Baker City Herald paper 11-11-15 by NorthEast Oregon News

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GO! Magazine

Serving Baker County since 1870 • bakercityherald.com

November 11, 2015

Your guide to events happening around the region

>N >H>s aD>i'>oN:L ocal • Business @AgLife • Go! magazine $ <

Commissiondelistswolves

QUICIC HITS

Good Day Wish To A Subscriber A special good day to Herald subscriber M.L. McKinnis of Baker City.

By Pat Caldwell VVesCom News Service

BRIEFING

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Food drive is Thursday, Friday One big food drive is planned this month by several local groups working together. The main focus is filling the Thanksgiving boxes distributed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Afterthose boxes are full, any extra food will be distributed to the food banks in Baker City. Empty bags will be distributed throughout town on Thursday and Friday. The community is encouraged to fill those bags with nonperishable food items, and then the groups will head out to gather the bags at1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. All food will be delivered to the Seventhday Adventist Church, where it will be sorted, boxed and delivered on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Orchestra plans fall concert The Baker Community Orchestra will perform a mix of classical and popular music, moviethemes and Christmas tunes during its fall concert Nov. 20. The public performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of South Baker Intermediate School, 1285Third St. There is no admission charge Kelly Brickman directs the orchestra. The fall program will feature Beethoven's "Egmont Overture," "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music," a twist on "The First Noel" called"Flourishing Noels" and more. "A jingle horse may even be urged to pick up its feet," a press release announcing the event stated. The Baker Community Orchestra is made up of volunteer community members who have a passion for making music. The orchestra is open to any community member who can play a band or orchestra instrument. There is no audition requirement.

WEATHER

Today

43/17 Partly cloudy

Thursday

43/25

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Wolves are now delisted in Oregon.

The ruling Monday by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove the modest wolf population from the state Endangered SpeciesAct ignited criticismfrom conservation groups but in terms of management of the animals not much is going to change. "The decision doesn't have any immediate chang-

Plan, a blueprint constructedin 2005 to design a sensibleapproach towolf management. The Wolf Plan outlined the considerationofa delisting procedure when Eastern Oregon boasted a wolf population of four breedingpairs ofthe animals for three consecutive years. That objective was reached in January.

es onwolfmanagement in Oregon. People need to realizethat wolves are still protected in Oregon," Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy said. The Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 4-2 to push ahead with delisting but only after a marathon 10-hour public meeting in Salem. The delisting proposal is tied into the state Wolf

SeeWolveslPage 6A

Air Forceveterandidn'timaginenuclear war By Jayson Jacoby llacoby©bakercityherald.com

Dan Labonte didn't believe nuclear war would ever break out between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. But he had to pretend that itwould. It was his job. His duty, in fact. Labonte, 71, of Baker City, served for 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, from 1962 to 1992. His military career coincided with some of the hottest periodsofthe Cold War. In fact Labonte, who grew up in Dover, New Hampshire, enlisted in the Air Force on July 20, 1962, just three months before the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the two superpowers as close as they ever came to war. Many years later, as Labonte progressed in rank, he was assigned, among other tasks, to help prepare war plans — in effect, what would the U.S. military need, in terms of personnel, weapons and supplies, given a host of potential conflict scenarios. Even during the 1970s, when the notion of the Americans and the Soviets launching nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles at each other seemed, if not as likely as during the 1950s and early 1960s,then atleastplausible, Labonte said he was optim istic thatleadersfrom both

S. John Collins/ Baker City Herald

While stationed on Okinawa in the Pacific during the Vietnam War, Dan Labonte watched damaged B-52 bombers land after returning from raids over North Vietnam. countries realized the folly of such an exchange. Political and military strategists called it MAD — Mutually Assured Destruction. The way Labonte saw it, neither power would use nuclear weapons for the simple reason that even though the warheads were aimed thousands of miles away, the inevitable retaliation in effect

meant that by bombing the other side you would ensure that your own civilians would also be annihilated. "Everybody knows, no matter what you've got for weapons, that the other side has the same, so nobody wants to use nuclear weapons," Labonte said. Just a couple years before Labonteretired asa chief

Agencies continue cougar search By Chris Collins

Cougars that travel throughforested residential The phone at the Baker areas where livestock are city 0$ce of the Oregon kept are probably taking Department of Fish and advantage of easy prey, he Wildlife has been unexpectsald. edly quiet regarding cougar The cats are drawn to the sightings in the past week Goodrich and Pine Creek and a half since six sheep areas because of the abunwere attacked and killed by dance of white tail deer and wild turkeys in the area, a big cat. Brian Ratliff, ODFW disRatliff said. It's not surpristrict biologist, said Tuesday ing that penned sheep would that his agency has not had also attract them as they any reportsofa cougar sight- travel from the mountains ing in the area of Goodrich down into the valley. Creek Lane about 10 miles Cougars that move northwest of Baker City through an area aren't as since the sheep were killed much of a concern as those that grow up in the vicinity between Nov. 1 and 2. "At this point we haven't of people, he said. Still, ODFW and the U.S. had asingle report,"he said. cWe've had no reports prior Department of Wildlife Serto or after the event." vices are interested in any That's probably a good sightings and are working to find the cougar responsible thing, he says. ccollins©bakercityherald.com

forthe sheep attacks. They were owned by Samantha Kozlowski and Frank Ramsey. The couple live in Baker City and rent the Goodrich Creek Lane property where they kept 15 sheep, a goat and a guard donkey. Ratliff encourages anyone who sees a cougar in the area to call his offrce at 541-523-5832, especially if the animal poses a safety concern. In the case of an imminent threat, call 9-1-1, he advises. Livestock depredation, on the other hand, should be reported to Curt Mattson, the USDA Wildlife Services agent, who serves the Baker City and La Grande areas. His number is 541-963-

7947. SeeCougarslPage 6A

master sergeant — the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force — the Soviet Union disintegrated. And the wall that divided Germany into West and East, a wall that was in place during the four years Labonte was assigned to an Air Force base in Fr~ , We s t Germany, was hammered into chunks of concrete.

During a career bookended by momentous events — the Cuban Missile Crisis and the collapse of the Soviet Union — Labonte saw more of the world than most people will in a lifetime. cThe Air Force motto then was 'join the Air Force and see the world,'and by God I saw the world," he said. See Labonte/Page 6A

AldertssnsIssking atHaggenstores Albertsons has submitted bids on 36 Haggen stores, including the Baker City location and three others in Oregon. In May, Haggen took over the Baker City storefrom Albertsons and later announced a closure date of Nov. 25 afterHaggen filed bankruptcy. An auction for 95 Haggen stores this week is ending today. After Albertsons' merger with Safeway earlier this year, the company was required by the Federal Trade Commis-

sion iFTCl to sell 168 of itsstores to keep the grocery markets competitive. The also was

ordered to prevent a grocery store monopoly in areas where there was a Safeway and an Albertsons. Haggen, which earlier this year bought 146 grocery stores,including the former Albertsons store in Baker City, announced in September that itwas going to close 100 of those stores. In August, Haggen sued the newly formed grocerygiant for more

than $1 billion in damages alleging bad faith actions that were designed to eliminate Haggen and other competitors ina five-state area. See Haggen/Page 6A

Partly sunny Full forecast on the back of the B section.

T ODAY Issue 80, 24 pages

Business...........1B & 2B C o m i cs.......................4B De a r A b by...............10B Ne w s of Record........2A Sp o r t s ....... Calendar... .................2A Community News .. ..3A Horoscope........BB & SB Obituaries..................2A Sudoku Classified............. 5B-9B C r o ssword........6B & SB L e t t ers........................ 4A O p i n ion......................4A We a t her ....

.....5A .....4B ... 10B

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2A — BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BAKER COUNTY CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11 • Free-Fee Day in honor of Veterans Day:National Historic Oregon Trail lnterpretive Center. THURSDAY, NOV. 12 • Baker Valley Soil and Water Conservation District: Noon, USDA Service Center, 3990 Midway Drive. • Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District:6 p.m., USDA Service Center, 3990 Midway Drive. MONDAY, NOV. 16 • Red Cross Blood Drive:Noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 2107Third St. • Baker City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board:5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall,1655 First St. TUESDAY, NOV. 17 I Baker Rural Fire Protection District Board:7 p.m. at the Pocahontas Fire Station. • Keating Soil and Water Conservation District:6 p.m., USDA Service Center, 3990 Midway Drive. THURSDAY, NOV. 19 • Baker School Board:6 p.m., District Office, 2090 Fourth St.; meeting date permanently changed from the third Tuesday to the thirdThursday. • Eagle Valley Conservation District:6 p.m., USDA Service Center,3990 Midway Drive.

TURNING BACK THE PAGES 50 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald November 11, 1965 A special award recognizing outstanding service and long hours spent in behalf of the Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District was presentedThursday noon to Walter Shumway, Bridgeport. The award was presented by Oregon Association of Conservation Districts President Elmer Peterson Thursday following noon luncheon of the second day of their seventh annual meeting held this year at the Baker Motor Inn. 25 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald November 12, 1990 In the wake of approval of Measure 5, six Baker City firemen have received letters saying they could or would likely be laid off. City Manager Art Reiff has determined that voter approval of the property tax limitation will require the city to trim $220,000 from the 1991-92 general fund. 10 YEARS AGO from the Baker City Herald November 11, 2005 The Veterans History Project, an arm of the Library of Congress'American Folklife Center, seeks to collect and archive the personal recollections of U.S wartime veterans to honor their service and share their stories with current and future generations. A Eugenecompany calledTimeless Medical Group has helped Baker City Marine Corps veteran Ned Steele and about 1,900 other Oregonians to record their stories. ONE YEAR AGO from the Baker City Herald November 12, 2014 A crowd of about 50 people endured the chilly morning air to hear Jeff Heiser honor Veterans at the Baker County Courthouse Tuesday morning. Heiser,57, is a Navy veteran who has devoted13 years of his life to active and reserve military service. He traveled from his fair weather home in Florida to speak about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide and addiction among veterans. Since his arrival last week, Heiser has given 13 presentations to Eastern Oregonians. Yesterday's speech honoring veterans and their sacrifices was his last before returning home.

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• Post 3048 to receive Diamond Anniversary Award Kansas City, Mo.— On Dec. 16, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3048 will celebrate75 years ofserving theneeds oflocalveterans and their families. The Diamond Anniversary Award Citation is presented to the Post in recognition of 75 years of outstanding

service to the community, according to a press release from the national organization. John A. Biedrzycki Jr., national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., congratulated all members of the Post. "I send my sincere thanks and appreciat ion tothe members of VFW Post 3048 for the outstanding record of service to the community, veterans and to the nation

over the past 75 years," he stated. The Veterans of ForeignWars ofthe U.S.is a nonprofit veterans service organizationcomposed of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largestorganization ofwar veteransand itsoldestmajor veteransorganization.

Entry is $10 per person — register by Nov. 12 to get a T-shirt. All proceeds help feed the hungry in Baker County. Everyone is asked to bring a nonperishablefood item to

the start, which is at Kicks Sports Wear on Main Street. The event begins at 9 a.m. Register online at http:// neoregoncompassioncenter. org/turkey-trot/.

Public luncheonat 2810 Cedar St., 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.; $4 donation (60 and older), $6.25 for thoseunder 60.

The Baker County Economic Development Council has canceled its next public meeting set for Thursday. For more information, call Economic Development Director Greg Smith at 541-523-5460.

OB1TUARIES Wanda Kirkwood

husband, Patrick, of Baker City. One ofher greatest joys was having the family together. Her grandchildren Wanda Elizabeth Kirkwood, 75, of Baker City, died Nov. 8, 2015, with her were all so special to her. They are family by her side. Tara Garrison of Ontario, Christopher There will be a private Kirkwood of North Carolina, Tyler and graveside service for Brittney Kirkwood of Michigan, Travis family members only on Kirkwood, Melissa Nipper of Baker Friday, Nov. 13, at Mount City, Taylor Anderson of Emmet, Idaho, Hope Cemetery. Friends Adam Mastin of Nampa, Idaho, Justin and family are welcome to Cole of Meridian, Idaho, Roger Kirkattenda celebration ofher Wanda wood Jr. and Rylan Kirkwood of Baker life atnoon atthe Eagles Kirkvvood City; and her great- and great-greatLodge, 2935 H St. grandchildren. She was born on Jan. 29, She is preceded in death by her moth1940, at Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Anna Belle er, Anna Bell Ryan; her daddy, Moses Ryan and Moses Jefferson Townsend. Jefferson Townsend; her brothers, Edgar She married Robert Kirkwood on April and Leon Townsend; and her sisters, 24, 1954, and celebrated 61 years of Patricia Dalton and Louise Gregory. m arriage thisspring The family suggests memorials to She reti red after 18 yearsasa the National Multiple Sclerosis Society receptionist for Senior and People with through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Disabilities. Place St., Baker City, OR 97814. Survivors include her husband, Robert Kirkwood; son Bob Kirkwood, Teen Hansett and his wife, Sue, of LaChine, Michigan, Former Baker City resident, 1926-2015 son Rex Kirkwood, and his wife, Karen, Teen A. Hansell, 89, of La Grande, a of Baker City, son Roger Kirkwood of former longtime Baker City resident, Baker City, daughter Vena Callow and died Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at her home. Baker City, 1940-2015

Her memorial service was Nov. 7 at the La Grande First Baptist Church. Teen was born Oct. 8, 1926, at Baker, Oregon to Alva and Georgia Hudspeth Gardner. She lived at Baker and moved to La Grande in 1956. She was a 1944 Baker High School graduate. In 1947, she married Del Hansell. Teen was employed as a credit manager from 1965 to 1970. She went on to work for Gateway Auto and in 1975 went to work for the Department of Motor Vehicles, where she retired 17 years later. Teen enjoyed reading and being around her family was the most important thing in her life. She belonged to the First Baptist Church, where she raised all ofher children. Survivors include her children, Scott Hansell iCheryll of Eugene, Pattti Nagy of La Grande, Betty Trotter iBobl of Cove, and Ginny Lambert of La Grande; sister, Jo Snook Dickenson of Baker City;16 grandchildren;30 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Georgia; herhusband,

NEWS OF RECORD DEATHS Dorothy R. Fiala: 83,0f Baker City, died Nov. 7, 2015, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise. Gray's West Br Co. is in charge of arrangements. Nancy Basche: 66, of Baker City, died Nov. 9, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family. Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home Br Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may bemade at www.tamispinevalleyfuneral home.com

FUNERALS PENDING John Charles Hall: Memorial service, 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov.

21, at Gray's West Br Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Dale Bingham of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will officiate.

POLICE LOG Baker City Police Arrests, citations CRIMINALTRESPASSING and Theft II: Kyle Craig Koontz, 22, transient, 9:36 p.m. Tuesday, in the 2700 block of Sixth Street; jailed. PROBATION VIOLATION: David Oliver Romine, 56, of Halfway,8:56 a.m. Monday, at the sheriff's office; jailed. CONTEMPT OF COURT

(Baker County Justice Court warrant): Stephanie Marie Pogue, 23, of 1450 13th St., 10:55 a.m. Monday, at the police department; cited and released. PROBATION VIOLATION (Parole and Probation detainer): Melissa Jean Lattymer, 30, transient,8:58 p.m. Monday, in the 2100 block of 14th Street; jailed. Baker County Sheriff's Office Arrests, citations NEGOTIATING A BAD CHECK: Ruth Annis Sangston, 57, of 1600 Eldon St., No. 14, 2:10 p.m. Monday, on north Cedar Street; cited and released.

SENIOR MENUS • THURSDAY:Boneless chicken breast with cream gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, roll, three-bean salad, bread pudding • FRIDAY:Baked cod, cup of clam chowder, broccoli-blend vegetables, roll, coleslaw, cookies

Meeting canceled

Turkey Trot registration begins The eight annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is set for Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, in Baker City. This community fundraiser benefits the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center.

With more than 1.7 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in more than 6,800 Posts worldwide, "No One Does More for Veterans," the press release stated. The VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit the website at www.vfw.org

Thank you all for your prayers, cards and thoughtful ways. For your donations to Meadow Springs Speech & Hearing Camp for children. It means a lot to help those children. Leroy would certainly approve. Thanks againfor you all! —Jean 6 Family

Oregon State Police Arrests, citations FAILURETO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER: Douglas Jay Clayborn, 58, of Baker City, Friday, cited at the Baker County Jail where he is being held on other charges. FAILURETO APPEAR (Clackamas Countywarrant): Kyle Berg Uhrich, 46, of Pasco,Washington, 3:04 p.m. On lnterstate 84 at Baker City; jailed and later released. OUTOF-COUNTYWARRANT: Justin L. Ritch,45, of La Cygne, Kansas, 9:43 p.m. Nov. 3, on Interstate 84 at Baker City; jailed and later released.

In Memory Of Captain Elliott Averett Jr. US Army 4th CAY WWII

European Theater June 1944-Oct. 1945

CONTACT THE HERALD 1915 First St. Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Telephone: 541-523-3673 Fax: 541-523-6426 Kari Borgen, publisher kborgen@bakercityherald.com Jayson Jacoby, editor jjacoby@bakercityherald.com Advertising email ads@bakercityherald.com

Classified email classified@bakercityherald.com Circulation email circ@bakercityherald.com

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®ukr.t Cffg%eralb ISSN-8756-6419 Serving Baker County since 1870 PublishedMondays,Wednesdays and FndaysexceptChnstmas Day ty the Baker Publishing Co., a part of Western Communicalons Inc., at 1915 First St. (PO. Box 807), Baker City, OR 97814. Subscnption rates per month are: by carner $775; by rural route $8.75; by mail $12.50. Stopped account balances less than $1 will be refunded on request. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Bakercity Herald, po. Box80z Baker City, OR 97814. Rriodicals Postage Paid at Baker City, Oregon 97814

From Headlights to Tailights and everything in between!

Thankful fOr my family and friendS WhO haVeSerVed, hOnOring yOu all tOday and alWayS. LOVe yOu! Thank yOu SOmuCh.

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Vj-523-32 225 H Street

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BAKER CITY HERALD —3A

LOCAL BRIEFING Conservation district meetings planned Baker County's Soil and Water Conservation Districts have scheduled their November meetings. All meetings will be at the USDA Service Center, 3990 Midway Drive in Baker City and will be open to the public. For meeting agendas call Tara Wilson at 541-523-7121, Extension

100.

ity over time, and will benefit the landowner by conserving pasture ground that was being lost every year to erosion. For more information, call the SWCD office at 541-523-7121.

Historical Society dinner planned Monday The Baker County Historical Society's annual dinner meeting and program will feature the "infamous McCarty

Gang."

• Baker Valley: Nov. 12, noon. • Burnt River: Nov. 12, 6 p.m. • Keating: Nov. 17, noon • Eagle Valley: Nov. 18, noon

Overeaters Anonymous meets Nov. 17 The local Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous will gather for a Skype meeting at noon Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Always Welcome Inn, 175 Campbell St. In recognition of International Day of Experiencing Abstinence, members will tell about the plan of eating that is used toarrestthe temptation to overeat. The group offers unconditional acceptance and support to others through OA meetings, which are self-supporting through members' voluntary contributions. The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively, organizers stated in a pressrelease.

Red Cross blooddraw set for Nov. 16 The next American Red Cross blood drive in Baker City is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16. Blood will be drawn &om noon to 6 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, 2130 Fourth St. To schedule an appointment, call Colleen Brooks at 541-523-4650.

Deer Creek conser vation project The Baker Valley Soil and Water Conservation District partneredwith a locallandowner to stabilize the banks of Deer Creek in Baker Valley. Before the landowner approached the SWCD for assistance, there was very little vegetation on the immediate banks, and elk herds in the area were browsing what vegetation was present, a pressreleaseabout theprojectstated.W ithout a healthy riparian area, the banks began to cut and started sloughing into Deer Creek, causing sedimentation to enter the creek and move downstream. To help mitigate the eroding banks, juniper skeletons were placed along the worst sections of the creek during low flows. Log jams and root wads were also placed in the cut banks in an effort todecrease some ofthe energy ofthe stream, aswell as to prevent further erosion and cutting. These woody structures will catch sediment that was being washed downstream, and will help protect the young vegetation &om browsing. These project activities will continue to improve water qual-

The no-host dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, and will be preceded by happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Geiser Grand Hotel, 1996 Main St. The cost of dinner is $20 per person and includes a choice of prime rib or teriyaki chicken. Reservations are due today by calling Sammye at 541-523-7874 or Jessie at

Several Soroptimist awards available

The Soroptimist Live your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women is a cash award given to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources 541-523-5993. they need to improve their education, skills and employThe program will tell the story of the little-known Mcment prospects. The award amount is $1,000. The application deadline Carty Gang that operated throughout the West, including Northeastern Oregon, in the 1880s and '90s, organizers is Nov. 15. Qualified applicants may send requests for a statedin a press release. Soroptimist Live your Dream application to jmacy@otecc. The presenters will be Henry Vaughan, also known as com. Women who plan to achieve their GED certificate at Dennis Dorrah; Chris Jones as Butch Cassidy; Frank Eda community college are eligible to apply for the award. The Violet Richardson Award is for young women wards as Matt Warner; Jim Witherspoon as Bill McCarty; and Glenn Edmundson as Tom McCarty. between the ages of 14 to 17 who exhibit leadership The "gang members" will tell how they committed robqualities as a volunteer in their community or school. beries in Baker County, specifically the attempted robbery The cash award is in recognition of young women leadof the Warshaur Casino and the robberies of the Sparta ers who make the community and world a better place Mercantile and the Sumpter Valley Railway. through volunteer efforts. The program offers a $150 award tothe recipient and $250 to the organization for Thanksgiving food drive planned which they volunteer. The application deadline is Dec. 1. PayneWest Insurance is joining St. Francis de Sales Cathe- Qualified applicants may send requests for a Soroptimist dral in a food drive to benefit community residents who might Violet Richardson Award application to jmacy@otecc. need extra help this Thanksgiving. com. Items being accepted arecanned and packaged food,soups The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who are and broth, rice and pasta and onions, apples and oranges. working to improve the lives of women and girls through Items that may be frozen, such as dinner rolls or chicken theirpersonal or volunteer efforts,or through professional avenues. The award recipient receives a $200 alsoare welcome, according to a fl ieradvertising thefood drive. donation to the charitable organization of her choice. The To participate, bring contributions to the PayneWest Insur- application deadline is Dec. 1. Qualified applicants may ance office at 2001 Main St., by Thursday, Nov. 19, to allow the send requests for a Soroptimist Ruby Award application church time to organize and prepare the food baskets. to jmacy@otecc.com. The Liveyour Dream: Education and Training United Methodist Church to hold single service Awards for Women, the Violet Richardson Award, and Baker United Methodist Church, 1919 Second St., will the Soroptimist Ruby Award are projects of Soroptiobserve one service only at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. mist International of the Americas, according to a press After worship hour, a Thanksgiving dinner will be served in release from the organization. Soroptimist International the Fellowship Hall. Friends are invited to this celebration. of Baker County is one of nearly 1,400 clubs that make up Soroptimist International of the Americas. Each year Baker Heritage MuseumCommission to meet Soroptimists in the 19 countries and territories of the The Baker Heritage Museum Commission will hold a pubFederation assist women in overcoming personal diffilic meeting at noon Nov. 18 regarding the five-year strategic culties and improving their lives through education and plan for the museum and Adler House. Those who have any skills training.

Armed depu patrolling at Oregon college after shooting PORTLAND iAPl — An armed sheriA"s deputy has started patrolling an Oregon college where a gunman killed nine people and himself last month. Douglas County deputy Scott Batsch began patrols Monday atUmpqua Community College. When a shooter attacked the Roseburg campus Oct. 1, it had one guard armed onlywith pepper spray. Batsch is a recently retired deputy with experienceas a schoolresource olfIcer, patrolman and detective. Umpqua's $30,000 contract with Douglas County will pay for him to be on campus seven hours a day, five days a week through June 30, The Oregonian reported. He will have a car on campus but mostly will patrol on foot. Oregon law says community colleges can't employ armed oScers, but they can contract w ith polic e agenciesforthe service. "Obviously the school has been through a lot and the community has been through a lot, and having that uniformed presence will make everyone involved feel a little bit bet-

ideas or thoughts on how to improve the museum are encouraged to attend. Those who can't make it can email their suggestions to Lea Hoover at Lhoover@bakercountyorg. This year, the museum will be open throughout the winter on Fridays and Saturdays &om 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For moreinformation,call541-523-9308 orvisitthew ebsite www.bakerheritagemuseum.com.

ter going forward," said Cpl. Dwes Hutson, the sheriA"s department spokesman. Students protested at Portland State University and the University of Oregon when administratorsdecided to arm theiroScers. But Anne Marie Levis, Umpqua Community College public information olfIcer, expects no opposition on the Roseburg campus. "Aftera tragedy like this,people have a differentperspective,"Levis said.'We've had other armed police officers on campus, so it'soneofthose things thatjustgivespeople peace of mind, at this point." Oregon State Police troopers and other armed officers have patrolled Umpqua's campus at times since the shootings, Levis saId. County Commissioner Tim Freeman said the college requested the contract, which he and the other two commissioners approved. "It's a large campus, soit'shard to say that having one armed olfIcer, depending on the situation, could have been effective," Freeman said.

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SETTLER'S PARK a Senior Lifestyle community

A SSISTED LIV I N G I MEMORY CARE 2895 17TH STREET I BAKER CITY OR 97814 WWW. SE NIOR L I F E STYL E . C O M

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2 I50 3rd Street,Baker City ' 54 I-523-5858 • 0

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 Baker City, Oregon

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ere Another one of those reports that puts Oregon in a bad light came out recently, this one regarding state support for higher education. Oregon ranked near the bottom for state funding of its colleges and universities when it is measured per full-time student equivalent, according to a study released Nov. 2 by the Urban Institute. The study covered the period from the 2000-01 school year through the 2014-15 school year. During that period, state financial support of Oregon schools fell by 22.8 percent, adjusted for inflation. That wasn't the largest drop reported, to be sure, but combined with a student body growth through fall 2013 of 44 percent, per-pupil spending plummeted. While support has risen somewhat since then, it's still not as high as it was at the beginning of the period. Unfortunately, the grim report is not the first indication of problems in Oregon's higher-education system. Looking back as far as the 1970-71 school year, for example, a study by the Washington State Council on Higher Education placed Oregon 39th in its spending per student. In 1990, the state ranked 34th in per capita spending on its universities. That year, Oregon professors were in the bottom 25 percent ofhigher-education salaries, the law school at the University of Oregon was threatened with loss of accreditation, and the veterinary school at Oregon State University found itself on a five-year limited accreditation" because so little money was coming in. Later, in 1992, there were proposals to stretch higher-ed dollars further by eliminating the veterinary school and capping student body enrollment at the largest universities. The fallout from all of this has been noticeable. Currently, roughly 30 percent of students at the University of Oregon come from somewhere outside the state, and another 13 percent come from outside the U.S. That should surprise no one: The Legislature has capped what Oregon schools can charge in-state undergraduate students for tuition, currently $2,268 per quarter for 12 credit hours. Out-ofstate and international undergraduates, meanwhile,

pay $8,064 forthosesame hours.Both groups pay another$578.50 each quarter in fees. As more seats are given to nonresidents because they can be charged more, the number of spots for Oregonians dwindles. And that might translate to higher debt or an education forgone for Oregonians who would like to stay home.

CONTACT PUBLIC OFFICIALS President Barack Obama: TheWhite House, 1600 PennsylvaniaAve.,Washington, D.C. 20500; 202-456-1414; fax 202-456-2461;to send comments, go to www.whitehouse.gov/ contact. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley: D.C. office: 313 Hart Senate Office Building,U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.,20510; 202-224-3753; fax 202-228-3997. Portland office: OneWorldTrade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon St. Suite 1250, Portland, OR 97204; 503-326-3386; fax 503-326-2900. Pendleton office: 310 S.E. Second St. Suite 105, Pendleton 97801; 541-278-1129; merkley.senate.gov. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden: D.C. office: 221 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510; 202-224-5244; fax 202228-2717. La Grande office: 105 Fir St., No. 210, La Grande, OR 97850; 541-962-7691; fax, 541-963-0885; wyden.senate.gov. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (2nd District): D.C. office: 2182 Rayburn Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515, 202-2256730;fax 202-225-5774. La Grande office: 1211 Washington Ave., La Grande, OR97850;541-624-2400, fax,541-624-2402; walden. house.gov. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown: 254 State Capitol, Salem, OR 97310; 503-378-3111; www.governor.oregon.gov. Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler: 350Winter St. N.E.,Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301-3896; 503-378-4329. Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum: Justice Building,Salem, OR 97301-4096; 503-378-4400. Oregon Legislature: Legislative documents and information are available online at www.leg.state.or.us. State Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario): Salem office: 900 Court St. N.E., H-475, Salem, OR 97301; 503-986-1460. District office: PO. Box 1027, Ontario, OR 97914; 541-889-8866. State Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day): Salem office: 900 Court St. N.E., S-323, Salem, OR 97301; 503-986-1950. District office: 111 Skyline Drive, John Day, OR 97845; 541-490-6528. Baker City Hall: 1655 First Street, PO. Box 650, Baker City, OR 97814; 541-523-6541. City Council meets the second and fourthTuesdays at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. R. Mack Augenfeld, Mike Downing, JamesThomas, Benjamin Merrill, Rosemary Abell, Richard Langrell, Kim Mosier. Baker City administration: 541-523-6541. Mike Kee, city manager;Wyn Lohner, police chief; Mark John, fire chief; Michelle Owen, public works director; Luke Yeaton, HR manager and city recorder.

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oeas answerinwa e e ate Debate about the minimum wage is often too simplistic. It's usually just about whether minimum wages are good or bad — as if the answer would be thesame acrossalloftim e and space. In reality, the answer should be a nuanced one. Obviously, if we raised minimum wages to $400 an hour, the economy would collapse. Minimum wages that are fine in one area will cost lotsofjobsin placeswhere pricesoverall are lower. Minimum wages will tend to help certain groups and hurt others. The list of qualifications and caveats goes on and on, but is typically drowned out in the partisan shouting. I'dlike to add onemore caveat to the list. Minimum wages may be perfectly fine when the economy is doing well, but bea drag in times ofrecession. That could bias us toward thinking that minimum wages are good, if our studies of their effectsare lim ited to prosperous times. The reasoning behind this argument isn't hard to see. During good times, a rise in the minimum wage to, say, $15 may not be onerous — it might representonly a smal lincrease over what employers are already paying. Even businesses that areforced to raise wages in response to the hike might be able to take the hit, thanks to the cushion of their profit margins during booms. In other words, if the economy is healthy, the new $15 may have no visible negative effect on employment, and will merely redistribute some income from company owners to workers. But then a recession comes along. In response to lower demand for their products, companies will naturally want to cut wages temporarily. But the new $15 minimum may make it impossible for them to drop wages enough to keep all their workers employed.

and the ensuing deep recession. Since then, some studies show more negative effects of minimum wage hikes. For GUEST CQLUMNIST example, there is the late 2014 study by economists Jeffrey Clemens and These companies will have only one Michael Wither, titled 'The Minimum alternative — lay off workers. That will Wage and the Great Recession: Evimean a bigger rise in unemployment dence of Effects on the Employment than would otherwise happen. In other and Income Trajectories of Low-Skilled words, minimum wages may make em- Workers." Clemens and Wither looked at ployment more vulnerable and susceptibletomacroeconomic shocks. federal minimum wage increases from 2007 to 2009, and divided workers into Of course, we'd like the government two groups — those whose wages were to counteract all recessions with wise application of monetary and fiscal raised by the hikes, and those who were not. They found that the workers who policy. But hard experience has shown received the hikes were more likely to that eliminating the business cycle will never happen — there will always be be unemployedduring the long,grindingrecessionthat followed. economic downturns. So the threat of That contradicts the results ofearlier recessions is one that businesses will continue to face. So if minimum wages studies. Clemens and Wither might do make companies more vulnerable to have simply made a mistake in their analysis il can't find any obvious ones downturns, then that's a mark against them. with a cursory examination), but there's There is some evidence in favor another possibility — minimum wages of this kind of effect. The study that might cause more harm in recessions minimum-wage proponents most often than in normal times. Of course, that doesn't mean minicite was the famous natural experiment of economists David Card and mum wages are bad across the board. Alan Krueger, who found that a 1992 In fact, it doesn't even mean that they're bad in recessions — the wage increase in the minimum wage in New Jersey — to a level that was very high gains for the majority of workers who at the time — had little effect on unem- keep their job might outweigh, in some ployment. But the economy in 1992 was utilitarian moral sense, the losses to the already in recovery mode from the early unlucky few who get laid off. That isn't 90s recession, and would boom the rest an easy question to answer. But these of the decade. findings do indicate that the varying A raft of other studies of minimum effects of minimum wages in different time periods should be something wages that followed alltook place during the longest period of American pros- to consider in our national debate. perity since World War II. If you looked Currently, no one seems to be thinking only at the evidence from the 1990s and about this at all. early 2000s, you see almost no harmful effects from minimum wage hikes. Noah Smith is a Bloomberg View Those good times came abruptly to columnist. Readers may serrd him emrril at an end in 2008, with the financial crisis nsmith150@bloomberg.net.

NOAH SMITH

Your views History lessons, memorabilia from bygone Veterans Days

as "the War to end all Wars." That edict, as we know, was not

assaults rather than the 56 reported in the FBI's Uniform Crime Report). fulfilled. Viewing an envelope of November W e contacted thestate toupdatethe 1917 origin, I note the Return Address, Phyllis Badgley numbers, which it was willing to do, but "OregonRed CrossWar Fund." I'm Baker City the state informed us that it would not reminded that the Red Cross continues change the 2014report as the FBI would Reporting error led to today, to aid people in wartime as well not use the updated data. inaccurate crime statistics Changes have been made to ensure as peaceful settings.Inotethe 3-cent stamp. Sufficient to send an envelope Baker County Consolidated Dispatch the accuracy of the Oregon Unified has looked into the 2014 FBI Uniform Crime Reports that are submitted to the then, now requires considerable additional postage, to send today's voluntary Crime Report. stateforfuturereports. contribution. The FBI uses the OUCRs iOregon In the future, the dispatch center will Formerly called Armistice Day, Unified Crime Reports) that are submit- be double checking its figures internally referred to signing the official document ted to the state fiom the dispatch center beforesubmitting thereportstothe state. to cease World War I, 11th month, 11th to create its report. After reviewing the We would like to apologize for any therewas areporting error confusion this may have caused. day, 11th hour. Now known as Veterans 2014 data, Day, we honor all who have served. that would change the results to match JasonYencopal History tells us that President Woodrow the numbers that Police Chief Wyn Baker County Consolidated Wilson proclaimed WWI, being fought, Lohnerstatedi11reports ofaggravated 9-1-1Dispatch

Letters to the editor

• Letters are limited to 350 words; longer • We welcome letters on any issue of letters will be edited for length. Writers are public interest. Customer complaints about limited to one letter every15 days. • The writer must sign the letter and specific businesses will not be printed. • The Baker City Herald will not knowingly include an address and phone number (for print false or misleading claims. However, verification only). Letters that do not include we cannot verify the accuracy of all this information cannot be published. statements in letters to the editor.

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• Letters will be edited for brevity, grammar, taste and legal reasons. Mail:Tothe Editor, Baker City Herald, PO. Box807,BakerCity,OR 97814 Email: news@bakercityherald.com Fax: 541-523-6426

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BAKER CITY HERALD — 5A

NBA: PORTLAND AT DENVER

BRIEFING

Mu iavhelSsQenvere geSlaiers ''When I'm aggressive and not playing like a robot, good things happen for me DENVER — Emmanuel Mudiay and my teammates," Mudiay said."If nitpicked his performance even atter we continue to play team basketball like hitting two big &ee throws in the closing that and everybody doing our job, we're secondsand blocking acriticalshot. goingtobefine." "I'm my hardest critic," the Denver J.J. Hickson came up clutch, too, with 19 points and 13 boards.Hisbiggest Nuggets rookie said, quickly pointing out that he missed two early &ee throws contributions were four straight &ee and had two turnovers. throws over the final 1:49 to keep the But this was exactly what the NugBlazers at bay. This atter going 1 of 7 earlier in the game at the line. gets envisioned when they took him "I gained a little more of Coach's with the No. 7 pick overall. Mudiay had 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, two trust to keep me in the game down the blocks and those clinching free throws stretch, because I showed I could make in a108-104 victory overthe Portland &ee throws," Hickson said. Trail Blazers on Monday night. Sure did. "He grew up tonight," Nuggets coach Kenneth Faried added 17 — and Michael Malone said."It hasn't been drew a key late charge — as the Nugeasy for him. I've been on him.... He gets ended an eight-game skid to the Trail Blazers. made big plays for us." Earlier in the season, Mudiay was With Denver up 106-104, Mudiay a little timid and airaid of making connected on two free throws. He then mistakes. Not against Portland. He was blocked Damian Lillard's layup to close forward-thinking — just like Malone out Denver's first win at home this wants. season.

'The energy was contagious tonight, between all my teammates," Mudiay said."It was definitely good." Lillard led Portland with 30 points. Backcourt mate CJ McCollum had a rough shooting night early, but scored 12 ofhis 16 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Blazers in the game. Portland took a lead into the fourth quarter for a second straight night, and again couldn't close it out. On Sunday, the Blazers blew a 13-point lead in the final quarter during a 120-103home lossto Detroit. Lillard had a four-point play with 4.6 seconds remaining in the third quarter as he launched a deep 3-pointer as Foye tried to grab him. He hit the basket and the free throw to give the Blazers an

By Pat Graham

AP Sports Wnter

80-79 lead. Denver grabbed the lead for good on a dunk by Hickson with 4:17 remaining. "It's notdiscouraging because it'sso early," Lillard said."But we don't want to keep having the same thing happen over and over again."

Bears rally to slip past Chargers 22-19 By Bemie Wilson AP Sports Wnter

SAN DIEGO — Zach Miller leaped, snagged Jay Cutler's pass with his right hand and tumbled into the end zone. A big-time play in another

close finish for the Chicago Bears, who beat the staggering San Diego Chargers 22-19 on Monday night. "Jay made a great throw and I was able to go up and get it. After that, I went unconscious," Miller said about

his game-winning catch with 3:19 left. "It was one of those things where instincts kind of take over. I really didn't have time to go up with two, because he put some juice on it. I went with one and

thankfully pulled it down." Miller's TD reception and a 2-point conversion run by rookie Jeremy Langford, subbing for the injured Matt Forte, gave the Bears i3-5l their first lead of the night.

SCOREBOARD TELEVISION ALLTIMES PST Wednesday, Nov. 11 LA Chppers at Dallas, 5 p m (ESPN) SanAntonio at Portland, 7 30 p m (ESPN,

KGN/I Thursday, Nov. 12 Golden state at Minnesota,4 p m rrNT) Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, 4 30 p m (ESPN)

LA chppers at phoenw„s30 p m rrNT) Friday, Nov. 13 Pittsburgh at Gonzaga,4 p m (ESPN) Texas atWashington, 7 p m (ESPN) Saturday, Nov. 14 Wake Forest at Notre Dame, 12 30 p m (NBC) Sunday, Nov. 15 Detroit at Green Bay, Dallas at Tampa Bay, Carohna attennessee, New OrleansatWashington

or chicago at st Louis, 10 a m (rox) Miami at Philadelphia, Cleveland at Pittsburgh, or Jacksonville at Baltimore, 10 a m (CBS)

Minnesota at oakland, 1 05 p m (roxt New England at NY Giants or Kansas City at Denver, 1 25 p m (CBS) Anzona at Seattle, 5 30 p m (NBC)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Tuesday's College Football Scores MIDWEST Toledo 28, cent Michigan 23 Ohio 27, Kent St 0

MLS Major League Soccer Playott Glance CONFERENCE CHAMRONSHIP Eastern Conference New York vs. Columbus Leg 1 Sunday, Nov 22 Columbusvs New York Leg 2 Sunday, Nov 29 New Yorkvs Columbus Western Conference Dallas vs. Rortland Sunday, Nov 22 Portland vs Dallas Sunday, Nov 29 Dallasvs Portland MLS CUP Sunday, Dec 6

COLLEGE BASKETBALL Tuesday's College Basketball Scores FARWEST Evergreen st 86, Northwest U 71 NW Nazarene 100, Coll of Idaho 96, OT Warner Paafic 115, New Hope Chnstian 45

NFL National Football League Alllimes PST AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct NewEngland 8 0 0 1000 NYJets 5 3 0 625 Buffalo 4 4 0 500 Miami 3 5 0 375 South W L T Pct Indianapohs 4 5 0 444 Houston 3 5 0 375 Jacksonville 2 6 0 250 Tennessee 2 6 0 250 North W L T Pct 8 0 0 1000 5 4 0 556 2 6 0 250 2 7 0 222 West W L T Pct Denver 7 1 0 875 oakland 4 4 0 500 Kansas City 3 5 0 375 San Diego 2 7 0 222 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T N Y Giants 5 4 0 Philadelphia 4 4 0 Washington 3 5 0 Dallas 2 6 0 South W L T Pct Carolina 8 0 0 1000 A tlanta 6 3 0 667 Neworleans 4 5 0 444 Tampa Bay 3 5 0 375 North W L T Pct Minnesota 6 2 0 750 Green Bay 6 2 0 750 Chicago 3 5 0 375 Detroit

A nzona

W 6

St Lollls

Seattle

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7 West

•

2 4 4

0 0 0

125

San Franasco 3 6 0 Thursday, Nov. 12 Buffal o atN Y Jets,525 pm Sunday, Nov. 15 Detroit at Green Bay, 10 a m Carohna at Tennessee, 10 a m Chicago at St Louis, 10 a m Dallasattampa Bay, 10a m New Orleans atWashington, 10 a m

333

National Basketball Assoaation All Times PST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 5 3 625 New York 4 4 500 1 Boston 3 3 500 1 Brooklyn 0 7 000 4'/ z Philadelphia 0 7 000 4'/ z Southeast Division W L Pct GB Atlanta 7 2 778

c leveland

5 3 625 3 4 429 3 4 429 3 5 375 Central Division W L Pct

875

Detroit 5 Chicago 5 Indiana 4 Milwaukee 4

2 3 4 4

714 625 500 500

NHL National Hockey League Alllimes PST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts 16 13 2 15 8 6 15 7 5 17 7 8 14 7 6 15 6 6 15 7 8 15 3 8 Metropolitan Division

GB 1'/ z 2 3 3

1 2 2' /z 4

GP N Y Rangers 15 Washington 14 N Y Islanders 16 Pittsburgh 1 4 New Jersey 15 Philadelphia 15 Carolina 15 Columbus 1 6

W 11

12 11

4 3

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'/z '/z

GB 2'/ z 4'/ z 6'/ z 7

0 1

„

rlonda 4, calgary 3

27 17 17 16 15 15 14 10

Nashville 7, Ottawa 5 Minnesota 5, Winnipeg 3 Toronto 3, Dallas 2 Anzona 3, LosAngeles 2 N Y Islanders 4, San Jose 2 Today's Games Montreal at Pittsburgh, 4 30 p m Edmonton atAnaheim, 7 p m Thursday's Games Colorado at Boston, 4 p m St Louis at N Y Rangers, 4 p m Washington at Philadelphia,4 p m Minnesota at Carolina, 4 p m Vancouver at Ottawa, 4 30 p m Calgary atTampa Bay,4 30p m Buffal oat rlonda,430p m Toronto at Nashville, 5 p m New Jersey at Chicago, 5 30 p m Winnipeg at Dallas, 5 30 p m EdmontonatAnzona, 6 p m N Y Islanders at Los Angeles, 7 30pm

24 23

4 6 6

Buffal o4, Tampa Bay 1

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts 16 15

7 9 8

Detroit 1,Washington 0

OT Pts 2 24 0 20 3 19 0 18 1 17 3 13 0 12 0 8

2 4 5 5 6 7 9 12

10 8 9 8 5 6 4

—

1 1'/ z

1 1 3 2 1 3 0 4

2 20 2 20 2 18 1 17 1 11

OT Its 5 19 0 18 1 17 s an Jose 15 7 8 0 14 Anaheim 15 5 7 3 13 Calgary 16 5 10 1 11 Edmonton 1 5 5 10 0 10 NOTE: Two points for a win, onepoint for overtime loss. Monday's Games Anzona 4, Anaheim 3, OT Tuesday's Games St Louis 2, New Jersey 0 N Y Rangers 3, Carolina 0 Colorado 4, Philadelphia 0 Vancouver 5, Columbus 3 Vancouver 1 6 Los Angeles 15 Anzona 15

r A clippers at phoenw„7 30 p m

1'/ z 3 3 3'/ z

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 5 2 714 Houston 4 3 571 Dallas 3 4 429 M emphis 3 5 375 New Orleans 1 6 143 Northwest Division W L Pct Okla City 5 3 625 Minnesota 4 3 571 Utah 4 3 571 Portland 4 4 500 Denver 3 4 429 Paafic Division W L Pct Golden State 8 0 1000 r A clippers 5 2 714 Phoenw, 3 4 429 r A Lakers 1 6 143 Sacramento 1 7 125 Monday's Games Indiana 97, orlando 84 chicago 111, philadelphia 88 Minnesota 117, Atlanta 107 Denver 108, Portland 104 san Antonio 106, sacramento 88 Golden State 109, Detroit 95

Colorado

NewYorkatCharlotte,4 p m Indiana at Boston, 4 30 p m Golden State at Memphis, 5 p m Brooklyn at Houston, 5 p m L A Clippers at Dallas, 5 p m New Orleans at Atlanta, 5 p m Milwaukee at Denver, 6 p m Detroit at Sacramento, 7 p m San Antonio at Portland, 7 30 p m Thursday's Games Utah at Miami, 4 30 p m Golden State at Minnesota, 5 p m

NBA

14 9 3 14 9 3 16 8 6 15 8 6 15 5 9 Paafic Division

Minnesota Nashville Winnipeg Chicago

r A Lakers at orlando, 4 p m

Miami at Philadelphia, 10 a m Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 10 a m Jacksonville at Baltimore, 10 a m Minnesota at Oakland, 1 05 p m Kansas City at Denver, 1 25 p m New England at N Y Giants, 1 25 p m Anzona at Seattle, 5 30 p m Monday, Nov. 16 Houston at Cinannatt 5 30 p m

Miami Washington Charlotte Orlando

New York 111, Toronto 109 Miami 101, L A Lakers 88 Charlotte 1(A, Minnesota 95 New Orleans 120, Dallas 105 Boston 99, Milwaukee 83 Today's Games Toronto at Philadelphia, 4 p m

„

where to have your

Christmas Party, Birthday Party or Company Party? Country Cottage can accommodate!

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Call for reservations 541-523-9310

Baker Valley Volleyball Club tryouts for ages 12-18 will be held Nov. 21 and 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Baker High School gymnasium. The team is a competitive traveling team. For more informationcall541-306-1868 or541-519-7809.

Eastern volleyball ranked ninth in poll KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The national office announced the 10th installment of the 2015 Tachikara-NAIA Volleyball Coaches'Top 25 Poll, and the Eastern Oregon University volleyball team jumped three spots to No. 9 in the poll. EOU has notched a top-10 ranking in all but two weeks this season. On Nov. 5, Eastern overpowered Walla Walla in four sets to clinch the team's first-ever outright Cascade Collegiate Conference iCCCl regular season title. EOU i23-3, 18-2 CCCl returns to the hardwood on Friday to compete in the semifinals of the 2015 CCC Tournament. The Mountaineers will square otf against the winner of the Corban-Northwest matchup in La Grande at 7 p.m.

Easternmen's cross country ranked 30th KANSAS CITY, Mo.— Following an impressive fourthplace finish at the 2015 Cascade Collegiate Conference iCCCl Championships on Saturday, the Eastern Oregon University men's cross country team earned recognition in the final NAIA Coaches'Top 25 poll. With 23 votes, the Mountaineers were slated as the No. 30 team in the country and were one of four teams in the CCC to find a spot in the poll. Both senior Kody Shriver i26:26.0l and freshman Jack H oward i26: 27.1learned all-conference recognition atter finishing ninth and 10th, respectively, at the CCC Championships. In addition, the two runners qualified individually for the NAIA National Meet. The NAIA National Meet will take place on Nov. 21 in Charlotte, N.C.

Mariners hire Acta as third base coach SEATTLE iAPl — The Seattle Mariners have added former Cleveland and Washington manager Manny Acta to their coaching stafFasthird base coach. The club announced the hiring on Tuesday. First-time manager Scott Servais will have two coaches on his stafF with managerial experience in Acta and bench coach Tim Bogar, who was the interim manager with Texas in 2014. Acta, 46, spent three seasons each as manager of Washington and Cleveland. He was previously a third base coach with the New York Mets and Montreal Expos. Servais says Acta's experience as a manager and developing players, "will be very valuable to me, and to our players, as we move forward." Acta has been an analyst with ESPN the past two years while also serving as general manager of Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League.

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Servi r i d ed - Tests 8 ferrals - Parenti g Classe s - Couns ing - Bible tucfy -DeliV ryofS PI

Registrations for the Baker County YMCA's youth basketball program are being taken through Thursday, Nov. 19. Registration forms may be picked up at the YMCA Fitness Center, 3715 Pocahontas Road. Referees are needed for the youth basketball season. PleasecallClark McIntyre, 541-523-9622,form oreinformation or visit the fiont desk at the Fitness Center.

——a Week of Nov. 2nd

r A clippers %, Memphis 92 Tuesday's Games cleveland 118, Utah 114

Dona ons eededNow ceivin ankets - Baby 'ene Products - Diap rs 8,Pull-Ups La n ry Detergen ty hairs

Y registrations open for youth basketball

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('Oi%6lhkIlJIAIIOi%% Baker City Herald 1915 First Street, Baker City • 0

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6A — BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

LOCAL 8 STATE

WOLVES

outlined legal action. "Here is how we are goContinued from Page1A ing to sue you if you make Numbers from July a bad decision and didn't showed there are 16 known get a peer review. We are packs in Oregon and 13 disclosing this to you ithe pairs that have reproduced, ODFWl in the hopes you Dennehy said. take this decision out of the Eighty-one wolves now hands of the court and out live in Oregon but Dennehy of the hands of the public said there are probably and hand it to an indepenmore. dent peer review panel," 'There are more likely Cady said. more wolves out there than Cady said his organizawhat we can count," Dention isn't sure what its next nehy said. step will be. The decision by the com''We need to talk about mission Monday sparked what we would gain and disapproval from sevtalktoourboards and seeif eral conservation groups, this is something we want including the Defenders of to pursue," Cady said. Wildlife. Another conservaBaker County Commistion organization, The Cen- sioner and rancher Mark ter for Biological Diversity, Bennett said the decision statedin a pressrelease by the Commission was Monday it would challenge interesting, it really doesn't the decision in court. mean a whole lot. Chief arguments by con"It does not change servationist scenter on the anything. So I think it was assertion that gray wolves a statement, but it is not are not numerous enough much beyond a statement," in Oregon to qualify for delBennett said. isting. Another argument Bennett said the same asserts an independent rulesthat governed the scientific peer review of the management of wolves still Oregon Department of Fish existand arein force. and Wildlife's iODFV9 data "If in half an hour I went regarding delisting was down to my cows and I necessary before the ESA restrictions were lifted from saw a wolf and I haven't gone through all the steps, the animals. nothing has changed. That Nick Cady, the legal is why I find it incredulous directorofCascadia that they would bother to Wildlands, a conservation sue. Other than maybe they organization, said witharetrying to make a stateout the peer review the ment because nothing has ODFW's conclusions stand changed," he said. on a rickety foundation. Wolves, he pointed out, "Our big complaint is still cannot be hunted and a that they didn't go through protocol regarding response this peer review at all. The to wolf kills will remain in contacted a few fiiendly place. Penalties for an unr We scientists," Cady said. lawful kill of a wolf remain feel that the department in place, set at a maximum downplayed threats to species and overplayed how of $6,250. 'You can't get a wolf tag. successful the species has If you shoot one you are been so far." still subject to a year in Cady said he cautioned jail and the fine. No one is the ODFW several weeks proposing hunting wolves," ago about proceeding with he said. its delisting recommendaBennett said the delisttion without a peer review ing decision is not set in of the data. stone either. "In agood-faith effort, 'There isn't anything to to reach out to the deprevent the commission, partment and avoid the courtroom, and, honestly to due to unforeseen circumstances, whatever that is, avoid these bizarre public they can go back and list it," m eeting battles,Iwrote a litigation memo and openly he said."There hasn't been disclosed it to the Commis- much of anything. When the smoke clears, nothing sion," he said. Cady said the memo has changed."

COUGARS Continued from Page 1A Mattson is working on finding the cougar that killed the six sheep, Ratliff said. The search is complicated by the small parcels in the area, many of which include livestock and domestic animals. Mattson has cameras set up in the hope of photographing the animal if it returns to the area and then attempting totrap it.He's also searching for tracks,

contacting landowners and coordinating with ODFW, Ratliff said. "We are encouraging people if they do have information or see a cougar during daylight hours or see a fresh deer kill to call us," he said. "That will be a startingpoint for dealing with this cat." The fact that it hasn't been seen recently could indicateit' s moved on. "Maybe we'll never hear from this cat again," Ratliff said.

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Dan Labonte of Baker City retired after a 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank. This hat has a logo for the Armed ForcesTop Enlisted Association. n

LABONTE

Wegot toseea lotof history. Andit comes with

Continued from Page1A But Labonte got quite a lot more from his travels than the German beer steins and Dutchdecorativeplates and oil paintings of the Alps that decorate his Baker City home. A wife, most importantly. He and Sandi, who grew up in Baker City, have been m arried for almost 46years, and like as not they'd never have met had he not enlisted in the Air Force. It happened in Idaho. Labonte had been reassigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base east of Boise in November 1969. When he landed at the Boise Airport it was around 9 p.m. and nobody was around to tell him where to go. Labonte picked up a phone and dialed information. The operator who answered didn't know anything about the base. But Labonte liked her voice. They're still together. And they've been together on pretty much every continent. Labonte ticks offhis duty stations like a travel agent — Saudi Arabia, England, Labrador, Okinawa, Germany, Hawaii. His time at Okinawa predated his marriage. During the Vietnam War in the late 1960s he was stationed both at Kadena, which housed B-52 bombers and the KC135 tankers that refueled the bombersduring sortiesover North Vietnam, and at Naha, the base where fighter jets were stationed. Labonte remembers watching damaged bombers return to Kadena.

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Photo Courtesy Daniel Labonti S. John Collins/ Baker City Herald

Dan Labonte of Baker City retired in 1992 after a 30year career with the U.S. Air Force. Washington, and Klamath Falls, for instance — he said his longer assignments generally were overseas. When he was in England, he said, he learned that "Americans don't speak English." r We speak American," Labonte said.'They speak English." He started an all-American dart-throwing team in a favorite pub, although he concedes that his team was no match for the English. When he was sent to Germany there was no housing immediately available on the base, so he and Sandi lived for about a year in an apartment nearby. Labonte enjoyed that period, he said, because he learned much more about German society and culture than ifhe had lived on the American base. He remembers in particular that they had milk deliveredto their dooreach morning, a practice that reminded him of his childhood in New Hampshire, when he deli vered groceriesfor

Labonte receives one of many accolades during his military service. smallcorner store. But with one difference. "InGermany they would deliver beer along with the milk," he said with a chuckle. Labonte said his landlord in Germany was also generous not only with beer, but also schnapps. "Every time I paid the rent he would bring out the schnapps and the beer," Labonte said."I think he gave me more than the rent was costing." Although Labonte never served in combat during this Air Force career, he did not emerge fiom his service without permanent effects. But it took 25 years for the symptoms to show up. Labonte remembers the episode clearly. It was August 1963, just over a year into his first fouryear stint, and he was working at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington ithebase closed in 1966 and is now the Grant County International Airport). Larson was among the bases that housed nuclear missiles — the Titan. One day when Labonte was working in one of the

HAGGEN •

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Continued ~om Page1A The Oregonian reports that Andrew I. Gavil, who teaches anti-trust law at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and who directed the FTC'soffice of policy planning from 2012-2014,said theissue iscomplicated. If Albertsons does buy the stores, the FTC could review the purchase as a new case, separatefrom the originaldivestiture.And because the Haggen stores would otherwise close, a purchase that would keep the stores open would get special treatment under government merger guidelines. So while Albertsons' purchase of the 36 storesmay hurt competition,a closed store would be even worse, Gavil said. H owever, thatdoesn'taddress the effective-

underground silos for the massive missiles, an alarm sounded and the radiation badge on his shoulder "lit up. There was a leak, and Labonte had received a dose of radiation. He suffered no immediate effects. But when he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1988 — a disease for which he has no family history — doctors determined that it was connected to the radiation exposure a quarter century earlier. Labonte said he has a full military disability as a result. After he retired in 1992 he and Sandi moved to Baker City. Labonte worked for six years as a case manager for the Oregon Department of Human Services. The couple's twin boys, Alan and Eric, both joined the military. Eric served in the Marine Corps for 12 years and then in the Oregon Army National Guard. He served a tour in Iraq. Alan is a lieutenant commander in the Navy. The couple's other son, Chad, works for Boise Cascade and lives in Star, Idaho. Almost half a century after Labonte decided the Air Force could be his career, and not just a four-year stint between high school and therestofhislife,he doesn't regret his decision. ''We gotto see a lotofhistory," he said."And it comes with a pretty good pension."

ness of the original divestiture. What's more, if Albertsons had a hand in Haggen's failed takeoverofthe 146 stores,asHaggen claims in a lawsuit, the FTC should step in and look fora different grocer to buy those 36 stores. "I would think that the government would rather find a different buyer," he said."5ot the one that saidj 'I will sell you my shoes, and then when they don't fit you I'll buy them back from you for half." But finding an alternate buyer could be tough, leaving Albertsons' bid the best option for those 36 stores. "I would think that the FTC would make a concerted effort to find alternative buyers," Gavil said."But there may not be any.... the FTC can't force a buyer to come forward." — Compiled from staff reports.

Pilot Rock fires its only certified police officer

SEARCH. PLAN. GO. •

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PENDLETON iAPl — The voted 4-0 late Tuesday to tercity of Pilot Rock has fired its only certified police offtcer. The East Oregonian reports that the City Council

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minate Gary Thompson. He had been suspended Oct. 30. Thompson said he lost his jobformaking an unauthor-

ized purchase. Pilot Rock's other offtcer, Daniel Badal, is attending the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015 The Observer & Baker City Herald

HAPPENINGS

MEXICAN DUTIES COULD SLOW ICEN ICELLER

TheEl Ninoof client griyes

2016 Ag Summit to examine employment, water issues New paid sick-leave regulations and their implications for agricultural employersareamong topicstobe discussed at Dunn Carney's2016Ag Summit, an educational event for Oregon's ag community. The half-day summit, featuring industry leaders from the region as well as members of Carney's ag team, will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Salem Convention Center. Water reallocation and quality, basic administrative rulesand procedures forcannabisgrowers and retailers,and alternativedispute resolution options forgrowers are amongothertopicstobe discussed. Carney's Water Summit, the Ag Summit's Eastern Oregon sister event, will be held March 11 at Hamley Steakhouse in Pendleton. Tom Byler, director of the Oregon Water Resources Department, will be a featured speaker.

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H&H Angus joins American Angus Association H&H Angus of La Grande is a new member of the American Angus Association, announced Richard Wilson, interim CEO of the national breed organization. The American Angus Association, with nearly 25,000 active adult and junior m embers, isthelargestbeefbreed association in the world. The association records ancestral information, and keeps production records and genomic data on individual animals to develop selection tools foritsmembers.

Conservation districts receive 2015 Partnership Award

EUGENE — The Baker County AssociationofConservationDistrictsreceived a 2015 Partnership Award from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service last week for its work following this summer's devastating wildfires. The awardwas given during the annual meeting of the Oregon Association of ConservationDistricts. The Baker County Association of Conservation Districts, which includes the Baker Valley, Eagle Valley, Burnt River and Keating soil and water conservation distri cts,received the PartnershipAward along with the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District. "Both the Grant and Baker district staff w ere inst rumental partners forgetting post-fire conservation practices on-theground during a critical time for the community," said Jay Gibbs, NRCS basin team leader for the Snake River and John Day/Umatilla Basins."They provided data, maps and resources that were invaluable to emergency response personnel and to landowners in the community. We are extremely fortunate to have them as partners as we work together to rebuild the landscape after the fires."

Barreto Manufacturing trencher takeshome magazine award The Barreto Stand-On Track Trencher was named a recipient of Rental magazine's 2015 Editor'sChoice award last month. The awards recognize the rental equipment industry's top 25 products based on end-user and rental professional engagement on the Buyers Guide at ForConstructionPros.com/Rental over a 12-monthperiod,aswellascriteriathat include innovation, versatility and profit potential. "As always, the winning products represent the best of what leading manufacturershave toofferfortoday'srentalinventories," Jenny Lescohler, editor of Rental, said in a press release. Barreto Manufacturing is based in La Grande and is owned by Greg Barreto. — I/VesComNews Service staff

APNakima Herald-Republic

In this photo taken Feb. 25, Ernesto Cuevas wraps plastic around a pallet of Fuji apples atWashington Fruit and Produce Co. in Yakima, Washington. Washington state's apple exports could be in danger as Mexican growers allege dumping by U.S. producers. Officials could levy duties against the exports. By Ross Courtney

than the cost of production, a tactic called dumping. From his desk on the sales floor, Ratia and state offrcials deny Victor Ratia has no trouble selling any dumping. Mexico's Ministry of Economy apples to Mexico. International politics, dumping has been investigating the claim allegations and a long-postponed by Mexican growers and was decision about whether Washing- scheduled to make a preliminary ton's largest export market will determination over the summer impose duties haven't made life but hasn't yet. ''We're just waiting," said David any harder for the Latin American sales specialist at Washington Anderson, assistant manager of Fruit and Produce Co., one of the the Northwest Fruit Exporters, largest apple shippers in Central a Yakima association that works Washington's fruit country and with foreign governments to dethe nation. velopexportprocedures.Afterthe "They need our product and announcement, the issue could go they buy," Ratia said. to the Mexican courts. The investigation covers all The $1.9 billion state apple industry is waiting for the Mexican U.S. shipments, but Washington, the natio n'slargestproducer, government to decide whether it will impose punitive duties on accountsfor 85percent ofapple exportsto Me xico. U.S. apple shippers for allegedly selling apples in 2013 for less The uncertainty is having no Yakima Herald-Republic, Wash.

VW diesel owners to get gift cards • Audi customers also eligible for up to $1,000 irr gift cards arrd vouchers By Tom Krisher AP Auto Water

DETROIT — Owners of 482,000 diesel Volkswagens and Audis in the U.S. are eligible for

$1,000 in gift cards and vouchers asthe automaker strivesto placate customers dismayed by an emissions-rigging scandal. VW announced the offer Monday. The car owners have been in limbo since mid-September, when VW admitted the cars are equipped with software that turns on pollution controls during government tests and turns them off while on the road. VW has yet to unveil a fix for the cars. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the cars, with 2-liter four-cylinder diesel engines, emit 10 to 40 times the allowable amount ofharmful nitrogen oxide while being driven. "The problem that most of us

"The problem that mostfous sufferpom is we'rein never-never land so this at least gives us somecompensation until they

figureit out." — Bob Rand, a Volkswagen owner

suffer from is we're in never-never land sothisatleastgivesussome compensation until they figure itout,"said Bob Rand, aretired judge in Pasadena, California, who says he and his wife have owned at least a dozen new Volkswagens over the years.

The $500 Visagiftcard can be used anywhere, while the $500 voucher can be used at a VW dealership for things such as an oilchange ornew setoftires,or even a down payment on a new car. The offer alsoincludes free roadsideassistance for the diesel vehicles forthreeyears. ''We are working tirelessly to

develop an approved remedy for affected vehicles," said Michael Horn, VWs U.S. CEO, said in a statement."In the meantime we are providing this goodwill package asafirststep towards regaining our customers' trust." Steve Kalafer, chairman of the Flemington Car and Truck Country dealerships in Flemington, New Jersey, said Volkswagen's offer is a welcome first step after a long silence between the automaker, its customers and its U.S. retailers. Kalafer said he hasn't heard yet from any customers about SeeVW / Page 3B

Key to teaching children about money: start early articipation and communica-

About thiscolumn

p tion are two of the best ways

Small Business Happenings covers Northeast Oregon's small-business community. The column carries news about business events, startupsand owners and employees who earn awards and recognition or make significant gains in their careers. There is no charge for inclusion in the column, which is editorial in nature and is not ad space or a marketing tool. Products and services will be discussed only in general terms. Email items to biz@lagrandeobserver.com or call them in to 541-963-3161. Baker County residents can submit items to news@bakercityherald.com or call them in to 541-523-3673.

to teach children or grandchildren about money and investing. 1have seen many people share their knowledge of investing and money with their children, which often reflects their key values and principles about saving, opportunity and patience. How do they do it? By starting the lessons early. Communication is the first step in teaching future generations about money. Start by asking yourself questions to clarify what you want to share

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effect on current sales, in the meantime. Trucks carrying Washington's Red Delicious and Gala apples continueto crossthe border to Mexican stores with no sign of slowing, Ratia said. "The Mexico apple market is a very mature market for us," said Ratia, born and raised in Spain. "Consumption is not affected just becauseofpotentialthreats." Last week, crews on the Washington Fruit docks loaded Mexican-bound trucks nearly every day, said Eric Hanses, shipping and warehouse manager. Mexican groceries prominently display Washington apples, said Rebecca Lyons, international marketing director for the Washington Apple Commission, which promotes apples internationally. SeeApples / Page 2B

Dear Ken: My company is a service business and we operate seven days a week. During the busy months we can run two or three shifts, depending on the season. I've noticed a trend that client complaints increase on the second and third shifts, but consistently peak on weekends. Monday throughFiiday we don't get anywhere as many complaints, but the day shift staff spends time addressing att the comptaints, which reduces their productivity. In an attempt to find the root cause o ftheseissues,I moved around schedules and assigned some people who had been on the day shift to manage the weekends and nights. It didn't help much. I know you don't know my business or my industry, but I thought I would write in and askyou to share your insights. — Bob H. Dear Bob: My first question is: When was the last time you worked both weekend days for more than a single weekend? My second question is: When was the last time you worked the second or third shift for a month straight? My third question is: What hours do you think you should be working in a business that operates around the clock? As the owner, your responsibilities do not end at when the first shift heads home to dinner with the family, a night of television and a warm bed to get your recommended eight hours of sleep. Your job is 24/7/365 and you can't live it like you are an hourly employee who is paid for their time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a guaranteed lunch break and two rest periods. The reason your company is experiencing so many complaints when you are not there is exactly that: You are not there. The managers running the company when you aren't there are ineffective. You have been and are invisible to your second and third shift employees, and no one working the weekends expects to see you either. Because you are never there and you don't have any plans to show up, your employees SeeKeller / Page 3B

' MONEY MATTERS MARCY HAINES and teach. What is the most important thing you know aboutmoney? What does money represent? What would you most like your family to know about money? What attitude would you like them to have about money? And what is most important about money to your family? These can be great questions to discuss with your children and grandchildren. Having a clear

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definition of money and its role sets the foundation for building a positive money vocabulary.

and accomplishment. It also redirects the focus from instant gratification, which is so pervasive in our world, to deliberate, Five Money Words intentional money behavior. Example:Evaluate your own Observing parents feeling sure, confident and self-reliant about behavior and the money examples you set. This is definitely money sets an example that can a situation where actions speak positively impact children for a lifetime. louder than words. Listening to Earn: Most children have parents from an early age discuss money in a thoughtful way is a money from gifts, allowances and powerful message. Discuss the jobs. Encourage your children to family budget, which is a direct work! Monetary reward for a job reflection of what is important well done can be a great incentive forchildren to earn.Itcan also to your family. Saving for major purchasesteaches patience,goals SeeHaines / Page 3B

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2B — THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BUSINESS 8 AG LIFE

Iudge'sruling Region's jobs focused in three industries couldeeose GM Private Sector 3obs — By Industry to large verdicts ECONOMY

VVesCom News Serwce

'Ajury will now be

By Tonn Krisher AP Auto Wnter

DETROIT — A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that people suing General Motors over faulty ignition switches can seek punitive damages that could cost the company millions of dollars. When General Motors emerged kom a 2009 bankruptcy, it became known as "New GM."The new company essentially was shieldedkom liabilities of the old company thatwas leftbehind. But Judge Robert Gerber in New York ruled Monday that employees and knowledge transferred kom the"Old GM" to the new company. Plaintiffs, he ruled, can seek punitive damages if they can show that"New GM" knew of the faulty switches but covered it up. The ruling has the potential to open GM to large jury verdicts ,becausethecompany has admitted knowing about the faulty switches for a decade or more but failed to recall the cars until February of 2014. Many of the engineers, attorneys and safetyinvestigators who had knowledge of the switches wentkom the old company to the new one. Butin a statement, GM said the ruling was not a victory for those suing the company. Although the court ruled that New GM could be liable for punitive damages for daims based solelyonits conduct,"plaintifs to date have notestablished any such independent daims against New GM," the statement said. The ignition switches can slip out of the run position and shut off the engine, knocking out the power steering, power brakes and air bags. They are responsibleforcrashes thatkilled at

allowed to hear evidence

of GM'scover-up and determinewhatmonetary punishment to assess forso many needlessdeaths and

injuries." — Robert Hilliard, attomey

least169 peopleand injured hundreds of others. Tem attorney Robert Hilliard, who has several wrongful death and injurylawsuits pending against GM, said theruling was a complete win for plaintiL He said the New GM admitted in an agreementtosettlecrinnnal charges with the Justice Department thatit knew of the faulty switches for 20 months before notifyingfederalsafety regulators in Februaryof 2014. The company can't contradict the agreementin legalpmceedings,soithasno defense, Hilliard argued. "A jury now will be allowedtohearevidence of GM's cover-up and determine what monetary punishment to assess for so many needless deaths and injuries," Hilliard said. Therearestillabout250 wrongful death and injury lawsuits pending in state and federal courts,according to Hilliard. He says the ruling exposes GM to billions of dollars in punitive damages. Judge Gerber's ruling also applies to cases in which plaintiffs allege that the valueoftheircarsdeclined because of GM's conduct. Carl Tobias,a law professor at the University of Richmond, says both sides are posturing about the ruling. The plaintiffs, he said, must show"egregious misconduct" to get punitive damages.

APPLES

Lyons said. In 2010, Washington apple shippersnoticed thedifferContinued ~om Page 1B ence when Mexico slapped a 20 percenttariffon im ports Mexican shoppers regard apples right up there with in retaliation for a trucking bananas and oranges as a dispute with the Obama administration. dietarystaple,she said. In the 2009-10 crop year, However, duties could slow exporters sent 10.2 million down the export fire hose. Mexican trade investigaboxesofapplesto M exico. That dropped 10 percent to tors are analyzing the 2013 9.2 million in 2010-11 under prices of 40 Washington shippers and could impose the tariff. In 2011-12, after individual duties — extra the tariff was lifted, exports charges on imported prodjumped back up to 10.2 million boxes. ucts similar to tariffs. All other shippers would face a The nextyear, after the tarw eighted average ofduties. iffs were lifted, exports jumped Industry officials have not back up to 10.2 million. "One fact that cannot be estimated a potential sales risk and probably couldn't argued is that Mexico is an even if they knew the duty important market for us," amounts because everything Lyons said. kom supply and demand, gas Mexico is far and away prices and currency exchange Washington's largest export rates affects apple exports, destination, taking in 15.4

Three industries account for almost two-thirds of the private sector jobs in six Eastern Oregon counties. That's based on September 2015 reports for Baker, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Harney and Malheur counties compiled by the Oregon Employment Department. The three industries are: •Trade,transportation and utilities — 28.5 percent of private jobs in the sixcounty region. This includes m ost types ofretailstores. • Leisure and hospitality17 percent. Some ofthelarger sourcesofjobsin thissector are restaurants and motels. • Educational and health services — 17.3 percent. This includes healthcare businesses such as hospitals and assisted living facilities; it does not include public schools or universities. Eastern Oregon relies more heavily on leisure and hospitality jobs than does Oregon as a whole. That sector is the secondlargestsourceofprivate sector jobs in Baker, Wallowa, Grant and Harney counties, and it ranks third in Malheur County. Union County, meanwhile,

INDUSTRY

BAKER

UNION

WALLOWA

GRANT

HARNEY

MALHEUR

Manufacturing

12.4%

17.9%

8.6%

87%

10.7%

98%

Trade, transportation, utilities

25 5%

275%

24 9%

24.6%

31.1%

37.2%

Professional and business services

7.0

6.5%

6.6%

9.5

82%

6.0%

Educational and health services

18.9%

20 8%

15.7%

13.5%

15.7%

19.2%

Leisure and hospitality

19.4%

11.0%

17.3%

15.9%

24.6%

14.0%

TOTAL OF 5

83.3%

83 8%

73.1%

72 2%

90 2%

86.2%

Source: Oregon Employment Department

is the onlycountyin theregion where leisure and hospitalityis not among the top threeindustries for private sector jobs. That's because manufacturing occupies the third position, responsible for17.9 percentofprivate sectorjobs in Union County. That's well above the rates for the five other counties. • Baker County — 12.4 percentofprivate sectorjobs

ofthestate asawhole. Those five industries — the four mentioned earlier, along with professional and business services — account for 81.2 percentofprivate sector jobs in Oregon, and 82.9 percentin the six Eastern Oregon counties. The professional and businessservicescategory includes such fields as accounting, computer systems and administrative services.

Weyerhaeuser to buy Plum Creek for $8.4B By Sanjay Bhatt The Seattle Times

Weyerhaeuser is buying Plum Creek for $8.4 billion to form the nation's largestprivate owner oftim berland,the Seattlearea firm sannounced Sunday. The combined company will own more than 13 million acres of U.S. timberland and havea market capitalization of$23 billion based on current prices, rankingit sixth among publicly traded companies based in Washington state. aWe saw a unique opportunity to combine the two industry leaders in a way that will generate substantial value for shareholders by creating the world's premieretimberland and forest-products

million 40-pound boxes of the state's 2014 crop. But Mexico also grows apples, almost all of them in the high desert northern state of Chihuahua. Growers therehave a history ofapple dumping charges against the United States. Mexican trade officials imposed duties on U.S. shipments kom 1996 to 2010, liking them only after a NAFTA review panel determined they used outdated calculations. A Chihuahua growers association made the more recent charge in December 2014, asking their government officials to investigate prices during the calendar year of 2013. That's one of the main reasons Washington shippers and industry officials flatly deny the charge; prices were high that year.

company,"Weyerhaeuser CEO Doyle Simons said in an interview Sunday. Plum Creek chief Rick Holley will become the company's nonexecutive chairman, while Simons will be president and CEO. Analysts said it's an epic consolidation move in an otherwise kagmented industry. "In the private timberland industry, they become a Goliath," said Steven Chercover, a senior research analyst at brokerage D.A. Davidson & Co."This couldn't get any bigger." Chercover said he'd expect the companies to cut a big chunk of duplicated overhead costs. The firms said they an-

"It's hard to imagine that anyone could make the argumentthatwe dumped productin 2013,"Ratia said. In 2012, Washington growers harvested a record crop while other growing regions in the East were nearly wiped out by kost, giving the state's shippers almost sole dominion of domestic store space. In 2013, when most of those 2012 apples were being sold, growers received a nearrecord average of 41 cents per pound of kesh apples, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. Most of the current construction boom in packing lines and cold storage facilities visible throughout the Yakima Valley started after that 2012 banner crop. Mexican exports during the 2012-13 shipping year

Thatcher's iim Hardware I La GrandeaieeHardware S HOPPING

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in manufacturing • Harney County — 10.7 percent • Malheur County — 9.8 percent • Grant County — 8.7 percent • Wallowa County — 8.6 percent Taking a wider economic view that includes five industries, the situation in Eastern Oregon nearly mirrors that

ticipateannual"cost synergies"of$100 million kom the merger. Plum Creek, which is based at Two Union Square in downtown Seattle, is the smaller of the two companies, with 1,200 employees. Weyerhaeuser, which has 12,800 employees worldwide and is based in Federal Way, plans to move its headquarters next fall into a new 150,000-square-foot building going up at 200 Occidental Ave. S. in Pioneer Square. Asked about layoffs, Simons acknowledged Sunday there is "some overlap in terms of people," but said it's too early to estimate how many positions would be eliminated.

indeed spiked to 13.7 million boxes, a good 30 percent over the year before. However, also in August 2013, Mexican growers harvestedaglutoftheir own apples, a record 859,000 metric tons, more than twice the previous year's harvest. When growers and packing houses tried to take them to distributors and stores in Mexico, they often were turned away. Growers turned to selling their products in the streetsattim es,according to news reports. Then, they unfairly blamed U.S. competition for their problems, said Mark Powers, vice president of the North-

west Horticultural Council, a Yakima-based group that lobbies for the tree fruit industry in matters of federal policy and international trade. 'They are trying to keep our apples out of the market," Powers said, calling the allegations of dumping"not factual." Ratia chalked the dispute up tothe complexitiesof world trade. Apples kom Chile, New Zealand and China all compete in ports throughout the world. "Everything is interconnected...,"Ratia said.aWe're all kind of fighting for space in a way."

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The Observer & Baker

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

• Rick Gloria, who served in the military for 22 years, now serves his fellow veterans as Baker Connty's Veterans Service Officer "It's very satisfying to help them," Gloria said. With a little over a year on Upon meeting him, it's obthejob,54year-old retired Lt. viousthat Gloriaiseagerto help and very happy to do so. Col. Rick Gloria has settled into his position as Baker There is a sense that he will County's Veterans Service do whateverittakestoacOfficer with enthusiasm and complish whatever is needed passion. to attai n the desired goalof He takes pride in his job those he meets — whether it's fora veteran orsomeone and says he would do it for free ifhe could. else. "This job is very rewardBaker County Commising," Gloria said."The best sion Chairman Bill Harvey saidit'sim portant to have part is seeing that I have helpedgetresultsfor the someone to advocate forthe guys." county's veterans. "It's a greathonor for Those guys are veterans whom he has helped with Baker County to honor and any number of issues they serve its veterans," he said. "It's an opportunity to give face.He said itisoften overwhelming for them to sort back. We need to serve those through all of the paperwork that have served." Gloria's office in the lower and stepsittakesto getbenefits that they might not even level of the County Courtbe awarethey are entitled to. house is neatly organized. By Joshua Dillen

VVesCom News Service

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S. John Collins/ Baker City Herald

Rick Gloria helps solve problems and conflicts that arise from veterans' affairs.

His desk is even more meticulously organized and tidy. It almost looks unused. But that's not the case. Gloria assists 10 to 12 veterans a day by helping them with myriad a ofissuesfaced by veterans including various benefits, education and health care. He said he takes care of paperwork and files it rightaway.When aveteran client finishes meeting with him, Gloria immediately puts his file away after completing work on it. "I can not afford to do partial iworkl here, partial iworkl there. I would fall behind and not do a good job for them," he said. Harveysaid Gloria does a great job and is easy to work with. His skill in dealing with military and government officials is a valuable asset to veterans. Harvey also said that Gloria's work doesn't end when a veteran leaves his office and paperwork has been submitted. Gloria takes whatever extra steps are needed and follows up with all cases. "He knows who to call and when to call," Harvey said. "And even when to push a little. A veteran can't do that." Gloria said he always finishes what he starts in a timely manner with precision and correctness. That work ethic and drive to beperfectstarted long before he enlisted in the military. As a high school wrestler in Weiser, Idaho, Gloria was state champion in 1981 when he was a senior. As a junior he was beaten only by a wrestler who went on to be a four-time state champion.

S. John Collins/ Baker City Herald file photo

Rick Gloria addresses veterans' concerns during the Veterans Day ceremony in 2014 in Baker City. ber of 1986 when he was still attending Boise State University. He completed his rewarding. The best advanced individual training partis seeing that I have at Fort Sill in Oklahoma after helped get resultsfor the graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in political sciguys." ence in 1988. — Rick Gloria, Baker County He said his original goal Veterans Service Officer was to continue his education and attend law school. "I didn't feel too bad," 'That was sidetracked Gloria said about those due to starting work for the defeats."I was still not happy. Oregon National Guard full The next year, man, I was on time in May of'89," he said. "That took me to a totally a terror. If I recall correctly, I went 36 and 0 that year. different path that ended up That drive right there — I being a career for me." have alwaysapplied itto get Gloria credits Susan, his ahead." collegesweetheart and wife Gloria says that drive is of 32 years, for pushing him also what enabled him to rise to succeed as well. Gloria up the ranks and retire from beamed with pride as he said the Oregon Army National they have two grown children Guard as a lieutenant colonel and two grandchildren. after22 yearsofservice. Gloria enlisted in DecemSeeGlorialPage 7C

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It's known as the Veterans Choice Program, and its aim is to provide veterans who live farther than 40 miles from VA clinics and hospitals or who would face waits of more than 30 days to receive services, to instead seek a local provider. Turn to Page 7C for more about the program

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD — 3C

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

y • Alfred Johnson says it was the hectic situation, not his own bravery, that kept him calm while German dive-bombers were attacking his anti-aircraft gun position during World War II 1e

By Dick Mason Wescom News Service

German dive-bombers were screaming around Alfred Johnson as he manned his antiaircraft gunnery station in Italy during World War II. Curiously, Johnson was not scared. More than half a century later, he says his nonchalance had nothing to do with courage. "I didn't have time to get frightened," the La Granderesident said.

Johnson, then in the U.S. Army, survived the combat experience without a scratch and so did the other approximately 15 men in his gunnery battery, one which he headed. The good fortune that battery enjoyed that day would extend throughout the war. ''We never lost a man," Johnson said. He says this frequently and with pride while discussing his World War II experiences. SeeJoimson/Bge 4C

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100-year-old World War II veteran Alfred Johnson stands in front of medals of recognition he was awarded for his tour of duty in Europe.

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4C — THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF OREGON'S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS

re on'sve eransconinue oservea o us By Cameron Smith Veterans Day is one day to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have raised their right hand,worn the uniform, defended our freedom, and stood guard over our peace. Across our 70-year history, the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs has witnessed generations of service members returning home and then using their hard-earned leadership skills and experience to significantly contribute to our communities. What many citizens may not know is that one out of every 12 Oregonians is a veteran. While our veterans gain great strength from their service, it is not surprising that many can face challenges as they reintegrate home. For those

impactedby their service,we must understand their tenacious spirit and resiliency. They deserve nothing less than the best in care, resources and support. There is never a doubt, though, that our learned resilience, idealistic pride, and unwavering dedication to our families, community and each other is stronger because we served in uniform. Take the recent examples of young returning veterans from Oregon like Alek Skarlatos and Chris Mintz. Alek captured international headlines for thwarting a terrorist attack while travelling in France after his deployment in Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard. Similarly, Chris Mintz, an Army veteran, also chose to run toward

chaos on the Umpqua Community College campus tohelp protectfellow students. He was shot multiple times and thankfully continues to recover for his young family and community. These stories have made the national news, but our local veterans' community is filled with everyday examples of inspiring continued service. Bill Griffith is a former Navy Corpsman who served in Vietnam and is continuing toserve hisfellow veterans as an award-winning volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman. He was recently recognized for his advocacyfor our aging veterans at the Oregon Veterans' Home in The Dalles and other skilled nursing facilities, receiving the Governor's Volunteer Award in October.

A recent appointment to ODVA's Advisory Committee, Kim Douthit, is a Coast Guard veteran and continues to serve student veterans in her roleas a veterans'coordinator at Portland Community College. She is a leader for both our fastest growingdemographic,women veterans,and for allveterans across Oregon. While our focus is on our veterans, we also must remember the service and sacrifice of our military and veteran families. Judi Van Cleave of Portland was elected as the National President of Gold Star Wives of America. Her late husband was a disabled Korean War veteran. Judi's significant servicefortwodecades with Gold Star Wives of America continues to honor our fallen and their families.

Across our team at the Oregon Department of Veterans'Affairs, many of us are veterans and family members, and we continue to be inspired by our current service members, veterans and their families. We are honored and privileged to serve them — not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. It is their individual stories that make up the incredible fabric of our community. No matter the branch of service, no matter the era, no matter who we are, or where we live, we stand proudly together. We are Oregon veterans. Cameron Smith served three tours in

Iraq as a US. Marine captain and is the director of the Oregon Department ofVeterans'Affairs.

EDUCATION FOR VETERANS

Desyite I Bill,someveteransdeeyindedtfor college ByAlan Zarembo Los Angeles Times

Despite the generous benefits of the latest GI Bill, military veterans attending college are taking out substantial student loans, raising concerns among veterans'organizations that they are unnecessarily diving into debt. For most veterans, the GI Bill covers four academic years of tuition at public colleges and universities, and has programs to cover the vast majority of expenses at many private institutions. Veterans also receive a monthly living allowance

— averaging about $1,300, depending on where they live— to help cover expens-

es while they attend school. But data compiled for the Los Angeles Times by the Department of Education show that in one academic year — 2012, the latest available — 26 percent of undergraduates receiving veterans education benefits alsotook out federalor private education loans. The

users, who ideally should be abletograduate debt-free. "It's a big issue," said Walter Ochinko, policy director for the nonprofit organization Veterans Education Success. 'We hear from a lotof veterans who have debt." The latest GI Bill is the most generous veteran education benefit since World War II. It took effect in 2009 average loan was $7,400 — slightly more than for and isavailabletoveterans students who had never who served after the Sept. served in the military. 11,2001,terroristattacks. The figure suggests that More than 1.4 million beneficiaries could easily veterans and their family accrue more than $25,000 in members — veterans can debt to graduate with a four- transfer their benefits to their children and spouses year degree. — have used the bill, at a Veterans groups and lawmakers are concerned totalcostofm ore than $42 billion. about borrowing by GI Bill

"It's a bigissue. Wehear

Pom a lot of veterans who have debt." — Walter Ochinko, policy director, Veterans Education Success

Experts say one reason veterans take out student loans is because they can. Federal law prohibits colleges and the government from considering GI Bill benefits when determining financial aid. That allows veterans to take out lowinteresteducation loans to use as they see fit. Will Hubbard, a spokesman for Student Veterans of America, said veterans often

JOHNSON

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A photo of Alfred Johnson stands next to a collection of the medals and ribbons he earned during his service in Europe during World War II.

gGOPl slGPlcoNFQ We thank all who serve to protect our freedom, our future a our country.

Continued from Page 3C Johnson served in the Army from January of 1943 until the end of World War II more than two years later. H e received almost a yearof training in the United States before being sent overseas. One of his proudest moments during training came when he tied for first place in a rifle target shooting competition which 1,000 men participated in. He credits this to his upbringing in Idaho, where he hunted deer and elk. "I wasn't scared of guns," Johnson said. Johnson was later sent to North Alrica aboard a troop ship. There he was put in charge of a gunnery unit which featured one antiaircraft gun so largeithad to be pulled by a truck. "It could fire 40 rounds a minute," Johnson said. In North Africa, Johnson and his gunnery unit had to deal with the unrelenting desert sun in addition to attacks &om German planes.

have many more responsibilities than their college classmates, so it may make sense to take out the loans. "They're not your typical 18to 20-year-old students who just got out of high school," he said. "In many cases, they have families with children." Some also use the money to payoffother debts or educational expenses not covered under the GI Bill. Veterans with less than three years of active duty receive reduced benefits. How deeply do veterans go into debt? The problem isdiffi cultto assessbecause federal financial aid forms don't ask for veteran status. At The Times' request, the

Allied commanders made sure that the sun did not get the best of their men. ''We were under strict orderstowear a steelhelmet with a liner whenever we were out in the sun," Johnson said. The helmets of course shielded the soldiers from the sun and the liners were to protect the soldiers&om the heat of the steel helmets. Johnson's unit was later moved to Southern Europe. The soldi ers thereprotected bridges which German planes were trying destroy. Johnson said he does not recall how many German dive-bombers his unit con&onted. And for good reason. "I was too busy loading and unloading (anti-aircraft ammunition during battles)," Johnson said. Most of the German planes Johnson fired at were trying to take out bridges. ''We did our best to knock those planes down," Johnson sard. Johnson's unit was later transferred to Rome where

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More than 1.4 million veterans and their families have used the benefits to attend college since 2009.

Department of Education compileddata from itslatest National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, which is conducted every three to four years with a representativesample ofstudentsabout 95,000 undergraduates in 2012, including 3,500 or so veterans. See Debt/Page6C

it was based on a field which was supposedto be the site of the 1942 World's Fair, one cancelledbecause ofthe war. He said it was thrilling to be at the site. "It is the only celebrating I

did," he said. The unit Johnson was with was later sent to France, which by then had been liberated by the Allies from German occupation. Johnson's gunnery battery was responsible for taking out the occasional German planes which flew over France. Johnson, now 100 years old, felt safe until he was told that his unit was being moved into Germany, where it spent 10 days. But the experience was not as harrowing as Johnson feared. 'The German peopledid not have many guns," he SRld.

Johnson returned to the United States shortly after the war ended in 1945. His top priority upon returning? "I just wanted to talk to my wife," Johnson said, explaining that he missed his wife Virginia. The couple, married in December of1942,havelived in La Grande since 1955. They will celebrate their 73rd anniversary in December.

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THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD — 5C

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

Pat Caldwell/ForWescom News Sennce

An M1A2 Abrams System Enhanced Program main battle tank assigned to Eastern Oregon's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavally Regiment, Oregon Army NationalGuard opens fire on a gunnery range in June. The 3rd Battalion, a mainstay in the region for more than 40 years, was deployed twice to Iraq during the war on terror.

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Lt. Col. Bnan Dean, a La Grande native, said the contributions of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, to the region are important not only now but in the future. Dean has commanded the unit for nearly two years.

• In fact, the commander of Eastern Oregon's largest National Guard unit strives to make sure that residents of the vast region are familiar with the 3-116th Cavalry By Pat Caldwell For WesCom News Service

LA GRANDE — The slogan is less than 25 words and posted on a yellow sticky note on the wall of Lt. Col. Brian Dean's offtce in Salem. The sentiment behind the words is concise and obvious in its implication:"If the public become apathetic about the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment will cease to exist." For Dean — one of more than a dozen men to lead Eastern Oregon's largest Army National Guard unit since 1980 — the slogan stands as a gentle nudge and constantreminder that the 3rd Battalion is inescapably connectedto thepeople of Eastern Oregon. For Dean, educating the public about the unique composition, tradition and success of the battalion is as important as any training exercise or maneuver. That's because he said he understands that indifference regarding an institution such as the 3rd Battalion can bedisastrous for the future. "It is important the public not forget about the 3-116th Cavalry because the unit's survival is linked to its com-

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Guardsmen from the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, move across the desert during a training exercise at the Orchard CombatTraining Center south of Boise in this June 2015 photo. The 3rd Battalion consist of units from seven Eastern Oregon communities. munity and itis of those communities," Dean said. Dean, a La Grande native, said the future of the 3rd Battalion revolves around its ability to perform efftciently in either its state or federal mission and then to quickly push that success to the attention of the people of Eastern Oregon.

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6C —THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

DEAN Continued ~om Page 5C In a real sense, he said, the relationship between the battalion and the towns scatteredacrossthe region is a symbiotic one. The individual Guard units of thebattalion and area communities are interdependent. "The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry, like all National Guard units, is built from the communities in which they reside," he said. The 3rd Battalion, he said, is a reflection of Eastern Oregon. "The culture of Eastern Oregon and thereby the 3rd Battalion is tough, honest,sincere and patriotic. The 3rd Battalion is an organization which builds on the culture and character of the communities and provides additional opportunity, structure and experience in job skills and leadership," he said. Dean isn't the first commander to recognize how important it is to inform the public about the 3rd Battalion. Going back at least25 years,the battalion leadership consistently pursued anumber ofdifferent avenues to educate the residents of Eastern Oregon about the unit. The unit leadership also made educating the public about the battalion's two combat tours of duty in Iraq — one in 2004 and another in 2010 — a priority. The War on Terror changed the 3rd Battalion forever by creating a core of seasoned, combat-tested leaders. That fact is unique for a homegrown Guard unit tucked into the heartland, Dean said. Not only is the 3rd Battalion a ready forcetohelp localand state governments during a natural disaster, but the unit can quickly switch gears and perform in a combat role overseas. Dean said nothing illustrates the unique attributes ofthe 3rd Battalion better than its journey to the U.S. Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, last summer. Dean said the

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

"Itisimportantthepublicnotforgetaboutthe 3-116th Cavalry because the umts survival is linked to its community and itis fothose commumties.

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— Lt. Col. Brian Dean, who commands the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment of the Oregon Army National Guard

National Training Center is the premier training area for armor units — like the 3rd Battalion. At the National Training Center, units like the 3rd Battalion endure conditions as close to combatas possible.The training, Dean said, is realistic and very, very difficult. Yet the 3rd Battalion performed far above expectations during its August training stint at the National Training Center and that success, Dean said, will pay dividends in the future. Dean said the training period at the National Training is also significant forthe residentsofEastern Oregon. "The National Training Center rotation this past August is relevant to the average Joe in La Grande or Baker City because it proves that small town 'folks' can compete and win at the national level. Also, the 3rd Battalion is that organization that can and wants to train the next generationofleaders and warriors," he said. Dean said he is an advocate of the philosophy that the 3rd Battalion is more than just a military organization. He said the unit alsoprovides the ruralarea of Eastern Oregon with men and women trained to be leaders. "Deep down nearly all of us, and especially young men and women, want to belong to something bigger than themselves. There is an organization that exemplifies that and excels at what it does. That organization is the 3rd Battalionand we are eager to help those who are ready," he said. Dean said the 3rd Battalion probably contains more combat veterans in its ranks than at any time other than the 20 year pe-

Thank you Richard, Terry and Wayne Dyke for your service to our country. With loving respect and admiration from your family

riod after the Vietnam War. That experience he said, is not only a good thing for his unit but for the region as well. "Those that join the 3rd Battalion will have the best leadership available to help shape them into outstanding leaders," he said. The 3rd Battalion versatility was tested both times itwas deployed toIraq. Configured as an armor unit — tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles — each timethe battalion deployed it was assigned missions that did not include armor. Each time, Dean said, the battalionexceeded expectations. Yet the battalion did not emerge from either deployment unscathed. For example, during both deploymentsa number of battalion soldiers suffered wounds because of enemy contact. Dean said he believes the future is bright for the battalion. ''We have positioned ourselves very well on the military side. We have proven that combat arms and armor is exceptionally effective in the National Guard.We have invested heavily into the leadership with emphasis on the junior leadership of the organization, "he said. Yet, in the end, Dean saidone overriding factor will remain critical: Ensuring the public at large doesnotforget about the battalion. That is why he keeps the sticky note above his desk. As a reminder that without the support and awareness of the residents of Eastern Oregon, the battalion could cease to exist. The 3rd Battalion consists of Army Guard units from Woodburn, The Dalles, Hood River, Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City and Ontario.

Submitted photo

Bob Goss of La Grande poses for a photo in June of 2014 in Washington, D.C. Goss was visiting Washington, D.C., as part of an Honor Flight trip. Honor Flights are provided to veterans by nonprofit organizations dedicated to transporting veterans to see memorials for wars they served in. Goss served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and participated in the Allied invasion of Okinawa. Goss visited the Iwo Jima memorial, the Korean WarVeterans Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial during his Honor Flight trip.

DEBT Continued from Page4C Beneficiaries at for-profit schools — which take a disproportionateshare of GI Bill funding and have been under fire for their high costs and low job-placementrates — are more likely than those at other institutions to take out loans, the data show. Among veterans with

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benefits at two-yearschools, 31 percent at for-profits took out loans in the academic year ending in 2012, compared with 13 percentat public schools. At four-year schools, the rates were 37 percent at for-profi ts,33 percent at public schools and 28 percent at private nonprofits. Tom Babel, the vice presidentforregulatory affairs at Derry University, one of the largest for-profit chains, said federal law should be changed to factor in the GI Bill when determining eligibility for loans. "The law does not allow us to

deny students with veteran benefits from taking out loans if they want them," he said in a statement. But Ochinko said his organization had found several cases in which schools have encouraged veterans to takeout federalloans. One reason, he said, is that it allows the schools to be paid faster. The GI Bill pays tuition directly to the school, but sometimes it does notarrive untilafter the term has started, he said. Once GI Bill payments arrive, they are refunded to the veterans, Ochinko said.

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TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

By Chris Collins

'This program was meant to be user fiiendly to help our veterans," Gloria said. As a result of complaints about the straight-line measurement to calculate the 40mile rule, the VA developed an interactive computer tool to calculate driving distance kom the veterans home of record to the nearest VA medical clinic or hospital. Fortunately for many Baker County veterans, the nearest service is at the VA La Grande Clinic, which is just barely more than 40 miles kom Baker City. Unfortunately, veterans living even a few miles north of town do not qualify for the Veterans Choice Program. Gloria said the rules — so far — are hard and fast. He

worked with one veteran who lived 39.5 miles kom the clinic. "I could not qualify him," Gloria said."Poor guy — he did not qualify." Neither do veterans who live at Haines, North Powder, Cove, Union and La Grande. They must seek services at the La Grande clinic or kom veterans hospitals at Walla Walla or Boise. The downside ofhaving the clinic at La Grande is that no specialized care is available there, Gloria said. 'That is very disappointing," he said, for veterans who must continue to travel out oftheareato receivespecial services. Even traveling as a passenger is hard on many veterans,

Gloria says. Local participants in the Veterans Choice Program network include Dr. James Davis, a Baker City ophthalmologist; Monte Anderson, a physician assistant at St. Lukes Medical Center-Eastern Oregon MedicalAssociates; and Robin Moxon, a La Grande audiologist. Moxon is especially kustratedthat shecannot serve veterans in her own community because of the 40-mile rule, Gloria said. While Baker County residents can obtain hearing services kom Moxon, those living within the 40-mile limit must travel to Walla Walla or Boise forservice,he said. Davis, on the other hand, can provide cataract surgery for Baker County residents who in the past had to travel to a VA hospital, and Andersoncan provideothermedical services at EOMA. And for those people, Gloria can even help schedule appointments at his office in the basement of the Courthouse. He accommodates the scheduling through three-way telephoneconversationsinwhich he links the medical provider's office with the Choice program and the veteran. Since the VA has turned its efforts to improving medical services forveterans,wait time on telephone calls has been reduced kom 20 minutes to about20 seconds,Gloria says. He estimates that he's helping set up 20 appointments a week for Baker County veterans through the Veterans Choice Program. "Itwould be sogreatifwe could get all of our provid-

"My mission was to take careofthefamiliesofthe 500 soldiersthatwere deployed," he said. Gloria was also responsible for the continued training of those soldiers who were not

four-hour period." After he retired kom the National Guard in 2009, Gloria continued working as a civilian contractor for the Guard. Initially he worked in a minority advancement program to identify and recruit minority candidates for enlistment in the Oregon Army National Guard. In 2001, he became the JTAP iJoint Transition Assistance Program) manager at Ontario. His duties there helped prepare him

for the position with Baker County as well as working as abrigade personnel officer forthe lastthreeyearsofhis activeservice.He was the resident expert on administrative actions including military pay, benefits and medical services. Gloria said much ofhis military career involved administration and management duties as well as problem solving and personnel management. His 27 years working for

WesCom News Service

Rick Gloria knows a lot about veterans benefits and how to help those who've served their country gain access to those benefits as quickly and easily as possible. Gloria, 54, a retired veteran himself, is Baker County's Veterans Service officer. He completed his first year in the position in October. Gloria recently attended a week-long training that qualified him as an accredited VA representati ve.The accreditation gives him even more flexibility in helping veterans gain access to VA services and health care, he says. A new program implemented around the first of the year also has helped reduce travel time and waiting time forveterans seeking medical services. It's known as the Veterans Choice Program. And its aim is to provide veterans who live farther than 40 miles kom VA clinics and hospitals, or who would face waits of more than 30 daysto receiveservices,to instead seek a local provider. The local provider, who must first agree to participate in the VA network and be referred by the veteran's primary care physician, then would be reimbursed by the VA for the treatment. The program's official title is the Veterans Access, Choice and AccountabilityAct of 2014. It is a short-term fix that includes money to help improveveterans'accessto medical care. The option to seek non-VA care is an improvement, but the new program still has some bugs to be worked out,

S. John Collins/ Baker City Herald

Phyllis Galloway and Edward Patton seek help and advice from Rick Gloria at the Veterans Service office in the Baker County Courthouse. Gloria says. When Veterans Choice started, distanceto providers was calculated on a straightline basis kom the patient's home to the nearest VA clinic or hospital. That system left alargenumber ofpeople falling short of qualifying becausethey lived too close "as the crow flies," despite the mountains and winding terrain they had to cross to obtain service. But an outcry kom members of Congress and veterans who sent letters to VA Secretary Robert McDonald resulted in a new way to calibrate mileage, Gloria said. The letters complained that the Veterans Choice Program was hampering efforts to improveaccessto medicalcare.

GLORIA

coordinatedthe recruitment, boarding, education and training of officer candidates Continued ~om Page 2C Gloria's occupations in the to preparethem fortheir commissions. National Guard included working as a unit clerk in One of Gloria's most Ontario early in his career, to diKcult jobs was when he later taking his commission was the rear detachment as a second lieutenant when commander of his battalion when it was deployed to Iraq he became a rifle platoon in 2005. leader in Corvallis. That was a supervisory poGloria and about 420 sition in which he molded his soldiers in his unit that complatooninto an effective force prised six National Guard and developed, implemented armories in the state didn't and supervisedcollective and go to Iraq, but they had very individual training programs. important duties in Oregon during that period. Starting in 2002, he Gloria was responsible for w as aprofessorofm ilitary science at Eastern Oregon those who were left of the University in La Grande. battalion after the main body There, besides teaching, he went overseas.

Proud to Remember 2 Honor Vietnam Era Navy Seabees "We build, we fight"

deployed. But other duties he had were much more difficult. "Thank God I had my chaplain in my back pocket," he said."I ended up doing 11 personal notifications to the next of kin.One daywe had to do four notifications in a

Veteran~sDay

N»e~~~~~g>' From Our Families ~7o You And Your Families

Thank you for all

541-523-7163

understand your sacrifices..

With love, Jim,Mary and Kelsey Tomlinson

Thank You To All Veterans Company Commander • US Army Vietnam s 1966 • Bronze Star

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Veteran's Memorial Club 2005 Valley AVenue, Baker City o541-523-4988

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need to re-enroll, he said. Gloria saysthelessons learned in his own experience in the military and during the yearshe spent afterretiring in 2009 as a contract worker with the military to help veterans in Malheur County all have served him well in his new job. 'This job allows me to really do all kinds of things to help out the veterans," he said. "Anything that deals with the

VA." More information is available by calling Gloria at 541-523-8223, emailing him atrgloria@bakercountyorg or visiting him in his office at the Courthouse, 1995 Third St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Gloria is available by appointment only on Fridays when he schedules home visits and community outreach for veterans.

T hank y o u f o r our F RE E D O M t

Dan Cosner 1506 26th St. Suite C Principal Broker/Owner L a Grande • 541-975-1111

You di,d it for us, Let me be here for y o u . ~ Candy Bowman of Mt. Emily will be in the office on Veterans Day to help you with any Real Estate needs or answer any questions you may have. gtrllLY lta+

Candy Bowman, Principal Broker Mt. Emily Realty 541-786-3164 www.candybowman.house

541-962-0500 .wteallynaltrma

IR ~

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Thank you for your service to our country! In appreciation, the Baker County YMCA offers military discounts of 25% and the join fee is waived the

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epcKs. Motiott

US Army.

FrOm thOSe Who knOW and

the Oregon National Guard — five as a civilian contractor helping vets — and the wealth ofhuman resources he gained there were the perfectpreparations to be Baker County's Veterans Service Officer. ''When I learned of the position, I realized it was the perfect job for m e,"Gloria sald. He says it is his dream job and that he is honored to servealmost 2,000veterans m Baker County.

be dropped and they11 simply

NORI%iWESTLLC

7hanks to our servicemen and women, including Capt. Sean Tomlinson,

McElroy Printing • Blue Mtn. Design Works

ers to sign up," he said of the medical community. Every veteran enrolled with the Veterans Administration who meets the 40-mile or 30day criteria qualifies for the program, Gloria said. He is eager to help veterans access the new program and to answer questions about who qualifies. "If you meet the criteria forenrollment, getenrolled," Gloria urges, recalling one sick veteran who has amassed half a million dollars in medical servicesthatwere allprovided through the VA. To maintain enrollment, veterans need only seek VA servicesatleastoncea year. If they don't keep up that schedule, their enrollment will

REALTY

f oll 4 0 +

CM3 James McElroy

Bob Pett ik

THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD — 7C

" Baker County YMCA 3715 Pocahontas Rd 541-523-9622 www.bakerymca.org

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Thanlz you to our past, present antI. future veterans! Bal~er City Gold. & Silver 1812 Main Street BaLer City

541-523-2133

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SC — THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

• M.F. Wirth, who served in World War II and Korea, didn't like war but he sure enjoying flying at 40,000 feet By Dick Mason

up periscopes and sometimes it wouldn't," Wirth said. M.F. Wirth knew that the Wirth would escort ships Grumman TBF Avenger to the middle of the Atlantic torpedobomber he was fl ying Ocean. British planes would over the South Pacific in 1945 take over at that point and begin escorting the ships. toward his aircraft carrier Later Wirth participated in had been hit hard by Japanese gunners minutes earlier. the Battle of Tinian in July of Wirth, however, had no 1944, in the Mariana Islands of the South Pacific. idea just how hard. "It is an island in the Today he speaks with a middle of nowhere," Wirth sense of wonderment when discussing the magnitude of sald. But it was an island of the damage he was unaware of. greatstrategicim portance to "I didn't know that there the United States because it were so many bullet holes in providedrunways forAllied the fuselage,"Wirth said."...It aircraft attacking enemy was so full ofbullet holes that targets in the Philippines. Wirth was among those iminutes after landing) they who made flights fiom Tinian pushed it into the ocean." Wirth said that had he to participate in bombing known what condition his missions. He will never forget the time he helped bomb, plane was in he would have had agreaterlevelofanxiety from 20,000feet,afueldepot when landing on his aircraft and an ammunition depot carrier. which were side by side. The Flyinga torpedo bomber explosions the bombs ignited over the South Pacific was were unforgettable. "I had never seen anything but oneofm any flying experiences Wirth had while like it. It was really Fourth of serving in the U.S. Navy dur- July fireworks," Wirth said. ing the World War II and the Toward the end of World Korean War. War II Wirth spent much His first experience was as ofhis time on an aircraft a carrier escort. Wirth flew carrier. Many of the Allied over ships crossing the Pacific ships around him were hit by Japanese planes flown by Ocean to protect them fiom attacks by enemy submapilots on kamikaze missions. rines. Wirth also helped locate Wirth also saw many kamienemy submarines trackkaze pilots attempting to hit ing the ships with the aid of US. ships but miss. Several radar. missed the aircraft carrier he "It wasn't always that effec- was on by about 100 feet. "They would hit the water tive. Sometimes it would pick mjesCom News Service

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Tim MustaeNVescom News Service

M.FWirth survived Japanese kamikaze pilots and anti aircraft fire as a Navy pilot during bothWorldWar II and the Korean War. and explode," Wirth said. At the end of the war Japan had lost many of its most experienced and talented pilots. Young pilots, often only 17 or 18, were manning the aircraft instead. "Most could not fly into a target, they were not experienced enough,"Wirth said. Japan surrendered in August 1945 after which the

Remembering"and honoring al Served and p~ f or freedom Veterans

ay.

4505 2$rrr Baker 1Bkyr QB -$7$1 541-5%4-3$1 www~

United States led the Allies in the occupation and rehabilitationoftheJapanese state between 1945 and 1952. The U.S. occupying forces enacted widespread military, political, economic, and socialreforms. Wirth was sent to Japan fora portion oftheoccupation and said he enjoyed the experience. "I did a lot of traveling in Japan," he said."The Japanese were sorry about the war. I really liked the Japanese." Wirth later served for nine months in the Korean War. He flew a F9F Cougar in Korea, providing supportfor troops on the ground. He did things like take out enemy artillery which was firing on American troops. Wirth, who grew up in Walla Walla, Washington, served in the Navy through

1970 but after Korea never was involved in combat operations again. Today he does not like to dwell on his war experiences. ''Warisnotrespectable. It is not something anyone likes," Wirth said."I have never run across anyone who liked war." Wirth, who moved to La Grande about a year ago to be near his daughter, Lisa Nicholson, said he never liked the military lifestyle but stayed in because he so enjoyed the opportunities it provided for

him to fly. "I did not like the military regimen but I loved to fly at 40,000 feet. I really enjoyed it, that was the only thing which kept me in," Wirth sald. He speaks as though flying was an incomparable experience. "It was quiet, enjoyable. I got to see a lot. It's refreshing. You are closer to God. I'm religious, God has taken good care of me. He brought me through a lot of tough situations."

To the heroes still among usWe enjoy freedom everyday because of the path you walked.

B aker Count y V e t e ran S e r v i c e s 1 995 3rd Street, Ba ker C o u n t y C o u r t h o u s e 541-523-8223 Veteran Service s C o o r d i n a t o r, Rick G lo ria

The Baker C o u n t y V e t e ra n Se rvices O f f ic e c ontinues to p r o v id e a c c e s s t o t h e w i d e r ange o f b e n e f its an d se rv ice s o f f e re d t o l ocal ve t e r a n s an d t h e i r d e p e n d e n t s . H ealth C a re , Ed u c a t i o n , C o m p e n s a t io n 8, P ension, Burial Benefits 8, muc h m o r e .

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Thank You For Our Freedam

Say "Thank You"

'"Ihank you for my

to a Veteran today!

freedom — you are the best" —Tasha

Clarke ConstrucCton Sumpter, OR • 541-410-3341

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M.F Wirth stands beside one of the Navy planes he piloted. He flew torpedo-bombers during World War II, and the F9F Cougar, a Iet fighter, during the Korean War.

H om e s t ea d R e a l t y 00598 Sumpter Stage Hwy, Baker City • 541-894-0581

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Tasha's Treasures New location soon 541-519-4395

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