Spanning the State: I bleed purple and red, Edition

Carla Axtman

For those of you in the throes of college football mourning: I'm sorry for your loss(es). Truly I am. Perhaps you should consider focusing your attention on the college football program in Oregon that has a very long and storied history of winning.

I speak of course of my alma mater, Linfield College. Linfield College boasts 58 consecutive winning seasons and four national championships, people. This season, Linfield is undefeated (9-0) and in the hunt for their fifth national title. Of course, Linfield won't be playing in the Rose Bowl or the Pac 12 Championship. But then neither will the Du... oh, okay. I won't rub it in.

Instead, let's Span the State!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::gong!::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Perhaps it's time to rename Josephine County. I'm going to go with "Oregon's Somalia". Why? Locals refuse to raise their taxes to pay for public safety despite having some of the lowest property taxes in the state. Instead, bands of armed locals have taken it upon themselves to patrol the area. What could possibly go wrong?

A proposal that would bring a county administrator to Klamath County appears to be gaining steam. The plan would create a county charter that allocates about $200,000 in salary and benefits for a county administrator, paid for by reforming the county commission to a part-time body. If it's approved by the County Clerk, supporters will begin collecting signatures in an effort to get the proposal on the May 2014 ballot.

Culver School District's $8.8 million bond levy has been a nail biter. On Nov 5, the measure was winning by only 3 votes. But on Friday, Jefferson County Clerk Kathy Marston certified a victory for the levy, which ultimately won by a 10 vote margin. No recount will be required. Monies from the levy will be used to replace two cinder block elementary school wings, improve energy efficiency in buildings,renovate the district's other facilities and pay down half the $1.9 million debt for property purchased in 2008.

Last week, Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes was in Ontario to launch the Malheur County Prosperity Impact Pilot Project. The Project is focused on establishing a Career Technical Education program for high school students starting with welding, fabrication/manufacturing and health care. Computer training and mechanics are under consideration for future additions to the program. The Project is part of a five point economic development plan for Malheur County.

By Carla Axtman Nov. 25, 2013