Thank you for mural support

To the Editor:
Anyone who has recently been in the vicinity of West Arch and North Meridian Streets has been treated to Portland’s newest attraction, a 32-foot square mural by celebrated muralist Pamela Bliss.
This mural, on the north wall of the Merchants Hotel (Eagles) building honors the life and work of Elwood Haynes, and is worthy of a special trip to Portland if you have not seen it. As you will see in the coming months, there will be further improvements to the Merchants Hotel building. A plaque describing the accomplishments of this remarkable man will soon be installed, and a dedication celebration will follow in the spring.
Our committee would like to thank The Portland Foundation, The Jay County Historical Society and Eagles Aerie 928 for helping make this project possible.  Thanks also for project donations from contractors Jesse Walter, Mike Leonhard, Clyde Bray, and Larry Poole. We appreciate the support of the people of Portland as well.
Don’t be surprised if other murals appear around town in the future. As someone from another mural-friendly community has said, “You can’t have just one.”
For the committee,
Randy Fisher (chairman), John Coldren, Barry Hudson and Tom Young

Pastor says thanks
To the Editor:
The Friday Fun Night youth and volunteers of Portland Evangelical Methodist Church wish to thank officer Michael Brewster of the Portland Police Department. Officer Brewster spoke to the group on Aug. 16 regarding bullying and about being a police officer. We appreciate his taking time to speak to us and for recommendations about handling bullying.
May God bless,
Steve Arnold
Pastor
Evangelical Methodist Church
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