Baker County Living '14-'15

2014-15

Baker County

Living Your guide to local businesses, organizations, government services, schools and more.

Welcome

Baker County Living

B

aker County is in the northeastern corner of Oregon along Interstate 84 — 300 miles east of Portland and 75 miles west of the Idaho border. The county’s population is 16,280 and covers more than 3,000 square miles. The county seat, Baker City, is the largest community with a population close to 10,000.

Located at the base of the Elkhorn Mountains at an elevation of 3,369 feet, Baker City offers a variety for outdoor enthusiasts — skiing fresh powder, hiking, camping, fishing or driving the scenic byways.

In town, the historic district boasts more than 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

For up-to-the-minute information on attractions and turn-by-turn GPS instructions, download the Go Northeast Oregon app (pictured below) on Apple iTunes or Google Play.

Snapshot Amenities Public Parks - 9 Swimming pools - 1 Public tennis courts - 6 Sports fields - 8 Golf courses - 1 Cinemas - 1 Public libraries - 6 Museums/galleries - 10 Churches - 28

Major employers Local government State government St. Alphonsus Medical Center Federal government Marvin Wood Products Ash Grove Cement Behlen Country OregonTrail Electric Natural Structures Guyer & Associates Orchard Wood Products Baker City Herald

Inside

Weather 4 Connections 8 10 Community resources Health services 12 Schools 18 Youth 20 Library 22 Art and theater 24 Transportation 26 Nonprofits 30 Volunteer 32 Service clubs 36 Baker County Living is published annually by Churches 38 the Baker City Herald, a division of Western Senior services 40 Communications Inc. Pets, state resources 42 Rural living 44 Contact us: Baker City Herald, Gardening 50 P.O. Box 807, Winter 52 Baker City, OR 97814 Code of the West 56 Website: Public lands 64 Outdoor recreation 72 www.bakercityherald.com Elkhorn Scenic Byway 76 Phone: 541-523-3673 Special events 78 info@bakercityherald.com Hells Canyon Byway 80 1

Baker County Living Animal Health & Services NW Ag Supply......................................61 Arts & Entertainment Crossroads Art Center..........................41 Elkhorn Lanes......................................5 Eltrym Theater....................................71 Go Northeast Oregon..........................29 Attractions & Events Anthony Lakes....................................35 Baker County Fair Event Center...........41 Baker Heritage Museum.....................39 Coles Tribute Center............................41 Colton Carriage Services.....................67 Go Northeast Oregon..........................29 Hells Canyon Adventures.....................31 Quail Ridge Golf Course.....................79 Auto, Towing & Repair Eagle Valley Collision............................11 Grumpy's Repair..................................69 Mike Bork Auto......................................5 Paradise Truck Wash.............................35 Paul's Transmissions.............................55 Ragsdale Mobile Glass..........................69 Communications Snake River PCS..................................49 Contractors, Equipment & Sales Britt Sand & Gravel/Farwest Concrete...37 Elkhorn Drilling....................................11 Olson's Tractor & Hydraulics.................27 Robbin's Farm Equipment.....................33 Triple C Redi Mix..................................65 Education & Training Baker County Library...........................23 Blue Mtn. Community College...............23 Faith Organization Church Directory..................................48 St. Stephen's.......................................75 Financial Services Banner Bank......................................43 Cam Credits........................................33 Community Bank................................35 Guyer & Associates CPA's PC................69 Martin Financial..................................61 Old West Federal Credit Union.............73 Vision Wealth Management.................21 Fuel Black Distributing, Inc..........................3 Fletcher's Shell...................................55 Gas N Snack.......................................53

Advertiser Index

Funeral Services Coles Tribute Center..............................41 Gray's West & Company.......................41 Health & Medical Services Anita Swartz MA, CCC-SLP.......................27 Baker City Pharmacy.............................25 Baker Vision Clinic.................................13 Dr. Michael Rushton, DPM......................59 Eagle Optical.........................................15 Elkhorn Denture....................................49 Family Wellness Center..........................73 Heart n Home.........................................5 Integrative Physical Therapy..................63 St. Alphonsus........................................45 St. Lukes........................inside front cover Home Maintenance & Repair Baker Sewer & Drain...........................33 Curtis Heating & Air..............................63 Heaven's Best......................................43 Miller's Lumber & Truss........................35 MMW Electric Motor & Repair................21 NeHi Enterprises...................................61 Scott's Heating & Air.............................57 Valley Metal & Heating.........................77 Insurance Services Bisnett Insurance...................................9 Nick Conklin Insurance.........................79 State Farm Gregg Hinrichsen.................67 Wheatland Insurance............................11 Legal Services Yturri Rose, LLC....................................5 Lodging & RV Parks Dancing Goat Inn...............................63 Eagle Valley RV...................................15 Eldorado Inn......................................15 Rodeway Inn......................................55 Sunridge Inn......................................65 Super 8..............................................33 Manufacturers Ashgrove Cement............inside back cover Elkhorn Boot Repair.............................53 Organizations Baker County Chamber of Commerce ..........back cover Baker County Economic Development...77 Baker Lions Club..................................77 Elk's Lodge #338.................................59 Soroptimist International of Baker County ..................78

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Personal & Wellness Services Baker City Vape...................................67 Baker Valley Travel..............................75 Baker YMCA........................................75 Barefoot Wellness................................77 Gold Heart Massage.............................47 Publishing Companies Baker City Herald................................51 McElroy Printing Inc.............................71 Real Estate & Related Services

Ag Insurance........................................17 Allied Mortgage Resource.....................17 John J. Howard & Associates.................78 Restaurants Baker County Custom Meats.................25 Baker Truck Corral...............................31 Barley Brown's Brew Pub.....................71 Coffee Corral........................................15 El Erradero..........................................57 Haines Steak House...............................9 Oregon Trail Restaurant.......................71 Rising Sun Palace.................................19 Sumpter Junction.................................25 Taco Time............................................53 Zephyr Bakery....................................75 Retailers Ace Nursery.........................................55 Baker City Vape...................................67 Baker Copy, Ship & Mail.......................61 Baker Food Co-op................................39 Baker Gold & Silver..............................25 Blue Mountain Design Works................67 Cliff's Saws & Cycles.............................47 Computer Maniac.................................69 Copper Belt Winery...............................47 Crunchy Mama's..................................53 Scorpio International............................47 Trader Ray's........................................21 Richland/Halfway Businesses Eagle Valley RV....................................15 Social Services Baker County Veterans.........................27 Community Connections.........................7 MayDay...............................................27 Storage Saf-T-Stor.............................................11 Utilities Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative...........63

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Baker County Living What's the weather like?

Rainy Oregon? Not in these parts ■■Our average rainfall is 10.68 inches — for the year

By Jayson Jacoby

You know what a rain shadow is.

Well, much of Baker County lies within a double rain shadow.

Puddles, suffice it to say, are an uncommon hazard hereabouts.

The first, and by far the larger, of these two shadows is the one cast by the Cascade Mountains.

That line of volcanic peaks intercepts most of the moisture from the soggy storms that sweep inland from the Pacific Ocean frequently between Halloween and Memorial Day. And a goodly portion of the water that the Cascades don’t get is wrung out by the Elkhorns, the 9,000-foot range that dominates the western horizon from Baker Valley.

Clouds, as a result, tend to contain precious little precipitation by the time they reach Baker City.

The average rainfall at the Baker City Municipal Airport is 10.68 inches.

Portland, Salem and Eugene each gets doused with more than three times as much.

What those cities don’t get much of, though, is snow.

Or sub-zero temperatures.

Both of which are relatively common in Baker County.

The explanation for this involves a couple of factors.

See Page 6

These are the monthly averages and extremes, all from the Baker City Municipal Airport's records, 1951 to present.

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JANUARY Avg. high: 33.9 Avg. low: 16.9 Precipitation: .99 Record High: 59 Record Low: -28

JULY Avg. high: 84.9 Avg. low: 48.3 Precipitation: .58 Record High: 104 Record Low: 30

FEBRUARY Avg. high: 41.1 Avg. low: 22.3 Precipitation: .64 Record High: 66 Record Low: -28

AUGUST Avg. high: 84.2 Avg. low: 46.9 Precipitation: .85 Record High: 106 Record Low: 27

MARCH Avg. high: 49.8 Avg. low: 26.6 Precipitation: .82 Record High: 78 Record Low: -5

SEPTEMBER Avg.high: 75.1 Avg. low: 38.7 Precipitation: .68 Record High: 101 Record Low: 17

APRIL Avg. high: 58.7 Avg. low: 31.0 Precipitation: .84 Record High: 89 Record Low: 12

OCTOBER Avg. high: 62.4 Avg. low: 30.3 Precipitation: .63 Record High: 90 Record Low: 1

MAY Avg. high: 67.1 Avg. low: 38.1 Precipitation: 1.37 Record High: 94 Record Low: 14

NOVEMBER Avg. high: 45.5 Avg. low: 24.8 Precipitation: .93 Record High: 72 Record Low: -16

JUNE Avg. high: 75.3 Avg. low: 44.5 Precipitation: 1.33 Record High: 102 Record Low: 26

DECEMBER Avg. high: 35.6 Avg. low: 18.0 Precipitation: 1.02 Record High: 60 Record Low: -39

K in li

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Primary Office 89 SW 3rd Ave, Ontario, OR 541-889-5368 www.yturrirose.com

Complete Auto Repair Established in 1982 www.borkautorepair.com

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Baker County Living

Weather

Continued from Page 4

The first of these factors is the aforementioned Pacific Ocean.

That massive body of water strongly influences weather relatively near the coast — mainly between the Cascades and the beach.

Specifically, the Pacific acts as a sort of automatic climate control — the water temperature off the Oregon coast usually ranges between 50 and 60 degrees, and so does the air temperature.

Prevailing winds then blow that mild air onshore, where it moderates both summer heat and winter chill west of the Cascades.

Baker County, by contrast, is more than 200 miles from the Pacific, and thus is relatively unaffected by those balmy breezes.

As a result, summers here are hotter than west of the Cascades.

Winters, meanwhile, are colder, which brings up the second factor: elevation.

Baker City is about 3,400 feet above sea level, whereas most of the Willamette Valley is below 500 feet.

And with occasional, and temporary, exceptions, the temperature gets lower the higher you climb.

Baker County’s elevation, combined with its scarcity of clouds, results in nighttime temperatures

The Climate Baker County is too far away from the Pacific Ocean to benefit from its climate control, so summers here are hot.

We're also at a higher elevation — 3,400 feet above sea level — which means winters are cold and snowy.

This is also a dry climate — on summer afternoons, the humidity rarely exceeds 30 percent.

But we do still get rain — mostly in the spring. May and June are the wettest months around here.

that usually drop below 55 even during heat waves.

And the heat, as the saying goes, is of the dry variety — humidity on summer afternoons rarely exceeds 30 percent, and often dips below 20 percent.

Fall, and especially the first half, is a particularly pleasant season here.

October is actually the seconddriest month, and September the fourth-driest (July tops the list, and February is third). During so-called Indian summer, with sunshine, af-

ternoon highs in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 20s can persist for weeks during autumn.

Snow rarely accumulates in the valleys before Thanksgiving, although the higher mountains often don their white attire weeks earlier.

Another weather tendency that distinguishes Baker County from much of the rest of Oregon is that the wettest period is not fall or winter, but rather spring.

May is the wettest month, and June the second-wettest.

National Climatic Data Center www.ncdc.noaa.gov 6

Community Connection 2810 Cedar Street, Baker City • 541-523-6591 Caring for our Senior Citizens in their homes and at our Senior Center

IN-HOME CARE: • A few hours a week to keep Senior Citizens living independently in their homes.

• Bathing, dressing, meal preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, respite care, transportation to doctor appointments.

HEALTH SERVICES: • Blood Pressure Testing • Foot Care Clinics • Medical Equipment Loans NUTRITION: Daily Monday - Friday • Serving 11:30 to 12:30 • A nutritious hot meal at the Dining Center • Meals on Wheels delivered to the home. Also available in outlying communities Halfway, Richland, Huntington, Haines TRANSPORTATION: • In Baker: Trolley Service 8 AM - 5 PM Monday - Friday • Call for information on Baker - La Grande Commuter Service • Weekly service from Halfway and Richland to Baker • Affordable Senior Rates • See route and times at www.neotransit.org

Call for activities offered (Such as Tai Chi & line dancing)

Baker County Senior Programs Mary Jo Carpenter, County Manager

Bingo: Mon Nights 6:30 pm Jackpots & Special Games Tues & Thurs 1pm Played on Hard Cards

A Community Service from

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.

Administrative Office: 104 Elm Street, La Grande, OR 97850 • 541-963-3186 Margaret Davidson, Executive Director 7

Baker County Living

Connections

Need a phone? Or a newspaper?

Water

■■ City of Baker 1655 First St., Baker City 541-523-6541

Electricity ■■ Oregon Trail Electric Co-op 4005 23rd St., Baker City 541-523-3616

If you're moving to Baker County, this contact list of local services — water, power, telephone, television — will help make it a little easier.

Natural gas ■■ Cascade Natural Gas 888-522-1130

Telephone ■■ CenturyLink 866-642-0444 www.centurylink.com ■■ Verizon 1080 Campbell St., Baker City 866-487-1222 ■■ Navigate Wireless 1084 Campbell St., Baker City 541-523-3334 ■■ Snake River PCS 349 First St., Richland 541-893-6115

Internet ■■ The Geo 1809 Main St., Baker City 541-523-0270 www.thegeo.net ■■ Eastern Oregon Net Inc. 808 Adams Ave., La Grande 541-962-7873 http://home.eoni.com

Drivers license

■■ Oregon DMV 3370 10th St., Baker City 866-731-5420

Garbage, recycling ■■ Baker Sanitary Service 3048 Campbell St., Baker City 541-523-2626

Sewer ■■ CenturyLink 866-642-0444 www.centurylink.com

Newspapers ■■ Baker City Herald (M, W & F) 1915 First St., 541-523-3673 www.bakercityherald.com ■■ Record-Courier (Weekly) 914 Front St., Haines 541-856-3615 ■■ Hells Canyon Journal (Weekly) 145 N. Main St., Halfway 541-742-7900 ■■ The Baker County Press (Weekly) www.thebakercountypress.com 541-519-0572

Television ■■ Charter Communication 877-906-9121 www.charter.com ■■ CenturyLink 866-642-0444 www.centurylink.com

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■■ Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 800-304-3513

Post offices ■■ Baker City 1550 Dewey Ave. 541-523-8593 ■■ Haines 918 Front St. 541-856-3585 ■■ Sumpter 321 S.E. Austin St. 541-894-2323 ■■ Huntington 10 E. Washington 541-869-2256 ■■ Halfway 10 W. Main 541-742-4381 ■■ Richland 203 Main St. 541-893-6194 ■■ Durkee 28677 Highway 30 541-877-2224

541-523-4267 • 1798 Campbell, Baker City www.bisnett.com

Debbie Poe & Kathy Reedy Specializing In: Auto & Home, Farm & Ranch, Business Insurance, Contractors, Life & Health

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Baker County Living

Resources

Community resources - just in case Emergency services ■■ Baker City Police Department 1768 Auburn Ave., Baker City 541-524-2014 Emergency: 9-1-1 www.bakercity.com/departments/police ■■ Baker County Sheriff's Office 3410 K St., Baker City 541-523-6415 Emergency: 9-1-1 www.bakersheriff.org ■■ Oregon State Police 39155 Pocahontas Road, Baker City 541-523-5848 Emergency: 9-1-1 www.oregon.gov/osp ■■ Baker City Fire Department 1616 Second St., Baker City 541-523-3711 Emergency: 9-1-1 www.bakercity.com/departments/fire ■■ Poison Control 800-222-1222

Local government ■■ Baker City Hall 1655 First St. 541-523-6541 ■■ Baker County Courthouse 1995 Fourth St., Baker City 541-523-8200 ■■ Department of Human Services 3615 10th St., Baker City 541-523-6423

Just in case you need a police officer or the fire department — or a marriage license.

Crisis resources

■■ MayDay Inc. Advocacy center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

1834 Main St., 541-523-9472 24-hour crisis line: 541-523-4134 ■■ Rachel Pregnancy Center 2192 Court Ave., Baker City 541-523-5357

Services ■■ Baker County Veterans Office 1995 Fourth St., Baker City 541-523-8223 ■■ Social Security Administration 2205 Cove Ave., La Grande 541-963-0105 ■■ Community Connection of Baker County Assistance for seniors and low-income households. The dining center serves meals Monday through Friday from noon to 12:20 p.m. A $3 donation is suggested for those 60 and older, and $5.25 for younger people.

2810 Cedar St., Baker City 541-523-6591

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■■ Baker County Vector Control If you have a bad case of mosquitoes around your house, this is the number to call.

541-523-1151

Food banks ■■ Northeast Oregon Compassion Center Food and clothing bank.

1250 Hughes Lane, Baker City 541-523-9845 ■■ The Salvation Army 2502 Broadway St., Baker City 541-523-5853 ■■ Bread of Life 3453 H St., Baker City 541-523-5425 ■■ St. Francis de Sales 2235 First St., Baker City 541-523-4521

Emergency assistance ■■ Baker County Ministerial Association 541-523-9845 ■■ Community Connection 2810 Cedar St., Baker City 541-523-6591 ■■ American Red Cross 1655 First St. Baker City 541-523-2231

Eagle Valley Collision Rebuilders, Inc. FREE Estimates • Quick Turnaround We have two Baker City Agents to serve you!

1405 Campbell St • 541-524-1984 Farm & Ranch • Crop • Business • Work Comp Home • Auto • RV • Boat • Motorcycle

Bill Harmon

Michelle Remien

Insuring Eastern Oregon Since 1983!

Auto Body • Frame Paint • Glass

Find an office near you!

Baker City • LaGrande • Enterprise • Pendleton • Athena Hermiston • Elgin • Ione • Heppner • Condon

2155 Windmill Road • 541-523-1057

www.wheatlandins.com

Elkhorn Drilling, Inc.

SAF-T-STOR

• Domestic • Commercial • Irrigation Drilling • Bonded & Insured

SECURE STORAGE

Located in Beautiful Baker City Saf-T-Stor can offer you a variety of storage options. We safely and securely store your documents and records, personal possessions, your RV, boat, trailer or camper.

Call Jeremy Coley 541-519-0618 541-523-4073

We have multiple sizes of enclosed units, covered areas and outside spaces. Our facility is securely fenced, with dusk to dawn lighting, a computerized gate and surveillance cameras.

Let us clear your clutter and open up your living spaces by storing off seasonal items with us.

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We are happy to help you with all your storage needs.

Please call for an appointment or information.

3100 15th St. (off "H" St.) Baker City 541-523-2128 www.storageor.com 11

Baker County Living

Health

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

A regional system of health care

B

aker City’s hospital, which has been serving the community for 117 years, is part of CHE/Trinity Health and the Saint Alphonsus Health System, a four-hospital, 714-bed system serving southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

The hospital offers many specialty areas — orthopedics, a Birth Center, and the Billie Ruth Bootsma Infusion Clinic, which includes chemotherapy so patients don't have to drive for treatment.

HOSPITAL ■■ St. Alphonsus Medical Center - Baker City 3325 Pocahontas Road 541-523-6461 www.saintalphonsus.org/bakercity

Saint Alphonsus Founded in 1894 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, St. Alphonsus was the first hospital established in Boise, Idaho.

Now referred to as St. Alphonsus Regional Medical System, the licensed medicalsurgical/acute-care 381-bed hospital serves as the center for advanced medicine.

www.saintalphonsus.org 12

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Baker County Living

Health

Kathy Orr/Baker City Herald

S

St. Luke's Clinic - EOMA and St. Luke's Specialty Clinic

t. Luke's Clinic-Eastern Oregon Medical Associates provides the community with care by family practice providers as well as a variety of specialty services to the Baker City clinic, which is part of the St. Luke's system based in Boise, Idaho.

The clinic is located at 3950 17th St. The visiting specialists include: Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) offering chemotherapy treatments every other Wednesday; MSTI Van that travels daily to Fruitland for patients receiving radiation treatments; echocardiograms offered every Thursday; St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates come the second and fourth Thursdays; St. Luke’s Nephrology comes the second and fourth Tuesdays; Ear Dr. Affleck (ear, nose and throat) comes the first and third Tuesdays; Cardwell Urology comes the first Friday of each month; St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography makes monthly trips from April through November.

Other services include digital x-ray, lab services, Coumadin Clinic, nurse navigation and infusion services (IV hydration, antibiotic infusions and injections).

On staff in the primary care clinic is a Behavioral Health Specialist, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Diabetic Educator, Certified Care Managers, Licensed/Registered Dietitian and a Certified Lactation Specialist.

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St. Luke's Founded in 1902 as a six-bed frontier hospital, St. Luke’s Boise is now Idaho’s largest health care provider, and the flagship hospital of St. Luke's Health System.

St. Luke's Boise is known for its centers in cancer, heart, and women's and children's care, as well as St. Luke's Heart, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute's largest clinic, St. Luke's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, and St. Luke's Children's Hospital.

541-523-1001

ELDORADO INN • Indoor Pool • Air Conditioned • Non Smoking Rooms

• 25 pull thru spaces with full hook-ups • 15 tents with power and water • Cable • Laundry facilities • Shower facilities • Fish cleaning station • RV & boat storage

• 24-hour Desk Service • Direct Dial Phones • Color Cable TV • Free Continental Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi Connection

Reservations: (800) 537-5756 695 Campbell, Baker City (541) 523-6494

1-1/2 miles from Brownlee Reservoir

541-893-6161 40254 Highway 86 • Richland, OR

EAGLE OPTICAL 3705 Midway Drive Baker City • 523-2020 Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 8:30AM-5:00PM, Thurs 9:00AM-5:00PM Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30PM

Come and see us for all of your vision needs.

• A great selection of frames to choose to get the look you want.

• We carry both regular and prescription sunglasses.

• In house repairs and special packages starting at $9900.

Coffee Fresh Roasted On Site!

• Espresso • Jet Teas • Smoothies • Homemade Pastries • Homemade Beef Sandwiches Eatery Coffee Shop • Drive-thru • Patio Dining Conveniently located across from the City Park

COFFEE CORRAL

1706 Campbell • 541-524-9290 Mon - Sat 5:30 AM - 6:30 PM 15

Baker County Living Health Care Providers

From health to vision to physical therapy

Saint Alphonsus-Baker City Emergency Room

Saint Alphonsus-Baker City Orthopedics

3325 Pocahontas Road 541-523-6461 ■■ Steven Delashmutt, MD ■■ Nancy Hutnak, DO ■■ David Richards, MD ■■ Michael McQueen, MD ■■ Neal Jacobsen, DO

3325 Pocahontas Road 541-523-1797 ■■ Eric Sandefur, DO ■■ Autumn Swiger- Harrell, PA-C ■■ Leslie Jackson, MD

Saint Alphonsus Medical Group - Baker Clinic 3175 Pocahontas Road 541-523-4415 ■■ Melissa Knutson, DO ■■ Louise Michels, NP

Saint Alphonsus Express Care 1120 Campbell St. 541-523-2100 ■■ Elizabeth Chattin, PA-C

Saint Alphonsus-Baker City Valley Medical Clinic 3820 17th St. 541-523-4465 ■■ Charles E. Hofmann, MD ■■ Bryan Braun, PA-C ■■ Kate Grace, PA-C

Saint Alphonsus-Baker City General Surgery 3325 Pocahontas Road 541-523-1797 ■■ Barbara Tylka, MD

Saint Alphonsus-Baker City Radiology Gem State Radiology 541-523-8137

St. Luke's Eastern Oregon Medical Associates

3950 17th St., Baker City 541-523-1001 ■■ Jonathan D. Schott, MD (Family Practice) ■■ J. Daniel Smithson, MD (Family Practice) ■■ Eric R. Lamb, MD (Family Practice) ■■ William P. Irvine, MD (Family Practice/Obstetrics) ■■ Trisha Eckman, MD (Family Practice/Obstetrics) ■■ Neil Carroll, MD (Family practic/ Obstetrics) ■■ Deb Vencill, FNP ■■ Monte Anderson, PA-C ■■ Devin Bowman, PA-C ■■ Micah Thayn, PA-C

Eagle Cap Clinic

3705 Midway Drive, Baker City 541-523-4497 ■■ Randy Alanko, MD

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Ophthalmology

3705 Midway Drive, Baker City 541-523-4497 ■■ James Davis, MD

Baker Vision Clinic

2150 Third St., Baker City 541-523-5858 ■■ Sheryl Blankenship, OD ■■ Leslie Elms, OD ■■ Logan Mitchell, OD

Physical Therapy

■■ Saint Alphonsus-Baker City Rehabilitation Services 3325 Pocahontas Road, Baker City 541-523-4654 ■■ Baker Valley Physical Therapy 3950 17th St., Baker City 541-523-8888 ■■ Integrative Physical Therapy 1207 Dewey Ave., Baker City 541-523-9664

Podiatry

2830 10th St. Baker City 541-523-0122 ■■ Michael Rushton, DPM

Chiropractors

■■ Baker City Chiropractic 2618 10th St., Baker City 541-523-6561 ■■ Family Chiropractic Health 2899 10th St., Baker City 541-523-6565 ■■ Elkhorn Chiropractic 2805 10th St., Baker City 541-523-2495

Allied Mortgage Resource is your hometown lender.

1935 Main St., Baker City 541-524-7642 We have the right program for you whether you are a first time homebuyer or a seasoned investor.

Let our experience, low rates and unlimited varieties of products work for you.

Stop by and talk to Michelle (Loan Officer) or Beth (Loan Processor) NMLS #61078, 2550, 181744 ML-832-48 A Division of Mann Mortgage, llc

17

Baker County Living

B

aker County schools offer quite a variety of educational settings, from public to private to one of the only remaining one-room schools in Oregon. We also have access to college classes.

In 2009, Baker City schools experienced a change due to the closing of one elementary school.

The remaining two were changed to grade-level schools — Grades kindergarten through 3 at Brooklyn Primary and Grades 4 through

Schools 6 at South Baker Intermediate.

Baker Middle School then brings together students from Baker City, Haines and Keating in Grades 7-8.

In the fall of 2011, Baker School District moved to a four-day school week, Monday through Thursday.

Area schools and contact information

Baker School District

■■ District Office 2090 Fourth St. 541-524-2260 www.baker.k12.or.us ■■ Brooklyn Primary (K-3) 1350 Washington Ave. 541-524-2450 http://bp.baker.k12.or.us/ ■■ South Baker Intermediate (4-6) 1285 Third St. 541-524-2350 http://sbi.baker.k12.or.us/ ■■ Haines Elementary School (K-6) 400 School Road 541-524-2400 http://he.baker.k12.or.us/ ■■ Keating School (K-6) 41964 Miles Bridge Road, Keating 541-523-2377 www.edline.net/pages/Keating_ESl ■■ Baker Middle School 2320 Washington Ave. 541-524-2500 www.baker.k12.or.us/ms/index.html ■■ Baker High School 2500 E St. 541-524-2600 http://bhs.baker.k12.or.us/ ■■ Eagle Cap Innovative High School 2725 Seventh St., Baker City 541-524-2310 www.edline.net/pages/Eagle_Cap ■■ Baker Technical Institute 2500 E St., Baker City 541-524-2651

www.edline.net/pages/Baker_Technical_Institute ■■ Baker Charter Schools 2725 Seventh St., Baker City 541-524-2300 www.bakercharters.org

Halfway

■■ Pine-Eagle School District (Richland and Halfway, K-12) 375 N. Main St. 541-742-2811

Unity

■■ Burnt River School K-12 201 S. First Ave. 541-446-3336

Huntington

■■ Elementary and High School 520 Third St. 541-869-2204

North Powder

■■ North Powder Charter School 333 G St. 541-898-2244

Private Schools

■■ Baker Valley Seventh-day Adventist School (K-6) 42171 Chico Lane 541-523-4165 ■■ Harvest Christian Academy (K-12) 3720 Birch St. 541-523-6822 18

Colleges

■■ Blue Mountain Community College - Baker campus 3275 Baker St., Baker City 541-523-9127 ■■ Eastern Oregon University Baker Center 3000 Broadway St. 541-523-6822

Preschool age

■■ Child Care Resource and Referral 1575 Dewey Ave., Baker City 541-523-7838 ■■ Head Start 1927 16th St., Baker City 541-523-2696 ■■ Baker Early Intervention 1927 16th St., Baker City 541-523-2664 ■■ Preschools For a list, call the Baker School District office, 541-524-2260 ■■ MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers meets twice a month at the Baker City Nazarene Church, 1250 Hughes Lane, on the first and third Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

(September to May). Find current information online: www.facebook. com/BakerCityMops or www.mops. org.

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Fine Family Dining • Fine Chinese Cuisine (MSG Free) • American Food • Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials • Banquets • Food to Go • WE DELIVER ($2.00) • Pool • Card Games • Dancing • Karaoke • Lottery Games • Full Service Lounge LIVE MUSIC & OPEN MUSIC JAM Restaurant open from 11am - 10pm 7 days a week Lounge open from 11am to 2am 7 days a week 2425 Oak Street in Baker City Check out our Face book page

UR AY YO THD OK IR T BO Y, B D A N VEN D A E LI !

HO ME RE E E TH H

Restaurant: 541-523-4222 | Lounge: 541-523-6899 19

Baker County Living

Youth

Need a cure for bored kids?

Baker Family YMCA

■■ 3715 Pocahontas Road 541-523-9622 www.bakerymca.org The Y has three buildings in town: Sam-O Swim Center, 580 Baker St.; a fitness center and preschool, 3715 Pocahontas Road; and a gymnasium, 2020 Church St. Programs include sports for every season, year-round swimming lessons and preschool parent-tot classes.

Art

Crossroads Carnegie Art Center ■■ 2020 Auburn Ave. 541-523-5369 www.crossroads-arts.org Crossroads offers a variety of classes for children and adult— Young Adult Studio and Pottery Studio every Friday, pottery classes, ballet and more. Every summer features new classes just for youngsters, bringing instructors to teach dance, music and theater. The cost varies per class and scholarships are available.

Boy Scouts ■■ Grace Schwendiman, Eastern Oregon District paraprofessional www.bmcbsa.org 541-963-2858 Boy Scouting provides opportunities for young people to participate in outdoor activities, community service projects and educational opportunities.

Girl Scouts ■■ Brandi George, Eastern Oregon Girl Scout membership manager 541-667-9696

Kathy Orr / Baker City Herald

Sam-O Swim has open swims every week, and swim team.

Through Girl Scouting, girls from kindergarten through high school have the opportunity to explore the outdoors, serve their communities and learn new skills.

Church programs ■■ Kids Club at First Lutheran Church 541-523-4391 This group for children in kindergarten through Grade 6 meets every Friday from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 1734 Third St. (entrance is on Valley Avenue). This activity is free, and includes music, crafts, special 20

speakers, snacks and Bible lessons.

■■ AWANA 541-523-3891 This program at Calvary Baptist Church, located at the corner of Broadway and Third streets, meets from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays from September to April.

■■ Youth groups Several local churches have youth groups — meeting dates and times vary from church to church.

MMW ELECTRIC MOTOR & PUMP REPAIR INC. 41280 Highway 30, Baker City 523-2859 MMW Electric Motor & Pump Repair Inc. has been serving Baker, Union and Grant counties since 1984. MMW offers a wide selection of pumps for installation and sale, from lawn to irrigation pumps to domestic well water systems.

MMW carries a wide variety wheel line and hand line parts. They are a dealer for Grundfos SQFLELX Solar Systems. Helping our farmers and ranchers get water in remote places, by solar power. MMW sells and services a wide selection of electric motors.

Remember them at harvest time and spring.

Trader Ray’s

2800 Broadway, Baker City 541.523.9397 • 541.519.7482 • traderrays@eoni.com

Guns, Ammo & Reloading Supplies

Buy • Sell • Trade

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Baker County Living

Library

Books, magazines and so much more

T

he Baker County Public Library offers, of course, lots of books for all ages. Other services include a computer lab and countless Internet-based resources to help with schoolwork.

STORYTIME

Storytime is scheduled three times a week, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

While children of all ages are welcome to any of the storytimes, each one is geared toward a different age group: Tuesdays for babies, Wednesdays for toddlers and Fridays for elementary age.

Each session features stories read aloud by the children’s librarian and a craft. Other special events are held throughout the year, such as a Halloween gathering and special crafts during winter break and spring Craft time at the Baker County Library. break.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Every summer finds children at the library, logging hours for the Summer Reading Program.

Sessions are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Baker City. Storytime at the Haines branch happens on Thursdays.

Information Baker County Library 2400 Resort St. 541-523-6419 bakerlib.org

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO) brings unique programs to the library several times a every year. LEO is a consortium of rural libraries in Oregon, which means easier access to bring special events to the small towns.

Photo by Lisa Britton

Literary Night

The library also helps sponsor Literary Night, which happens on the second Friday of each month at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave. 22

Branches In addition to the main library in Baker City, the district has libraries in Haines, Halfway, Richland, Sumpter and Huntington.

Homework help

The library also offers free homework help for free to library patrons.

Through a link on their website, students are connected with a live tutor to help with homework problems.

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Baker County Living

The Arts

Galleries Crossroads Carnegie Art Center Crossroads is all things art in Baker County, with monthly shows featuring artists from near and far, as well as a changing roster of classes and workshops.

■■ 2020 Auburn Ave., Baker City ■■ 541-523-5369 ■■ www.crossroads-arts.org ■■ Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Short Term Gallery This gallery is a co-op of local artists who rotate their work in a regular basis.

■■ 1829 Main St., Baker City ■■ Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Peterson's Gallery Peterson's is a family-run gallery that features new artists every month from around the region.

Also, chocolatier Alyssa Peterson is constantly creating new confections, as well as offers drinking chocolate.

■■ 1925 Main St., Baker City ■■ 541-523-1022 ■■ petersonsgallery.net ■■ Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Earth & Vine This restaurant is always open during First Friday, and usually has new art and music.

■■ 2001 Washington Ave., Baker City Cowboy Cabin Design ■■ 2013 First St., Baker City

Photo by Lisa Britton

Eastern Oregon RegionalTheatre's production of "Bus Stop."

First Friday Monthly art shows open on the first Friday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the downtown galleries. A number of businesses also stay open late, including Mad HABIT Boutique, Antieler Anders, Castle Gallery, and No. 1911.

Theater

E

astern Oregon Regional Theatre was established in 2003, and produces about four plays each year. The actors come from the community, and vol-

24

unteer their time to bring theater to Baker County.

If you don’t fancy the spotlight, there are also chances to work behind the scenes.

EORT has its own theater space, located inside Basche-Sage Place in downtown Baker City. Look for the “Now Showing” flag when performances are on.

The theater is located upstairs, and an elevator is available during performances for those who would rather not take the stairs.

■■ Office: 2021 Main St. Suite 221 ■■ Phone: 541-523-4371 ■■ Website: www.eortonline.com

Baker County Custom Meats • Custom Cutting • Mobile Slaughter • Game Processing • Wrapping • Curing • Sausage • Jerky

BAKER GOLD & SILVER 1812 Main Street, Baker City • 523-2133

Serving precious metals and coin collector clients in Baker City for 30 years. We buy all forms of gold and silver, including scrap. We have a large inventory of collector coins. From cents to $20 gold pieces.

We offer free appraisal of your collection 1-800-556-2133

Baker City Pharmacy

2390 11th Street • Baker City Owners Del & Jana Woodcock

The Junction features a working replica of the Sumpter Valley Railroad, which is viewed as an exciting toy by children & as an interesting and amazing piece of art and craftsmanship by adults.

1920 Resort • Baker City 541-523-5231 bakercitypharmacy@hotmail.com

Sumpter Junction Restaurant Exit 304 off I-84 & off Campbell St. in Baker City 541-523-9437

• Drive Up Window • Free In Town Delivery • Great Service • Great Location

Family Eating & Entertainment Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Open 7 Days A Week 6 AM - 9 PM Children & Senior Citizen Menus

Your local, independent, family pharmacy.

Because to us, you are family.

Award Winner For Exceptional Service Program For Baker City 25

Baker County Living

Transportation

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

The Baker CityTrolley has been in operation since 2009.

We do have public transportation!

N

eed a ride? For public transportation, just remember “t” for taxi and trolley.

The Baker City Trolley took to the streets in July 2009 and has been on the road ever since, Monday through Friday. It follows a single two-way route from the east side of Baker City to the west, beginning and ending on the hour at the Baker Truck Corral, 515 Campbell St. Eight stops along the route are marked by signs, but you can also flag the driver anywhere along the route (as long as it’s safe to stop).

TAXI ■■ Baker Cab, 541-523-6070 BUS ■■ Greyhound Bus Lines, 541-523-5011 AIR ■■ Baker Aviation, 541-523-5663

Trolley Baker City Trolley route map: See page 28 Hours of operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Fares $1 one way, $3 day pass, $5 family. Monthly passes are available for $35 individual, $50 family

Contact 541-523-6591

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OLSONS TRACTOR AND HYDRAULICS Sales • Parts • Repair

When it comes to your hydraulic needs...

The Baker County Veteran Services Office continutes to provide access to the wide range of benefits and services offered to veterans and their dependents.

Stop in or call about getting those pumps, motors and cylinders repaired and don’t forget those leaky hoses!

With good old fashioned, friendly service, let Olsons be your first choice for your hydraulic needs.

Health Care, Education, Compensation & Pension, Burial Benefits & much more.

Call Your Veteran Services Coordinator

Baker County Veteran Services 1995 3rd Street, Baker County Courthouse 541-523-8223 Serving local veterans since 1971

41438 Highway 30 • Baker City Obtaining prompt, efficient service is your business. A satisfied customer is my business.

541-523-9537

Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse Prevention & Victim Assistance 24 Hour Crisis Line 541-523-4134 or 888-213-4134 Certified Clinical

Office: 541-523-9472 •1834 Main, Baker City www.maydayinc.net

Speech-Language Pathologist For All Ages

All contact is confidential.

Anita Swartz

Trained advocates are here to help you.

• Counseling • Restraining Orders • Stalking Orders • Accompany you at court, hospital, etc.

• Shelter & Food Pantry • Clothing

M.A., CCC-SLP

541-523-2983 • 3990 Midway Dr., Baker City one block off Pocahontas across from hospital.

• Language Development • Aphasia rehab. following stroke • Articulation & Voice Remediation • Treatment of swallowing dysfunction, etc.

• Therapy following cochlear implants

Support MayDay Your donations are tax deductable.

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Baker County Living

Saint Alphonsus Medical Center

28

Transportation

Download

• Find your way to things to do, places to eat, stay, shop and live in Northeast Oregon with maps and turn by turn directions • Find the latest local events & deals • Get the latest weather, news & road updates straight to your smartphone or tablet

Go Northeast Oregon App 29

Baker County Living

Nonprofit groups

A town’s non-profit organizations provide the character of a place, from the museums that preserve local history to volunteers who maintain one of the only operating steam-engine trains.

■■ Baker Community Choir: 541-5236799 ■■ Baker Community Concert Association: 541-523-4600, http:// bakercommunityconcerts.com/ ■■ Baker County CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocates): 541-523-9520

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Volunteers help guide visitors to the Baker Heritage Museum, and assist in raising funds to continue the museum's work and exhibits.

■■ Friends of Halfway Library: P.O. Box 922, Halfway, OR 97834

■■ Powder River Dance Club: Chuck Hoover, 541-524-9306

■■ Friends of the Sumpter Valley Dredge: 541-894-2314

■■ Sumpter Valley Museum Association: P.O. Box 67, Sumpter, OR 97877

■■ Baker County Library Foundation: 541-523-6419, www.bakerlib.org

■■ Historic Baker City Inc.: 1901 Main St. 541-523-5442

■■ Cornucopia Arts Council: P.O. Box 921, Halfway, OR 97839

■■ Leo Adler Memorial Parkway Inc.: 541-524-1999

■■ Crossroads Carnegie Art Center: 541-523-5369, www.crossroads-arts.org

■■ MayDay Inc.: 1834 Main St. 541-5239472

■■ Eastern Oregon Museum: 610 Third St., Haines, 541-856-3233

■■ Old OregonTrail Rides Inc.: P.O. Box 1105, Baker City, OR 97814

■■ Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre: www.eortonline.org

■■ OregonTrail PreservationTrust: 3030 Grandview Drive, Baker City, OR 97814

■■ Friends of the Baker Heritage Museum: 2480 Grove St., Baker City, 541-523-9308

■■ Pine Valley Community Museum: P.O. Box 678, Halfway, OR 97834 30

■■ Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc.: 866-894-2268, www. sumptervalleyrailroad.org ■■ TrailTenders Inc.: 541-523-1843

Baker Truck Corral & Restaurant

Open 24/7 BAKER CITY'S MOST INTERESTING STORE Baker City Gifts & Souvenirs Breakfast • Burgers • Salad Bar I-84, Exit 304 • 515 Campbell Street, Baker City • Restaurant: 541-523-4318 • Service Station: 541-523-3952

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Baker County Living

Volunteers

Volunteering is a win-win situation for everyone — the volunteer has an opportunity to give back to the community, and the organization benefits from dedicated workers. There is truly nothing more valuable you can give than your time. Start volunteering today!

TrailTenders volunteer at the OregonTrail Interpretive Center

Good help needed in all areas

ARTS AND CULTURE

■■ National Historic OregonTrail Interpretive Center andTrailTenders Inc.: 22267 Highway 86, 541-523-1843.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. November March; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April - October. The Interpretive Center offers exhibits that share the history of the Oregon Trail, as well as living history performances and special events that portray life on the Trail. A non-profit group called the Trail Tenders helped establish the center, and today these volunteers run the gift shop and participate in special events.

■■ Crossroads Carnegie Art Center:

2020 Auburn Ave., 541-523-5369. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday (See Page 24) ■■ Eastern Oregon RegionalTheatre: 2021 Main St. Suite 221, 541-523-4371, www.eortonline.com (See Page 24)

Social services

■■ American Red Cross, Eastern Oregon Chapter: 1655 First St., Baker City, 541-523-2231.

■■ Baker County CASA: 541-523-9520.

CASA stands for Court-Appointed 32

Special Advocates. Volunteers are needed to help make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children in Baker County.

■■ Community Connection: 2810 Cedar St., 541-523-6591. Looking for dining hostesses, delivery drivers for Meals on Wheels, musicians, bingo callers, craft class instructor and fundraising.

■■ MayDay Inc.: 1834 Main St., 541-5239472. MayDay provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. care homes.

Baker City

BAKER CITY SEWER & DRAINS Dependable, Affordable, Experienced

SUPER 8 MOTEL

541-523-8282 • 1-800-800-8000

Residential & Commercial Drain Cleaning

250 Campbell St, Baker City, OR

*Pets Welcome www.super8.com

Toilets, Sinks, Tubs, Main Lines, Gutters, Storm Drains

• FREE Super-Start Breakfast • Indoor Pool & Spa • Whirlpool Suites • Microwaves & Refrigerators • FREE Wi-Fi • Guest laundry • RV/Truck Parking

Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM Holidays, Weekends & After Hours Service Available

541-519-2486

Owner, Lance Cline bakercitysewerdrain@q.com RAMA INN

208-467-2888 Interstate 84 Exit 35 541-426-2000 1200 Highland Ave, Enterprise, OR 624 Northside Blvd, Nampa, ID Outdoor Spa *Pets Welcome www.bestwestern.com www.super8.com *NO pets

Robbins Farm Equipment Inc.

has proudly supported our agriculture community“Servicing the past while promoting the future” Since 1983 1-800-743-5924 • Fax: 541-523-9737 www.robbinsfarmeq.com Four Locations: Baker City • La Grande • Burns • Christmas Valley

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Baker County Living

Volunteers

"Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."

- Sherry Anderson

Social services ■■ Elder Advocates: 800-522-2602.

Volunteers are needed to help protect the rights and dignity of residents in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes.

■■ Lifespan of Baker City: 541-523-6591.

Accepting applications for prospective volunteer respite providers.

■■ The Salvation Army: 2505 Broadway St., 541-523-5853. People needed to help stock merchandise, and also for youth supervisors and tutors. During the holidays, volunteers are needed to ring bells for the red kettle fundraisers.

Community

■■ Baker Heritage Museum: 2480 Grove St., 541-523-9308. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs — hosts, gift shop personnel, volunteer coordinator, gardener, answer phones, carpenter, electrician, plumber, data entry, working with collections and exhibits and more.

■■ St. Alphonsus Hospital Auxiliary: 3325 Pocahontas Road, 541-523-6461.

Volunteers needed to be greeters, light clerical workers.

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Red Cross volunteer Mindi Sherrieb teaches CPR and other courses.

■■ Trail Tenders: 541-523-1843 trailtenders.org. This group coexists with the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center — in fact, they were instrumental in getting it up and operating. Trail Tenders staff the gift shop (proceeds support center programs), sponsor the annual "Run to the Ruts" fun run/walk, and dress in 34

period costumes to help educate visitors during special events, such as wagon encampments. Trail Tenders also greet visitors to the center and provide information.

• Highest Base Elevation in Oregon!

• Alpine & Nordic • Terrain Park • Full-Service Lodge • Cat Skiing • Yurt Rentals • Own the Mtn • Family Fun! ...and more!

Mon - Fri 7:30 to 5:30, Sat 7:30 to 5, Sun 9 to 4

We have been in our Baker City store, located at the Maxi Mart Center, since June 1, 2008. We also operate Millers Home Center in La Grande, Millers Truss in La Grande, and Baker Valley Auto Parts in Baker City. We offer fast, friendly service and a smile to all our customers. Our 2000 square foot showroom is stocked with many hands on displays, including over 100 interior and exterior doors.

We have a specially trained sales staff to assist you with windows, doors, custom cabinets, counter tops and Eldorado Stone. Our sales department will help you with all your new construction and remodeling needs. We are constantly adding new items to serve you better. Our latest addition is a large computerized closet organization display. We have expanded all areas of our store, including large selections of lighting, faucets, vanities, and all hardware items. We offer prompt, courtesy delivery. We have crane service to lift trusses, and three drywall and roofing delivery truck cranes that can lift as high as 60 feet. We have a complete truss department that can design and build modern complex roof trusses.

So come see us at Miller’s for all of your building and remodeling needs!

www.anthonylakes.com Ski Anthony Lakes operates in partnership with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest under a special use permit, and is an equal opportunity provider.

Paradise Truck & RV Wash

Exit 304 off I-84 • 2410 Plum Street, Baker City www.paradisetruckwash.com (541) 523-5070 • (541) 519-8687

Cars • Trucks • Vans • RVs • Hand washing • Carpet Shampooing • Hand Waxing • Upholstery Cleaning • Headlight Refurbishing

Like us on Facebook!

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RV Dump On Site

Baker County Living

Service clubs

If you’re not quite sure what sort of volunteering you might like, another option is to join one of the local service clubs.

All are dedicated to the local community, as well as beyond to the state, nation and even international level.

Each group has its own signature events, but all are dedicated to making the community a better place.

The Lions Club built these shelters at Baker City's Central Park S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Baker County service organizations ■■ Kiwanis Club: Dave Cowan, 541-5236027. Meets at noon Tuesdays at the Sunridge Restaurant

■■ Baker City Rotary Club: Peggy Hudson, 541-523-9127. Meets at noon Mondays at the Sunridge Restaurant

■■ Baker City Lions Club: Rick Taylor, 541-519-2832. Meets at noon Thursdays at the Sunridge Restaurant

■■ Soroptimist International: President Kelly Tanzey, 541-519-8800.

New members: 541-519-5653 and 541-519-7502. Meets at noon on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays at the Sunridge Restaurant

■■ Halfway Lions Club: Ralph Smead, 541-742-4664. Meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at the Halfway Lions Hall

36

■■ Daughters of the American Revolution: Michelle Cookson, 541523-4248. Meets the second Friday of each month, alternating between Baker City and La Grande ■■ Baker County Cattlewomen: Meetings are held four times per year.

Contact: Nancy Bailey, Farm Credit Services, 541-524-2920.

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Baker County Living

Churches

Photo by Lisa Britton

Interior of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Baker City.

Baker City ■■ Agape Christian Center: 650 Highway 7, 541-523-6586 ■■ Baker City Christian Church: 675 Highway 7, 541-523-5425 ■■ Baker City Church of the Nazarene: 1250 Hughes Lane, 541-5233533 ■■ Baker United Methodist Church: 1919 Second St., 541-523-4201 ■■ Baker Valley Church of Christ: 2533 Church St., 541-523-9383 ■■ Blue Mountain Baptist Church: 2405 10th St., 541-403-1690 ■■ Calvary Baptist Church: 2107 Third St., 541-523-3891 ■■ Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints: 2625 Hughes Lane, 541523-4901 ■■ Christian Science Church: 2210 Washington Ave., 541-523-5911 ■■ Elkhorn Baptist Church: 3520 Birch St., 541-523-4332 ■■ Elkhorn Community Church Foursquare Gospel: 1839 Third St., 541-523-7915 ■■ First Lutheran Church: 1734 Third St., 541-523-3922 ■■ First Presbyterian Church: 1995 Fourth St., 541-523-5201 ■■ Harvest Christian Church: 3720

Birch St., 541-523-4233 ■■ Jehovah’s Witnesses: 975 Bridge St., 541-523-9467 ■■ New Beginnings Fellowship Pentecostal Church of God: 1820 Estes St., 541-524-1394 ■■ New Hope Church: 2007 First St., 541-523-4775 ■■ Pleasant Valley Fellowship: 3100 H St., 541-403-2994 ■■ St. Francis de Sales Cathedral: 2235 First St., 541-523-4521 ■■ St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church: 2177 First St., 541-523-4812 ■■ Seventh-day Adventist Church:42171 Chico Road, 541-5234913

Haines

■■ First Baptist Church: 714 Cole St., 541-856-3471 ■■ Haines United Methodist Church: Fourth and Roberts streets, 541-9636991

Sumpter

■■ McEwen Bible Fellowship: 15403 Highway 7, 541-894-2303 ■■ St. Brigid’s in the Pines Community Church: 284 East Auburn St., 541-523-4812 38

Unity ■■ Burnt River Community Church: 30271 Hwy. 26, 541-446-3317 ■■ St. Joseph Catholic Church: Highway 245, 541-473-3906

Halfway

■■ Oxbow Christian Fellowship: 541742-4414 ■■ Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints: 541-742-7676 ■■ Pine Valley Christian Center: 541742-4421 ■■ St.Therese Catholic Church: 135 Bell St., 541-523-4521

Richland

■■ New Bridge Church of the Nazarene: 11th and Birch streets, 541893-6121 ■■ Christian Church: 541-893-6191 ■■ Seventh-day Adventist Church: 541-893-6174

North Powder

■■ Cornerstone Baptist Church: 140 E St., 541-898-2603 ■■ United Methodist Church: 541-8982629 ■■ St. Anthony Catholic Church: 541379-5137

2008 Broadway • 541-523-6281 Monday - Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4 www.bakerfoodcoop.org Like us on

• Fresh Spices • Gluten Free • Bulk Foods • Vitamins & Supplements

• Organic Produce • Healthy Skin Products • Special Dietary Items • Natural Cleaning Products

Photos Supplied by Dave Densley • Downtown Historic Baker City

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Baker County Living

Senior Services

Services in the Home ■■ Homecare Commission: 877- 8670077 A care provider comes to your home to provide some or all of these services: meal preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, assistance with medication and activities of daily living.

Residential care

A facility consisting of shared or individual living units in a homelike surround. Services available on a 24-hour basis.

■■ Ashley Manor: 1040 Lund Lane, Baker City, 541-524-9880 ■■ Settlers Park: 2895 17th St., Baker City, 541-523-0200

Assisted Living

A facility with fully self-contained individual living units. Offers and coordinates a range of services available on a 24-hour basis.

■■ Meadowbrook Place: 4000 Cedar St., Baker City, 541-523-6333 ■■ Settlers Park: 2895 17th St., Baker City, 541-523-0200 ■■ Bee Hive Homes of Baker City: 3078 Resort St., Baker City, 541-523-1150

Adult Foster Care

Family home that offers residential care to five or fewer adults in a homelike setting, 24 hours a day.

■■ Angel Wings Adult Care: 3490 10th St., Baker City, 541-523-5978 ■■ Carolyn Hartz: 46316 Rock Creek Town Road, Haines, 541-856-3757 ■■ Elkhorn Adult Foster Home: 1455 15th St., Baker City, 541-523-8487 ■■ Idlewood Manor: 905 Idlewood St., Baker City, 541-523-3111

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Nellie Edwards posts the latest news and photos of her family while living at the Elkhorn Adult Foster Home in Baker City.

■■ Park Street Manor: 1150 Park St., Baker City, 541-523-4629 ■■ Serenity Farms: 45600 Schoolhouse Road, Haines, 541-856-3771

Home Health

■■ Encompass Home Care: 1515 Campbell St., Baker City, 541-523-3335 ■■ Care At Home Inc.: 1705 Main St., Baker City, 541-523-4385

Hospice

■■ Heart 'n' Home Hospice: 3370 10th St., Suite E, Baker City, 541-524-7688 40

Baker County Long Term Care Coordination team Individuals from the businesses that provide long term elder care are meeting regularly and also planning monthly programsfocused on creating community awareness of elder focused activities, resources and education.

For information, go to www.

BakerCountyAssistedLivingOptions.com.

“A welcoming place where people and the arts speak” Community Art Center & Fine Art Gallery “Art For Everyone” Classes for kids & adults First Friday of each month: • Featured Artists • Show • Downtown Art Walk

Exit 304

Main Street

2020 Auburn Avenue

I-84

Campbell Street

X

CROSSROADS CARNEGIE ART CENTER 2020 Auburn, Baker City

541-523-5369

w w w. c r o s s r o a d s - a r t s . o r g

41

Baker County Living

Resources

Numbers to know if you have pets Veterinarian Clinics

■■ Alpine Veterinary Hospital: 2925 10th St., Baker City, 541-523-5067 ■■ Baker Animal Clinic: 2490 10th St., Baker City, 541-523-3611 ■■ Baker Veterinary Hospital: 3425 10th St., Baker City, 541-523-7772

Dog licenses

■■ Baker City Hall:1655 First St., Baker City, 541-523-6541

Lost pets?

■■ Baker Animal Clinic: 2490 10th St., Baker City, 541-523-3611 ■■ Baker City Herald: The "lost and found" classified ads are free — this is a good place to look for your missing pet, or to advertise if you find a lost dog; 541-5233673, www.bakercityherald.com

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Veterinary services are available in Baker County.

Informational hotlines, veterans services Consumer Tips

Veterans Services

Employment

Voter registration

■■ Do Not Call List: 888-382-1222 ■■ Public Utility Commission (PUC) Customer Services Division: 800522-2404 ■■ BeforeYou Dig: 8-1-1:

■■ Work Source Oregon: 1575 Dewey Ave., Baker City, 541-523-6331

■■ Baker County Veterans Office: 1995 Fourth St. (Baker County Courthouse), 541-523-8223 ■■ Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs: 800-633-8801

■■ County Clerk's Office: 1995 Fourth St. (Baker County Courthouse), 541523-8207 42

The state website has useful links and phone numbers as well: www.oregon.gov.

Heaven’s Best carpet and upholstery cleaning service offers unparalleled professional service at an affordable price. Our exclusive formula, specialized tools, and trained professional technicians gently remove dirt and stains, leaving your carpets dry in just 1 hour.

Our unique upholstery cleaning process gives new life to your furniture. We offer special rates on commercial and institutional jobs. We have also recently added tile and grout cleaning and sealing to our offering of services.

Heaven’s Best is a locally owned and operated in Baker and Grant Counties by Dave Daffer. Our mission is to not only give you the service you expect, but above all offer you the best!

541-523-7525 Over the years, Heaven’s Best has received numerous Service Excellence Awards including Operator of the Year based on customer evaluations and in 2013, The Cleaner of Excellence Award.

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Baker County Living

Rural living

Kathy Orr/Baker City Herald

Caution: Cows don't always move ■■Ranchers need your patience during a cattle drive, so proceed with care

I

f you're driving on the rural roads in Eastern Oregon, chances are you'll come across a cattle drive someday.

Your first reaction needs to involve the brake pedal.

Baker County is open range, which basically means the cow has the right-of-way. If you kill a cow with your car, you have to pay the cow’s owner — even if the cow was straddling the broken line down the center of the highway.

This is a great time to stop your vehicle and observe — watch the way the cowboys and cowdogs work together to make sure the cows go in the right direction.

The key is to be patient and wait for the right time to move.

If you’re not sure whether that time has arrived, you should watch the ranchers who drive the herd.

They’re usually on horseback, although occasionally you’ll see a herder riding an ATV — efficient machines, but they quickly ruin the Chisholm Trail ambience. If a herder waves you forward, proceed slowly.

See Page 46

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Cattle drives Where Raising beef cattle is the biggest piece of Baker County’s biggest economic pie: agriculture. With an estimated 115,000 beef cows in the county — about seven times more than the human population — cattle drives are inevitable, and they can occur on almost any road in the county (an obvious exception is Interstate 84).

WHEN Cattle drives are most common during spring, when ranchers move cows from winter pastures to summer, and during fall, when cattle make the return trip. But drives can happen any time of the year.

MORE INFORMATION Copies of the Baker County Cattlewomen’s cattle drive pamphlet are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 480 Campbell St.

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Baker County Living

Rural living

DO • Slow down • Watch the herders for signals on when to proceed • If you follow a herder or another car, stay close to prevent cows from moving in between • Watch for cow-herding dogs DON’T • Honk your horn or make any other loud noise • Stop more than 50 feet or so from the herd — if you stop, the cattle might stop, too • Get out of your car to take photographs — it’s OK to roll down a window and take pictures, however Kathy Orr/ Baker City Herald

Continued from Page 44

Ranchers must trust that drivers in vehicles will proceed with caution — watch those on horseback for a clue about when to go ahead.

T

he key is to drive close enough to the cattle that they keep moving, but not so close that you nudge one with a fender, which can provoke a powerful kick that neither you nor your insurance agent will appreciate.

If you can follow either a herder or another car, stay close as you wend through the moving wave of beef. If you dawdle, cows will sidle into the gap, and you’ll lose the advantage of having a guide blaze the trail.

Never honk your horn, blast your stereo or make any other loud noise that might spook the cattle.

The animals are unpredictable anyway — especially moms separated from their calves.

Don’t focus solely on the cattle, either.

Most ranchers rely on dogs to help herd cows, and dogs, being considerably smaller, are harder to see.

Kathy Orr/ Baker City Herald

Dogs often help herd the cows, but may be hard to see.

46

Gold Heart Massage

Scarlett Mary

LMT

• 541-523-4578

Member AMTA - OR 4341 • Certified Medical Massage USA

Your Health. Your Wellness. Your massage therapy.

A common Question in massage: What is foot reflex massage therapy? A process of reading an organ in the body through applying pressure to the corresponding foot zone to stimulate those organs. Body anatomy shows blood vessels and numerous nerves ending of the foot, hand, tissues and organs inside the body have special connections. Regular foot and leg massage can promote blood circulation, improve sleep, and slow aging of the brain and balance endocrine and metabolic function. Giving massage therapy all over the body prevents muscle atrophy and spasms. Scarlett Mary uses many advanced techniques she has learned through the years of particular areas to help strengthen; eliminate illness; and assist to help you achieve your goals for strong and healthy body, mental relaxation, and peace. There are 144 primary muscles, 206 bones, 30 ligaments, 110 bony land marks; if one muscle hurts, all the muscles and nerves in that muscle’s path will be affected. Trigger point work to balance the weak areas to the strong over tight areas is a specialty of Scarlett Mary.

Copper Belt Winery Located in Baker County.

Big, bold reds, Oregon Pinot Noirs and Oregon Whites.

“Have you had your vitamin “M” today? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

www.copperbeltwinery.com Tastings by appointment only 541-519-4640

Cliff’s Saws & Cycles, Inc. • Honda ATVs • Honda Bikes • SkiDoo Snowmobiles • Stihl Products • Traxter ATVs • Bombardier Recreational Equipment

Fish Aquariums Tropicals & Imported Koi Fish Food

Small Animals Feed & Accessories Bird Cages Parakeets, Canaries & Cockatiels Exo Terra Reptile Supplies

Since 1958

Scorpio International 2628 10th Street, Baker City (541)523-3156

scorpiointl@centurylink.com David Burris, Owner & Operator HAGENDIRECT

2619 10th Street, Baker City 541-523-2412 47

C H U R C H D I R E C T O RY ELKHORN BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Tim Fisher Sunday School...................9:30 am Morning Worship............10:45 am Evening Worship................6:00 pm Bible Study &Prayer -Wed. 6:30pm Wed. Discovery Kids......... 6:30 pm The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

3520 Birch • Church 523-4332

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Baker United Methodist Church 1919 2nd Street, Baker City

5411 523 541-523-4201

Sunday Worship

First Service..............................9:00 am 2nd Service & Sunday School..10:45 am Small Groups: Kids Connection Pre-5th Grade Wednesday..............6:30 pm High School Youth - Tues........ 7:00 pm Jr. High Youth - Mon............... 6:30 pm

Jesse Whitford, Pastor Luke Burton, Youth Pastor Jase Madsen, Children's Pastor 675 Hwy 7 • 541-523-5425

St. Stephen’s Episcopal 2177 First Street • Baker City Corner Church & First Streets

Services at 9 AM 1st & 3rd Sundays Holy Eucharist 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sunday of any month Morning Prayer Vicar The Rev. Aletha Bonebrake 523-6025 Deacon The Rev. Connie Boone 523-4459

Church Office: In North Wing of Church Entrance on 1st St. • 523-4812

Est. 1864

1734 Third Street, Baker City Pastor Mel Harris 523-3922 • bakerluth@my180.net

Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Service 11 am June-August Service 10 am

Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

To Make Christ-like Disciples In The Nations

1250 Hughes Lane (Corner of Cedar & Hughes)

541.523.3533 • www.bakernaz.com

Office Hours M-F 8-4 Sunday School 8:30 am Sunday Worship 9:45 am

Senior Pastor Jonathan Privett Associate Pastor Lennie Spooner

Youth Pastor Zach Ellis Children’s Ministry Deidra Richards

Compassion Center • Cliff Cole

Office Hours 9am-3pm Clothing Room 9am-9pm W-Th Food Bank Thurs 9am-3pm by appt

541.523.9845

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 17th & Pocahontas, Baker City 523-4913 Pastor Tony Brandon

The People of the United Methodist Church Putting Faith and Love Into Action Sunday Worship Casual Service: 8:30 AM Adult Bible Study: 10 AM Traditional Service: 11 AM Bible Study•Small•Groups Community Service•Crafts Game Nights•Potluck Dinners Home of the Annual Autumn Bazaar Pastor Elke Sharma Contact us at bakerrumc@thegeo.net Learn about Methodism: www.umc.org

St. Francis De Sales Cathedral

Established 1904

Midway Drive P.O. Box 1046 Baker City, Oregon 97814

Baker City Saturday Mass............................6:00 pm Sunday Mass .............................9:30 am Spanish Mass..................................Noon St. Therese, Halfway.........2 pm Saturday Weekday Masses At The Cathedral Times Vary Check at office for exact time.

Father Robert Greiner, Pastor Knights meet 3rd Thursday at 7 pm FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1995 Fourth Street • Baker City 523-5201

Open to all patients, family and friends for reflection and prayer.

10:30 am Sunday Worship Service 9:30 am Sunday School (Sept. - May) Child Care Provided

48

Church at Study...............9:30 am Worship........................ 11:00 am

Baker Valley Adventist School Grades 1-8 • 523-4165

541-523-4521 • Corner of First & Church St.

SAINT ALPHONSUS HOSPITAL CHAPEL

Services Saturdays

Sunday Worship

10 AM Worship Service Children's Church & Nursery 6 PM Youth Group (7-12 Grade)

Wednesdays

6:15 PM Awana (age 3-6th Grade) (September - April)

Home Studies

Meet Monday through Friday Pastor Dave Deputy www.bakercalvarybaptist.com Third & Broadway 541-523-3891

We can cover all your cell phone needs in & around Baker County 541-893-6115 • www.eagletelephone.com

...keeping you connected and helping you make memories

49

Baker County Living The Growing Season

A

sk any gardener around here about the growing season and you’re bound to get all sorts of advice — especially that the last frost can happen as late as the Fourth of July.

High-desert landscapes offer a challenge for growing fruit and vegetables, and no summer is the same.

Also, no neighborhood has the exact same growing conditions — Baker County is full of micro-climates.

Staff at the local nurseries and garden centers can offer invaluable advice.

■■ Oregon State University Extension Service — Baker County 2600 East St., Baker City 541-523-6418

A “help desk” is staffed to answer gardening questions, and most years a Master Gardener Course or seminar is offered to the community.

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

■■ Community Garden, 541-523-7881

In 2010, a section of the county fairgrounds was tilled and turned into a community garden with plots

available to the public. Those who purchase a space for the season lend a hand in maintaining the garden while growing their own food.

If you'd rather support local farmers...

T

he Baker City Farmers Market began as a project by the Master Gardeners. Now it’s a summer tradition, bringing the area’s freshest fruit and vegetables to the community.

And that’s not all — you’ll also find fresh bread, sweet treats, handcrafted items and more.

■■ Baker City Farmers Market, June - October

3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Baker County Fairgrounds, 2600 East St. in Baker City.

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

50

Serving Baker County since 1870

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1915 First Street, Baker City, OR 97814 • 541-523-3673 • Fax: 541-523-6426 2014 Agri-Business Wallowa Counties Baker, Union &

BAKER VOLLEYBALL

WEDNESDAY

LOSES, SETTLES FOR

2ND PLACE IN GOL: PAGE

8A

CHANGE COLOR BAR CAN REVERSE LOGO -

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INSIDE TODAY Serving Baker County

October 22, 2014

IN THIS EDITION:

ife Local • Business &AgL

•

Harvest Section

rald.com since 1870 • bakercityhe

Go! magazine

$1

report Board balks at goals

Baker School Board

QUICK HITS

Good Day Wish To A Subscriber

A special good day to Herald subscriber Mel Harris of Baker City.

Partial solar eclipse Thursday

■ The decision doesn’t

Twilight in the afternoon. A rare occurrence but one which Baker County will experience Thursday during a wellpositioned partial solar eclipse. The time of the event is predicted by at NASA as beginning at 1:52 p.m., maximum at 3:15 p.m. and ending

rsial new curriculum affect the district’s controve

achievedesigned to close the ment gap and bring all students up to benchmark standards. has Although the district to the submitted the report

By Chris Collins

ccollins@bakercityherald.com

The Baker School Board a has declined to endorse that school district report sets “aspirational goals”

EduOregon Department of 3-2 cation, the board, on a vote Tuesday night, refused Directo sign off on the plan. tors Andrew Bryan, Richard McKim and Kyle Knight

however for math instruction,

■ More than150 people turn up for a town hall meeting in La Grande Katy Nesbitt

WesCom News Service

Greg LA GRANDE — Rep. time out from Walden, R-Ore., took to meet his re-election campaign and U.S. with national forest users ves at the Forest Service representati Center in Blue Mountain Conference La Grande Monday afternoon. g a bill that championin is Walden has been passed twice Repreof by the House sentatives and awaits action in the Senate.

The legislation would timber allow more Walden of harvest and removal to small diameter trees put people restore forest health and to work in Eastern Oregon. only the Timber harvest wasn’t town hall; concern at Monday’s permits access to the forest, mininggrazing on livestock and maintaining addressed by public lands were also

by Walden both a panel assembled people in and the more than 150 attendance.

in eclipse.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 3A

Oregon, 5A

MEDFORD — With two weeks to go before mail-in ballots are counted, Republican gubernatorial challenger Dennis Richardson tried to turn up the heat on Democratic Gov. John on Kitzhaber by focusing the consulting business of the governor’s fiancee.

Nation, 6A

The popular instinct about the potential of the vaccines to address horrific Ebola outbreak in West Africa is: Why delay? If there’s any let’s chance they’ll work, get them out now.

Unfortunately, things aren’t that simple. That was made clear during an emergency conference convened by the World Health Organization at the end of September to address this very issue.

The meeting brought together 70 experts — epidemiologists, public health regulators, pharmaceutical company reps and ethicists, among others — to hash out the right triway to proceed with als of two vaccines that have shown the most promise in private and first-phase human trials.

See Walden/Page 7A

12% have returned ballots

Sports, 8A

WEATHER

Today

60 / 41 Showers likely late

Thursday

59 / 36 Chance of showers

See Schools/Page 7A

Walden talks timber

Autumn’s Artistry

4:31 p.m.

If you rose in the early morning a few weeks ago to watch the full lunar eclipse you can now enjoy the a companion piece — partial solar eclipse in the early afternoon. a The great thing about is solar eclipse is there to no need to lose sleep require view it. It does care however, as the eye sun’s rays can cause it is damage even when

The San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Tuesin day to take a 1-0 lead the World Series.

the board, by law, is excluded defrom being involved in as an veloping what’s known “achievement compact.”

voted no. Kevin Cassidy in and Chris Hawkins voted favor.

The rejection came deWalt spite Superintendent that Wegener’s explanation

S. John Collins

percent Slightly more than 12 registered of Baker County’s 9,894 returned their voters — 1,221 — had general election ballots for the Nov. 4 County as of this morning, Baker Clerk Tami Green said. ballots is 8 return to deadline The p.m. on election day. mailed Ballots that haven’t been handbe by late next week should 1995 Courthouse, the to delivered a drop-off site.

Third St., or taken to west side of The ballot box on the 24 hours per the Courthouse is open day.

/ Baker City Herald

brighten with Drive, continue to scene along Grandview will hasten the duration of the ods, including this forecast, Baker City neighborho 10B. wind, in this week's forecast is on Page chilly weather and complete weather autumn hues.The seems too short.The season which already

Gas prices in free fall TODAY

rapGas prices are falling idly nationwide, although Baker City’s prices remain well above both the Oregon and national averages. for The national average

& 2B Business ...........1B Calendar ....................2A 4B-9B Classified .............

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

regular unleaded is $3.09 per gallon, and Oregon’s average is $3.36, according to the AAA auto club. is Baker City’s average $3.53.

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

That’s down 4 cents from last week, 26 cents less and 21 than one month ago, ago. cents less than a year AAA predicts that gas drop prices will continue to

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

averand that the national level age could reach the $3 2010. for the first time since The Oregon average the could dip to $3.15 by says. end of the year, AAA

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

ING IN YOUR RIFLE — TIPS FOR SIGHT COMING FRIDAY

Issue 69, 62 pages

Weekly Feature Sections B

Monday, September 23, 2013 The Observer & Baker City Herald

DORY’S DIARY DOROTHY SWART FLESHMAN

Waiting room is now clear

There is a waiting room in my mind where thoughts linger and I must let them board their chosen vehicle out of town in order to proceed with entertaining more.

Here are a few recent ones that I am releasing: My thanks to all those folks who wished me a happy birthday in a variety of ways. It was one of the nicest birthdays I have had. Along with that, the encouragement that comes my way, also in a variety of ways, urging me to continue my column, makes me humbly appreciative. It seems that any subject about which I write reaches someone somewhere in a personal way, and I worry about the impact a few words can make, so may my expressions be governed in wisdom and concern.

Out of the many readers, only Audeen caught or at least acknowledged that I had slipped up between Popeye’s adversary Pluto and Bluto, and I know more folks than that used to see this cartoon series. I’ve sent the yellow dog home to his own place of entertainment, Popeye will deal with Bluto.

Thanks, Audeen.

Finally, in this segment, Citizenship Day was listed on my calendar last week and that’s why my Grandfather Hofmann’s becoming a United States citizen in 1923 became so important just then.

It took him 17 years to attain something that was a highlight in his life, even though he was always known as an “Adventurer.” It was also Constitution Day, something for all of us to consider.

There is one thing more that has preyed on me recently. Hopefully next week I’ll remember something more cheerful. It was, and remains, as follows: Why are you so upset about a tragedy that didn’t happen? I asked myself.

My answer was that I would have been at fault if it had happened even though I wasn’t involved in the scene that was in play before me.

It appeared to be a tragedy in the making. It was my hesitation to interfere that concerns me.

You see, I was sitting in a restaurant when three men, a woman, two little girls and a young boy took their places at a window table. They ate and visited, enjoying their time together along with another woman who stopped by to chat a moment.

All went well until the children began to get bored, I guess it was, eager to be doing something besides listening to adult talk. Perhaps I’m wrong.

That’s just what it appeared to be since most children’s patience don’t outlast their adults.

Game Day

A football-viewing feast

B

Friday, September 20, 2013 The Observer & Baker City Herald

Nutrition and wellness video to be shown

BAKER CITY — IPT Wellness Connection and Intuitive Nutrition will be hosting a series of free educational video nights on the topics of nutrition and wellness.

The first video will be shown Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Integrative Physical Therapy, 1207 Dewey Ave. in Baker City.

More information is available by calling: 541-523-9664.

Dealing With Dementia

A balance: independence & security ■ Assisted living facilities strive to give residents freedom while protecting those who might wander away

The Baker City Herald has been serving Baker County since it was first established as the weekly Bedrock-Democrat May 11, 1870.

Two daily newspapers, the Morning Democrat (developed by the owners of the Bedrock-Democrat) and the evening Herald, merged to become the Baker Democrat-Herald in 1929.

In 1990, following a vote by the residents of Baker to change the city’s name back to Baker City, the newspaper’s name was changed to the Baker City Herald.

Published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Herald is the region’s leading source for Baker County news and community information. Online at www. bakercityherald.com and through Twitter and Facebook, local news, events and updates are available 24/7. In 2014 the Northeast Oregon group that includes the Baker City Herald and The Observer in La Grande added more digital products for information delivery, including an e-edition of the print newspaper, website hosting for small businesses and Go Northeast Oregon, a free mobile app providing events, deals and directions for Baker, Union and Wallowa County businesses.

The Baker City Herald is an active community sponsor of local non-profit organization, events and youth programs. The Baker City Herald and sister paper, The La Grande Observer, are owned by Western Communications, Inc.

The Observer and Baker City Herald

The staff of every assisted DID YOU living facility deals with the KNOW? same challenge: Ensuring the appropriate balance of • September is World independence and security Alzheimer’s Month for each of their residents.

• Sept. 21 is Alzheimer’s One reason this is a chalAction Day lenge, of course, is that for • More information: each resident that balance is www.alz.org different.

OR For facilities that have come to La Grande’s Health clinic memory care sections, deMax Square on opening at signed for people with severe Saturday, Sept. 21, MCT Baker store Alzheimer’s or other forms of from 9 a.m. to noon to Easy and inexpensive, theseBAKER pork sliders feed a hungry crowd.

Below, chewy, dark chocolate cookies and ice cream that balance tips CITY —are St.perfect todementia, acquire free information put those school cafeteria ice cream sandwiches to shame. toward security.

Alphonsus Medical It’s not uncommon for peoCenter-Baker City

By Ellise Pierce the security door codes, ple diagnosed with dementia will be opening an Fort Worth Star-Telegram that technology is not used to wander away. in-store health clinic The thermostat may still read regularly.

Exterior doors in memory at the Albertsons summer, but when it’s Septem“We have multiple care units are locked, with Grocery store at 1120 ber, it’s football season. systems set up here at the access usually controlled Campbell St. Which means putting out a The service, called facility, and we don’t utilize by a keypad code or similar game-day spread that’s easy to (bracelets) regularly at this technology.

Express Care, is make ahead of time so you get point because we already This ensures that employtentatively scheduled to the more serious business of have enough safety interees and visitors can come and to start in November, the day — face painting, coordivention,” she said. go, but residents can’t easily said Laura Huggins, nating matching outfits in team Community Relations leave and put themselves in marketing and comcolors with your mate and, inmunications specialDirector Ann Yoder of danger.

Texas, placing bets on how many Wildflower Lodge said its The situation is different ist for St. Alphonsus. times Jerry Jones will say “Super memory care unit uses simiin assisted living sections, A certified nurse Bowl” in his pre- and post-game lar technology. where some residents need practitioner or physiinterviews.

“If they have a dementia little if any assistance but cian assistant will be Admittedly, I never watched diagnosis and they are in others exhibit early signs of available to assess, much football in America or paid our memory care side, we dementia. diagnose and treat much attention to the footballcommon medical have a keypad entrance, and Here strategies vary games when I lived in France,conditions eithey don’t leave that area among facilities. such ther — and by football, of course, without being attended by In some cases the staff as earaches, sore I mean soccer, a game that has staff.” pays particular attention to throats, colds and always seemed more interest-sinus infections.

Dementia and Alzheimresidents who have symping to me simply because of theExpress Care er’s patients at Wildflower toms of dementia, including 2 teaspoons sea salt occasion. dip and checks toWith outfits — so I’m a little in thewill charge a spread Lodge do leave the memory make sure like this, I could a flat Melty cheesefrequent tortilla chips are fine — andresidents I’ve dark on the game particularsfee no (which surely become a football fan. Any- 1 teaspoon black pepper care side daily to participate those are within has not 2 tablespoons brown sugar — but to andwhere matter where I am. in activities in the assisted facility safe. in the world.

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald been set)certainly for theseeaten plentythe 3 1/2 pounds pork shoulder celebrate seaIn France, as far as I know,services, le it time for kickoff yet? at Meadowbrook living side of the facility, but Other facilitiesIsemploy A resident Place in Baker City displays a WanderGuard bracelet. It which willthis year’s football 15 to 20 small buns or rolls son, seven I wanted to come technology up with a that can alert foot never included any sort ofbe available they are supervised by staff contains a microchip that triggers an alarm if the resident tries to open one of the asSweet jalapeno-spiked menu that was a bit more meaty,when pregame tailgate party, or even the entire time. The patients employees a resident sisted living facility’s 13 exterior doors. days a week.

PULLED-PORK pickles (recipe follows) as simple to prepare as a a gathering of friends for an More yet are encouraged to particiapproaches or opens an uninformation SLIDERS microwavable dip.

Or just about. all-afternoon soiree. In fact, when pate in activities like bingo locked door, giving staff time about the new Baker For the sauce: Makes 15 tohasn’t 20 sliders SoCare I thought: pulled-pork slidI went to the movies in Paris,City I Express or one of their music groups. to make sure the resident left using a WanderGuard system with door or gate will trigger the alarm 1 cup ketchup little barbecue-ishthe sandwichhardly ever witnessed anyoneservice isers, “Our memory care side is called premises. that tells us when someone is coming patient bracelets that sound an available 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar super-easy and inexpensive es541-523with sweet jalapeno-spiked eating while watching the film.

‘Expressions,’ ” said Yoder, “because The Observer andAthe Baker City alarm if a patient leaves the facilthrough any one of them.” by calling 1 teaspoon mustard powder recipe thatfrom you put together thefacility salad Which is typical. In France, food we have the different expressions we Herald interviewed officials ity; however, Laprelle said that with The also has the option of 2100. pickles, and a bacon-potato 1 heaping tablespoon day before that’s a lot like one myfacilities mom used — and dining together — is an hit on on a daily basis — the spiriacross the tri-county area the big game. brown sugar make. Food that’s astofifilling as how they approach this occasion in itself. The only thing Studytolinks tual, artistic and mental — all these nd out 1 teaspoon sea salt you want it to be, because thosetask. For the sliders: I saw people eating on the street obesity, different expressions.” difficult 1/2 teaspoon black pepper games can go on (and on). Plus a was the end of a baguette. migraines 1 heaping teaspoon Offering quality of life activities to clove garlic, minced The cost 1oflarge dementia this year will be $604 billion, or more than 1 percent dessert that’s fun and Vista not fussy: I don’t claim to know much LOS ANGELES Specialty ground Care and mustard dementia and Alzheimer’s patients of global GDP, and will only increase as more people live longer. ice cream — easyower to Lodge, about football, but I love the idea La teaspoon Grande 1 heaping is a chief concern for facilities with a — Not that anyonesandwiches Wildfl make and even easier to eat. of a party, no matter what theneeds one, See Dory/Page 2B See Feast/Page 2B smoked paprika Annual costs Number of cases memory care community.

Left unattended, dementia and Albut here’s Vary widely depending on a Expected to more than triple “We don’t want to just house peozheimer’s patients have a tendency to another problem nation’s affluence, longevity rates by 2050; estimated number ple and say, ‘OK they have dementia’ wander and get lost, but two memory for obese people, and health care costs; costs per of people living with dementia, and just shut them in here, but we care facilities in La Grande — Vista especially women: person for selected nations, in millions, by world region help them continue to have an active Specialty Care and Wildflower Lodge They are much more in 2010 U.S. dollars 2010 2030 2050 life,” Yoder said.

— are using security technology that likely to get even 15.94 U.S. $60,090 eliminates that risk.

— Trish Yerges, for WesCom News occasional migraine Asia 33.04 49,413 them section is they’ve watered coconut products will work And depending on your coconut

By Judy Hevrdejs Vista Specialty Care represents a like Sweden Service headaches.

60.92 Chicago Tribune Australia down a lot. So34,552 they have a lot similar dairy coconut tequila, skilled nursing facility forproducts dementiain cooking.

Acrush, studythere’s published 9.95 EU 27 31,939 Consider refrigerated Settler’s Park, Meadowbrook and andAlzheimer’s Judging by the number of patients, said Emilycartons of fewer calories and a lot less fat.” Europe 13.95 lastvodka week in thebeer, jour-plus plain and 30,812 18.65 says the refrigercoconutdirector. milk. “The coconut milk CanadaStill, Giancoli Place, St. Alphonsus Care avored coconut on executive coconut products in supermarkets nalflNeurology Laprelle, Vista foundwaters based 30,805 U.K. 7.82 ated milks work for smoothies and in the can is the one that tastes so Center, Baker City thin opaque juice found inside these days -- beyond the flaked thatthe Specialty Care is a secure facility. obese people 14.78 Hungary Americas in cereals, 24,544 and in “mashed sweet delicious,” the81fruit. coconut your granny used in “What that means issays thatregistered we have dietitian On June 1, Meadowbrook Place, were percent 27.08 4,012it would be divine.” And Argentina potatoes Andrea Giancoli, a spokeswoman course, cooks in Asia,special West (door) macaroons and ambrosia — we’ve moreOf codes and appropriate which has 40 residents, all in assisted likely to have 1.86 3,393 when she uses canned coconut Africa 3.92 forto the Academy Nutrition and Turkey Africamigraines and the Caribbean have gone a bit nuts for this fruit. staffing ratios ensure that of people living, installed the WanderGuard episodic milk2,641 in vegetable, meat and many 8.74 “You’re not going to get China long used by leaveDietetics.

That’s right: The hairy brown — those cannot of their own accord,” system on each of its 13 exterior with coconut 14 or milk (made 35.56 traditional Asian dishes, she opts that deep flavor, taste simmering ovoid is not a true nut but the she said. “Nobody can coconutty leave the door doors. fewer headachecoconut days meat with © 2010 MCT 65.69 for the lower-calorie with refrigerated water,—then coconut theand stone of a drupe, which makes it a month Source: World Alzheimer Report 2010light version. World code.texture Any person who thanstraining) and without 115.38 Graphic: Pat Carr She’s a fan of coconut oil, coconut milks.” oil (pressed from the meat)comes to en-to visit, related to peaches and plums. coming in or out the See Dementia/Page 2B people of normal spreading it on such fish as salmA look at the ingredient label rich dishes in the same way cooks Just check supermarket weight. on or whitefish, so “as it cooks, it will tell you why. “If you’ve never elsewherestudies might use cream or refrigerator cases, where cartons “Previous makes fish even moister.” tried these coconut milks that butter.

Some of coconut milks, creamers and have shown a linknewer products are Solid at room temperature, are in the dairy case, it is not the coconut creatures spreads share space with culbetween people with of a different coconut oil has a high smoking sort. migraine Canned coconut milk used in same natural coconut milk that tured coconut products (think chronic point that makes it goodThat for frying you ... extract from the (meat of) Thai curry, for example, is yogurts and kefirs). Or shelves, anda obesity, families are stepping up the sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarcountry. is alarmBynot Trish Yerges but the and sauteing. “With coconut oil,Jo Hickey, the coconut, the same as coconut milksFor found where cans of coconut milk, jars research MCT WesCom News Service which is super high physical activities for their thritis, and type 2 diabetes. ing,” said Rikki has been FREE-- 550 SWIMMING you’re adding aAnytime really nice coconut in fat,— super high in calories inicting grocery cases.LA GRANDE of coconut oil and coconut spray- confl Coconut milk, refrigerated: Cocochildren and building awareThe health care costs? A fitness business Anytime on refrigerated whethflavor to your food,” addsand the certifi Los ed perfor 1 cup very Memorial means it’s important to andcalories oils nudge bags of shredded and er thatWhich nut cream plus water. May be fortiness of childhood obesity. sobering $14 billion each manager Fitness the Veterans Me-_ and it’s • Veterans link existed Angeles-based nutrition and Giancoli says. “SoPool, what401 Palmer you’re buying (check flaked coconut. Or in freezers, fied with calcium and vitamins; year. For the individual, that Information and resources sonal trainer. morial Pool thick,” are partnering Ave., forknow those what with less health writer. According to Hickey, durdone with some La of these ingredient and nutrition labels where coconut milk desserts sit frequent available sweetened, unsweetare available online at www. translates to 9 percent of to offer free they’ve swim Saturdays Grande attacks, ” the coconut milks of that are in the dairySept. 21 and carefully), next to ice creams.

See 2B ened, flavored.

COAM-month.org. their total medical costs beingCoconut/Page the past four decades, this month in recognition • Saturday, study’s author,then B. don’t assume Anytime Fitness, 2212 ing spent on obesity-related obesity rates have increased “National Childhood Obesity 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Lee Peterlin of Johns Island Ave. in La Grande, is illnesses. more than fourfold among Month.”

• First 35 kids who use Hopkins School of “These severe consequenc- a 24-hour access gym with children ages 6 to 11, and The first 35 kids coming the password “Anytime” Medicine, said in a tanning, personal training es underscore the critical more than 23 million chilto the pool and using the swim for free statement. and group exclusives. Famdren and teens (31.8 percent) importance of children and password “Anytime” will be The information is teens to participate in physi- ily training packages are between 2 and 19 are obese allowed to swim at the pool important, he said, in now available through Oct. cal activity and to engage in or overweight. An obese The free-swim Saturday free of charge from 1 p.m. to part because people 15 to help combat childhealthy eating habits,” said program is part of a national child is at an 80 percent risk 4 p.m. on Saturdays. can lose weight — Hickey. “Childhood obesity is hood obesity. For additional of becoming an obese adult. initiative to reduce childSupervision requirements and perhaps lose the information, call the office Obesity comes with a price entirely preventable. It’s up are strictly enforced and par- hood obesity and introduce migraines, headat 541-663-0300, open from to adults to encourage these for the child, the adult and children to healthy lifestyle ents should read these prior aches that can be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday healthy habits.” the health-care system. It choices. to sending their children to debilitating. through Thursday and 9 a.m.

Each September since puts a person at higher risk “One out of three children the pool: www.cityoflagrande. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

2010, organizations and for heart disease, stroke, are facing obesity in our org/aquatics.

The Baker City Herald Staff: Publisher: Kari Borgen (kborgen@bakercityherald. com) Newsroom: Jayson Jacoby, Josh Dillen, Gerry Steele, Chris Collins (news@bakercityherald. com) Photography: Kathy Orr, S. John Collins Business Office: Molly Ragsdale (accounting@ bakercityherald.com) Advertising: Lynette Perry, Patty Bennett (ads@bakercityherald.com) Classifieds: Julie Ferdig (classifieds@bakercityherald. com) Composing/Online: Sarah Smith Circulation: Carolyn Thompson, Chloe Erickson, Stacy Wiechman Michael Holden

The high cost of dementia

Current crush on coconuts breeds an array of products

Swim free during September at Veterans Pool

51

Baker County Living

Winter and snow will come always

Winter

W

e're lucky to experience all four seasons here in Eastern Oregon, but sometimes winter seems to last a lot longer than the other three.

That means snow, ice and cold temperatures — average highs are in the mid 30s during December and January.

And low temperatures? Well, let's just say down coats and insulating layers are a good thing to have in your closet when the mercury dips below 10 degrees ... and sometimes below zero.

Far below zero.

E

very year the Oregon Department of Transportation issues tips for winter driving:

■■ Check road conditions before leaving, choose main routes, and let someone know your plans ■■ Keep your gas tank at least half full ■■ Clear snow, ice and frost from vehicle windows and lights ■■ Drive with your lights on ■■ Don't use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather ■■ If you lose traction, gradually slow down — don't slam on the brakes ■■ Avoid driving through snowdrifts ■■ Slow down in advance of shady

S. John Collins/Bakrr City Herald

In a typical year, snow will cover the roads in Baker City. City crews work to clear the roads, but drivers still need to be cautious — snow can very quickly be packed into ice. areas, which can be icy even on sunny winter days ■■ Be extra cautious on bridges or concrete highways — ice forms first on those surfaces

Road conditions Dial 5-1-1 on your cell phone Call 800-977-6368 Visit www.tripcheck.com

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Baker City

Baker County Living

T

Winter

o keep roads passable, crews from the state, county and city work hard when the snow hits — many times through the night.

When you encounter a snow plow or sanding truck, keep your distance, and don’t pass. Also, follow Oregon’s chain laws: ■■ Studded tires can only be used between Nov. 1 and April 1.

■■ Watch for signs indicating chains or traction tires are required. To chain up, pull over to the right of the road as far as possible or pull into a chain-up area. (Some of these areas have people with permits who can chain up for you — the price they charge varies.)

■■ Chains include link and cable chains that attach to the vehicle, wheel or outside of the tire ■■ A traction tire is a studded tire or a tire that is suitable for use in severe snow conditions, marked with a snowflake inside a mountain.

■■ More information about chain requirements is available online at www.tripcheck.com.

S. John Collins/Baker City Herald

City crews often clear roads at night before the daily traffic begins.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

T

he Baker County Road Department crews have 900 miles of roads to plow when the snow falls.

Their first priority is to clear the school bus routes — you may want to warn your children that Baker City rarely has snow days.

After those routes are clear, the snowplow drivers move to lower priority roads based on traffic loads, and as time permits.

To find out where your road ranks on the priority list, inquire at the road department, 541-5236417.

54

Baker County Road Department 541-523-6417

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55

Baker County Living

W

Code of the West

ide open spaces, mountain ranges, few people...these are just a few reasons you either choose to live in rural Eastern Oregon, or may consider moving here.

But life out here isn’t quite the same as the city, and we’re not just talking about access to shopping malls or bigbox stores.

To offer a little insight, here we reference The Code of the West, a guide to rural living that was compiled by John Clarke, a former commissioner of Larimer County, Colo.

■■Accessing your property Just because your property is easy to access in the summer, conditions in winter may make access more difficult or even impossible.

LEGAL ASPECTS

It is wise to research the legalities of easements and access roads, especially if access to your property crosses lands owned by private landowners or government agencies.

■■ Baker County Planning Department, 541-523-8219 ROAD MAINTENANCE

Some roads are not regularly maintained (little or no grading, snow plowing, etc.).

You will need to find out what level of road maintenance is provided, and who is responsible for maintenance.

Also, road damage can occur from inclement weather, flooding and wear-and-tear. Repairs usually depend on budget constraints. In the entire county, only 5 percent of roads are paved (that number is slightly higher if you only count well-traveled roadways).

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

The rural community of Haines is 10 miles north of Baker City.The Elkhorn Mountains form the backdrop.

You do give up a few conveniences by living in a rural area — restaurant choices, shopping centers, etc.

But that's also why we live here — we like a slower, less-hectic pace of life where three cars is a traffic jam and more than two people in line at the grocery store seems like a crowd.

Gravel roads are likely to be rough, dusty during dry weather, and muddy and slippery during wet weather.

The county does not provide dust

56

abatement — this is up to the private owners, but the county will prepare the road.

■■ Baker County Road Department, 541-523-6417 TRANSPORTING SCHOOL CHILDREN

School bus transportation is provided in most areas of the county.

Check with the school district office for information regarding bus routes.

■■ See Page 20 for school contacts DELIVERIES

Check to see if U.S. mail, newspaper and parcel deliveries will be available in your property’s area.

■■ See Page 8

See Page 58

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Baker County Living

Code of the West

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Country residents should know who their first responders are in the event of a medical emergency.

Continued from Page 56 EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS

When constructing or reconstructing access roads, it is required that you provide access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Baker County uses the 9-1-1 system, but be aware that emergency response times for law enforcement, fire suppression, medical care, etc., may be a distance away.

If you live in an outlying area, you may check with the EMS for information on who the emergency first responder is in that area.

■■ Baker County Dispatch, 541-5236415 UTILITY SERVICES

Water, sewer, electrical, telephone,

Internet, television, trash pickup and other services may not be available in all areas of Baker County.

■■Your property SUITABILITY

Not all parcels are suitable for building or development. County and state land use laws, zoning classifications, etc., will be factors in how land can be used or subdivided.

Permits and Approvals

Construction of structures requires permits and most require inspections.

The Baker County Planning Department can tell you if you need permits.

■■ Office: Courthouse, 1995 Fourth St. 541-523-8219, www.bakercounty.org/

58

planning/planning.html

The Baker City Building Department handles permits and inspections throughout the county.

■■ Office: City Hall, 1655 First St. 541-5242054; www.bakercity.com/departments/ depts_building.htm EASEMENTS

Check for easements that may require you to allow road, power line, waterline, etc., construction across your land. If there is a ditch on your property, the ditch company may have an easement to clean/maintain the ditch each year.

■■ Baker County Planning, 541-5238219 See Page 60

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Baker County Living

Code of the West

Good to know Water rights, timber rights, range laws — these aren't so complicated if you know the right office to call.

Continued from Page 58 Fences

Only a professional survey can confirm the actual location of property boundaries.

SUBDIVISIONS, PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS AND HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS

These organizations often have covenants that include specific requirements. It is important to obtain a copy of the covenants to become aware of any restrictions.

WATER RIGHTS

Not all land has water rights.

Even though your property has a stream or ditch running through it, the right to use the water may belong to someone else.

■■ Baker County Watermaster, 541523-8224 TIMBER RIGHTS

You will want to ensure who holds the right to timber located on your property. Like water rights, someone else may own the right to the trees on your land.

■■ Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) 541-523-5831

Kathy Orr / Baker City Herald

Agriculture is the staple for Baker County. Most land is used for growing crops and raising livestock.

WETLANDS, CREEKS, STREAMS, RIPARIAN AREAS

The Land Use Plan, the Oregon Forest Practices Act, the Oregon Agricultural Water Quality Management Act and the Oregon Confined Animal Feeding Operation Rules require prevention of environmental damage and impaired water quality to such areas. Check with ODF for these requirements (see number above).

Agriculture

Agriculture is a big business in Baker County — most of the rural land is used for growing crops and feeding livestock.

60

FARM AND FOREST ACTIVITIES

Farmers and loggers, during certain times of the year, often work from before dawn to after dark.

ANIMALS

Farm animals and their manure can cause odors and attract flies. Consider this when you evaluate a property.

RANGE LAWS

Most areas are zoned “open range.” If you do not want cattle, sheep and other livestock on your property, you will need to fence them out.

See Page 62

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Baker County Living

Code of the West

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Continued from Page 60 NOXIOUS WEEDS

Baker County has a noxious weed ordinance. All property owners are required to control and, if possible, eradicate noxious weeds.

■■ Baker County Weed Dept., 541523-0618 PETS

Pets, especially dogs, must be kept under control at all times.

TREES AND FIRE DANGER

A moist, green open space surrounding your dwellings can provide a defensible perimeter in the event of a wildfire.

Consult the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website, www.odf.state.or.us,

for information on how to make your property defensible.

STEEP AND NORTH-FACING SLOPES

Steep slopes can slide in unusually wet weather. They are also likely sites for damaging snow slides in the winter.

North-facing slopes rarely see direct sunlight during the winter months, which means there is a possibility that snow and ice will not melt for the entire winter.

WINTER CHINOOKS AND SPRING RUN-OFF

During the winter, Baker County can experience a sudden, warm wind with rain. This “chinook” can cause excessive run-off and flooding.

62

HUNTING AND FISHING

Many areas in Baker County are open to hunting and fishing, which means your rural property may border public lands and be impacted by shooting, etc.

WILDLIFE

Living near wildlife makes for good animal-watching and photographic opportunities, it may present some challenges:

■■ Protecting children and pets from cougars, coyotes and deer ■■ Protecting vegetable and flower gardens from deer ■■ Protecting fruit trees from deer ■■ Dealing with skunks, porcupines, rats and snakes ■■ Driving on highways where deer or elk can suddenly appear

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Baker County Living

Public Lands

Elkhorn Mountains west of Baker City

Photo by Lisa Britton

A million acres, all for you and me

By Jayson Jacoby Baker City Herald

You own a million acres in Baker County.

Really, you do.

When you pitch a tent here, odds are you own the very patch of ground into which you just pounded the stakes (and perhaps a misplaced thumb).

The mountain trail where you like to hike and where you saw your first mountain goat?

Probably you own it, too (the trail, not the goat). And that alpine lake from which you reeled in a limit of brook trout? It’s yours, most likely.

There’s 2 million acres in Baker County, and about half of them belong to you.

That’s like owning Delaware and Rhode Island, but with a lot of mountains and no ocean.

Here’s the catch: You have to share those acres with 275 million other Americans, though rarely all of them at once. That’s the trade-off of public land. It’s yours — but it’s everyone else’s, too. You can visit whenever you want to but you can never stay.

See Page 66

64

Public land Baker County has about one million acres of public land — that means you own it, but it also means everyone else does, too.

But never fear — you'll never see a million other people in our wild places ... maybe one or two hikers high up in the Elkhorn Mountains, or a pack string in the Wallowa Mountains.

65

Baker County Living

Public Lands

Our land Two national forests — the Wallowa-Whitman and the Malheur — cover 650,000 acres in Baker County.

Continued from Page 64

Y

ou can’t swap, say, the Elkhorn Mountains for one of Donald Trump’s skyscrapers.

And no matter how cute you think those pastel lawn gnomes are, you’ll have to save them to decorate a piece of property that only you have the deed for.

Baker County boasts enough public land, though, and it has a sufficiently puny population density of one fulltime resident for every 120 acres, that you can pretty easily find a place and at least pretend it’s yours alone for a night or two. Spread out a county map on your coffee table and see for yourself.

Let’s say the clever cartographers used green ink to denote public land and white for private.

Much of the west half of Baker County looks like a green sheet that someone leaned over while holding a leaking bottle of Elmer’s glue at arm’s length. There are white splotches here and there, but you have to squint to make out some of them.

Most of that green-tinted land is national forest — primarily the Wallowa-Whitman, but with a dab of the Malheur wedged into the county’s southwest corner.

Combined, the two national forests cover about 650,000 acres in Baker

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

An arm of Phillips Reservoir combines with shoreline trees to help create one of Baker County's commonly warm and glowing sunsets.

County — almost one-third of the land.

The green-with-white-pimples pattern prevails in much of the northern third of the county, too, where the sedimentary slopes of the Wallowa Mountains slop over from neighboring Wallowa and Union counties.

Public land isn’t quite so plentiful in the eastern and southern sections of Baker County.

There’s not much for trees there, either, and so the Bureau of Land 66

Management, which if it had a football team would have the sagebrush as its mascot, is in charge of these publicly owned acres rather than the Forest Service, which prefers land with vegetation tall enough to hide elk herds.

Nationwide, BLM actually ranks as the supreme public landlord, managing 261 million acres in America to the Forest Service’s 191 million.

See Page 68

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Baker County Living

Public Lands

"When the homesteaders came in they always took the best ground, the ground that was irrigated or could be irrigated. That's the way it is across the West." ­— Jay Carr, retired extension agent for the Oregon State University Extension Service

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Rabbitbrush hills to the east of Baker City slope toward Baker Valley where farmers and cattlemen carved their futures.

Continued from Page 66

B

ut the agencies’ positions are reversed in Baker County, where the BLM oversees 369,000 acres — about 40 percent less land than the Forest Service handles. (If you want to see a place where BLM reigns, go to Nevada. The agency manages most of the state, except casinos and the places where the Air Force stores UFOs and alien cadavers.)

Between the wide swaths of green on the Baker County map you’ll notice a few expanses of white.

These chunks of private land spread across Baker County’s handful of broad valleys — Baker, Pine, Eagle,

Burnt River, Sumpter.

This is not a coincidence. Only in the valleys is the ground flat and the soils deep and rich, so a farmer can grow hay and potatoes and wheat and other stuff that’s good to eat or to sell.

And most any property that will produce a crop every year is valuable enough that someone will claim it as his own rather than leave it in the hands of the public, who tend to get their fingers all tangled anyway trying to decide whether the land should turn a profit for a company or present a scenic view for a photographer. People prefer to live in valleys, too, so that’s where we put most of our towns.

The weather’s warmer, for one 68

thing, and it doesn’t snow as much as in the mountains (Pine and Sumpter valleys join forces to form the frigid exception to that meteorological rule).

“When the homesteaders came in they always took the best ground, the ground that was irrigated or could be irrigated,” said Jay Carr, a retired extension agent for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Baker County. “That’s the way it is across the West.”

But unlike some parts of the West — Lake Tahoe, for example, or Sun Valley — a fair amount of Baker County’s land has remained in public rather than private hands.

See Page 70

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Baker County Living

Public Lands

Lisa Britton

Crawfish Meadow in the Elkhorn Mountains Continued from Page 68

A

nd although public lands don’t generate property taxes, as farms and ranches and gnome-infested front yards do, they’re nonetheless vital to the county’s economy as well as its quality of life, Carr said.

Consider beef cattle. Raising and selling them injects more than $50 million into county coffers each year, making cattle the biggest part (around 70 percent) of the biggest sector of Baker County’s economy: agriculture.

There’s more than 100,000 head of cattle in the county, and not many of them spend every day plodding around a private pasture.

“A large proportion of the cattle spend at least a portion of their lives on public

grazing land, either BLM or Forest Service,” Carr said. “We’re very dependent on that land.”

The public rangelands serve a couple of purposes, he said. First, those lands produce the grass that produces the pounds of meat that produce the dollars that plump ranchers’ wallets.

And second, the public pastures are akin to a summer camp for cattle. With the animals out of their hair for a few months, ranchers can grow and cut and bale the hay that cattle consume during the lean days of winter.

Imagine trying to pilot a swather through a field thick with Herefords — it’d be as easy to drive a Jet Ski across a swamp rife with hippos.

Public lands generate far more than profits, though.

Many Baker County residents spend 70

a fair share of their leisure hours on public property. After all, that’s where most of the fish swim and the elk roam and the roads and trails meander.

And we appreciate, even if we don’t often think of it, that it’s because we all own these places that they retain most or all of the charms that lure us back year after year.

It’s why when we look across Anthony Lake today we see what people saw five decades ago: white granite and dark green subalpine firs and wildflowers that span the palette and spill off the sides.

And it’s why we don’t see a putting green and a sign that says “members only” and a gate manned by a guy who looks as if he could make Arnold Schwarzenegger cry “uncle” in five seconds flat.

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71

Baker County Living Outdoor Recreation

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Northwest of Haines is Pilcher Creek Reservoir, which offers camping, fishing, hiking and relaxation.

HIKING

Baker Valley lies between two major mountain ranges — the Elkhorns close by to the west, the Wallowas a bit farther away to the northeast. Both have a network of Forest Service trails open to hikers and horseback riders.

■■ Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: 1550 Dewey Ave. and 3285 11th St., Baker City ■■ 541-523-6391 ■■ www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/ WATER SPORTS

Baker County has quite a few waterways, with the most popular for

Anthony Lakes 541-856-3277 www.anthonylakes.com

Forest Service 541-523-6391 www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/

county's eastern edge.

SKIING

When winter coats the high country with a blanket of snow, it’s time to pull those skis, snowboards and snowshoes out of storage. Baker County’s main winter attraction is Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, located about 20 miles west of Haines.

■■ www.anthonylakes.com, 541-8563277

boaters being Phillips Reservoir, 20 miles south of Baker City on Highway 7 toward Sumpter, and Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake River on the 72

SNOWMOBILING

Clubs in the Sumpter, Halfway and Burnt River areas maintain miles and miles of trails all winter.

73

Baker County Living Outdoor Recreation

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Fishermen are attracted to the rainbow trout in the Powder River, which flows from Mason Dam at Phillips Reservoir, southwest of Baker City.

HUNTING

Baker County has populations of pretty much every big game animal and upland bird that can legally be hunted. Deer (both mule and whitetail) and Rocky Mountain elk lure the largest number of hunters, but the county also has herds of pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Baker is unique among Oregon’s 36 counties in having two species of bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain and California) and mountain goats.

FISHING

Baker County has a wide variety of fisheries, including tiny and frigid alpine lakes, warmwater reservoirs that stretch for dozens of miles, and many rivers and streams that are stocked regularly with trout.

Most water bodies are open year-round. Bag limits vary, but in general there are no limits on the number of warmwater species, including catfish and crappie, that anglers can keep.

74

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2995 Hughes Lane, Baker City 541-523-5832 www.dfw.state.or.us

Oregon State Parks www.oregonstateparks.org

Welcome.

Please join us...

ST. STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL* 2177 First Street, Baker City • 541-523-4812

Services at 9 AM

1st & 3rd Sundays Holy Eucharist 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sunday Morning Prayer Vicar The Rev. Aletha Bonebrake

ST. BRIGID'S IN THE PINES East Auburn Street, Sumpter • 541-523-4812

Services at 11 AM

1st & 3rd Sundays Holy Eucharist

A mission of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Baker City

Come enjoy our annual events, too! *Spring: Shrove Tuesday Annual Pancake Feed *December: Annual Gingerbread Bazaar Memorial Weekend Flea Market Sale in Sumpter 75

Baker County Living

Scenic Drive

Nestled high in the Elkhorn Mountains, Anthony Lake flaunts its alpine beauty.

S. John Collins / Baker City Herald

Take a drive: Elkhorn Scenic Byway

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he Elkhorn Scenic Byway is 106 miles long, and chances are you won't see very many other cars on this route that takes you all the way around the Elkhorn Mountains.

Highlights along the way include Phillips Reservoir, the Sumpter Valley Railroad, the Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Area, North Fork John Day state park, and the Anthony Lakes area.

Snow closes a segment between Granite and Anthony Lakes from late fall to early summer (sometimes as

late as July 4).

Distance

The route

106 miles

From Baker City, take Highway 30 north to Haines (10 miles) where you turn left on to Anthony Lakes Highway.

At Elkhorn Summit, the byway winds down to the North Fork John Day River and a junction with the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway.

Turn left toward Granite, then Sumpter. Three miles past Sumpter, turn left onto Highway 7 and head back to Baker City.

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Time 5 to 6 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way to explore

Attractions Phillips Reservoir, Sumpter Valley Railroad, Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Area, Anthony Lakes

You Can Make A Difference The Baker City Lions Club is seeking civic-minded men and women to join them in making a difference in the community.

“Our club gives members an opportunity to advance worthy causes, serve with friends, and become leaders in the community. Baker City Lions serve community. Local projects include Shoes For Kids Program, sending youth to diabetes camp, and vision screening in the schools.”

Join us Thursdays at Noon at The Sunridge.

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communites through handson service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Club International, visit lionsclub.org or locally call 541-519-2832

“We serve.”

85 Years

Largest service club in the world with 1.35 million members, 46,000 clubs in 207 countries.

1705 Main Street Baker City 541-910-4114

Therapeutic Full Spectrum

w w w. b a r e f o o t w e l l n e s s . n e t 77

Baker County Living Baker City Cycling Classic

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icyclists come from all over to ride Baker County's scenic backroads for the annual Baker City Cycling Classic.

■■ June 26-28, 2015 ■■ www.bakercitycycling.org

Motorcycle Rally

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wo brothers from the Portland area discovered the motorcycle-friendly roads in Eastern Oregon, and decided to bring others. Now thousands show up for the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally.

■■ July 9-13, 2015 ■■ www.hellscanyonrally.com

Miners Jubilee

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his is Baker City's signature summertime event, and school and family reunions are often planned for this festival, held the third weekend in July. Also features the annual bronc and bull riding events.

■■ Information: www.minersjubilee.com ■■ July 17-19, 2015

Great Salt Lick Contest

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his is truly an original event that uses unique art — salt licks sculpted by livestock and wildlife — to raise money for Parkinson's disease research.

Founded by local Whit Deschner, the Great Salt Lick Contest and

La Grande Office 1207 Adams Ave. 541-663-9000

Events Auction is held in September and has raised more than $50,000 in seven years.

■■ Information: www.saltlickcity.com

Taste of Baker Every October, restaurants in downtown Baker City create a special menu for the Taste of Baker event.

■■ Information: historicbakercity.com

Twilight Parade December kicks off in style with the annual Twilight Parade on Main Street. Also features the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree.

■■ Information: historicbakercity.com ■■ December 6, 2014

Baker City Office 2195 Main St. 541-523-7390

Become a fan on Facebook 78

Richland Office 102 Main St. 541-893-3115

Nick Conklin Insurance, LLC 2307 Main Street, Baker City From left to right Audrey Kirby, Christina Conklin, Nick Conklin, Hayley Hester, Jessica Hatfield

541-523-7733

State Farm Agent Nick Conklin and his staff are dedicated to providing quality service to all of their customers with a variety of products including Auto, Fire, Life, Bank, and Financial Services.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there!

Beautiful Greens • Bar & Grill • Two Taco Tuesdays 1/2 Price Golf with purchase of two $2 Tacos Monday Matinee 1/2 Priced Golf After 2 p.m. • Practice Facility Open Until Snowfall!

Lounge Open Tuesdays & Weekends & Special Events Big Screen TV For Your Football Fix: Pac 12 Network & NFL Network

2801 Indiana Avenue, Baker City • 541-523-2358 • www.quailridgegreens.com 79

Baker County Living

Scenic Drive

Photo courtesy Base Camp Baker

Halfway in the fall, with the snowcapped Wallowa Mountains.

Take a drive: Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

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he Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a loop that encircles the Wallowa Mountains, intersecting with Interstate 84 at La Grande and Baker City.

Small towns along the drive offer visitor services, but plan ahead because you'll find stretches of more than 80 miles without gas. closures

The entire route is fully open only from late spring to fall be-

cause a segment between Joseph and Halfway closes with snow in winter. Construction will continue through the summer of 2015 on a 13-mile loop — a detour will be available for travelers, although it is not recommended for motor homes or motorcycles.

The Byway goes through 11 communities, offering visitors a taste of life in rural Northeastern Oregon.

For information, visit the website www.hellscanyonbyway.com.

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The route The 218-mile trip can be done clockwise (Baker City-La Grande-Joesph-Halfway-Richland-Baker City) or counterclockwise (Baker City-Richland-Halfway-Joseph-La Grande-Baker City)

Closure In the winter, a segment between Halfway and Joseph is closed due to snow.

Information www.hellscanyonbyway.com

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