Several citizens were on hand to address the Commissioners regarding the proposed budget cuts impacting the OSU Extension Office. The Commissioners will be deliberating the recommended budget on May 29. The agenda items for this week were relatively minor with minimal financial impact to the County. Scott Bradley Backflow Assembly Testing, Inc was reported as…

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association in March of this year expressed growing frustration with the ISO (Insurance Service Office), the group responsible for setting fire insurance rates throughout the state of Oregon. A conversation with Chief Dan Petersen has revealed some interesting facts about the organization and about the relationship ISO has with the fire…

When Mayor Russell opened last Tuesday’s Eagle Point City Council meeting, he recognized four Boy Scouts and a scoutmaster in the audience, saying he always likes to see Scouts at events. Another audience member, Jerry Zieman, thanked the Council for the use of the Ashpole Center to host the D9 School District Candidates Forum. Mayor…

The two issues to be discussed in possible future Executive Sessions are; a Settlement Agreement between the City Administrator, representing the City of Shady Cove, and a former Employee and large portions of legal invoices being marked confidential. During the May 16 meeting legal bills were first brought up by City Administrator Danise Brakeman during…

Vintage Faire 2013 was everything you could expect—only more. A goodly crowd gathered on the square, or rather by the mill, to celebrate in a number of ways. There was food, entertainment, commercial booths, trinkets, wine tasting and even a melodrama; enough to capture the interest of anyone who ventured out on Saturday afternoon. There…

The D9 school board returned to the District building for its May 8 meeting. After three budget forums and meetings in school gymnasiums, the usual room seemed small, especially with the crowd who showed up for a night of contrasts. The evening started positively, as teachers, principals and the school board honored outstanding students and…

The May 2 Shady Cove City Council meeting focused largely on three issues brought forth during the April 18 meeting. During that meeting executive sessions were requested to discuss: a possible settlement with a former employee, a review of legal bills and a possible insubordination charge against City Administrator Danise Brakeman. The last was discussed…

Most people who have a connection to the woods are predicting a severe fire season this year. The early spring and lack of rain and snow could mean a lot of smoke in the valley this year. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is well aware of the potential danger and has proposed throwing all the resources…

The Commissioners announced that their regular public meeting next Wednesday, May 15, 2013 will be at 8:30 a.m. The 2013-2014 budget will be discussed for approval at the May 29th regular board meeting. First on the agenda was the discussion of the proposed procedural changes to the planning department’s operation. It was reported that these…