After graduating from SK, I went to college at UW and then transferred to UNC, Chapel Hilll, graduating with a philosophy degree that did nothing to keep me from being selected by Uncle Sam for a stint in the Army and all-expense paid tour of Vietnam. Upon my return, I tried out a career in journalism for around ten years, working for newspapers in Washington and Oregon, then changed gears and went to work in DC as a press secretary to a congressman from Oregon. Seven years later, following the birth of my son, John, in 1884, my wife, Jeanne and I returned to Oregon. I landed and held a job as chief of staff to the mayor of Beaverton until he got de-elected, then moved on to work in West Linn, Oregon as community services coordinator for that city. After 14 years of that, I drifted over to Molalla, Oregon, 30 miles southeast of Portland and home of the Buckeroo Rodeo, where I have been working as city manager for the past three years and having a pretty fun time. Yee haw.

Recently I purchased a bull and a pickup truck on behalf of the city taxpayers. Molalla police officers pursuing a meth suspect on foot across a pasture at the Coleman Ranch east of town inadvertently left the gate open. A bull wandered out on to Feyrer Park Road and got T-boned by a kid driving a pickup truck. Bull and truck both deceased, kid okay (and no lawsuit).

Another recent highlight here in Molalla (www.cityofmolalla.com) was the unveiling of a 10’x 24’ mural on the side of City Hall, depicting historic Wilhoit Springs, a defunct resort south of town that once attracted droves of visitors from faraway places to be cured of all ailments by the sulfurous, carbonated waters. The mural was commissioned by Molalla’s newly established Arts Commission, whose members are surprisingly enthusiastic about bringing the arts to a town with five saloons surrounding the main intersection.

Once again, sorry to miss the fun. John Atkins.