Dallas, Oregon Podcast

Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face , Kelly Most, Youth Services Librarian at the Dallas Public Library. Kelly’s here to talk about the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Today, we are talking about Building Safety Month, an international celebration in May to raise awareness about building safety. Our guest today is Laurie Roberts, the permit technician here at the City of Dallas.https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/building-safety-month/building-safety-month/

Today, we’re talking about Dallas Nights - a new name for a familiar Dallas event. Our guest today is Tara Townley, another familiar face from a previous episode here to tell us all about this exciting event. 

Today, we’re talking about the Rotary Club right here in Dallas. Our guest today is Tyler Ferrari, the club president and another familiar face from a previous episode.

Today, we’re talking about weed abatement and the importance of keeping our community vibrant, safe and clean. Our guest today is Lexi Murphy, our code services specialist and a familiar face from a previous episode.

Today, we’re talking about an important corner of our local community: the library, and the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and all of those who help make our library special. Our guest today is Matt Goolsby, president of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.https://www.dallasorfol.orgEmail: [email protected]

Today, we are talking about Willamette Valley Fiber, a local business here in Dallas. Our guest today is Jason Saunders, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service Director at Willamette Valley Fiber. https://wvalleyfiber.com/https://www.facebook.com/willamettevalleyfiber

Today, we are talking about Liberty House, a Children’s Advocacy Center in Salem. Our guest today is Peter Carrillo, Liberty House’s Director of Community Engagement, Prevention, and Development.https://libertyhousecenter.org/

Today, we are learning all about the fantastic event called NerdCon here in Dallas. Our guest today is Lydia Wales, one of our Library Aides here. https://www.dallasor.gov/library

Today, we are going to talk about the Kindness Club here in Dallas. Our guest today is Debbie Wall McCleery. https://www.thekindnessclubdallasoregon.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekindnessclub/?ref=group_header

Today, we are going to learn about real estate here in Dallas. Our guest today is Megan Johnston from the Journey Home Team. https://www.thejourneyhometeam-kw.com/

Today, we’re diving into the Dallas Aquatic Center. Our guest today is Gretchen, here to talk about the aquatic center and all of the great offerings they have for our community.www.dallasor.gov

Today, we’re talking about the state of the city - project updates, accomplishments from the past year, and things to look forward to in 2026. Here with us today is Dallas Mayor Rich Slack.To stay informed on city projects, visit www.dallasor.gov or follow the City of Dallas on Facebook.

Today, we’re talking about the city's utility bill - getting an in depth breakdown of what each charge is for and how the rates are set. Joining us today to help with the discussion is Finance Director, Cecilia Ward. 

Today, we’re talking about Bambinos - an amazing organization right here in Dallas that provides support for families and young children in our community. Glenda, the Bambinos Executive Director is here with us today. Glenda, thank you so much for joining us.

Today, we’re diving into an exciting oasis of our community: the arboretum. Our guest today is Dale, here to talk to the Friends of the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and spread the message of volunteerism.

Today we’re talking with code services about common complaints and violations here in Dallas and the work they do to help keep Dallas looking great and safe. Joining me today is Matthew Tholen and Lexi Murphy, both of which are Code Services Specialists here at the City. 

Today, we’re going to talk all about downtown and urban renewal updates with Tyler Ferrari, our Economic Development Specialist here at the City. 

Today we’re talking winter storms, how the City prepares for them, what work happens behind the scenes, and how you can help keep our community safe. Joining me is someone who knows this topic inside and out: Mike Kibbey, our Public Works Streets Maintenance Supervisor.

Today, we’re exploring all the CASA of Polk County does and learning about the amazing clothing and toy drive they are hosting this holiday season. Our guest today is Amber Calef, volunteer manager with CASA.

Today we’re talking about something everyone loves: good food and great local businesses. Joining me is a man whose cooking has quickly become a local favorite, Hector, owner of Mama Gorditas Kitchen here in Dallas.

Today, we’re diving into an exciting corner of our local community: aquatics, fitness, and how one organization is making waves, literally and figuratively. Our guest today is Ann Hurd, president of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center.

Today, we're talking about Christmas Town! This is something community members look forward to each year, spreading the Christmas cheer. Today, we have MacLarin Jones, owner of Harvest CrossFit, here with us to talk about the Christmas Town event and all the Christmas magic we can look forward to this year! Thank you to Mountain View Tree Service, and the Bryan Brown Family for the Christmas Tree donation for this years event! https://www.eventeny.com/events/christmas-town-2025-18571/

Today, we’re talking about something that makes a big difference in supporting our local economy: the Shop Local and Community Gift Card Program. And we’ve got a familiar guest joining us: Tara Townley, Executive Director with the Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce.Community Giftcard: shoppolk.com

Today, we're talking about something that touches the heart of our community, helping our neighbors in need. Joining me is Eileen, from the Dallas Food Bank, to talk about how they're supporting families across Polk County, what kinds of donations make the biggest impact, and how each of us can get involved.Food Bank Website: https://www.dallasfoodbank.com/Food Bank Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DallasFoodBank/

Today, we’re joined by Mike Quisenberry, Engineering Technician and Environmental Compliance Specialist for the City of Dallas. Mike is here to discuss one of the most colorful times of year: leaf pickup season, and how we can all contribute to keeping our storm drains clean and protecting local water quality.

Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Kelly Most, Youth Services Librarian at the Dallas Public Library. Kelly’s here to talk about the library’s popular tradition, the Winter Reading Program.

Today, we’re talking about Harry Potter Night at the Dallas Public Library, a magical evening for fans of all ages. Kelly Most, our Youth Services Librarian, joins me from the Dallas library, and she’s here to tell us all about this exciting event.

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of our newer leaders in the city, Fire & EMS Chief April Wallace. Chief Wallace recently stepped into her role last year, leading the Dallas Fire & EMS team, and we thought this would be a great opportunity for the community to get to know her better, hear about her vision for the department, and learn how residents can support and connect with their fire service.

Today, we’re diving into an important topic that really keeps our community moving forward: volunteering for a city committee. These committees are made up of community members just like you, who take the time to help shape policy, guide decisions, and provide valuable input to the City Council. To talk about why these committees matter and how you can get involved, I’m joined by Dallas City Manager Brian Latta.

Today, we’re talking about an exciting time of the year, fall sports season. Football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and others. I’m sure our athletes have been working hard, and the stands are about to fill with fans ready to cheer them on. I’m joined by Dallas High School’s Athletic Director, Ron Snively, to give us the inside scoop on what’s ahead this season. 

Today, we’re joined by Dallas City Council President Larry Briggs to discuss several important topics that impact our community - from our water system and the proposed new dam, to the Police Station project, and the state of our local economy, including updates on the Mill District, the former bank property, and the La Creole node.

On todays episode we’re talking about traffic safety, especially as it relates to school zones. With students heading back to class, it’s a critical time to remind ourselves of the rules of the road, the reasons behind them, and how we can all work together to keep our streets safe.

Today, we’re talking about Leadership Dallas, a program that helps shape the next generation of community leaders right here in our city. We’ll talk about how it works, what participants experience, and the impact it’s having on Dallas.To learn more about Leadership Dallas, visit the City’s website at www.dallasor.gov or follow the City of Dallas on Facebook and Instagram. And if you’re considering applying, keep an eye out for announcements about the next class.

On today’s episode, we’re looking back at a busy summer construction season that’s just wrapping up. From road repairs to infrastructure upgrades, there was a lot happening, and now that it’s done, we can talk about how it all came together.To learn more, visit www.dallasor.gov. To contact the City of Dallas Public Works Department directly, call 503-831-3559.