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Photos By Eden Taylor
Above, Bob Harrell demonstrates how to slice beef during a Beef for Schools event.
Beef — It’s What’s For Schools
By Eden Taylor
Just smelling the aroma of a barbecued tri-tip beef roast is enough to make anyone hungry. That was the aroma that filled the air on the South Baker playground on March 22.
Harrell Hereford Ranch donated and cooked 200 pounds of tri-tip beef for students, parents and teachers at South Baker as part of the Baker Cattlemen’s Beef for Schools program. School lunch filled in with beans, coleslaw, salad, corn, rolls and milk. The Cattlemen helped cook, cut up and serve the meat and Sutton Creek Ranches (Ken and Julie Tews) donated ice cream for dessert. Becky Harrell and other Cattlewomen were there to serve it up.
Prior to lunch the Baker Cattlewomen spent 30 minutes in each classroom educating the students on the benefits of beef and the numerous by-products of beef used in everyday life.
The Beef for Schools program, started by Dan Forsea, has been donating beef to the Baker area schools for four years now. The goal to increase the use and quality of beef in the school lunch program has also brought positive side effects such as more fruits and vegetables and a better all-around school lunch. Using the money saved from purchasing meat, the school lunch program is able to purchase other quality foods to enhance the meals.
City To Continue Golf Course Contract With Seven Iron
By Mark Bogart
On Tuesday night, the Baker City Council agreed to pursue a voluntary agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for assessment of the former city landfill, which lies near Windmill Lane next to Interstate 84.
Councilors also gave City Manager Mike Kee their approval of his direction in negotiating a new contract for operation of the city-owned golf course. The current discussion includes a required pay-back of the $22,500 concession fee not paid in 2011; however, future fees would be significantly reduced. Councilors then opted to spend an estimated $48,000 to switch from treated City water to pond water rather than replace and upgrade the backflow system currently in place (but not operational) at the golf course.
The Council also continued a hearing on the City's floodplain ordinance and discussed public notice for construction that would impact residents' viewshed.
Regarding the abandoned landfill, City Attorney Brandon Eyre said the City had two options: 1. enter into a voluntary agreement with the D.E.Q. for assessment and possible cleanup or 2. face a required plan imposed by the D.E.Q. in which the City would have less control and pay higher fees.
Powder Club Grill Serves Up Hometown Cooking
By Bonita Hebert
North Powder is happy to welcome a new downtown business. The Powder Club Grill was opened by Andy Cardenas at the end of February and is located at 190 E Street in the Powder Club building.
Andy is applying 20 years of food service experience to the start of his first business. He has worked in every aspect of a restaurant business from dishwasher, to prep cook, to head cook. Other than having a waitress during the busiest hours, he is a one man show.
When his dream of opening his own business at this location began last fall the kitchen in the building had been completely gutted by owners Rusty and Kelly Aldrich as they made structural repairs to the entire building and remodeled it room by room. The kitchen hadn’t been redone at the time. With help from the Aldriches and using equipment from friends, furnishings were located and things started taking shape. After state inspections were made and it was thumbs up, groceries were purchased and the doors opened.
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Photo by Debby Schoeningh
Wallowa-Whitman’s newly released Travel Management Plan will affect the mountains and wilderness areas of Baker County.
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Releases Travel Management Plan
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (WWNF) has released the new Travel Management Plan, which will guide changes to motor vehicle use on public lands.
Baker City Mayor Dennis Dorrah said if this plan, which closes over half of the roads on the forest, is implemented, it will be a blow to wood cutters. "Consequently this will impact forest health, and the plan will also reduce recreational opportunities in our area which will adversely affect the economy of Baker County," he said. On a personal basis and lesser issue, Dorrah said, it appears he will have to hike several miles to get to some of his favorite mushroom and huckleberry patches.
According to Wallowa-Whitman, the Travel Management Plan will:
* Balance motor vehicle access and recreation, while still protecting forest resources.
* Improve the quality of motorized trails, including creating loop routes and managed jeep and motorcycle trails.
* Expand motor vehicle opportunities in high-priority areas such as Breshears trail system, Winom-Frazier trail system, Spring Creek and trails around Sumpter.
* Protect threatened and endangered fish and their habitat.
* Improve big game security in 17 critical elk habitat areas.
* Improve non-motorized recreation and hunting opportunities
Commissioners Express ‘Dismay’ Over Travel Management Plan
By Mark Bogart
During the first part of Wednesday morning's County Commission session, Commissioners Tim Kerns and Dr. Carl Stiff heard numerous comments from nearly a dozen angry and frustrated residents about two federal agency plans. After agreeing to take a stand against both the BLM Resource Management Plan and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (WWNF) Travel Management Plan, the Commissioners approved a bid proposal for Holcomb Park landscaping and a plan to sell timber from two County-owned tracts. They also agreed to provide jail space to Union County and re-appointed two committee members.
The speakers during the "Citizens Participation" section of the agenda represented different interests, including ranching, mining, and recreation. Comments came from several residents often alternating targets between the BLM and Forest Service plans, but much of the frustration applied to both. Reduced access to land, both public and private, was a common concern, with some questioning whether they could reasonably access their own land because of road closures and other restrictions.
Arrest Made In Local Graffiti Incidents
By Debby Schoeningh
An 18-year-old male, Francisco Javier Guerrero, was arrested last week in connection with several acts of graffiti in Baker City.
Police Chief Wyn Lohner said School Resource Officer Shannon Regan worked with the Ontario Police Department and a graffiti expert in the Tri Cities area during the investigation.
Lohner said there were 13 separate acts of graffiti within a three block area around Fourth and Madison Streets late last year. “We were able to tie 11 of the graffiti incidents to Guerrero as a likely suspect,” he said.
Guerrero was placed in Baker City with foster parents by the Oregon Youth Authority program last year. He was transfered out of Baker City Jan. 19, 2012, to Ontario where Lohner said he believes he has been living with his maternal parent. Ontario Police Department served a Baker City warrant on Guerrero March 17.
Baker Justice Court Employee Accused Of Theft And Tampering With Public Records
By Debby Schoeningh
Gina (Settlemire) Swartz was arrested last week on a Baker County Circuit Court Warrant for nine counts which include official misconduct, tampering with public records and theft.
Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said Swartz, a Trial Court Administrator with the Baker County Justice Court, is suspected of taking payments that were paid to the court by defendants.
Baker County Justice Court Judge Lise Yervasi said she discovered the apparent malfeasance in December 2011 and reported it to law enforcement.
“Ms. Swartz had previously served the court reliably for a number of years,” said Yervasi, “I deeply regret this situation.”
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Council Approves Rezoning Request
By Mark Bogart
Tuesday's City Council meeting marked the completion of the rezoning process for a piece of land between Oak and Cedar Streets. It also featured a report from Economic Development Director Greg Smith and a divided decision on appointments to the Public Works Advisory Committee (PWAC).
The Council approved the final reading of a rezoning plan that would designate as "general commercial" a triangular piece of property where Cedar and Oak Streets merge just north of Campbell Street. The property is owned by Jeff and Susan Jackson. It will be used for the retail sale of plants by Mark and Dona Servid, owners of Rock Creek Nursery.
School Board Acknowledges Appointments To Budget Committee
By Mark Bogart
After Board member Kyle Knight complained to state officials that Board Chair Lynne Burroughs appointed Budget Committee members contrary to District Policy, the Board voted (3 - 2) Tuesday to make the selections official. They also voted to renew the contracts of all of the District's teachers and other licensed staff, and accepted resignations and retirements. Board member Andrew Bryan gave a report on steps toward a plan to deal with the vacant Central building.
In a meeting that lasted only about an hour, 5J Board Members added the Budget Board selection to the agenda at Bryan's request. In early March, Knight sent letters to Oregon Attorney General John Kroger and Secretary of State Kate Brown asking for an investigation of, among other things, Burrough's appointment of Budget Committee Members without approval of the entire Board as set out in Board Policy (see related article Page 9). In Tuesday's meeting, Bryan worded his motion "...to acknowledge" the appointments rather than to "appoint" or "confirm" as is customary. Knight and Jim Longwell voted against the motion after little discussion.
New HBC Program Director Hopes To Energize Downtown
By Debby Schoeningh
Kate Dimon, said as an outsider coming into Baker City, her first thought was, “My God, what a fabulous town!” Her second thought was, “Where is everyone?”
Dimon is stepping into Ann Mehaffy’s shoes as program director of Historic Baker City Inc. (HBC). Mahaffey announced her retirement in December 2011.
“This is a great town,” said Dimon, “The people are nice and friendly, we just need to see more of them.”
And that will be Dimon’s priority — getting more people to Baker City’s downtown area. In the process, she hopes to attract more arts to the area, which hopefully will create more sorely needed jobs for local residents.
“I would like to inject a little bit of enthusiasm into Main Street and remind people here of what a fabulous place they live in,” said Dimon.
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Myers Sentenced To Life For Murder
By Debby Schoeningh
After deliberating for about five hours over a two-day period, Feb. 29 and March 1, a seven person jury convicted Daniel Myers, 56, of murdering Travis Weems, 39, near Sumpter last winter. The seven-woman, five-man jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict March 1 on all counts, which included murder, unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine.
The jury also found Myers guilty of commercial drug offenses that Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said are subcategories of the methamphetamine charges, and were based on evidence found on Myers' property.
Myers was sentenced by Baker Circuit Court Judge Greg Baxter Tuesday afternoon to life with a minimum of 25 years on the murder charge. He was also sentenced to five years for unlawful use of a weapon, 90 days jail for felon in possession of firearm, both running concurrent to the murder sentence; and two additional consecutive years for the drug crimes.
County Election Filing Update
By Debby Schoeningh
Robert Whitnah and Damien Yervasi have both withdrawn their candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace.
Yervasi signed a withdrawal form with the Baker County Clerk’s office on March 6 stating, "While it's been a privilege and an honor to serve the public and my country over the course of my career, the decision to eliminate the criminal docket emphasizes revenue generation over justice and places the Justice of the Peace in an untenable position for a variety of reasons."
Whitnah did not state a reason for withdrawal on his form which was filed on March 5.
Ash Grove Cement Wins Energy Award
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Ash Grove Cement Company’s Durkee, Ore., plant won top honors in the company’s annual Ash Grove Energy Management (AGem) Outstanding Plant of the Year competition for 2011.
Since 2008, eight Ash Grove cement manufacturing plants and two grinding facilities have competed to earn the award. Each facility is evaluated on an extensive matrix of data that is focused on energy use, efficiency and cost. The AGem process involves the entire plant workforce as well as overhead and support groups. Most suggestions to reduce energy usage and costs come from plant employees.
Each plant has its own AGem “Champion” who coordinates the AGem activities, which include monthly meetings, idea promotion, idea solicitation, project evaluation and other activities. The AGem process partners with local vendors, national suppliers, utilities, energy suppliers and contractors as well as local and state governments to identify, implement, finance or develop worthy ideas. Since the program’s inception in 2008, projects have included lighting retrofits, variable frequency drive motor installations, efficiency-driven equipment replacement, equipment tuning, peak power demand shaving, off-hour power shaping, rerouting product flow to reduce energy use and even a successful pilot project to grow algae using carbon dioxide (CO2).
DEQ Fines Asphalt Plant Operator $3,000 for Emitting Too Much Air Pollution in Baker City
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has issued a $3,000 penalty to J.C. Compton Contractor Inc. because emissions from the company’s portable asphalt plant in Baker City violated its air quality permit last September.
The company operates the plant at 3780 Magpie Pit Road, Baker City, under a DEQ permit that limits the amount of particulate air pollution it is allowed to emit. In September, a required emissions test found particulate emissions from the plant were more than double the permitted limit.
State and federal regulations limit the amount of air pollution industries can emit in order to protect human health and the environment. Excessive particulate air pollution can cause breathing problems in some people and create a nuisance to those who live near the source of pollution.
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The Baker Heritage Museum held their annual Night at Old Auburn fundraiser last Saturday evening. People gathered in old west saloon garb for a night of cards, entertainment and fun. From top left clockwise, Tyson Downey; Blackjack table; Garwood Alan; Al McMillen; Hal Huntington; and Museum Director Chris Cantrell.
OHA Addresses City’s Concerns Over Crypto
By Mark Bogart
"Don't engage in a lot of wishful thinking." That was the message given to the Baker City Council as it again looked for a way out of investing an estimated $2.5 million for an ultraviolet (UV) light treatment system for the city's water supply. Federal regulations require the city to add a second treatment (in addition to chlorination) to reduce the threat of contamination from cryptosporidium, giardia and other organisms.
The speaker, Dave Leland of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), shared his experiences and observations about water treatment. He acknowledged the community debate as appropriate, saying, "Water really does matter." Then he praised the official course the city has taken. "You have a good project; it was thought out well... UV will reduce risks to a minimum level."
Councilors Continue Flood Plain Discussion
By Mark Bogart
After recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts and approving the second reading of a rezoning request, the Baker City Council heard concerns about a proposed amendment to the flood plain ordinance.
The flood plain amendment is required in order to maintain eligibility for local residents to receive subsidized flood insurance along the established flood plain. But perceived problems in the federal guidelines continue to frustrate city staff, councilors and residents.
City Planner Jenny Long pointed out that the maps used for identifying the flood plain were created in 1988 and should be redrawn. But the remapping in Oregon, she said, has mainly been done on the west side of the state. "The old maps are inaccurate, but we have to go by them," she said.
Baker City Man Dies Following Vehicle Accident
A Baker City man died and one was Life Flighted with injuries following a motor vehicle accident Tuesday, Feb. 28, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Baker City Police Department Sgt. Kirk McCormick said Robert Weston, 77, of Baker City was found unresponsive at the scene of the accident on Cedar and G Streets in Baker City. Baker City Ambulance medics tried to revive Weston, but he was pronounced dead at St. Alphonsus - Baker.
McCormick said Weston was driving a 2005 Honda SUV north bound on Cedar when according to witnesses he made a sudden turn into the left lane in front of an oncoming vehicle driven by Jason Sandberg, 34 of Baker City. Sandberg was driving a 1999 Chrysler four-door. He suffered injuries including a fractured leg and was Life Flighted to a Boise hospital.
McCormick said Weston’s swerve into the other lane may have been related to a medical event.
Baker City Police, Oregon State Police and Baker Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Filing Deadline For County Offices Is March 6
Floyd J. Morgan, a Baker County rancher, has filed his candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace. Morgan completed his education in Burnt River.
He joins six other candidates who have filed for the position: Damien Yervasi, Gail Duman, Robert Whitnah, Steve Bogart, Mike Downing and Roger Coles. The current Justice of the Peace, Lise Yervasi, has not filed for re-election. Justice of the Peace is a six-year term.
So far, Tim L. Kerns is running unopposed for re-election of county commissioner, position 4.
Murder Trial Under Way
The trial of Daniel Myers, 56, which began last Tuesday, was continuing this week as of press time.
Myers is accused of shooting and killing Travis Weems, 39, in January 2011 outside his home near Sumpter. Myers also faces weapons and methamphetamine charges.
According to local news by KCMB radio, Baker County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Baxter Myers denied a request by Myers to fire his court-appointed attorney, Mark Rader of Ontario. Myers has also refused to attend his trial.
Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff was not available before press time this week. We hope to have more information in next week’s Record-Courier.
School Board Discusses Insurance And Weapons Policy
5J Business Manager Responds To Criticism
From Board Member, Kyle Knight
By Mark Bogart
Two items dominated the discussion at the Baker 5J School Board meeting on
last Tuesday. Business manager Doug Dalton defended the District's budgeting
and spending practices, and the Board looked for a way to deal with the empty
Central School building. The Board also approved the first reading of a long list
of policies, discussed liability questions regarding weapons policies, and recognized
students and retirees.
PACE Insurance and
Weapons Policy Board Member Kyle Knight asked for an update on the PACE liability insurance that was part of the weapons policy discussion last fall. PACE representatives had indicated that a more lenient weapons policy could impact the
school's insurance rates, but then said that an analysis of the issue might take
until February. With no update from PACE and no explanation of when one
might be provided, Knight wanted the District to revisit its decision.
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Photo by Timothy Bishop/Base Camp Baker
Mild winter weather earlier this month provided nice conditions for ice fishing at Unity Lake State Park.
Council Discusses Consolidation Of City Departments No Major Changes on the Horizon
By Mark Bogart
With three councilors absent, the Baker City Council herd a report on Tuesday, Feb. 14, about many services that are shared or coordinated with state and county government and others.
Councilors Milo Pope, Roger Coles, and Beverly Calder were absent, barely leaving a quorum to conduct business. The four who attended heard City Manager Mike Kee credit his predecessors for putting Baker City "way ahead of other cities" in terms of sharing services and costs.
Kee said Baker City's consolidated fire and ambulance department allows the City to operate both programs for about $300 thousand less than Ontario, which provides only first responder rather than EMT services. He shared a long list of cooperative efforts between the Baker City Fire Department and rural departments, state and federal agencies and St. Alphonsus Medical Center. The benefits, he said, include significant cost savings as well as improved training and emergency planning and response.
Baker City Man Arrested On Meth Charges
Joshua Guy Pantle, 24, of Baker City was arrested Friday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. on charges of unlawful delivery of and possession of methamphetamine as well as unlawful delivery of imitation controlled substances (see below).
Members of the Baker County Narcotics Enforcement Team (BCNET) executed a search warrant on Pantle and his residence at 1777 Church Street in Baker City. Pantle was arrested and lodged in Baker County Jail.
Ida Elkshoulder, 35, address listed as unknown, was also arrested at the Church Street residence for unlawful possession and delivery of methamphetamine.
An investigation is continuing by BCNET detectives, Oregon State Police, Baker County Sheriff’s Office and the Baker City Police Department.
Bentz Wolf Bill HB 4158 Passes Out Of House
SALEM-The wolf management bill that Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) introduced for the 2012 Legislative Session on behalf of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association passed out of the House on a 42 to 15 vote Friday, Feb. 17.
House Bill 4158 clarifies the 2005 Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (Wolf Plan) that was adopted by the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission. The Wolf Plan was based on the best available science aimed at wolf conservation with the goal of developing healthy wolf populations, but it too stated that conservation science recommends against maintaining wolf packs that depredate livestock.
The Oregon Court of Appeals recently pointed out that the Wolf Plan may not have provided the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) with the authority to remove problem wolves. HB 4158 would clarify the Wolf Plan and restore authority for wolf control to the ODFW.
5J Board Looks at Selling Central School Building
By Mark Bogart
Baker 5J School Board members say it's time to do something with the Central School building, which is beginning to deteriorate after sitting empty for the past year (and nearly unused for three years prior to that). The facility, which originally served as Baker High School, was identified as an "endangered" historical building by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon last fall.
Board Member Kyle Knight had asked that the building's future be put on the agenda for Tuesday's Board meeting and proposed selling the facility "with no restrictions."
Board Chair Lynn Burroughs agreed that action is needed and restated a position she wrote in a District newsletter last fall. "District 5J is not the best custodian of an historic landmark." She said that the district does not have the resources to maintain the school. However, she and Board Member Andrew Bryan want a process to involve the public, and believe that restriction regarding the use or demolition of the building are still warranted.
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