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News Archive
City Council Approves Funds For Skatepark
By Jason Smith
Among the various topics discussed at Tuesday's City Council meeting was the proposed funding for improvement to the Sam-O Skatepark. City funds include allocated amounts for skatepark improvements. Previously, these funds were received and allocated for small improvement projects.
James Hatfield approached city staff and requested the city to work together to combine skatepark funds and volunteer labor to make improvements to the existing skatepark, located on Baker Street. Hatfield is now seeking to coordinate several skatepark users, most of whom are students, and others to add a new feature to the park. The maximum budget is estimated at $12,000. Much of the labor would be donated as volunteer labor. Expenditures would include concrete, rebar, and plywood forms. The improvement project will also include a finish coat over a portion of the existing structure in an effort to smooth out the surface, which will help improve safety at the park. The skatepark has approximately $24,000 dollars available, and as such this project would require less than half of the available allocated funds.
DA Declines To Prosecute Pope and Brocato
By Debby Schoeningh
Local citizens had lodged complaints with Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff alleging Baker City Councilor Milo Pope and former city manager Steve Brocato had violated the law during an incident last month where Pope had gathered with friends, including Brocato, outside of his law office (Third Street in Baker City), rather than attend a council meeting.
Those complaints alleged that Pope had broken the law by urinating in public outside of his law office on the evening of the gathering, and that Brocato had assaulted Baker City citizen Jason Bland, who along with Chris Christie had been witnessing the gathering from across the street, by knocking his hat off.
Due to conflicts of interest, Shirtcliff had turned the information over to Harney County District Attorney Timothy Colahan for review. In a letter to Shirtcliff dated Sept. 28, Colahan stated, "I am declining prosecution for any offense."
Salt Lick Contest Raises $7,700 For Parkinson’s Research
“The 4th Annual Great Salt Lick Auction was a huge success,” said Ginger Savage of Crossroads Arts Center. She said with checks still coming in and bills to be paid, they should clear over $7,700 for Parkinson's Research at OHSU.
Held last Saturday, the event received a record number of Blocks, 55, was sold with an average of $135 per block. Wholey Grail Bronze and a bronze salt lick cast by Blue Mountain Fine Arts sold for $550 and Venus De Moo Low, a forged block made by Rose Fisher sold for $525.
Planning Commission Discusses Wind Power Generation Zoning Ordinances
By Maure Albert
Baker County Planning Commission met Sept. 23. The meeting started with all board members present. Chair Randy Joseph read the procedures necessary to address the board with issues considering land use. Minutes of the past three months, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 26 were then approved.
David and Linda Bird of the Keating area requested a variance of the Setback and Frontage requirements. Their packet contained photos, diagrams, and a letter from the Baker County Road Department and a License Agreement signed by County Commissioner Fred Warner Jr. Discussion ensued between board members about the procedures and the different roles each of the County government.
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Courthouse Pipe Bursts Causing Extensive Damage
By Debby Schoeningh
County employees were unable to conduct business as usual earlier this week as they scrambled to set up temporary offices due to flooding at the Baker County Courthouse.
Karen Spencer, Baker County information officer, said sub zero temperatures during the long Thanksgiving weekend caused a one-inch pipe that carries water for the courthouse heating system to freeze, and then split open.
Vince Woods, a courthouse employee discovered the water pouring into the first floor of the three-story building Sunday morning at about 10 a.m.
The busted pipe was located in the attic space above the circuit court judge’s chambers on the third floor. The ceiling in the judge’s chambers broke through and water flowed into the adjacent courtroom and offices, and into the lower levels.
Courthouse staff were called in Sunday to help move files, books, computers and furniture out of the water, which was several inches deep in some areas. Although the courthouse vault is encased in concrete, the water was deep enough that some of its contents, including historic documents and records, were water damaged. Spencer said they may enlist the help of a curator to salvage some of the more important items.
Family Loses Home And Belongings In Thanksgiving Day Fire
By Teri Brown-Johnson
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, the Haines Fire Protection District and Baker Rural Fire Department were called to a structure fire at North Rock Creek Lane and Foothill Road.
According to Haines Fire Chief Jerry Hampton, "The house is owned by Lindsey and Lisa Brakel who rent to Doug and Melissa Noe. Fire fighters from both agencies battled the blaze from around 3 p.m. until after 1 a.m. the following day.
“It is with great sadness to tell you that the house was a total loss and all the contents as well were destroyed in the blaze. Fire Fighters worked very hard to save the out buildings which I am pleased to say they did. The cold weather impacted several apparatus but they were able to get them back into the fire stations and thawed out.
Three Men Arrested In Connection With Local Business Burglaries
By Debby Schoeningh
Three Baker City men were arrested in connection to burglaries in the 10th Street business district that occurred last month.
Brent Alexander Bresheres, 19, was charged with theft by receiving. A search warrant was executed at his home.
Ian Eugene Eastland, 21, was charged with second degree burglary and first degree theft. A search warrant was also executed at his residence. He was already in Baker County Jail on a probation violation.
John Roper, 37, was charged with theft by receiving. Baker City Police Chief Wyn Lohner said Roper was recently released from prison and was living in a transition home where he was arrested.
Lohner said the arrests were aided by a tip from Baker County Parole and Probation. He said losses at the business involved included $1,500 in bikes and other items and cash from Dick’s Bikes and Repairs; $14,000 in items from The Treasure Box; and about $700 in cash, food and damages at The Little Pig.
Lohner said more arrests are expected.
Sexual Abuse Charges Against Cole Dismissed
Tony Green, Director of Communications & Policy with the Oregon Department of Justice said Brian Cole has agreed to plead guilty to furnishing alcohol to a minor, which is a misdemeanor, and will be sentenced to probation. Charges of third degree sexual abuse have been dismissed.
Cole’s charges stem from an incident last October when a Baker County Sheriff’s Deputy found him parked in a car with a 17-year old female who was not related to him. There was also a bottle of liquor found in the car.
Cole and the female signed a civil compromise last month stating that she had received satisfaction for the injuries incurred from the incidents with Cole, and asked the court to dismiss the case.
Green said the Department of Justice will not appeal the dropped charges.
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Leo Adler Memorial Parkway Project Gets $25,000 Boost From Ash Grove Cement Company - Sunderland Foundation
The Ash Grove Cement Company has presented to the city of Baker City a $25,000 contribution to be used in the construction of the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway project. The donation, made public at a special ribbon cutting ceremony held last week, is made through the Sunderland Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Ash Grove Cement Company dedicated to funding bricks and mortar projects of community significance. The project, broken into phases, edged closer to completion today with the opening of the Madison to Washington pathway segment.
Terry Kerby, plant manager at Ash Grove Cement Company’s Durkee plant, presented the city with a ceremonial check for the donation at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “The Leo Adler Memorial Parkway project provides infrastructure to bring the people of Baker City together as a community. Aspects of the community gathering area will be used throughout the four seasons,” Kerby said. “Ash Grove Cement and the Sunderland Foundation are proud to contribute to this worthwhile project.” Kerby noted that the request for funds to support the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway project was made earlier this year.
Council Discusses Franchise Agreement With Charter Communications
By Joni Lea Linscott
During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Baker City Council discussed the possibility of extending a franchise agreement with Charter Communications. Also on the agenda were appointments to the Golf Board and Commission, second reading of Ordinance No. 3299, third reading of Ordinance No. 3300, and comments from the City Manager, Department Heads and Councilors. All Councilors were present, except for Councilor Milo Pope.
City Manager Mike Kee said the proposed extension of the franchise agreement with Charter doesn't include several things. He said citizens are saying that the council needs to look at and add things in this agreement that apply to the quality of service that would be provided by Charter. He also asked for authorization from the council to negotiate a new agreement with Charter.
Councilor Gail Duman said Charter is already not upholding their end of the franchise agreement by closing their office here in town, and that there is no penalty clause in place for Charter for breaking the agreement. She also stated that they should approve the extension, but with the option open for other cable providers to come in if they wish to.
Ash Grove Cement Files For Review Of EPA Air Pollutant Rule
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Ash Grove Cement Company filed a petition for review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Portland Cement National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Maximum Achievable Control Technology Rule in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today.
“The rule reduced or created emissions limits for mercury, total hydrocarbons, hydrochloric acid and particulate matter. Of particular concern is the new emission limit for mercury, which is low and is not based on technology as the Clean Air Act specifies,” said Curtis Lesslie, Ash Grove’s vice president, environmental affairs.
Ash Grove is especially concerned about continuing operations at Oregon’s sole cement manufacturing plant in Durkee, which previously reached an agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and other community stakeholders, to install the best known mercury control system in the world in July 2008. The $20 million system was completed and began operation in July 2010.
Baker 5J Superintendent Addresses Lions
By Gerald Hopkins
"We have a great school system and we can celebrate what our schools are doing," Baker District 5J Superintendent Walt Wegener told the Lions during a guest appearance. "There are many things to celebrate," Wegener continued " such as exceeding the state standards, having our district count up, at the WEB Academy serving as a state model with 300 students on line, and sustaining educational excellence." Wegener added that the Haines School has been labeled an outstanding school by the state department for six years in a row. "We are moving into technology wherever we can," Wegener said, "and we were number one in test scores that dropped due to computer problems with the writing portions. Everyone who went to a computer based system took a hit in that area."
Superintendent Wegener expressed a concern about the loss of state funding. He said that much depends on what the state will do with funding, but would estimate that another $650,000-$700,000 could occur for the next year. "This could mean a reduction of 12-14 teachers," Wegener said. "We have already trimmed from our budget. Our hit this year was 6.6% of general funds. There is nothing we can do about the state portion."
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School Board Chooses Primary Superintendent Goals
By Eden Taylor The Baker District 5J School Board used their work session on Oct. 19 to choose the two primary goals to use in the superintendent evaluation for this school year. The Board unanimously chose Instructional Support as their Primary Goal. The second Primary goal of Staff Evaluation was also selected. Other goals chosen as secondary evaluation points were District Culture, Safe Schools, School Improvement, Management and Community. It was also determined that the Evaluation will be done by Andrew Bryan and Damien Yervasi and will be completed by April 1, 2011. During their regular scheduled board meeting, the School Board listened to Mike Sowder discuss the After School Program. The ESD wrote a grant through ODE for the After School Programs. At this time there are 8 programs in operation. Elgin, La Grande and Union each have one. North Powder has 2 and there are 3 programs in Baker City: one at Brooklyn, one at South Baker and one at Baker Middle School.
La Grande Juveniles Arrested For Spray-Painting High School On Oct. 28, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. four La Grande juveniles are alleged to have gone onto Baker High School property, 2500 E Street in Baker City, and spray-painted numerous areas of the High School with blue and white spray paint. These areas include windows, sidewalks, buildings and the track. The damage was estimated to be approximately $2,000.
Baker City Police personnel reviewed surveillance video taken during the incident, which was also reviewed by Baker High School and La Grande High School personnel during the investigation.
The investigation has culminated in the arrest of four La Grande juveniles: two males age 16, one 17 year old female, and one 15 year old female. All four juveniles have received criminal citations and three of them have been transported to the juvenile detention center in Walla Walla, Wash.
Commissioners Discuss County Technology By Maure Albert All three commissioners were present at the Oct. 20 Baker County Commissioners meeting, Dr. Carl Stiff, Fred Warner Jr. and Tim L. Kerns.
The Baker County Technology Department headed by Bill Lee updated the Board on the improvements and activities his team have made in the last year and the continuing necessities they will be needing in the coming months. They have installed cable in the Fair building, and wireless at Hewitt Park, which he said works well and the patrons have been pleased with the reception. They improved the County’s web site with better visuals and data. The need of Firewall protection against the more invasive viruses that continued to get more complex was detailed by Lee.
This team will also upgrade to Blackberrys for interdepartmental communication. The Baker County web site also has a survey that can be taken by those interested in the Anthony Lakes Resort. Computers throughout the County will continue to be upgraded to XP as the ’97 version is losing ability to integrate with other State and Federal agencies.
Student Arrested At BHS
Following an incident at Baker High School (BHS), Joseph Matousch, 18, of Baker City was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and resisting arrest. Sgt. Kirk McCormick with the Baker City Police Department said Matouse was a student at Baker High School and allegedly had disagreed with something a teacher told him before the incident took place.
McCormick said Matousch, a student at BHS, had allegedly yelled in the hallways, refused to leave after being asked by school staff and resisted arrest when the police were called.
McCormick said it took multiple officers to arrest Matouse and transport him to Baker County Jail. He said Matousch was released on bail shortly after his arrest.
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