Baker City Herald & La Grande Observer

Wednesday

President’s state of the union speech, GOP response: Page 5A

Serving Baker County since 1870 • bakercityherald.com

January 29, 2014

In this edition: Quick hits

Local • Business &AgLife • Go! magazine

75¢

City talks about pot stores

Freezing Rain Forces Rare School Closures

Good Day Wish To A Subscriber

A special good day to Herald subscriber Molly Larsen of Baker City.

Local, Page 3A

The Baker City Police Department’s second in a series of grant-funded patrols targeting impaired drivers is scheduled Feb. 1-2 during Super Bowl Weekend.

The department received a total of $7,200 in grant money from the Oregon Department of Transportation to help get drunken drivers off the road. The grant funds overtime to put extra officers on the road, in addition to the two people who staff each shift.

Future patrols focusing on impaired drivers are scheduled during these dates: • Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27.

• The annual Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, July 10-14.

• Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

Briefing

Blood drive — one day only — set for Monday

The next American Red Cross blood drive is Monday, Feb. 3, at Calvary Baptist Church in Baker City. Appointments are available from noon to 6 p.m.

To schedule one, call Colleen Brooks at 541523-4650.

The blood drive has been scaled down to just one day with longer hours, rather than the two days it has been in the past.

Pancake feed fundraiser for N. Powder Library

NORTH POWDER — The North Powder Library Board will have its annual Groundhog Day pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Wolf Creek Grange on E Street next to the post office.

Proceeds go to the North Powder Library.

Adult meals are $6 and include three pancakes, two eggs, two meats and a choice of drinks.

The children’s meal costs $3 and includes two pancakes, one egg, one meat and milk or juice. There’s also a family rate of $20.

Weather

Today

38 / 23 Freezing rain, rain or snow

Thursday

37 / 18 Snow showers

By Pat Caldwell

pcaldwell@bakercityherald.com

sor, has been with the Public Works Department since 1994.

In addition to the main city routes, his crews have been sanding or salting the thoroughfares through town, including Campbell, Broadway and Main streets.

The Baker City Council approved several key initiatives Tuesday night but it was a pair of lingering, yet critical, issues that consumed most of the meeting at City Hall.

The Council — absent Councilor Clair Button — sanctioned the purchase of used golf course equipment, ratified an ordinance to prohibit smoking in city parks, appointed several volunteers to city committees and authorized city staff to proceed with an application to secure a loan for building a water treatment plant.

Councilors also approved two liquor license proposals — one from Tiedemann Consulting, LLC for the golf course and the other from Mulan Garden Restaurant — in its consent agenda.

While the board moved briskly through the heart of its agenda, a large amount of time was dedicated to a discussion on the prospect of a medical marijuana dispensary opening in Baker City.

So far no one has proposed to open such a business.

While seemingly a straightforward subject regarding whether the city should propose and then approve some kind of mandate to restrict dispensaries, the issue is a complicated one tied to such renowned American themes as local control and federal versus state jurisdiction.

Currently Oregon law compels the Oregon Health Authority to create and then execute a program to register medical marijuana dispensaries.

See Ice Storm/Page 6A

See Council/Page 6A

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

Baker City paramedics, Jason Jacobs, left, and B.J. Lynch, along with Oregon State Police and the Baker Rural Fire Department personnel prepare to move MarthaTizcareno, 45, to an ambulance Wednesday morning.Tizcareno of Keating was traveling west on Highway 86 when she lost control of her vehicle on black ice. She was transported to St. Alphonsus Hospital with neck and wrist injuries. OSP Lt. Gordon Larson comfortsTizcareno’s daughter, Nallely Robles, who arrived later with her brother, Juan, standing center.

Ice wreaks havoc

By Jayson Jacoby and Chris Collins Baker City Herald

A rare Baker County ice storm, perhaps the worst of its kind in the past 20 years, slathered streets, roads and pretty much any inanimate object with a slippery glaze overnight.

Conditions were sufficiently dangerous to prompt school officials to cancel classes in Baker, Burnt River in Unity, and North Powder.

Baker County Circuit Court also was closed today.

“It’s an awful mess out there,” said Tom Strandberg, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation in La Grande. “It’s just a sheet of ice on all the highways.”

Nor were the problems confined to highways.

Baker City Police were busy this morning responding to several accidents on city streets. These included a multiple-vehicle crash — one of them a semi-truck — near the intersection of Hughes Lane and Cedar Street that blocked that northside junction temporarily.

Baker City street maintenance

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

Austin Cline says he lost control of his Ford F-350 truck on ice when he veered slightly to avoid a pedestrian walking too close to the traffic lane, wearing dark clothing, along the east side of Cedar Street about 6:45 a.m. today. He and a co-worker, Alex Mason, were unharmed after the truck began fishtailing and drifted into a fence.

crews were out at 4 a.m. today sanding and salting the roadways to help alleviate the slipping and sliding that was nearly unavoidable.

“They’re treacherous,” Tom Fisk said of the street conditions this morning. “It’s about as bad as we’ve seen it.”

Fisk, the city’s operations supervi-

Bill would boost maintenance budget for parks

By Jayson Jacoby

jjacoby@bakercityherald.com

Baker County’s two parks on Brownlee Reservoir near Richland could get an extra $14,000 per year for maintenance and equipment if the Oregon Legislature passes a bill during its session that starts Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1514 would give each of Oregon’s 36 counties a larger share of fees collected from RV licenses and trip permits.

Now, counties receive 35 percent of that money, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gets 65 percent.

SB 1514 would boost the counties’ share to 40 percent immediately, and to 45 percent starting July 1, 2015, said Karen Spencer, director of the Baker County Parks Department and new president of the Oregon Parks Association, a group of county parks officials.

See Parks/Page 3A

TODAY Issue 108, 30 pages

Full forecast on the back of the B section.

Thursday art night preview

Business..................... 1B Calendar.....................2A Classified.............. 5B-9B

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald file photo

Baker County’s Holcomb Park would benefit from a bill the Oregon Legislature will consider.

Comics........................ 3B Community News.....3A Crossword.........7B & 8B

Dear Abby................ 10B Horoscope.........7B & 8B Letters.........................4A

News of Record... 2A-3A Obituaries...................2A Opinion.......................4A

Senior Menus............2A Sports............... 7A & 8A Weather.................... 10B

coming friday — ­ baker’s battle to maintain streets

2A — Baker City Herald

wednesday, january 29, 2014

Obituaries

Baker County Calendar thursday, jan. 30 ■■ Thursday Art Night: 6:30 p.m., Eltrym Theater, 1809 First St.; features the film “Design is One”; admission is $4 students/seniors, $6 adults. friday, jan. 31 ■■ Keith Taylor: Plays piano every Friday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Veterans Center, 1901 Main St.; free admission.

■■ Eagles Past Presidents Club Dinner: 6 p.m., 2935 H St.; members and their guests welcome.

■■ Auditions: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Iron Gate Theater inside Basche-Sage Place at Main and Broadway; actors sought for “Little Shop of Horrors”; auditions continue Saturday.

Turning Back the Pages 50 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald Jan. 29, 1964 The Baker Elks Lodge has been declared the statewide winner in the Oregon State Elks Association hide gathering program, according to announcement by George Cook, Exalted Ruler of Baker Lodge 338.

Cook made the announcement after he was presented a trophy for the local lodge while attending the Oregon State Elks Association mid winter meeting in La Grande last weekend.

The local lodge won the Oregon Northeast District by contributing over 1,000 hide to the program and received a trophy for this and then when the final tabulation was made statewide the Baker Lodge was declared the winner.

25 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald Jan. 30, 1989 Gary Schmitt and Joan Calloway were honored as the Man and Woman of the Year Saturday evening at the annual Baker County Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the Kopper Kitchen in Baker City.

Schmitt and Calloway were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Sid Johnson and Edwardine Oliver were selected by the chamber directors to receive the Community Legacy Awards for outstanding past or present service.

A new award, the Business of the Year, was presented to U.S. National Bank for contributions and support its staff and employees made to the community.

10 YEARS AGO from the Baker City Herald Jan. 29, 2004 Baker City manager Jerry Gillham has promoted Jennifer Watkins, formerly the city’s community development coordinator, to a department head position.

Watkins’ job title has not changed much — now it’s community development director.

But her duties have changed. Gillham said Watkins will oversee all departments that business people interested in moving to the area might need information from, including the planning, building inspection and engineering departments.

She no longer serves as Gillham’s assistant, nor does she take minutes at City Council meetings. Michelle Owen has assumed those duties, Gillham said.

ONE YEAR AGO from the Baker City Herald Jan. 30, 2013 John Laurence feels no pressure to make a decision that’s among the most highly anticipated on the WallowaWhitman National Forest in the past few decades.

Which is what to do with the forest’s travel management plan (TMP), a policy that could ban motor vehicles from thousands of miles of roads.

Laurence clarifies that he doesn’t feel any sense of urgency now to make a decision, just two weeks into his tenure as supervisor of the 2.4-million-acre national forest, based in Baker City.

Oregon Lottery MEGABUCKS, Jan. 27

9 — 29 — 32 — 43 — 44 — 48 Next jackpot: $1.1 million POWERBALL, Jan. 25

8 — 12 — 18 — 55 — 57 PB 2 Next jackpot: $171 million WIN FOR LIFE, Jan. 27 7 — 63 — 64 — 65

PICK 4, Jan. 28 • 1 p.m.: 7—1— 1 — 7 • 4 p.m.: 1 — 4 — 3 — 3 • 7 p.m.: 0 — 6 — 3 — 8 • 10 p.m.: 2 — 0 — 7 — 6 LUCKY LINES, Jan. 28

2-7-12-16-19-21-28-30

Next jackpot: $57,000

Senior Menus ■■ THURSDAY: Sausage and sauerkraut, parslied red potatoes, peas and carrots, cottage cheese with fruit, bread, cookies ■■ FRIDAY: Baked cod, cup of clam chowder, green beans, coleslaw, roll, cookies Public luncheon at the Senior Center, 2810 Cedar St., noon; $3.50 donation (60 and older), $5.75 for those under 60.

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

Copyright © 2014

ISSN-8756-6419 Serving Baker County since 1870 Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays except Christmas Day by the Baker Publishing Co., a part of Western Communications Inc., at 1915 First St. (P.O. Box 807), Baker City, OR 97814.

Subscription rates per month are: by carrier $7.75; 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, P.O. Box 807, Baker City, OR 97814.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Baker City, Oregon 97814

Leone Haight Halfway, 1922-2013

Leone Haight, 91, of Halfway, died Jan. 27, 2014.

Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church in Halfway. There will Leone be a reception Haight afterward at the Pine Valley Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.

Leone was born on May 18, 1922, at Pocatello, Idaho, to John and Flossie Graham.

She graduated from Pocatello High and earned her teaching certificate from Idaho State University, at Pocatello, which meant she was never a Bronco fan!

She met her future husband, Don Haight, on a movie set in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where Don was playing the part of an extra. They were married on Sept. 6, 1942.

The war years were spent moving around the Southwest as Don trained to become a fighter pilot. When the war ended, they settled at Ogden, Utah, where their son, John, was born.

They soon moved to Mitchell, where their daughter, Donna, was born. In 1952, they bought the ranch on Dry Creek and became “newcomers” to Pine Valley.

Leone taught first grade at the Oxbow School one year and substituted in the Halfway schools many times.

Her kids’ worst fear was having their mom as a substitute teacher.

She was an avid gardener and had two green thumbs.

Flowers were her favorite, followed closely by various berries, squash, tomatoes, peas and beans. She was always ready to share a plant or cutting.

In the winter months her windowsills were filled with pots of flowers, including tropical orchids and cala-

diums that her daughter brought her from Florida.

She was a member of the Pine Valley Presbyterian Church and a volunteer at Jacob’s Dream from its inception. Leone was an avid bridge and pinochle player, and was also known for her sticky buns.

Survivors include her husband, Don; son and daughter-in-law, John and Ranee Haight; daughter and son in-law, Donna and Chip Carter; grandson, Abe; and many cherished friends she considered family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Jacob’s Dream or the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Service, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.

Robert Schurman Baker City, 1927-2014

Robert Wenford Schurman, 86, of Baker City died Jan. 26, 2014, at Meadowbrook Place.

A private service has been held.

Robert was born on Sept. 9, 1927, at Chicago to Wenford R. Schurman and Ruth Burdett Schurman. After completing high school, Raymond spent two years in college, then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for more than two years and made the ranking of corporal.

He then went on to Boeing Co. where he worked as a flight line mechanic for 12 years.

Robert married his wife, Shirley, at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1984. He retired in 1985.

Robert enjoyed spending time in the outdoors fishing, and enjoyed communicating on his ham radio.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Baker City; sons, Ronald of San Antonio, Richard of Seattle and Robert of Marysville; daughters, Jeane of Lynwood, Wash., and

Thank You The many expressions of love and support given to us during this time of great loss, were an immeasurable comfort. All the flowers, phone calls, food, visit, hugs, memorial contributions and other acts of kindness will always remain a precious memory. Our heartfelt thanks to Gray's West & Co. for the beautiful service that honored our loved one.

- The family of Don Cole Women need love. Men need respect.

It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

Join us for the Love & Respect Marriage Video Conference.

Friday, January 31st 6:45-10PM Saturday, February 1st 8:45AM-2:30PM Registration $20/person For more information or to register, visit www.loveandrespect.com Questions? Call 541-523-3533

Baker City Church of the Nazarene

1250 Hughes Lane • Baker City

Joane of Bothell, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Schurman; mother, Ruth Schurman; and sister, Donna Hanley.

Gray’s West and Co. Pioneer Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

‘Ron’ Hogg

Baker City, 1935-2014

Ronald Lee “Ron” Hogg, 78, of Baker City, died Jan. 24, 2014, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center-Baker City.

Visitations will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Coles Tribute Center. Dick Hindman and Bob Harrison will officiate. Private interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Ron will be honored as a veteran by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard from Boise.

Ron was born on Sept. 11, 1935, at North Platte, Neb., to Theodore M. Hogg and Lola Marrott Hogg.

His family later moved to Baker City where Ron Ron Hogg graduated.

In 1953, he joined the U.S. Navy and served four years. While in the Navy, Ron met Evelyn Ann Golar. They were married on June 1, 1954, at Winnemucca, Nev. In 1957 Ron ended his military with a rank of interior communications electrician third class. After his navy career, Ron worked for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph (now known as AT&T) at San Diego for 15 years. He then moved the family back to Baker City where he found himself a “jack-of-all-trades”

as a business owner, driving truck for Transcon Trucking, driving a mail truck, doing carpentry work for whoever needed work done, working for the Bureau of Land Management and finally working for Cashway Lumber.

When Ron retired from the workforce, he could never really settle down and enjoy his retirement. He would always find something to do and would volunteer his time working at the Heritage Museum, Leo Adler House and Historic Baker City.

Ron also assisted the Baker City community with his time on the “Citizens on Patrol” program. He enjoyed helping senior citizens by helping on the Senior Health Insurance Assistance program.

Ron was very proud of the fact he received an honorable discharge from the Navy and an honorable discharge from the Oregon State Defense Force with a rank of major.

Ron was a member of the Teamster Union and Friends of the Museum.

For enjoyment, Ron liked woodworking, reading, driving and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of Baker City; sons, Joseph Hogg of San Diego, and Theodore Hogg of Hillsboro; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lola Hogg; a brother, Clarence; and a son, Michael.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.

News of Record funerals pending

Nancy Ann Taylor: Celebration of Life, 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Haines First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons Interna-

tional through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.

More Record on Page 3A

Happy 70th Birthday Wynona Prowell Friends & Family are invited to celebrate with us VFW at 2005 Valley Ave Friday, January 31 • 6 PM (Spaghetti Dinner Provided) Please, no gifts.

Excel Pilates Classes are (finally) here!

Beginning Tuesday, February 4th Tuesday Evenings 5:30-6:20 pm Thursday Mornings 7:15-8:05 am

$12/class • $10/class when you purchase 8 ($80)

The first class is free!

Excel Pilates is offered to YMCA Members and Non-Members Alike Please contact instructor Jodi Flanagan, MPT 541-523-8887 for questions or to sign up for classes Upcoming Events: Speed/Agility Clinic Feb. 2014 Level 1 Running Clinic April 2014 Level 2 Running Clinic July 2014 Excel Center for Performance (Located in YMCA Building) 3715 Pocahontas, Baker City

Wednesday, january 29, 2014

Baker City Herald — 3A

Baker City Police second drunken driving patrol focus this weekend The Baker City Police Department’s second in a series of grant-funded patrols targeting impaired drivers is scheduled Feb. 1-2 during Super Bowl Weekend.

The department received a total of $7,200 in grant money from the Oregon Department of Transportation to help get drunken drivers off the road. The grant funds overtime to put extra officers on the road, in addition to the two people who staff each shift.

The first “high visibility enforcement campaign,” as the special patrols are dubbed, was scheduled over the holidays from Dec. 13 to Jan. 2 and resulted in increased arrests during that period.

Future patrols focusing on impaired drivers are scheduled during these

parks Continued from Page 1A

Baker County, which received about $45,000 in RV fees in 2013, would get an extra $13,799 the first year, and more the next year starting July 1, 2015, Spencer said.

The county parks department’s total annual budget is about $379,000.

The county would be able to use the extra RV fee money only for Hewitt and Holcomb parks on the Powder River arm of Brownlee Reservoir about two miles east of Richland, Spencer said.

That’s because those are the two county parks that have RV camping sites.

Hewitt Park has 39 RV sites and Holcomb, which is just west of Hewitt, has 24 sites.

Spencer said the county

“We ask all of our citizens and visitors to our community to please be smart, to drink responsibly and to not drive if you have been drinking.”

— Shannon Regan, Baker City Police

dates: • Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27.

• The annual Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, July 10-14.

• Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30-Sept.

2.

Press releases announcing each enforcement effort will be issued ahead of time.

“We ask all of our citizens and

would use the extra money for utility costs, maintenance and equipment such as lawn mowers.

The impetus for SB 1514 is a discrepancy between how the RV fees are distributed now, and the Spencer percentage of RV campsites in state parks compared with county parks, Spencer said.

Although the state parks get 65 percent of the license fees now, those parks have just 51 percent of Oregon’s RV campsites.

County parks, which have 49 percent of those sites, receive just 35 percent of the fees.

And without a bill such as SB 1514, the counties’ share will actually drop to 30 percent starting July 1, 2015.

News of Record Continued from Page 2A

funerals pending

Joyce Calhoun: Funeral, 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, at Elkhorn Baptist Church, 3520 Birch St. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception afterward at the Missouri Flat Grange, 1050 Hughes Lane. The Grange Hall will be open at noon for those who are bringing food for the reception. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart ‘n’ Home Hospice or to St. Alphonsus Care Center through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.

POLICe LOG

Baker City Police Arrests,citations CONTEMPT OF COURT (Baker County Circuit Court warrant): Shane Patrick Nelson, 37, of La Grande, 11:34 p.m. Monday, in the 1700 block of Main Street; jailed.

VIOLATION OF RELEASE AGREEMENT: Shannon Earl Garner, 33, of Spokane, Wash., 7:44 p.m. Monday, in the 1200 block of Place Street; jailed.

IMPROPER USE OF 911: John Thomas Gregg, 58, of 3055 10th St., Apartment 14, 9:26 p.m. Saturday, in the 3000 block of 19th Street; jailed.

MENACING and INTERFERING WITH MAKING A POLICE REPORT: Sidney A. Cruikshank, 60, of 2037 Seventh St., No. 3, 1:47 p.m. Saturday, at his home; jailed and later released.

Oregon State Police Arrests,citations UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE: Brendan Jerome Calvey, 34, of Richland, Wash., 5 p.m. Saturday, on Interstate 84 at Baker City, jailed; police recovered a Dodge Dakota pickup truck reportedly stolen from Kennewick, Wash.

Accident reports On Highway 30 just north of Baker City, about 2:25 p.m.

Jan. 23, police said Gustin Gary King, 21, of Dayville, lost control of the 2011 Dodge pickup truck he was driving.

The vehicle slid around backward and left the highway, rolling into the ditch on the east side of the road and coming to rest on its top. King’s passengers, Taylor Thomas Kerns, 20, and Christopher Lee Patrick, 21, both of Baker City, were treated at the scene for minor injuries. King, who was not injured, was cited on charges of careless driving and open container of alcohol in vehicle.

February 2014 Limited Openings Reserve NOW

SPAY-NEUTER • Pit Bull Mixes • All Dog Breeds • Cats (grant program)

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2015.

The original bill would have increased the counties’ share to 45 percent upon passage of the bill.

Spencer said she believes SB 1514 has a good chance to become law, considering the state parks department and governor’s office both endorsed the bill after the mediation session.

If SB 1514 passes, counties would receive an additional $3.2 million per year, combined, in RV fees, starting in 2015 when the counties’ share rises to 45 percent.

Spencer said if SB 1514 passes, the state parks and recreation department would propose a rate hike for its RV sites to offset its lost revenue.

The Oregon Parks Association agreed, as part of the mediation, to support such a proposal, she said.

County looking for parole violator Luke Anthony Thurman, 24, has absconded from the supervision of the Baker County Parole and Probation Department on a conviction for first-degree theft.

The Department is asking the public for help in finding Thurman.

Baker County Thurman residents should not attempt to apprehend him, however, said Will Benson, Parole and

Probation supervisor.

Thurman has brown hair and blue eyes. He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds.

Anyone with information about Thurman is asked to call Parole and Probation at 541-523-8217; the nearest police department; or the Baker County Consolidated Dispatch Center’s business number, 541-523-6415; or send the information via email to parole@bakercounty. org.

Past Presidents Club Presents...

Hamburger Steak Dinner Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable $8

Friday, January 31 • Serving 6-8 pm Members and their guests welcome.

Eagles Lodge • 2935 H Street • 541-523-5413

PULLMAN, Wash. — Haley Brooke Adams of Baker City was named to the president’s honor roll for the fall 2013 semester at Washington State University.

To qualify, students must have at least nine graded hours of course work and earn a grade-point average of at least 3.75, or take a minimum of 15 graded hours and earn at least a 3.5 GPA.

Alcohol/drug, mental health groups to meet The Baker County Local Alcohol Drug Planning Committee and Mental Health Advisory Council will have a combined meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30, at noon at Community Connection, 2810 Cedar St. in Baker City.

The groups will review and evaluate programs and services.

Child care tax workshop scheduled A tax workshop for child care providers is scheduled Thursday in Baker City.

The workshop will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Connection meeting room at 2810 Cedar St. Information will be presented about which expenses are deductible and the documentation required.

The free class is open to the public. To register or for more information, call 541-523-7838 or 1-800-956-0324, Extension 7.

‘Sweet Dreams’ form luncheon theme “Sweet Dream” is the theme of the Feb. 6 Christian Women’s Connection luncheon.

The event is scheduled from 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sunridge Inn. The cost is $11.50.

Alyssa Peterson, co-owner of Peterson’s Gallery and Chocolatier at 1925 Main St. “will share about her best kept secret: her delicious chocolates she sells from the back of the gallery,” according to a press release announcing the event.

Jerri Wickert of Baker City is the featured speaker. She will talk about “The Delights of Chocolate in our Life.”

“This delightful and informative talk on the history of chocolate draws a powerful comparison to chocolate and life,” the press release stated.

For reservations, call Linda Morse at 541-523-9409 or email her at fletchlin@centurylink.net by Monday. Child care is available.

Vector Control Board meets Friday The Baker Valley Vector Control District’s board of directors will meet Friday, Jan. 31, at noon in the library room at the Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane.

The Vector Control District is responsible for mosquito control in a 200,000-acre area that includes most of the Baker, Bowen and Keating valleys.

Women’s Celebration event March 11 The Baker-Ontario Branch of the American Association of University Women is looking for unrecognized heroines in our community, the women who work quietly in the background, who go the extra mile to assist and encourage others, who step up to help when they see a need.

The public is invited to nominate women prior to Feb. 20. Those selected will be honored at the Annual AAUW Women’s Celebration Event scheduled for March 11.

Nominations may be submitted by email at aauwbakeror@gmail.com or by calling 541-523-5135. Nominations should include the name and contact information of both the nominee and person nominating, and a brief statement of less than 250 words about the nominee’s community contributions.

The March 11 event will begin at 6 p.m. at Community Connection, 2810 Cedar St. in Baker City.

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Lobster & Steak Feed Saturday, February 15 • 6-8 PM $35 per ticket (Steak-only $18) With Sides Sold IN ADVANCE at the Lodge or any Lodge Officer

Tickets must be purchased by

February 11th

NO EXCEPTIONS

Music by: Uncle Al Open to Elks & Invited Guests

BAKER CITY APPLIANCE REPAIR 541-523-5382 •Mon-Fri 9-5

A bill similar to SB 1514 introduced in the 2013 legislative session had the support of both of Baker County’s legislators — Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, and Sen. Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day — but that bill did not make it out of committee, Spencer said.

That resulted in a mediation session involving the Oregon Parks Association, state parks department and a representative from Gov. John Kitzhaber’s office, she said.

That group agreed on an amended version of the bill — the current SB 1514 — that’s different in only one respect.

SB 1514 would phase in the changes, so that counties would receive an initial boost from 35 percent to 40 percent of RV fees, then an additional 5 percent starting July 1,

Haley Adams on WSU honor roll

Proceeds to benefit the Elks local charities

Certified Appliance Repair by Keith

Licensed

visitors to our community to please be smart, to drink responsibly and to not drive if you have been drinking,” Officer Shannon Regan stated in a press release. “In addition, please buckle up, eliminate driving distractions and stay safe.”

More information is available by calling Regan, who is organizing the special patrols, at 541-524-2014 or emailing her at sregan@bakercity.com.

While funding for the DUII overtime grants is provided by ODOT, the program is managed by Oregon Impact. It is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide “educational experiences to end impaired and distracted driving,” according to its website OregonImpact. org.

Local Briefing

Bonded

Baker Elks Lodge #338 1896 2nd, Baker City 541-523-3338

1913 Main Street • Baker City 524-1999 • Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30

Wednesday, january 29, 2014 Baker City, Oregon

4A

Write a letter news@bakercityherald.com

Editorial

A waste of $6.1 million Government’s ability to obscure simple matters in the impenetrable foliage of jargon is infamous, yet even our cynical eyes can still be surprised.

This would be an amusing trait if it weren’t also so often an expensive one, with tax dollars footing the bill.

As reported in a story in Monday’s issue of the Herald, Oregon is among nine states that have received $6.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education to.....

Well, here’s where that jargon jungle gets in the way.

So far as we can tell the money will help teachers, from kindergarten through third grade, recognize which of their students are excelling and which are struggling.

This is a fundamental skill for teachers, and one which we believe the vast majority of teachers already possess.

Apparently the Department of Education — both the federal version, and Oregon’s — disagrees.

According to the story, the nine states, led by North Carolina, will create a “formative assessment, a term used to describe a set of formal and informal evaluations meant to gauge a student’s development and steer instruction to the student’s level.”

Brett Walker, who is the early learning initiatives coordinator for the Oregon Department of Education, tried to translate.

“It’s a way to check in and make sure students are learning at the right pace,” Walker said.

Most schools already have such a system.

It’s called the parent-teacher conference.

And it doesn’t cost extra.

Oregon already does statewide assessments for kindergarteners and third-graders. And no student gets through first and second grade without taking a test or two.

Walker and Jada Rupley, early learning system director for the Oregon Department of Education, cowrote a message that attempts to explain why this new assessment tool is so vital.

“We know that reading on grade level by the end of third grade is an important predictor of future academic success,” they wrote. “A comprehensive formative assessment system will allow schools to measure student learning, progress and development over time.”

Again, this seems to us quite an expenditure of syllables to explain a concise document that everyone has heard of, and seen: the report card.

We’re not questioning the motivation of the federal education officials who awarded the $6.1 million.

We’re convinced that both they and their counterparts from Oregon and the eight other states who will spend the money are committed to improving public schools.

But we see no legitimate reason to lay out $6.1 million — more than one-third of the Baker School District’s annual general fund budget — on this project.

Our schools have faults and problems, to be sure.

But we don’t believe that teachers are so ignorant of their students’ progress, or lack of progress, that they need $6.1 million in remedial aid to understand what’s happening in their own classrooms.

GUEST EDITORIAL Editorial from The (La Grande) Observer: For most of Oregon’s history, the state has offered capital punishment as a deterrent for the most heinous of criminals. An eye for an eye and all that.

The first execution took place in 1851 under the eye of the territorial government, and in the last 110 years, some 60 individuals have been executed in the state.

But now, it seems, the state has become ambivalent about using the system. When it stares death in the face, the state becomes queasy. Thirty-four men and one woman linger on death row. The last execution, by lethal injection, took place in 1997.

Now, 17 years later, one death row inmate, convicted murderer Gary Haugen, is seeking to force his own execution. The U.S. Supreme Court, however,

refused to consider the case.

Gov. John Kitzhaber has expressed his dissatisfaction with capital punishment. In fact, in November 2011, he announced a moratorium on executions and ordered a review of the death penalty system. He said he won’t allow executions as long as he is governor, calling capital punishment “morally wrong” and not in line with basic justice standards.

There are many strong arguments against the death penalty. Foes say it is cruel, hypocritical and does not prevent crimes except for those that may have been committed by the person executed.

What’s more, life in prison, they say, is more hell than cakewalk and is adequate punishment.

There are just as many strong arguments for the death penalty. Proponents say taking a life deserves giving one’s

own life. The death penalty, they say, gives would-be criminals the ultimate warning. They also note that capital punishment can give victims and their families and friends the ultimate closure.

Today, under Oregon law, aggravated murder is the only crime subject to the death penalty.

Oregon needs to decide if it is a capital punishment state or not. Oregon has lived without capital punishment from 1914 to 1920, from 1964 to 1978 and from 1981 to 1984. Studies in state after state show that maintaining a death row costs far more than giving prisoners life sentences without chance of parole.

Perhaps voters need to revisit the 1984 ballot measure that gave capital punishment the green light and reconsider whether the extra costs of a death row are worth the investment.

Your views Inequality isn’t about income, it’s about decisions

Income inequality is a favorite topic currently. But currently the worst inequality is between people who are successful in life — the middle and upper classes — and the underclass.

Sociologists have identified some characteristics which separate these two groups: Wait until marriage to have children and stay married; get a good education; stay out of jail; don’t do drugs or abuse alcohol; and, have some sort of a spiritual life. Successful people share most or all of these characteristics; the underclass demonstrates few or none of them.

Progressives claim that pointing out these differences is “blaming the victim,” saying that it’s their own fault they’re poor. But that isn’t so; instead it’s pointing out that our behaviors have consequences. Mostly this is just common sense. The pregnant high schooler who drops out of school to raise her baby is beginning life with two strikes against her, as is her male counterpart who drops out of school and then does something that gets him locked up. Druggies’ and alcoholics’ addictions are what land them on skid row.

Now we’re talking about averages here. Some individual women are taller than some men, but on average men are taller than women. While some people

Letters to the editor We welcome letters on any issue of public interest. Letters are limited to 350 words. Writers are limited to one letter every 15 days. Writers must sign their letter and include an address and phone number (for verification only). Email letters to news@bakercityherald.com.

play by the above rules yet through no fault of their own wind up poor, in general, people’s behaviors are a good predictor of whether or not they will be successful in life.

So what can the government do about the extreme income inequality between successful people and the underclass?

Very little. As long as there are people who behave in self-destructive ways, there will be an underclass, people about to go under financially for the third and last time. Even if the government were to institute a 100 percent income tax, and then pay every man, woman and child in the country the exact same amount of money, there would still be some who could exist very comfortably on that money while others would constantly run out of money long before they ran out of month.

There are just some tasks which the government is unable to do.

Pat Sundin Baker City

Fire victim says thank you to all who helped I want to send out a personal and heartfelt thank you to all of the emergency personnel who responded to the apartment fire at the Blue Ridge Apartments on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Without the quick response of the Baker Rural Fire Department, the Baker City Fire Department, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross, the fire, loss and damage would have been exponentially worse. I am humbled by the number of personnel who came out and grateful to those who were able to stay into the evening to see that we were safe.

As well, for Chris at the Red Cross, pulling a one-man-show; he was with us all day and then into the night to see that we were all set up and safe at the Oregon Trail Motel. Thank you as well to the hospitality of the staff at the Oregon Trail Motel. Our community is blessed to have such caring and competent people in these positions and my family and I are humbled and grateful. If I forgot anyone, my apologies, it was a bit of a blur that day.

Heather J. Cromwell Baker City

Contact your public officials President Barack Obama: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., 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 World Trade 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. gov.

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

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: 350 Winter 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: P.O. 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, P.O. Box 650, Baker City, OR 97814; 541-523-6541; fax 541-524-2049. City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Dennis Dorrah, Clair Button, Roger Coles, Mike Downing,

Barbara Johnson, Richard Langrell (mayor), Kim Mosier.

Baker City administration: 541-523-6541. Mike Kee, city manager; Wyn Lohner, police chief; Jim Price, 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. (chair), Mark Bennett, Tim Kerns.

Baker County departments: 541-523-8200. Mitch Southwick, sheriff; Jeff Smith, roadmaster; Matt Shirtcliff, district attorney; Alice Durflinger, county treasurer; Tami Green, county clerk; Kerry Savage, county assessor.

Baker School District: 2090 4th Street, Baker City, OR 97814; 541-524-2260; fax 541-524-2564. Superintendent: Walt Wegener. Board meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m., Baker School District 5J office boardroom; Andrew Bryan, Kevin Cassidy, Mark Henderson, Kyle Knight, Rich McKim.

Wednesday, january 29, 2014

Baker City Herald — 5A

President Obama Delivers State Of The Union Speech

Obama vows to flex presidential powers

By Julie Pace

“The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone get ahead. And too many still aren’t working at all.”

AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON — Seeking to energize his sluggish second term, President Barack Obama vowed Tuesday night in his State of the Union address to sidestep Congress “whenever and wherever” necessary to narrow economic disparities between America’s rich and poor.

He unveiled an array of modest executive actions to increase the minimum wage for federal contract workers and make it easier for millions of low-income people to save for retirement.

“America does not stand still and neither do I,” Obama declared in his prime-time address before a joint session of Congress and millions of Americans watching on television.

Draped in presidential grandeur, Obama’s hourlong address served as the opening salvo in a midterm election fight for control of Congress that will quickly consume Washington’s attention. Democrats, seeking to cast Republicans as uncaring about the middle class, have urged Obama to focus on economic mobility and the gap between the wealthy and poor. His emphasis on executive actions was greeted with shouts of “Do it!” from many members of his party.

Declaring 2014 a “year of action,” Obama also sought to convince an increasingly skeptical public that he still wields power in Washington even if he can’t crack through the divisions in Congress.

Burned by a series of legislative failures in 2013, White House aides say they’re now redefining success not by what Obama can jam through Congress but by what actions he can take on his own.

Indeed, Obama’s proposals for action by lawmakers were slim and largely focused on old ideas that have gained

— President Barack Obama, during State of the Union address Tuesday

Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press-MCT

President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union speech during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.,Tuesday.

little traction over the past year. He pressed Congress to revive a stalled immigration overhaul, pass an across-theboard increase in the federal minimum wage and expand access to early childhood education — all ideas that gained little traction after he proposed them last year.

The president’s one new legislation proposal calls for expanding an income tax credit for workers without children.

Republicans, who saw their own approval ratings fall further in 2013, have also picked up the refrain of income inequality in recent months, though they have cast the widening gap between rich and poor as a symptom of Obama’s economic policies.

“Republicans have plans to close the gap, plans that focus on jobs first without more spending, government bailouts and red tape,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodg-

ers, R-Wash., in the Republicans’ televised response to the president’s speech. “We hope the president will join us in a year of real action, by empowering people, not making their lives harder with unprecedented spending, higher taxes and fewer jobs.”

The economy and other domestic issues, including health care, dominated the president’s address.

He touched only briefly on foreign policy, reiterating his threat to veto any new sanctions Congress might levy on Iran while nuclear negotiations with the Islamic republic are under way and touting the drawdown of American troops from Afghanistan this year.

In an emotional high point, Obama singled out Cory Remsburg, an Army Ranger who was a guest of first lady Michelle Obama. Remsburg, who was nearly killed in Afghanistan during one of his 10 deployments, rose

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slowly from his seat and was greeted by long and thunderous applause from the president and lawmakers.

Even as Washington increasingly focuses on income inequality, many parts of the economy are gaining strength, with corporate profits soaring and the financial markets hitting record highs. But with millions of Americans still out of work or struggling with stagnant wages, Obama has found himself in the sometimes awkward position of promoting a recovery that feels distant for many.

“The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone get ahead,” Obama said. “And too many still aren’t working at all.”

Republican Response

GOP says people, not government, key to success

By Donna Cassata Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on Tuesday offered a kinder, gentler vision of Republicans who are determined to empower Americans, not the government, and close the gap “between where you are and where you want to be.”

Tapped to deliver the GOP response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, McMorris Rodgers touched on the daily routines of average Americans that overshadow Washington, from kissing children goodnight to preparing for a doctor’s visit, and complained that Obama’s policies are making life harder.

The highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress said the GOP believes “in a government that trusts people and doesn’t limit where you finish because of where you started. That is what we stand for — for an America that is every bit as compassionate as it is exceptional. Our plan is one that dreams big for everyone and turns its back on no one.”

Noteworthy for a member of the Republican leadership, McMorris Rodgers expressed support for changing the nation’s immi-

gration system, though she made no mention of what to do about the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.

The chairwoman of the House Republican Conference focused on dealing with border security and expanding visas to attract high-tech workers.

Her remarks were highly personal, devoted in large part to her background and family. She spoke while seated on a couch in her office, a flag, family photo and fireplace in the background.

She spoke of preferred Republican approaches on school choice, lower taxes and fewer regulations.

In contrast to McMorris Rodgers, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, offered a biting critique.

“After five years, President Obama is clearly out of ideas,” Boehner said in a statement. “With few bipartisan proposals, Americans heard a president more interested in advancing ideology than in solving the problems regular folks are talking about.”

He criticized the president for focusing on divisive issues and cautioned Obama against any unilateral action that could encroach on the Constitution.

Local & Nation

6A — Baker City Herald

New Mexico town ponders plan to allow domestic horse butchering

By John M. Glionna Los Angeles Times

ROSWELL, N.M. — Dressed in blue jeans, boots and a cowboy hat, Smiley Wooton walked the grounds of his animal auction house here, detailing the intricacies of livestock life and death — whether it’s a cow, pig or goat.

The barrel-chested rancher, who is also a Chaves County commissioner, says making informed decisions on which animals live and which go to slaughter is ingrained in the cultural fabric of this agricultural community of 48,000 in southeastern New Mexico, even among its children.

He pointed to dozens of photos of 4-H winners posing with prize animals they raised from infancy. “Every one of these kids knew that animal would end up on somebody’s plate,” he said.

“Everyone here gets that.”

Now, that prevailing local wisdom is being challenged.

The owner of a livestock processing plant wants his slaughterhouse to become the nation’s first in years to begin butchering domestic horses.

Valley Meat Co. owner Rick De Los Santos, whom most folks know as a hardworking family man, had slaughtered cattle at his plant for two decades before it closed in 2012. A faltering economy, he says, prompted his decision to switch to horses.

Although Wooton and others favor the plan, condemnation has poured in from across the country. And though locals aren’t picketing in this close-knit community where high school students have slaughtered animals in agriculture classes, many quietly say they, too, oppose killing horses.

“A horse’s brain is rigged differently than a cow’s,” said resident Cassie Gross, who insists that many domestic

Council Continued from Page 1A

Under the law, such facilities must be situated on property zoned commercial, industrial or agriculture.

Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff delivered an in-depth briefing to the council regarding why he believes medical marijuana dispensaries are a bad idea.

“I’d argue that dispensaries are very close to legalization,” Shirtcliff said.

While Shirtcliff emphasized he was not giving an official legal opinion, he did outline what could be consid-

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WHY FREEZING RAIN? Blame the inversion.

The upside down temperatures that have prevailed over the past two dry weeks — colder in the valleys than in the mountains — created the ideal conditions for freezing rain.

A storm swept into Eastern Oregon late Tuesday, bringing moisture.

Because temperatures were above freezing at higher elevations, the precipitation fell as rain.

Temperatures stayed below freezing in the valleys, though, and when that rain hit frozen ground (and cars, and trees) it instantly formed ice.

Freezing rain is rare in Baker Valley because the layer of sub-freezing air usually is deep enough that precipitation falls as snow rather than rain.

This month’s inversion has been an extreme version, with temperatures at higher elevations rising into the 40s while valleys remain in the 20s.

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will rise to about 36 in Baker City this afternoon, although an ice storm warning is in effect until 4 p.m.

More information: www.wrh.noaa.gov/boi/

ice storm Continued from Page 1A John Glionna/Los AngelesTimes

Roswell, N.M., is set to become the first town in the nation to begin domestic horse slaughter. While the application of Valley Meats Inc. is still held up in the courts, the agricultural community of 48,000 residents is still divided over whether killing horses is the right thing to do. Here, Chaves County Commissioner Smiley Wooten, who favors the plant, tours his animal auction house in town.

horses are medicated with drugs that could leach into the drinking water. “A bolt to the forehead isn’t a sure kill.

It’s not humane.”

Two years after Congress voted to defund horse slaughterhouse inspections in 2005, state bans in Texas and Illinois shut down the three remaining plants nationwide — prompting many unwanted horses to be exported for slaughter in foreign markets.

De Los Santos says 158,000 U.S. horses were shipped to Mexico and Canada last year — product that could provide jobs in Roswell.

After months of legal wrangling, including suits filed by animal advocates and even the state of New Mexico, his bid seems to be on hold.

A state district judge this month issued an injunction to stop the plant from opening after New Mexico’s state attorney general filed suit, claiming the plant would contaminate the food chain. And the latest budget

passed by Congress cut funding for inspections of horse slaughter plants, a move that animal advocates say should keep entrepreneurs like De Los Santos out of the horsekilling business.

“Americans care for horses, we ride horses and we even put them to work.

But we don’t eat horses in the United States. And we shouldn’t be gathering them up and slaughtering them for people to eat in far-off places,” Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, said after the budget’s passage.

Wooton and others beg to differ. They say politicians in Washington and the state capitol in Santa Fe should stay out of Roswell’s — and De Los Santos’ — business.

“This man has been raked over the coals so doggone long, it’s frustrating for everybody,” Wooton said.

“Nobody loves horses more than cowboys. But society has made horses bigger than

they are. They’re livestock, a tool of the ranch business, not household pets.”

Local leaders have some advice for out-of-state activists who pledge to protest if one horse is slaughtered here: Stay home.

“People are tired of the East and West Coast telling us what to think, do and say,” said Greg Nibert, an attorney and county commissioner. “These outsiders treat the rural West as their national playground. They ignore the fact that residents’ lives and livelihoods are at stake.”

De Los Santos, 53, says he’s been threatened and believes an arson fire at his plant was set by outsiders.

“The majority of the complaints are not from Roswell; they’re from places like New York and San Francisco,” he said. “But one man with a hunting rifle from somewhere in New Mexico called me and said, ‘I’ve got a 30 ought 6, and if you kill one horse, I will take you out.’ ”

ered to be a fair representation of the view of many in law enforcement and in the criminal prosecution ranks in Oregon.

“Dispensaries are unlicensed and unregulated,” Shirtcliff asserted in his presentation.

And, perhaps most important, they are illegal under federal law, he said. The central question swirling around the presentation was a simple one: Can cities restrict such businesses even if they are legal under state law?

Shirtcliff said the question carries an easy answer.

“I think federal law preempts state law in this situation. If federal law is affected by state law, the federal law

trumps it,” he said.

At the end of his presentation, Shirtcliff asked the council to develop some kind of restriction on medical marijuana dispensaries.

“Anything you do to deter it, is at least one step forward,” he said.

Baker City Police Chief Wyn Lohner also urged councilors to act on the issue.

“My hope is we, together take a stand against marijuana dispensaries,” he said.

Simply creating an ordinance to restrict — or outright ban — dispensaries in a local community may not be as simple as it may seem, City Attorney Brent Smith said. Smith essentially told the council that acting now to

enact a mandate to impede such businesses may open a Pandora’s box of unattended legal consequences.

“Carefully consider what action you take,” Smith told the council.

Smith said if the issue reaches the courts, the final judgment could go against cities that are attempting to ban the dispensaries. He said the courts could rule that the Legislature, when it approved the law on medical marijuana facilities, “occupied the field and decided to stand in the place of cities and counties. . .” and therefore cities cannot ban them.

The council discussed the issue at length and concern was raised regarding the

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Several crashes on Interstate 84 temporarily blocked one or more lanes of the freeway.

Both eastbound lanes were closed for about three hours this morning, but one lane re-opened about 8:15 a.m.

Baker City Police Chief Wyn Lohner said his night shift patrol was held over to help the day shift officers as they attempted to help people.

“It’s tough to stay on the road this morning,” he said.

Several people were hurt in crashes, but the severity of the injuries wasn’t immediately known.

Baker County Roadmaster Jeff Smith and Nolan Perkins, assistant roadmaster, were at Hughes Lane and Cedar Street this morning working to help get the road cleared, said Christy Vega, department assistant.

The county has no sand or salt trucks, but only snowplows, which would have been of no use in the ice storm, Vega said.

The Baker School District made the decision to close schools about 4 a.m., said Norma Nemec, executive secretary to the superinten-

upcoming March 3 deadline when the Oregon Health Authority will begin to resister medical marijuana dispensaries.

“I think we need to act soon or immediately,” Councilor Kim Mosier said.

Two ideas — a business license to address the dispensaries and the other an ordinance with language to ban the dispensaries outright — were discussed.

City Manager Mike Kee told councilors he would quickly develop the two separate ordinances and bring them to the council for review.

The council also discussed — but tabled — a proposal to award bids for the replacement of the domestic hot water system at the city-owned Sam-O Swim Center. The city received two proposals to repair the system but several councilors, as well as Baker County YMCA CEO Heidi Dalton, expressed a desire to garner more information on the proposals before a final decision was reached on the matter.

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dent and school board.

She said Doug Dalton, the district’s chief financial officer and business manager, and Wayne Paxton, transportation supervisor, were up at 2 a.m. checking the roads.

Word of the closure first went to the principals, who then alerted teachers, who called parents. The information also was sent to the media and posted on the district website at baker. k12.or.us and on Facebook.

Superintendent Walt Wegener is at Salishan on the Oregon Coast for a meeting of the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Nemec said.

Head Start classes also were canceled this morning, said teacher Paulette Romtvedt.

Christy Swindlehurst, secretary for the Burnt River District at Unity said she walked over to the school from her home nearby to make sure no one showed up for classes this morning.

The decision to close for the day came at about 5:30 a.m. and calls were made, she said.

No one was answering the phone at the Huntington School this morning.

Snow fell in Halfway, where schools were open as usual today.

The board also deliberated on a plan to create a Public Arts Commission and Kee agreed to deliver a proposed ordinance on the issue to the council at its next meeting.

The council also heard from Baker County Economic Development Director Greg Smith regarding a recent Outdoor Retailers Winter Market Expo in Salt Lake City. Smith said he and his staff were able to develop a number of good leads regarding small businesses interested in moving to Baker City.

Smith also told the council that a recent effort to bring a big retailer into the city — in this case ShopKo — was not successful.

“They had such specific criteria. We looked at everything. They came out and visited. We turned over every stone but in the end what they needed we just didn’t have it,” he told the council.

Smith said he is currently working with a group interested in attracting a national brand franchise restaurant to the area.

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Wednesday, january 29, 2014

Baker City Herald — 7A

Memphis 98, Portland 81

Zach Randolph returns, gets best of the Blazers

By James Beseda Associated Press

PORTLAND — There is something about returning to Portland that brings the best out of Memphis forward Zach Randolph.

Randolph did another number on his former team Tuesday night, finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 98-81 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Mike Conley had 19 points and seven assists, and Marc Gasol added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Grizzlies (23-20), who won their third straight and seventh in eight games.

LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 27 points and 16 rebounds as the Blazers (33-13) suffered their most lopsided defeat of the season.

Portland registered a season low for points scored and had their home winning streak snapped at five games.

Randolph registered his 27th double-double of the season as a franchise recordsetting 190th for the Grizzlies, who never trailed.

Kobe will miss all-star game

Portland fell to 18-5 at home.

Randolph, who played his first six seasons with the Blazers, averaged 22.7 points on 52.9 percent shooting in seven previous visits.

“It’s always fun to come back,” said Randolph, who scored 13 of his 23 points in the first half as the Grizzlies opened a 61-46 lead. “This is where I started, man. That’s just the kind of player that I am.”

The Grizzlies, picking up where they had left off in Saturday’s 99-81 home win over Houston, shot 58.3 percent in the first quarter against the Blazers and jumped in front 31-22 behind Randolph’s 11 points.

“It was important for us to get off to a fast start and we did,” Randolph said. “We had great offense during the game, but our defense was the key.”

The Grizzlies held Portland, averaging a NBA-leading 109 points a game, to 34.5 percent shooting two nights after the Blazers shot a season-low

33.7 percent in a 103-88 loss at Golden State.

“Memphis saw blood and they lunged at our jugular,” Blazers center Robin Lopez said. “I really think we kind of slashed our own throat in a way, which kind of let them run away with it.”

Aldridge was 6 of 7 in the first quarter and Nicholas Batum converted a three-point play that pulled Portland within 24-22, but Memphis outscored the Blazers 7-0 over the final 2:20 of the period to open a nine-point cushion.

“We were in attack mode on both ends of the floor,” Grizzlies coach David Joerger said. “Most of the night, we were the aggressors.”

Memphis connected four times from 3-point range in the second quarter, including one by Courtney Lee that extended the lead to 57-39 with 3:39 to play in the half.

Damian Lillard connected from 3 for Portland to start the fourth quarter, sparking a 23-13 run that cut the deficit to 94-81 with 2:27 to play.

“It was a disappointing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant is expected to miss the NBA All-Star game due to continued pain and swelling in his injured left knee.

The Los Angeles Lakers provided an injury update on the superstar guard, saying Bryant will be out for at least three more weeks before he is re-examined.

Bryant was voted a starter in the AllStar game, which is in New Orleans on

game, needless to say,” said Blazers coach Terry Stotts, whose team was playing its ninth game in 14 nights. “We got off to a slow start. We caught a team that’s trying to put it together. They’re on a roll and they’re playing very well. They showed that in the first half.”

Lillard finished with 16 points, Lopez had 14, and Batum 10 for the Blazers.

“We’re in a rough patch right now,” Lillard said.

“We’re not shooting the ball very well and we’ve got to defend better. We’ve played so well, we were due for a rough patch and a little bit of adversity.”

The Grizzlies remain in fourth place in the Southwest Division but are gaining ground.

“We’re getting our chemistry right,” Randolph said. “I don’t want to say we’re right there or that we’re hitting our peak, but it’s coming. As long as we keep working hard and playing 48 minutes, we give ourselves a chance to compete with anybody.”

Submitted photo

Seven members of BASS — (Baker Area Seasoned Swimmers) participated in a national competition on Saturday. From left, Randy Stadler, Carol Kitch, Bob Moon, Dan Van Winkle, Andrew Storer, Gary Dielman, Brook Carnwath.

Baker swimmers join in national competition ■■Competed in one-hour event Jan. 25 Seven BASS (Baker Area Seasoned Swimmers) team members participated in the National One-Hour Postal Swim Championships on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Sam-O Swim Center.

The competition, sanctioned by US Masters Swimming, takes place every year in January. This is the third time in the last four years that BASS team members have swum this event. Membership in USMS and BASS is open to all swimmers 18 and older.

Although the rules allow individuals to swim 60 minutes any time during January, BASS teammates chose the camaraderie of swimming together.

Members participating this year were: Dan Van

Feb. 16 — less than three weeks away.

Bryant had previously said he hoped fans wouldn’t vote for him, but the fourthleading scorer in NBA history was elected to the game for the 16th straight time anyway.

Lakers team physician Steve Lombardo examined Bryant after he returned from the Lakers’ two-week road trip and the results apparently weren’t encouraging.

Winkle, 30; Brooke Carnwath, 35; Randy Stadler, 56; Carol Kitch, 59; Bob Moon, 59; Andrew Storer, 62; and Gary Dielman, 74.

The swimmers’ challenge was to swim as many yards as possible in 60 minutes. The farthest swim this year was Van Winkle’s 4,000 yards, which is 2.27 miles or 80 round trips in the 25-yard Sam-O pool.

One-hour swim times from all over Oregon combine to provide an Oregon Club composite score. In spite of the state’s small population, Oregon always finishes in the top five clubs nationally. Several times Oregon has finished first.

Results for the January 2014 swim will be released in about a month.

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FINANCING

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8A — Baker City Herald

Week ahead Thursday, Jan. 30 ■■ Wrestling: Baker at Vale three-way, 5:30 p.m. MST friday, jan. 31 ■■ Girls basketball: Mac-Hi at Baker (2 games), 3 p.m.; Wallowa at Pine-Eagle, 3 p.m.; Imbler at Powder Valley, 3 p.m.

■■ Boys basketball: Wallowa at Pine-Eagle, 3 p.m.; Imbler at Powder Valley, 3 p.m.; Mac-Hi at Baker (2 games), 4:30 p.m. saturday, feb. 1 ■■ Boys basketball: Pine-Eagle at Imbler, 1 p.m.; Powder Valley at Joseph, 1 p.m.; Baker vs. Redmond, 2:30 p.m., Prairie City; Baker JV at Prairie City, 5:30 p.m.

■■ Girls basketball: Pine-Eagle at Imbler, 1 p.m.; Powder Valley at Joseph, 1 p.m.; Baker vs. Redmond, 1 p.m., Prairie City; Baker JV at Prairie City, 4 p.m.

■■ Swimming: Baker Invitational, noon, Sam-O Swim Center ■■ Wrestling: Baker, PineEagle at Homedale duals, 9 a.m.

At a glance

Baker girls lose VALE — Baker lost a 46-19 nonleague girls basketball game at Vale Tuesday.

No other information was available in time for this story.

Wednesday, january 29, 2014

Bulldogs drop nonleague game to Cole Valley

By Gerry Steele

gsteele@bakercityherald.com

Baker’s inability to take care of the basketball cost the Bulldogs in the win column Tuesday against Cole Valley Christian of Meridian, Idaho.

The Bulldogs turned the ball over three times in the final minute and allowed the Chargers to rally for a 52-49 victory in the nonleague boys basketball game at BHS. “This one ought to sting a little bit,” said Baker coach Joel Richardson.

“Cole Valley didn’t get the win. We gave them the win.”

Baker finished the game with 23 turnovers, a dozen from the guards.

“Our point guards didn’t do a good job of taking care of the basketball,” Richardson said.

The Baker coach said another key to the loss was Baker’s inability to make baskets inside.

“We missed way too many two-footers, particularly in the first half,” Richardson said.

“We make a few more of those baskets and we build on our lead and aren’t in the kind of situation we were in late.”

Baker led 49-46 with just over a minute left in the game. But the Bulldogs then turned the ball over.

Cole’s Logan Gochnour then hit a three-point basket with 49 seconds left to tie the game at 49-49.

Then, after a Baker timeout with 39.7 seconds left, Cole Valley forced a jump ball near midcourt. The possession arrow was in the Chargers’ favor.

Josh Jardine, who led all scorers with 23 points, then

connected on another threepointer from in front of the Cole Valley bench with 5.5 seconds left.

Then, after three straight timeouts, Baker again turned the ball over to end the game.

Baker rode eight points from Kyle Srack to a 16-12 lead after one quarter.

Mason Cline, returning to action after missing a week due to a wrist injury, added four points.

Jardine then got hot, scoring nine second-period points, to help Cole Valley forge a 26-23 halftime advantage.

Four points from Cline, three from Logan Sand, and two from Clay LeaMaster gave Baker a 32-28 edge midway through the third quarter.

Then, with Baker leading 36-31, Cole Valley scored seven unanswered points to take a 38-36 lead with 9.8 seconds left in the quarter.

Aiden Hayes answered with a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Baker a 39-38 lead entering the final eight minutes.

Baker then built its cushion to five points, 49-44, with 3:02 left in the game. That’s when Cole Valley made its final run.

Baker hosts Mac-Hi in a Greater Oregon League contest Friday.

COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN (52) Plott 2 2-6 6, DeWitt 1 0-0 2, Jardine 8 2-3 23, Renfrow 1 0-2 2, Sherman, Ware, Gochnour 3 2-2 11, Nichols 2 0-2 4, Doxtator 1 0-0 2, Christianson, Evarts, Greenleaf 1 0-0 2. Totals 19 6-15 52.

BAKER (49) ­ Hayes 2 0-1 6, Gulick, Scott, LeaMaster 2 0-1 4, Cline 5 3-3 13, Sand 4 1-2 12, Srack 5 4-6 14.

Totals 17 8-13 49.

Cole Valley Christian ­12 14 12 14 — 52 ­16 7 16 10 — 49 Baker Three-point baskets — Jardine 5, Gochnour, Hayes 2, Sand 3. Fouled out — none.

Total fouls — Cole Valley Christian 15, Baker 11.

Technicals — none.

Kathy Orr/ Baker City Herald

Baker’s Kyle Srack scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Cole Valley Tuesday night in the Baker gym.