Paid obituaries

Jesse Wayne Lott

U. S. Army (Retired)

January 3, 1945 - September 27, 2012

Surrounded in love by his family and friends, Jesse Wayne Lott, 67, died of cancer in Holcomb, Mississippi on September 27, 2012. Born in Pascagoula, MS on January 3, 1945, he was the only child of Jessie P. and Katherine Pate Lott. He attended local schools in Grenada and Carroll counties and Holmes College where he majored in Pre- Law and Political Science. He continued his education throughout his 22 year military career.

Between semesters while in college, Jesse married Joy Stallings of Cascilla, MS on January 21, 1966. He later joined the Army and served in Viet Nam where his exposure to Agent Orange eventually contributed to his death. Jesse’s duty assignments included Washington, Georgia, California, Germany, and Portland, OR, where he retired and has resided for the past 28 years.

Jesse was a member of Oak Hills Presbyterian Church in Milwaukie. He was passionate about many things, particularly his patriotism, politics and helping anyone in need, especially veterans and the elderly. He was a former candidate for Oregon State Senator and was active in civic and political organizations.

Jesse was predeceased by his father, Jessie P. Lott of Holcomb and two long-time close friends, Bob Crane of Glenns Ferry, Idaho and Col. (Ret) Kenneth Reusser of Portland, OR. Survivors include his mother, Katherine Pate Lott of Grenada, MS, wife, Joy Stallings Lott of Milwaukie, OR, daughter Jessica (Chris) Corbett and their son Jace, all of Grenada, MS. Jesse also leaves a daughter Atlantis Baron and her son, Carter, of Rohnert Park, CA.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Jesse Wayne Lott will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, 5101 S. E. Thiessen Road, Milwaukie, OR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or the Oak Hills Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 5101 S. E. Thiessen Road, Milwaukie, OR 97267.

Public forums with candidates will be held Friday, April 5

Mt. Hood Community College has selected three finalists in the search for a new college president.

The college Board of Education approved the finalists during its Wednesday, March 13, meeting.

With college president Michael Hay retiring June 30, 2013, a search committee including students and employees has selected Debra Derr, Suzanne Miles and Jacob Ng as the finalists.

Michael Viera of Community College Search Services assisted in the search process, helping narrow down the applicant pool from 38 applications.

“Since the Feb. 13 presidential search committee meeting, we have picked first level candidates,” Viera said. “We’ve conducted reference checks on the candidates and checked their civil and criminal background.”

Students, employees and members of the public are invited to three candidate forums at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. Friday, April 5, on the Gresham campus. The board will conduct a second round of interviews with candidates Saturday, April 6.

“The purpose of these forums is to give the public and staff an opportunity to hear from each one of the candidates,” said Dave Shield, board chairman.

Debra Derr

The president of North Iowa Community College, Derr has held senior administrative positions at Mt. Hood Community College and Clackamas Community College.

Derr has experience working with students who have disabilities, along with advising and counseling, teaching psychology and student development courses and administering student affairs programs.

Derr received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Linfield College, a master’s degree in counseling from Portland State University and a doctorate in community college and higher education administration from Oregon State University.

Suzanne Miles

Miles is interim chancellor for Pima Community College in Tuscon, Ariz., the eighth largest multi-campus institution in the nation.

Prior to her 26 years with Pima, she worked at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., and in television and radio news in Anchorage, Alaska.

Miles received a bachelor’s degree in speech from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She earned a master’s degree in communication from Arizona State University and a doctorate in communication with a minor in higher education administration from the University of Arizona.

Jacob Ng

Ng is the vice chancellor of student services at Peralta Community College District in the San Francisco Bay Area.

He has held several administrative positions at the community college during the past 17 years.

He has nine years of community college teaching experience and four years of experience as an adjunct faculty member, along with eight years of full-time counseling faculty.

Ng received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Evangel University in Missouri, a master’s in counseling and clinical psychology from Cal Lutheran University and a doctorate in community college leadership from Oregon State University.

The Gresham City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed children's fountain during its next meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the Council Chambers located in the Gresham Public Safety and Schools Building, 1331 N.W. Eastman Parkway.

Councilors will then vote on whether to use a federal loan for construction of a children's fountain in downtown Gresham.

The fountain was designed as part of the city's Center for the Arts Plaza, between Northeast Second and Third streets and Hood and Kelly avenues, in 2008. But the fountain was not included in construction because the city didn't have enough money for it.

Since then, Gresham has been awarded a $1.5 million loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The federal Section 108 loan will fund the design and construction of the 40-foot-diameter fountain. The loan allows Gresham to leverage part of its future Community Development Block Grant allocations from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the fountain, which is considered an economic revitalization project that benefits low- to moderate-income residents.

Section 108 loan guarantees allow local governments to borrow money from private investors at reduced interest rates, creating an investment tool that can drive economic development. Governments must pledge a portion of their current and future Community Development Block Grant allocations to cover the loan amount as security on the loan. They also must repay the loan within 20 years.

Members of Gresham's Neighborhood Coalition have questioned whether the fountain will bring in enough business to the downtown core to justify the project's cost.

It will cost an estimated $24,000 to maintain the fountain for a year, which can't be paid through the loan.

If approved by the council, construction would start this summer or next spring.

Police looking for suspects in a Sunday, March 10, homicide

It's hard enough to live just doors down from the scene of a homicide.

But when you've watched the victim grow up, when he becomes a member of your extended family, it hits home in a much harder way.

Shane Michael Brumbaugh, 23, of Gresham died during dinner time Sunday, March 10, gunned down in the driveway behind his Tee Off Estates condominium in the 1400 block of Northeast Paropa Court.

Neighbors heard at least three gunshots and called police at about 6:45 p.m. But the three suspects involved — the shooter, the lookout and the getaway driver — had fled the scene before police arrived.

Those who lived near the young man are eager to talk about him.

He was kind, polite and a hard worker, they say.

But with the gunman and accomplices still at large, some neighbors are reluctant to provide their own last names.

“It was such a senseless act, completely and totally,” said Stephanie, a neighbor whose daughter grew up in the same condominiums with Brumbaugh. “There's no rhyme or reason to it.”

On Sunday evening, Brumbaugh's live-in girlfriend was at Stephanie's returning some movies when gunshots rang out. Stephanie's boyfriend, Ray, saw a young man tuck a gun into his waistband as he ran north toward Northeast 16th Street. He gave chase and watched as the gunman and a lookout jumped in a waiting getaway car parked in front of the condominiums' mailboxes. The car then fled the scene.

Ray and the victim's girlfriend ran to her condo. Brumbaugh was shot in the chest and neck, but he managed to get inside, where he collapsed at the top of the stairs.

His frantic girlfriend and Ray tried to perform CPR in him, but he died at the scene.

Neighbor Jeannie Warner, whose grandson grew up with Brumbaugh, can't shake the image of Brumbaugh's mother rushing to her son's home.

“How is he, how is he?” the mother kept asking. When the mother learned that her son had died, she broke down sobbing.

“It was really sad,” Warner said.

She and her husband had just finished dinner when they heard the gunshots.

“It's scary,” Warner said. “You don't expect anything like that in your neighborhood. You just never know what's going to happen.”

Debbie Rigdon also heard the shots and watched in horror as her 6-year-old son rushed to the window to look outside. She had to order him away.

“That kind of thing doesn't happen here,” she said of the usually quiet area.

She recalled seeing Brumbaugh mowing the grass and trimming bushes throughout the complex.

“Nice guy,” Rigdon said. “And young. It's too bad.”

“He was a nice kid,” Warner said. “For someone to do that, it was really bad.”

Brumbaugh grew up with Warner's grandson and attended Hall Elementary and Gordon Russell Middle School before moving on to an alternative high school.

“He was always smiling,” Warner said. “Like all kids, they get into trouble sometimes but nothing to get shot like that. He really didn't deserve that.”

Stephanie, whose boyfriend tried to save Brumbaugh's life, agreed.

“He was a wonderful guy, very helpful,” she said.

Recently, when Stephanie's car broke down while she was at work, she called Brumbaugh for help. He drove over, fixed her car and then followed her home to make sure she got home safely.

Brumbaugh was known as a handyman. He got by doing odd jobs and did some work for a neighbor who is a plumber. He volunteered his labor to help Ray and Stephanie remodel their kitchen.

He also was fixing up an old van he bought hoping to start his own pressure-washing business.

“Everybody knew Shane,” Stephanie said. “He was so likable and outgoing. He was sweet and thoughtful.”

Ray, who'd stayed quiet while Stephanie talked about the young man, could no longer contain his emotions.

“He was a kid,” Ray said, his voice tinged with disgust and anger.

Rhoda May Hooper

April 14, 1923-March 11, 2013

Longtime East County resident Rhoda Minkler Hooper died Monday, March 11. She was 89.

A private memorial service will be held, with a public memorial planned for a later date.

Rhoda was born April 14, 1923, to Rhoda (Hoffman) Minkler and John Minkler, in California. She was the youngest daughter of 11 children — seven sisters and four brothers.

A devoted wife and mother, Rhoda loved to bake. She cared for many foster children over the years.

Rhoda was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hooper. She is survived by her daughter, Hazel M. Cate; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren (with one on the way).

John “JD” Lillard

June 21, 1922-March 9, 2013

Gresham resident John “JD” Lillard died Saturday, March 9. He was 90.

A private memorial service will be held.

JD was born June 21, 1922, in Portland, to Mack Henry and Edith R. Lillard. He graduated from Benson High School and worked in sales management with Fuller Brush. Later in life, he sold real estate.

JD married Alice Stewart on Aug. 6, 1943, in Vancouver, Wash. He loved motor sports, the Oregon Ducks, visiting friends and spoiling his cat, Sally.

His wife and brother, Allen, preceded him in death. Survivors include his daughters, Teresa Fulsher and Peggy Calavan; sons, Lynn Lillard and Raymond Lillard; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oregon Humane Society. Aftercare Cremation and Burial Service is handling arrangements.

Marie Ross Kelnhofer

April 12, 1924-March 8, 2013

Fairview resident Marie Ross Kelnhofer died Friday, March 8. She was 88.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Wood Village Baptist Church. Private internment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery.

Marie was born April 12, 1924, in Berryville, Ark., to William and Edna Adeline Houston. She received her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State Teacher’s College and her master’s degree from Oregon College of Education.

Marie was a school teacher most of her life. She married Harold “Kelly” Kelnhofer May 11, 1977, in Portland.

Marie volunteered at Warner Pacific College and was a member of Mt. Scott Church of God. She also was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators. She loved reading, quilting and traveling with her husband.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Lindquist and Betty Madsen; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Thomas G. Haralampus

Aug. 30, 1931-March 11, 2013

East County resident Thomas G. Haralampus died Monday, March 11, in Portland. He was 81.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Gresham Memorial Chapel. Viewings will be held 3-7 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The committal service will follow at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery in Clackamas.

Thomas was born Aug. 30, 1931, in Portland, to Gust and Esther Haralampus. He grew up in Northeast Portland and attended Benson High School.

He married Dorothy Rudarmel in 1952. Thomas worked at B.P. John Furniture for approximately 25 years. He later worked at other furniture companies before working for Mastercraft and retiring in 1997.

He enjoyed bingo and building his own furniture.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Diane Graham and Kathey Gonzales; one brother, Peter Haralampus; and two grandchildren.

Dale F. Murray

July 18, 1940-March 9, 2013

Gresham resident Dale F. Murray died Saturday, March 9, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. He was 72.

At Dale’s request, no service will be held.

He was born July 18, 1940, in Ladysmith, Wis. The Murray family moved to Oregon when Dale was very young. He joined the Army after graduation and served during the Korean War.

He is survived by his son, Joe Murray; stepdaughter, Julie Owen; two sisters, Shirley Lewis and Carol Reiger; one brother, DeWayne Murray; two grandsons one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

Affordable Funeral Alternative is handling arrangements. Donations may be sent to Legacy Hospice in his name.

June Davis

June 22, 1937-March 13, 2013

Eagle Creek resident June Davis died Wednesday, March 13. She was 75.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Sandy Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 11 a.m.

A full obituary will run in a future edition of The Outlook.

Paid obituaries

Jesse Wayne Lott

U. S. Army (Retired)

January 3, 1945 - September 27, 2012

Surrounded in love by his family and friends, Jesse Wayne Lott, 67, died of cancer in Holcomb, Mississippi on September 27, 2012. Born in Pascagoula, MS on January 3, 1945, he was the only child of Jessie P. and Katherine Pate Lott. He attended local schools in Grenada and Carroll counties and Holmes College where he majored in Pre- Law and Political Science. He continued his education throughout his 22 year military career.

Between semesters while in college, Jesse married Joy Stallings of Cascilla, MS on January 21, 1966. He later joined the Army and served in Viet Nam where his exposure to Agent Orange eventually contributed to his death. Jesse’s duty assignments included Washington, Georgia, California, Germany, and Portland, OR, where he retired and has resided for the past 28 years.

Jesse was a member of Oak Hills Presbyterian Church in Milwaukie. He was passionate about many things, particularly his patriotism, politics and helping anyone in need, especially veterans and the elderly. He was a former candidate for Oregon State Senator and was active in civic and political organizations.

Jesse was predeceased by his father, Jessie P. Lott of Holcomb and two long-time close friends, Bob Crane of Glenns Ferry, Idaho and Col. (Ret) Kenneth Reusser of Portland, OR. Survivors include his mother, Katherine Pate Lott of Grenada, MS, wife, Joy Stallings Lott of Milwaukie, OR, daughter Jessica (Chris) Corbett and their son Jace, all of Grenada, MS. Jesse also leaves a daughter Atlantis Baron and her son, Carter, of Rohnert Park, CA.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Jesse Wayne Lott will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, 5101 S. E. Thiessen Road, Milwaukie, OR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or the Oak Hills Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 5101 S. E. Thiessen Road, Milwaukie, OR 97267.

Richard “Dick” Miller

Longtime Sandy resident, Richard Miller passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones on Sunday, March 10, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was almost 81 years old.

A Graveside Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery with Military Honors on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 in the chapel of Sandy Funeral Home.

Richard Paul was born on March 25, 1932 in Medina, Ohio to Paul Charles and Ellen Viola Miller. He is survived by his wife Joan; 3 daughters, Paula and husband Rudy, Peggy and husband Jeff, Peri and husband Mike; 2 brothers, Jack and Sam; his granddaughters, Serena, Stephanie and Brianna; his great grandchildren, Jocelynn, Alexis and Mason.

In 1945, Richard’s immediate family relocated to California and Richard graduated from Sacramento high School in 1951. He served in the Navy aboard a destroyer escort in the Korean War from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. Prior to his discharge, he was united in marriage to Joan Charlene Jackson on January 1, 1954. They made their home in California and began their family there. They re-located in 1969 and moved to Sandy and made their permanent home.

Richard was employed by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph/Pacific Northwest Bell since 1955. He began working as a janitor and elevator operator, and retired in 1987 as a planning engineer.

Richard had many passions including traveling, golfing, skiing and was actively involved in many organizations. He and Joan were very involved in the Sandy Kiwanis Club and hosted the annual summer picnic at their home for over 20 years. Richard was on the Civil Service Commission Board at the Sandy Fire Department and the Sandy Chamber of Commerce. On the 150th Anniversary of the Oregon Trail, Richard and Joan shared their property with hundreds of participants for the weekend events. Most importantly, Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends in the Sandy Community.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Hood Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Audrey L. Normoyle (Skeslien)

Audrey was born February 17, 1930 in Mohall, North Dakota to Alvin and Myrtle Skeslien. In 1934 they moved to Sandy, Oregon where she lived all her life. She attended Bull Run Grade School and graduated from Sandy High School in 1948.

Audrey worked 33 years in dentistry as an assistant, receptionist and in dental insurance.

On November 24, 1948 she married George (Bud) Hornback, after 23 years of marriage they divorced. They had two lovely daughters, Diane and Debbie. In 1978 she married Eugene Normoyle. He died in 1997.

Audrey loved people. Her hobbies were her family, sewing, golfing, bowling, Pinochle, her flower garden and western music.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Normoyle and her great-grandson Ben Pierson. Survivors include daughter Diane Deatherage and husband Bob, Debbie Kirkpatrick and husband David, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her long-time companion Mike Bohrer.

Remembrances can be sent to Mt. Hood Hospice PO Box 1269 Sandy, OR 97055. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Willamette National Cemetery.

Eileen Mary Rutherford

September 5, 1918 – February 25, 2013

Eileen Mary Rutherford went to be with Jesus on Feb 25th 2013. Eileen spent 94 years loving her family and friends and sharing her talents and hobbies with them and anyone else who needed help. Born to Hazel and Ivan Swift on September 5, 1918 she had four siblings, Fern, Phyllis, and Donald Swift, and Joy Rogers. July 1, 1938 she married Vincent Rutherford and had two children, Diane and Jerry, who gave her four grandchildren followed by six great grandchildren. She began her career as a cook at Gresham Grade School. In 1980 she retired as food service manager from Dexter McCarty School having spent her work days doing one of her favorite things……feeding others. She wanted to stay busy and was invited to the Senior Center Sewing Room. She fell in love with quilting, the sewing projects and the people. She was a faithful volunteer until her eyesight prevented her from continuing. In Dec of 2011 she moved to Courtyard Fountains. She joined friends, became reacquainted with past ones and met many new ones. Eileen was welcomed into heaven by her family of origin, her husband, Vincent and a myriad of family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Stoglin, son Jerry Rutherford, (Sherry), grand children, Lynne Page, Brenda Rutherford, Angela Stoglin, Heather Rutherford and great grandchildren Ryan O’Quinn, Brandon Rutherford, Tyrone Swenson, Michael Page, Emma Rutherford and Marissa Thompson. We’ll miss you, Mom and are thankful for every day you were with us.

Please join us for A Celebration of Eileen’s Life March 23, 2013 at 11:00 A.M at Gresham Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Eileen's favorite Charity, the Salvation Army Gresham Capitol Campaign.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Damascus City Council — 7 p.m., City Hall, 19920 S.E. Highway 212. Call 503-658-8545 or visit damascusoregon.gov for more information.

Central City Neighborhood — 7 p.m., MetroEast Community Media, 829 N.E. Eighth St. For more information, call Chris Bentley at 801-791-2054.

Rockwood Neighborhood Association ‚ 7 p.m., the Rockwood Building, 124 N.E. 181st Ave. The agenda includes an update on the public safety facility, the Rockwood central plan, the 182nd Avenue Sidewalk Project from Stark Street to Portland Lutheran School, and an introduction to new Gresham City Councilor Mario Palmero. For more information, call Catherine Nicewood at 503-285-6587.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Gresham City Council Business Meeting — 3 p.m., City Hall, Council Chambers, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. For more information, call 503-618-2697 or visit GreshamOregon.gov/agendas.

Gresham Redevelopment Commission — After business meeting, City Hall, Council Chambers, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. For more information, call Cecille Turley at 503-618-2545.

Multnomah Education Service District Board — 6 p.m., Multnomah Education Service District Boardroom, 11611 N.E. Ainsworth Circle, Portland. Call 503-257-1504 or visit w3.mesd.k12.or.us for information.

Troutdale City Council work session — 6:30 p.m., Troutdale City Hall Council Chambers, 219 E. Historic Columbia River Highway. For more information, call 503-665-5175.

The Port of Cascade Locks on Wednesday, March 13, put into place traffic controls for trucks crossing the Bridge of the Gods due to requirements from the Federal Highway Administration and Oregon Department of Transportation.

Flaggers at each end of the bridge will control traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, when flaggers will alternate trucks up to 80,000 GVW over the bridge. Expect short delays.

From 3 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, and during weekends, the bridge is controlled by temporary weight restriction signs limiting trucks planning to cross the bridge to 60,000 GVW.

The Port is working with businesses and communities on both sides of the Columbia River to accommodate truck traffic.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the process of performing a weight and load study of the Bridge of the Gods and will have a final report ready this fall. Weight restrictions on the bridge will be reassessed them.

Test drive a Ford, help high schools

Gresham Ford, 1999 E. Powell Blvd., is partnering with Gresham High School and Barlow High School on Saturday, March 16, as part of Ford Motor Company’s Drive 4 UR School program.

For every person who test-drives a new Ford vehicle at this one-day event, Ford Motor Company and Gresham Ford will donate $20, up to $6,000 total, to Gresham and Barlow high schools to the Gopher Spirit Club and varsity baseball team and Barlow High School’s wrestling team.

For more information, call 503-665-0101.

Spring choir concert set for March 20

The Gresham High School Choir is holding its spring concert festival at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at East Hill Church.

The concert will feature several solos by students who placed in the recent district solo competition, some of whom are competing at the OSAA State Vocal Solo Championships on May 4.

The concert is free, but donations for the choir program will be accepted.

The following students placed at the District 2 Vocal Solo Competition. Those with an asterisk (*) beside their name will compete at the championships.

Soprano — *Dacey McCrae, third place; and Cajsa Strommer, fifth place (alternate to state).

Mezzo Soprano — *Gabi Alfonso, second place.

Alto — Claire Rehmke, third place (alternate to state); and Laurel Strobel, fifth place.

Tenor — *Dahlton Mahar, second place; Austin Joseph, third place (alternate to state); and Marquis Arango, fifth place.

Baritone — *Zach Wright, second place; and Kyle Mueller, third place (alternate to state).

Bass — *Josh Horine, second place; Ryan Leveque, third place (alternate to state); and Patrick Campbell, fourth place.

Troutdale student competes in poetry contest

Nine high school-age poetry champions from around Oregon will compete in the state Poetry Out Loud competition from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in Salem.

Among the poets is Troutdale resident Rosie Reyes, who studies at the Center for Advanced Learning. Reyes, 17, is a member of her junior class council and plans to become a physical therapist. She also plays the piano.

The state competition winner will represent Oregon in the national finals in Washington, D.C., April 29-30, winning an all-expense-paid trip, a $200 scholarship and $500 for the school library to purchase poetry books.

For more information on Poetry Out Loud, call the Oregon Arts Commission at 503-986-0082 or visit the national website at poetryoutloud.org.

Reynolds High welcomes Challenge Day

More than 100 community and business leaders and 360 Reynolds High School seniors will participate in a one-day training program called Challenge Day next week.

The day is intended to build empathy and promote positive changes in schools, expanding beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts.

Held over three days with three groups of participants, the program will run March, 18-20.

To become a sponsor or volunteer, call David Hopper, a Reynolds counselor and Challenge Day organizer, at 503-667-3186, ext. 1284 or email him at dhopper@rsd7.net.

To learn more, visit challengeday.org/FAQ.php.

Boardwalk Burgers to hold SnowCap benefit

The newly opened Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries will hold a fundraiser for SnowCap Community Charities from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 17.

During the event, at Oregon Trail Center, 2067 N.E. Burnside Road, 20 percent of proceeds from all sales at the restaurant during those hours will go to SnowCap.

Additionally, Boardwalk will collect canned food, clothing and items on Sunday to help those in need.

For more information, call 503-674-8785 or email judy@snowcap.com.

Damascus farmers market opens in May

The Damascus Fresh and Local Market will kick off its new season from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, and run through Sept. 26, at 19850 S.E. Damascus Lane.

Opportunities are still available for vendors, volunteers and entertainers to participate in the market. To become a vendor, visit damascusfreshandlocalmarket.org or email damascusfreshandlocalmarket@gmail.com.

Grow a rainbow garden

Plant seeds that will grow into a rainbow of fresh vegetables.

Al’s Garden Center of Gresham will hold a Grow a Rainbow Garden program for children at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at 7505 S.E. Hogan Road, Gresham.

To register, visit als-gardencenter.com or call 503-491-0771. The workshop is $5 per child.

Gresham Elks Lodge 1805 held its annual awards banquet Saturday, March 9, to honor outstanding citizens and volunteers and award thousands of dollars in college scholarships to six high school seniors.

Citizen of the Year award, which is selected by the Elks’ exalted ruler, went to Cory Williamson, the mother of Mayor Shane Bemis. Williamson, a Gresham loan officer at Mortgage Express, sits on the city planning board and steers the committee that holds a large annual golf tournament.

She cooks for the homeless every week, often buying the food herself and purchasing coats, gloves and other necessities for those she serves.

Community dignitaries honored

The Elks also recognized the top local police and firefighters of the year, who are selected by members of their respective departments.

• Gresham Police Department Ron Crump Officer of the Year Award: Officer Ryan Rasmussen.

• City of Gresham Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award: Eric Byrne.

• Fairview Police Department Officer of the Year: Brad Robertson.

• Troutdale Police Department Officer of the Year: Joe Storagee.

• Sandy Police Department Officer of the Year: Kevin Moody.

• Sandy Fire District Firefighter of the Year: Christian Fritz.

Students win scholarships

The Gresham Elks recognized six high school seniors who had placed in the Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student program.

• First place $1,500 scholarship: Sandra Dorning of Centennial High School and Henry Sykes of Reynolds High School.

• Second place $1,000 scholarships: Elirissa Hue of Centennial High School and Kevin Frank of Sandy High School.

• Third place $500 scholarships: Christina Brown of Gresham High School and Spencer Gilbride of Corbett Charter High School.

• Henry Sykes was also the recipient of the $1,000 Sally Lamm Scholarship.

The Elks’ scholarship committee ranks each student applicant on academic achievement, leadership and financial need.

Elks honor own members

The Gresham Elks also honored its own members and volunteers during the ceremony.

• Several Outstanding Service Accommodations were given this year to Bonnie Floyd, who was honored for serving the lodge as an officer, and Don Green, who was honored for his work with the Veterans Hospital in Portland and also for his many years as trustee.

• Lodge Non-Elk Volunteer of the Year went to Ruth Shawgo, who volunteers in the office, decorates the Lodge and helps count money. Heather Green was recognized for her work with the veterans, while Les Hofer, bingo chairman, was recognized for his work with weekly bingo.

• Lodge Officer of the year was presented to Malia Bafford, the first woman exalted ruler.

• The Elk of the Year was awarded to Betty Chisum, public relations chairwoman. Each month an Elk of the Month is picked and from the group the Elk of the Year is chosen.

Mancio-Raff

Mirasol Mancio and Casey Raff were married Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at Casey’s house in Gresham.

Anthony Behrens officiated at the ceremony, with Mason and Kendall Autry as ring bearers and Rob Marshall as best man. The bride did not have attendants.

The groom is a 2001 Damascus Christian School graduate who works at U.S. Bank. He is the son of Werner Raff and Joyce Raff.

The bride is a 1999 graduate of Taguig National High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of San Jose in the Philippines. She works as a data encoder and is the daughter of Placido Mancio and Lucia Mancio.

Mirasol wore a royal blue dress and carried a bouquet of white roses and daisies.

After the wedding, the couple took a honeymoon at Timberline Lodge. A reception is planned for Saturday, April 13, at The Gresham Elks Lodge.

The couple lives in Gresham.

In an upbeat speech teaming with optimism, Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis in his annual State of the City address called on residents to start dreaming.

To capitalize on the city's positive momentum and economic growth, he is convening a group to brainstorm ideas on how Gresham can become an even better community.

“While I firmly believe that Gresham is on the rise, I also want us to be purposeful in helping that rising tide continue,” Bemis said before an audience of 250 in the Mount Hood Community College's theater on Tuesday, March 12. “It has been a long time, perhaps dating back to our parents' generation, since this community has sat down together to ask what we can do to help Gresham — this place we love — thrive, as opposed to discussing which areas require cuts and disinvestment.”

The speech was a departure from prior annual addresses in which Bemis called for volunteers to help fill gaps caused by cuts in city services, or unveiled an innovative program to fill closed storefronts with new businesses.

Both efforts were resounding successes.

In the past year, 2,600 volunteers contributed more than 14,000 hours to the city.

The Garage-to-Storefront program, launched in 2010, created 144 new or expanding businesses and filled 225,000 square feet of vacant storefront by waived fees the city usually charges new businesses.

Many of those new businesses have opened in downtown Gresham, creating a retail renaissance of sorts.

Major employers, such as Boeing of Gresham and ON Semiconductor, are investing millions and creating yet more jobs. Other industries — from banking to automotive sales — also are booming, as are local industrial parks. Since 2008, five new industrial parks have attracted 17 new companies with more than 600 employees.

Meanwhile, an assortment of capital projects are underway or marking completion.

Gresham's gritty Rockwood area is home to a new courthouse and a totally revamped stretch of lightrail, complete with a redesigned MAX station and a vibrant, eye-catching art display at Northeast 188th Avenue and Burnside Street.

Last week, construction began on a new police station on Northeast 181st Avenue.

Main City Park is undergoing a major transformation. A new archway marks where the Springwater Trail connects to the park, and a ribbon of sidewalk now flows through the park to the downtown core.

City councilors are poised to approve a federal loan to fund a children's fountain at the Center for the Arts Plaza downtown.

Young families are taking notice and moving to the area, wooed by reasonable housing prices and a charming small-town feel, Bemis said.

So what's next, the mayor asked.

“Is it a community center? More activity for youth? A Trader Joe's or a Macy's? Better parks or ball fields?”

On that last suggestion, members of the Gresham Nationals Little League sat up straight. The local team made international headlines last summer when it won the Northwest Regional Championship and competed in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

“More education infrastructure?” the mayor continued. “The first step to making the community a better place is getting together and dreaming a little, and I want to do just that.

“We have spent too many years letting others define us instead of telling our own tremendously positive story. Optimists make investments, and those investments should lead us as we set about assessing the state of our city. … We've got a great energy building here, and now is the time to leave negativity and gloom at the door, because I'm telling you, together we are going to surge.”

Those in the audience said the speech was a nice reminder of all that's right with the city.

“We really thought it was great,” said Joyce Hope Lowe of Gresham, who attended speech with two friends who also live in Gresham. “We're gonna surge ahead but still remain family-oriented.”

“I am impressed with the things we are doing in Gresham,” said Idelle Shull. “We need to hear that, these positive things, and take pride in our community.”

Oh joy. Gresham is being portrayed again in the national news as a place that discriminates against gays.

A month ago, it was due to a local bakery’s ill-advised decision not to sell a cake for a gay couple’s wedding. Now, it’s a Gresham-Barlow School District principal’s allegation that the district is refusing to renew his contract because of his sexual orientation.

The first case was cut and dried: No one disputes that the business refused to fulfill an order for the same-sex couple. In our view, that was wrong.

The second matter, however, is not nearly so clear.

North Gresham Elementary School Principal Tom Klansnic appears to be quite popular with parents and students. The Outlook recently published an article about the good work he has done at his school to prevent bullying.

We applaud his accomplishments in his years with the school district, but frankly, the accusations he has made against district administrators do not strike us as plausible.

We say this because we know the people who run this school district in particular and school districts in general. Gresham-Barlow’s top administrators and school board members are not unenlightened people who would clumsily and ignorantly discharge a person based upon sexual orientation. Rather, they are professionals with high levels of education, deep involvement in the community and a well-developed sense of fairness.

Consider that the same group of people who supposedly are firing a principal for being gay also are about to ask the community for an eye-popping tax increase to fund a $210 million bond measure. Obviously, this is not a district led by far-right firebrands. If anything, the majority of district administrators and board members are more likely to be labeled as soft-hearted, left-leaning do-gooders.

We aren’t completely dismissing the possibility that subtle discrimination can enter into hiring and firing decisions at a school district. We will wait for Klansnic’s attorney to file a threatened lawsuit, and we’ll be interested to see any hard evidence that discrimination was a factor.

The Outlook, at least for the past 30 years, has consistently opposed discrimination against anyone based on their color, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender or any other factor that would cause them to be treated unfairly. So we do not take this allegation against the district lightly.

But our best assessment at this point is that there are probably other reasons the district and Klansnic are parting ways. Perhaps the explanation boils down to differences in educational philosophy, or a principal’s resistance to ever-changing standards imposed by state and district bureaucrats.

If the latter were the case, we might even agree with a departing principal on that score. But we’d need to see a great deal more proof before we could conclude that the Gresham-Barlow School District would consciously choose to violate state law, its own policies and the stated values of its leaders by dismissing a principal simply because he is gay.

Wilsonville break out to a 6-0 lead in nonleague win over Eagles

Centennial’s softball team slowed down the Wilsonville bats in the late innings Friday, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback during a 6-1 loss in nonleague play.

Wilsonville put up runs in three of the first four innings, building a 6-0 lead after Sarah Roberts connected on a laser shot down the third-base line in the fourth inning.

Centennial escaped the bases-loaded jam during the next at-bat when Madison Hamilton met a slow ground ball half-way down the third-base line and fired home to end the inning.

The Eagles broke up the shutout bid in the sixth inning when Natalie McDonald sent a single into right field that moved Miller to third base. Moments later, McDonald drew the attention of the Wilsonville defense in a rundown, allowing Miller to sprint home safely.

Look for extended game coverage in the Tuesday, March 19, print edition.

View a photo gallery from the game at ...

http://daveball.exposuremanager.com/g/march15_wilsonville-cnt_softball

Police in Troutdale used a “distraction device” — creating a loud boom that may have rattled some residents — to arrest a wanted man on Friday, March 15.

Austin Lee Hoover, 21, of Gresham reportedly drove away from his home in the 2200 block of Southeast Seventh Street at 11:30 a.m. when members of the East Metro SWAT Team served a search warrant, said Sgt. Carey Kerr, Troutdale Police spokesman. Officers followed Hoover on Southwest 257th Drive, and stayed behind him as he turned onto Hensley Road. Because it's a less populated area, police determined it would be a safer location to deploy what's called a distraction device — something akin to a hand grenade that creates a loud noise and a flash to act as a diversion.

“A loud boom echoed in the neighborhood,” Kerr said, causing alarm for some residents.

But the device worked and police took Hoover into custody at 12:30 p.m. without further incident.

Hoover has been released on his own recognizance after being booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on allegations of cocaine possession and delivery, first-degree forgery, manufacturing marijuana and first-degree theft by deception.

Suspect in head-on crash arrested on allegations of drunken and reckless driving

A semi-truck driver drove the wrong way on Interstate 84 from east of Wood Village to the Glenn Jackson Bridge before causing a crash and a commuting nightmare early Monday, March 18.

Kenneth Eugene Burgess, 49, of Medical Lake, Wash., is being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center on allegations of driving under the influence of intoxicants, second-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.

The driver of the car that Burgess crashed into — Katherine Mary Emerson, 24, of Vancouver, Wash., — was treated for non life-threatening injuries and released from a Southwest Washington hospital later in the morning, said Sgt. Pete Simpson, Portland Police spokesman.

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, deputies began receiving reports of a tractor-trailer driving west in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 east of Wood Village at 4:20 a.m.

Deputies began pursuing the truck, which continued to the I-205 bridge northbound in the southbound lanes. On the north side of the bridge, almost at the border with Washington, the truck crashed into a southbound vehicle and stopped at 4:30 a.m.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was treated at the scene. Due to the possibility of alcohol being involved, police detained him and later arrested him.

One Portland Police car also was damaged by crash debris and had to be towed from the scene.

The head-on crash snarled southbound traffic across the I-205 bridge for nearly six hours. Only one lane of southbound traffic was open during the early morning commute as police investigated the accident.

Many motorists used Interstate 5 and other arterials as alternate routes, clogging them with additional traffic.

The truck and trailer were towed, and the freeway finally opened to all lanes of traffic by 10:15 a.m. Portland police are continuing to investigate the crash.

A Fairview man reportedly set his house on fire and drove his truck into a lake in what police are calling a mental health crisis.

The incident began at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, when Fairview Police responded to a report of a truck being driven into Fairview Lake off the 20700 block of Northeast Adam Lane, said Sgt. John Pemberton with the Fairview Police Department.

A man had driven a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado over a six- to eight-foot ledge, landing in about six inches of water in Fairview Lake. Water levels are unusually low this year due to lower than average rain fall, noted Lt. Steve Alexander, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

After getting out of the truck, the drenched man reportedly walked toward a house two blocks away and stopped in an empty field next to the house. Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office then noticed smoke coming from the house.

Crews from Gresham Fire & Emergency Services extinguished the fire, which appeared to have started in the living room.

The man sustained a head wound from hitting the windshield during the crash, Pemberton said. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment and a mental health evaluation.

“He's lucky he walked away (from the crash),” Pemberton said.

Police said the man is in his 40s and lives alone in the house with the fire. Fairview has no history of prior police calls at the address, Pemberton added.

The home sustained minor fire damage and major smoke damage, Pemberton said. The truck also sustained major front end damage.

Breanna Browning of Centennial won the drill down competition at the OSAA state dance team championships Saturday at Memorial Coliseum. Michaela Tyler of Reynolds was second in Thursday’s drill-down event.

Gresham finished second in the 6A/5A large team competition with 84.53 points, while Barlow was third in the 6A small team standings with 84.53 points.

Clackamas won the show division with 86.67 points, while David Douglas was the top East County finisher by placing eighth. Portland Lutheran finished fourth out of six teams in the small-school division.

Meet Mt. Hood's presidential candidates

Mt. Hood Community College will hold public forums to give students, employees and the community an opportunity to meet the finalists for the office of president.

The forums will be held Friday, April 5, in the Visual Arts Theatre on the Gresham Campus, 26000 S.E. Stark St.

Each candidate will open with a five-minute statement, followed by 35 minutes of questions from the audience and a five-minute closing statement.

The candidates are scheduled at the following times: Debra Derr, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Suzanne Miles, 12:25–1:10 p.m.; and Jacob Ng, 1:20–2:05 p.m. Additional information about each candidate is available on the college website at mhcc.edu.

Mt. Hood’s current president, Michael Hay, has announced that he will retire June 30.

School for at-risk students hosts grand opening

Celebrate the opening of a new high school serving at-risk students in the Gresham-Barlow and Centennial school districts.

An opening ceremony for Rosemary Anderson High School East will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at 2208 S.E. 182nd Ave., Gresham.

The ceremony will include the dedication of a time capsule created by students, teachers and public officials.

To RSVP, call Luz Vega at 503-797-7226 or email lvega@portlanddoic.org. For more information, visit rosemaryandersonhs.org.

Donate for Community Warehouse

The Centennial Education Association is collecting donations of household items and gently-used bed and bath linens for the Community Warehouse through spring break.

Community Warehouse is a local nonprofit organization that supplies furniture and household goods to people in need throughout the Portland area.

Donations can be brought to barrels at buildings throughout the district. For more information, email Ann Riddle at atannriddle1@yahoo.com.

Rotarians to host local actor at fundraiser

The public is invited to the Gresham Rotary’s annual Wine Event and auction, with featured speaker Sid Louie, from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Tyee Yacht Club, 2929 N.E. Marine Drive, Portland.

Louie, a native Oregonian, is an educator, writer and professional actor.

The rotary’s Wine Event is one of four major fundraisers the group holds each year to raise money for local charities and philanthropic endeavors. Fundraising efforts allow the Gresham Rotary to provide more than 800 dictionaries to local elementary schools, Christmas gifts to needy families and sponsorships for area children to attend summer camp at Camp Collins. The Rotary also awards more than $14,000 in scholarship to Gresham and Sandy students.

Tickets are $20 per person and include a glass of wine, light buffet dinner and auction bidding number to take home such items as airline tickets and a week for two in Palm Springs. Raffle tickets for wine packages are available from Rotary members for $5 each.

For more information or to purchase auction or raffle tickets, send an email to the wine event committee at 1769@gmail.com.

Clubs kick off food drive for area food banks

Curves International has launched its 15th annual Feed the Need Food Drive and is waiving joining fees for new members who donate.

Through Saturday, March 23, all Curves clubs are asking members to donate bags of nonperishable food or cash to support local community food banks.

Since the program’s inception, Curves members in the United States and Canada have donated more than 75 million pounds of food. The company hopes to reach a goal of 100,000 donations this year.

Additionally, once the goal is reached among all Curves clubs, the company will donate 10 percent of its March profits to “Blessings in a Backpack,” a nonprofit organization that ensures low-income elementary school children are fed on the weekends throughout the school year.

Curves International operates three local locations:

Gresham — 204 N.E. Second St., 503-491-3522.

Damascus — 20440 S.E. Highway 212, 503-658-1778.

Portland — 1503 N.E. 181st Ave., 503-491-5526.

Car wash and bake sale benefit to be held

Residents are encouraged to stop by the Troutdale Dairy Queen at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, for a car wash and sweet treat to help three local girls raise money for their upcoming pageant expenses.

Thirteen-year-old Eve Duncan and her nieces, Kaitlyn Van Hee, 6, and Karly Van Hee, 9, have been selected as state finalists in the National American Miss Pageant, a scholarship program for young girls ages 4-18. Duncan has participated in the pageant for five years and is also serving as mentor to Kaitlyn and Karly.

For more information on the National American Miss Pageant, visit namiss.com.

Legislative town hall scheduled

Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Hood River, and Sen. Chuck Thomsen, R-Hood River, will host an in-district town hall meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 22 at the Port of Cascade Locks, 355 Cascade Locks Highway.

The public is invited to meet both representatives of District 52, who will present a legislative update and hear concerns from residents about issues in the community and in Salem.

This is the first of a number of town halls Johnson looks to host throughout the 2013 Legislative Session.

For more information, or to submit particular questions for the town hall meeting, send an email to Mark@RepMarkJohnson.com.

LeMay joins Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham has announced the appointment of Craig LeMay as the new mission developer at Third Space, a young adult community hosted by the church.

LeMay will assume his new role Saturday, March 16, when he is installed at a service led by Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke of the Oregon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).

LeMay, 33, was born in Tacoma, Wash., and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. During two years in AmeriCorps in Tacoma, LeMay fell in love with community service. He then attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., graduating with a master’s degree in divinity.

LeMay will become a diaconal minister, or someone who is “consecrated for service in ministries at the intersection of church and world,.” He will work outside the church to make connections with the community at large.

Third Space is a gathering of young adults in Gresham. It meets at Trinity Lutheran Church at 6 p.m. Sundays to share a meal and build community.