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News Archive
BPA Rate Increase Results In ‘Slight’ OTEC Rate Increase
The Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) wholesale power rate increase will result in slightly higher rates for Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) members. After carefully reviewing the impacts of BPA’s 7.6 percent rate increase, OTEC has determined that it now needs to raise rates for the first time since 2004.
Effective Oct. 1, 2009, OTEC will eliminate the monthly consumer charge and instead implement a monthly delivery charge on each account at a rate that is $5 more than what the consumer charge currently is. Implementing a delivery charge instead of a consumer charge brings OTEC more in line with industry norms. Placing the increase on the delivery charge helps bring OTEC’s rates more in line with the actual cost of service of delivering electricity to its members.
The delivery charge is essentially the cost of operating a local utility to deliver electricity to the consumer’s location. This cost includes, but is not limited to, the costs of operating and maintaining poles, wires, and substations. OTEC contracted with an independent consultant to perform a cost of service study in 2008.
County Commission Meeting: More Justice Court Cases
By Eden Taylor
Justice Court Judge Lise Yervasi reported to Commissioners Carl Stiff and Tim Kerns at the regular County Commission Session on Aug. 5. (Commission Chair Fred Warner Jr. was not in attendance as he was out of town attending a CIS meeting concerning city/county insurance.) Yervasi explained the need for an additional full-time employee in the Justice Court. Justice Court handles misdemeanor violations, small claims, traffic cases and fish and game cases. Currently the court operates with two full-time employees, but an additional person is needed to file and collect fees.
In 2008, traffic cases were down to just 700 cases. In the current year cases are up, causing a higher work load for the Court. In addition to a higher work load, fewer people are paying their fees. The court is collecting only 60% of the fees. Yervasi feels that the court could collect 80% to 90% of the fees if additional staff was employed. A reduction in fee collection means less revenue for Justice Court.
Celtic Festival And Highland Games Coming Aug. 22
The 2009 Eastern Oregon Celtic Festival and Highland Games are coming to the Baker County Fairgrounds, Saturday, August 22. This year's exciting event is Scottish American Athletic Association (SAAA) sanctioned, meaning professional athletes from around the country can and will compete in Baker City as part of the national highland games circuit. Much like the rodeo circuit, professionals accumulate points at sanctioned events, which lead each year to the national highland games finals.
The festival will include a wide range of entertainment including three well-known musical groups: Ordinance, Guess When, and the City of Trees Pipe and Drum Band - all of whom bring traditional Celtic melodies to life featuring instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipes, didgeridoo, drums and whistles. For those who enjoyed the magic of River Dance, Irish Dance Idaho is traveling to Baker City from the Treasure Valley to perform the traditional Irish step with artistic precision and intricate choreography for the audience. A sheepdog demonstration with trainer Bernie Miller is planned for spectators, with Irish Wolfhounds heading up the Parade of Clans during the opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. Visitors can also experience Celtic storytelling in full brogue, haggis tasting, and the infamous Bonny Knees contest. The kids' games - like the adult highland games, only smaller - will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club help to round out the day.
10 clans will set up their tents around the fairgrounds to help visitors find their Celtic ancestry. For those more interested in shopping and cuisine, approximately 25 vendors will attend.
Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the competition beginning at that time. Admission is only $3 for adults and $2 for children, with kids under age 5 admitted free. Clan and vendor registration forms are also available at BakerHighlanders.org, or call 523-4340 for more information.
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East-West All Stars Battle for the Kids
Photos and Article by Tim and Taralynn Taylor
Shriners Raise Over $100,000
The 57th annual Shrine All-Star Game kicked off in Baker City during the blazing heat on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The East team started the game by receiving the kickoff, and was able to make only one first down. Then they had to punt the ball to the West team, with the ball landing on the 17 yard line. The West team couldn’t move the ball, and ended their possession with the center hiking the ball over the punters head into the end zone. This gave the East team a two-point safety and the lead at 2-0.
The East team received the free kickoff, but their possession of the ball was cut short when Jared Rue, of the West team, intercepted the ball. The West team didn’t move the ball very far and had to punt. Derek Piete kicked an awesome punt that went out of bounds right on the one yard line. The East team took the ball and the quarterback, Casey Clemens, led the team the 99 remaining yards to a touchdown.
Two More Murder Victims Found Near Elgin: Suspect Gregory Cook Captured
The suspect wanted in connection with three murders in Union County, Ore., was captured Monday in Thurston County, Wash. Gregory Alvin Cook (aka Gregory Alvin Mitts), age 42, was arrested by Thurston County Sheriff's Office working in cooperation with the Union County Major Crime Team (UCMCT).
The team investigated the homicide involving Shannon M. McKillop, age 51, whose remains were discovered in Union County near Elgin, Ore. on July 24, 2009. Over the last weekend, UCMCT located two additional human remains in a secluded area north of Elgin. Investigators have probable cause to believe the same suspect, Gregory Alvin Cook (aka Gregory Alvin Mitts), age 42, is responsible for all three murders.
On Aug. 1, 2009, the UCMCT located additional human remains in a secluded area north of Elgin. Tentative identification has been made of 2 individuals. Based on the information developed during the investigation and evidence at the scene, the remains are believed to be those of Frank M. Scaramuzzi, age 50, and Jeremiah H. Johnston, age 28, both from Elgin. Appropriate notifications to next of kin have been made.
West Nile Virus Detected In Baker County
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected July 22 four miles North of Baker City. Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis confirmed the positive mosquito pool, said Jim Lunders, Manager and Biologist of the Baker Valley Vector Control District.
Lunders explained that the Baker Valley Vector Control District routinely sets 24 adult mosquito traps baited with CO2 weekly throughout Baker, Bowen and Keating Valleys. The mosquitoes caught are then identified to species, counted and pooled into groups of 10-50 and sent onto the OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis for testing.
West Nile Virus has been previously detected in Baker County during the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 mosquito seasons. The July 22, 2009 mosquito pool is the first to be confirmed as West Nile Virus positive this season. To date there have been no human, avian or equine cases reported in Baker County this year.
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Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life was held in Baker City, July 24-25 at the Baker High School track.
Thirty-eight teams, 500 participants, were involved in this year’s overnight event. The relay is held during the nighttime to symbolize going from the darkness of first learning a cancer diagnosis to the light (at sunrise) when treatments work and cancer falls into remission.
2009 marked the 25th anniversary of Relay for Life and the 5th anniversary of Baker City’s participation during which local friends and family gather to celebrate those they have lost to cancer, those who have survived, and encourage patients in the midst of battling cancer. Baker City’s teams raised approximately $70,000 during this year’s event with additional donations still pending.
The local Relay for Life is co-chaired by Gloria Schott and Kelly Hardy. Nearly 3 dozen volunteers comprise the event’s various committees.
BPA Rate Increase More Than Reported
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) received specific wholesale power rate increase data from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the news is not good.
On Tuesday, July 21, BPA announced that its overall wholesale power rate increase would be 7 percent. BPA’s rate increase specific to OTEC will actually be 7.6 percent. This amounts to an increase of $1,269,883 per year.
Werner Buehler, OTEC General Manager, expressed his frustrations with the ups and downs of the rate increase process. “BPA started out with a proposed 9.4 percent increase, then it was suggested that the increase would be in the high teens to low 20 percent, then they suggested 6.8 percent, then they announced 7 percent in last weeks press release, but the reality is 7.6 percent,” explains Buehler.
(Photo by Bow McEwen)
Gus Thoreson
Elks Bull And Bronc Riding Results
The Baker Elks Bronc & Bull Riding Blowout events took place July 17th & 18th at the Baker County Fairgrounds in Baker City, Oregon for the thirteenth and fifteenth years, respectively. The Friday night bronc riding was loaded with crowd pleasing action as 26 qualified rides came from 36 contestants in the first of the three rounds. The broncs were collectively amazing in their performances, but the riders were a match in their desire to advance to the next two rounds. The top eleven riders by score advanced to the second round, and these included Bold Butler and Joe Heguy with 89 scores; Brian Martinat and Baker City’s own Levi Bunch with 85 scores; Jared McFarlane with an 84; Delano Kjos, Spencer Wright, 2007 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association World Champion Taos Muncy and Gus Thoreson with 83 scores; and brothers Kayle Gray and Corey Gray with 82 scores. Out of these eleven, six advanced to the championship round based on their second round scores of 87 for Delano Kjos and Kayle Gray, 85 for Spencer Wright, 81 for Bold Butler and Brian Martinat, and 77 for Taos Muncy. In the third and championship round Delano Kjos and Bold Butler each scored an 84 for a tie with Brian Martinat making the only other qualified ride for 76 points.
Durkee Steak Feed Comes To An End
No one still involved remembers what year the Durkee Steak Feed began. It was originally put on as a way to thank the haying crews who spent the long, hot days of summer cutting and stacking winter feed for the valley’s cattle herds. Then, as tractors took over the jobs formerly done by teams of horses, the Durkee Steak Feed evolved into a way to raise funds to maintain the Durkee Grange Hall. For most of its life, the Steak Feed took place in what was known as Hindman Meadows, on the banks of Burnt River; a number of years ago this annual summer gathering of the valley’s ranchers and of townsfolk from the surrounding cities and towns moved to the grounds of the old Durkee School/Grange Hall. It was felt by those who did the work that the Hall, with it’s restrooms and kitchen facilities, would make the job of putting on the Steak Feed a little easier.
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How Many People Does It Take To Build A Barn?
Photo and story information by Tammy Bloom
Family, friends and the community gathered together to finish building a barn on Floyd Morgan’s ranch this past weekend. The project started July 11.
Morgan’s barn burned to the ground last fall only weeks after he lost his wife to cancer, and had no insurance to cover the structure’s loss. Don Glerup spearheaded the project, rounding up the crew and help of Gyllenberg Construction. Several benefits were held to help raise money for the supplies. Triple C Redi-Mix gave a discount on the cement, and Millers Lumber provided the lumber package. A BBQ was also donated to feed the crew.
Around 25 people from all corners of Baker County worked on the barn.
County Commission: Ash Grove Situation Needs Public Comments
By Eden Taylor
The Baker County Commissioner’s met in regular session on July 15. Several topics were discussed. The County Health Department and the Museum Commission reports are found in other articles in this edition.
Of great importance is the necessity of the public to comment to the EPA about the Ash Grove Cement Plant. The Commissioners had met individually and in a citizen advisory committee earlier in the month. “There is a need for local people to comment,” Commission Chair Fred Warner Jr., said. He intends to submit a letter to the editor to encourage public participation.
Travel Management Plan
Baker County has joined with Union and Wallowa Counties to choose Alternative #3 in the USFS Travel Management Plan as the desired Alternative. The counties hope to show Forest Superintendent Steve Ellis what their concerns are and insure they are going to be able to coordinate with the USFS between the final alternative selection and the final plan.
Baker County Health Department Plays Vital Role
By Eden Taylor
Debbie Hoopes, Health Administrator, and Becky Sanders, Nursing Supervisor, gave an update on the Baker County Health Department to the Baker County Board of Commissioners in their regular session on July 15. The presentation was put together by summer interns, Jill Richards and Amanda Woods, who also attended the session.
The Health Department’s presentation focused on the great things that have been accomplished this year. Starting with the Cacoon/Welcome Baby program, Becky touted 392 visits in the 2009 fiscal year as compared to an average of 60 visits per year in the past. Marianne Stone administers this program which assists high risk families and helps to prevent developmental delays through nursing intervention. It also links families with services in the community for their specific needs.
Property Maintenance Code Up For Adoption
By Candie Campbell
On July 14 the City Council had a draft of the Property Maintenance Code that had been discussed during at least two City Council work sessions, parts of it rewritten and included public input from prior sessions. The council posted all the information on July 2 regarding this meeting for the purpose of inviting public opinion on the matter to the City’s web site www.bakercity.com.
The goal of this ordinance is to improve livability in Baker City and enhance code enforcement according to the Ordinance 3292, which encompasses issues like, “It is in the public interest to encourage an attractive and safe physical environment for the benefit of all citizens of Baker City,” and includes topics regarding “unsafe, unsanitary, and otherwise improperly maintained premises and structures within the city of Baker City, which adversely affect the value, utility, and habitability of the property within the city as a whole.”
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