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December 4, 2008 Front Page |
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Turkey Trot Raises Food For Needy
Thanksgiving Day has a new tradition in Baker City, thanks to all the people who showed up to the first, and hopefully annual, “Run/Walk to Feed the Hungry” Turkey Trot. Over 200 came to run and walk 3.1 miles to help raise money and bring food to those in need.
The event was a fundraiser for the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center. The event raised over $2,000, and netted a pickup truck full donated food. Race Director Corrine Vegter, and Lillian Terry, executive director of the Compassion Center, said they were happy with how well this first time event worked out. Vegter and her husband and assistant race director, Brian Vegter, are already planning for next year’s event.
Eleven Members Appointed to Mental Health Advisory Committee, Moses And
Dielman Excluded
By Eden Taylor
In their regular session on Nov. 26, the Baker County Commissioners appointed 11 members to the Mental Health and Developmentally Disabled Advisory Committee. Seven categories are represented by the members chosen. Michele Wood represents the public, Sherry Shaw and Rhonda Culley represent agencies involved, Linda Tester and Sheila Dolby were appointed as consumers, Bob Heriza and Mary Jo Carpenter represent the seniors, Dustine Dougharty and Jim Brashler are from the residential sector, Barry Nemec represents the schools and Stacy Erickson represents law enforcement.
It was decided that those members who are already on the committee will serve for one year. Those new appointees will serve for two years, thus making it possible for continuity. The Commission will only need to replace half of the Advisory Committee each year.
After the members were suggested by Commissioner Dr. Carl Stiff, questions from the public arose as to why the Commissioners couldn’t have a 13 member committee and reappoint both Ed Moses and Gary Dielman, who have been serving on the committee. A discussion ensued. Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr., thanked Dielman for his service and said he has done an excellent job as chairman of the committee. He felt, however, that in order for the committee to move forward, this change needed to be made.
‘Rambling’ May Bring Money To Baker
And Surrounding Areas
By Debby Schoeningh
Baker City and County may soon be following in the footsteps of European countries that boost their economic development with “rambling,” a somewhat leisurely form of hiking.
Baker City Planning Director Don Chance and Economic Development Manager Gene Stackle described a 870-mile Blue Mountain Heritage Trail project to City Councilors last week.
The Trail project, which they have been working on since April, was initiated by hiking enthusiast Dick Hentze who spent years going through Forest Service records identifying abandoned trails. Hentze came up with a plan for a large loop trail through the Blue Mountains that has since morphed into an economic development tool for Baker City and the region.
Stackle said the project will work as “glue help to connect the county and its cities together” while creating economic development possibilities along the trail.
Councilors Approve First And Second Readings Of EID Ordinance
By Debby Schoeningh
With two public hearings down and one to go, the Economic Improvement District (EID) has jumped through the first hurdles on its way to being in place for another five years. Baker City Council unanimously approved the first two readings of the EID ordinance at their Nov. 25 meeting. EID is the funding source for Historic Baker City, Inc., (HBC) and other downtown improvement projects. The third and final hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Baker City Community Development Director Jennifer Watkins reported that several people rescinded their remonstrances of the EID last week. She said initially 27 percent of downtown property owners submitted remonstrances on property assessments, which is now at 20.4 percent. Remonstrances totaling 17 percent of the number of businesses within the district have also been received. Remonstrances of 33 percent or more were need for the EID to fail.
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