PIO416

Now get Michelle Ashley cake

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

Some things have a way of moving quickly in small towns.

Last month, Mitch and Cathy Teal approached Michelle Ashley with a proposition to start offering her custom cakes out of their Brew Coffee and Tap House in Independence. And within two weeks, nearly 50 people were on hand April 9 for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the collaboration.

“I’m super excited to be integrated here now into the community,” Ashley told the crowd. “... I’ve been 10 ½ years in recovery, so I have my heart in service, giving back to the community as much as I can. Having Mitch and Cathy come to my door and ask me for this community collaboration was just humbling. I knew that I wanted to be more involved in this community.”

Ashely started her custom cakes home business in 2015. In 2018 she opened the shop at the 48th Parallel in the Salem-Keizer area.

Next, she found her perfect residential home in Independence in 2020

“I like the charm of this town. It’s very Hallmark,” Ashley said. “The house I wanted was here. I knew exactly the design of the house I wanted, and found it here.”

Mitch Teal said they’d just purchased a new case to stock with pastries to go with their barista bar. Then with minimal research, they approached Ashley.

“She had outstanding social media. Her name kept popping

custom cakes and pastries out of Brew Coffee and Tap House in Independence. (Bottom) Customers are met with a display of goodies for sale.

up. Then we heard she was from Independence, that was literally the icing on the cake,” Mitch said.

Her licensed kitchen will continue to bake and decorate her custom creations, including a dietary line of keto, gluten free and vegan options, with daily deliveries to stock the case at Brew House. Ashley said within an hour, they had hashed out the entire plan. The very next day, she came over to Brew with her Chef Mercedes, built

up and decorated the case. They sold out that night, they sold out the next night, and every night after that has been steady.

“I have just been slammed over here filling it. I’ve had to hire more people. I’ve bought a new freezer. I cannot be more excited about this. Mitch and Cathy (Teal) are absolutely the sweetest humans I have ever met,” Ashley said.

Central School District language learners exceed state expectations

By DAVID HAYES I-O Editor

The Central School District received some good news when staff evaluated the results of its On Track to English Language Proficiency report. District students are exceeding state expectations tracked by the OTELP. Holly Monroy, district Emergent Bilingual Program Director, presented the good news to the school board at their April 7 meeting.

First Monroy explained that OTELP indicates the percentage of students who are meeting progress expectations of Oregon’s English Language Proficiency Assessment.

“So, just like you wouldn’t imagine totally absorbing a new language at the academic level in an instant, a month or even a year,” Monroy said. “We don’t

expect that out of our students either.”

However, she said, staff uses a formula to track how students should be moving along according to their original assessment.

Monroy then shared the data across three school years, from 2021-22 through 2023-24

Starting with elementary numbers, Ash Creek grew from 49 3% to 66 7%. Independence Elementary’s number grew from 33 8% to 62 8% and Monmouth Elementary, after a dip by nearly 20 points last year, saw an overall increase of 6 9% over the three years from 71 4% to 78 3%.

“So, that’s super exciting the amount of growth of students on track,” she said.

While secondary scores were up 4 6% at Talmadge Middle School (20 2% to 24 8%) they dipped at

Central High School, from 17 1% to 16 3%.

“The district overall, when we look at all our students that are calculated in this data, we went from 31 6% in 2021-22 to 44 9% in 2023-24,” Monroy summarized.

She shared some other highlights from the assessment’s data:

• All elementary schools far surpassed the state and district percentages in 2023-2024

• Two schools and the district overall demonstrated a continuous growth trajectory across all three school years

• In 2023-2024 CSD had 44 9% on track compared to the state level of 45 5%

• IES demonstrated the largest growth moving from 33 8% in 2021-2022 to 62 8% in 2023-2024

Dallas City Council member Virden resigns

Staff

Debbie Virden formally announced her resignation from the Dallas City Council effective April 3. In a letter to the council Virden explained why she was stepping down.

“While I have thoroughly enjoyed the research, discussions and public input during my years as a city councilor, there are other matters which need and deserve my full focus right now,” Virden wrote.

Virden has been a member of the City Council since 2022 when she was appointed to fill the position vacated by former City Councilor Paul Trahan. She most recently was re-elected in the Nov. 5, 2024, election with the fourth most votes of seven candidates vying for five open seats on the council.

“Her contributions to the city and commitment to public service have been greatly valued by her fellow council members, city staff, and the community,” the city of Dallas said in a press release. “The City of Dallas extends its gratitude for her service and wishes her the very best in this next chapter.” Details regarding the process for filling the resulting vacancy will be shared in the coming days. For the most up to date information, go to www.dallasor.gov or follow Dallas on its Facebook page.

PHOTOS BY DAVID HAYES

(Top) Michelle Ashley cuts the ribbon April 9 to officially seal the deal to offer her

Debbie Virden

Oregon DMV finds additional 118 non-citizens in voter file

BY NIGEL JAQUISS

Oregon Journalism Project

Less than two months after Gov. Tina Kotek told the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division it could resume automatic voter registration, the agency has disclosed that it has discovered an additional 118 non-citizens were placed on the voter rolls.

Polk County finds one on its roles in latest report

In a report released April 11, DMV said that all but one of the new discoveries are people who were erroneously put into the voter registration system between 2010 and 2023

Polk County Clerk Kim Williams told the ItemizerObserver she and other elections clerks have access to the DMV’s monthly report “in

Furniture Upholstery

All types: for homes, offices, equipment. Also, repairs, RV cushions, slipcovers, High Quality since 1966 Winters Sewing

503-838-4999 or 503-375-9266 440 E. St • Independence, OR 97351 www.winterssewing.com

which we can keep updated on any potential voters we need to reach out to to determine citizenship.”

“A monthly report will be beneficial to keep our records as clean and accurate as possible,” Williams said.

From the April 2025 DMV report, Williams said Polk County had one voter who was on the report.

“This voter has been inactivated and has no voting history,” Williams said. “A letter has been mailed to this voter with instructions on how to register to vote (with proof they are a citizen) or how to cancel their registration if they are not a citizen.”

The new discoveries are in effect legacy errors.

Who cares about Who cares about public notices? notices?

The DMV, which is part of the Oregon Department of Transportation, is responsible under Oregon’s 2016 Motor Voter law for sending to elections officials the names of people who renew or newly obtain either a driver’s permit, license or state identification card. Elections officials then add those names to the voter rolls — but under Oregon law, individuals must be U.S. citizens to vote.

Of the 118 newly discovered erroneously registered voters, elections officials say at least 13 appear to have voted. (Some of them may have gained citizenship after they were originally improperly registered.)

The new disclosure includes a substantially higher percentage of illegal votes than the ratio officials previously identified.

Willamette Week first reported in September that DMV had mistakenly sent the names of non-citizens to the elections division for registration.

DMV eventually identified a total of 1,619 people whose information it had erroneously sent to the elections division to be added to voter rolls. Of that group, 17 voted, according to elections officials.

As Oregon Public Broadcasting reported, elections officials referred three of those people to the Oregon Department of Justice for possible prosecution.

The admission is embarrassing for DMV because the agency told the public and the governor in February that it had analyzed and fixed its processes.

The agency noted that it had brought in three outside consulting firms to help evaluate and improve the agency’s systems.

“We took swift action to correct the immediate source of the errors upon their discovery,” DMV said in a statement Feb. 26

“We have since put controls and processes in place to minimize the risk of error, including hiring a voter registration integrity analyst. We have extensively trained our staff and collected months of data that found no new errors in the Oregon Motor Voter file. We are confident in the thoroughness of our review.”

With that assurance from DMV, Kotek ordered the agency in February to restart the automatic voter registration process she’d told the agency to halt in October.

DMV spokeswoman Chris Crabb said today, however, the

agency has always expected to continue to find legacy errors from the 2010 to 2023 period because it has not verified the registration of everyone who registered in that period. The agency discovered 116 of the 118 errors disclosed when people who held licenses or identification cards contacted DMV to exchange their credentials for Real ID cards ahead of the May deadline.

“This continued identification of past errors is happening as we predicted in our public reports going back to October,” Crabb said in an email. Crabb added that the agency is confident in its process for new registrations but cautions that there may be other legacy errors yet to be discovered.

“Since DMV put significant mitigations in place starting in September 2024, DMV continues to identify and correct past errors and inform the Secretary of State. We will continue to remain proactive in searching for any outstanding inaccuracies.”

Itemizer-Observer Editor David Hayes contributed to this story.

SW Polk Fire District receives grant from Gary Sinise

Foundation

You have the right to know what’s happening in your community.

Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone.

Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, Oregon legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions.

Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.

Insert your logo and tagline here

The SW Polk Fire District has been awarded a grant of $39,123 20 from the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responder Outreach program. This funding will be used to acquire essential equipment and training to enhance emergency response capabilities in the region.

The Gary Sinise Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to supporting first responders and military personnel, provides funding to districts that demonstrate a critical need for resources. The SW Polk Fire District, which serves a large rural area with limited funding, will use the grant

to purchase vital protective gear and medical equipment, ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve.

“This grant will allow us to replace expired and damaged personal protective equipment (PPE), which are crucial for responding effectively to emergencies,” said SWPFD Fire Chief Fred Hertel. “With rising operational costs and increasing demands on our district, this funding helps bridge the gap and enables us to continue providing high-quality emergency services.”

SW Polk Fire District is funded primarily by property

tax levies and user fees and has faced financial challenges in recent years, particularly with rising personnel costs and station infrastructure needs. Support from organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation ensures that first responders have the tools they need to protect lives and property.

For more information about the SW Polk Fire District, visit www.swpolkfd. org/. To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission to serve and honor first responders, visit www.garysinisefoundation. org.

NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED DISTRIBUTION, REDEMPTION, OR PAYMENTS

Notice of Unclaimed Distribution, Redemption, or Payments Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes Section 62.425

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Polk County Farmers’ Co-op, an Oregon cooperative d/b/a Ag West Supply, authorized a distribution of its non -qualified patronage on June 1, 2022. Ag West Supply mailed notice to the last-known address of its non-qualified patrons on August 6, 2022, pursuant to ORS 62.425(1) Ag West Supply has not received a response from certain non-qualified patrons and received return to sender or undeliverable notices in return for other non-qualified patrons. Thus, Ag West Supply is publishing this notice pursuant to ORS 62.425(1).

The first date of publication is January 22, 2025. The last date of publication will be April 16, 2025. If any non-qualified patrons that have not yet claimed their share of the non-qualified distribution fail to claim such distribution by May 31, 2026, any such non-qualified patrons’ share of such distribution shall be forfeited and will revert to Ag West Supply.

“It’s really exciting. I know there’s still room for growth. Staff, students particularly, are working really hard,” Monroy said.

She said staff has already started implementing improvement metrics at the secondary levels, including a multi-lingual team approach at secondary and moving students uncomfortable with the spoken portion of the assessment out of a group testing environment.

Superintendent Jennifer Kubista explained why these numbers at Central matter compared to the state level.

“The state average is 45 5 And the three elementaries are in the upper 60s and starting to break 70. That is a huge accomplishment in K through 5,” Kubista said. “Because that means 70% of our kids are walking out that are identified with dual language, walking in with being proficient with that. So, that is a huge success. Huge celebration across the district with that much double digit growth for several years is pretty impressive.” Monroy added that success, especially at Independence Elementary, is a combination of specific factors to teaching language learners as well as general core teaching in intervention overall.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Members of the SW Polk Fire District celebrate receiving a $39,123.20 from the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responder Outreach program.

She added the expedited plan for a second location for her pastries and cakes essentially was an act of God.

“That’s how God works in my life. He dropped it. The blessings and the favor are big in my life right now. That is directly a gift from God,” she said.

Chamber president Mackenzie Newland invited Rob Saffeels, another new member to the business community, to share how a chance encounter with Michelle Ashley’s cakes helped make him a welcome part of the Independence.

“I was hoping to be able to celebrate my son’s birthday and buy a cake. I was struggling financially with how I was going to afford this amazing custom cake,” Saffeels told the crowd assembled for the ribbon cutting.

Having initially decided he couldn’t afford the purchase, he met Ashley the next week at a Salem greeters event, where she remembered their first encounter.

“She came up to me and said, ‘You know what? I don’t care about anything else going on in your life. This is why we do what we do for our community,’” Saffeels recalled Ashley saying.

He was so emotionally overcome by the retelling of Ashley’s random act of kindness, that he twice struggled

getting through the tale, bringing tears to his eyes and many others present.

“Whatever you’re doing to make people care about you like this, just keep doing,” Saffeels finished with.

Ashley said she was humbled after Saffeels shared his story.

“I don’t even know what to say after that testimonial. I know I have a big following. But I try to take that platform and try to do good with it,” she said.

Learn more about Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes on Facebook or on her website www.michelleashley.com. The free cupcake and buy-one, get-one (BOGO) offers only remain in place at her Salem location.

Kristen Ann Behnke March 8, 1979 - March 18, 2025

Kristen Ann Behnke, born March 8, 1979, in Burns, Oregon, to Frank Edward Behnke Jr. and Mary Jo (Knecht) Behnke, lost her battle with brain cancer.

She lived a life filled with love and joy. Kristen spent her early life in Pedee and cherished her time raising hounds and coon hunting with her dad. She also enjoyed singing and had an amazing voice that she inherited from her mom.

Kristen was a mother to two beautiful girls, who were undoubtedly the center of her world. She loved going to the beach, camping trips, gardening, fairs, concerts, and having family game night. Kristen loved holidays and decorating her house both inside and out, Halloween being her favorite.

You could often find her watching SpongeBob and Scooby-Doo; she also enjoyed many different crime shows. She was the youngest of three children and had many fond memories with her siblings from her younger years. Kristen spent most of her working career as a cook in assisted living communities and was affectionately known as the “Casserole Queen” for her ability to turn anything into a onepot wonder.

Kristen is survived by her daughters Mckayla Behnke (Mathew) and Maleeah Behnke; her parents Frank Edward Behnke Jr. and Mary Jo (Knecht) Behnke; brother Chad Behnke; sister Merritta Van Ravenswaay (Eric); and her partner in crime of 28 years, Sarah (Reed) Crocker, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Kristen is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Esther and Frank Behnke Sr., and her maternal grandparents MarGarett and Wayne Knecht.

A Celebration of Life is at 2 p.m.

May 3 at Pedee Memorial Evangelical Church, 12995 Kings Valley Highway, Monmouth, OR 97361 Refreshments to follow.

Patti Ann Sample

Dec. 4, 1952 - March 29, 2025

Patricia “Patti” Ann Sample, age 72, passed away peacefully on March 29 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Dec. 4, 1952, in Salem, Oregon, she was the daughter of Verna and George Kozisek. Patti

was a vibrant soul whose life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her community and her deep love for family.

Growing up in Independence, Patti graduated from Central High School in 1971. She devoted herself to public service, serving on the Sheridan City Council and as a member of the Economic Development Committee. Her passion for her community extended to her involvement with the local Rotary Club, where she made lasting friendships and contributed to numerous initiatives that enriched the lives of those around her.

On June 9, 1973, she married Thomas Sample, and together they built a life filled with laughter, love and adventure. Patti is survived by her son Ryan Sample, of Monmouth, Oregon; her daughter Lindsay Pascual, and her husband Alex; two cherished grandchildren RJ and Alex Jr.; and her sister Penny Marr (Jim) and brother Rick Kozisek (Becky).

Patti’s professional journey was diverse - she worked for the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Revenue and also owned a beloved video store and pizza parlor in Sheridan, Oregon. Later in life, she took on a new role at Walmart in Dallas, where her cheerful spirit and kind nature endeared her to customers and colleagues alike.

Patti was known for her infectious positivity and ability to see the good in everyone. She found joy in spending time with her family, and her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of Patti’s life will be held at 2 p.m. April 25, 2025, at The Grove Community Church of the Nazarene, 341 NE Kings Valley Highway, Dallas, Oregon 97338

Delores (Dee) Lucille Christianson

Delores (Dee) Lucille Christianson was born in 1927 to Nelly and Harold Bodeen in Minnesota. At the age of five, she moved with her parents and two younger siblings to Silverton, Oregon. She grew up the oldest of five and helped to raise and care for her siblings.

She met the love of her life, Chris Christianson, at Silverton High School

and they were married in 1947. Dee devoted her early years of marriage to raising two daughters and working as a teaching assistant in Corvallis. Loving and caring for her daughters, husband and students was her passion and brought her great joy.

She was a talented seamstress, fabulous cook and faithful member of the Methodist church where she taught Sunday School. She and Chris enjoyed dancing at the local Elks club, camping and fishing. She loved searching for treasures at garage sales and Goodwill.

Dee cherished her time with her grandchildren and great grandchild and always reminded them that she loved them to the moon and back.

Dee had a special gift for noticing when someone needed a hug, a kind word, or simply someone to listen. She could often be found at a local coffee shop with a puzzle book in hand, sharing her time and her heart with whoever needed it most. In her final years, she was tenderly cared for by the team in Assisted Living at Dallas Retirement Village — whom she affectionately called her “Working Angels”. She passed away on March 29 surrounded by love.

She is survived by her daughters Norma Daily and Kay Graven; her son-in-law Greg Graven; her grandchildren Lisa Smith, Shannon Graven, Ryan Graven and Ruby Graven; and her great-granddaughter Marluna Graven — her family’s newest light.

Donations honoring Dee can be sent to the Falls City United Methodist Church, PO Box 473 Falls City, OR 97344

J. Morris Johnson

March 16, 1937 - March 18, 2025

The family of Morris Johnson wishes to share the news with his colleagues, the community and former students that he has died.

Morris was the only surviving child of Carl T. and Fannie M. Johnson of Bruneau, Idaho. He was the epitome of “it takes a village to raise a child.” The whole of the Bruneau and Grandview area had a hand in making Morris the man he would become, especially the Lahtinens and the Cunninghams. Morris had an idyllic rural childhood. He grew up on a farm that his father homesteaded. There were lots of fish in Jacks Creek

and plenty of ducks on the pond plus pheasants and rabbits to hunt. The farm was planted to alfalfa and Morris helped bring in hay and seed there and on neighboring places.

Morris had plenty of King cousins scattered throughout southwestern Idaho. In fact, if you had any connection with this corner of Idaho, he would probably make an acquaintance for you through those cousins. Morris was proud of where he grew up.

Morris graduated from Grandview High School in 1955 in a class of 12 He was well prepared for the rigorous courses at the College of Idaho by his teachers who took a special interest in him. Prior to college, he had some practice being out on his own - during the session he was a page for the Idaho legislator in Boise. While at the College of Idaho, Morris met his wife of 65 years, Margaret Horton. They were lab partners in general zoology class. Morris graduated from the College of Idaho in June 1959 and married Margaret the next weekend. Morris and Margaret then moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where they were students at Oregon State University. Morris worked in the herbarium. His master’s degree project was to survey the botany and ecology of Black Butte in Central Oregon. Morris and Margaret camped out on the Butte while he was making his inventory.

His doctoral work in the study of cell biology was a particularly stimulating time for Morris. After completing his Ph.D., Morris accepted his first professorship at Central College in Pella, Iowa, in 1964. He took a break from teaching at Central in 1965-66 to take a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago to work on their electron microscope on his theory of the purpose or nuclear vacuoles. Morris was proud of the contributions his research made in the field of cell biology. He continued this research while on sabbatical at the W. Alton Jones Cell Science Center in Lake Placid, New York, during 1978. In 1991, Morris had another enriching experience as an exchange professor for a semester at the University of Tasmania in Launceston, Australia.

After five years in the midwest, Morris and Margaret were anxious to return to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to mountains, beaches and

their family. In 1969, they moved to Monmouth, Oregon, to take a position at Western Oregon University where he would teach biology and botany. Morris was never happier than when he was advising students or leading field trips. He was instrumental in the development of the Interdisciplinary Studies degree, the Honors Program and Phi Kappa Phi. Morris also served as the Natural Sciences and Math Department chairman from 1986 to 1993. He was quite happy to have Bryan Dutton, one of the students he mentored, fill his position at Western Oregon University when he retired in 1998 after 29 years of teaching.

Morris was given many awards. There were three that particularly honored him. They were the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his many years as Polk District Chairman. A Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of Idaho for outstanding professional accomplishments and service to his community. And lastly, a Faculty Honors Award from Western Oregon University for his outstanding research in cell biology.

Morris was dedicated to serving his community. Among his main volunteer activities were the first chairman of the Gilbert House Children’s Museum. He was active in the Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club, especially with the strawberry sale and the 4th of July parade. He also worked with Mrs. Pat Jaffer as treasurer of the Ella Curran Food Bank from 2004 until 2019

And then, there was his garden. Morris was a yearly exhibitor at the Polk County Fair with his vegetables. He also took much enjoyment from being able to give the produce away. He kept Margaret well supplied with fruits and vegetables to preserve. Over the years he won many blue ribbons. Retirement also meant that he could go fishing more often. Morris was very lucky to have a fishing buddy in Deke Meyer. He and Morris often went float fishing on the Willamette River. Deke was a good friend. They enjoyed each other’s company on many fishing trips. Morris also took great delight in taking his grandsons Carl and Porter fishing in local ponds. Morris and a colleague, Bob Main, also had a pond which they stocked with trout. They had a lot of fun fishing adventures including a once-in-alifetime trip to Kamchatka, Russia.

Surviving Morris are his wife Margaret; daughter Mori; son Steve (Mary); and grandsons Carl (Kandy) and Porter.

Memorials may be made to the Western Oregon University Foundation’s Morris and Margaret Johnson scholarship fund or a charity of your choice. A memorial is planned for 2 p.m. May 10, 2025, in the Monmouth Senior Center.

Celebrate Easter

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 257

MOMENTS IN TIME #12345_20250414 FOR RELEASE APRIL 14, 2025

• On April 28, 1953, inventor Howard Ross received a patent for his “double coat,” which contained an outer layer extendable to cover two people. It was designed to protect sports fans in athletic stadiums during rain.

• On April 29, 1945, Adolf Hitler, concerned that the cyanide capsules given to him and wife Eva Braun might be ineffective, tested one on his German shepherd, Blondi. The dog died and Braun took her dose the next day, while Hitler reportedly shot himself. The German public remained unaware of the couple’s relationship until after their deaths.

• On April 30, 2019, Emperor Akihito of Japan stepped down from the throne at the age of 85, becoming the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in more than two centuries, after having announced his desire to do so because of poor health a few years earlier.

• On May 1, 1955, golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias won the Peach Blossom LPGA Tournament in Spartanburg, S.C., the 41st and final LPGA title of her career, even as she was battling the colon cancer that would end her life the following year.

• On May 2, 1963, more than a thousand Black schoolchildren marched through Birmingham, Alabama, in a protest against segregation that became known as the Children’s Crusade and Children’s March. Nearly 800 of them were arrested, including a 6-year-old girl, primarily for parading without a permit.

• On May 3, 1986, Willie Shoemaker, at age 54, beat 18:1 odds to become the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. After retiring in 1990, he returned to the track as a trainer for another seven years. Shoemaker also authored three best-selling murder mysteries featuring jockey-turnedsleuth Coley Killebrew.

• On May 4, 2002, an Executive Airline Services twin-engine plane crashed and exploded in a densely populated section of the Nigerian town of Kano, after shearing off the roofs of dozens of homes and two mosques, killing 149 people and destroying almost three full blocks of buildings. An investigation ruled the cause of the crash to be pilot error. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

TRIVIA TEST #12345_20250414 FOR RELEASE APRIL 14, 2025 By

Fifi Rodriguez

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What do you call a person who has lived to the age of 100 years? 2. HISTORY: When were cigarette commercials banned from American television?

3. MOVIES: Whose life is depicted in the movie “Raging Bull”?

U.S. STATES: In which state are the Catskill Mountains located?

TELEVISION: Which long-running TV drama was set in Cabot Cove, Maine?

MEASUREMENTS: How long is the ancient measurement called a cubit?

7. FOOD & DRINK: What is a dish called Cullen Skink?

8. CHEMISTRY: A diamond is composed of which single element? 9. GEOGRAPHY: What country is home to the Baffin, Victoria and Ellesmere islands? 10. ANATOMY: What is another name for the condition called “piloerection”? Answers 1. A centenarian. 2. Jan. 2, 1971. 3. Jake LaMotta (played by Robert De Niro). 4. New York. 5. “Murder, She Wrote.” 6. 1.5 feet. 7. Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. 8. Carbon. 9. Canada. 10. Goosebumps. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Victory after Death

By DAVID CARLSON PASTOR

Author Peggy Noonan

wrote about a child of missionaries in Russia, whose parents enrolled her in a Soviet public school. The young girl shared her beliefs with classmates and was surprised they knew much about Jesus, nodding in agreement as she told them of his life. When she mentioned the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, they all shook their heads: “No, no, no,” the students said. “Christ did not rise from the dead. His body was removed from the tomb by wild dogs. The dogs ate his flesh and buried his bones.”

Not so. The bedrock of hope in the Bible is the

resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Jesus often predicted his earthly end. He compared himself to the Old Testament prophet Jonah. “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40, English Standard Version used throughout).

After Jesus’ death by crucifixion, women came to the tomb on the first day of the week with spices to finish his burial. The stone in front of the tomb was rolled away and his body was gone. Suddenly, two men in “dazzling apparel” appeared: “…‘Why do you seek the living among

the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6).

In the early 1900’s, English journalist Frank Morison was determined to disprove the resurrection of Jesus: When “…I first began seriously to study the life of Christ, I did so with a very definite feeling that…His history rested upon very insecure foundations.”

At the end of long and careful study, he instead became a believer and wrote Who Moved the Stone, published in 1930. It is still one of the best defenses for the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus extended the promise of resurrection to everyone. Lazarus died four days before Jesus arrived. When Jesus assured Martha that her brother would live again,

Martha assumed Jesus meant in the final resurrection. However, Jesus said, “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11: 25-26).

Jesus shouted to the stone tomb, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43), and he shuffled out, hands and feet still wrapped with burial cloth.

A courageous young man’s story is told by authors Scott Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Twelve-year-old Scott Carter sat in a wheelchair pushed by his father, pale, wearing a baseball cap to cover his bald head, and with a plastic left leg as a result of bone cancer surgery. They were courtside at an

Oklahoma State University basketball game. The coach asked the boy if he had anything to say to the team before their game.

Scott teased. “Well, I don’t know, Coach. My speech to the football team didn’t do them much good. They didn’t win a game all season.”

There was shocked silence, and then the team roared with laughter. Even in suffering, Scott’s humor shined. After one surgery, they asked him how he felt. He yelled, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

Scott’s condition worsened and doctors told his parents he would not likely live until Christmas. When Scott heard the hard news, he said, “I’ll get to see Uncle Tom again

in heaven. I’ll get to fish with him and Grandfather Bo.” On Dec. 2, 1993, Scott died. At his bedside was a plaque given to him with these words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

[Brief bio: Mr. Pastor (yes, that is his last name, not his profession) is a Polk County, Oregon resident and graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary in Minnesota (M.Div., M.Th.).]

Polk County Worship Directory

Worship Directory

DALLAS

Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call 971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.)

More about the Bahá’í Faith: www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org

Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship

Gatherings: Sundays 9am & 10:30am. Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman. www. dallaschurch.org

Dallas Church of Christ — 691 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas, 503-623-8791. Sundays: 9:30am Bible Classes for all, 10:30am Worship, 2:00pm Group Bible Talk, Wednesdays: 6:30pm Bible Study. Come to any, come to them all! Individual Bible studies gladly made by appointment. Web:dallaschurchofchrist.com.

Dallas Evangelical Church — A Place of Hope and Healing: 783 SW Church Street, Dallas Oregon, across from the Post Office. Find us on Facebook: on page DallasEC, MyDallasEC Friends and www.dallasec.org. Join us on Sundays in person or on Zoom for weekly Bible Study and Worship Service. We worship in a contemporary, casual format. Sunday Services: Bible Study 9:00 AM; Worship Service 10:00 AM, zoom room 228-034-850. Celebrate Recovery (a Christ Based 12 Step Program) is also on Sundays and starts with Dinner 5:00 PM; Large Group (Worship) 6:00 PM, and small groups at 7PM. We have a Community Clothing Closet: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat 9 AM - Noon; Thurs Nights 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Step Studies are often starting or ending all year and meeting at various times. Message phone 503-6233778. Find us on Facebook: DallasEC or join MyDallasEC Friends. You can email pastor Dave at pastor.dave@dallasec.org

Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St., on the corner of Washington and Hayter. Senior Pastor: Darrin Hausler. Worship Gatherings: Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Youth Home Groups: Sunday evenings from 6-8:00 p.m. Please call for locations. We are a multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or visit us online at dallasfour.com.

Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe St., Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Troy Bassham, Youth Pastor Andrew Wheeler, Administrative Pastor Mike Fast. Sunday services 9:00am & 10:30am. Awana 6:30pm Wednesday. Weekly Prayer meeting 6:30pm Wednesday. Women’s Bible Study Thursday 9:30 am & 6:30 pm. Men’s Bible Study Thursday 6:30pm. Compass Middle School Youth Group Thursday 6:30pm. Forged High School Youth Group Tuesday 6:30pm. Live Streamed services via facebook and youtube @EBCDallas. Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. Dallas, 503-623-4961. Lead Pastor- Dave Bertolini, Sunday Worship Gatherings 9:00am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, Youth Life Groups, and scheduled Sunday School Classes running concurrently & 10:45am, with Nursery-5th Grade programs, and scheduled Sunday School Classes, running concurrently.

Live Stream our 10:45am service at www.graceindallas.online.church Visit our Website at www.graceindallas.org for office hours, sermon downloads, event information, and more!

House of His Presence — House of His Presence, located at 177 SW Oak St. in Dallas, welcomes all who are seeking to know God intimately and live life abundantly. We believe God transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ as we encounter His Holiness, Righteousness and Truth through His manifested presence, worship and the Word of God. Sunday morning service at 10:30 am, visit the website for ongoing ministries during the week. For more information call 503-420-4612 Website www. houseofhispresence.net

Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062. Pastor Ray Huff. Sunday Prayer 9:30am, Worship 10:00am, Children’s Church (during service, nursery provided). Wednesday Prayer 6:30pm, Worship 7:00pm. Men’s fellowship second Saturday, Pastor Ray Huff is in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for info 503-623-9062.

Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Lead Pastor David Curtis, Family Pastor Josiah Buhler. Sunday School 9:30am. Sunday morning Worship Gathering 10:50am. Nursery provided for worship services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Middle and High School youth at 6:30pm. Please call for information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch St PO Box 450 Dallas, Or 97338 503-623-5872 Pastor Ted Perry, Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 9:30 am, Worship Service 11 am Study and Prayer Wednesday 7pm Office hours: Wed, Thurs & Friday 9-12 . Community Services for food and clothing Wednesday 10am to 1pm. St. Philip Catholic Church — Fr. Michael P. Johnston, Pastor Pastor Email: mpjinpdx@yahoo.com | 825 S.W. Mill Street, Dallas, OR 97338

Phone: (503) 623.2440 - www.stphilorg.org.

Liturgical Schedule

Monday- Wednesday - 5:30 p.m. Mass

Thursday - 8:00 a.m. ( No Mass on Friday)

Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Masses - 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Coffee and Donuts will be served after Sunday services

St. Thomas Episcopal Church — Welcome! Our church is located at 1486 SW Levens St., Dallas. Our phone number is 503-623-5822 . Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our congregation on Sundays for the 10 a.m. service or find us live on Facebook and updates. Join us for coffee after our service. Our services are as follows: 1st and 3rd Sundays are Morning Prayer. 2nd and 4th Sundays are Holy Eucharist.

Blessings!

Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas. All are welcome! Pastor Jody Becker and Pastor Johathan Thompson, Adult Sunday Bible Study 8:45, Sunday Worship Service 10 am coffee hour with treats after service. Wednesday Worship Service noon. Nursery available for parents to use. Play area for small children in sanctuary during worship service. Youth Group HS/MS 11:30 am Sundays. Weekly Bible Studies. Contact us at 503-623-2233 or at questionsdallastlc@gmail.com. Online at dallatlc.org. Check it out! Office open Mon.-Thur. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Fri. 9:00 am to Noon.Because God first loved us, we celebrate the gifts of Christ through worship, service, and community.

United Methodist Church — a church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors, 565 SE LaCreole Dr, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Pastor Rev. Ruth Marsh. Inperson Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Go to the website at: dallasoregonumc. org for additional information.

Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 SE Miller Ave., Dallas. Lead Pastor: Chris Barker; Youth: Jeff Anderson; Children: Crystal Barker; Worship/Media: Jesse Ceballos. Sunday Service is at 10:00 am and online streaming at 10:00 am (www. valleylife.love.) On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, there is Men’s Bible Study, Ladies Bible Study, Ignite Youth, Rangers Boys Club, Mpact Girls Club, Rainbows, and nursery care. For more information, contact us at www.vallelylife.love, info@valleylifecenter. com or 503-623-4116.

FALLS CITY

Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-7873907. Services on Saturday: Sabbath School 10:00am; Worship Service 11:10am. Community Service Center Food Bank: Second Wednesday, 11am-3pm, Fourth Sunday, 11am-3pm.

INDEPENDENCE

Christ The King Church — Service on Sundays10 am 155 C St, Independence OR 97351 . 503-551-9516 or visit us at www.ctkindependence.com. Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503838-5119. Sunday Service and Children’s Church 9:30am Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30pm. Thursday Adult Bible Study 6:30pm

First Baptist Church — A warm friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St., Independence (across from Central High School); 503-8381001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays: Worship Service 11am Wednesdays: AWANA 7pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group 6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at www.independencefirstbaptist.com

St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela. Saturday Masses: 5pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish. Sunday Masses: 9am English & 11:30am Spanish. Daily Masses: Monday 9:30am Communion Service. 9am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm or by appointment. Faith Formation: Monday 6:45pm -8:15pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45pm8:15pm. Grades 1-4. Youth Group Thur. 6:30pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday 7pm Fellowship

MONMOUTH

Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W, Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Steve Mitchell. Worship Service 11:15am Call for information on small groups.

Cultivate Community Church — We exist to cultivate a community of people who love Jesus, each other, and our cities, joining God in the renewal of all things. We meet at 655 S. Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99), Monmouth. Just south of Bi-Mart. Our Sunday service is at 10:00am. Celebrate Recovery meets Tuesdays at 7pm. Missional Community groups meet in homes throughout the week. Call the church at 503838-1369. Come join us!

Monmouth Christian Church — 969 Church St W, Monmouth 97361. Office hours M-T 9a-4p. Phone: 503-838-1145. Join us for services on Sundays, 9am & 11am. Live ONLINE Service 11am. Please visit our website for more info or on how to join our online service. WWW.MYMCC.CCSt. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth Or. St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church — 245 Main St. West, Monmouth. Contact Information: sthildaschurch1@gmail.com. Sunday Worship (Eucharist) 10:00 AM followed by fellowship. Our church services are reverent and relaxed. Our purpose is God’s worship. 7:00 PM Wednesday, Evening Prayer online, contact us thru the email address above for access codes. Walk our labyrinth – behind the parking lot, it’s still in development, but it works. Follow us on our Facebook page; St Hilda’s Episcopal Church, Monmouth OR.

OF CHRIST ANGLICAN As members of the Anglican Church

Dallas High Theatre students shine at State Thespian Conference

Students from the Dallas Theatre Department participated in the Oregon State Thespian Conference at the Salem Convention Center April 3-5. There were more than 2,000 people attending the conference for three days from all across the state of Oregon. Director Blair Cromwell was excited about the results.

“We had a marvelous time, learned a great deal and came home with big success,” Cromwell said.

Here’s a look at how the Dallas thespians did.

• Olivia-Jane Sherman - Stage Management entry for “Clue” Olivia-Jane Sherman received Superior scores and qualified for nationals for her work stage managing the fall production of “Clue”.

• Dallas Theatre Piece of Production - As You Like It Dallas Theatre entered an excerpt of their production of “As You Like It” that was performed in

• E Fetterley - Sound E Fetterley received Superior scores and qualified for nationals for the work on Sound in the Summer production of “All’s Well That Ends Well” for Struts & Frets Theatre Company. Struts & Frets Theatre Company works in partnership with Dallas Theatre as part of the Career Technical Education Program to allow students to gain experience working with industry professionals.

February. They received a score of Superior and the top distinction in this category at state. This event does not occur at Nationals.

Students Participating were:

Sam Aebi, Matthew Anderson, Virgil Baxter,

Guinevere Blasch, Tegan Bodily, Kiera Burraston, Maddox Burrows, Jayden Chancery, E Fetterley, Leander Halstead-Jeffreys, Johnathan Herb, Grace Kinzie, Gabrielle Long , Kaycie Nelson, Elias Nunez, Duncan Reavis,

Spring is the season of fresh starts — why not make your health one of them?

An annual checkup is the perfect place to set yourself up for a healthy future by catching small concerns before they grow.

At Salem Health Medical Clinics, we offer primary care, screenings and preventive services to keep you feeling your best. Whether it’s time for a routine physical, vaccines or a conversation about wellness, we’re here to help.

This spring, take the first step toward a healthier you. Schedule your checkup today!

Olivia-Jane Sherman, Ava Sneberger, Jannie Sun, Brandon Williams, Lily Williams and Maddie Williams.

• Struts & Frets Theatre Company - Michael Hibbard Community Through Theatre Award

Dallas High School’s CTE Partner Struts & Frets Theatre Company received this award from Oregon Thespians in recognition of building and sustaining a sense of community through Educational theatre.

salemhealth.org/primary-care

E Fetterley

Olivia-Jane Sherman

Thespian Winners Full Theatre Troupe.

Woodburn (JV) at Central, 5 p.m.

Corvallis at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

Colton at Perrydale, 4:30 p.m.

April 18

Central at South Albany, 5 p.m.

Dallas at West Albany, 5 p.m. Perrydale at Western Christian, 4:30 p.m.

April 21

McKay at Central, 5 p.m.

Crescent Valley at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

April 23

Central at Corvallis, 4 p.m.

Dallas at Silverton, 4:30 p.m.

Baseball

April 16

Lebanon at Central, 5 p.m.

Dallas at South Albany, 5 p.m.

April 18

Central at Lebanon, 5 p.m.

South Albany at Dallas, 5 p.m.

April 19

Dallas at Franklin, 12 p.m.

April 21

Central at Silverton, 5 p.m.

Dallas at Woodburn, 4:30 p.m.

April 23

Silverton at Central, 5 p.m. Woodburn at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

Track and Field April 16

Central at Lebanon, Heath Stadium 3:30 p.m.

April 17

John Oliver Invitational

Central, Dallas at Panther Stadium, 2:30 p.m.

April 19

Falls City at Perrydale Invitational, 10 a.m.

April 23

Central, Woodburn at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

Boys Tennis

April 17

Central at Dallas, 4 p.m.

April 22

Silverton at Central, 4 p.m.

Young Panthers ready for varsity challenge

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

There’s young, and then there’s Panthers-young.

Josh Rech holds the distinction of being Central’s lone senior, Moses Garcia and Ivan Holliday the only juniors, on the varsity baseball team.

Eight sophomores and three freshmen complete the roster.

Not that the youth movement has dampened playoff hopes, especially since a number of these players were on the 2024 squad that advanced to the first round of postseason.

“We’re expecting to be competitive in every single game … and we know that we can do that,” said Panthers coach Ben Kramer.

“Everybody’s got the goal of playing in the last game, June 7, the state title game. But we’re focused on our process, of being a young group coming together.”

Central won three of eight games in preseason, with victories coming against Franklin, Lincoln and Highland of Idaho. On Friday, they routed Woodburn, 12-1, in the Mid-Willamette Conference opener for both teams.

Central’s sluggers averaged 11 runs a game in their wins. Or more than one per inning.

“Strengths right now, as (we) work through the preseason, we’ve done a good job of competing at the plate,” Kramer said prior to Friday’s opener.

Defensively, the team is showing flashes of consistent glove work.

“The last couple of games, we’ve played clean baseball,” Kramer said. “That’s kind of the expectation for us.”

Sophomores Joe Mendazona, JT Girod and Santi Alarcon are experienced varsity players. Last year, they not only showed they belonged with the big boys, they excelled against them.

Mendzona was first team all-state, first team all-conference. Girod was first team all-conference, and Alarcon honorable mention.

Still, there are differences between the two Central teams, and it begins with experience.

“Last year we had a big group of seniors, a lot of core guys. Coming back this year, it’s a young group, and it’s something we have to adjust to,” Mendazona said. “But we’ve got a lot of guys with varsity experience, and we have a lot of guys that can step up as leaders.”

Kramer agreed with his player’s observation.

“There’s experience. But a lot of our kids are coming up from JV … as sophomores, so that’s a big jump,” Kramer said. “But they’ve played a lot of baseball, and they’ve played baseball together.”

Many of the freshmen and sophomores played with each during their youth baseball days. This familiarity with each other is important.

“I think we have a better bond than last year, because most of us have been playing together since we were really young,” Girod said. “Last year, a lot of varsity were

seniors and older guys who we hadn’t played with as much. Yeah, I think the bond is better.”

Still, rookies to the varsity game are finding that they’re not in Kansas anymore.

As baseball is played at an entirely different level.

“You go from playing your 14-year-olds, your 13-yearolds, to some 18-year-olds out there on the field,” Mendazona said. “Guys are throwing harder, hitting harder. The game speeds up, and it’s really just a matter of slowing it down for yourself.”

The Panthers followed their game plan against the Bulldogs.

“We’re going to play our brand of baseball. We’re going to pitch strikes. Defend well, and then have great at-bats,” Kramer said Thursday, one day before the league opener. “We don’t try to do too much. But if everybody does their job, we’ll be alright.”

Mendazona certainly did his job, as he tallied two of his team’s 11 hits, driving in five runs. He also hit a home run.

The heart of the Panthers’ lineup did most of the damage. Mendazona, Easton Herbert, Alarcon and Jackson Barba combined for nine hits

and 11 RBIs. Alarcon drove in four runs. All four players are sophomores.

Central’s next home game is today (Wednesday) against Lebanon, at 5 p.m. This week’s schedule concludes with away games against Lebanon on Friday, Silverton on Monday.

Note: Mendazona and Girod play for the Portland Baseball Club (18U) in the summer. According to Prep Baseball’s annual rankings, Mendazona is second, Girod third, in its Oregon Class of 2027 player rankings.

Panthers get ‘best performance of season’ over rival Dragons

By LANCE MASTERSON For The Itemizer-Observer

The Panthers varsity softball team scored early and often to upend seventh-ranked Dallas, 6-3, in Friday’s Mid-Willamette Conference opener for both teams.

Central batted across runs in the first, third and fourth innings, then three more in the fifth to go up 6-0

The Dragons (0-1 5-4 overall) sixth-inning rally came up three runs short of completing the comeback.

Fueling the decisive fifth-inning rally for the Panthers was a leadoff home run by senior Lily McCormick, followed by a string of five singles that added two more runs. It appears Panther players took to heart the pearls of wisdom their coaches shared with them these past few weeks.

“The win was very important to our players,” head coach Wes Seidel said. “It reinforces what we have been telling them all season about playing consistent fundamental softball.”

Ariannah Williams, Emery Lushenko and Emma Martinez had two hits each for Central, while Lushenko and Martinez added home runs and 2 RBIs each.

For McCormick, the school’s all-time leader in home runs, her blast was her second of the season and 26th of her prep career.

The senior’s tormenting of Dallas didn’t end at the batter’s box. She was also dominant on the pitcher’s mound. In going the distance, she struck out nine, walked seven and allowed two hits.

Her defense was there for her when needed.

“Lily used her defense well and got the clutch strikeouts when she needed them,” Seidel said. “No errors and we made all the routine plays and a couple of great plays.”

Central entered the game hitting nearly .400 as a team. Their bats didn’t show any signs of cooling down.

“We had 12 total hits and played our best overall game of the season,” Seidel said.

The Dragons’ hits came from Ruby Halligan and Grace Walls. It was deuces wild for Walls, as she also walked twice and stole two bases.

Up next for the Panthers (1-0, 4-4) are visiting Woodburn today (Wednesday), a trip to South Albany on Friday,

and then a hosting gig Monday when McKay comes calling. The games start at 5 p.m. As for the Dragons, they host Corvallis tonight (Wednesday), are at West Albany on Friday and host Crescent Valley at home Monday. Both home games begin at 4:30 p.m.

PHOTO BY LANCE MASTERSON

Sophomores JT Girod and Joe Mendazona are among the leaders of this year’s Panthers varsity baseball team.

PHOTO BY SMY PHOTOGRAPHY

Senior Panther Lillian McCormick hits this pitch from senior Dragon Madison Ruman for a fifth-inning leadoff homer. Central went on to win the matchup over rival Dallas, 6-3.

PAGES OF THE PAST FLASHBACK

50 years ago

April 16, 1975

Nearly 450 complete second Polk Walkathon

The second annual Polk County Walkathon for the March of Dimes was successfully completed by approximately 450 of the original 490 participants.

The trek was held this past Saturday, starting at the National Guard Armory in Dallas, going to Central High School and returning to the Dallas Armory. Pledges for all participants totaled more than $11 200

School board kills kindergarten plans

The most important business before the school board meeting on Monday night was whether to consider a hearing date for the proposed kindergarten program. A group of eight parents both pro and con showed up for the meeting

with a couple for each side speaking. Following the public presentation the board unanimously rejected presenting it to the public, based on the recent remodeling and new construction in the school district, teacher negotiations and rising costs.

Dragons split four game week

Dallas’ varsity hard ballers played a quartet of games during the past week. Last Tuesday, April 8, they hosted the Forest Grove Vikings and dropped their first league game of the year 10-2. On Thursday the Dragons made the long run to Astoria and got nipped by a 3-1 count. Saturday South Salem came over for a double header and lost both ends to the improving Orange and Black, 3-1 and 6-5

40 years ago

April 17, 1985

Community Achievement

County to avoid levy, stay within tax base

There’s something new in this year’s Polk County budget. After seven previous attempts to go before voters with a money measure, county officials have decided to not seek any additional funds outside of the existing tax base. The Polk County Budget Committee approved an almost $6 2 million dollar

budget Friday that doesn’t require the county to ask voters to approve a levy for operation in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1

Day care center wins fight

After more than 90 minutes of testimony and questions, the Dallas City Council affirmed a decision Monday night that will allow Dallas Child Care Center to move to

Local students make Clackamas Community College honors

A total of 513 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 1 479 students made the president’s list for winter term 2025 To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3 5 or better. To be named to the president’s list, students must earn a 3 75 grade-point average or better. Honor

Nancy Nunez Manzo, Independence President’s List Mitchel Bundy, Dallas Daniel Jones, Monmouth Monica Ramirez Dominguez, Monmouth Maria Santana Moreno, Independence Maria Bautista Juerez, Independence Flora Garibay, Independence Veronica Gonzalez, Independence Maria Pedraza, Independence

Katelyn McGough elected into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Katelyn McGough of Monmouth, Oregon, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Western Oregon University.

McGough is among approximately 20 000 students, faculty, professional

staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7 5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

PCSO promotes Michael Lauderback to sergeant

On April 1, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office swore in their newest patrol sergeant. Lieutenant Newman renewed the Oath of Office with Michael Lauderback, promoting him from a corporal to a sergeant. Lauderback started as a full-time patrol deputy with the Sheriff’s Office in June of 2016. He had previously worked with the PCSO as a cadet while he was in high school and for some time following his graduation, so he was familiar with our community and agency’s dynamics.

After working as a patrol deputy for over four years and honing his skills as a drone coordinator, taser and pepperball instructor, and field training officer, Michael was promoted to corporal in August 2020. As a corporal, Lauderback continued performing the aforementioned duties and took on additional responsibilities such as ordering uniforms and gear for staff members, approving reports, and acting as the senior deputy in charge if no patrol sergeant was on shift.

COURTESY PHOTO Polk County Sheriff’s Office swore in their newest patrol sergeant. Lieutenant Newman renewed the Oath of Office with Michael Lauderback, promoting him from a corporal to a sergeant.

Observer. Local stories on local people—that’s our specialty. Itemizer-Observer

Southwest River Drive. The council made its 8-1 vote in front of a crowd of nearly 60 according to one observer, the largest for a council meeting in nearly 10 years. Twenty people argued during the public hearing in favor of allowing the center to move into the forestry complex at the site, while 11 others spoke against the move.

TOWN CRIER

Community Calendar April 16 - April 23

Wednesday, April 16

7 a.m. - Monmouth Library Board meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols

St. S.

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

8:30 a.m. - Mayor of Independence Office Hours, stop by and share your thoughts, ideas, and questions, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

9 a.m. - Stretch Exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Tai Chi with John, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - 4-Handed Pinochle/Card/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Little Bitty Storytime, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Story Time with Miss Jo, Independence Library, 175 Monmouth St.

11 a.m. - Mah-Jongg, Dallas Area Senior Center

11 a.m. - Lunch with Meals on Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. Watch Repair & Knife Sharpening, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12:45 p.m. - Loneliness Solutions, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Ten Minute Writing, Monmouth Senior Community Center

4 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads for Charity, Monmouth Senior Community Center

5:30 p.m. - Municipal Court Arraignments, City Hall, 555 South Main St., Independence

6 p.m. - Open Mic Night, Brew Coffee Taphouse, 211 S. Main St., Independence

6 p.m. - Ukulele Jam, Monmouth Senior Community Center

6 p.m. - Independence Traffic Safety Committee meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

6:30 p.m. - Independence Budget Committee meeting, Heritage Room, Event Center, 555 South Main St.

7 p.m. - Adult Paint Night, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St., space is limited, sign-ups are required, call (503) 831-3545 7 p.m. - Monmouth Planning Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

Thursday, April 17

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Cards/table games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Friends of the Independence Library used book sale

10 a.m. - Age Cafe, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Calvary Chapel Dallas Sewing and Craft group meeting, 628 SE Jefferson St.

10:15 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Bounces and Rhymes, ages 2 and under, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St. 11 a.m. - Grief 101 Workshop, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11:10 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - 10-Minute

Writing/Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Needle Craft Group, Monmouth Senior Community Center

3 p.m. - Friends of the Monmouth Senior Center Board Meeting

5 p.m. - Friends of the Dallas Library Spring Book Sale, members only, join at the door, Dallas Civic Center, 945 SE Jefferson St.

6 p.m. - Independence Park Board meeting, City Hall, 555 South Main St.

6:30 p.m. - Connecting Loose Threads, Monmouth Senior Community Center

6:30 p.m. - Monmouth Arts & Culture Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St.

6:30 p.m. - Monmouth Tree Advisory Board meeting, Monmouth Power & Light, 780 Ecols St. S.

7 p.m. - Climate Cafe, Monmouth Senior Community Center

Friday, April 18

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Stretch exercise, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - 68th annual River of Gems Rock and Gem Show, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy, Rickreall, admission $5 ages under 18 are free

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem Dallas Hwy NW

10 a.m. – Six handed Pinochle/Art Workshop/Cards/ Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10 a.m. - Writer’s Workshop/Drawing for Fun, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - April Chat with a Master Gardener: Raised Beds, patio garden at the Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Tai Chi with Cheryl/Lunch & Learn, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1:30 p.m. - Jewelry Making, Monmouth Senior Community Center

3 p.m. Friends of the Dallas Library Spring Book Sale, Dallas Civic Center, 945 SE Jefferson St.

6 p.m. - Live Music: Midnight Express, Red Gate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

6:30 p.m. - Acoustic Music Jam, Guthrie Park, 4320 Kings Valley Highway S.

Saturday, April 19

9 a.m. - 68th annual River of Gems Rock and Gem Show, Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy, Rickreall, admission $5 ages under 18 are free

9 a.m. - Volunteer with Luckiamute Watershed Council to remove invasive weeds along South Fork Ash Creek, meet at 11th and Hickory streets, RSVP to www.luckiamutelwc.org/ earth-day-ash-creek.

10 a.m. Friends of the Dallas Library Spring Book Sale, Dallas Civic Center, 945 SE Jefferson St., bag sale is

2-3 p.m.

10 a.m. - Brunk Farmstead Tours, 5705 Salem Dallas Highway NW

10 a.m. - Community Craft Day, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Easter Bunny visits Westside Pacific Family Restaurant for photos and treats, 670 Pacific Highway West, Rickreall

11 a.m. - Monmouth Christian Church hosts Easter Egg Hunt, behind Western Oregon University sports fields

2 p.m. - Live Music: Rita Brown Trio, Red Gate Winery, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence

6 p.m.

NOTE: Original sale date has been postponed to a future date. Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Main Street Plaza, Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main Street, Dallas, OR 97338 County of Polk, sell at public auction to the highest bidder

for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and

the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some

Community Briefs

residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the

Friends of the Dallas Library Spring Book Sale returns April 17-19

The Friends of the Dallas Library host their annual Spring Book Sale April 17-19 at the Dallas Civic Center, 945 SE Jefferson St. The members only sale is Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Join at the door. Friday hours are 3-7 p.m. Saturday the sale is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All hardbacks are $2, paperbacks $1. A bag sale closes out the event from 2-3 p.m.

Annual Rock and Gem show returns April 18-20

The 68th annual River of Gems Rock and Gem Show returns to the Polk County Fairgrounds April 17-19. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for ages 17 and under. The annual show features dealers, demonstrators, a fluorescent exhibit and display cases showcasing rocks and minerals from around the world, a silent auction all three days, many fun games at their Kid’s Corner on all three event days plus a treasure hunt for ages 11 and under on Saturday. For more information, go to http://wamsi.net/2025-riverof-gems-show/.

Climate Cafe returns April 17

The MonmouthIndependence Climate Group hosts Climate Cafe from 7-8:30 p.m. April 17 at the Monmouth Senior Community Center, 180 Warren St. This is an opportunity for community members, students and citizens of all ages to engage in meaningful dialogue about environmental challenges and explore ways to make a difference locally.

Church at the Park hosts Willamina resource event April 17

The Church at the Park Polk County Outreach Team hosts a Resource Event, dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in rural Polk County, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 at the Willamina Library, 382 C. St. Services include shelter placement assistance, resource connections, peer support and coaching, document assistance and transportation. Learn more at www.church-at-the-park. org.

CASA hosts volunteer training April 18

CASA of Polk County seeks volunteers to help advocate for foster children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are tied up in the legal system. CASA is hosting volunteer training for new advocates from 3-6 p.m. on April 18 in the first floor conference room at the Polk County Courthouse, 850 Main St. in Dallas. For more information, contact Amber Calef at amber.calef@ casaofpolk.com or (503) 623-8473 or go to www. casaofpolk.com.

MCC hosts Easter Egg Hunt April 19

The Monmouth Christian Church boasts its biggest Easter Egg Hunt ever at 11 a.m. April 19 behind the Western Oregon University sports fields. There will be 25 000 eggs divided up into four age groups. There will be a helicopter dropping candy-filled eggs. They’ll be facepainting, crafts and other fun activities. Food carts will be serving lunch. Learn more at mymcc.cc/ easteregghunt.

Paul Evans hosts town hall April 19

Oregon State Rep. Paul Evans hosts a town hall from 10-11 a.m. April 19 at the Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St., Monmouth. This is an opportunity to hear legislative updates and have your questions answered.

Polk County Museum hosts Family Day April 19

It’s Family Day at the Museum, 1-3:30 p.m. April 19 at the Polk County Museum, located at 670 S. Pacific Highway S., Rickreall. There will be crafts, demonstrations, Civil War re-enactors and more. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

WOU hosts 30th annual Pow Wow April 19

Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Union and Native Indigenous Culture Clubs present the 30th annual MSU Pow Wow from noon to midnight at the WOU NPE Gym. For more information, go to wou.edu/ msu-pow-wow.

Mythic Finds hosts Super Smash Bros Tournament April 19

Mythic Finds a Super Smash Bros “Braggin’ Rights” Tournament at 2 p.m. at 643 SE Jefferson St,, in Dallas. The “Salem” monthly where players from all regions of the PNW compete. Register online at www.start.gg/tournament/bragging-rights-6-1/ details.

LWC seeks volunteers for creek project April 19

The Luckiamute Watershed Council seeks volunteers to help remove invasive plants along South Fork Ash Creek from 9

a.m. to noon on April 19

Meet at 11th and Hickory streets. For more information or to RSVP, go to www.luckiamutelwc.org/ earth-day-ash-creek.

DDA hosts Cleanup Day April 19

The Downtown Dallas Association seeks volunteers to participate in Cleanup Day, at 9 a.m. April 19. Meet at the future home of the DDA/Chamber of Commerce/Visitors’ Center, 184 SE Oak St. Dallas Rotary hosts Saturday Service in the Park April 19

The Dallas Rotary presents Saturday Service in the Park, from 8-10 a.m. April 19. Join Dallas Rotary as they spruce up the Dallas Aquatic Center, Roger Jordan Community Park and the Rickreall Creek Trail. Come prepared to spread bark dust, cut ivy, and clean up our community. Questions? Email dallasoregonrotary@gmail. com.

Bambinos hosts dessert, bus reveal April 25

Bambinos hosts a donor appreciation dessert and bus reveal ribbon cutting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 25 at the Dallas Events Center, 939 S. Main St. RSVP to https:// bambinosoregon.org/ upcoming-events.

CHS hosts cabaret show and auction fundraiser April 25 Central Performing Arts presents Music of the Night, cabaret show and auction fundraiser, at 7 p.m. April 25 in the Central High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 each or $115 for a VIP table. For more information, go to www.chsperformingarts.net.

Fam Jam returns April 26

Mid Valley Parenting and Small Town Pediatrics present the return of Fam Jam: 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the Polk County Fairgrounds. 520 Highway 99 West, Rickreall. This free family-fun party is a way to connect with local resources and is open to any families and those expecting children and features a new expectant parents section, snacks, games, giant ball pit and amazing giveaways.

Church hosts Balance for Life class April 26

A local physical therapist, Brent Darrington, will give a presentation from 9:30-11 a.m. April 26 at the Evangelical Bible Church, 1175 SE Holman St., in Dallas. Darrington will discuss understanding balance and fall prevention, foundations of stability, building strength and coordination and more. Attendees will learn how to self-assess balance, improve posture and core strength, seated exercises, and training basics. This engaging and informative presentation is open to the community. Come and learn how improved balance can affect your life.

Willamina hosts fireworks fundraiser bingo night April 26

The Willamina 4th of July Committee hosts a fundraiser at 6 p.m. April 26 at the VFW 771 NE Main St. to raise funds for the annual fireworks show on July 4

Free Women’s Self Defense Seminar offered April 27

Christina Clemons offers a free Women’s Self Defense Seminar from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 27 at 575 Southwest Ash

St., in Dallas. This class is designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where individuals of all skill levels can come together, receive the benefits or movement, and master practical self-defense techniques. Participants 14 and under welcome with a parent or legal guardian. To learn more or to sign up, go to https://bit.ly/42dpG16

Church hosts blood drive April 28

The Evangelical Bible Church hosts a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. April 28 at 1175 SE Holman St., in Dallas. To schedule an appointment, go to www. redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-733-2767, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Remember, each donation impacts the life of three individuals.

Dallas Police Department educational forum is April 29

The Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the Dallas PD Pac present an educational forum at 6 p.m. April 29 at the Dallas Civic Center (945 SE Jefferson St.) to discuss the bond measure to fund a new police station for the Dallas Police Department.

Heritage Museum hosts the Vanport Traveling Exhibit through May 31 The Heritage Museum hosts the Vanport Traveling Exhibit through May 31 The exhibit shares the tale of Vanport, once the second largest city in the state of Oregon and the largest wartime housing development in the United States. The Heritage Museum is located at 281 S 2nd St. in Independence. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.

It’s time to invest in our community — and support those who protect it

By MICKY GARUS

As someone who has spent years actively engaged in civic service and advocating for transparency and accountability in local government, I never expected this discussion around the proposed new police station to be easy. Asking voters to approve a bond is never a light matter — especially in today’s economic climate. But what has surprised me most over the past few months hasn’t been the concerns about cost or timing — it’s been the tone and outright hostility I’ve heard from some members of the community toward our local law enforcement.

Frankly, I didn’t expect to hear this kind of rhetoric in Dallas. I expect it in large, crime-ridden cities where political agendas have poisoned the public’s perception of those who serve and protect. But Dallas is different — or at least, I thought it was. The men and women of the Dallas Police Department are not faceless bureaucrats. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. They are people who have chosen to serve this city with honor and integrity, despite the risks and sacrifices that come with the job.

Even if someone is unable to support the bond financially, I would have hoped for at least a baseline level of

respect for those who wear the badge in our community. Instead, I’ve encountered too many conversations filled with sweeping generalizations, misinformation and blame — often aimed at individuals who have done nothing but show up for us day after day. Let me be clear: this bond is not about politics, and it’s not about padding anyone’s pockets. It’s about building a functional, modern facility that will allow our officers to do their jobs more efficiently, more effectively and with the resources they need to keep us safe.

The current police department has been housed inside City Hall for over 50 years.

The building, while historically significant, is no longer suited to the demands of modern policing. Our city has grown. Crime has become more complex. Law enforcement today involves more technology, more training and more specialized staff than ever before — and all of those functions require secure, dedicated space that simply does not exist in the current building.

A new facility would allow for better evidence processing, improved training capabilities and safer working conditions — not to mention improved public access and service. It would also free up space in City Hall for other departments to better

serve the public, addressing broader needs across the city government.

Beyond public safety, there’s a larger conversation here that Dallas needs to have. We all drive through towns and cities with better infrastructure — nicer buildings, thriving business parks, attractive downtown areas, updated schools. And we wonder, “Why can’t our town look like this?”

The answer is simple: it starts with investment. It starts with citizens choosing to believe in the future of their community and being willing to take steps — even hard ones — to move it forward. Infrastructure, industry, growth — none of it happens by accident. It happens when a community has pride in itself and invests accordingly. I’m not asking anyone to vote yes blindly. I’m asking you to consider the facts, see the value, and recognize that this investment — like any good investment — will pay us back. A safe city is a thriving city. Businesses want to be here. Families want to move here. Property values rise. And we build a foundation not just for today, but for the next generation. This bond is an opportunity. Let’s not let division, misinformation, or complacency cost us another decade of stagnation. Let’s move Dallas forward — together.

PUBLIC RECORD

Information for the report comes from law enforcement agencies. Not all calls for service are included. The status of arrests reported may change after further investigation. Individuals arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Dallas Police Department

Thursday, April 3

At 1:25 a.m., a report of an individual asleep in her car. She was fine, no medical help was needed.

At 2:19 a.m., a report of a prowler on Gregory Drive. There was no sign of anyone nearby.

At 8:36 a.m., a request for a welfare check on La Creole Drive. The neighbor relayed the individual was in the hospital.

At 8:44 a.m., a report of an assault on Fern Avenue. Jayden Duley was arrested and charged with assault 2, assault 4, resisting arrest, attempted assault on a police officer, harassment, criminal mischief and interfering with making a report.

At 10:09 a.m., a report of a fraudulent Door Dash charge on a bank account.

At 1:21 p.m., a report of trespassing on Walnut Avenue. The individual was retrieving belongings.

At 2:28 p.m., a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian on Oak Street. There were minor injuries.

At 3:09 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on Kings Valley Highway. Ricky Sutton was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of inhalants and resisting arrest.

At 4:28 p.m., Ricky Sutton was arrested on Kings Valley Highway and charged with burglary, criminal trespass and theft.

At 5:14 p.m., a report of harassment on Orchard Avenue.

At 7:12 p.m., an officer assisted Monmouth police with a hostile DUII driver.

At 7:32 p.m., a report of harassment on Uglow Avenue. The subject kept calling after being asked to stop. The officer contacted the subject who agreed to stop contact.

Friday, April 4

At 12:44 a.m., an officer saw a suspicious vehicle with fresh front-end damage. The vehicle was in an accident the week before.

At 1:14 a.m., a report of criminal mischief on Hankel Street. There appears to be old damage to a community mailbox

At 2:20 a.m., a report of a suspicious person on Godsey Road. The complainant reported seeing two individuals attempting to steal a quad from his truck. Officers were unable to locate any suspects.

At 6:09 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Academy Street. There was no probable cause for an arrest.

At 6:41 a.m., a report of criminal mischief. Someone threw dog poop on the complainant’s front door.

At 7:50 a.m., a homeless person was asked to move along as he was not allowed to sleep in the bus stop shelters.

At 11:12 a.m., a report of graffiti on a retaining wall on Main Street. Debra Flowers was arrested and charged with criminal mischief.

At 2:26 p.m., a report of juveniles editing an ID and presenting it to a cashier on Ellendale Avenue.

At 9:27 p.m., an officer was attempting to locate a possible DUI suspect. The driver showed no signs of intoxication but had some

difficulty at night due to cataracts.

At 9:35 p.m., a motorist was stopped for driving without headlights. The driver was cited for failure to carry and present a license and driving while suspended.

At 9:56 p.m., a report of shots fired on Hankel Street. An officer did not find anything out of the ordinary.

At 10:12 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Orchard Drive. The vehicle was vacant and all was clear.

At 10:31 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on Donald Street. The individual was dropping off belongings at a friend’s house.

At 11:37 p.m., a report of suspicious activity on Stone Lane. Three juveniles were shooting with an Orbies toy gun.

At 11:38 p.m., a report of a prowler on Clay Street. The suspect was arrested and charged with trespassing.

Saturday, April 5

At 1:34 a.m., a noise complaint on Ellendale Avenue. A group of juveniles was asked to keep it down.

At 1:59 a.m., Daniel Cutler was taken to Polk County Jail on a warrant and also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

At 1:03 p.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Azalea Avenue. The driver was working on his vehicle.

At 2:20 p.m., Michael Olsen was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with giving false information and theft.

At 7:50 p.m., a report of a theft of women’s boots on Miller Avenue.

At 7:54 p.m., a motorist on Ellendale Avenue was cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured.

At 10:05 p.m., an officer contacted several individuals playing basketball using headlights for light. They were informed of park hours and asked to leave.

At 10:18 p.m., an officer ran a license plate and saw the owner had a parole violation warrant. The subject was lodged at Polk County Jail.

Sunday, April 6

At 1:34 a.m., a motorist was stopped for driving 36 mph in a 55-mph zone. The driver performed well on field sobriety tests and was warned for speed.

At 2:49 a.m., a motorist was stopped for speeding less than 10 mph over the speed limit. The driver performed okay on field sobriety tests.

At 4:29 a.m., an individual was attempting to walk home from the bar and got lost. He was given a courtesy ride home.

At 6:41 a.m., a report of graffiti left on a garage door sometime in the night.

At 7:55 a.m., a motorist on La Creole Drive was cited for speeding 42 mph in a 25-mph zone.

At 2:13 p.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for speeding 40 mph in a 25-mph zone.

At 2:32 p.m., a motorist was cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured and expired registration. The driver was warned if the vehicle was seen driving it would be towed.

At 3:23 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Ellendale Avenue. Tyler Richardson was arrested and charged with harassment and possession of methamphetamine.

At 4:52 p.m., a motorist on Jefferson Street was cited for driving without an operator’s license and driving uninsured. The driver was given a written warning for expired registration.

At 4:56 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Kings Valley Highway. The subject

punched a door, but did no damage.

At 5:14 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Maple Street. It was a verbal disturbance.

At 8:40 p.m., a noise complaint on Sheila Street. The stereo was not at a violation level but the resident agreed to turn it down as a courtesy.

Monday, April 7

At 12:23 a.m., a report of an audible alarm on Main Street. The building was secure and the alarm was off when the officer arrived.

At 5:59 p.m., a motorist on Miller Avenue was cited for speeding 40 mph in a 25-mph zone.

At 6:28 p.m., a motorist on Main Street was cited for speeding 35 mph in a 20-mph zone.

At 6:59 p.m., Jesse Shelton was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, reckless driving, reckless endangering, furnishing alcohol to a minor and failure to carry and present a license. Two unrelated intoxicated juveniles were in the vehicle without their parents’ knowledge and were returned to their parents.

At 7:37 p.m., a report of harassment involving juveniles. It was a civil matter and the parents were notified.

At 8:24 p.m., two juveniles on 10th Street were referred for theft.

Tuesday, April 8

At 5:58 a.m., a report of an unknown person trying to open the caller’s garage door. An officer was unable to locate anyone.

At 6:40 a.m., a report of a truck stolen overnight on Augustus Drive.

At 8:54 a.m., a report of a homeless person approaching vehicles on Ash Street. An officer was unable to locate anyone.

At 10:37 a.m., a report of harassment on Washington Street. A customer was making threatening comments.

At 6:40 p.m., a report of an assault on Lalack Street. Autumn Getter was arrested and charged with assault.

At 6:50 p.m. a report of a vehicle doing cookies in a parking lot on Main Street. An officer was unable to locate the vehicle.

At 9:33 p.m., a motorist on Ellendale Avenue was stopped for failure to register their vehicle. The driver was cited for failure to carry and present a license and driving while suspended.

Wednesday, April 9

At 5:12 a.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 41 mph in a 250mph zone on Orchard Drive.

At 9:18 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Orchard Drive. One subject was trespassed from the property.

At 10:16 a.m., a stolen vehicle was recovered on Ellendale Avenue.

At 10:16 a.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Birch Street. There were no crimes.

At 11:23 a.m., a homeless person was lodged at Polk County Jail on a parole board warrant.

At 2:41 p.m., Emily Freeman was arrested and charged with theft on Kings Valley Highway.

At 5:02 p.m., a suspect on Kings Valley Highway was arrested for theft.

At 5:02 p.m., a report of a house being egged on Barberry Avenue.

Independence Police Department

Thursday, April 3

Adan Rincon threw a brick through a sliding glass

door of a church and another into a bedroom window of a house a few blocks away. Former friends in Monmouth also received a brick through their living room window. The arresting officer noticed a pile of bricks at Rincon’s residence where he confessed to all of the allegations. He was taken to jail and charged with criminal mischief 1 and criminal mischief 2

While an officer was completing a follow up on another investigation, he recognized a suspect. It was found that the subject had a failure to appear warrant out of another city so he was cited and provided a court date.

Salem Police Department assisted by arresting Dylan Rees Ramsey for additional charges from a 2024 investigation of Ramsey possessing child pornography.

Friday, April 4

At 4:17 p.m., a juvenile was creating a disturbance at McDonalds. The youth was trespassed from the business.

Sunday, April 6

Donald Burgett struck an occupied parked car and a witness called 911 stating the driver appeared intoxicated. Burgett’s blood alcohol content was found to be .19% after he failed the field sobriety tests. He’d previously had his driving privileges revoked as well. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended and reckless driving

At 3:11 a.m., a report of a verbal disturbance on Falcon Loop. There was no one there when the officer arrived.

At 5:36 a.m., an officer responded to an alarm on Monmouth Street. It was a false alarm.

At 5:51 p.m., a report of a low-impact crash on C Street. One driver was cited for driving uninsured and driving without an operator’s license.

At 7:54 p.m., a report of a crash on Morning Glory Drive. The at-fault driver was speeding around a corner and hit a parked car.

At 9:34 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on 9th Street. The suspect denied breaking anything.

Tuesday, April 8

At 1:59 p.m., a report of a theft on Main Street. The store had video and a vehicle description of the shoplifter.

A motorist on 4th Street was cited for driving while using a mobile device. It was their third offense.

Officers attempted to take Corey Michaels into custody on a warrant. He asked to put his dog in the house and went inside and shut the door. He was spotted outside later in the day and was taken into custody without incident. He was additionally charged with escape.

Monmouth Police Department

Wednesday April 2

Suspicious Activity: A report of an individual asleep outside a business. The male was contacted and moved along.

AOA/Arrest: While assisting another agency with a case, officers discovered the involved individual had an outstanding warrant. The individual was arrested on the warrant.

Welfare Check: A welfare check on an individual expressing suicidal ideations. Medical: An individual experiencing a medical emergency came into the police department. Medics were dispatched to evaluate.

Citizen Contact: Multiple citizen contacts regarding various issues, including property

damage and concerns about neighbors.

Fraud: A report of a scam involving the fraud department requesting personal information. The victim provided information resulting in a financial loss.

Emotionally Disturbed

Person (EDP): An individual was contacted after placing a phone charger around their neck. The individual was transported to the hospital on a Peace Officer Hold.

AOA: Assisting another agency on a burglary case.

Thursday April 3

James H Kent, 68, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Adan Rincon, 42, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief.

Citizen Contact: An individual called in regarding various concerns, including a Facebook post and in school bullying.

Check Welfare: A welfare check on an individual with reported depression. Officers connected the individual with behavioral health.

EDP:.Officers contacted an individual with emotional distress and was able to calm the subject down.

Arrest: An arrest for criminal mischief on a previous case involving damage done with a brick. This was tied to three cases between Monmouth and Independence.

Hit and Run: A report of a hit and run incident where the suspect driver briefly stopped and admitted not having a license and then drove off.

Suspicious Vehicle: Multiple calls of smoke coming from a camper. There have been many contacts with the same camper as it has a wood burning stove in the camper that vents out.

Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants: Report of a male driver bumping their vehicle into a pillar. The driver was reportedly stumbling around and slurring his words. Officers contacted the driver and developed probable cause for DUII. The driver was lodged at Polk County Jail.

Civil: A civil issue regarding custody paperwork.

Suspicious Vehicle: Officers located a vehicle that had damage to the side of it. It was later determined the vehicle was the victim of a hit and run that occurred the night previous.

Friday April 4

Suspicious Person: A report of an individual acting strangely while getting coffee at a convenience store. The individual was contacted but nothing criminal was reported

Crash: A report of a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 99 at Clay Street A suspect vehicle did not remain stopped at the intersection before traveling east on Clay Street, colliding with a vehicle traveling north on Highway 99

Extra Patrol: Request for extra patrol in an area of Clay Street East/Atwater Street South due to vehicles reportedly running the stop sign.

Suspicious Activity: Information was received from what appeared to be a possible drug deal.

Driving: A report of reckless driving on Highway 99 just north of the city limits.

EDP: An incident involving a juvenile with mental health issues. Resources were provided to the parents.

Arrest: Officers made a traffic stop on a vehicle and contacted the driver who had a warrant out of Marion County. The individual was cited and released on the warrant.

Arrest: Officers made contact with an individual who had a warrant out of Dallas Municipal Court. The

individual was transported to Polk County Jail on the warrant.

Saturday April 5

Rachael Walsh-Griffin, 37, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct 2 and harassment.

Jorge A Ruiz-Garcia, 25 was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

EDP: An incident involving an individual with emotional distress. Officers made contact with the individual who did not want any help.

Civil: A civil issue involving family members after a recent death in the family.

Citizen Contacts: Multiple citizen contacts regarding various concerns, including welfare checks, daycare information, custody issues, and burn complaints.

Attempt to Locate (ATL): An attempt to locate an individual making suicidal statements. Individual’s family was contacted and they did not have a concern at this time.

Noise: A noise complaint at a residence. The residents were contacted and agreed to comply with the ordinance.

Disturbance: A disturbance involving juveniles. No crimes were committed.

Arrest: An adult female was taken into custody after climbing on top of an RV and spraying hand sanitizer on another individual.

Animal: A report of animal mistreatment in a vehicle. Officers located the dog and were able to see that it was not in danger at this time.

Sunday April 6

Trespass: A report of suspicious individuals at a church. By the time officers arrived, the individuals had left the church. There were no signs of entry into the building.

AOA: Assisting another agency on a report of multiple individuals yelling at each other and then leaving in a vehicle.

Citizen Contact: Citizen called in regarding concerns about being followed by a group of individuals.

Prowl: A report of someone prowling on a property and looking through windows of the house.

AOA: Assisting another agency on a crash involving a DUII arrest.

Monday April 7

Unconscious: A report of an unresponsive individual in the bathroom of a restaurant. The subject was alert when contacted by police and did not need assistance.

Citizen Contact: A citizen contact regarding a custody issue. The subject was advised to follow the custody order.

Runaway Juvenile: A report of a runaway juvenile.

Driving: A report of reckless driving on Highway 99 near Main Street. The vehicle was reported to be brake checking the caller.

Suspicious Vehicle: A complaint of smoke coming from a camper. The complainant was advised there have been multiple calls on this RV.

EDP: An incident involving an individual with suicidal thoughts. Staff was contacted and resources were provided.

Noise: An individual called in with questions about the noise ordinance and burning ordinance after concerns about their neighbors.

Tuesday April 8

Misty Breding, 30, was arrested and charged with harassment.

Thomas Studer, 51, was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Suspicious Activity: A report of someone walking

around a building, but no one was located.

Theft: A package containing saliva intended for a doctor’s office was stolen by a male suspect. Footage was obtained.

Citizen Contact: An individual requested documentation of their daughter harassing them at their workplace. No crimes were reported.

Arrest: An individual was arrested on a warrant out of Albany Municipal Court for contempt of court.

Arrest: An individual was arrested for harassment after striking another in the chest during a previous incident.

Domestic Dispute: A report of a male and female yelling and hitting each other in a vehicle. The female left the vehicle with a small dog. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle or the female.

Arrest: An individual was cited and released for trespassing.

Polk County Sheriff’s

Office

Wednesday, April 2

At 12:25 a.m., a subject was stopped at Wallace Marine Park for trespassing and riding a bicycle without a light. He was arrested on outstanding warrants and was transported to Polk County Jail.

At 1:55 a.m., a report of harassment on Salmon River Highway. The victim was getting threatening calls and texts. The deputy recommended blocking the number and obtaining a no contact order from the courts.

At 6:21 a.m., a deputy performed a welfare check on Pioneer Road. The individual reported being fine.

At 7:25 a.m., a report of a black dog killing chickens on Lewis Street. The dog left before the officer arrived.

At 7:43 a.m., a report of a house fire on Pacific Highway. The resident and 6 of 8 dogs made it out of the house. Polk County deputies blocked traffic until ODOT arrived.

At 10:25 a.m., a request for a welfare check on Spring Valley Lane. The individual is mostly confined to bed and was having trouble getting

10 a.m. - Cards/table games/5 Crowns Game,

Area Senior Center 10 a.m. - Cribbage/ASL Class/Card Making with Jen/Lunch with Meals on Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Card Making w/Jen, Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Lunch w/Meals On Wheels, Monmouth Senior Community Center

12 p.m. - Bridge, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Tai Chi with Cheryl/Technology Help with Ian, Monmouth Senior Community Center

4 p.m. - Karaoke, Dallas Area Senior Center

4 p.m. - Youth Coding League, Independence Public Library, 175 Monmouth St.

5:30 p.m. - Independence Historic Preservation Commission meeting, City Hall 555 South Main St.

ahold of his bank. The deputy helped him and attempted to contact Northwest Senior and Disability Services about more full-time care for the individual.

At 1:33 p.m., a report of a vehicle speeding, going through a stop sign and passing unsafely on Zumwalt Road. The complainant requested increased patrols in the area.

At 2:40 p.m., a report of shots or explosions near Bridge Street in Falls City. A deputy heard nothing out of the ordinary in the area.

At 4:46 p.m., a report of criminal mischief on Bethel Heights Road. A mailbox had been pried open.

At 4:56 p.m., a report of a disturbance on Church Street. One person hit another subject in the face and was lodged at Polk County Jail.

At 6:16 p.m., a report of a two-vehicle accident on Oakdale Road. Both parties blamed the other for being in the wrong lane. There were no injuries.

At 6:30 p.m., a resident stated meth had been left at his house. The meth was seized for destruction. Darren Pike

6 p.m. - Dallas Budget Committee training, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

6:30 p.m. - New Horizons Orchestra, Monmouth Senior Community Center

7 p.m. - Dallas City Council meeting, City Hall, 187 SE Court St.

Tuesday, April 22

8 a.m. - Yoga, Monmouth Senior Community Center

9 a.m. - Wii Bowling, Monmouth Senior Community Center

10 a.m. - Cards/Table Games, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:15 a.m., - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

10:30 a.m. - Children’s Storytime, for ages 5 and under, Dallas Public Library, 950 Main St.

10:30 a.m. - Circle of Friends, Dallas Area Senior Center

lived on the property and was arrested on a felony warrant.

At 8:25 p.m., a report of a wooden chair blocking the road on Monmouth Cutoff Road. The chair was already moved to the side of the road when a deputy arrived.

At 11:57 p.m., a report of a domestic disturbance on Greenwood Road South. One party was not there when the deputy arrived and the other did not want to pursue charges.

Thursday, April 3

At 5:10 a.m., a report of an RV parked on Hawthorne and Ellendale Avenue. The deputy contacted the owner who said he would be gone by 8 a.m. The owner has a suspended driver’s license.

At 8:12 a.m., a report of a suspicious vehicle on Smithfield Road. A deputy attempted to contact the owner and left a voicemail, then tagged the vehicle for a tow.

At 8:33 a.m., a report of license plates stolen from the mail on 4-H Road.

At 2:22 p.m., a report of a single vehicle non-injury accident on 55th Avenue at Highway 22. A trailer with an excavator became unattached

Monmouth Senior Community Center

11 a.m. - Print Block Class at Spectrum Artworks, meet at Monmouth Senior Community Center

11:10 a.m. - Low Impact Exercise, Dallas Area Senior Center

12 p.m. - Pinochle, Monmouth Senior Community Center

1 p.m. - Bunko, Dallas Area Senior Center

1 p.m. - Monmouth Senior Advisory Board meeting, Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S Warren St.

3:30 p.m. - Senior Advisory Board meeting, Monmouth Senior Community Center

6 p.m. - Monmouth Historic Commission meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

6:30 p.m. - Monmouth City Council meeting, City Hall, 151 Main St. W.

from a dump truck, flipped, and ended up in the ditch.

At 5:02 p.m., a report of a suspicious person on 2nd Street in Falls City. The caller will try to take a photo of the individual and call if the subject trespasses.

At 6:35 p.m., a complaint of an individual sleeping on the side of the road on Andy Riggs Road. The individual said he was resting and about to move on.

At 7:15 p.m., a report of mailboxes on 55th Avenue NW being broken into and mail stolen.

Friday, April 4

At 12:10 a.m., Nicholas Petitte was contacted for trespassing at Wallace Marine Park. He was arrested on two failure to appear warrants and was transported to Polk County Jail.

At 2:32 a.m., a report of a vehicle driving poorly on Highway 22. The vehicle was reported stolen vehicle out of Grand Ronde. After a short pursuit Nikki Connor was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempt to elude.

7 a.m. - Monmouth Library Board meeting, Monmouth Public Library, 168

10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime, for ages 3-5, Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S.

11 a.m. - Caring for Caregiver Workshop,

6:30 p.m. - Independence City Council meeting, City Hall

555 South Main St. Wednesday, April 23