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Latest News
Photo by Tammy A. Bloom Recent snows have created hazardous conditions for drivers. Lois Elms of Baker City slid into a utility pole on 8th Street in Baker City Tuesday afternoon. Cable lines came down on her car. Baker City Police Officer Shannon Regan assisted at the scene.
Commissioners Discuss Justice Court Funding Issues
By Mark Bogart
Local attorneys, judges, and candidates for Justice of the Peace came to a hearing at last Wednesday's County Commission session to discuss the ramifications of a HB 2712, which will strip much of the funding used to operate the Baker County Justice Court. Their levels of concern varied, but all who spoke said that the loss or reduction of the Justice Court would be detrimental to law enforcement, resolution of disputes, and the level of justice provided to citizens of the County.
Before taking testimony, Commission Chair Fred Warner announced that a partial "fix" is in the works. A bill, now called LC 101, is expected to be introduced in the February legislative session. It would lessen the impact of HB 2712 by reducing the amount to be paid into the state Criminal Fine Account from $60 to $45, leaving $15 available for justice courts. He said he hopes to testify in support of the bill.
Awards Announced at Chamber Banquet
Randall Guyer Jr. was selected Legacy Man of the Year during the Baker County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet Saturday evening at the Baker Heritage Museum.
Other winners were Shirley Mc Pheron, Legacy Woman of the Year; Jeff Nelson, Man of the Year; Dotty Miles, Woman of the Year; Paul’s Transmission and Repair, Business of the Year; Excellence in Ag, Pickard Ranch; Step Forward Activities, Nonprofit Business of the Year.
Commissioners Extend Time Limit To Sort Out Concerns Over New Brownlee Boat Launch
By Mark Bogart
Beside holding a hearing on the future of the Justice Court (see related article this issue), Baker County Commissioners approved a boundary change for gravel production and an extended time limit to study a boat landing issue with Idaho Power during their meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The Board of Commissioners also heard reports about the Veterans Department and the Grassbank program, and approved several resolutions.
Another item was added to the agenda. It involved a plan by Idaho Power to construct a boat launch on Brownlee Reservoir. The controversy revolves around three "structures" (cabins) which would be removed in the process.
Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr. said people use and maintain the cabins.
Councilors Discuss Update On Police Reserve Academy
By Mark Bogart
At Tuesday's Baker City Council meeting the Mayor read a proclamation honoring Fire Service Appreciation Day. The Council also selected board and commission members, heard a report on the new Police Reserve Academy and set another work session to discuss the water treatment issue that has challenged the Council for well over a year.
Police Chief Wyn Lohner presented information about the new Police Reserve Academy, which he and La Grande Chief Brian Harvey initiated over the past year. Lohner reported that a dozen participants from law enforcement agencies from Baker, Union and Malheur Counties are taking the classes on Saturdays. Instructors include legal officials as well as active and retired law enforcement officers from Baker City and other areas.
Lohner explained that getting reserves trained has been cost prohibitive because of the distance and time involved in sending them to training in other parts of the state. By developing a regional academy in Eastern Oregon, he and Harvey felt they could serve many agencies in addition to their own. The Saturday schedule allows applicants to keep up with their current jobs while participating in the program.
The academy will provide trained reserve officers who can effectively support the regular officers, Lohner said. In addition, many want to go into careers in law enforcement, so this will provide a pool of applicants for future positions.
Fatal Rollover Near Baker City
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon’s single vehicle fatal traffic crash along westbound Interstate 84 north of Baker City. The crash resulted in the death of an Emmett, Idaho woman.
According to Lieutenant Dave MacManiman, on Jan. 24, at approximately 12:36 p.m. a pickup driven by Christine E. McAllister, 61, was westbound on Interstate 84 at the Baker City rest area near milepost 295. McAllister lost control of the pickup, traveled off the right shoulder and rolled coming to rest on the off ramp. Conditions at the time of the crash were snowing hard with snow and ice on the roadway.
McAllister was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints.
OSP troopers from the Baker City office are continuing the investigation.
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Photos by Debby Schoeningh
Save A Tree, Ride With A Huston Saddle
By Debby Schoeningh
Saddle sores and severe back injuries are fairly easy to detect in a horse. But a slight pinch here and a little poke there might not be so obvious, at least not to the rider.
Custom saddle maker Bill Huston of Baker City, Ore., has noticed that most saddles have a “common flaw.” They are built for the rider’s comfort and not the horse’s. What feels like a Cadillac seat to the rider, may feel like a backpack full of sharp edged bricks to the horse.
“Having worked with horses most of my life, I began to notice problems with surface tissue injuries created by direct pressure from the saddle on the horse’s back,” says Bill. “In 1962, I took the saddle tree (the rigid base the saddle is formed around) out of a saddle and decided to try something different.”
As a result, for the past 40 years, Bill has been specializing in “Treeless Soft Saddles” with all of the features the western horseman has become accustomed to without bolts, nails, flocking, hinges or fiberglass to cause painful pressure points.
Judge Denies Murder Suspect’s Request For New Counsel
Baker County Circuit Court Judge Greg Baxter denied a request by Daniel Myers to replace his Ontario attorney, Mark Rader. Myers was charged with the murder of Travis Weems of Hermiston in Sumpter nearly a year ago.
Myers, 56, has been in custody at Baker County Jail since Jan. 27, 2011 on the murder charge and additional charges including unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful delivery and possession of meth. Myers’s firearm restrictions stem from a 2006 drug conviction in another county.
Weems was found dead last January in a vehicle parked in downtown Sumpter in front of the Elkhorn Saloon. He died of an apparent gunshot wound.
At that time, Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said the initial investigation indicated that Weems was allegedly shot outside of Myers’ home on Cracker Creek Road on the outskirts of Sumpter. Shirtcliff said Weems was driven by a friend into Sumpter in an attempt to get emergency assistance, but was dead when emergency medical providers arrived.
Myers’ trial is scheduled to take place in late February or early March.
BLM Releases Baker DRMP AND DEIS For Comment Local Meetings Planned
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vale District has released its Baker Field Office Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP)/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The RMP is being revised for BLM-administered lands within Baker, Union, Wallowa, Umatilla, Morrow and Malheur Counties in Oregon and Asotin County in Washington.
The public lands that make up the "Decision Area" encompass approximately 428,425 surface acres in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington.
The purpose of the Baker RMP revision is to provide broad-scale guidance for the management of public lands and resources administered by the BLM's Baker Field Office. When completed, the RMP will guide the BLM in the implementation of all its subsequent management actions and site-specific activities in the Decision Area.
Recreation Improvements Planned At Brownlee And Other Snake River Sites
Brownlee To Receive Deep-Draft Boat Ramp
Providing public access for recreation is part of Idaho Power’s commitment to those who live, work and play on the Snake River at our reservoirs. As part of the renewal of their federal license to operate their three dams in Hells Canyon, they anticipate several additions and improvements to recreation facilities they already operate and maintain within the canyon.
“Once those licenses are issued, our work has just begun,” said Environmental Supervisor Dwayne Wood, who oversees Idaho Power’s recreational facilities. “Our staff is really looking forward to moving ahead with all of the projects we have planned in Hells Canyon.”
A deep-draft boat ramp is planned for the Oregon side of Brownlee Reservoir. As boaters familiar with Brownlee are aware, there are times when some or all of the existing boat ramps are above the waterline and unusable. Working with county and federal officials, they hope to begin construction on a ramp in Oregon to allow access even when the reservoir level is at 1,976 feet above sea level, or 101 feet below full. Currently, the level must be at 2,024 feet for the lowest ramp, at Woodhead Park, to be in the water.
OSP Seeks Information On Unlawful Killing Of Big Horn Sheep Ram In Baker County
The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing and waste of a Bighorn Sheep Ram approximately one week ago in the Lookout Mountain Wildlife Management Unit in Baker County.
On Dec. 28, OSP Senior Trooper Kris Davis responded to a report of a headless carcass, determined to be a Bighorn Sheep Ram, on Conner Creek Road approximately a quarter mile from the Snake River Road, between Huntington and Richland along Brownlee Reservoir. Based on statements and condition of the carcass, Davis believes the ram was killed on approximately Dec. 22, 2011. The ram's head was removed and the remains left to waste.
Bighorn Sheep hunting is lawful in the Lookout Mountain Unit with the proper tag; however, the season for Bighorn Sheep closed in that area on Sept. 25. Only two Bighorn Sheep tags are issued in this unit each year.
A reward of up to $500 is being offered by the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) Reward Program for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. The reward was increased to $3,000 following an offer from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the Turn-in-Poacher TIP line at 1-800-452-7888 or Senior Trooper Davis at (541) 805-4757.
Renovations Coming To Pioneer Cemetery
The Hibbard Creek Pioneer Cemetery, located on the Oregon side of Brownlee Reservoir, provides a unique window into the pioneer history of the Snake River in Baker County. An estimated 30 graves are present at the cemetery, but only 15 are marked by surviving headstones. Several of the marked graves date back to the late 1800s, and represent family members of some of the earliest homesteaders in the area. Many visitors to the Brownlee area, and perhaps some locals, are unaware of the cemetery.
Unfortunately, some users of the area have turned the cemetery into an impromptu campground.
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Photo by Tammy A. Bloom
Inmate Taylor Knox work swith “Beau” in the Powder River Pals program.
New Hope For Eastern Oregon Animals Purchases Properties For Animal Shelter And Educational/Training Facility
By Tammy A. Bloom
New Hope For Eastern Oregon Ammonals has purchased two parcels of land
on K Street in Baker City, one is for a shelter facility and the other
for an educational and training center. This purchase was made possible
by donations from the Leo Brookshire Trust and Best Friends of Baker
Inc.
Best Friends donated $92,500 of dedicated funds to the shelter project
including the $30,000 that Leo Brookshire donated to Best Friends; the
money has been earned by donations, and fund raisers.
The first parcel New Hope purchased is at 3210 K Street and is 2.24
acres. It currently has a house and several buildings that will
eventually be replaced by the shelter facility. Much work needs to be
done before they can start building a shelter. They need a site plan,
and funding for construction. They will also need money for operations.
They anticipate that Baker City and Baker County will also be partners.
The second parcel is at 3325 K Street, it has a 3,700 sq. ft. building
that will become the New Hope office (until the shelter is built) and a
dog training center.
County Commission Enters Into Agreement With Dept. Of Corrections
By Mark Bogart
After hearing a report from the Watermaster’s Department at the County Commission meeting Dec. 21, commissioners accepted agreements to partner with the City on street improvements and with the state on alcohol and drug treatment for parole and probation clients.
The Board of Commissioners also approved allocation of $30,000 from a state transportation grant. Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr. informed the group of cooperation between the County Road Department and Ash Grove Cement and about the need to set up a wolf depredation compensation and prevention committee.
The Commission will hold off approval of the labor agreement for the county's law enforcement personnel since the employees have not yet voted on ratification.
In its role as City Council for the City of Unity, the Commission approved a franchise agreement with Oregon Telephone Corp. but declined to get involved with a request for a nuisance ordinance.
The County Board of Commissioners currently functions in the place of a Unity City Council because no council has been elected since prior members resigned. Commissioners expressed reluctance toward dealing with any issues not absolutely necessary.
Both the County Commission and the Baker City Council have agreed that the city should act as the lead agency in directing street and road improvements using a $4.5 million grant through the Oregon Jobs and Transportation Act. This will allow two projects to be funded together, the Resort Street improvements and the Best Frontage Road project north of the city.
An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Oregon Department of Corrections will allow the County to meet requirements of Measure 57, which mandates sentencing levels and treatment for certain theft and drug trafficking crimes. The agreement will provide $50,000 to the county for treatment in the parole and probation department.
Art Galleries Thrive In Baker City
By Joni Lea Linscott
Weather you're looking for paintings, sculptures, photography, or abstract art, you will be able to find it in Baker City. There has recently been an addition of galleries in Baker City.
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center began in 1963 as The Oregon Trail Arts Association. The vision they began with was that anyone, regardless of their financial status or artistic potential, would be able to participate. Crossroads was established to create opportunities for the entire community to be engaged, inspired and transformed by the arts, through participation in classes, workshops, exhibits, mentorships, and partnerships. They also offered programs that weren't available anywhere else. A lot of this is still present at Crossroads today.
They are essentially a multi-purpose gallery, meaning they provide the sales of artwork by local and regional artists. These artists must be juried in, and the sale of art includes, but is not limited to, 2-dimensional art such as ink and pastels. They also will sell pottery, fine crafts such as woodwork, glass, jewelry, mosaics, and have recently jurried in a person providing recycled art. Crossroads is a non profit organization which represents the artists. They have made contributions to other organizations with events such as The Great Salt Lick.
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Some Residents Deem New Hilltop Cell
Tower ‘Ugly’
By Debby Schoeningh
While some may see a benefit from improved coverage as a result of a newly erected cell tower, others find the 50-foot high monopole with antennas and equipment building that overlooks Baker City's southeast Spring Garden area objectionable.
T-Mobile, a national provider of wireless voice, messaging and data services headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., obtained a conditional use permit from Baker City Planning Department July 18, 2011. Baker City Planner Jenny Long said inspection of the project occurred on Nov. 15, 2011 and construction was completed last week.
The cell site was erected on the hill above Spring Garden Avenue on private property owned by P. B. Ranch, LLC (Rocky Brown) of Baker City.
Linda and Wayne Wall who live on Place Street, near the base of the hill, approximately 800 feet north of the tower site, stated in an email letter to Long, dated Dec. 10, “We cannot believe that the City of Baker will accept this ugly blight on its skyline, by a for-profit company, and think it’s okay.”
Local Man Indicted On Charges Of Sex Abuse
Don Harvey Phillips, 81, of Baker City, was indicted by the Baker County Grand Jury Dec. 13 on charges of sexual abuse involving a Baker City female.
Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said because he works with a relative of the victim’s he turned over the prosecution to the Union County District Attorney’s office. Union County Deputy District Attorney John Schilling of La Grande presented the case to the Grand Jury.
Schilling nor Union County District Attorney Tim Thompson could be reached before press time, and their office declined to give the victim’s age.
The Grand Jury indictment accuses Phillips of two counts of first degree sexual abuse, one count of coercion, one count of third degree sexual abuse, one count of sexual harassment and one count of harassment.
Spay/Neuter Fund Community Challenge Update
Mollie Atwater and Friends (MAF) Spay/Neuter Fund community challenge of raising $3,000 with at least 400 people contributing by Dec. 31 continues as we approach the new year. If successful, the MAF Spay/Neuter Fund will receive an additional $1,000 from a community member allowing the Fund to help even more animals. The Spay/Neuter Fund is a local, community-supported program.
As of Dec. 20, 76 people have contributed $2,849.14 to the $3,000 challenge. These caring folks reside in: Baker City (48), Haines (2), Halfway (9), Hereford (2), North Powder (2), Oxbow (2), Richland (7), Unity (1), as well as in Bend, Ore. (2) and Kansas City, Mo. (1).
Why contribute? The MAF Spay/Neuter vouchers help families prevent unwanted animals by paying a portion of the spay/neuter surgery costs. Sometimes these cats and dogs are already beloved companion animals and sometimes they are abandoned animals who have found a kind person to give them a home. In all cases, getting the animal spayed/neutered is an important step in decreasing the number of unwanted and homeless cats and dogs in Baker County and North Powder and improving the quality of life for all.
Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads, New Book In Images Of Rail Series
By Joni Lea Linscott
“Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads” is a 128-page photographic journal of the history of Oregon operations, primarily those along the Sumpter Valley Railway. The book is written by Alfred Mullett and Leonard Merritt. It is the latest release in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Rail series.
“Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads” begins with an introduction of a pioneer named David Eccles, who chartered the Oregon Lumber Company. The Oregon Lumber Company was an organization that produced many mills and railways and whose influence was felt from Salt Lake City to Northern california and Idaho. The book provides a pictorial history which explores the rails, mills, and people, as well as the logging practices of an era long gone.
Whitnah Files Candidacy, Duman Withdraws
Robert W. Whitnah of Baker City has filed his candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace. His educational background includes a doctorate in law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is a graduate of Baker High School.
Raymond Alan Duman has withdrawn his candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace. His reason for withdrawal states, “My long range plans have changed.”
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Photo by Tammy A. Bloom
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas — Santa Rick Forrester with Anna Johnson.
Wind Farm Seeks County Easement Agreement
By Debby Schoeningh
Oregon Wind Farms LLC has shown an interest in building a wind project near the existing Lime Wind project, north of Huntington. Baker County Community Development Director Jason Yencopal told Commissioners at their second November meeting that the company has placed test towers in the area and found it to be a “good potential area.”
Oregon Wind Farms has requested an easement through county property into the area to determine possible power line transmission routes and road conditions. Regardless, Yencopal said, the County would have the final say in placement of power line routes.
If the company gets permitted and can build the wind farm, Oregon Wind Farms would pay the County $5 per linear foot for the line and any ground needed for the electric system as part of the easement agreement.
After some discussion, Yencopal contacted Robert Guertin, manager of Oregon Wind Farms by phone to answer questions.
Pickle Weasel's To Hold Grand Opening
By Joni Lea Linscott
Another new business will be opening their doors to the public in Baker City on Dec. 10. The business, “Pickle Weasel's, at 2175 Broadway Ave., is owned and operated by David and Brianne Sutton.
Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday during the Holiday Season and 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday after Christmas. David and Brianne will be specializing in the sale of collectables, clothing, flat panel televisions, Blu-ray and dvd players, stereo systems, sports cards, and pre-owned furniture.
Another aspect of the store will be a room in the back of the building operated by David's mother, who will be collecting items such as blankets, sweatshirts, and new socks to donate to the Bridge Church in Portland Ore.
Family Loses Home To Fire
By Bonita Hebert
The community has rallied togethered following the fire on Friday afternoon that resulted in the total loss of Billy and Peggy Browne’s home on Ellis Road six miles west of North Powder.
The couple’s youngest son Cade was at home at the time and reported the fire around 1:30 p.m. Peggy contacted Connie Miguez at Moe’s Country Cupboards just over the hill to check in on Cade as she left work in Baker City to head back home. By the time Connie arrived the situation was definitely serious and she contacted Shane Moe who arrived and together all began moving what they could out through the back end of the house.
Firefighters arriving at the scene began pumping water on the four alarm fire that was later found to be electrically caused. The water caused a lot of smoke within the house and all salvage attempts were stopped. The high wind continued to create flame-ups as neighboring departments arrived from every direction for mutual aide for the local volunteers. Trucks and equipment kept arriving until about 3 p.m. from Haines, Union, Cove, Island City, La Grande Rural and Baker Rural departments.
The trucks refilled back in North Powder with between 40,000-60,000 gallons estimated for the effort. Many of the firefighters remained on the scene for about 12 hours and saved outbuildings that were in the path of the windswept flames and hot sparks.
Proposed Post Office Closure Update
The following dates pertaining to proposed local post office closures have been released by the United States Postal Service.
Durkee
Estimated Review Date: Dec. 8, 2011
Estimated Final Determination: Dec. 13
Hereford
Estimated Review Date: Dec. 8, 2011
Estimated Final Determination: Dec. 13
Oxbow
Estimated Review Date: Jan. 1, 2012
Estimated Final Determination: Jan. 6, 2012
Unity
PAUSED: dates have not yet been set
All information will be sent to the USPS Headquarters for its review and final determination.
Postal service customers will have 30 days from the actual date of the final determination on their post office to file an appeal. Instructions on how to file an appeal will be available in each of the affected post office locations.
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