County Has Until Aug. 1 To Decide On Taking Over Anthony Lakes
By Jason Smith
The public hearing held Wednesday, July 7, at the Baker County Courthouse to consider the county's takeover of Ski Anthony Lakes drew in a crowd that filled the room. Many came to voice their support for the county accepting the gift from the current owners.
Marie Hall, who traveled from Pendleton to attend Wednesday's meeting, said, “We look to the future too. We feel that you're approaching this the right way. I support the gift of the Anthony Lakes to Baker County. I think Anthony Lakes' future is bright. We encourage you to look forward.”
Steve Edwards echoed some of the same feelings with his remarks. “I think this resort is crucial for the economy. We need a way for the county to step in and have an interim oversight. I think the risk can be ameliorated. I believe people in both counties (Union and Baker) will be supportive.”
Judge Denies Motion For Suppression Of Evidence In Cole Case
By Eden Taylor
Brian Cole of Baker City has been charged with two counts of providing liquor to a person under 21 and four counts of third degree sex abuse. In May, his attorney Bob Moon, filed motions to suppress all physical evidence and statements obtained through Cole’s stop by police and the subsequent search of his car as well as evidence of the text messages obtained from the minor’s cell phone records.
After a full-day hearing May 21 in which Judge Garry Reynolds from Pendleton heard evidence from both sides, Reynolds took several weeks to read case-law pertaining to the evidence and motions. He handed down his decision in a written Memorandum of Opinion filed July 6.
Council Begins Search For New City Manager, Discusses Requirements For Keeping Official Council Meeting Minutes
By Mark Bogart
After starting with disagreements over official minutes, the Baker City Council showed consistent consensus on issues including city manager recruitment, appointments to committees and a vision for the city’s future.
Mayor Dennis Dorrah reported that he had contacted the League of Oregon Cities and initiated the process of recruiting a new city manager to replace Steve Bogart, who plans to step down in September. After Bogart explained options for selecting a replacement, the councilors expressed support for a plan suggested by Dorrah.
The first step, which is already under way, is to send recruiting letters to current city managers and other potential candidates in Oregon included on a list from the League of Oregon Cities. Bogart said that city managers across the state often get several such letters every week. Responses must be received by July 23. In the meantime, Bogart is contacting several recruitment firms, sometimes called “headhunters,” to get information on their services and fees. While making the process faster and easier for the council, the use of these firms comes at a price, Bogart cautioned.
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