Holiday Tree Cut Down By Vandals

Vandals didn’t even wait a day before chopping down the city’s official Christmas tree and pitching it in the driveway of a woman responsible for planting it.

But Jackson County sheriff’s deputies struck back just as quickly, chipping in to buy a new Colorado spruce that was planted by volunteers.

“It’s just as nice and just as big,” said Judith Burns, chairwoman of the White City Community Improvement Association. “It’s really a nice gesture on their part.”

About 50 people turned out on Saturday to watch Burns and Jackson County officials light the 12-foot spruce in Division Road Park. The tree - the first one planted in the new park - symbolized the improvement association’s progress.

Sometime after midnight, the tree was cut down and tossed in Burns’ driveway.

“It was really devastating to come home and find that in the driveway,” she said.

“I don’t believe it reflects the general attitude of the community in White City,” said County Commissioner Sue Kupillas. “There are a few angry people out there as there are in every community.”

On Sunday, several deputies pitched in $62 to buy a tree, which John Oliveira of Oliveira Farms in Eagle Point sold to them at a discount.

“In White City, when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” said Burns.