October 2, 2008 issue
An upcoming event you may want to see is an historical Applegate Wagon Train reenactment in Sunny Valley. The event will be held on October 11, 2008 at Sunny Valley’s Applegate Wagon Trail Interpretive Center. The wagon train will begin its journey at the south side of Mount Sexton and scheduled to arrive at the Interpretive Center between 1 and 2 pm. There are many events scheduled for children as well as adults. For further info call Betty Gaustad at 1-888-411-1846 or 1-541-472-8545. Rune and Catherine Lassesen, owners of the Hestehaven Norwegian Horse Ranch in Days Creek plan to be a part of the wagon train. A message for Catherine can be left at 541-825-3027.
With the upcoming 150th anniversary of Oregon’s admission to the United States this event fits well with our local history. It promises to be enjoyable for all.
City Council members and Planning Commission members are required to submit quarterly Statement of Economic Interest Forms (SEI) to the Oregon State Ethics Commission. These are due in a few weeks and if taken to City Hall the City Administrator will forward them to the Ethics Commission by certified mail.
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
September 25, 2008 issue
Complaints are again being received about excessive speeding of vehicles on Hamlin Dr. Loss of control due to speed of a vehicle was the cause of an accident over the past weekend. Hamlin is a very busy street so please pay attention to the speed limit and conditions of the road and drive accordingly and sensibly.
I, like everyone else (or so I thought) dearly love living in Canyonville. I love the atmosphere, the esthetics of the area and most of all the wonderful and kind and caring people that reside here. But – I recently heard of an individual that apparently delights in making fun of our populace and our “backwoods” ways. I was born and raised in Missouri and I lived in Arkansas before moving to Canyonville. I know what “backwoods” ways are and Canyonville does not in any way fit that mold. Nor do we deserve to be made light of. Canyonville is an extremely historic town and many pioneer families still reside here. We are proud of our town and its inhabitants. I wonder why individuals such as this person, that likes to make fun of our ways, left the town they came from?? Something positive must have brought them here!
The City of Canyonville has an opening on the Planning Commission. If anyone is interested in applying please contact City Hall for further information and an application.
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
September 13, 2008 issue
By the time this is published the Canyonville Branch Library will be reopened for business as usual. They have been closed for some time while remodeling such as painting and having new carpet installed. It really looks great all spruced up. The Library staffs to be commended for all their hard work and all the time committed so that we will have a Library to be proud of. Go visit them and see what they have done!
Last week we lost a good friend to the City and a dedicated volunteer. Wayne Lloyd passed away on September 10th. His obituary is found elsewhere in this issue. Wayne was not only a good friend but also my next door neighbor. He was that type of individual that you only run across a few times in your life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
On Friday of last week a natural cover fire was started by someone’s careless use of power tools. The fire, near the City’s water tower on Hill St., was quickly brought under control by the Canyonville So. Umpqua Fire Department and the Douglas Forest Protective Assn.
It’s that time of year again when the little ones are back in school. This year, again, we have the Kindergarten children at the school on Main St. The entire school zone is posted 20mph for the children’s safety. Please observe the speed limits in that area. We have requested the Sheriff’s Department to concentrate on enforcing the speed limit. Do your part and for the children’s sake – slow down!
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
August 28, 2008 issue
Another Pioneer Days event is in the history books. The event this year enjoyed decent and tolerable weather throughout the entire weekend. A lot of folks were on hand to enjoy the festivities. Jake Young, Co-chair of the Pioneer Days Committee estimated that between 200 and 2500 people saw the Elvis Presley impersonator. Jake said that the vendors he spoke with were happy with the sales this year. A negative aspect of the event, according to Jake, was the lack of presence of law-enforcement and the fact that so many people had dogs even though the park was well posted “No Animals.” Despite those things, overall the event was better than expected. This writer feels that Jake and Co-chair Jim Siegel did a fantastic job of putting on the event and should be proud of all the folks that helped them.
With the closing of the final filing date for City Council and the Mayoral openings, the following have filed:
With all these folks running it should be a very interesting few months until the November elections.
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
August 14, 2008 Issue
One hundred years ago in Canyonville, August 17, 1908 to be exact, the City Council met in regular session and discussed and approved City Ordinance #21. This was “an ordinance to prohibit the sale & firing of firecrackers Torpodoes skyrockets toy pistles slingshots & bean shooters.” (the misspelled words and lack of punctuation was theirs – copied directly from the council minutes). Violation of that ordinance could result in a fine of not less than $5 and not more than $20 and, if unable to pay the fine, “imprisonment in the town jail not less than (3) three days and not more than (10) ten days.”
To stop a rumor that is circulating the following is submitted. It has been said that the YMCA is being closed and the building being sold by the City. Not a shred of truth in either story! The YMCA is NOT closing nor is the City contemplating, either now or in the future, selling the building. This is another of example of why I am always saying “go to the source.” There is no reason that City Hall or a Councilor cannot be contacted when a story cannot be substantiated that concerns the City or its citizens. Rumors, especially unfounded stories that affect everyone, are very hurtful in some way. Go to the source!
Another round of malicious mischief and property damage occurred over the past weekend. Some uncaring childish person(s) turned over trash cans on Main St. dumping trash on the sidewalk, the Support Our Troops sign in front of City Hall was torn loose, a sign in Pioneer Park was damaged, two trees uprooted in front of the school on Main St. and numerous whiskey bottles and beer cans strewn about the park. There were other reports of damage to private property on No. Main St. It’s amazing what some people do when they are given false courage, and a touch of stupidity, when stoked up on alcohol that they would not normally do. Damage such as this is costing your tax money to repair, fix up or clean up. With Pioneer Days coming up starting on the 21st of this month the Public Works Department is trying to keep the park in good condition and it becomes difficult when acts such as this occur.
Don’t forget that this coming Saturday, August 16, at 6:00pm, is the annual Old Tyme Family Album in Pioneer Park. This event, put on by Marilyn Chandler, covers historical events and persons of the area. It’s well worth watching and taking your kids to also.
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
July 24, 2008 issue
This past Saturday was the annual Lions Club sponsored city-wide yard sale held at Pioneer Park. The Lions held a pancake breakfast that was very successful according to Chuck Mauldin one of the cooks of the fine repast. Their yard-sale of donated items was also very successful and several of the local vendors in the park said they did well also. The money raised by the Lions Club will go to their Sight & Hearing Fund which is a very worthwhile project in which the Lions are involved.
There were other activities all during the day, such as a band that played for the entertainment of all and a contest between the Chambers of Commerce of Canyonville and Riddle based on local history. The local Masonic Lodge cooked hamburgers and hotdogs and served other refreshments in the late afternoon. According to Jake Young, coordinator of the Masonic feed it was also successful. Jake stated the Masons would be donating $500 to the Oregon 150 committee.
On August 5 the Seniors Escorting Seniors will be providing bus service from Canyonville to the Fairgrounds in Roseburg for the Douglas County Fair. The bus will be leaving Canyonville City Hall at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30PM. A donation for fuel is requested. There will also be service from Riddle and Myrtle Creek. For further information you can contact them at 860-5967.
I’m sure that everyone by now has read or heard that the Riddle High School Band has been invited to play at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in March of next year. Every one of these kids and their music teachers are to be congratulated. This is a fine honor of which they should be very proud.
Chuck Spindel
Mayor
City of Canyonville, Oregon
July 17, 2008 issue
Over the past few weeks there has again been malicious damage done to the city property, most notably in Pioneer Park. At the tennis courts a pipe that holds the net in place was pulled from the ground damaging the asphalt. The net had to be removed by Public Works and at this time the City does not have the money to have it repaired. In this same area several City-owned traffic barricades were damaged. These were in place during the repaving of Elliott St. In Pioneer Park the cloth towel racks in the restrooms were damaged and the towels slashed. One dispenser was demolished. The plastic bag dispenser that holds the “doggie sanitary bags” was almost emptied of bags and they were strewn around the area. In addition a park bench was damaged and cannot be properly repaired at this time. This senseless type of vandalism hurts everyone that uses the park. Any and all damage done to City property concerns the entire populace as it is your money that needs to be used for repairs. Right now we are unable to affect any repairs due to lack of funds. If the person or persons think that this type of activity makes them a big or important person and gives them something to brag about they are wrong. It not only shows immaturity and stupidity but these are cowardly types of criminal activity that disgusts anyone with a shred of decency. The Park and all City-owned equipment belong to everyone not just the very few that seem bent on destruction. If anyone witnesses any type of damage in Pioneer Park or on any City property or to any City-owned equipment it is your civic responsibility to contact the Sheriff’s Office or the Public Works personnel. There is a posted standing reward of $500.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons. Your name can be kept confidential if you so desire. Please help out your community by reporting any type of illegal activity pertaining to damage.
July 13, 2008 issue
On July 4 Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort held their 8th annual Veterans Appreciation tribute. The event featured entertainment by the Glendale Valley Choir who performed superbly. Speakers for the event included Sue Shaffer, U. S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, Oregon’s Speaker of the House Kate Brown and the Northwest Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Stanley Speaks. Since the inception of this banquet honoring all veterans in 2001 the event has grown into a huge event and has become something that veterans look forward to each year.
I recently received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that 110 Economic Stimulus Package returns have not been filed by individuals in our community. If filed, these returns could provide a minimum of $33,300 for our City. If you have not filed, or know of someone who has not filed for the stimulus money, please contact IRS for more information and assistance in filing.
Our Public Works has a new employee. Marco Borovac is replacing Ray Page who has accepted a position in Brookings. On the subject of Public Works – they have been extremely busy lately doing necessary annual maintenance on the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
The paving project on Elliott St. is nearly completed. When finished one of the exits onto 3rd St. will be eliminated for safety reasons and the street will be better aligned at that point.
The final filing date for Canyonville City offices is August 25. If you are planning on filing by petition contact City Administrator Cheryl Masotto.
The next City Council meeting is July 21 at 7:00pm.
July 3, 2008 issue
Sorry to have missed the past few weeks in writing this column, but I’m back and will try to bring you up to date with what is going on with the City government.
As you probably know, Molly B’s has closed down in order to open up shop in a larger town up north. Last week the City Planning Commission approved use of the former Molly B building as a Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Tammie Eichmann, DVM is moving her practice to Canyonville from the Days Creek area.
The day after this goes to press is July 4th one of the most significant anniversaries in our country’s history. It has become a day of celebrating with fireworks. Unfortunately some the fireworks used are illegal and all of them have the potential of creating great bodily harm and devastating fires. Help out our Fire Departments this year by using only legal and approved fireworks and using them wisely. Attend the approved and licensed nighttime fireworks displays throughout the county. Let’s not add to the fires already set by lightning this past week. Enjoy Independence Day in a safe and sane manner.
As of July 1, Dawn Beebe has assumed the Bookkeeping duties for the City. Joan Beckman will be moving to the position of Deputy Recorder.
Signed,
June 12, 2008 issue
I missed writing an article last week as I was in Rocklin, California attending the High School graduation of one of my granddaughters. A great thing about visiting California is that it makes you appreciate how fortunate we are to be living in the State of Oregon. What a pleasure it is to come back home to Canyonville!
The filing date has officially opened for submitting an intent to run for election to a City office. As I’ve mentioned many times in the past there are three City Council positions and the Mayor’s position open. Don’t just complain about your government or sit back and do nothing when you can be a part of the decision-making body. The Councilor positions are for four years and the Mayor’s term is two years. Call or visit City Hall for more details and for the duties and responsibilities of each position. One critical prerequisite is that you attend the Council meetings, which are only once a month. There is an occasional Special Session called for a specific reason but not too often. Go to the next Council meeting on June 19 at 7pm.
I will probably miss writing an article next week as I again will be out of town.
May 22, 2008 issue
The celebration on Saturday past relating to Canyonville’s 150th anniversary as a community was very exciting and extremely tough on anyone on a diet. The Lions Club put on a Buffalo Burger BBQ that was fantastic. According to Ray Bigelow, Chuck Mauldin and Wayne Lloyd who were the coordinators and cooks of the BBQ, the Buffalo sold out as did the BBQ beef they put out. Dr. Harlan White demonstrated Dutch-oven cooking which was the way many pioneers did their cooking. They also delighted many palates with tasting of the final product. He was ably assisted by Bob and Aletha Coffelt, Sam Noonkester and Terry Strecker. I’m told that even Dr. White’s mother pitched in to help. The Cow Creek Tribe did a traditional salmon-bake as it was done many years ago. They also provided samples. Rune Lassessen gave free surrey rides in a tri-seat wagon akin to the type used in the 1800s. Rune and his wife Katherine own and operate the Hestehaven Norwegian Horse Ranch near Days Creek. The Good Medicine Native American drummers put on a great performance of traditional tribal drumming and chanting. With one exception, most of the drummers were from the Medford and Klamath Falls areas. The exception was Terry Hansen, a Cow Creek Tribal member. A small contingent of the Little Butte Mountain Men set up a campsite in the lower end of Pioneer Park. They did beading demonstrations and instructed folks in the art of tomahawk and knife throwing. They even had Representative Susan Morgan throwing tomahawks and believe it or not she was able to stick them in the target! (sometimes). The Cow Creek Tribe had tables of Native American artifacts and memorabilia relating to various Tribes in Oregon. The final event of the evening was a dance in the area of the stage. The group, Larry Wilder and the Stumptown Stars provided the music. According to Dani Fedder of Seven Feathers Marketing who coordinated the last event, the group is from Portland. Everyone seemed to enjoy their music. Also during the event we were able to fly our United States flag that contains 32 stars which was the number on the flag in 1858 when Canyonville was platted out and designated as a community. The 32 star flag was not in existence very long as the next year, 1859 they added another star when Oregon was admitted to the Union. The next event relating to our sesquicentennial will be on June 21st, also in Pioneer Park. Details will come later.
Last week I neglected to thank the South Umpqua Historical Society for their donation to the Canyonville 150 event. They had held a “High Tea” and donated the entire profit to help defray the costs for some of the events. It is very much appreciated – even though I’m late in thanking them.
