|
|
Latest News
Wings Over Baker Airshow Returns
By Jason Smith
The Wings over Baker Airshow is returning Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, for its 8th year. For some, this may be a much-waited event due to last year's cancellation for economic reasons.
Mel Cross, who has flown for over 30 years and helps run the event, explained a little of how it all began. “It started in 2002,” said Cross. “I had to finance it, and the first few years were tough. The first year was a benefit for 85 people. I decided to do another one, and it grew.” Cross emphasized proceeds from the airshow will be given to the airport. Cross also said that when the airshow grows and more revenue is made, he would like to see a scholarship of about $1,500 or so be given to a high school student who wants to learn how to fly.
Residents Say Proposed Transmission Line Route Could Negatively Impact Oregon Trail History Tourism
By Debby Schoeningh
Idaho Power's latest proposed route for the 500 kV Boardman to Hemingway transmission line is unacceptable to Baker City resident Stan Wellman. The line route was changed from going in front of the National Historic Interpretive Center, to behind it, but is still in plain view of the old Oregon Trail, less than a mile from the Center.
"I just feel sick about this," said Wellman. "Something has to be done. We've spent years promoting the Oregon Trail and using it as an educational tool for kids, and a place to hold wagon encampments."
Wellman said the transmission line will mar the landscape that is part of the area's history.
Ginger Savage, Executive Director, Crossroads Selected To Participate In American Leadership Forum
The American Leadership Forum (ALF) of Oregon has selected Ginger Savage to participate in the statewide American Leadership Forum of Oregon program for the 2010 - 2011 year. Savage will join 20 other notable leaders from around the state to participate as part of the organization’s Class XXV Fellows Program.
The American Leadership Forum of Oregon is an independent chapter of the National American Leadership Forum, a non-profit organization that works to join and strengthen leaders in order to better serve the public good. ALF Fellows will participate in a number of seminars over the course of the coming year, concentrating on essential topics related to collaborative leadership and community building in the State of Oregon. Over 475 senior level leaders from the public, corporate and non-profit sectors throughout Oregon have completed the ALF program since its inception in 1986.
|
|
County Has Until Aug. 1 To Decide On Taking Over Anthony Lakes
By Jason Smith
The public hearing held Wednesday, July 7, at the Baker County Courthouse to consider the county's takeover of Ski Anthony Lakes drew in a crowd that filled the room. Many came to voice their support for the county accepting the gift from the current owners.
Marie Hall, who traveled from Pendleton to attend Wednesday's meeting, said, “We look to the future too. We feel that you're approaching this the right way. I support the gift of the Anthony Lakes to Baker County. I think Anthony Lakes' future is bright. We encourage you to look forward.”
Steve Edwards echoed some of the same feelings with his remarks. “I think this resort is crucial for the economy. We need a way for the county to step in and have an interim oversight. I think the risk can be ameliorated. I believe people in both counties (Union and Baker) will be supportive.”
Judge Denies Motion For Suppression Of Evidence In Cole Case
By Eden Taylor
Brian Cole of Baker City has been charged with two counts of providing liquor to a person under 21 and four counts of third degree sex abuse. In May, his attorney Bob Moon, filed motions to suppress all physical evidence and statements obtained through Cole’s stop by police and the subsequent search of his car as well as evidence of the text messages obtained from the minor’s cell phone records.
After a full-day hearing May 21 in which Judge Garry Reynolds from Pendleton heard evidence from both sides, Reynolds took several weeks to read case-law pertaining to the evidence and motions. He handed down his decision in a written Memorandum of Opinion filed July 6.
Council Begins Search For New City Manager, Discusses Requirements For Keeping Official Council Meeting Minutes
By Mark Bogart
After starting with disagreements over official minutes, the Baker City Council showed consistent consensus on issues including city manager recruitment, appointments to committees and a vision for the city’s future.
Mayor Dennis Dorrah reported that he had contacted the League of Oregon Cities and initiated the process of recruiting a new city manager to replace Steve Bogart, who plans to step down in September. After Bogart explained options for selecting a replacement, the councilors expressed support for a plan suggested by Dorrah.
The first step, which is already under way, is to send recruiting letters to current city managers and other potential candidates in Oregon included on a list from the League of Oregon Cities. Bogart said that city managers across the state often get several such letters every week. Responses must be received by July 23. In the meantime, Bogart is contacting several recruitment firms, sometimes called “headhunters,” to get information on their services and fees. While making the process faster and easier for the council, the use of these firms comes at a price, Bogart cautioned.
|
|
Photo by Tammy Bloom
Baker City Data Center To Create Jobs And Innovation For Eastern Oregon
Synergy Data Center and Services (Synergy DCS) opens this July in Baker
City’s historic Baker Tower, bringing much-needed jobs. The Tier 2+
data center will provide data hosting options from colocation to
Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud hosting services for government
agencies and private business throughout the nation. It will also be
the completion of a vision for a partnership committed to creating
prosperity in Eastern Oregon, an area previously known for its
agricultural and timber industries. The partners of Synergy DCS hope to
make Eastern Oregon known for its high-tech industry.
Oregon based companies Chaves Consulting, Inc. (CCI), Arikkan, Inc. and
Sace, Inc, formed a partnership to build Synergy DCS. The partners plan
to invest several million dollars over the next five years to provide
over 20,000 square feet of data center space. Approximately $1 million
will be invested in Phase 1 of this state-of-the-art data center that
is secure, “green” and cost effective. Their vision is to be recognized
as one of the premier data hosting solution providers in the nation,
while creating family wage technical support and help-desk jobs in
Eastern Oregon.
Andrew Bryan to Serve on School Board
By Eden Taylor
The Baker 5J School Board members selected Andrew Bryan to fill the board vacancy left by Deon Strommer. Bryan is appointed to serve until July 1, 2011.
Bryan recently resigned from the Baker City Council. He was also contracted by Baker County as their Marketing Director. He was replaced as Marketing Director on July 1 by Timothy Bishop. Bryan now works as an educational consultant. He and his wife recently closed down their business, Mad Matilda’s.
A May 27, 2011, election will give the public a chance to vote on school board personnel. Bryan’s position as well as Rusty Munn’s, Ginger Savage’s and Damien Yervasi’s seats will be open at that time. Candidates can file for election between Feb. 7, 2011, and March 17, 2011.
|
|
Americans For Prosperity Hold Local Tea Party
By Suzan Ellis Jones
Over 300 people attended last Thursday evening’s Tea Party at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City. Poster packing citizens from Baker City, Bridgeport, Durkee, Huntington and even Ontario attended the event.
Flags and posters ranged from the classic yellow Gadsden flag from the first American revolution of the coiled rattlesnake and the slogan, “Don’t Tread on Me.” Homemade signs were in all varieties, many quoting Thomas Jefferson and others, and there were many originals as well. The mood of the night was positive and confident that there will be change to the liberal majority of Congress in November. The freedom to assembly was being exercised.
High School senior, Kyle Knight, County coordinator for Americans for Prosperity planned the event, which has more than doubled in size from last year’s tea party. Knight was master of ceremonies at the event and the night started off with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and then the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
County Compensation Board Votes 2.6 Percent Raise For Elected Officials And 5 Percent Raise For Commissioner Warner
By Suzan Ellis Jones
Oregon Revised Statutes 204.112, requires a little known committee to meet annually to evaluate and compare the salaries of elected officials of Baker County government. They usually meet just prior to the budget board meetings each spring. This committee is so obscure that it doesn’t even rate a mention on Baker County’s web site in the listing of Commissions and Boards, even though this committee is one of the few committees which are required by Oregon statute.
Members of the Board are appointed by the Baker County Commissioners and serve four-year terms. Statute further requires all members of the committee to be “knowledgeable in personnel and compensation management.” Current members are Leroy Gornick of Baker City, new appointees Linda Silva of Haines, Jim Grove of Baker City and current Chair, Suzan Ellis Jones of Bridgeport.
GSA Students Participate In Day Of Silence Promoting Tolerance, And Ending Bullying
By Eden Taylor
On Friday, April 16, about 40 Baker High Students participated in the 15th annual National Day of Silence. The observance was sponsored by the Gay-Straight Alliance Club (GSA) at Baker High School. Members organized the activity and posted flyers informing the student body of the Day of Silence.
Gail Lemberger, advisor to the club, explained the purpose of the observance, “Students across the country took a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect on anti-Gay bullying and harassment in schools.” She also noted that “The Day of Silence is the largest single student-led action toward creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
Members of the GSA club and some of the other students who participated in the observance wore printed arm bands that read: “Today, I am Silent. Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step towards fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?”
|
|
Council Discusses Water And Sewer Rate Fees, Pipeline Replacement Funds Dwindling
by Mark Bogart
The Baker City Council adopted fees for services, permits and applications at its regular meeting on Tuesday night, but cautioned that capital improvement needs may result in further increases in the near future. The council also appointed members to the Planning Commission and Tree Board, approved a proclamation for Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and set an allocation for sidewalk improvement grants.
A fee schedule, which included an inflation adjustment of 2.8 percent for water and sewer rates, was presented by Finance Director Jeanie Dexter and approved by the council. City Manager Steve Bogart responded to questions about the need to address capital improvement costs for water and waste water systems saying, “We’re running out of latitude… and could soon draw our reserve to zero.”
Commission Hears Plans For Smith Ditch
By Eden Taylor
In their regular session on April 7, the Baker County Commissioners heard from Brett Moore of Anderson-Perry Engineering who explained options for the Smith Ditch. The historic ditch transports water from the Powder River to land owners mostly across the Freeway. The ditch caused problems for homeowners in the Spring Garden area when it broke in 2003 and sent mud and water into people’s yards and basements. The stakeholders in the ditch company received a grant to hire the engineering firm to rectify the ditch’s problems.
The 18-mile long ditch has significant water loss during transport. In fact, it is determined that 50% of the water never makes it to its destination. The stakeholders have sprinkling systems that water their fields. They say they are really good systems if they can get adequate water.
The first option would be to pipe the whole ditch. The existing right of way is 18 miles, but Moore said that the pipe could be cut down to 10 miles if a more direct route were used. Property owners are generally in favor of the pipe because it would stop the basement flooding during irrigation season.
Finalists Selected In Superintendent Search
By Eden Taylor
After three days of intense interviews of the six superintendent candidates, and more than two hours of deliberations, the 5J School Board selected three finalists for the position. The selection was made late Friday night, April 9. Those three come from three different states.
The three finalists are: Walt Wegener of San Juan Island School District at Friday Harbor, Wash., Earl Pettit of the Douglas Unified School District at Douglas, Ariz., and George Park of Garfield County School District at Panguitch, Utah.
School District Vice Chairman, Damien Yervasi, said that the selection was difficult.
“We had six highly qualified candidates,” he said.
|
|
| | << Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
| | Results 1 - 9 of 11 |
|
|
