by Anne Scheck
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: FORESTRY ACCORD REPORT
A state-sanctioned contract that adds new conservation practices, including requiring timber companies to inform neighbors when spraying insecticide, is bound to impact Polk County – a place where relatively large parcels of forest land are privately owned, according to Mike Totey, district forester for West Oregon. He reported on the action at the Polk County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
The move is aimed at reducing the “litigation and legislation” that has meant efforts and expenditures in court time and on ballot measures, said Mr. Totey, when asked what he thought the document would accomplish. The agreement is a “Memorandum of Understanding” between various conservation groups and timber companies – it was formally announced yesterday by Gov. Kate Brown. One requirement calls for providing buffers around streams and other waterways to protect them from contamination during aerial application of pesticides.
Sean Carpenter, spokesperson for the environmental organization 1000 Friends, said: “We are heartened by this development, we appreciate the hard work to reach this agreement, and we support the efforts of all to take the necessary actions contemplated to bring this to a successful conclusion for all Oregonians.” Mr. Carpenter was contacted after the Polk County Board of Commissioners adjourned the meeting.
The move is aimed at reducing the “litigation and legislation” that has meant efforts and expenditures in court time and on ballot measures, said Mr. Totey, when asked what he thought the document would accomplish. The agreement is a “Memorandum of Understanding” between various conservation groups and timber companies – it was formally announced yesterday by Gov. Kate Brown. One requirement calls for providing buffers around streams and other waterways to protect them from contamination during aerial application of pesticides.
Sean Carpenter, spokesperson for the environmental organization 1000 Friends, said: “We are heartened by this development, we appreciate the hard work to reach this agreement, and we support the efforts of all to take the necessary actions contemplated to bring this to a successful conclusion for all Oregonians.” Mr. Carpenter was contacted after the Polk County Board of Commissioners adjourned the meeting.
SUCCESS AT VOLUNTEER FAIR LEADS TO ANNUAL CITY EVENT
A “volunteer fair” last month that was held at the Independence Civic Center succeeded so well at garnering sign-ups that it will become an annual event. Fifteen different groups – ranging from the Central Lions Club to the Luckiamute Watershed Council – hosted tables in mid-January; Their efforts yielded 42 new recruits.
The idea was hatched by Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, but helmed by Independence City Councilor Shannon Corr. “I volunteered to run with the idea,” Councilor Corr said, in effect becoming the first volunteer of the event.
The idea was hatched by Janice Thompson, chair of the Independence Days Commission, but helmed by Independence City Councilor Shannon Corr. “I volunteered to run with the idea,” Councilor Corr said, in effect becoming the first volunteer of the event.
COUNTY’s 1st TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN TO OPEN
Polk County’s first home for women exiting jail or placed there by a specialty court is set to open in March, according to Greg Hansen, the county’s administrative officer.
The contract for this “transitional home” has been signed, Mr. Hansen said. The location is in Dallas, at an unspecified address that’s been found suitable for such housing. The length of stay for residents in the all-female home is expected to be about six months, he said. More details are expected after the roll-out period.
The contract for this “transitional home” has been signed, Mr. Hansen said. The location is in Dallas, at an unspecified address that’s been found suitable for such housing. The length of stay for residents in the all-female home is expected to be about six months, he said. More details are expected after the roll-out period.
Family-Friendly City Council Meeting:
Thumbs Up – Board of Commissioners
Mike Ainsworth, chair of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst praised Independence Tuesday for holding a city council meeting that provides outreach to families. Both noted the cost of childcare is high – even a few hours of babysitting can cause an economic hardship on parents. “What they are doing is civic-minded for young families,” Commissioner Mordhorst said of the City of Independence. In a recent issue of Enterprise, the publication of the Strategic Economic Development Corporation in Salem, Commissioner Craig Pope, who was absent from the commissioners meeting Tuesday, called childcare costs an issue “that impacts our workforce and businesses.”
FINAL NOTE: ~OK GILGAMESH!; WHERE’s DONATELLO’s?~
Gilgamesh Brewing has officially received approval for a liquor license at its Independence location on Main Street, called The River. The action, at the last Independence city council meeting, prompted City Councilor Marilyn Morton to inquire about the pizza restaurant, which appears to remain shuttered – after an opening seemed imminent. No word yet on Donatello’s, but The River already is drawing people – window-peekers have been visiting recently.
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