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January 26, 2012 Front Page |
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Commissioners Discuss Justice Court Funding Issues
By Mark Bogart
Local attorneys, judges, and candidates for Justice of the Peace came to a hearing at last Wednesday's County Commission session to discuss the ramifications of a HB 2712, which will strip much of the funding used to operate the Baker County Justice Court. Their levels of concern varied, but all who spoke said that the loss or reduction of the Justice Court would be detrimental to law enforcement, resolution of disputes, and the level of justice provided to citizens of the County.
Before taking testimony, Commission Chair Fred Warner announced that a partial "fix" is in the works. A bill, now called LC 101, is expected to be introduced in the February legislative session. It would lessen the impact of HB 2712 by reducing the amount to be paid into the state Criminal Fine Account from $60 to $45, leaving $15 available for justice courts. He said he hopes to testify in support of the bill.
Awards Announced at Chamber Banquet
Randall Guyer Jr. was selected Legacy Man of the Year during the Baker County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet Saturday evening at the Baker Heritage Museum.
Other winners were Shirley Mc Pheron, Legacy Woman of the Year; Jeff Nelson, Man of the Year; Dotty Miles, Woman of the Year; Paul’s Transmission and Repair, Business of the Year; Excellence in Ag, Pickard Ranch; Step Forward Activities, Nonprofit Business of the Year.
Commissioners Extend Time Limit To Sort Out Concerns Over New Brownlee Boat Launch
By Mark Bogart
Beside holding a hearing on the future of the Justice Court (see related article this issue), Baker County Commissioners approved a boundary change for gravel production and an extended time limit to study a boat landing issue with Idaho Power during their meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The Board of Commissioners also heard reports about the Veterans Department and the Grassbank program, and approved several resolutions.
Another item was added to the agenda. It involved a plan by Idaho Power to construct a boat launch on Brownlee Reservoir. The controversy revolves around three "structures" (cabins) which would be removed in the process.
Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr. said people use and maintain the cabins.
Councilors Discuss Update On Police Reserve Academy
By Mark Bogart
At Tuesday's Baker City Council meeting the Mayor read a proclamation honoring Fire Service Appreciation Day. The Council also selected board and commission members, heard a report on the new Police Reserve Academy and set another work session to discuss the water treatment issue that has challenged the Council for well over a year.
Police Chief Wyn Lohner presented information about the new Police Reserve Academy, which he and La Grande Chief Brian Harvey initiated over the past year. Lohner reported that a dozen participants from law enforcement agencies from Baker, Union and Malheur Counties are taking the classes on Saturdays. Instructors include legal officials as well as active and retired law enforcement officers from Baker City and other areas.
Lohner explained that getting reserves trained has been cost prohibitive because of the distance and time involved in sending them to training in other parts of the state. By developing a regional academy in Eastern Oregon, he and Harvey felt they could serve many agencies in addition to their own. The Saturday schedule allows applicants to keep up with their current jobs while participating in the program.
The academy will provide trained reserve officers who can effectively support the regular officers, Lohner said. In addition, many want to go into careers in law enforcement, so this will provide a pool of applicants for future positions.
Fatal Rollover Near Baker City
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon’s single vehicle fatal traffic crash along westbound Interstate 84 north of Baker City. The crash resulted in the death of an Emmett, Idaho woman.
According to Lieutenant Dave MacManiman, on Jan. 24, at approximately 12:36 p.m. a pickup driven by Christine E. McAllister, 61, was westbound on Interstate 84 at the Baker City rest area near milepost 295. McAllister lost control of the pickup, traveled off the right shoulder and rolled coming to rest on the off ramp. Conditions at the time of the crash were snowing hard with snow and ice on the roadway.
McAllister was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints.
OSP troopers from the Baker City office are continuing the investigation.
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