News/Press Release

2024-2025 Application Cycle 

Polk County will begin accepting applications for Business Development grants for the 24-25 program funding cycle on July 1, 2024. Business Development Grants support projects focused on business expansion and creation of new jobs in the agriculture, traded sector, and tourism industries within Polk County.

On May 11th, 2016 Sheriff Mark Garton had the honor to present two lifesaving awards and a Certificate of Merit to members of the Lincoln County and Polk County Sheriff Offices’. The incident stemmed from a motor vehicle crash on March 2nd, 2016 at about 9:30 AM. Lincoln County Deputy Eric Larson and Support Services Specialist Shelby Baker were traveling from Lincoln County to Monmouth Oregon on Highway 223, south of Dallas. While near McTimmonds Cr. Rd, they observed an oncoming vehicle leave the shoulder of the roadway and collide with some trees.

Victim Assistance Program 
Polk County District Attorney’s Office 

The Polk County District Attorney's Office Victims' Assistance Program (VAP) specializes in helping crime victims in Polk County with a goal of involving crime victims and the community in a process that helps to diminish the devastating impact of crime. VAP is funded through a combination of state and federal grants, general fund dollars, and donations. VAP offers opportunities for volunteers to contribute their time, skills, and compassion. The volunteer program seeks to reduce the impact of trauma on crime victims, while improving our community's involvement in and knowledge of the legal system. Volunteers make it possible for us to provide many needed services to crime victims. To learn more about VAP or if you would like to receive an application to volunteer, please contact our Victim Assistance Office at (503) 623-9268.

Eric Berry, County Surveyor, also serves as a Polk County reserve deputy. Fortunately, earlier this month Eric was in the right place at the right time. He was instrumental in assisting  a Lincoln County deputy on his way to WOU at the scene of a Highway 223 accident.

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Area Cities and Counties Collaborate on Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative

Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton is pleased to announce his office will expand patrol coverage from 10 hours per day to 20 hours per day.  The increase in patrol coverage will begin January 10th.  The hours of no direct patrol coverage took into consideration the historical call load of the office and the overall mission of the Sheriff’s Office.  While the hours of non coverage will not be conveyed due to safety concerns, Sheriff Mark Garton states that even during the hours of no direct patrol coverage, his office will monitor those hours and immediately respond to calls for service if need

Keizer Community Center
930 Chemewa Road
Keizer, OR  97303

If your child receives Developmental Disability Services,

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!

Recent changes in DD Services have increased costs to the State. Now is the time to tell your State Senator and Representative why these services are worth the investment! Learn how at this regional Family Network event:

The Cost-Effective Prevention of Suffering
^{Written by Helen Caswell, Salem Weekly}

The Resource Center, located in Suite 220 in the Academy Building close to downtown Dallas​, houses 10 diverse governmental and community agencies that serve those in poverty ​- all in one area. Other ​parts of the building contain public health, mental health, and other programs.

Please read the full article here.

On November 30th, 2015 at 10 a.m., Sheriff Mark Garton was sworn in as the 37th Polk County Sheriff.  Judge Sally Avera presided over the ceremony, which was held in the Polk County Courthouse.   Garton was appointed by the Polk County Board of Commissioners with a unanimous vote to replace retiring Sheriff Bob Wolfe. 

“I am honored to be your Sheriff and I will work tireless towards restoring this office to the highest level it can achieve,” Garton said.   

The Gatekeeper program provides basic training to postal workers, meter readers, financial institutions, emergency responders, social service agencies, and others in how to recognize warning signs and make a referral to the Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRC).

ADRC information and assistance staff arrange for a follow-up call, visit or appropriate referral to check on the referred individual and provide needed support.