Video slideshow: Young Artists' Craft Fair 11/29/2016 at McMinnville Public Library

Rainbow over Linfield's Maxwell Field (a.k.a. 'Catdome') 11/15/2016

Somewhere over the Catdome, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.

Mac News photo 11/15/2016 morning. Wizard of Oz "photoshopped" it. 

Dr. Frank Nelson memorial service First Baptist Church, McMinnville 11/11/2016

Linfield prof appeared again (aired Monday 11/7/2016) on ‘Jeopardy’ TV game show. But, in this, his second appearance, he lost the round

Prof asks the right questions on Jeopardy

By STARLA POINTER of the News-Register on 11/8/2016

Between the moment “Jeopardy!” notified Chuck Dunn he had been chosen as a contestant until the day he reported for taping, the Linfield College math professor had a month to feel nervous. As he sat through four earlier rounds of the game show, waiting his turn, his anxiety grew.

This was his big chance — the chance he’d been seeking for 25 years, even mailing in his initial application during his college years.

As he stood in front of host Alex Trebek, with the cameras rolling, the Jeopardy board lit up with the categories. “Musical Instruments,” it said, and Dunn relaxed. 

“What is a trombone?” he asked confidently — very confidently, as that’s his instrument.

He provided the right questions to three of the four other instrument descriptions — synthesizer, harpsichord and pan flute — and to many other answers during the game. He ended up the winner, with $22,000 to his credit.

The show, taped in August, aired Friday, Nov. 4. Since Dunn won, he appeared again on Monday’s show.

At press time, he was still sworn to secrecy, so he couldn’t say whether he would be seen tonight or later in the week. Viewers will just have to tune in to KATU Channel 2 at 7 p.m. to find out.

But win or lose, appearing on Jeopardy! was a dream come true.

He said he has considered Jeopardy! his favorite game show since he was in high school. He’s applied multiple times, taken the online test four times and tried out in person four times.

Earlier this year, he was finally chosen, following a lengthy application and interview process. He again took the test on Jeopardy’s website, then advanced to an audition that included a 50-question test, mock games and a mock interview.

He found out he’d been chosen in July, seven months after his audition. In August, he flew to California to tape his show.

His partner and five friends went along to the taping. Hearing them cheering in the audience helped him focus on doing everything right, he said.

Excelling on Jeopardy! involved more than just knowing about musical instruments and all sorts of other categories, from in-depth history to light trivia. Contestants need to read the clues quickly, formulate their questions and hit the button at the right time, Dunn said.

If a contestant is too quick, he said, the button locks. He or she needs to let Trebek finish speaking before ringing in.

It’s different on the set than it is when watching from home, he said. “It’s easy when there’s nothing at stake,” he said. 

Contestants also need to be patient, as Jeopardy! tapes five shows a day.

All the contestants arrive first thing in the morning. The first contestant is randomly chosen to tape the Monday show. The winner and two new contestants go on to tape Tuesday’s show, and the drill continues until a week’s worth have been taped.

Dunn was picked for the Friday show, so he had most of the day to wait, watch and get nervous.

He said he expected the atmosphere to be tense and competitive, but it wasn’t. He and the other contestants developed a lot of camaraderie, he said.

“Everybody was rooting for everybody,” he said. “You’re excited for the people who win.”

During the long wait, Dunn said, coordinators made sure he and the others were comfortable and having fun. A happy contestant is more fun to watch on TV, he explained.

And he did have fun, he said. A great deal of fun.

Back in Oregon, Dunn went about his day-to-day life. He started his 15th year at Linfield soon after the taping. When his students asked about Jeopardy!, he told them a bit, but couldn’t reveal anything about the outcome. 

Instead, he described the math skills involved in wagering. For the final question in each Jeopardy! game, contestants have a chance to wager some of their winnings in an attempt to achieve a higher score. 

On Friday, students and staff held a “watch party” to see how the professor did. Dunn knew they would recognize him, as he was wearing one of his trademark bow ties.

“I’m a creature of habit,” he said. “I wear a bow tie to class every Monday.”

He has about 60 in his wardrobe. If he keeps winning on Jeopardy!, maybe he’ll add to his collection.

Business in old Jake's location ceased operations 11/21/2016

Story, “Green Heart closing its doors,” in 11/8/2016 McMinnville N-R/News-Register says marijuana dispensary Green Heart will cease operations 11/21/2016. It was located at 1209 S.W. Baker St., former home of Jakes Deli.

Deluxe in October, November 2016

--Blur with Troy (Deluxe Billiards) of Almost/Kind of/Sort of Kiss 10/29/2016 at the famous Deluxe on equally famous Third Street in downtown McMinnville.

--Order taking by Troy 11/5/2016 at McMinnville’s Deluxe Billiards.