Latest News

Mannenbach asked by D9 board to resign

Kathy Sell — 2010-09-07T13:15:00+00:00

For the second time in less than four months, the majority of the School District 9 Board of Directors voted to censure board member Jim Mannenbach. Beyond censuring a majority of the directors voted to ask Mannenbach to resign his position effective immediately.

Mannenbach was a no-show for the 5 p.m. special meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 1. The meeting was delayed eight minutes waiting for Mannenbach. Board Chairman Scott Grissom placed a call to Mannenbach, but the call went unanswered. Grissom told those present that all members had been verbally advised of the special meeting at the conclusion of the Aug. 18 workshop and Mannenbach was notified via e-mail as well.

SC says sheriff getting more than fair share of tickets

Kathy Sell — 2010-09-07T13:14:00+00:00

Is the City of Shady Cove getting its monies worth from the sheriff’s department? What looked to be a low-key council meeting on September 2 became tense when former City Councilor, Lois Holland, and Businesswoman, Kathleen Collins, pointed out the inadequacies of law enforcement in Shady Cove. Having done an investigation before the meeting, Councilors Leith Hayes and Gary Hughes corroborated the two women’s testimony. Hayes and Hughes expressed strong feelings about their dissatisfaction with the sheriff’s department, with Hughes finally saying, “I’m so mad, I can hardly stand it.”

Several times during the meeting, councilors questioned why they had not been informed of issues regarding sheriff’s personnel and other issues relating to law enforcement. There were no real answers from either Dave Strand, assistant to the undersheriff, or Joe Riker, city administrator.

60th Annual Prospect Jamboree and Timber Carnival Winners

Kathy Sell — 2010-09-07T13:12:00+00:00

Jack & Jill
1st     George Harrison Sr and Tina Harrison
2nd   Eyler Harrison and Astounda Collins
3rd    Wayne Gallagher and Cassie Johnson

Jill & Jill
1st   Tina Harrison & Astounda Collins
2nd   Liz Steward & Robin Patterson
3rd   Jennifer Dooley & Beth McGuire

D-9 Foundation fundraisers, Sept. 11-12

Kathy Sell — 2010-09-07T13:12:00+00:00

The 10th annual D-9 Foundation dinner and auction is this Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Eagle Point Golf Club. This year will be a luau with Hawaiian cuisine and entertainment. The social hour and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the dinner at 6:30 and then the oral auction. The cost of the dinner is $40 per person or $75 per couple. Contact Pat at 618-7474 or Mary at 830-3409 for more information.

Update on Daphne

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:58:00+00:00

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The Independent has “adopted” Daphne, a Loggerhead turtle. She is one of 10 sea turtles described as critically endangered turtles tagged and being followed by Sea Turtle Conservancy and Caribbean Conservation Corporation.

Daphne was tagged at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Fl. and is being watched on her journey. As of Sunday, Aug. 29, she had traveled 126 mi. in 25 days and has 1,502 miles to go on her journey.

We will follow Daphne on various weeks for our subscribers and offer more information about Daphne and the other nine companions.

Drug disposal day in Eagle Point, Sept. 25

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:54:00+00:00

The City of Eagle Point and the Eagle Point/Upper Rogue Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor a drug “Take Back” event on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10-2 p.m. at the Ashpole Center, adjacent to the Eagle Pont City Hall.

This is the second such program held this year. However, this time those bringing in medicine may remove the medication from its container and place it directly into a disposal box or dispose of it in its original container. There will be a special box for depositing the drugs. Liquids must remain in their original containers.

Painting the world

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:49:00+00:00

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Many people in our area ride and own horses, but few have the distinction of owning or riding a Reserve World Champion Working Cow Horse. That is the case for Ann and Curt Johnson, Tom & Kendall Harrison and Robby Bianchi, all Upper Rogue residents.

The horse has many names: Barney, B-Dawg or (officially) Playboys Reward. He is by Wanted Reward out of Playboy Sioux. He is owned by the Johnsons and the Harrisons and ridden and trained by Bianchi. This Paint horse’s Upper Rogue roots go even deeper as his sire (Wanted Reward) was purchased by the Johnsons from another Eagle Point resident, Billy Warne.

Old and new mix well at the Rogue River Lodge

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:45:00+00:00

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It takes a special kind of vision to take a 1937 landmark, and turn it into a fully modern facility while keeping its historic feel. Lee and Anne Kimball have succeeded in doing that and more.

The Rogue River Lodge has recently undergone an 11 month, $1 million renovation. But renovation might not be quite the right word for it.

The Kimballs have been traveling to Southern Oregon for many years to visit relatives in Medford and the Upper Rogue. They had always talked of retiring in the Upper Rogue. “Little did we know it would be at the Lodge,” they chuckled.

Dinner to honor Avenue of Flag volunteers

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:40:00+00:00

All community members who have helped with Avenue of the Flags are invited to an Appreciation Night on Wednesday, Sept. 8. It will be at 6 p.m. at Campus Life. The BBQ will be free.

Sponsors are the Avenue of the Flags and the Eagle Point/Upper Rogue Chamber of Commerce. Not only are all those involved in the flag project invited, but they are asked to bring their immediate family. It will be a time just to enjoy and get to know one another and to say a special thanks for the many who volunteer.

A number of local businesses and individuals have donated food or cash for items to make this a very special evening. The Jackson County Cattlewomen are responsible for the BBQ.

In addition to honoring all who have helped with Avenue of the Flags, there will be recognition for those who were charter members of the Eagle Point Chamber of Commerce.

For information or to make a donation to support the effort, call Helen Wolgamott, 830-4049.

Hwy 62 -Linn Rd. walk light is longer

Kathy Sell — 2010-08-30T13:38:00+00:00

Those crossing Highway 62 at Linn Road should be very pleased to learn that the time allotted to cross the highway has been extended and is now actually reflected on the sign where one will see that hand sign, or red or green when trying to cross. The sign should tell you that you have 35 seconds to cross the road. That is a significant improvement in the time previously allotted.

The time has also been changed at the crossing at Highway 62 and the Veterans Administration crossing.

While these extended times will make crossing those busy intersections easier, pedestrians are reminded that they need to obey the signals.

The equipment needed to made the change came from a grant obtained by ODOT with some funds from the City of Eagle Point.
By Nancy Leonard
Of the Independent