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August 20, 2009 Front Page |
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The Oregon Trail Experience
In celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, the Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center reenacted the Oregon Trail journey last Friday. Led by Wagon Master Mike Hanley of Jordan Valley and his wife, Linda, they traveled along the historic path of the Oregon Trail with participants from throughout Oregon.
The train camped at Ruckles Creek on Friday and trekked nine miles Saturday to set up camp near the Interpretive Center. Entertainment at the Center included Ray Egan as Ezra Meeker and Willis Boatman and James McGill, author of “Rediscovered Frontiersmen: Timothy Goodale.”
City Council Discusses Future Of Ash Grove Cement Plant
By Candie Campbell
Aug. 11, the Baker City Council held their bimonthly meeting.
Ash Grove Cement Co. asked the council to approve a resolution supporting the company’s campaign efforts to change a proposed federal rule limiting mercury emissions from cement plants. Ash Grove officials worry that if they forced to comply with the strict regulations, it would force the closure of the Durkee based plant.
According their web site, “The Ash Grove Cement Company started in 1882 in Ash Grove, Missouri, under the name Ash Grove White Lime Association. Today Ash Grove is the largest American-owned producer of cement and the sixth largest producer of cement in the United States.” The loss of such a substantial employer would be devastating to Baker County.
Three Arrested In School Burglaries
By Debby Schoeningh
Three men were arrested last week in connection with burglaries at the Baker High School and Middle School.
Eric Cavyell, 18, of Baker City; Andrew Hoffman, 19, of Baker City; and Sean Taylor, 18, of Seattle Wash., were charged with second degree burglary, criminal mischief and theft. Baker County Sheriff’s Department apprehended Cavyell last Thursday at a campsite near Phillips Lake. Taylor and Hoffman were arrested Wednesday afternoon. Cavyell has not been charged in connection with the Middle School burglary.
Joel Cummings Fund Raiser To Raffle Ford F150
By Tawny Campbell
Joel Cummings, 24, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just a baby. It is a disease that affects the lungs and digestive system; it clogs the lungs and leads to life threatening lung infections. He and his wife Saundra, along with many other people who are helping, are trying to raise the money needed for him to get a double lung transplant. They believe the surgery will cost around $385,000 but depending on how things go, it could cost even more than that. Insurance will be covering a lot of it, but they still need about $100,000. The money is not only going for the surgery, but doctor visits and medicines as well.
Joel Cummings was born in Baker City and lives here today, although the disease is preventing him from really living his life. He isn’t able to do a lot of the things he once could. He would rather be outdoors enjoying the weather, playing sports, or working, but the need for a double lung transplant has prevented him from doing so. The transplant will make his life go back to normal, so he can go back to doing the things he enjoys. He will be getting evaluated soon, but when the surgery will take place could be anytime within the next year or two.
Public Hearing For Baker County Zoning Ordinance Held
By Suzan Ellis Jones
The Baker County Planning commission held a public hearing last Thursday night at the County Extension Office for the purpose of taking testimony primarily for Chapter 340 on Transportation Standards and Chapters 440 on Mineral Extraction Zones portion of the proposed Baker County Zoning Ordinance changes.
Approximately 20 people attended the hearing in addition to Planning Commission members, Chair Randy Joseph, Dan Weitz, Michelle Dollar, Anna Sullivan, Bill Harvey and Deon Stromer. Planning Director, Mark Bennett, staff, Holly Kerns, Lauri Hoopes, Tara Andrews and Donna Thibodeau were also in attendance.
Chair, Randy Joseph opened the meeting with a statement about the passing of Marvin Burgraff, Planning Commissioner from Halfway. Chair Joseph said Marvin was a dedicated volunteer, who was thoughtful and quiet. When he spoke about an issue it was with a great deal of thought and care. Marvin will be missed and was thanked for his service.
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