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February 19, 2009 Front Page |
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Grasshoppers — Preparing For A Local Invasion
By Debby Schoeningh
The month of May is the prime time to spray for grasshoppers and Helmuth Rogg, program manager of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Insect Pest Prevention and Management program, said “it’s coming up quick. Talk to your neighbors. You need to get ready — it’s not looking good.”
Rogg, along with representatives from other state and federal agencies held an Integrated Pest Management workshop in Baker City Feb. 13.
Hordes of grasshoppers began their descent on eastern Oregon in 2007, with the highest concentrations being in Union and Wallowa Counties, and then into Baker County last year. They ate their way through crops and pasturelands with densities as high as 200 per square yard in some areas. Rogg said it only takes 20 adult grasshoppers per square yard to make a major impact on a producer’s yield.
City Fire Department Receives AFG Grant
After two years of research, planning and development, the Baker City Fire Department will soon receive a new mobile fire-training unit that will allow firefighters from around the region to practice and improve a variety of specialized skills aimed at protecting our community. Funding for the mobile training unit, totaling $267,000 was awarded from the DHS/FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program.
“This project is a good example of local leaders and the fire service coming together to increase the skills and knowledge firefighters need to keep our communities safe,” said Jim Price, Baker City Fire Chief. “The fact that this project was identified as a national first round priority is definitely gratifying, but just as exciting is the fact that we are now in the final phases of receiving a specialized training-unit that will directly enhance fire and life safety services in Baker City and throughout the county.”
Haines Business Has New Owner
By Teri Brown Johnson
Ken Bain of Haines is the new owner of the Cole Brothers American Service on Front Street in Haines. He is buying the station from Clifford Cole. It is now Bain's Equipment Repair. Ken has had his business as Bain's Equipment Repair for many years and managed a lot of shops before, but this is the first time to have his own building for his business.
The shop’s opening date was on Jan. 1. He plans to turn the shop into an equipment and auto repair and has been operating since opening day. Ken says he has two employees, Larry Curry and J.O. Maxwell who formerly worked with Cliff Cole.
He is looking forward in working with them. Ken is still doing a lot of mobile repair and is comfortable with jobs being well done at the shop.
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