Free Republic

<p>PHILOMATH, Ore. -- Since the early 1960s, a foundation created by a wealthy couple named Rex and Ethel Clemens has fulfilled an extraordinary promise: college scholarships for any Philomath High School graduate who resides in this faded logging town.</p> <p>The promise has broadened the horizons of Philomath's sons and daughters, helping to lift the local college-attendance rate, from next to nothing to about 69%. Over the years, the foundation has paid $15.5 million in tuition. Right now, 520 students are on its rolls.</p>

Honor, don't abandon, traditions By: RICK REISS - For The Californian Recently, my wife and I took the opportunity to preview some entries for this year's Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival. The early screenings were put on by the film festival's creator and director, Jo Moulton, at a local winery. We previewed films that ranged from garbage to pure excellence. One entry was especially riveting; the documentary "Clear Cut: The Story of the Clemens Foundation." "Clear Cut" is essentially a man bites dog story. The film details the Oregon community of Philomath and the its struggle with politically...