Photo credit: Central Yearbook Staff Lines of people walked through Central High’s football field under a clear black sky Saturday night, in an outpouring of appreciation to show how much Van Holstad meant to them, how much he will be missed by the community that he served for so well and so long. We were there to remember Mr. Holstad, a man who’s impossible to forget. As a coach and teacher at Central High School, his educational legacy will stretch far into the future, in the indelible impact he made on students. But he affected many others deeply, too. I count myself among them.
I met Mr. Holstad about a dozen years ago, when his wrestling team and my daughter’s swim team were feted one afternoon in an awards ceremony that I thought was a little too informal even for our small community.
I met Mr. Holstad about a dozen years ago, when his wrestling team and my daughter’s swim team were feted one afternoon in an awards ceremony that I thought was a little too informal even for our small community.
Mr. Holstad and I sat at cafeteria tables and watched while the student athletes were presented their honors with what I considered an inappropriately low level of fanfare. It reminded me of my days on the high-school debate team, when trumpets blared for football players on morning announcements over the pubic-address system, but the debate squad’s successes were relegated to the last thing said before the sign-off, if our wins were included at all.
But Mr. Holstad immediately lightened my mood that day with his general enthusiasm, and even more importantly, the way he and his young team interacted – making the time and place so much more special than I thought it would be. He was clearly adored, but he clearly adored being there. The tone he set was infectious, and soon I was clapping and whooping for kids I didn’t even know.
But Mr. Holstad immediately lightened my mood that day with his general enthusiasm, and even more importantly, the way he and his young team interacted – making the time and place so much more special than I thought it would be. He was clearly adored, but he clearly adored being there. The tone he set was infectious, and soon I was clapping and whooping for kids I didn’t even know.
Some teachers are popular with students because they blend so easily with them. Mr. Holstad wasn’t one of those—he was the A-plus adult role model, a figure regarded as an example of what a great grown-up could be. Nowhere was this more in evidence than the annual meetings of the Independence City Council that were held in the high school auditorium. It struck me he ought to be up there on the dais, too.
Mr. Holstad was so simply and so reliably who he was, no matter where he was: Authentically Van the Man, whether he was speaking to a student, to a parent, to a fellow teacher or to a stranger.
He never talked down to anyone, and I probably deserved it. We’d run into each other from time to time, and I’d always flag him down. It never occurred to me that this might be intrusive. My defense is that there are surprisingly few people who can make a chance encounter in a store parking lot or at a local gas station seem like such a stroke of good luck. Mr. Holstad had that effect.
Mr. Holstad was so simply and so reliably who he was, no matter where he was: Authentically Van the Man, whether he was speaking to a student, to a parent, to a fellow teacher or to a stranger.
He never talked down to anyone, and I probably deserved it. We’d run into each other from time to time, and I’d always flag him down. It never occurred to me that this might be intrusive. My defense is that there are surprisingly few people who can make a chance encounter in a store parking lot or at a local gas station seem like such a stroke of good luck. Mr. Holstad had that effect.
Memorial walk at football field The great basketball coach John Wooden once said that “if you’re true to yourself you’re going to be true to everyone else.” It always struck me when I saw Mr. Holstad that his character was so ingrained that he didn’t know how to be any other way. True to himself was his natural state.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Holstad. You touched so many lives here, and left us able to always feel your warm spirit.
--Anne Scheck
Thank you for everything, Mr. Holstad. You touched so many lives here, and left us able to always feel your warm spirit.
--Anne Scheck
As Some Families Celebrate Opening of Limited In-Person School, Other Parents in Central School District 13J Say It’s Too Soon
Rally sign at recent re-open event By Anne Scheck
For 50 elementary school students in Central School District 13J, the possibility of sharing a classroom with other children became a reality last week, a moment anticipated for months after pandemic precautions made distance learning their only form of public education.
“Excited but nervous” is the way one mom described it, standing in front of Independence Elementary School – a view seconded by another mother nearby. However, for some parents, even carefully laid protocols to help ensure safety from the spread of the coronavirus aren’t enough – not yet anyway.
One of them is Josh Cronin, a dad with a new baby who is co-parenting a kindergarten-aged daughter from a previous marriage. He thinks it’s far better to finish the school year in remote learning and to spend the summer preparing for a return to in-person instruction.
For 50 elementary school students in Central School District 13J, the possibility of sharing a classroom with other children became a reality last week, a moment anticipated for months after pandemic precautions made distance learning their only form of public education.
“Excited but nervous” is the way one mom described it, standing in front of Independence Elementary School – a view seconded by another mother nearby. However, for some parents, even carefully laid protocols to help ensure safety from the spread of the coronavirus aren’t enough – not yet anyway.
One of them is Josh Cronin, a dad with a new baby who is co-parenting a kindergarten-aged daughter from a previous marriage. He thinks it’s far better to finish the school year in remote learning and to spend the summer preparing for a return to in-person instruction.
Josh Cronin Since Cronin’s infant daughter is frequently under the care of her grandmother, he worries about the risk of possible transmission if his older daughter goes into regular classes.
“I don’t think it’s unrealistic to have all school staff vaccinated and, at the very least, have senior citizens vaccinated, before returning to in-person schooling,” he said, adding: “That protects our most vulnerable and it’s very realistic that we can have those people vaccinated within the next two months.”
Cronin, who works for the U.S. Postal Service, is far from alone in his view. About a dozen parents like him have written to Central District 13J to express similar opinions, according to Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the school district. That’s about as many who have written in favor of school re-opening, she said.
But parents who don’t want to send their children back into school buildings haven’t been as visible: None seem to have testified at school board meetings, according to a recent review of those sessions.
“I don’t think it’s unrealistic to have all school staff vaccinated and, at the very least, have senior citizens vaccinated, before returning to in-person schooling,” he said, adding: “That protects our most vulnerable and it’s very realistic that we can have those people vaccinated within the next two months.”
Cronin, who works for the U.S. Postal Service, is far from alone in his view. About a dozen parents like him have written to Central District 13J to express similar opinions, according to Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the school district. That’s about as many who have written in favor of school re-opening, she said.
But parents who don’t want to send their children back into school buildings haven’t been as visible: None seem to have testified at school board meetings, according to a recent review of those sessions.
Felix Oliveros In contrast, those who have advocated for lifting the school closures have publicly aired their views – and not just at school board meetings. A rally that called for district-wide school reopening was held recently; Parents and students carried signs at four corners of Monmouth Street by Central High School.
They pointed to prioritizing vaccines for teachers, which made the shots available in recent weeks, and to infection-fighting measures that have been shown to be effective against the coronavirus spread.
But some parents remain unconvinced. “My kids are not going back for sure,” said Felix Oliveros, who lost his grandfather to COVID-19. He’s watched the epidemic “become politicized,” he said. “This has prevented our community to do what is necessary to keep everyone safe,” explained Oliveros, who is head academic advisor for the Arts and Graphic Design programs in the School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University.
“There are so many people that still do not wear masks,” he observed. “It would be impossible to know how many students are living in homes that do not practice safety measures,’’ he said.
They pointed to prioritizing vaccines for teachers, which made the shots available in recent weeks, and to infection-fighting measures that have been shown to be effective against the coronavirus spread.
But some parents remain unconvinced. “My kids are not going back for sure,” said Felix Oliveros, who lost his grandfather to COVID-19. He’s watched the epidemic “become politicized,” he said. “This has prevented our community to do what is necessary to keep everyone safe,” explained Oliveros, who is head academic advisor for the Arts and Graphic Design programs in the School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University.
“There are so many people that still do not wear masks,” he observed. “It would be impossible to know how many students are living in homes that do not practice safety measures,’’ he said.
Independence Elementary School classroom The reopening – which involves small groups and limited in-person instruction – seems applicable largely at the elementary level, at least so far. It isn’t quite the “hybrid model” widely discussed at school board meetings in past months. Instead, it differs somewhat in restrictions on hours and cohort sizes. Additionally, it also means that some learning is still home-based.
The program arrives at a time when there has been recent optimism on the part of county health authorities about “school metrics” – infection rates that are used to assess the feasibility of a return to more traditional education. From early January until right before the district’s elementary Schools opened their doors again, the “positivity rate” was 6.7%.
“It’s trending downward,” observed Jacqui Umstead, Polk County’s public health administrator, who announced the findings at the last meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners.
Oliveros doesn’t dispute the data. However, though infection rates seem to have gone down, by re-opening schools the risk could rise again. “We are risking the lives of community members that live in multi-generational households,” Oliveros said, adding that, in his family, this is common.
In fact, the school district had to take decisive action after an outbreak last fall, near mid-November. The spread, which was linked to an off-site gathering of the youth, prompted a shutdown of extracurricular activities that lasted till nearly the end of that month.
"We know the impact that a pause on extracurricular activities has for our students, staff, programs and our community,” said Central High’s Principal Donna Servignat, in a statement about the incident posted by the district. In it, she also expressed gratitude that “our students were transparent with us about their symptoms and health status."
Dr. Melanie Landon-Hays Since then, Superintendent Jennifer Kubista has reiterated that she wants an approach that would reduce the possibility of what is known as a “societal disappointment cycle,” a situation in which schools suddenly are shut down when positive cases surface. The district wants to avoid that “as much as possible,” she said during a recent school board meeting.
However, one local educator isn’t certain this won’t happen, anyway. “All across the nation, where schools have opened up, they then engage in a see-saw of opening and closing as inevitably someone catches COVID-19,” said Melanie Landon-Hays, associate professor of literacy at Western Oregon University’s College of Education.
“Research has shown over and over again – pre-pandemic -- that children benefit from a stable environment where they can anticipate changes and feel safe,” she said. Bringing students back to schools amid the virus and before vaccination is complete, could mean children “will be caught in this loop that has been seen in other schools across the nation,” she said.
“Even limited in-person school does not provide the benefits of what students have known as school, and it does not negate the harms of the inevitable instabilities of a still-spreading virus,” she said.
In schools that have reopened for limited in-person instruction, Gov. Kate Brown has announced “resumption of outdoor contact school sports, with protocols in place,” according to her latest news release.
However, one local educator isn’t certain this won’t happen, anyway. “All across the nation, where schools have opened up, they then engage in a see-saw of opening and closing as inevitably someone catches COVID-19,” said Melanie Landon-Hays, associate professor of literacy at Western Oregon University’s College of Education.
“Research has shown over and over again – pre-pandemic -- that children benefit from a stable environment where they can anticipate changes and feel safe,” she said. Bringing students back to schools amid the virus and before vaccination is complete, could mean children “will be caught in this loop that has been seen in other schools across the nation,” she said.
“Even limited in-person school does not provide the benefits of what students have known as school, and it does not negate the harms of the inevitable instabilities of a still-spreading virus,” she said.
In schools that have reopened for limited in-person instruction, Gov. Kate Brown has announced “resumption of outdoor contact school sports, with protocols in place,” according to her latest news release.
JM "Mike" Cook, Central District 13J transportation manager Some parents worry that such directives don’t leave enough room for teachers’ decision-making. “Another concern is for our teachers,” Oliveros said. “I don’t believe that by the middle of this month that all teachers will have both doses of the vaccine, as well as the time to have the full effect of both doses.”
In fact, this past week, the Oregon Health Authority announced the discovery of four “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19 -- cases in which an individual tested positive for COVID-19 at least 14 days after completing their vaccination series.
Asked about limited in-person instruction, teacher Ben Gorman, president of the Central Education Association (CEA) for 2020, referred to a statement from the executive council of the CEA. It concludes: “We remain committed to serving all students of the Central School District in a way that keeps them as safe as possible while also providing for their social, emotional, and academic needs.”
In fact, this past week, the Oregon Health Authority announced the discovery of four “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19 -- cases in which an individual tested positive for COVID-19 at least 14 days after completing their vaccination series.
Asked about limited in-person instruction, teacher Ben Gorman, president of the Central Education Association (CEA) for 2020, referred to a statement from the executive council of the CEA. It concludes: “We remain committed to serving all students of the Central School District in a way that keeps them as safe as possible while also providing for their social, emotional, and academic needs.”
Fireworks Planned to Fly Again at Independence Fourth of July
Small Group of Committed Citizens Pledges to Make It Happen
Photo credit: NOAA By Anne Scheck
A band of citizens intent on returning fireworks to the Fourth of July in this riverside city is doing it the way the first American flag was created – with something old, something new and in colors of red, white and blue.
When Betsy Ross, who ran an upholstery business in 1776, was given a diagram of the flag, she famously told George Washington she had an easier way to make the stars. With a single snip of her scissors, she showed him how a five-point star could replace the six-pointed ones.
Scaling back while maintaining the initial design of Independence’s signature holiday is just what a small cohort of volunteers is doing, too. The sky-high spectacle will be the same but presented differently this year. Still, the show follows the original pattern.
"This year our focus will be on bringing back fireworks," said Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, which is laying the plans. The idea, still being ironed out, is to have attendees see the pyrotechnics from parked cars, somewhat similar to the way pop-up drive-in movies were conducted last summer.
"I'm passionate about making sure everyone is able to go," said Thompson, who has been helming the group for the past decade. Keeping entrance fees low is a challenge, she said, but the commission is determined to do so. No one should have to forego the event due to financial strain, she said. One citizen, Dave White -- a fan of the annual night-time illuminations -- couldn't agree more. "Last year was the worst Fourth of July ever that I remember," he said. "Bring back the fireworks!"
A band of citizens intent on returning fireworks to the Fourth of July in this riverside city is doing it the way the first American flag was created – with something old, something new and in colors of red, white and blue.
When Betsy Ross, who ran an upholstery business in 1776, was given a diagram of the flag, she famously told George Washington she had an easier way to make the stars. With a single snip of her scissors, she showed him how a five-point star could replace the six-pointed ones.
Scaling back while maintaining the initial design of Independence’s signature holiday is just what a small cohort of volunteers is doing, too. The sky-high spectacle will be the same but presented differently this year. Still, the show follows the original pattern.
"This year our focus will be on bringing back fireworks," said Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, which is laying the plans. The idea, still being ironed out, is to have attendees see the pyrotechnics from parked cars, somewhat similar to the way pop-up drive-in movies were conducted last summer.
"I'm passionate about making sure everyone is able to go," said Thompson, who has been helming the group for the past decade. Keeping entrance fees low is a challenge, she said, but the commission is determined to do so. No one should have to forego the event due to financial strain, she said. One citizen, Dave White -- a fan of the annual night-time illuminations -- couldn't agree more. "Last year was the worst Fourth of July ever that I remember," he said. "Bring back the fireworks!"
City Councilor Shannon Corr How can fewer than a dozen determined volunteers pull this off during a pandemic? "We are a small, well-oiled group," Thompson stressed. Another goal is a parade and, for social-distancing purposes, it may wind through neighborhoods for porch and driveway viewings – not follow the usual route of Monmouth Street.
The overall aim is to help families celebrate together, "carrying on the tradition, building memories," Thompson pointed out.
“We hope to involve as many neighborhoods as possible,” said Independence City Councilor Shannon Corr, the council’s liaison to the Independence Days Commission. The event last year had no fireworks. It was staged in small “block parties,” which didn’t seem to confer the same city-wide spirit and “were an enormous amount of work,” Corr said. Also, it became clear that residents were “starved for the fireworks,” she said.
That’s the view echoed in downtown on a recent Saturday. When shoppers were asked about the special July weekend, they said they missed both the fireworks and the parade last year. However, many said they would like to see some of the substitutes adopted to deal with the coronavirus – old-time games that allowed children to social-distance with squirt guns and water-balloon tosses – made a permanent part of the program.
The overall aim is to help families celebrate together, "carrying on the tradition, building memories," Thompson pointed out.
“We hope to involve as many neighborhoods as possible,” said Independence City Councilor Shannon Corr, the council’s liaison to the Independence Days Commission. The event last year had no fireworks. It was staged in small “block parties,” which didn’t seem to confer the same city-wide spirit and “were an enormous amount of work,” Corr said. Also, it became clear that residents were “starved for the fireworks,” she said.
That’s the view echoed in downtown on a recent Saturday. When shoppers were asked about the special July weekend, they said they missed both the fireworks and the parade last year. However, many said they would like to see some of the substitutes adopted to deal with the coronavirus – old-time games that allowed children to social-distance with squirt guns and water-balloon tosses – made a permanent part of the program.
In past years, the Fourth of July has drawn throngs of tourists to Independence. However, studies by social scientists have shown that this holiday can be vitally important to the local population, establishing cross-town unity. In a study published a few years ago in the Journal of Politics, celebrations like the Fourth of July – nonpartisan, multi-generational festivities – were found to have a special bonding effect on communities, fortifying a feeling of universal camaraderie.
The heightened sense of national identity can help heal political divides, because “they come to see members of the opposing party as fellow Americans rather than rival partisans,” wrote Matthew Levendusky, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania, in his article "Americans, Not Partisans: Can Priming American National Identity Reduce Affective Polarization?”
“Sociologists have long recognized the functional significance of collective ritual in both modern and early modern society,” agreed Peter Callero, professor of sociology at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Among the most recognizable of these are annual town festivals, parades and school sports, all performed in a public space, he said. When widely inclusive, “collective rituals, such as parades, function to establish a collective identity, produce a shared meaning and enhance community solidarity,” he added.
The heightened sense of national identity can help heal political divides, because “they come to see members of the opposing party as fellow Americans rather than rival partisans,” wrote Matthew Levendusky, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania, in his article "Americans, Not Partisans: Can Priming American National Identity Reduce Affective Polarization?”
“Sociologists have long recognized the functional significance of collective ritual in both modern and early modern society,” agreed Peter Callero, professor of sociology at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Among the most recognizable of these are annual town festivals, parades and school sports, all performed in a public space, he said. When widely inclusive, “collective rituals, such as parades, function to establish a collective identity, produce a shared meaning and enhance community solidarity,” he added.
Nathan Junior The Independence fireworks will be different this year, that’s for certain, noted Nathan Junior, owner of Musical Independence on Main Street. "But it's to our advantage to plan for another covid-informed Fourth of July," said Junior, who’s also on the Independence Days Commission.
Junior’s vivid memories of Independence’s special holiday date back decades, while he was growing up in Salem. Since he moved to town a few years ago, after spending 20 years in Portland, he’s looked forward to the Fourth of July. Last year, he installed the sound system at locations for the block parties for a fireworks-free celebration; This year, he’ll help with the effort to put the colorful display back in the sky.
“I am all for it,” said Polk County Commissioner Mike Ainsworth, who likened the Independence celebration to a town reunion. Some who grew up in the area, including his daughter Jena, come back for it every year. “What is more important than America’s birthday?” he asked.
The same sentiment was expressed at American Legion Post 33 in Independence. “I will always support celebrations of our freedom and the blessings this country has in being free,” said Billy Whisenant, an active member of the post and a combat veteran. However, the proposed celebration should comply with recommendations for safety “to help protect everyone from possible infection of a deadly disease,” Whisenant said.
Junior’s vivid memories of Independence’s special holiday date back decades, while he was growing up in Salem. Since he moved to town a few years ago, after spending 20 years in Portland, he’s looked forward to the Fourth of July. Last year, he installed the sound system at locations for the block parties for a fireworks-free celebration; This year, he’ll help with the effort to put the colorful display back in the sky.
“I am all for it,” said Polk County Commissioner Mike Ainsworth, who likened the Independence celebration to a town reunion. Some who grew up in the area, including his daughter Jena, come back for it every year. “What is more important than America’s birthday?” he asked.
The same sentiment was expressed at American Legion Post 33 in Independence. “I will always support celebrations of our freedom and the blessings this country has in being free,” said Billy Whisenant, an active member of the post and a combat veteran. However, the proposed celebration should comply with recommendations for safety “to help protect everyone from possible infection of a deadly disease,” Whisenant said.
Neal Olson Neal Olson, deputy chief for Polk County Fire District No. 1, who also serves on the Independence Days Commission, noted that planning is still in flux. “We are taking into account social distancing, limiting spectator crowd size, as well as finding a location that is highly visible for the community and fire safe,” he said.
Independence Police Chief Robert Mason weighed in with reassurance when asked about the plans so far. “As I understand it, they are considering this ‘drive-in display’ venue to be the sports park off Deann Drive,” he stated. So, parking shouldn’t be a problem, he said. “The city has a lot of potential parking in that area,” he noted, adding: “There will be congestion for sure, but with one way in, and one way out, it will just be a waiting game and we would plan appropriately.”
As the Independence Days Commission moves forward to finalize a program that will resume fireworks, it seems a step ahead of the place where it all began. A call to the White House revealed that plans for the Fourth of July at the nation’s capital are still considered "very fluid" due to Covid-19. Asked about whether specific alternatives are being sought, a staff member stated that it is "way too early to know that answer."
The same inquiry to Thompson, who heads the Independence Days Commission, drew a different response. Commission members, who have developed an ease in communicating through friendly back-and-forth discussions about the Fourth of July, are "fine-tuning the details on logistics that can make it happen," she said.
Independence Police Chief Robert Mason weighed in with reassurance when asked about the plans so far. “As I understand it, they are considering this ‘drive-in display’ venue to be the sports park off Deann Drive,” he stated. So, parking shouldn’t be a problem, he said. “The city has a lot of potential parking in that area,” he noted, adding: “There will be congestion for sure, but with one way in, and one way out, it will just be a waiting game and we would plan appropriately.”
As the Independence Days Commission moves forward to finalize a program that will resume fireworks, it seems a step ahead of the place where it all began. A call to the White House revealed that plans for the Fourth of July at the nation’s capital are still considered "very fluid" due to Covid-19. Asked about whether specific alternatives are being sought, a staff member stated that it is "way too early to know that answer."
The same inquiry to Thompson, who heads the Independence Days Commission, drew a different response. Commission members, who have developed an ease in communicating through friendly back-and-forth discussions about the Fourth of July, are "fine-tuning the details on logistics that can make it happen," she said.
SIDEBAR: Ears Saturated with Sugar a Big Part of Independence Days
Elephant ear under construction By Anne Scheck
Second only to the frequent inquiry by people about whether fireworks are returning to Independence this Fourth of July is the burning question – make that the deep-fried question – of whether elephant ears are going to be available, too.
Speculating on the overwhelming desire for this carnival food, Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, explained the reason elephant ears are such a vital part of the city’s holiday tradition. "They're thicker, fluffier, just the best elephant ears," she said.
In fact, the vendor at the city’s Fourth of July makes them “with a little more love,” agreed Aaron Wimer, also a member of the Independence Days Commission. “Their line every year has more than a four-hour wait,” Wimer said, adding that those big blobs of sugary fried dough seem to come with some “bragging rights,” as well. There’s real pride in clinching the pastry after making it through the horrendously long line, Wimer noted.
Second only to the frequent inquiry by people about whether fireworks are returning to Independence this Fourth of July is the burning question – make that the deep-fried question – of whether elephant ears are going to be available, too.
Speculating on the overwhelming desire for this carnival food, Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, explained the reason elephant ears are such a vital part of the city’s holiday tradition. "They're thicker, fluffier, just the best elephant ears," she said.
In fact, the vendor at the city’s Fourth of July makes them “with a little more love,” agreed Aaron Wimer, also a member of the Independence Days Commission. “Their line every year has more than a four-hour wait,” Wimer said, adding that those big blobs of sugary fried dough seem to come with some “bragging rights,” as well. There’s real pride in clinching the pastry after making it through the horrendously long line, Wimer noted.
Aaron Wimer Elephant ears, otherwise known by their fancier French name, palmier, are really the result of an ultra-sweetening process applied to a Native American recipe for fried bread. The ones sold at fairs are much more robust than a classic palmier – huge, smothered in sugar and made from roll-out dough.
“Interestingly, people often get funnel cake and elephant ears mixed up because they are similar fair foods,” observed Susan Graham, a tax attorney in Independence who’s known as a local culinary aficionado. “Funnel cake is different because it’s made from a thin batter, whereas elephant ears are made from a yeasted dough,” she explained.
Most people have no idea why they’re so good, except that they satisfy a sweet tooth like nothing else. When Monte Campbell, circuit judge for Polk County, learned that elephant ears were coming back, along with Independence Day fireworks, he pronounced the sugar-laden treat “really, really good.”
“Sugar, grease, bread – it doesn’t get any better than that,” said the judge, rendering the final verdict on elephant ears.
“Interestingly, people often get funnel cake and elephant ears mixed up because they are similar fair foods,” observed Susan Graham, a tax attorney in Independence who’s known as a local culinary aficionado. “Funnel cake is different because it’s made from a thin batter, whereas elephant ears are made from a yeasted dough,” she explained.
Most people have no idea why they’re so good, except that they satisfy a sweet tooth like nothing else. When Monte Campbell, circuit judge for Polk County, learned that elephant ears were coming back, along with Independence Day fireworks, he pronounced the sugar-laden treat “really, really good.”
“Sugar, grease, bread – it doesn’t get any better than that,” said the judge, rendering the final verdict on elephant ears.
County Treasurer Steve Milligan Polk County File Cabinet
Occasional news from Polk County government
of presumed interest to Independence residents
OUR MAN AT & IN THE
COUNTY'S TREASURY
Steve Milligan, who voters selected for county treasurer in the last election, took office with ... no office. It was the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and a time of refurbishment and construction on the courthouse. And Milligan was, for a while, a man without a desk. He got one, eventually, in a windowless office in a historic part of the building. Here he is in his office, at his computer.
Occasional news from Polk County government
of presumed interest to Independence residents
OUR MAN AT & IN THE
COUNTY'S TREASURY
Steve Milligan, who voters selected for county treasurer in the last election, took office with ... no office. It was the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and a time of refurbishment and construction on the courthouse. And Milligan was, for a while, a man without a desk. He got one, eventually, in a windowless office in a historic part of the building. Here he is in his office, at his computer.
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