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December 22, 2011 Front Page |
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Some Residents Deem New Hilltop Cell
Tower ‘Ugly’
By Debby Schoeningh
While some may see a benefit from improved coverage as a result of a newly erected cell tower, others find the 50-foot high monopole with antennas and equipment building that overlooks Baker City's southeast Spring Garden area objectionable.
T-Mobile, a national provider of wireless voice, messaging and data services headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., obtained a conditional use permit from Baker City Planning Department July 18, 2011. Baker City Planner Jenny Long said inspection of the project occurred on Nov. 15, 2011 and construction was completed last week.
The cell site was erected on the hill above Spring Garden Avenue on private property owned by P. B. Ranch, LLC (Rocky Brown) of Baker City.
Linda and Wayne Wall who live on Place Street, near the base of the hill, approximately 800 feet north of the tower site, stated in an email letter to Long, dated Dec. 10, “We cannot believe that the City of Baker will accept this ugly blight on its skyline, by a for-profit company, and think it’s okay.”
Local Man Indicted On Charges Of Sex Abuse
Don Harvey Phillips, 81, of Baker City, was indicted by the Baker County Grand Jury Dec. 13 on charges of sexual abuse involving a Baker City female.
Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said because he works with a relative of the victim’s he turned over the prosecution to the Union County District Attorney’s office. Union County Deputy District Attorney John Schilling of La Grande presented the case to the Grand Jury.
Schilling nor Union County District Attorney Tim Thompson could be reached before press time, and their office declined to give the victim’s age.
The Grand Jury indictment accuses Phillips of two counts of first degree sexual abuse, one count of coercion, one count of third degree sexual abuse, one count of sexual harassment and one count of harassment.
Spay/Neuter Fund Community Challenge Update
Mollie Atwater and Friends (MAF) Spay/Neuter Fund community challenge of raising $3,000 with at least 400 people contributing by Dec. 31 continues as we approach the new year. If successful, the MAF Spay/Neuter Fund will receive an additional $1,000 from a community member allowing the Fund to help even more animals. The Spay/Neuter Fund is a local, community-supported program.
As of Dec. 20, 76 people have contributed $2,849.14 to the $3,000 challenge. These caring folks reside in: Baker City (48), Haines (2), Halfway (9), Hereford (2), North Powder (2), Oxbow (2), Richland (7), Unity (1), as well as in Bend, Ore. (2) and Kansas City, Mo. (1).
Why contribute? The MAF Spay/Neuter vouchers help families prevent unwanted animals by paying a portion of the spay/neuter surgery costs. Sometimes these cats and dogs are already beloved companion animals and sometimes they are abandoned animals who have found a kind person to give them a home. In all cases, getting the animal spayed/neutered is an important step in decreasing the number of unwanted and homeless cats and dogs in Baker County and North Powder and improving the quality of life for all.
Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads, New Book In Images Of Rail Series
By Joni Lea Linscott
“Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads” is a 128-page photographic journal of the history of Oregon operations, primarily those along the Sumpter Valley Railway. The book is written by Alfred Mullett and Leonard Merritt. It is the latest release in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Rail series.
“Sumpter Valley Logging Railroads” begins with an introduction of a pioneer named David Eccles, who chartered the Oregon Lumber Company. The Oregon Lumber Company was an organization that produced many mills and railways and whose influence was felt from Salt Lake City to Northern california and Idaho. The book provides a pictorial history which explores the rails, mills, and people, as well as the logging practices of an era long gone.
Whitnah Files Candidacy, Duman Withdraws
Robert W. Whitnah of Baker City has filed his candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace. His educational background includes a doctorate in law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is a graduate of Baker High School.
Raymond Alan Duman has withdrawn his candidacy for Baker County Justice of the Peace. His reason for withdrawal states, “My long range plans have changed.”
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