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Latest News
Photo by Tammy A. Bloom
From left, Richard Chaves, Kathleen Chaves, Secretary of State Kate Brown, Oregon State Archivist Mary Beth Herkert, Conner Edmonds, Julie Pearson-Ruthven and Venket Subramanian at ribbon cutting.
Chaves Consulting Partners With State For Record Keeping
By Mark Bogart
As Oregon Secretary of State, Kate Brown is responsible for the mountain of public records produced by the state each year. To comply with Oregon law, those records need to be stored and accessible when needed for legal or other governmental uses.
But with so many types of records used for so many purposes by so many agencies, how can each record be maintained and retrieved when needed? A partnership between the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office (SoS) and Chaves Consulting, Inc. (CCI) of Baker City has taken a huge step in making that task manageable, and provided new local jobs in the process.
Friday afternoon Brown and other state and local officials celebrated the establishment of the Oregon Records Management System (ORMS) with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Baker Tower in Baker City. The Synergy data center which house ORMS software, hardware and records is located in the historic building and will provide a growing number of jobs, Brown said.
Council Drops Street Maintenance Fee Proposal
By Mark Bogart
A proclamation of Poppy Day in honor of American Veterans led the agenda for the Baker City Council on Tuesday night. It was followed by contentious debates regarding fees for alcohol licenses and for street maintenance. In both cases councilors rejected staff recommendations. Then they found it much easier to agree on a street tree fund, a revised flood plain ordinance, and minor budget adjustments.
In its April 24 meeting the council had approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding procedures and fees for liquor licenses. The ordinance would be necessary for the City to increase fees, although it would not establish the level of the fees.
That would have to be done by a separate resolution. In his presentation at the last council meeting Police Chief Wyn Lohner suggested that fees be set to cover staff time involved in investigation and processing of liquor license applications.
J Board Accepts Superintendent Evaluation, Discusses ‘Sidebar’ Protocol
By Mark Bogart
After opening the special School District 5J Board meeting about 30 minutes later than the scheduled noon starting time, Board Chair Lynne Burroughs moved the meeting into executive session as previously announced. All members were present, including Kyle Knight, who was censured by the Board in April. About 45 minutes later the open session was reconvened.
Mark Henderson quickly moved to accept the evaluation of Superintendent Walt Wegener, which he and Burroughs had prepared, and to extend the contract by one year (for a total of three years). Andrew Bryan seconded the motion. Burroughs noted that there was no discussion, and the group voted 3 to 1 to approve the evaluation. Henderson, Bryan and Burroughs voted in favor. Knight voted no, and Jim Longwell abstained saying he didn’t have enough information; he had just received the evaluation document at the beginning of the meeting.
OSP Southeast Team Receives Fish and Wildlife Division ‘2011 Team of the Year Award’
SE Team Includes Troopers From Baker City
The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division recognized the impressive work of troopers from the Southeast Oregon Team when Captain Jeff Samuels announced Tuesday they were the recipients of the Division's Team of the Year award for 2011 during a presentation at the Baker City office. This is the sixth presentation of the award since the Division implemented a new program celebrating and recognizing the outstanding teamwork by our troopers in protecting Oregon's natural resources.
Correction
In an article last week titled “Baker City Man Stabbed,” it stated: “Shirtcliff said preliminary evidence shows that Foote may have been approached by Casey Campbell, 27, of Baker City in a threatening manner.” Foote was the one who allegedly approached Campbell in a threatening manner. Police Chief Wyn Lohner said the incident is still under investigation. We apologize for the error.
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Photo by Dave Densley
It appears to be raining hay as Gene Westberg of Haines feeds his Belgian draft horses.
Baker City Resident Files Recall Petition On Two School Board Members
By Debby Schoeningh
A recall of Baker 5J School District Board Directors Lynne Burroughs and Mark Henderson has been initiated, Kerry McQuisten of Baker City filed a petition of recall with the Baker County Clerk’s Office on April 30 and County Clerk Tami Green approved the recall for circulation May 1.
Burroughs, Henderson and director Andrew Bryan voted to censure Kyle Knight during an April 10 meeting by the Board. They claimed Knight had violated his oath of office by releasing information about a district employee to the media and had violated his oath to support and promote the District. The employee, Carol Srack, has since been formally charged and indicted by a grand jury.
Burroughs told Knight he was in violation of his oath to support and promote the District. She said he had been “greatly at fault” in revealing confidential information offered to him as a courtesy to assist him in his duties of oversight over District policy.
Regarding Burroughs, the recall petition states: “Lynne Burroughs repeatedly exceeded her office’s power, violated her oath, and prevented the public from having information per its legal right. She created policies that violated the United States Constitution, specifically a declaration that another board member must sign a statement forfeiting his First Amendment rights in order to avoid censure. She withheld information regarding theft by a District employee from the public by declaring it confidential when it was not by law confidential. When another director followed his oath to ‘respect the right of the public to be informed about District decisions’ regarding this theft, Burroughs initiated censure."
Baker City Man Stabbed
Josh Foote, 27, of Baker City was stabbed following an altercation last week, April 28, at about 7 p.m. He was taken to Boise with serious injuries, but has since been released according to Sgt. Kirk McCormick with the Baker City Police Department.
Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said Foote was near the Powder River on David Eccles Road next to Wade Williams park when the incident took place.
Shirtcliff said preliminary evidence shows that Foote may have been approached by Casey Campbell, 27, of Baker City in a threatening manner.
No other information was released pending a Grand Jury hearing next week.
Judge Yervasi Resigns
Baker County Justice of the Peace Lise Yervasi announced her resignation Wednesday.
Yervasi released the following statement to the media: “Dear People of Baker County, My illness continues to progress. I am no longer able to work; therefore, I must resign effective May 2, 2012. It was an honor to serve you. Thank you.”
Yervasi said her husband, Damien Yervasi, who the Commissioners had appointed for the last couple of years to help when she was unable to work, will finish out her term, unless the Governor decides to appoint someone else.
“We are all working together to make a smooth transition,” said Yervasi.
Idaho Power Begins Refilling Brownlee Reservoir
Changes to earlier flood-control instructions from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mean the boat ramp at Hewitt Park in Baker County, Oregon, could be usable by May 12.
BOISE, Idaho, April 30, 2012 – Boaters will have greater access to Brownlee Reservoir in May as the popular reservoir in Hells Canyon begins refilling under direction from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Starting Monday, April 30, Idaho Power will begin operating the Brownlee Dam hydro facility in response to power demand, with higher flows during the day and reduced flows overnight. The net result will be a gradual increase in Brownlee’s elevation.
Brownlee’s elevation was 2,034 feet on Monday. If operations go as planned, the reservoir will reach approximately 2,045 feet by May 15. This would put the boat ramp at Hewitt Park, on the Oregon side of the reservoir, in the water May 12. The only public ramp currently usable is at Woodhead Park in Idaho.
Firewood Cutting Permits Available
Firewood cutting permits for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest are available for sale as of May 1 at district offices and at local vendors in various communities. The season begins on Tuesday, May 1 and runs through November 30, 2012.
Personal use firewood gathering permits can be purchased for five dollars per cord, with a four cord minimum and a ten cord maximum. Commercial use permits are available for ten dollars per cord, with a two cord minimum. There is no limit to the number of commercial cords that an individual can purchase.
Wet spring weather and snow at low elevations may make some areas inaccessible. Woodcutters should avoid driving off the road and onto wet, unstable ground to load their firewood.
Woodcutters are reminded that chainsaw operations on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest coincide with Public Use Fire Restrictions, which are fire closures that prohibit certain activities including operating an internal combustion engine, use of campfires, driving off forest roads, etc. during high fire danger. A one-hour fire watch after shutting down the chainsaw is required during fire season to watch for and suppress any fire starts.
Additional information about firewood cutting and fire restrictions is available by calling local ranger district offices and on the web at http://www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman. This year, woodcutters will be able to call local phone numbers and listen to a recorded message with fire closure updates on the Forest. The phone numbers are: 541-523-1234 in Baker City, 541-962-8679 in La Grande, and 541-426-5552 in Enterprise.
Local Firewood Permit Vendors:
Brogan
Brogan Quick Stop
5625 John Day Hwy.
541-472-3411
Elgin
S & W Hardware
820 Dogwood
541-437-0330
Enterprise
Dollar Stretcher
604 S. River St.
541-426-5833
Joseph
Sports Corral
401 Main Street
(541)432-4363
Sumpter
The Gold Post
150 N. Mill Street
541-894-2362
Ontario
Draper's Outdoor Power Equipment
201 SE 2nd Street
541-889-9250
Unity
Burnt River Market
P.O. Box 148
541-446-3492
The Waterhole
224 Main Street
541-446-3492
Union
Hometown Hardware
206 S. Main Street
541-562-5472
Wallowa
The Blonde Strawberry
Highway 82
541-886-2309
District Offices Selling Permits
Whitman Ranger District
Baker Office
3285 11th St.
Baker City, Oregon 97814
541-523-4476
Pine Office
38470 Pine Town Lane
Halfway, Oregon 97834
541-742-7511
La Grande Ranger District
3502 Hwy. 30
La Grande, Oregon 97850
541-963-7186
Wallowa Mountains Office
201 E. Second Street
Joseph, Oregon 97846
541-426-5546
Hells Canyon NRA
Clarkston Office
2535 Riverside Drive
Clarkston, Washington 99403
509-758-0616
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Council Discusses Liquor Ordinance
By Mark Bogart
During its April 24 meeting, the Baker City Council approved the first readings of ordinances on the flood plain, liquor licenses, and a street tree fund using the bequest of the late Anthony Silvers. Councilors also approved resolutions for signs for public notice of planning issues, and for sidewalk grant rules. Proposed changes to the City's fee schedule were presented but will not be voted on until May 22 in order to give time for public input.
Planning
A revised flood plain ordinance was presented by City Planner Jenny Long. She and the Planning Commission have made several changes and clarifications since a draft was shared with the Council last month. However, the primary sticking point, section 151.42, was removed because the City has not received clarification from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) on how it would be implemented. The section applies to the area north of Campbell Street where no "regulatory floodway" is established. The absence of an established floodway is the result inaccurate mapping, Long explained. Because FEMA hasn't responded to questions about implementation, the City will go ahead a treat the area as a floodway. When FEMA provides clarification or an accurate map is established, the City can amend its ordinance. The first reading was approved unanimously.
Signs similar to this one will be used to notify residents of pending planning issues.
The other planning issue involves notification of residents when a planning issue is being considered. The Planning Commission determined that signage was a realistic and effective addition to notification in the news media, which is already in use. The Council accepted the Commission's recommendation.
Liquor Licenses and Fees
A proposed ordinance regarding liquor license process and fees was the most contentious issue of the evening. Police Chief Wyn Lohner explained that in order to charge more than $10 for liquor license applications, the City must have an ordinance in place. He said his department spends about three hours to process and investigate a new application and suggested a fee of $75. Renewals would be less, and the Council could set the fee at any level it wished as long as it doesn't exceed the $100 maximum set by OLCC.
Councilor Beverly Calder opposed the ordinance and increased fees, saying that applicants already have to pay $100 to the OLCC and complete a difficult 36-page application. She felt that additional payment to the City was a duplication and was not fair to single out one type of business for an additional fee. The councilor also said that the proposal was not "business friendly" and added that these business provide jobs and are important to the community.
Local Woman Accused Of Theft From 5J School And Rural Fire Districts
A Baker County Grand Jury indicted Carol Dianne Srack, 55, of Baker City on charges of stealing from two local agencies.
The Grand Jury formally accused Srack, in two secret indictments last week. The fist indictment charges her with one count of first degree theft, one count of second degree theft, two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and one count of first degree official misconduct. All of these charges allegedly occurred while she was employed as a accounts payable specialist at Baker County 5J School District.
The first degree theft count stems from Srack’s alleged unauthorized use of the school district’s charge accounts to buy personal items totalling $1,000 or more from Albertson’s, D&B Supply and Bi-Mart from Dec. 20, 2011 to Jan. 19, 2012.
State Responds To Knight’s Complaint
By Debby Schoeningh
Last month Baker 5J School District Board member Kyle Knight mailed formal letters of complaint to Attorney General John Kroger and Secretary of State Kate Brown. Knight called for a full investigation into whether the School District and School Board Chairman Lynne Burroughs disregarded a state statute by appointing a school contracted employee to the District Budget Committee, and the "unauthorized appointments" of three people to the Committee by Burroughs.
Knight said these appointments "were made without consent of the governing board and violate school policy and a state statute." He said Oregon law does not require any particular process, however it does require that all votes be public and votes are by the majority of the Board.
The Baker School District received a letter dated April 17 from the Oregon Department of Revenue following Knight’s complaints. In the letter Rebecca Hall, finance and taxation analyst referred to state statute (ORS 294.414) that requires the budget committee be “appointed by the governing body.”
Students Hold ‘Arabian Nights’ Prom
By Eden Taylor
Baker High’s Jr/Sr Prom was held Saturday, April 21, at the ballroom above the Bull Ridge Brew Pub. The sultry heat of the upstairs was indicative of Arabia. The Prom was well attended and enjoyed as long as couples could take breaks outside to escape the heat. A variety of music played by a DJ gave opportunity for various styles of dancing. A barrage of colorful dresses was contrasted by debonair tuxedos, mostly black and white
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Photos by Joni Lea Linscott
More than 100 protestors marched and drove vehicles Saturday in Baker City in opposition to Wallowa Whitman National Forests’ Travel Management Plan.
Forest Supervisor Halts WW TMP
By Debby Schoeningh
Wallowa Whitman National Forest (WWNF) Supervisor Monica Schwalbach has withdrawn the travel management plan (TMP) decision and “stopped the clock on the appeal process” that is under way.
Schwalbach stated that since WWNF released its travel management decision a month ago, there has been considerable public interest and debate over various aspects of the plan.
“As I have listened to the many people who are commenting on the plan, it has become apparent that there is a good bit of confusion, as well as some concerns that would benefit from more discussion,” she said in a statement released to the media April 17.
Some of the key concerns she listed include:
• Significantly different numbers bantered regarding how many miles of roads would be designated open for public motorized recreational use, and how many are being closed to motor vehicles. She said there are currently over 9,000 miles of roads on the WWNF landscape, but only about 4,700 miles are considered open to the public. Many of the others are impassable because they are overgrown with vegetation. Meanwhile, the project area included in the travel management decision is focused on 1.3 million of the 2.4 million acres on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Road totals for the project area are therefore less than those for the entire forest.
• Concerns that maps provided to the public do not offer enough detail for people to adequately consider the potential implications of the decision.
• Many people are concerned about access for firewood.
• Access to private lands and permitted uses such as grazing and mining on the forest.
“These are all important concerns and I appreciate the people who are raising them,” said Schwalbach. “I also think the agency has a responsibility to address these concerns, including clarifying misinformation, providing more specific information to the public as requested, and engaging in further dialogue... I encourage anyone who has additional suggestions to share them with me or one of our local district rangers.”
Mike Ragsdale, local organizer for Forest Access For All (FAFA) said, “They (WWNF) have pulled back, but we still need to be vigilant.”
Wyden Proposes County - Forest Service Meetings
By Mark Bogart
Sen. Ron Wyden came to Baker City on Saturday evening, April 14, with a plan to deal with local concern about the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Travel Management Plan (TMP). During Wyden's Town Hall meeting, residents of Baker County and other parts of Eastern Oregon continued to express their frustrations and fears, but Wyden asked them to give Forest Service officials and county commissioners a week to work out a solution.
Then, he said, "All options are on the table” for him to intervene. Wyden announced that WWNF Supervisor Monica Schwalbach, who was at the town hall meeting, had agreed to meet with commissioners this week and go through the plan. He said local residents didn't feel they had been listened to by the Forest Service. These meetings, involving Union, Wallowa and Baker counties would allow the needed conversations, he said. He added that Kathleen Cathey, his Eastern Oregon field representative, would also attend the sessions.
Guerrero Sentenced For Local Graffiti Crimes
On June 14, 2011, the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) placed 18-year old Francisco Guerrero from Ontario, Ore., in the home of Sherry Jaensch, an OYA foster home located in Baker City.
From Sept. 28, 2011 thru Nov. 29, 2011, twelve cases of criminal mischief were reported when an unknown person spray painted the letters “AOV” on various properties belonging to several different individuals in the north Baker City area. Amongst others, the properties to which the graffiti was applied included mailboxes, walls, and vehicles.
The suspect, Francisco Guerrero was charged with second degree criminal mischief and unlawfully applying graffiti by the Baker County District Attorney’s Office on March 9, 2012. He was appointed Gary Kiyuna, an attorney in Nyssa, Ore., to represent him.
On April 13, 2012, the defendant pled guilty and was sentenced to the criminal mischief charge in the Baker County Circuit Court. Judge Russell West of Union County presided over the sentencing. During the hearing, the defendant admitted to spray painting the 12 properties charged in the District Attorney’s Information. He stated, through counsel, that “AOV,” which stands for “All Out Vandals,” was a tag
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5J School Board Censures Knight
By Mark Bogart
In a 3 to 2 vote the Baker 5J Board of Directors approved the censure of Board Member Kyle Knight during a special meeting on Tuesday night. Directors Mark Henderson and Andrew Bryan were joined by Board Chair Lynne Burroughs in voting for the motion. Jim Longwell and Knight were opposed.
Knight was not present as Burroughs called the meeting to order, but entered as she explained the protocol for the session. Following a prepared script, Burroughs notified those in attendance that the meeting was for a single purpose. She then cited the law related to discipline of employees and board members. She also explained that the meeting would be held in public unless protocol was broken.
Burroughs said there would be no public comment and that no discussion of district personnel would be allowed. She announced that the single purpose of the meeting was regarding Knight.
City Council To Seek Public Input On $1 Million Cost To Bury Resort Street Utilities
By Mark Bogart
During its meeting on Tuesday, the Baker City Council could have approved an engineers report for the placement of all utilities underground on Resort Street from Campbell Street to Auburn Avenue. There is strong support for the idea because the street will soon be resurfaced and the improved appearance would aid in the City's effort to create a park-like atmosphere and connect to the new Central Park and Leo Adler Parkway. But the cost, estimated at over $1 million, was too much, councilors said.
The costs were based partly on estimates from each of the utilities involved: Oregon Trail Electric Co-op (OTEC), Charter Communications, WindWave Communications, and CentryLink. A major cost ($157,000) was for trenching, and 20 percent ($183,000) was set for contingency because of uncertain elements of the project.
Merkley Visits Baker City Discusses Transportation Bill, Post Office Closures And Travel Management Plan
By Mark Bogart
While the Forest Service Travel Management Plan (TMP) was the dominant topic at Monday's town hall (see related article), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and local residents had other issues on their minds as well. Merkely spoke on issues including agriculture, education, trade, and rural post offices. He also express strong concerns about the National Defense Act, and the Citizens United court ruling that opened the doors to increased political funding.
In addition to the Forest TMP, citizens wanted to talk about property on Brownlee Reservoir, excessive regulation, and funding for senior citizen programs.
City Reaches Agreement With Golf Course Contractor
By Mark Bogart
The Baker City Council was ready to move ahead with a new contract for operation of the Quail Ridge Golf Course during its regular meeting on Tuesday night.
Two golf course issues seemed nearly resolved to the satisfaction of councilors, golf board members and contractor Billy Cunningham, owner of Seven Iron, LLC. City Manager Mike Kee reported on agreements reached with Cunningham in a collaborative effort with Cunningham, Golf Board Chair Merlin Gath, and Small Business Development Center representatives Jake Jacobs and Bob Savage.
The agreement in principal includes provisions for the return of a sprayer to the City and forfeiture of the $10,000 Seven Iron had paid the City so far. The concession fee that was not paid in 2011 will be repaid in thirds over the next three years. Seven Iron will pay a lease amount of $10,000 in 2012, $11,000 in 2013, and $12,000 in 2014. Cunningham will provide monthly financial reports and an annual report to the city. The parties are also working on a promissory note with collateral equal to the amount owed from the $22,500 not paid in 2011.
Commissioners Declare Emergency For City Of Greenhorn
By Debby Schoeningh
Baker County Commissioners declared a local emergency within the City of Greenhorn during their April 4, meeting directing the Baker County Director of Emergency Management Service to coordinate operations in the City.
Emergency Management Director Mark Bennett requested commissioners to declare the emergency after Greenhorn’s three county appointed city councilors failed to meet and fill the remaining council positions as directed by the County. One of the appointed councilors resigned.
As a result the Greenhorn council has no quorum and has not filed a budget for the fiscal year 2012 or performed an audit for 2011 as required by law. The city also currently has no mayor and has not held a city meeting for more than a year.
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