Plans progressing for veterans memorial

SHERIDAN — Plans are continuing to take shape for a veterans memorial planned for the western edge of Sheridan on Highway 18B.

The Sheridan City Council approved Monday the purchase of a 35-foot flag pole from Rose City Awning and Flag of Portland for $3,097.

SUMCO Excavating of Sheridan will set the concrete base and raise the pole.

The city has been working with the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association on the project, targeted for a 3,500-square-foot pocket park on the south side of West Main, overlooking the South Yamhill River.

A granite monument will be augmented with the flagpole and four granite benches.

Aimed at honoring all veterans, it will display the emblems of all five branches of the service, along with POW/KIA emblem and flags. Plaques honoring three MIA soldiers from Sheridan will also be displayed.

The memorial and two of the benches have now been placed, and electrical conduit has been laid. When completed, the memorial will be landscaped and fenced.

City Manager Frank Sheridan said a “soft opening” is planned for either Memorial Day or early June.

In other business, the council expressed a desire to hold a joint town hall with the Yamhill County commissioners on April 4 or May 2, both Mondays. Members discussed potential topics, including economic development, community development, land use, poverty and utility issues.

The council is next slated to meet at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21.