it. "If it turns out there's somebody laying on a table bleeding to death, you need to get there ASAP," he continued, admitting, "at times I haven't abided by the speed limit." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17203/volunteer-with-a-mission Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17203 DALLAS -- Nine Dallas High School males will be vying for a title Saturday, March 13. It will be a contest of creativity, originality and, perhaps most importantly, personality. The winner from the two juniors and seven seniors in the competition will be crowned "Mr. Dallas." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17204/week-of-fun-for-a-good-cause Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:24 GMT 17204 INDEPENDENCE -- It isn't what they wanted. But it's what they've got, so Central's boys basketball team is trying to make the most of it. Central, ranked No. 1 in the Class 4A coaches poll for most of the season, wanted the Val-Co Conference championship. But the Panthers' bid for the title fell short when they lost their final two regular-season games. Sweet Home ended up with the league championship and will need only to win a March 6 playoff game at home to advance to the state finals. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17162/central-makes-do-with-no-2-playoff-seed Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17162 INDEPENDENCE -- Central, facing a two-week layoff between the end of the regular season and its playoff opener, needed a game. Any kind of game. The Lady Panthers found what they were looking for when Yamhill-Carlton agreed to come to town Feb. 26 for a practice game. After a sluggish first half, Central pulled away for a 33-23 victory. The Lady Panthers (20-4 overall) next will face Henley at 6 p.m. Friday, March 5. The winner of that game advances to the Class 4A state finals at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17163/central-downs-y-c-prepares-for-henley-visit Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17163 PORTLAND -- As always, the 2010 State Wrestling Championships Feb. 25-27 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland were more about the agony of defeat than the joy of victory. There were 26 wrestlers in each of the 14 different weight brackets in the Class 4A state tournament. Only eight of them could place. Only one of them could win. "We went in there with the goal of having everyone score some team points," CHS coach Van Holstad said. "It didn't go that way. We were pretty disappointed. I was hoping we'd have a couple of placers. I was really hoping both Dylan (Rardin) and Joseph (Swinehart) would place. The other three were up in the air, but I thought they maybe had a chance. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17164/central-falls-short-of-goals-in-state-meet Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17164 DALLAS -- Dallas' boys basketball team finished the regular season Feb. 25 with a 52-40 victory at Lebanon. That gave the Dragons an overall record of 6-16 and a Mid-Willamette Conference mark of 3-11. The numbers are not overly impressive. They don't get you into the playoffs. But Dallas finished the season satisfied it squeezed everything it could out of what it had. "Our seniors worked very hard all season, Dallas coach Rory Lassetter said, referring to Jared Webb, Brandon Pena, Dominique Salcido, Brad Tootle and Rudy Camarena. "They were great representatives for Dallas. Regardless of how many wins they had and how many points they scored, this is a great group of guys. We're real proud of them." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17165/dallas-closes-with-win-over-lebanon Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17165 DALLAS -- Dallas' girls basketball team closed the regular season Feb. 25 with a 59-40 victory against visiting Lebanon. The verdict gave the Lady Dragons a share of the Mid-Willamette Conference along with Crescent Valley and West Albany. It was the first league title for Dallas (18-6 overall, 11-3 MWC) in more than 30 years. "Our kids are really excited," Dallas coach Dave Brautigam said. "They can look back and see where they came from and see how all the hard work has paid off. They really enjoy being able to say they're a league champion. There are little girls running around who are excited about joining Dallas girls basketball, and it's because of the girls we have on the team now." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17166/dallas-clubs-lebanon-in-regular-season-finale Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17166 PORTLAND -- Dallas went into the 2010 Wrestling State Championships Feb. 25-27 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland with some pretty high hopes. The Dragons had just won the Mid-Willamette Conference crown, their first league title since 1993. Unfortunately, for the most part, the momentum did not follow the team from West Albany to Portland. "Early in my career here at Big D, if somebody had told me we had nine state qualifiers and five placers, I would have been swinging from the chandelier with a lampshade on my head," Dallas coach Tony Olliff said. "But we went into it with higher expectations. We lost about five key matches, and that could have shot us up into the top 10 or even the top five." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17167/five-dragons-place-in-state-wrestling-meet Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17167 PERRYDALE -- Perrydale's boys basketball team was right with host McKenzie Feb. 24 halfway through their Class 1A first-round playoff. Unfortunately for the Pirates, it didn't stay that way for long as McKenzie opened the second half with a quick surge and pulled away for a 62-41 victory. "The boys played pretty well in the first half," Pirates coach T.J. Bailey said. "We only trailed by five points at halftime, but McKenzie caught fire in the second half, and we couldn't keep up with their scoring. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17168/pirates-fall-to-mckenzie-in-first-round-playoff Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17168 PERRYDALE -- Perrydale's girls basketball team won 34-33 in thrilling and somewhat controversial fashion Feb. 23 at Damascus Christian in the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs. The Pirates, though, weren't able to duplicate that performance Feb. 26 at Mohawk and suffered a season-ending 31-20 loss. "Overall, I think it was a positive," Perrydale coach Luke Lindell said. "Winning that game at Damascus was big. Winning on the road in the playoffs is big. It was a little bit of a letdown for us against Mohawk. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17169/pirates-fall-flat-after-first-round-thriller Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17169 STANDINGS Boys Basketball Mid-Willamette http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17170/scorecard Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17170 ♦ Registration for Central Youth Sports baseball and softball is underway . The CYS office is open Wednesdays from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and the Web site address is www.centralyouthsports.com. ♦ The Wild Wolf Western Oregon University Disc Golf Club is hosting a fundraising tournament Saturday, March 6 in Dallas City Park . This will be the first tournament of its kind in Dallas. For more information or to register: chaseestepmusic@hotmail.com. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17171/sports-news-and-notes-around-polk-county Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17171 MONMOUTH -- Western Oregon's softball team split a double-header with Central Washington Feb. 28 at Ellensburg, Wash., dropping game one 10-5 and bouncing back for a 9-5 win in the second game. Western (2-1 overall, 1-1 GNAC) had the lead in game one until Central Washington scored four times in the fifth and three in the sixth. Bailey Rueck, who homered and doubled, and Jessie Lessard knocked in two runs apiece for the Wolves. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17172/western-wins-nightcap-to-avoid-sweep Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17172 INDEPENDENCE -- For a time, Central's Class 4A playoff opener March 2 against Elmira had sort of a scary feel to it. It sort of felt like the type of game where you fiddle around and eventually somehow get beat by an inferior opponent. Fortunately, that feeling didn't last a long time. And it was completely gone by the time the CHS boys basketball team completed a 67-41 victory. The Panthers (23-3 overall) will play Saturday at Hidden Valley (18-6). The winner of that game advances to the state finals at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17173/panthers-quit-fiddling-around-whip-elmira Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17173 DALLAS -- Kelsey Bridges, Lily Prince and Jessica Mitchell combined for 52 points March 2 and led the Dallas girls basketball team to a 72-30 defeat of visiting Mazama in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Dallas, which advances to play Friday, March 6 at Wilsonville, led Mazama 18-6 at the end of the first period and 37-12 at halftime. Bridges led all scorers with 20 points. Prince finished with 18 and Mitchell added 14. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17174/dallas-hammers-mazama-in-first-round-playoff Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:44:16 GMT 17174 DALLAS -- The city added a thin strip of bricks to the Main Street trailhead along the Rickreall Creek Trail on Friday, Feb. 26. Of those bricks, 16 represented the first group of donors to the city's brick donation program supporting the trail project and other local charities. "I think (the donors) are going to be excited to see them in the ground," said Patti Senger, a city of Dallas Public Works Department executive assistant. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17125/a-brick-solid-start Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17125 ACADEMIC HONORS Dallas woman earns Lee University honor CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Shannon Dawson of Dallas was named to the dean's list with honors for the 2009 fall semester at Lee University, a four-year liberal arts school in Cleveland, Tenn. Students with a semester grade-point average of 3.9 or higher are named to the dean's list with honors. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17126/3-3-academic-honors Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17126 INDEPENDENCE -- Concerns by airpark residents about preserving their taxiway access to the Independence State Airport is drawing more attention from state and federal officials. In early February, Independence leaders, citizens, and state and federal lawmakers discussed the through-the-fence agreement via teleconference with Federal Aviation Administration heads. And representatives of FAA's Office of Airports are expected to visit the facility this week, said Laura Brown, communications director for the agency. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17127/airpark-issue-draws-attention-of-officials Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17127 DALLAS -- If you are having trouble finding the motivation to start that New Year's resolution exercise routine, a group of local cyclists may have a solution. The group is organizing a bicycle club in Polk County for cyclists of all interest levels. The club doesn't have an official name yet, said member Esther Lieberman, but it is the first such group in the area. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17128/bike-club-is-ready-to-ride Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17128 DALLAS -- Chemeketa Community College's Small Business Development Center is hosting another of its free Entrepreneurs 101 workshops on Thursday, March 11, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Polk WorkSource Center, 580 Main St., Suite B, Dallas. This is an opportunity to present a business idea in an informal and confidential setting and find out if what you are considering is worth pursuing. Chemeketa also offers a number of other courses and seminars for business owners or those looking to start a business in Polk, Marion and Yamhill counties. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17129/business-seminar-offers-start-up-tips Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17129 POLK COUNTY -- Three more candidates have filed for Position No. 2 on the Polk County Board of Commissioners. Monmouth resident Craig Pope and Dallas resident Steve Bailey filed for candidacy in February, making the bid for the Republican nomination a three-way race. Dallas resident Dave Weston, also a Republican, filed last November. Danny Jaffer of Independence has filed as the lone Democrat. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17130/candidates-lining-up-for-boc-primary Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17130 MONMOUTH/INDEPENDENCE -- Nominations are now being accepted for the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce's 2010 Community Awards Banquet. The annual event is scheduled Thursday, April 29, in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, followed by a dinner and awards program at 6:30 p.m. Among the nomination categories are Citizenship Awards (First Citizen, Distinguished Service), which can be made by anyone in the community, and Business Awards (New Business of the Year, Small Business -- 15 and fewer employees -- of the Year, Large Business -- 16 or more employees -- of the Year, and the Agri-Business of the Year), which nominations and award winners are restricted to chamber members. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17131/chamber-awards-program-seeks-nominations Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17131 DALLAS -- Speculation about a more permanent resident moving into the Weyerhaeuser property may be more than just rumor. City officials are saying little on the details, but Community Development Director Jason Locke said a potential reuse of the property could be in the works. He didn't indicate what that use would be, only that it could be similar to the site's original function as a mill. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17132/city-business-activity-picking-up Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17132 INDEPENDENCE -- Financing for the city of Independence's civic center has hit a roadblock, though it's not expected to hinder the project. Officials authorized paying for the building -- which will cost $8.6 million -- with the sale of municipal bonds. But those proceeds now won't be in hand until April 6, said City Manager Greg Ellis. The city's underwriter, Wedbush Morgan Securities, can't sell the bonds until an annual audit of the Independence budget is complete, Ellis said, noting that the audit is now in place. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17133/city-hall-construction-hits-a-minor-snag Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17133 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 (kholland@polkio.com). -- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17134/3-3-community-calendar Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17134 Rickreall Grange flea market on tap The Rickreall Grange Flea Market is scheduled Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 218 Main St. (Highway 99W). Lots of new vendors are anticipated and all vendor space has been filled. Breakfast and lunch will be served all day. Ample parking is available in front and back of the building. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17135/3-3-community-notebook Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17135 DALLAS -- Dallas School District and its architect, DLR Group, are inviting local contractors to a meeting next week explaining the district's upcoming construction projects. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the district office, 111 SW Ash St. DLR Group representatives will inform local contractors about upcoming construction project schedules, estimated values, insurance, bonding and bidding requirements. They will also take comments about what will make the projects more desirable to local companies. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17136/contractors-can-learn-about-school-bond-projects Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17136 POLK COUNTY -- Philip Scott Cannon, who spent 11 years behind bars for three murders near West Salem, is suing Polk County, Dallas and state officials for wrongful conviction and imprisonment, negligence and other claims. Cannon, 43, was released from prison on Dec. 18 after the Polk County District Attorney's Office dropped its charges against him when it was determined crucial evidence to be used in his planned retrial was destroyed. Cannon had been sent to prison for the 1998 shooting deaths of Jason Kinser, Suzan Osborne and Celesta Graves in the Eola Hills area of Polk County. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17137/county-hit-with-lawsuit Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17137 INDEPENDENCE -- Sonia Flores-Ortiz said she knew at age 15 that relocating from her bustling hometown of Zacatecas, Mexico, to live with family and attend high school in Oregon would benefit her in the long run. A dual citizen, she figured she would end up in the United States for college at some point. But the transition to a new country and language was intimidating, Flores-Ortiz said. "My mother told me not to worry, that I would do (well)," she said. "And she said, 'If something happens, and you cannot make it, you can always come back and we will be here.'" http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17138/dedication-paying-off-for-central-student Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17138 RICKREALL -- The 39 Falls City students on a tour of the Polk County Museum Friday, Feb. 26, found out that their town is a relative youngster. Area historian and museum volunteer Arlie Holt said Falls City is "new" as it was established in the early 1890s, decades after most other Polk County towns. "It was interesting to find out that (Falls City) is not that old," sixth-grader Jeremiah Robles said, "because I thought it was." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17139/falls-city-students-get-history-lesson Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17139 POLK COUNTY -- Polk County Commissioners could soon make the final decision on a proposed -- and often-debated -- move of Valley Concrete and Gravel Co. operations from Independence. Officials will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, in the conference room of the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main St., Dallas. In December 2005, commissioners approved an application to rezone 124 acres of land at 1620 Independence Highway, owned by McKay Landholdings, LLC, to a mining designation. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17140/hearing-is-set-to-discuss-valley-concrete-proposal Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17140 POLK COUNTY -- Margaret Sparrow slips a few shells into the magazine of a 20-gauge shotgun, pulls back the bolt handle, and calls out to the trap machine operator at her left. "OK, pull." A clay pigeon soars forward. Sparrow steadies her weapon, tries to lead her target and fires twice. The orange and black disk drops to the ground intact. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17141/in-the-hunt Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17141 INDEPENDENCE -- City Manager Greg Ellis could leave Independence to accept a job with the city of Canby. Ellis has been named one of three finalists for Canby's city administrator position. Canby officials will be interviewing the candidates -- Ellis, Corvallis development director Ken Gibb and Eugene planning director Susan Muir -- on March 11. Ellis was hired in Independence in 2000, and had served as Estacada's city manager for five years before then. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17142/independence-city-manager-finalist-for-canby-job Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17142 Transitional home would provide help I am surprised at the fear people have shown by the very angry response to the idea of providing transitional housing for offenders being released from prison. These men are already in Dallas. They are released here because this is where they offended, and they must stay here to meet with their parole officer. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17143/3-3-letters-to-the-editor Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17143 DALLAS 950 Main St. 503-623-2633 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17144/3-3-library-activities-calendar Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17144 McIntyre Clark Hayden McIntyre was born to Joshua and Brianne McIntyre of Monmouth at 8:43 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 19 inches long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17145/3-3-births Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17145 DALLAS -- Lyle Elementary School will be moving its student pick-up and drop-off areas for about two weeks this month. Now through March 16, Lyle buses will pick up and deliver students curbside on West Ellendale Avenue, just west of the Lyle parking lot entrance. Parent pickup will be relocated to the larger covered area on the west side of Lyle (the curb that has been the bus lane). Staff will be on duty to supervise the parent pickup area and to oversee students walking to and from the buses. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17146/lyle-testing-changes-to-parking-lot Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17146 Did our merry month of March come in like a lion ... or a lamb? Visions of springtime appear as the raindrops fall over MI Town and soon blossoms will appear everywhere. The bright yellow daffodils keep our spirits high as we dodge puddles and absolute downpours these days. -- http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17147/3-3-mi-town-patty-taylor-dutcher Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17147 Lions collecting emergency items DALLAS -- The Dallas Lions Club will be accepting donations of canned food and other items during a collection event scheduled Saturday, March 6. Food, bulk detergents and soap, and paper products will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at collection stations located at Safeway Foods, Dallas Market and Wal-Mart. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17148/3-3-news-in-brief Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17148 Pearl Elaine Vann June 11, 1918 - Feb. 23, 2010 ***PHOTO*** Pearl Elaine Vann, 91, a longtime Dallas resident, died Feb. 23 in Longview, Wash. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17149/3-3-obituaries Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17149 DALLAS -- The Dallas Ministerial Association heard and reacted to the objections voiced to a plan to establish a transitional house on Lyle Street. Now the association is asking for help. The DMA responded to the collective outrage by saying, "not in your neighborhood." At the same time it nixed its plan, the association issued an invitation to the community to help find a suitable location for such a facility. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17150/offender-housing-proposal-shelved Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17150 The ride to Pedee Memorial Evangelical Church Sunday, Feb. 21, was under a sunny sky. I was with my nephew, Larry Shellenbarger of Buena Vista. There was not much traffic on our drive. Pastor Mitch Lee and missionary speaker Shelly Fuehrer, who has completed her first five-year term of service in Brazil, met me in the foyer. We were able to visit for a short time as others were arriving. There was a basket of primroses on one of the tables in the foyer. Carolyn Hall had the large bulletin board with the greeting "God Loves You." http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17151/3-3-pedee-news-nola-womer Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17151 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/17152/3-3-police-report Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17152 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, MARCH 3 http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17153/3-3-public-agenda-calendar Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17153 INDEPENDENCE -- Though they only got to keep them as pets for five months last year, the 20 chickens Carol Hansen and Rodney Thomson raised provided some fond memories, Hansen said. The flock followed them around during feeding time, and hopped in their laps whenever they sat down, Hansen said. They earned their keep by eating surplus vegetables from the garden and had just begun laying eggs. "They were a lot of fun," Hansen said. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17154/residents-can-weigh-in-on-chickens Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17154 POLK COUNTY -- If the Oregon Department of Transportation didn't know beforehand how Polk County officials feel about installing a roundabout at the intersection of 99W and Clow Corner Road, the agency should have a clear message now. ODOT is working with Polk County and the city of Monmouth to solve traffic problems at six intersections along 99W between Rickreall Road and Main Street in Monmouth. There are three options for the 99W and Clow Corner intersection. Erik Havig, ODOT's regional planning and development review manager, met with county leaders on Tuesday, Feb. 23, to discuss just one: a roundabout, or traffic circle. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17155/roundabout-at-99w-clow-corner-no-way-county-asserts Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17155 SCHOOL NOTES Deadline approaching for ACT test POLK COUNTY -- The next ACT achievement test will be administered on Saturday, April 10. High school students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register by Friday, March 5. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17156/3-3-school-notes Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17156 DALLAS -- Carl Harbaugh said he found a treasure in the downtown building slated to be the new home of his business, South Town Glass. Harbaugh and his daughter, Jenny McNally, discovered a beautifully designed building beneath a neglected exterior and hidden original details on the inside of the building on the corner of Main and Mill streets. Harbaugh is so fond of his new location that he doesn't plan on having his glass shop open in the corner suite for long. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17157/specialty-glass-and-a-soothed-soul Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17157 DALLAS -- If you're watching a retelling of a Biblical story and one of the characters looks like Elvis, you are probably seeing "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is a fanciful and colorful enactment of the story of Joseph and his 11 brothers found in the book of Genesis. Joseph is the favorite of his father, Jacob, which makes his 11 brothers jealous. They concoct a plan to sell Joseph into slavery and tell their father he has died. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17158/story-of-joseph-with-a-twist Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17158 DALLAS -- Polk County Deputy District Attorney Sally Avera said despite the violence of the September attack of a Falls City man, her office made a deal with the young defendants to give them a second chance. The attack took place in Dallas on Sept. 25, 2009. Defendants David McGowan, 17, Brandon Browning, 18, and Titus Lometo, 17, were arrested about a week later and faced four charges, including attempted murder, until pleading guilty to lesser charges on Feb. 23. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17159/teens-sentenced-for-beating-of-falls-city-man Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17159 DALLAS -- A duplex fire on Miller Avenue in Dallas displaced two families and caused thousands in damage on Wednesday, Feb. 24. At about 4:30 p.m., firefighters responded to 1016 SE Miller Ave. to a report of a kitchen fire in one of the units. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17160/two-families-ousted-by-duplex-fire Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17160 MONMOUTH -- Elizabeth Wood and Gus Townson cart blue drums, almost as large as they are, up the stairwells of Heritage Hall on the Western Oregon University campus on a mission. Floor by floor, they empty out soda cans, plastic water bottles, and 19 pounds of discarded paper in the drums. They then sort the material, even going so far as to tear the greasy portions of pizza boxes away from the remainder of the container. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17161/wou-steps-up-recycling-effort Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:26:25 GMT 17161 DALLAS -- Polk County Deputy District Attorney Sally Avera said despite the violence of the September attack of a Falls City man, her office made a deal with the young defendants to give them a second chance. The attack took place in Dallas on Sept. 25, 2009. Defendants David McGowan, 17, Brandon Browning, 18, and Titus Lometo, 17 were arrested about a week later and faced four charges, including attempted murder, until pleading guilty to lesser charges on Feb. 23. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17124/2-24-breaking-news-sentences-handed-down Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:35:11 GMT 17124 DALLAS -- The Dallas Ministerial Association announced Wednesday it would no longer be pursuing establishing a transitional house at 1059 Lyle St. in Dallas. The home would have provided housing for as many as seven men who had been released from prison into the Dallas community under the supervision of Polk County Community Corrections. Residents of the neighborhood where the proposed transitional home is located expressed strong objections to the plan at a public meeting held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Monday night. http://www.itemizerobserver.com/archives/story.aspx/17123/2-25-breaking-news-transitional-house-loses-key-supporter Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:01:30 GMT 17123