Baker City Herald 12-10-14 by NorthEast Oregon News

•

• g

g • •

• • •

) w z-r > - v - 8

w x r -

g ~ i - J

Serving Baker County since 1870 • bakercityherald.com

December 10, 2014

>N >H>s aD>i'>oN:Local • B usiness @AgLife • Go! magazine $ < QUICIC HITS

Nine MonthsNterCity,lidrary EnactIodaccoRestrictions

Good Day Wish To A Subscriber

Nightof music, lessons BAICER CITY COUNCIL

A special good day to Herald subscriber Barbara Burton of Baker City.

BRIEFING

Vespers concerts set for Sunday The Baker High School bands and choirs will present the annual Vespers Concert at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday at the BHS auditorium. Both performances are the same — a second was added several years ago because the concert was so popular. The program includes "AngelsWe Have Heard on High," Cathedral Chorus From Russian Christmas Music,"The Bells," "Sleigh Ride, "Grown Up Christmas List," "Christmas Concerto," "0 Holy Night," "Carol of the Drum," "Carol of the Bells,"Themes from the Nutcracker Suite, "Three Noels," "Christmas Pop Sing-along," the Hallelujah Chorus (From The Messiah). This a mixed performance — some songs are just band, some are just choir, and some are combined.

By Joshua Dillen ldillen©bakercityherald.com

A heated discussion among Baker City councilors Tuesday centered on a proposal to give City Manager Mike Kee a pay raise. After about 20 minutes of somettmes intense debate, the Council voted 4-3 to give Kee a 2-percent Kee raise effective Jan. 1. Mayor Clair Button and Councilors Kim Mosier, Barbara Johnson and Mike Downingvotedin favorof the pay hike, Kee's first since he was hired in September 2010 with an annual salary

of $90,000. SeeCouncil IPage 5A

Senators:

Seniors' Christmas dinner comes early Christmas dinner is planned a weekahead of the Dec. 25 holiday at the Community Connection Senior Center. The Dec. 18 meal will be served at the usual time — from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.— in the dining room at Community Connection, 2810 Cedar St. The dinner will feature roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing with gravy, tomato green beans, broccoli-bacon salad, rolls and pumpkin cake. The suggestion donation for seniors will be $4.50 (up from the usual $3.50) and nonseniors will be charged $6.75 (up from $5.75). Those attending are asked to sign up by Dec. 12.The Center will be closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. A special New Year's Eve luncheon is planned for Dec. 31.Tickets, which must be purchased ahead of time, will be $7 for seniors and $8 for nonseniors. A limited number of tickets will be on sale through Dec. 22. Prime rib will be served with baked potatoes, tomato green beans, pea-and-onion salad, roll and birthday cake.

Keep 2

S. John Collins /BakerCity Herald

Evidence still exists that some smokers disregard the city ordinance prohibiting smoking along the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway and city parks.

groceries By Jayson Jacoby llacoby©bakercityherald.com

By Joshua Dillen ldillen©bakercityherald.com

It's been nine months since Baker City banned smoking at city parks and along the Leo Adler Memorial Parkway. Lighting up was also prohibited on property owned by the Baker City Library, including walkways and parking lots extending to the sidewalks. Both city and library officials say the tobaccobans have been effective, with few complaints or other problems. Police Chief Wyn Lohner said officers have warned many smokers but written just four citations. The city's ordinance bans the use of smokingproducts and e-cigarettes

The library's ban includes smokeless tobacco products as well as e-cigarettes. Library stafF members have had only one serious enforcement L ehn e r issue involving an e-cigarette user since the ban was implemented, Library Director Perry Stokes said. In April employees found a woman vaping in one of the study rooms. i'Vaping" is the common term for usingan e-cigarette.) "After staff informed her two or three times (of the library's policy) we had to evict her," Stokes said."She was highly irate and disruptive." He said the woman felt that vap-

ing in the library should be allowed. That she became so disruptive was the main reason she was asked to leave, Stokes said. In spite ofher disagreement with the library's rules, she left. According to Stokes, the woman wasn't disallowed from the library, but she would be if caught vaping on the premises again. Other than that incident there have been no serious issues at the library concerning the new policy. ''We've had one or two people smoking and one or two people vaping," he said.'We just let them know (the policy) and they were compliant."

Oregon's two U.S. senators, Democrats Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, are urging federal regulators to Wyden ensure that Baker City will still have two large grocery stores after the pending merger of Albertsons Merkley and Safeway. Wyden and Merldey on Monday sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the merger.

See Smoking/Page 5A

SeeGrocerylPage 8A

SluerihlIonsto lIoostself-esteem By Lisa Britton For the Baker City Herald

WEATHER

Today

49/37

Kathy orr/BakercityHerald

Greg Mccarty

Greg McCarty wants to make a difference, one person ata tim e. He is a nursing student at Oregon Health and Science University at Eastern Oregon University, and as partofa leadership classhe has developed the Blue Ribbon Project to help boostself-esteem. The idea is simple — one person gives the blue ribbon to another person"to let them know they made a difference in someone's life," McCarty said. He has introduced the project at Baker House, Recovery Village, Elkhorn Adolescent, Settlers Park and Baker High School. The deeper reason behind this prOjeCt Came frOm MCCarty'S researchabout suicide— he said

"Ijust want people to know that random acts fokindness are huge. It's a way to demonstrate compassionfor other human beings." — Greg Mccarty

between 2007 to 2014, there were approximately 30 suicides in Baker County, and of those 40 percent involved alcohol or drugs. He said it mayjust save a life to give someone a'Who I Am Makes a Difference" blue ribbon. ''We never know what's going on in another person's life," McCarty said."I just want people to know that random acts of kindness are huge. It's a way to demonstrate compassion for other human beings."

Someone who receives a blue ribbonisthen encouraged to passit along by presenting it to someone who made a difference in their life. He said he saw a difference at Baker House after the project was implemented. "The attitudes," he said."They were more open with each other. They found out other people cared about them." He has been asked to bring the Blue Ribbon Project to a drug and alcohol treatment center in La Grande. He has six months left to complete his nursing degree, and then plans to work in an emergency room setting where, he said, he feels like he can make a difference in lives. And along the way, he plans to hand out more blue ribbons.

Showers late

Thursday

T ODAY

49/34

Issue 90, 32 pages

Business... ........1B & 2B Comics.......................3B DearAbby..... ............SB News of Record... .....2A Senior Menus...........2A Calendar....................2A C o m m u nity News ....3A Hor o scope........5B & 6B Ob i t uaries..................2A Sp o r ts ........................6A Classified............. 4B-7B C r o ssword........5B & 6B L e t t ers........................ 4A O p i n ion......................4A We a t her ..................... SB

Rain likely 8

•000

51153 00102

•000

2A — BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

OBITUARIES 'Bi l1'Heaton Baker City, 1927-2014

BAKER COUNTY CALENDAR THURSDAY, DEC. 11 • Friends of the Baker County Library winter book sale: Continues during regular library hours through Dec. 14 at the library at 2400 Resort St. • Baker School Board special meeting:5:30 p.m., District Office, 2090FourthSt. FRIDAY, DEC. 12 • St. Stephen's Choir presents a Service of Lessons and Carols:6:30 p.m., at 2177 First St.; public invited. Fresh gingerbread and hot cider will be served afterward. SATURDAY, DEC. 13 • Holiday Open House:10 a.m.-3 p.m.; National Historic OregonTrail Interpretive Center; free admission. • Tawny's Toy Box Christmas party:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Santa to visit from11 a.m. to 3 p.m.),1735 Main St. • Christmas Trains:Ride on a heated steam train through Sumpter Valley Saturday and Sunday; an evening train is planned for Saturday for the Sumpter tree lighting and parade; www.sumptervalleyrailroad.org • Historic Homes Tour:Noon-5 p.m.; Downtown Baker City. • Victorian Christmas magic show:7 p.m., Iron Gate Theater, Basche-Sage Place.

TURNING HACK THE PAGES 50 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald Dec. 10, 1964 The 65th Class of the Baker Scottish Rite Bodies will convene at the MasonicTemple Friday morning for the concluding session of their Fall Reunion, according to Franklin W. Patterson, 33 Secretary. Degrees in the Lodge of Perfection department were held earlier this fall in Burns and Pendleton. 25 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald Dec. 11, 1989 Walter Bleda of Durkee has won a trip for two to the Independence Bowl Dec. 16 in Shreveport, La. A drawing was held Wednesday from thousands of lottery tickets to determine who won trips to the Independence Bowl. Bleda was one of 65 winners statewide. 10 YEARS AGO from the Baker City Herald Dec. 10, 2004 Laurel Olmsted's email said it all: HELP. On Thursday Olrnate, who started the Military Family Support Group, received requests for letters and cards for soldiers serving overseas — 11 pages of names. "I usually get a few a weekthat come in," Olmsted said "There's several chaplains (on the newest list) and their units have 70 to 200. There are a lot of soldiers out there who are getting nothing." The list came from a veteran who knows about Olmsted's group, which in just the last few weeks has shipped 33 boxes stuffed with pillows, cookies and cards to soldiers in Iraq andAfghanistan. ONE YEAR AGO from the Baker City Herald Dec. 18, 2013 A water pipe leading to the steam boiler in the Leo Adler House museum froze last week, damaging the boiler and causing minor water damage inside the 124-year-old home. The Baker County Museum Commission is hoping to raise the estimated $7500 needed to replace the boiler with a forced-air furnace, said volunteer commissioner Kurt Miller. The Commission also needs to repair water damage, limited to one toilet, at an estimated cost of $1,300, Miller sard. Insurance should cover some of the expense, but the deductibles are relatively high, he said.

J.W."Bill" Heaton, 87, of Baker City, died Dec. 5, 2014, at his home. He requested there be no services. Interment will be at Coos Bay. Bill was born on April 20, Bill 1927, at ArlingHea t o n ton, Washington, to Jess and Helen Evans Heaton. The family moved to Idaho when Bill was about 6 years old, and he was raised and educated there. After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. That year Bill moved to Baker City where he would spend the rest ofhis life. Bill owned several businesses during his lifetime with the most notable one being the Dodge dealership, Valley Motor Co.,which he purchased in 1957 and owned for 19 years. Never one to be idle, after he retired Bill took every opportunity to drive truck, a passion he'd had since his youth. He hauled grain, cattle, potatoesor anything that would get him behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. This was his retirement. Bill loved to find properties with potential. He built several ranches in Baker Valley. Following his wife's desire to eventually relocate in the valley, he promptly found some property in the Willamette Valley and once again began building a shop and cleaning up the land. He was thrilled with this new challenge and w as looking forward to their move in the future. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Ruthie; his children: daughter, Jeannie, and her husband, John McGill, stepdaughter, Michelle, and

husband, Fred Wandke, son, Jeff Heaton, stepson, Mike, and his wife, Susan Story; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Laura, Laurine and Melba; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. The family suggests memorial contributions to Baker City Special Olympics, The Seventh-day Adventist School or the Harvest Christian Academy through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences may be made at www.tamispine valleyfuneralhome.com

'Mike'Beidler

Egypt. When he returned from Egypt he said Ha5vay was his home and where he wanted to stay. He had many dear friends in Halfway and was known for his love of all animals, most especially his dogs and horses. He is survived by his son, Tim Beidler of Portland; his mother, AvaLe Collins, who lived in Richland for many years before moving to live with Bill's sister, Beverly Larson, in Washougal, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Ha5vay, OR 97834. Online condolences may be made at www.tamispine valleyfuneralhome.com

Halfway, 1947-2014

Michael"Mike" Beidler, 67, of Ha5vay, died Nov. 29, 2014, at his home. Mike chose to be cremated and have most ofhis ashes scatteredathis favorite place in Mike the m ountains Beidler an d some to be placed at the Lostine Cemetery. A potluck celebration of Mike's life took place Dec. 6 in Halfway. Michael J. Beidler was born on Sept. 4, 1947, at La Grande. He grew up in Wallowa and graduated from Wallowa High School in 1965. He attended Oregon State University and Blue Mountain Community College over the next two years. His primary occupation was dredging and other marine construction, which he did from 1972 until his retirement after a back injuryin the 1990s. During that time, Michael had lived and worked on both coasts and also in

Carol White Baker City, 1945-2014

Carol White, 69, of Baker City, died Nov. 26, 2014, at her home. Carol was born on Feb. 13, 1945, at Vancouver, Washington, to Clifford and Joycelyn Jones Gard. She graduated from Battle Ground High School in Battle Ground, Washington, in 1963. In January 1969 Carol and Garry White were married in Vancouver. They had met through a mutual friend They had three children.

BIRTHS Thomas: Monica Lynn of Baker City, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center-Baker City, Dec. 4, 2014, at 4:48 p.m.; a boy, Dakota Grayson Thomas, 8 pounds, 9 ounces; grandparents are James andJodiThomas of Baker City.

POLICE LOG Baker City Police DRIVING UNDERTHE INFLU ENCE OF INTOXICANTS: Kim Elizabeth Montiel, 52, of 1695

. UtSXellular.

Unlimited Talk Unlimited Text One GB Data

•

LUCKY LINES, Dec. 9

1 6-22- 2 4 - 2 5 - 4 0 - 4 7

4-B-11-16-20-23-25-32

Next jackpot: $3.2 million

Next jackpot: $32,000

PICK4, Dec. 9 • 1 p.m.: 9 — 6 — 2 — 7 • 4pm.:3 — 0 — 7 — 9 • 7 p.m.: 5 — 0 — 5 — 3 • 10 p.m.: 5 — 1 — 0 — 8

WIN FOR LIFE, Dec. 8 8 — 15 — 23 — 77

Gard. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Meals on Wheels program, through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Ha5vay, OR 97834. Online condolences may be made at www.tamispinevalley funeralhome.com

Auburn Ave., No. 26, 2:54 a.m. today, in the 1500 block of Campell street; jailed. PROBATION VIOLATION (Baker County detainer): Rick Major Canada,46, of 1188Washington Ave., 10:22 a.m. Tuesday, in the 2200 block of Fourth St.; jailed. THEFT II: James Edward Grove, 37, of 1130 Baker St., 11:22 a.m. Tuesday, at 1205 Campbell St.; cited and released; police said Grove attempted to take alcohol and food valued at $200 from Safeway. Baker County Parole and Probation POST-PRISON SUPERVISION VIOLATION (Detainer): Steven Michael McBride, 33, of 14780 Mill Creek Lane, 3:38 p.m. Tuesday, at the sheriff's office; jailed. Oregon State Police DRIVING UNDERTHE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICANTS (alcohol and controlled substances) and POSSESSION OF LESSTHAN AN OUNCE OF MARIJUANA: Melanie Ann Harshman,58, of Baker City, 10:01 p.m. Thursday, on lnterstate 84 at North Powder; lodged in the Union County Jail at La Grande and later released.

I5 days

OREGON LOTTERY MEGABUCKS, Dec. 8

oil companies. C aro l Carol enWhite joyed antiques, auctions, flea markets and most especially going places with the grandchildren. She also volunteered to deliver meals on wheels through the Community Connection program. Carol is survived by her husband, Garry; her daughter, Kim, and her husband, Tom Hughes, ofBaker City; her sons, Yauncy White and Amanda of Wyoming, and Bill Rawlings Jr. and Rose Woodruff of Vancouver, Washington; her brother, Keh Gard; her ststers, Leoda Caine and Melanie Norris;11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Joyce; and her brother, Butch

S Ga

$55+ Illlgg"

Shell gas and

NEWS OF RECORD

on a Il

During her life she worked in retail marketing with the Texaco and

iPhone 6

$199.99

'til tjou make her spirts very bright!

I.TABQR J E 1V E L E R S

1$13 Main Street Baker City

SENIOR MENUS • THURSDAY:Chicken-fried chicken, potatoes with gravy, baby carrots, fruit ambrosia, roll, tapioca • FRIDAY:Beef enchilada casserole, fiesta corn, cottage cheese with fruit, cake Public luncheonat the Senior Center,2810 Cedar St., 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.; $3.50 donation (60 and older), $5.75 for thoseunder 60.

CONTACT THE HERALD 1915 First St. Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

524-1999

s ung

iPhone 5S

Galaxy S5 $99.99'

Monday — saturday 9:30 — 5:30 ~

$49.99~

Everything for the Holidays!

LES SCW HAB

ALIGNMENT

In Stock~ Available:

STANDARDALIGNMENT

>2854

RCToys

THRUST ALIGNMENT

Tablets

5$Q25

Headphones gS

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

• 0

•

4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

' ,Cnumlnn', >8354 ' l0%nff '

®uket Cffg%eralb ISSN-8756-6419 Serving Baker County since 1870 PublishedMondays,Wednesdays and Fndaysexcept chnstmas Day tv the Baker publishing Co., a part of Western communica0ons Inc., at 1915 erst st. (po. Box 807), Baker city, QR 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 Baker City Herald, pO. Box807, Baker City, OR 97814. Rriodicals Postage Paid at Baker City, Oregon 97814

> In-StockOtter Box Cases > L

LEW BROS . 210 Bridge Street

'With new activation, add-a-lrne or upgrade. Two year contract. See store for details.

Baker City • 523-3679

2034 Main Street, Baker City • 541-523-3865

541-518-71 00

• 0

•

After Hours:

• 0

•

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

BAKER CITY HERALD — 3A

looKing AtRenovating WelchBuilding AcrossAudurnAvenue

Crossroadsgets$10Kfsr duilding studv NEA received 347 eligible Challenge America applications and will award 163 grantsfor atotalof$1.63 million. Crossroads iscelebrating its 51st year serving rural Baker County and is the oldest continuously operating artcentereastofthe Cascades. Starting in 2002, Crossroads, with the help of Baker

Crossroads Carnegie Art Center has received

executivedirector ofCrossneedstoraise an additional roads.'The Welch Building $10,000 in matching money is across iAuburn Avenue) a $10,000grantfrom the to receive this grant and "we National Endowment for the &om the Carnegie Library need our community's help to Arts iNEAl to support a fea- Building and we have always raise those funds." sibility study for adapting the wanted to see if it would be Crossroads was one of 163 1935 historic Welch building feasible to make this space nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA as classroom and programadditional classrooms. The ming space for the artcenter. Crossroads Board of DirecChallenge America grant. An architect will be hired to The Challenge America torsalsorecognizesthat conduct a study for determin- our community, who was categorysupportsprojects ing structural soundness and so involved in the Carnegie that extend the reach of the the financial feasibility for Library Building restoration, arts to underserved popularenovation. must be included in the feasi- tions whose opportunities to 'To say that we are thrilled bility study process, which is experience the arts are limand excited is an understate- partofthisgrant." ited by geography, ethnicity, ment," said Ginger Savage, She said Crossroads economics or disability. The

City, did a six-year, $1.6 million restoration of the Carnegie Library Building as the organization's new home.

Rstary Cluddsnates$3,000fsr tewtdssks The Baker County Community College Foundation Board will use $3,000 donated to it by the Baker Rotary Club to purchase collegetextbooks forhigh school students earning college credits. Rotary Club members Dotty Miles and Peggy Hudson recently presented a check for that amount to Larry O'Dell, Foundation Board member. These college textbooks support the high school to

collegeprogram, according to a press release announcing the Rotary Club's contribution. Over the last seven years, the funds have supported hundreds of students &om Baker, North Powder, PineEagle, Burnt River and Huntington high schools, the release stated. Currently high school students are taking college writing and Spanish courses. The Foundation also has purchased textbooks for

anatomy and physiology, multicultural law, juvenile justice and psychology.

Students who want to obtain a GED and who do not havefunds,may request tuition, fees and textbooks for free this year while funds last. The students also must pay for their GED testing, which is about $150, when they complete the program. Thoseinterestedin participating may call Blue Mountain Community College to talk with Peggy Hudson at 541-523-9127, Extension

Approximatel y $25,000 has been spent for textbooks in support ofhigh school students attending college classes in Baker County, with some of the books being reused In addition, the Foundationboard decided itw anted to support GED students. The board has set aside $2,500 for GED tuition, fees and books.

3200.

Anthony Lakes ski area opening Saturday

s onescams

Baker City Police Chief Wyn Lohner has issued an alert to community residents about two telephone scams being conducted in the community. One is under the guise of an Internal Revenue Service employee and the other by a scammer claiming to be a representative of the Baker City Water Department. The police chief stated in a press release that he first learned of the IRS scam last week. Lohner said he had received a call &om a resident who had been told in a phone call that she owed back taxes &om 2009. The phony caller told her that a warrant had been issued for her arrest. To avoid arrest, the woman was instructed to pay the back taxes owed electronically. That scenario is obviously fake, Lohner said. The IRS does not call demanding money over the phone in lieu of an arrest warrant. The Water Department scam, which the police chief learned about Tuesday, had a similar tone, Lohner said. The targeted victim had been phoned by a person claiming to be &om the city water department. The caller told the resident that he was behind on his water bill and needed to get the bill paid or his water would be shut otK Again, Lohner emphasized that Baker City does not operate in that way. "Baker City does not telephone with these demands, but rather, sends a letter outlining the issue and/or makes contactin person,"he said in thepressrelease. There have been at least two other people who have received similar scam calls recently, Lohner said. He advised anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be &om the city to call City Hall and talk to someone in the specific department mentioned by the caller.

By Joshua Dillen ]dillen©bakercityherald.com

SNOW REPORT

The snow outside is delightful. At least it is at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. With a 22-inch base, the ski resort in the Elkhorn Mountains 34 miles northwest of Baker City will open for the season on Saturday. Anthony's triple chairlift will run &om 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Peter Johnson, the ski area's general manager, said the summit has 28 to 30 inches of snow. Johnson is confident the packed powder covering the slopes will make for "great Saturday fun." "It's a fantastic base. While the rain a couple of weeks ago was painful to watch, it really locked things in and solidified the base," he said. Although early season conditions prevail, with some rocks exposed, the obstacles

• 541-856-3277 • www.anthonylakes. com

will be clearly marked. Three runs will be groomed this weekendBroadway, Variety and Vista — along with 10 kilometers of Nordic trails. Johnson is hoping Thursday night's predicted snowfall of 2 to 8 inches holds true, to make conditions even better this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts snow Thursday night and Friday. Saturday's forecastisa slight chance of snow and a high temperature around 28 degrees. Anthony Lakes will be open for the holiday break Dec. 20 through Jan. 4 except for Christmas Day.

We wish you a Merry Christmas.'

Win Prizes/

Enter Olll •

Coloring

S IIIui t l - f N w Sixweeb ofadNanced hinIng,pitehing and &hnse Iess~mas I e as %I. Dee'tfall behind the eepetitienI Hwted at:

Baker HS Iessloai&rerades M2 TOP areaeakes • 6:1 raIIO• Relleternew, Pay lalef Spao. Is lirnited. Phone(866) 622-4487or vhh

The fourth-annual Christmas homes tour sponsored by the Pine Valley Fair Association will be Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Halfway area. The tour will start at 1 p.m. at Lillies of the Valley on Main Street. Tickets and tour directions are available there. Cost is $10 per person. Six families or businesses will participate in the tour: • Karen and Wayne Endersby • Denise Cairns, Lillies of the Valley • Joanne and Robert Torres • Pine Valley Lodge • Clear Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast • Shella and Barry DelCurto Money raised will help the Rodeo Court for the annual Baker County Fair in Halfway during Labor Day weekend.

DAR Christmas meeting ISLAND CITY — The annual Christmas meeting of the Lone Pine Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution is set for Friday, Dec. 12, at Island City Hall. There will be a potluck luncheon starting at noon. Anyone interested in researching family history is welcome. More information is available by calling Mischelle Cookson at 541-523-4348, Joan Smith at 541-963-4861 or RobertaMorin at 541-446-3285.

University Women to meet Saturday The Baker chapter of the American Association of University Women will have its December meeting Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9:30 a.m. at Danae Simonski's home, 2631 Washington Ave. icorner of Washington and Seventh). There will be a potluck brunch and a gift auction fundraiser. Those who want to participate are asked to bring a w rappedgif tforthe auction. Members will be making plans for the annual Women's Celebration in March. Everyone is welcome. More information is available by calling Dixie Driggers at 541-5234005 orby email atgge@eoni.com

The Friends of the Library winter book sale and silent auction of collectible books will continue during regular library hours through Dec. 14 at the Baker County Library, 2400 Resort St. Dates and times: • Thursday, Dec. 11: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Friday, Dec. 12: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Saturday, Dec. 13: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sundays, Dec. 14: noon to 4 p.m. The silent auction of collectible books ends Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m.

Cox Twins 80th Birthday

IItlaking 250eppsnadoevide, inelgli omin BakerG !

. LA www.

Christmas homes tour in Halfway area

Library book sale, auction continue

oicec ie warnsa out

LOCAL BRIEFING

Contest Winners in age categories

December 13th, 2014 7:00pM until"thecows come ho VFW Club at 2005 Valley Ave., ake (no host bar) Come join in the party as we toast the twins, Jo Bias and Jeanie Wright. Bring stories to sha s we celebrate love, laughter and the amazing lives of our moms! " ' the night away We will be d to Frank Carl o gi n n ing at 8.

Hosted by t~ge'r~~g families! - •:

•

• Security Fenced • Coded Entry go< • Lighted For •Q o e'~ <s Your Protection y,e<~ <o • Lots of RV 0 Storage " 0~ , 0 41298 Chico Road, Baker City

(ogPocahontas) • 541-523-9050

Q@GON +4IL. 3 I IWRESTAURANT

Thank you for your patronage. Holiday early closedates: 3 pM Dec. 17 4 24 All you can eat Christmas Buget December 25, close 5PM

221 Bridge Street • Baker City

523-5844•Open Daily 6 ~ —8 pM

' •

•

Elkhorn Denture Service

Can Help Dentures-ImpIant RetainedDentures Partials-Relines I Repairs QuestIons on cost, fit R appearance Free Consultabons FinancingAvailable.

Curtis Tatiock LD

J.TABOR

J E 1V E L E R S

www.elkhorndenture,com

1913 Main Street

B a L er City

524-1999 ' MonJay — SaturJay 9:30 — 5:30

• 0

•

• 0

•

• 0

•

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 Baker City, Oregon

sA~ERoTr — /

Write a letter

Serving Baker County since 1870

news@bakercityherald.com

EDITORIAL

nee more un ers

Afllllgp'~ I

If you asked a dozen people in Baker County to list the popular local hobbies, we'd wager at least eight would mention hunting. Baker County has more options for hunters than just about any of Oregon's 35 other counties. Besides large populations of deer and elk — the two most sought-aker big game animals in the state — the county also boasts antelope, bear, cougar,coyotes,and a variety ofupland game birds and waterfowl. Baker County also is unique among Oregon counties in having hunting seasons for mountain goats as well as both of the state's bighorn sheep species — California and Rocky Mountain. But hunting is a lot more than a sport around here. It's also an integral part of the economy. A 2008 study estimated that hunters spent $4.5 million in Baker County that year. Statewide, hunting generated about $1.4 billion in economic activity. But those numbers seem to be dropping. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, the number ofhunters in Oregon dropped from 237,000 in 2006to 196,000 in 2011 — a 17-percent decrease. That trendhas prompted a group ofOregon hunters to form"Hunting Works for Oregon," an organization that will promote hunting and recreational shooting. It's a national effort, and the new Oregon group joins chapters in nine other states: Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Utah, Colorado and Wisconsin. We hope the Oregon chapter can build on the good work of organizations such as the Oregon Hunters Association and reverse the downward trend in the number ofhunters. Hunters don't just ring cash registers in local restaurants, motels, gas stations and other businesses. They also pay taxes on firearms and ammunition and buy licenses and tags. That money helps pay to maintain and restore wildlife habitat, a benefit not only to hunters but also to people who just like to see wildlife when they're out for a drive in the country.

•

(

I~ •y I

"N16oHeoF lM mFQNS q%@ VK $5hff&Y"gIP@htoVf lML

Your views Mr. Peacock exemplifies Bulldog pride While the word peacock may not appear to coincide with a bulldog image at first glance, as a Baker High graduate, Iknow thetwo gohand in hand.Jerry Peacock, a Baker High administrator, not only worked as principal when I went to high school, but also as the vice principal when my parents went to high school. Mr. Peacock took the time to learn every name of every student, often times before they were even in high school. He also worked countless hours encouraging students to succeed. I cannot think of a more appropriat e way to expressthe gratitude for his sincerity and dedication to Baker High School than to name the court after him. I offer my condolences to those individuals who do not know Mr. Peacock because they are missing out on knowing an incredible person and educator! I would also encourage those individuals to become more involved in events at Baker High School to see the lastingimpact he has had on the student body. I recently read of the concern of embarrassing commentaries fiom visiting teams addressedin a previousletterto the editor. I would be surprised if thatis

members, outside of any public meeting, decided that was a wonderful idea. Without attempting to get any other opinions, a motion to that effect was placedon theagenda ofthe May 20, 2014, school board meeting, where it was passed unanimously without any discussion of the motion's merits. So,justseven peoplewereinvolvedin changing a sixty-three-year-old tradition 3ustseven people decided to of calling the facility"BHS Gymnasium" name BHS court and"Bulldog Gymnasium." Here are some of the persons not conA BHS student recently wrote a letter to the editor in support of naming"the sulted by the 5J Board members: BHS new high school court"in honor of former teachers; BHS coaches; BHS students; BHS Principal Jerry Peacock, whom she Baker School District 5J taxpayers; Baker School District 5J voters; and the greatly admires. The student admits, though,"I don't approximately7,000 ofuswhoattended know the rights or processes of the (5JI BHS over the past 63 years since the gym board, but to me the decision seems was constructed. right." The School Board members tell me I'm the only one complaining. Yet 56 out As best I've been able to piece it together, here's the process the student of 58 persons who've contacted me by admittedly does not know about. email, phone, and in person say they are Last spring Vice Principal Ben Merrill opposedtorenaming the gym. Some say and Athletic Director Brad Dunton, at the that, if asked, they would have nomitime both employees of Principal Jerry nated someone else for the honor. But the majority do not want the gym and court Peacock, suggested to the five members of the School District 5J Board of Direcrenamed atall. tors, that the gym be named for BHS Gary Dielman Principal Jerry Peacock. The school board Baker City thecase,butifitis,perhaps those sneering teams should chat with a Baker High athleteaboutclass,atraitM r.Peacock stressed to instill in his students. If there is anyone who knows about class and bulldogpride,it'sM r.Peacock. Thanks Mr. Peacock! Meranda Christensen Baker City

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.

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

GUEST EDITORIAL

Patient safe reporting should be mandatory in Oregon Editorial from The (Bend) Bulletin: It's hard to improve what you don't measure. That's been the most peculiar contradiction in Oregon's patient safety program since it began. It's time it changed. The state Legislature created Oregon's Patient Safety Commission in 2003. It's a state agency charged with reducing the risk of medical errors. Reporting medical errors to the commission has been voluntary fiom the beginning. Hospitals, pharmacies, clinics and nursing homes in Oregon get to choose if they want to report

mistakes. 5ou can see which do and don't by going to oregonpatientsafetyorg and clicking on the"Reporting Programs" tab.l Ifthey do decidetoreport,thereported information is confidential and is not subject to discovery in lawsuits. The patient safety commission takes the informationitgetsand develops practicesand procedures that reduce risks. There were arguably good reasons to make reporting voluntary when the program started. Itwas new.It'sa sensitive topic.Reporting does create bureaucratic burdens on the

institutions. "By combining voluntary reporting with protected information, the Commission creates the'safe table' needed to examine, understand and correct rootcausesofm edicalm istakes," the commission says. But it's no longer new. It has been 10 years. The table may be safeform edicalproviders, but without mandatory reporting, it's less safe for patients. Medical errors injure and kill patients. The recent death of a patient given the wrong medication at St. Charles Bend is an unfortu-

nate reminder. To its credit, St. Charles does report errors to the commission and has a policy to be upfront with patients and families about errors. So why doesn't Oregon make reporting errors to the commission mandatory? Gov. John Kitzhaber, a former emergency room doctor ,told usreporting medical errors should be mandatory. If the patient safety commission isn't getting complete data, and ifmedicalprovidersaren'trequired toreport, Oregon is not taking patient safety seriously.

CONTACT YOUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS President Barack Obama: The White House, 1600 PennsylvaniaAve.,Washington, D.C. 20500; 202-456-1414; fax 202456-2461; 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: One WorldTrade 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 202-228-2717 La Grande office: 105 Fir St., No. 210, La Grande, OR 97850; 541962-7691; 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, 202-225-6730; fax 202-225-5774. La Grande office: 1211 Washington Ave., La Grande, OR 97850;541-624-2400, fax, 541-624-2402; walden.house g OV.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber: 254 State Capitol, Salem, OR

• 0

•

97310; 503-378-3111; www.governor.oregon.gov. Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown: 900 Court St. N.E., Salem, OR 97301; 503-986-1523. 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-Ontarioj: Salem office: 900 Court St. N.E., H-475, Salem, OR 97301; 503-986-1460. District office: RO. Box 1027, Ontario, OR 97914; 541-889-8866. State Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Dayl: 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; fax 541-524-2049. City Council meets the second and fourthTUesdays at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Dennis Dorrah, Clair Button (mayorj, Roger Coles, Mike

• 0

•

Downing, Barbara Johnson, 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; Becky Fitzpatrick, HR manager and city recorder. Baker County Commission: Baker County Courthouse 1995 3rd St., Baker City, OR 97814; 541-523-8200. Meets the first and third Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; Fred Warner Jr. (chairj, Mark Bennett, Tim Kerns. Baker County departments:541-523-8200. Mitch Southwick, sheriff; Jeff Smith, roadmaster; Matt Shirtcliff, district attorney; Alice Durflinger, countytreasUrer;Tami Green, county clerk; Kerry Savage, county assessor. Baker School District: 20904th Street, Baker City, OR 97814; 541-524-2260; fax 541-524-2564. Superintendent: Walt Wegener. Board meets the thirdTuesday of the month at 6 p.m., Baker School District 5J office boardroom; Andrew Bryan, Kevin Cassidy, Chris Hawkins, Kyle Knight, Rich McKim.

• 0

•

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

COUNCIL Continued ~om Page1A Councilors Richard Langrell, Dennis Dorrah and RogerColesvoted againstthe pay increase. Button began the discussion by pointing out that the council issupposed toreview the city manager's contract on an annual basis. Button also noted that Kee has not had a payincrease despitereceiving above-average performance evaluations from a majority of councilors each year "I feel that it would be appropriate for the council to consider — whether you call it a cost-of-living increase or an incentive award for good performance — I think we should consider that," Button sald. Johnson said Kee has done a"wonderful jobthrough some very difflcult times." She also implied that Kee deserves a larger raise than the Council was considering. 'That seems a pittance when you realize how much time and effort this man has given to this city," Johnson sald. Mosier suggested that in the future the Council should considerpay raisesforthe city manager based on performance reviews rather than as a cost-of-living increase. She said if that were to be included into the city manager's contract, future applicants for the position would understand that pay raises would be based on performance rather than automatically granted. After Johnson made a m otion togive Keea 2-percent raise, Langrell said he was not ready to vote on the matter. Langrell, who has been

SMOKING Continued ~om Page1A Nonsmoking library patronsarepleased with the ban, Stokes said. '%e have had several peoplegiveuspositivefeedback," he said."These are people with asthma or other chronic respiratoryproblems." Library staff enforce the rule by simple informing people of the policy. Failure to comply will result in them beingtrespassed from the library grounds. They may also lose library privileges for a periodoftim e. There is temporary signage posted atvarious loca-

BAKER CITY HERALD — 5A

LOCAL

criti calofKee'sperformance, said the manager's salary is more than adequate. "I have been very unhappy with the city manager and the way he has mislead the citizens of the community and the council," Langrell said. Langrell said Kee gave him a tour of a new fence built to keep cattle out of Baker City's watershed. Cattle aresuspected asthe sourceofthecryptosporidium that contaminated the city's drinking water during the summer of 2013, although that has not been confirmed by lab tests. '%e had the very very serious problemofthe cryptosporidium outbreak. Half a dozen times he iKeel sat up here before us and said the fence had been repaired," he said. 'The fence had never been repaired. Portionsofthefence had been repaired." Langrell said the new fence is an extra one inside the watershed. "He was able to convince a couple of the newspapers here in town that that was the actual fence that kept the cows out of the watershed," he said.'The fence that kept the cows out of the watershed had not been repaired." Langrell noted that four councilors gave Kee an almost perfect scorein hism ost recent evaluation earlier this year. Langrell, Dorrah and Coles did not participate in that evaluation. Mosier interrupted Langrell with a point of order. "I believe revealing an employee's personnel record needs to be done in executive session," Mosier said." I don't thinkit'sappropriate forus to get into specifics of the personnel review." Langrell pointed out that

Johnson had referred to Kee's evaluation scores when she made the motion to approve the 2-percent raise. "She didn't give specifics about how he was scored or by whom," Mosier said. Button, talking to Langrell, said You, yourself gave the city manager a pretty good rating," during the 2013 crypto crisis. 'This is not the forum to make accusations," Button sald. 'You know what, you're absolutely right," Langrell said. '%hy don't you just, the four of you do whatever you want. I'm sorry I said anything. Go ahead and vote on the issue." Button asked if there was any further discussion. There was some discussion of whether Kee's salary had been reviewed annually during the spring budget season, as is required by the city manager's contract. "I haven't ever seen this come before us. Does anyone have anyidea why that hasn't come beforeus?"said Mo sier. 'The council has been irregularatdiscussing the city manager's salary. It really hasn't come to be an issue for the budget committee simply because City Manager Kee has not asked for an increase," Button said. Councilor Dorrah disagreed. "For the past few years, with the economy being so poor, the budget committee — forthe most part— feltit wouldn't be appropriate for the city to be increasing their wages when so many people are losing their jobs and so many businesses were doing so poorly," Dorrah said.'That's my recollection." Mosier mentioned that a comparison of city manager salaries in cities of similar

tions on the library grounds informing the public of the rules. Stokes said permanent signs should be in place by next spring. Baker City Police Chief Wyn Lohner said the city ordinance has curtailed smoking in city parks and along the Leo Adler Pathway, a pavedpath that parallelsthe Powder River between Bridge Street and Hughes Lane. "There hasn't been a significant problem," Lohner said."There is good signage in place." Lohner said education and media coverage have helped to keep Baker City smokers aware of the new law.

Those caught smoking or vaping in city parks or on or within 5 feet of the Adler Parkway are subject to a citation and can be fined up

I've told Mom the samething three times ...but she seems to keep forgetting.

size to Baker City range from

Golf course superintendent Jeff Stahman talked about the aging irrigation system on the"old" nine holes of the course. He said there have been extensive repairsthatare costing a lot of money. Stahman said they are working to getgrantsto install a new system. Johnson and Button thankedTiedeman and Stahman for their hard work and the effort they have put into the golf course.

$98,112 to $118,969.

"It's important to consider that Mr. Kee won't be here forever, "M osiersaid. She said that future prospectiveapplicants forthejob likely will review the salary history. "I would want to show that we are a community that values a good city manager and we aren't a community that wants the cheapest thing going," Mosier said. Also on the Council's agenda Tuesday:

moved to postpone the adoption of the plan to give Harvey the chance to"paw overitreal well," and to also give the new council a chance to review it. Dorrah seconded the motion. It was unanimously passed. Harvey said his concern is thatthefi re dangeraround the watershed is severe and needs to be addressed sooner than a five-year plan the ForestServicehasforthe watershed.

In other business • The council passed a motion to accept the Community Oriented Policing Services

WatershedManagement

Golf Course Report

Plan

Bill Tiedemann, who manages the city-owned Quail Ridge Golf Course, gave councilors an annual report. The golf course received substantial monetary, equipment and other donations in 2014, Tiedemann said. A driving net was constructed, 65 trees were planted, memorial benches were placed, there were road improvements, new tee boxes on holes 7 and 10 were installed, metal siding was installed on the west cluster of cart houses to eliminate painting costs, and a safety fence was constructed between the tee boxes ofholes 17 and 18.

Public Works Director Michelle Owen asked for an approval of the plan that has been available on the city's website since October. County Commission Chairman-elect Bill Harvey made a statement during the citizen participation of the meeting. "I did not receive any information on that iwatershed management plan) ... so I didn't know you were voting on this itonightl," he said. Owen said there was no mandate for the council to approve the plan immediately. '%e can take more comment," she said. Councilor Roger Coles

iCOPSl grant of $125,000. • Councilors endorsed Maverik's application to the state for a liquor license renewal for its store on Campbell Street. • The Baker City Tree Street Guide was approved. It can be viewed on the city's website at bakercitycom. • Phyllis Badgely was appointed to the Historic District Design Review Commission. • Gail Duman was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. • The council approved a new five-year contract with T-0 Engineers for engineering servicesatthe airport.

Debt is all around Us. You can reduce yours! The program teaches you to manage money and resources. It empowers you to make the right financial decisions to achieve your financial goals, teaching you to eliminate debt and build wealth. On average, families reduce their debt by $5,300 and save $2,700 in just 91 days. •You've Heard Iton the Dave Ramsey Show. • Now you canjoin the program right herein Baker City. • More than 70 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. • Many marriages end in divorce, with money problems the number one cause.

Dsve Rammyb

EIAilA

UN1VK RS [TY I e

• '

•

I•

II r

II s r

' • •

•

I I

•

• I •

•

to $500.

Prices valid 12.7-12.13.14.

Skullcandy™ Uprock Headphones

$19.99 ea

33%

Reg. $29.99

Save33%

Save$40

AUVIO~ 3-Ft. ~/s" Stereo Audio Cables

Germin~ nuvi 42LM 4.3" GPS

$9 . 9 9

$8 9 . 9

e a Reg. $14.99

9 Reg.$129.99

10:3$a Blue 42-689, Silver 42-690, White 42-804, Black 42-1016. Purple 42-1017

Black33-613, White 33-614, Blue 33-1044

Fire HD 6

$99.99

New

20-636

SQYB40/ Sky Force lndoor RC Helicopter

$2 9 . 9 9 (i)

Lifetime map updates included.

IC>rov

Ig~<.,IOy —HEADQUARTERS-

Reg. $49.99

Chevy Silverado HD

$59.99 Reg. $99.99

1NN4SN . i~ , ' w lKA

Age 12+. Requires 4"AAA" batteries. 60-1081 Colors vary by store.

• Fast quad-core processor • Front and rear cameras 25-4269

Sove$3Q

Call us with questions about aging and Alzheimer's.

I-855-ORE-ADRC HelpForAlz.org

Sanoisk~ Memory Cards

$49.99..

USB Flash Drives

$7s99 SGB

$6.998GB

$14.99 ~eGB

$8 .9 9 16GB

Reg. $19.99 — $29.99

$29.99 64GB

SarDisk'

Reg. $19.99 — $99.99

•

ONLYAT

SaxOisk'

OBluetootlf Speakerphone.PBT500. Black40-451,White 40-474,Blue 40-623, Red 40-624. Silver 40-626 Colorsvary bystare.

44-183/201/211/311/493/494/498/499/511

25-3392/3393/3523/4175/4176/4177/4279/4278/ 4281/4282/4283/4284/4345/4346/4348

Offers/prices not available in all stores. Aglng and Disability Resource Connection ofORE60N

OREGON DEPARTMENT OFHUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM

• 0

SaveUpt060'l. SaveUpt070'l.

AUVIO~ Portable Bluetooth~ Speaker Reg. $79.99

<t o.

1:10scale.Age 6+.Requires 2 "AA" batteries. 60-1051

Home Furnishings Liquidator 2034 Main St Baker City, OR 97814

(541)523-3865 9-6 Mon-Sat

An independentlyowned and operated RadioShack Franchise.

• 0

•

• 0

•

6A — BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

BaKerBoysBasKetlIall

BRIEFING

u o sro Sast ruitan,

Baker girls lose at Emmett, 44-39

By Gerry Steele

happy with Baker's free throw shooting though. The Baker didn't get many Bulldogs shot 15-of-25 from shots against Fruitland Tues- the line. day in the Baker gym. aWe had the opportunity But they made most of the to shootalotoffreethrows ones they got on the way to down the stretch and put a 61-50 nonleague boys bas- them away. But we weren't ketball win over the Grizzlies taking advantage of that. We from Idaho. have to concentrateharder at Baker took just 39 shots, the line," Richardson said. The teamsbattled to a 12but made 22 of them — 63 percent. Clay LeaMaster was 12 draw after one quarter. 6-of-9, Zarom Bruce 5-of-8, Baker then rode eight Logan Sand 4-of-5 and Logan points from Sand, and five from Bruce off the bench to a Scott 2-of-2. aTo only get 39 shots but 33-25 halfbme advantage. make 22 of them, we'll take LeaMasterthen found himself on the scoring end that percentage any night„" said Baker coach Joel Richof several Hayes passes to ardson. score nine points in the third Many of those made period, keeping Baker on top 46-38. baskets came off assists, Fruitland cut the deficit to especially from Aiden Hayes. Hayes chipped in nine of the five points twice in the fourth Bulldogs' 14 assists in the quarter, but Baker was 6-of-8 from the line in the final game. "I was not pleased with our minute to gain the win. transition defense," RichardBaker hosts Emmett Thursday. son said. aWe allowed them too (50) many easy baskets that kept FRUITLAND Smith, O'Dell, Seamons 4 34 11,yyhaley 5 1 3 13, Rodnguez 5 2 313, Benear 1 0-0 2, Bruneau, them closer than we should Bones, 5rguren 3 24 8, Richins 1 1 2 3 Totals have for much of the game. 1991650 "But we made some good BAKER (61) Stairs, Hayes 1 4 10 6, Gutrck 2 2 2 6, Scott 3 adjustments in the second 0-07, Sand 57818, LeaMaster61313, Bruce half to what was open on the 51211, Smith, Srack Totals2215-2561 Ruitland 12 1 3 13 12 — 50 back side of our offense. We Baker 12 21 13 15 — 61 Three-point baskets —yyhaley 2, were finding different ways Kathy Orr/ Baker City Herald Rodnguez, Scott,Sand Fouledout — O'Dell , to scorein ouroffense." BenearTotal fouls — Eruitland 26, Baker 17 Baker's Logan Sand goes up for a shot over a Fruitland Technicals —none Richardson still wasn't defenderTuesday in the BHS gym. gsteele©bakercttyherald.com

Ducks' Nariotaa Heisman

By Ralph D. Russo

AP College FootballWater

NEW YORK — The Heisman Trophy finalists would make one heck of an offense. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, AlabamareceiverAmari Cooper and recordbreaking Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon are set to make the trip to New York for the Heisman presentation after the final-

finalist

ists were announced on Monday. M ariota isconsidered theclear thefrontrunner to win the 80th Heisman on Saturday night in New York. He would become the first Oregonplayerto earn collegefootball'sm ost famous player of the year trophy. "It is humbling to be considered for an award thatIhave admired fora very long time," Mariota said in a statement.

gou~

EMMETT — Baker dropped a nonleague girls basketball game to Emmett Tuesday 44-39. Brie Sand led Baker with 17 points, four rebounds and three steals. Michelle Freese added 14 points, six rebounds and three steals. Summer Phillips chipped in four points, four blocked shots and three assists. Michelle Lehman added three steals. Baker hosts Fruitland Friday.

Hickman won boys 12-13-year-old title Due to a reporting error the wrong name was listed for the boys 12-13-year-old winner at the Baker Elks Hoop Shoot Saturday. The boys winner was Clayton Hickman.

Teddy Bear Throw planned Saturday The Baker Leadership class is holding its annual Teddy Bear Drive for the State and City Police; actually a stuffed animal drive as they are looking for new, or very slightly used stuffed animals. In addition they are collecting new socks for Marla's Mall, all sizes. The new twist is that they are looking for spectators for the boys and girls basketball games on Saturday, Dec. 13, to bring a stuffed animal or a new pair of socks to the games. Then at halflime of the boys game everyone will toss their animal or socks on the gym floor at the same time. If you are unable to attend the game you may also make donations at the high school anytime before Dec. 18. For more information contact Suzy Cole at scole@baker.k12. or.us.

AAU tryouts scheduled Sunday at BHS Eighth-grade AAU basketball tryouts are scheduled Sunday, Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Baker High

School gym. Athletes should bring basketball shoes, a reversible shirt iif possible) and water. Announcement of team members will be made Dec. 17. Practices will begin in early January with tournaments beginning in late January. More information is available by calling Tim Smith at 541-524-9866.

Baker swimmers earn five firsts PENDLETON — Baker swimmers earned five firstplace awards Saturday at a high school meet at Pendleton. Makenna Bachman placed first in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Caitlin Calloway was first in the JV 50 butterfly, Gracee Cross in the JV 50 freestyle, and Nick barnes in the JV 50 breaststroke. Baker hosts its own invitational meet Saturday at noon at Sam-0 Swim Center. Pendleton lnvitational (Baker results) Girls 50 freestyle —1 Bachman, 30 64 5 Lien, 32 55 Boys 50 freestyle —5 Mansuetti, 30 04 Boys 100 butterfly —6 Myers, 1 30 11 Girls 100 freestyle —1 Bachman, 1 0792 4 Cross, 1 15 83Girls 100 backstroke —5 Jones Bedolla, 1 2779 Girls 100 breaststroke —4 Lien, 1 3633 Boys100breaststroke —11 Myers, 1 3468 14 Mansuetti, 14002 Girls JV50 butterfly —1 Callourray, 5757 Girls JV 50freestyle —1 Cross, 3389 2 Jones Bedolla, 3759 6 Bennett,4413 15 Collard,4781 Boys JV50freestyle —2 Barnes,3359 Girls JV50backstroke —4 Bennett, 5182 8 Collard, 1 0060 Girls JV50breaststroke —5 Callotrrray, 1 0539 Boys JV 50 breaststroke —1 Barnes, 52 67

Baker 3V2 boys edge Fruitland 51-49 Baker's JV2 boys basketball team slipped past Fruitland 51-49 Tuesday in the Baker gym. Sam Hamilton led Baker with 18 points. Duncan Mackenzie added 10.

sn<

Baker 3V boys rout Fruitland 42-27

"ifg

Baker defeated Fruitland 42-27 in a junior varsity boys basketball game Tuesday at BHS. Teancum Taylor led the Bulldogs with 11 points. Brad Zemmer added 10.

Aldridge leads Blazers to 5th straight win

luia5A . +

i 6

•

I P

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. 1APl —LaMarcus Aldridge

BCdBF)f l I D I'ize IB

a,g ~~~e~»

~"ize

• •

•

6 • •

•

OTEQg„~.

6 6

6 • •

might never become the leading scorer in Portland Trail Blazers history. He'sgota realchanceto putsecond place outofreach, though. Aldridge scored 23 points in Portland's 98-86 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, including a crucial pair ofbaskets to end Detroit's fourth-quarter rally. He now has 11,347 career points, 17 more than Terry Porter. At 29, Aldridge isn't likely to pick up the 6,693 points he needs to catch Clyde Drexler, so he's settling on short-term

goals.

•

6 •

•

• I

wjIIIrA Enter your place in the OTEC/Baker City Herald

Christmas Lighting Contest Contact: Phone: (please list address for entry and directions)

Entry must be returned by Mon, December 15 with photo, or email form 8 photo to:info@bakercityherald.com PO Box 807 1915 First Street, Baker City OR 97814 541-523-3673

fo)n rourP~k aSeVkr'sWak

" %uker CitgMemQ J, • 0

•

84khmu,

~i' • 0

•

• 0

•

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

BAKER CITY HERALD — 7A

•

4.6 Liter V8, Star Safety System, Tow Package, Nicely Equipged! Stk. ¹9636

•

SR5 Package, Touch Screen, Audio, Rear Backup Camera, Fully Loaded! Stk. ¹9693

or LEASE FOR

1 99

SE FO

159"

Ifvjcsg •

e •

Automatic Transmission, Star Safety System, MP3 Player, Nicely Equipped! Stk. ¹9211

Automatic Transmission, Star Safety System, 51 MPG, Nicely Equipped! Stk. ¹9746

or LEASE FOR

89"

or LEASE FOR

gljCag

R S14 .%

Automatic Transmission, Star Safety System, Rear Backup Camera Fully Loaded!

Automatic Transmission, Star Safety System,6.1 L Audio Display, Fully Loaded!

StI<.¹9456

StI<.¹100765

o 0

or LEASE FOR

88"

149"

Ixrjcag -

•

IkljCN/ •

e Third Row Seating, Rear Backup Camera, Star Safety System, Fully Loaded!

8 Passenger Seating, Star Safety System DuaI Power Sliding Doors, Fully Loaded!

StI<.¹9708

StI<.¹9220T

or LEASE FOR •

1 I9"

or LEASE FOR

1 69"

• ¹

: /p$ •

i,¹

s' j~~' g@--.

•

'oaiz"

:C?

HONEroWN 31 3 S E TOYOTA

1 3 T H S T., 4 NT4 ~~4 4 ~

1 -800 - 5 1 4 - 1 2 0 2

• 1-5 4 1-8 8 9 -3 1 51

All pricesare after aII factory rebates, including 550000military rebate, must financewith Toyota financial servicesandbefull time activemilitary to receive military rebate. Subject prior to sale.Photosarefor illustration purposesonly. 096financing is in lieu offactory rebates, andwill affect the sale price.All pricesand payments donot includeapplicable salestax, or adealer documentfee of 510000. 60 months for 096isapayment of 51666for every 5100000borrowed. 2015 Tacomastk¹9693 24 months lease,50security deposit,12 000 milesper year, 5450000dueat leasesigning. 2014corolla stk¹921124monthlease, 50security deposit,12 000milesperyear, 5215000dueat leasesigning. 2014prius cstk¹9746 24 month lease,50security deposit,12 000 miles peryear, 5225000dueat leasesigning. 2015rav4stk¹9100765 24month lease, 50security deposit,12 000miles peryear, 5375000dueat leasesigning. 2014 5Camry stk¹9456 24 month lease, 50security deposit,12 000 miles peryear, 52375 00dueat leasesigning. 2015highlander stk¹9708 24month lease,50security deposit,12 000 milesper year, 54500 00dueat leasesigning. 2014sienna stk¹ 9220t 24month lease50security deposit,12 000 miles peryear, 5350000dueat leasesigning. 2015tundra stk¹963624month lease, 50 security deposit,12 000miles per year, 5365000dueat leasesigning. Expires12/15/2014

1203785

• 0

•

• 0

•

• 0

•

SA — BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

LOCAL 8 STATE

ProponentsSayState ShouldCount4,$00Ilispualified Ballots

ODOl cityglanto

GMOlahelhackerssueoverhallots removetramic signal on10th St.

By Gosia Wozniacka Associated Press

PORTLAND — The sponsors of an Oregon ballot measure that would require labels on genetically modified foods filed an emergency lawsuit Monday challenging the method used by elections officials to make sure signatures on ballot measure envelopes are not forged. The lawsuit was filed amid indications that a statewide hand recount ofballots on the measure would not result in the measure's passage. It seeks to force officials to count 4,600 ballots disqualified because signatures on the vote-by-mail envelopes didn't match those on registration cards. In the first count of bal-

lots,Measure 92 lostby a littl e more than 800 votes, triggering an automatic recount. That margin has not changed much as counties have filed their recount results with the secretary of state's office. One of the eight plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, Christine Seals of Multnomah County, is a quadriplegic who said her signaturewas rejected after she signed her ballot with a signature stamp — which she had used to successfully vote in previous elections. Though voters whose signatures did not match had the opportunity to rectify the problem by mail or in person, Seals said she assumed her ballot rejection was a mistake and didn't challenge it.

Another plaintifF, George Harris of Multnomah County, said his signature was altered as a resultofa stroke he sufFered this year. He said he couldn't correct his signature, because he was undergoing treatment during the allotted time. And Ramon Ramirez, president of an Oregonbased farmworker union, said the issue also impacts Latino immigrant voters who are confused as to why their votes are being rejected. "For many of these folks who are new citizens and first-time voters, it's very disenfranchising to betold your vote doesn't count," Ramirez said. The deadline for counties to finish the recount is Friday. The lawsuit seeks a

temporaryrestraining order to stopthe certification of the statewide recount until the disqualified ballots are counted. It was filed against Secretary of State Kate Brown and Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott. The measure's backers say the signature match ruledisenfranchises voters. The lawsuit argues ballots should only be rejected if the secretaryofstateor local election officials can establish they were fraudulentlysigned orforged. "These votes are simply dumped. They're not believed to be fraudulent. It's a standard put in place out offear,and it'sa burden to voters," said Paige Richardson, the measure's campaign manager.

GROCERY

markets such as Baker City, where the merged company would own both grocery stores, that the company give upone ofitsstores. In similar situations in other mergers the FTC requiredthemerged company to sell storesto a competitor rather than close the businesses. That's the option Wyden and Merldey recommend.

Continued from Page1A The FTC is reviewing the deal, which was announced last spring, for potential conflicts with antitrust laws. Paul Rogers, a law professor from Southern Methodist University, said earlier this year that the FTC might decide that in

WI". IRU'I". l'RlAVLI".RS! 12 TAPS

St.Stephen's Episcopal Church presents the Pirst AnnuaI

BAltLEY Blt0$1'i%'S BEElt

7 a.m.- 8 p.m. • 7 Days A Week Pridav, December 12, s014

Y Qf'Q S

6:80 pm

Open on Holidays 1549 Campbell Baker City 541-523-2577

Coraer ef 1st 4 Charch 'The ckumh amth the Red Doore" ZreeaNEagerfag to be receieed

•

The Oregon Department of Transportation iODOTl plans to remove the traffic signal at 10th and C streets. The signal was installed in 1973 to accommodate students attending North Baker School, which is two blocks east of 10th Street. North Baker closed a few years ago, though, and ODOT turned ofF the signal and covered the lights in late September. Unlike most signals, the one at 10th and C didn't run on a cycle. The lights turned on only when a pedestrian triggered the signal. ODOT spokesman Tom Strandberg said studies showed the traffic signal was rarely activated. ODOT and Baker City officials want to remove the signal, pending a two-week comment period starting Friday. Anyone who wants to comment on the proposed removal can contactStrandberg at 541-963-1330,or by email at Thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.orus. ''We have not received any questions or complaints since the signal was turned ofFand covered up back in September," said Don Fine, ODOT traffic operations and analysis engineer. ODOT urges pedestrians who need to cross 10th Street to use the signal at Campbell Street, three blocks to the south. "If divestiture is necessary," the senators wrote, "requiring that one of the

iBaker City) stores be sold

FTC anti-trust review, and the potential efFectson the two Baker City stores. Smith said Albertsons officials would prefer to keep both the Albertsons and the Safeway stores operating in Baker City. However, if the FTC mandates that the merged company sell one of the stores, Smith said an Albertsons official told him that the sale would have to be to a "like competitor" — in effect, another national chain thatwould operate the store with no significant changes to the current situation. "That would mean basically the same level of service, the same products ofFered, the same number of employees," Smith said. That's vital not only to preserveoptions forlocal shoppers,but also to retain

to another grocery would both help maintain a competitivemarketplace and preserve options for Baker County residents. "Baker County is home to over 16,000 residents and it would be difficult for only one grocery store to serve the community's needs, particularly in a noncompetitive environment," the senators wrote. Baker City has both a Safeway and an Albertsons, both on East Campbell Streetnear Interstate 84. Greg Smith,Baker County's contract economic developmentdirector,said he's confident that whatever the FTC decides, Baker City will retain both grocery stores. jobs, he said. "It's really important that Smith said he has talked with an executive at AlbBaker County be served by ertsons, which is based in two grocery stores," Smith Boise, about the merger, the sard. Albertsons officials expect the mergerto be complete by the end of February 2015, and that the FTC will finish its antitrust review by late this year or early in 2015, said Christine Wilcox, vice president of communications and public afFairs for Albertsons. Wilcox declined to talk about the possibility that the FTC would require the merged company to sell any stores.

A gift of membership for your family or friends means they will pay no out-of-pocket expenses for emergent, medically-necessary transport.

LIIFE FLIGHT '..NKlrWORK

Hermiston

sourson

lologlln, willkeeg

watermelon per femHy per yeer Saker City Oreenaf

PLQS

Emergelcy Aia' Amhulaece Senrice

yer femily per yeer

lU O

C3) LL

C3) LL Gl lU

O Gl

Baker City FireNed O~emd Amhlj'Ianee &mdce FireMed Managed by:

• Emergency prehospital, medical treatment and ground transportation Non-emergent, medically necessary ambulance service preauthorized by a physician

L IFE FLIG H T

Emergency paramedic rescue • Emergency ambulance transportation between local medical facilities • Automatic insurance billing service

h. M Gl D

Gl lU O M

• P.. •

•

•000

•

i l l

•

•000

•

HERMISTON iAPl — The city of Hermiston is replacing its watermelon logo with the slogan"Hermiston: You can GROW here," but images of the town's famed sweet produce won't disappear. City Manager Byron Smith has argued that a watermelonitselfisn'ta brand and pressed for a branding campaign based on the "grow" slogan. The water tower has sportedan image ofa slice of watermelon. When the city paintedthe slogan overit, some residents objected. The East Oregonian reports 4ttp//bit.ly/1vABgKD l that Monday night Smith showed council members examples of using the slogan that also evoked the watermelon. He said the water tower could be painted like one example. It features both an array of melons and the slogan. The council voted 6-1 to go ahead with the"grow" campalgn.

•000

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 The Observer & Baker City Herald

HAPPENINGS BSS1n. Main Street reorganizes memberships into four tiers

ero

BRAIN FQQP ICEN ICELLER

• Leah Over is new owner of Kneads Bakery in downtown La Grande

La Grande Main Street has revamped its membership benefits. Membership options are structured into four basic tiers: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Perks rang from discounts on window paintings and graphic design work, to spotlights in the monthly newsletter and freebusiness development workshops and toolkits. La Grande Main Street has begun accepting new members for the upcoming year. For more information on membership or to join as a member, contact the program director atdirector@lagrandemainstreet. org or 541-963-1223.

at work R

Authorreturnsto talk about local investment tonight Carol Peppe Hewitt, author of"Financing OurFoodshed: Growing Local Food with Slow Money" returns to Northeast Oregon tonight to share stories of neighbors empowering neighbors with local investing. She will join La Grande local Kim Metlen, co-owner of Joseph Branch Railriders, who will give a brief talk about how he and his wife, Anita, got their business off the ground. The event is hosted by the Union County Local Impact Investing Opportunity Network at 6 p.m. tonight in the Community Room of Cook Memorial Library, 2006 FourthSt.in La Grande. "Financing Our Foodshed" describes person-to-person lending examples that have madeitpossibleforfood and farm businessesto start,succeed and grow. While the book focuses on food-related efforts, the lessons in local investing are relevantacross allareasofbusiness. The LIION event is one in a series that explores local investing and explains how diverting money from the stock market and investing it in local businesses can create substantial economic and community impacts. Admission is by suggested donation at the door.

Open house for new B&B slated for Thursday afternoon The Villa Bed & Breakfast, the newest member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, will host an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. There will be light refreshments and a drawing for a one-night stay at The Villa, located at 1001 S. 12th St. in La Grande.

Economicdevelopment committee to meet Friday BAKER CITY — The Baker County Economic Development Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Baker County Courthouse, 1995 Third St. in Baker City. More information is available by calling Greg Smith with Baker County Economic Developmentat541-523-5460.

Survey shows state's communiting habits Eastern Oregon workers are much less likely to have to commute to a different county for their jobs compared with residents elsewhere in Oregon. According to the American Community Survey, 20 percent of Oregonians work in a different county than where they live. But in most Eastern Oregon counties, fewer than 6 percent of residents work in a different county. The exception is Malheur County, which is just across the Snake River from the Idaho cities of Fruitland and Weiser. About 15 percent of Malheur County workers commute to jobs in Idaho, and another 1.1 percent work in a different Oregon county. Eastern Oregon workers also have a much shorter commute than the statewide averageof22.4 m inutes.

About thiscolumn Small Business Happenings covers Northeast Oregon's small-business community. The column carries news about business events, staltupsand 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 news@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.

•000

Don'tbe thewimp

Cherise KaecheleNVesComNews Sennce

Leah Over prepares a plate of fresh cinnamon rolls for customers. Over recently became the new owner ofKneads Bakery in downtown La Grande. District. Over worked as a volunteer Kneads Bakery recently came and outreachcoordinator at under new ownership, but cusShelter From the Storm and was tomers can expect the same great working with homeless youths, recipes and service they've always among other things, at the school district. It was working with the gotten — and they won't have to remember a new name. teenagersthat inspired herto Leah Over is the new owner purchase the bakery. "The high school students of Kneads Bakery, not to be confused with Leah Starr who would talk about their dreams and what they wanted to do with had ownedthe small bakery on Adams Avenue since 2001. their lives," Over said."It was Neither of the Leahs had a lot very inspirational to me." of experience owning a bakery Over had a dream when she was in high school about ownprior to purchasing the busiing a small food establishment. ness. Starr worked as a librarian While she had many dreams of at Eastern Oregon University before buying the bakery, and what she wanted to do, this single Over worked at Shelter From the dream stayed with her. Storm and the La Grande School Her dad said that it was her By Cherise Kaechele

The Observer

longest running dream she had. The students were looking at the world with the idea they had the ability to do what they wanted. Over said theiraspirations made her want to pursue her own dreams. Over said things "fell into place" for purchasing the business — itallhappened over a period of one month. Starrsaid a lotofpeople looked at buyingKneads Bakery from her, but it was something about Over that made her agree she'd

be a good fit. "There is a joy in baking and being a part of the community," Starrsaid."It's alotofhard work. Being a business owner is hard SeeBakery / Page 2B

esearch conducted by The CEO Project suggests that the individuals who lead companies should spend their time very differently than how most are currently spending it. If you want to understand why your business is not as successful as you would like it to be or want to know why you struggle, consider this: very few owners know what specific actions are required for their company to grow. Many owners become trapped by the seeming mirage of growing revenue, or deal constantly with poor cash flow, struggle to maintain or increase profits or, build a business around the idea of just paying minimal taxes. For the sake of argument, let me define success as building a more valuable company. Successful owners don't spend their time growing revenue, minimizing taxes or improving cash flow. What they do is focus on one thing to increase the value of the company: picking the right business and profit model. The marketplace decides the costly lessons about who will win and who will not, but some influence is possible by designing ior redesigningl a business correctly and modifying it as conditions change. What are the elements of a great business? The first is that demand exists or can be created. The demand must consistently exceed supply. Without a steady stream of customers, the enterprise will likely fail. Second, it helps to sell something that customers love. Third, the business needs to have recurring revenue and fourth, that it is a nondiscreti onary service. It is possible to have a successful business that does not rely on always chasing new customers to grow revenue, SeeKeller / Page 2B

INVASIVE WEEDS

PossidlehogeloundindaNewithcheatgrass In the Intermountain West, it's the most common plant and the dominant plant in an area about BOISE, Idaho — A centurylong losing battle has been waged the size of Montana, Meyer said, in the West against an invasive and it's spreading. It has taken weed that isresponsiblefor over some areas so thoroughly massive wildfires and threatens that scientists call the regions nativespeciesandrangeland. monocultures, and public land managers have mostly thrown up Now, some 65 years after famed naturalist Aldo Leopold their hands and opted to spend summed up the general consenresources elsewhere. That's changing as the battle sus in the battle against cheatgrassashopeless,theremight be has taken on an urgency with hope. cheatgrasseliminating sage cWe're in a better position to brush. Among the 400 or so spefight back than we have ever cies that rely on sage brush is the greater sage grouse. The U.S. been," said Susan Meyer, a U.S. Forest Service research ecoloFish and Wildlife Service faces gist working with fungus at the a court-ordered September 2015 Shrub Sciences Laboratory in deadline to determine if sage Provo, Utah. grouseneed federalprotections under the Endangered Species Cheatgrass with its barbed seed pods is known for sticking to Act. A listing could have ramificasocks and injuring pets by getting tions for agriculture and energy, in theirearsand paws.Itarrived possibly damaging the economies from Europe in the late 1890s, of the 11 Western states where and is found in every state in the the chicken-sized bird resides. "It's probably the biggest public Lower 48, though it thrives in land issue of our time," said John colder, drier climates. Keith Ridler

The Associated Press

•000

Freemuth, a public land policy expertand professoratBoise State University. The spread ofcheatgrassand the battleto control it, he said, will likely factorinto the decision about sage grouse. "As you start losing habitat, you start getting this downward spiral, and peopleareworried you won't have enough habitat to avoid a listing," Freemuth said. What all that means is that Meyer and Ann Kennedy, a scientist in Washington state working with bacteria, are drawing attention from top land managers and policy makers — and research money — after showing that the seemingly invincible cheatgrass might have an Achilles' heel. "Theland management agencies, they'repretty desperate," said Meyer, who is pursuing a soil-born fungus capable of wiping out cheatgrass stands."It isn't just sage grouse — it's the whole system going down the tube. Sage grouse is just the canary in

the coal mine." Kennedy, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, has sorted through some 20,000 strains of naturally occurring soil bacteria to discover two that singleout cheatgrass. cWe've found several organisms thatare really good atcolonizing the root of the seed, and reducing the elongation of that root," said Kennedy, who works at Washington State University. 'Then that cheatgrass is less competitive the next spring." One of the strains, through a privatecompany, isregistered as a bio-herbicide. Kennedy said the federal government is going through the process for the other strain. Kennedy's work is primarily cropland, but her research has rangeland applications. Meyer's research on fungus has been looking at naturally occurring die-off sofentire cheatgrass

fields.

•000

2B —THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

BUSINESS 8 AG LIFE

Cash for test drives

FOREST HEALTH

i:orestownersaging,sareelsshrinking

s. I

The Associated Press

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The age of forestlandowners across the country is increasing and the sizeofparcels they own is shrinking — and thathas state,federaland privateexperts fearing for the long-term health of millions of acres of American woodlands. The concerns of forestry professionals are more subtle than the typical worries over large-scale development: as the parcelsofland getsmaller the people who own them might not have the same commitment to the forests as the previous landowners. "Our alarm bells are startingtogo off,notbecause landowners are suddenly older,but because it'sbeen going on long enough now that we are really beginning to see the impacts," said Mary Sisock, an assistant professorofextension forestry at the University of Vermont, who has worked on the issue across the country. Owners of smaller parcels are less likely to invest in a forestry management plans, and managing for wildlife is more difficult than on larger plots, Sisock said. And once the land gets cut up it's more likely it will be developed, and once developed there's no chance it will ever again be a working forest, she said. Brett Butler, the coordinator of the U.S. Forest Service's National Woodland Survey, says there's a common misconception that the majority of forest land is owned by the government. Nationally, more than half of the 766 million acres of forest land is owned privately by proprietors whose average age is

62.5.

"It's really families and individuals that control the fate and the future of the

= «r! '

e s+ 4

-i . ()UTST

Tim MustoeNVescom News Service

Legacy Ford Public Relations Director Dennie Rankin, third from left, presents Grande Ronde Academy Director Donna Tsiatsos a check for $8,000. Also present at the ceremony was Angie Miller, left, a parent of two students, and board member April Brock. The community supported the school by test driving the 2015 Lincoln MKC at the Legacy Ford dealership. For each test drive, $20 was donated to the school.

Ta!EF ,40

„

Putn80~

OIECto funds to customers The Associated Press

In this 2011 photo, Putnam "Put" Blodgett poses by a sign announcing he was named Vermont's 2011 Outstanding Tree Farmer in Bradford, Vt. Blodgett, president of the VermontWoodlands Association, has implemented a succession plan for his 670 acres family owned forest land by forming a limited liability company and establishing a conservation easement on the land that prohibits development and mandates professional forest management. forests," Butler said. Sisock previously worked with proj a ectdeveloped at Oregon State University called 'Ties to the Land," which was designed to help land owners and their heirs plan for the future. Variations of that program are now in use in almost two dozen states. Allen and Ginny Nipper — owners of about 500 acres in Louisiana and Arkansas — started a business helping people plan after attending one such seminar. Now they work across the south, from Texas to the Carolinas. Allen Nipper said the most important thing is getting different generations to talk, so children and parents understand what they each want. cWe tell them the best love

KELLER

parents can show the kids is to not put them in a bind," he said. Vermont is emblematic of the problem. Seventy-seven percentoftheforestland is owned by people 55 and over and 15 percent of the owners are over 75, according to preliminary statistics from the Forest Service's 2013 survey. Since 2006, the number of private owners has increased by 7 percent and the parcels are getting smaller, Sisock sald. Though manyforestlandowners are deeply attached to their property, that affinity can be harder to pass on than

a legal deed. "Many of the offspring, grandchildren, are more urbanized and don't have the interest or the roots in the land," said Putnam "Put"

ticsofthe business have to be right: positivecash flow,products priced profitablyand a favorable return on investment. The common element through these six items is that the owner is required to work on, and not in, their business. But rather than focus on these critical issues that will help the business succeed, how do some owners chose to spend their time and energy? You might think that owners who don't work on their business would rather work in their business, but you might be wrong. Most owners avoid the tough things in their own businesses until they are

Continued from Page 1B but instead by focusing on turning a transaction into a relationship ior a customerinto a client)thatprovides recurring revenue is more appealing because this improves cash flow and provides business stability. Fifth, the business must develop a sustainablecompetitive advantage that is difficult to duplicate. This is a basic of marketing that many owners have never learned. Not understanding this essential item is the root cause of many unstable businesses. Sixth, the economic characteris-

Blodgett, thepresident ofthe Vermont Woodlands Association."It's also a subject people don't like to talk about, their demise, and they keep putting it Offa Blodgett, 83, now of Hanover, New Hampshire, was raised on a farm in Bradford, Vermont, about 20 miles up the Connecticut River. In the mid-1950s he bought 670 acresfrom hisparents. Over the years he's harvested more than 3 million boardfeetoflogs,4,622cords of pulp, more than 900 cords of firewood and almost 3,000 tons of wood chips. "I was married to the land m ore or lessand Idecided I would keep it in forests becausethat is afeeling of mine that is so important, toconserve the forest,"said Blodgett.

forced to take action. Even then, some keep their heads stuck in the sand. Instead they choose to deal with the mundane, the trivial, those things oflittle or no consequence. The decisions that are made are the easy ones, rather than the hard ones that really need to be made for the continued success of the company. In December 2014, the Wimp at Work is alive and doing well. The business they own, maybe not. Ken Keller is a syndicated business columnist focused on the leadership needs of small and midsizecloselyheld companies. Contact him at KenKeller SSBCglobal.net.

By Cherise Kaechele WesCom News Service

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative isgoing toreturn $1.2 million in capital credits toitsm embers. Unlike other utilities, which distribute their profits to stockholders, OTEC is a nonprofi telectriccooperative, according to a release from Jim Horan, manager of communications and government affairs for OTEC. "If we collect more money than we need to operate then the member will get it back," Horan said."It's still the members' investment in the co-op." Electri cco-opsoperate at cost — collecting enough revenue to run the business but with no need to raise ratesto generateprofi ts fordistant shareholders, accordingto therelease. When OTEC has money left over, it'sallocated back to its members as capital credits. The capital credits go on the members' accounts or the member is sent a check,

dependingon theamount of usage or the number ofyears they've been a member. Horan said, for example his home is 1,800 square feet and his capital return is, on average, approximate-

ly $5 to $10. "It really depends on the individual usage power," Horan said."Or the amount of electricity you use at any given time." If the capital creditis under

$15 thenit goes on abill credit attached totheiraccount, Horan said. Ifitis over $15 then the customer will receive a checkin the mail. It's fairly typical to receivea capitalcreditever year, he said.

"OTEC has given $24.5 million in its 26-year history," he said. 'The Cooperative works hard to keep rates as low as possi ble,"said W erner Buehler, General Manager of OTEC, "and it is reassuring to know that when there are margins, they go back to the members."

mm51m15 1

Subscribe TODAYand Give a Gift to a friend or loved one Subscribe or renew your current subscription to The Observer or Baker City Herald and give your friend or loved one a 1 month E-EDITION subscription FREE! I want to Subscribe to: Ej The Observer

Ej The Baker City Herald

Name: Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email Address: (required for all e-edition subscriptions) Please send ane-edition subscription to: Name: Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email Address: (required for all e-edition subscriptions)

BAKERY Continued from Page 1B work. When you're the boss, it's your work to do. It's more enjoyable than doing it for someone else. I told iOverl to be sure and enjoy being in charge." Starr said she purchased the business from the original owner, Julie Kelly. The bakery had already been around for a number of years and the community was supporting it. "It's my hope the community will continue to support the third owner," Starr said. Over is excited about her new bakery, she said. She's excited about breads and the creativity and variety of options she has with a bakery. Over said she'll be expanding the hours and may start experimenting with new recipes starting in January or February. She likes the sweets, but she may introduce some more savory items like pizza or sandwiches. She said for now, during the holiday season, she won't be making a lot of changes. She said she's taking specialordersforChristmas and New Year's. Over said the

• 0

•

"I feel very lucky to beable to sell the business. I was therefor 13years — a baker's dozen. It was a very poetic time to handffothe rolling pin to someoneelse."

ported her business. "I feel very lucky to be able to sell the business," Starr said."I was therefor 13 years — a baker's dozen. It was a very poetic time to hand off the rolling pin to someone else."

— Leah Starr, former owner of Kneads Bakery

store will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m.to4:30 p.m. butshe may expand those hours in the spring. Starr hung up her apron and moved to Washington with her husband who got a

new job. She said she turned offher alarm on her phone and is enjoying doing"a whole lot of nothing." Starr wants to thank her regular customers she had over the years and for the community who has sup-

• Bunions

• Treatment for pain in feet, shins, heels, knees, lower back • Custom-molded Orthotics

• Warts • Gout

541-96 3 - 3 161

NNor US KIA UTORI KS

WE CAN HE LP! Diabetic Foot Screening Foot Odor • Athletes Foot

541-523-3673

Contact CheriseKaechele at 541-786-4234 or ckaechele C lagrandeobserver com. Follow Cherise on Twitter C'lgoKaeche/e.

Low BAcK PAIN? • Treatment and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle • In-grown nails

Slker Ctig3~erslh I THE OB5E RVE

i APR'

QarHng af )usf

HR ' 100 Fuel Card!

• Corns, Sr Callouses

M I G H AEL R U s H T o N )

Not a Credit Union member? Stop in and BECOME ONE!

DPM

Membershipis open to EVERYONEin Union, Wallowa and Baker Counties

PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON

'Ihe Doctor speaks Spanishel doctor habla Espan-ol.

Baker City 2830 10th Street • 541-524-0122 Wednesdays in LaGrande 1002 Spring Ave, Suite 1 • 541-963-3431

Dr. Rushton is a Medicare participant and Preferred Provider for Lifewise and Blue Cross/Blue Shield

• 0

•

*Offer good Dec. I to 31, 2014. Must finance over $7,500

WALLOWA gggUNION BAKER FEDERAL

DLO CREDIT UNION kVr,'rr. Ittrr, fnryutt!

I„=,I LENDER

3 De ot Street, La Grande 541-963-3053

• 0

•