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April 16, 2009 Front Page |
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Wolves Kill 23 Lambs In Keating Valley
By Debby Schoeningh
Rumors have been circulating about gray wolves migrating into Baker County from Idaho for a few years, but there hadn't been any credible proof, until now.
Michelle Dennehy, Wildlife Programs Communications Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has confirmed that a wolf or wolves were involved in the depredation of lambs at the Jacobs Ranch in Keating, Ore., last week.
Dennehy said evidence including photographs, tracks and bite marks were used to confirm the presence of wolves. Cameras placed at the scene photographed the two wolves.
“Several wolf experts looked at the photos and confirmed they are wolves,” said Dennehy.
Curt and Annie Jacobs lost 15 lambs to the wolves last Thursday night and two lambs Sunday night. Six more lambs that were injured during the two attacks died later, mostly from infection (despite antibiotics), and trauma. Seven, including two seriously injured ewes, are still recovering.
Congressman Walden Lunches In Baker City, Discusses Letter Sent To President Obama
By Candie Campbell
At a luncheon held Tuesday, April 7, Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) spoke to local businessmen and women regarding the national budget, biomass, his thoughts on health care issues and the possibility of running for Governor in the future.
Walden’s main focus was a letter he drafted and delivered to President Obama on March 30. The letter details Oregon counties hardest hit by staggering unemployment rates including Crook County at 20.7 percent, Harney County 20.2 percent and Grant County, 18.0 percent.
Walden recently made an appearance on the FOX Network News discussing the impact this is having on Oregon in this struggling economy. These communities are surrounded by vast federal timberlands, where little work is allowed in the forests. Walden urges President Obama to support funding of the newly passed FLAME Act (Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement).
Turbo Gets A New Ride
By Candie Campbell
Kathleen Cathey, for Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, handed Baker City Mayor Dennis Dorrah the keys to what he hailed as the “nicest K-9 vehicle in the state of Oregon.”
The showroom at the Baker Garage filled with people while the much anticipated state-of-the-art K-9 Vehicle gleamed in the spotlight. The 2009 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 has been specially out-fitted with separate compartments for necessary police gear such as a shotgun, beanbag gun, and a shield. There’s another compartment for all of Turbo’s gear including harnesses, muzzles, leases and first aid, and a compartment for evidence gathered that would keep it safe during transport.
Officer Wayne Chastain, Turbo’s handler/partner, said the vehicle allows he and Turbo to function more efficiently. By enabling them to transport a prisoner in the same vehicle, it eliminates the need to call for another officer and tie up a separate unit that could be better utilized elsewhere.
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