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Latest News
Councilors Discuss Resort Street Project During Work Session, Take Comments
By Joni Lea Linscott
On Tuesday Baker City Council held a work session to give property owners a chance to discuss how they feel about the upcoming Resort Street project.
Mayor Dennis Dorrah started the meeting by giving an overview of the project. He explained that the project has been in the works for many years, and that the monies for it came from House Bill 2001, which was a bill produced last year to increase gas taxes, and then disperse that money throughout the state. The money was dispersed in these percentages, 50% would go to the state, 30% to counties and 20% to cities.
Baker County received $10 million for modernization projects, and as Fred Warner Jr., County Commission Chair explained, the County only had six hours to decide what they were going to do with the money, so Resort Street was one of the first on the list. The total project for Resort Street will include new sidewalks, new pavement, new street lights, and hopefully getting all utilities put underground in what is called Local Improvement District or LID.
Baker Truck Corral’s Open House Showcased The Shorepower Truck Electrification Program
By Tammy A. Bloom
On Jan. 1, 2012 a new law will go into effect that will prohibit long periods of engine idling. Therefore, the Baker City Truck Corral, the first truck stop out of 50 in the country, has installed two dozen electrical outlets that is part of a federally funded program. The outlets will provide a cleaner, less expensive source of energy for truckers to power the small electrical appliances they need inside their trucks during their breaks from the road.
The power will be sold at a market rate of $1 an hour for low voltages (120 VAC) and a higher rate, yet to be established, for the higher voltages.
Greg Smith, Baker County’s economic development director said, “We (Baker City) are in a perfect location to be an intermodal hub for truck drivers.”
Half of the outlets are out on the other side of the parking lot where the trucks park at night and the other half are close to the restaurant. The owners of the Truck Corral are hoping that people traveling in RVs will use these outlets.
School Board Meets As Opening Day Rapidly Approaches
By Doyle Perry
The Baker School District 5J Board of Directors met Aug. 16 with the first day of school planned for Aug. 29. The Board discussed several matters including an Annual Accountability Report from Curriculum Director Anthony Johnson, covering the District demographic data, performance indicators and progress measurements from 2007-2008 to 2010-2011.
In his report, Johnson also introduced some of the plans which he says will improve the performance of grades 4-7 ( by 19%) and 10% in writing in grade 10 by spring of 2012. Baker Middle School and Baker High School students took the writing assessment online in 2009-2010 but switched back to pencil/paper in 2010-2011. Oregon Department of Education will not be evaluating writing work samples except at grade 11 in 2011-2012.
Johnson said in his report that “by spring, we will improve the performance of grade 4-8 Special Education students in South Baker in reading and improving the number of students exceeding the standards in algebraic relationships of grades 5-6 and 7-8 and the number of students meeting the state standards in grade 11 in Baker School District in mathematics.”
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Photo by Greg Brinton
FLOODING —There Hereford Valley near the Sullivan Ranch has experience considerable flooding with recent rains. The Oregon Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use caution as highways throughout eastern Oregon are being impacted by flood waters. In some places, local rivers and creeks have not crested yet, water is over the roadway and some highways are closed. In other locations, the waters are receding, crews are making repairs and highways are reopening. Motorists are urged to check www.tripcheck.com or call 511 for the latest closures and alerts.
Voters Reject School Option Tax
By Debby Schoeningh
Baker County voters rejected the May 17 ballot Measure 1-54 for the 5J School District local option tax by a wide margin 2,939 no votes to 1,124, according to Baker County Clerk’s office unofficial results.
School District Superintendent Walt Wegener said he and the Board thought it was appropriate to let the community weigh-in, with the option of a tax levy, on how severe the budget cuts should be in view of the decrease in state funding. Wegener said, however, he understands the decision voters made and the Board is prepared to move forward.
“We had made the assumption that the tax would not pass so we are still right on track and ready to implement the budget cuts,” he said. “We knew we had to tighten our belt regardless, we had just hoped the community would help us tighten it.”
A Century In Baker City: Chet Smith Turns 100
By Travis Short
On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, Chet Smith, a lifelong citizen of Baker City, turned 100 years old. It seemed unremarkable to him though. Chet smiled wryly and said, “It don’t take long to live a hundred years.”
He remembers a time when the Baker Tower was nothing more than a livery stable on the outskirts of town. Before the Basche Sage place, as he recalls, it was a stone building with a simple wooden sign out front that read “Kentucky Liquor.”
Chet’s earliest jobs were a paper route, driving taxi, and hauling ice cream around town. His knowledge of the houses in Baker was extensive. “Used to be a time you could tell me a number (of a residence) and I could tell you the color of the house and whether it had a porch light” he said. The ice cream truck he delivered with was actually a horse-drawn wagon, and he would usually go out with just a few 10-gallon buckets on ice. “There was always vanilla” he remembers with a wink.
GOP Chairman Visits Baker City
By Travis Short
After a close gubernatorial race in the last election, and with several state level public offices becoming available in 2012, the Grand Old Party (GOP), better known as the Republican Party, is looking to increase its sway in the hallowed halls of government here in Oregon. According to GOP Chairman Allen Alley, when it comes to that particular goal “Baker County is more important than Washington and Clackamas Counties combined.”
Alley said that a good grass roots movement can bring disenchanted voters back to the polls and help further the GOP’s burgeoning success. At both a state and national level Republicans are gaining a voice they mostly lost in the elections of 2008. Nationally they have garnered a majority in the house again, and statewide they have gained even footing with Democrats with a 50/50 split in the senate.
Fatal Motorcycle Crash - Highway 86 East Of Baker City
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday afternoon's motorcycle crash on Highway 86 about six miles east of Baker City that resulted in the death of a Baker City man.
According to OSP Trooper Kris Davis, on May 13 at approximately 3:30 p.m. a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Donald M. Jordan, 64, from Baker City, was eastbound on Highway 86 near milepost 6. Witnesses said the motorcycle failed to negotiate a left curve and traveled off the right shoulder. It went over 20 feet down an embankment, ejecting Jordan who was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was wearing a protective helmet.
OSP troopers from the Baker City work site are continuing the investigation. Speed does not appear to have been a factor.
Baker County Sheriff's Office, ODOT and Baker City Ambulance assisted at the scene.
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Photo by Debby Schoeningh
Ken
Myers feeds from the hay wagon while David Anderson demonstrates how
the all-electric truck can be operated from a remote device.
Local Rancher Feeds With Electric Horsepower
By Debby Schoeningh
Finding
ways to tighten the preverbal budget belt when it comes to agriculture
operating expenses isn’t always easy. Vehicle manufactures typically
target mainstream consumers with cost-saving technologies rather than
farmers and ranchers, leading many of those in the Ag industry to
fashion their own devices.
While
searching for a fuel efficient way to feed livestock, beef producer
David Anderson of Haines called upon the skills of longtime friend, Ken
Myers, a self employed auto mechanic tottering on the edge of
retirement.
Together they created what Myers says may be the first remote controlled all-electric feed truck of its type in the world.
“It’s the latest and greatest thing for Ag,” says Myers, who also resides in Haines.
Council Passes Resolution On Sidewalk Utility Fees Used For Property Owner Matching Grants
By Joni Lea Linscott
At
the regular meeting of Baker City Council on Tuesday night, there were
six major items on the agenda, including Resolution No. 3656, which
will set sidewalk utility fee allocations for 2011.
In
August of 2008 the City Council approved ordinance no. 3248 which
imposed a sidewalk utility fee for the purpose of providing funds for
construction, reconstruction and maintenance of sidewalks within the
public right of way. The ordinance requires that at least 25% of the
fees collected be set aside for a property owner grant matching program.
Each year the council must allocate a portion of fees collected for the
grant program.
The
proposal for the 2011 sidewalk grant program is to continue with the
75% allocation for the property owner grants, as modified in 2009 on
resolution no. 3615, and the remaining 25% to go toward the 'E' Street
accessibility improvements.
Dam Collapses Causing Flooding In Old Auburn Area
By Debby Schoeningh
A
dam at Vogel Reservoir near the Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife’s (ODFW) Old Auburn elk feeding area collapsed and sent water
rushing down onto private and state properties March 30.
“It
was a pretty impressive path of water,” said Eddie Miguez, ODFW-
Elkhorn area wildlife manager. “It was such a big wall of water all at
once, it was like someone pulled the plug.”
He
said seven downstream property owners suffered damages from the flood,
mostly washed out fences and damage to hay stackyards. ODFW managed
property also lost about 1/2 mile of crossfences and sustained damage to
a road. He said there was also considerable debris at the upper end of
the flooding.
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Baker Community Choir Performs Christmas Concert
“O Wonderous Star” was performed by the Baker Community Choir Friday and Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Baker City. It was directed by Lynne Burroughs and Kent Baily, was the pianist. The Choir has 42 members.
The Baker Community Choir also received a grant check for $4,000 from Northeast Oregon Heritage Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation and the Glen and Jean McKenzie Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation. The grant is to be used to establish an after school program in the elementary schools in Baker County. They are going to start with Brooklyn School.
Idaho Power Funds Benefit Baker County Search and Rescue
Donation of $4,900 will provide new equipment for additional diver
Idaho Power on Monday presented a check for $4,900 to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office to fund critical search-and-rescue efforts. The contribution will go toward new deep-water dive equipment and enable an additional diver to be added to the county’s search-and-rescue team.
Two Idaho Power officials were on-hand for the event. Power Production Manager Dale Koger and Community Relations Representative Mike Ybarguen presented the check to Baker County Sheriff Mitch Southwick. The presentation took place at the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’ve been working with Sheriff Southwick and the county for many months to put this donation together,” said Koger. “Because so many folks who live in Baker County enjoy our Hells Canyon facilities, and because safety is a value at Idaho Power, it was a natural fit to help out with a contribution for this critical equipment.”
With the Idaho Power donation, Baker County will purchase new equipment that will better enable them to carry out search-and-rescue missions in places like Brownlee Reservoir. Items to be purchased include new scuba masks, communication modules and glow lights, as well as upgrades to current equipment.
“The Baker County Search and Rescue Dive Team is comprised of all volunteers,” said Sheriff Southwick. “This new equipment may very well help us save lives.”
The donation reflects Idaho Power’s commitment to safety across all the communities the company serves.
“We are glad we had this opportunity to help the people of Baker County,” said Ybarguen. “Our company has spent a lot of time working with the community on the Boardman to Hemingway project, and we feel a real connection to the area. It’s great to be able to give back in this way.”
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative To Return $1.2 million To Members This Month
The Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative Board of Directors announces the return of $1.2 million in capital credits to its members this month.
Unlike investor-owned electric utilities, which distribute their profits to stockholders, OTEC is a non-profit electric cooperative. That means if the financial position of the cooperative allows, OTEC returns a portion of its patronage capital back to the members.
“The Cooperative works hard to keep rates as low as possible,” said Werner Buehler, General Manager of OTEC, “and it is reassuring to know that when there are margins, they go back to the members.”
Present members who have eligible capital credits of $15 or higher will be mailed a check in mid-December. Members with capital credits of $14.99 or below will receive a credit in the amount owed to them on their December bill.
“Capital credits distinguish cooperatives from any other business model in the utility world,” said Buehler. “It is always good for our Board to be able to return money to our members during the holiday season but especially during these tough economic times.
County Commissioners Discuss Courthouse Damage
The Dec. 8 County Commissioners meeting began with Commission Chair Fred Warner Jr. detailing the activities of the Baker County employees during the emergency exiting of the County offices due to the break in the water pipe. Warner expressed appreciation to the people in the community for their quick and efficient actions. Working together with the Baker County School District, Baker City, and Baker City Police Department, services have been restored to the citizens of Baker County.
Attorney Dan Van Thiel prepared an agreement for the individual County departments and will continue to put in order those papers required. The agreement to the School District proposed is for the 1st month - $2,600, 2nd month - $2,500 and for each month thereafter - $2,300. Insurance is included with the rental agreement. Mark Bennett of the Planning Department anticipates these arrangements will be operative until June 30, 2011.
An overview of the damage by Department and Floor with general percentages in each of the areas of the building follows:
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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?”
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