Five candidates file for Baker School Board

March 15, 2013, 1:54 am

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By Chris Collins ccollins@bakercityherald.com Five people, including one incumbent, have filed for two seats on the Baker School Board. Jim Longwell would like to retain his position and Mike Ogan and Kevin Cassidy want to replace him. The three will compete for a four-year term in the May 21 election. Longwell will finish a two-year term on the board on June 30. He was elected in May 2011 to fill the unexpired term of a position formerly held by Andrew Bryan. Bryan was appointed in 2010 to fill a remaining three-year term on the board. He was elected to a four-year term in the 2011 election and Longwell was elected to fill the remaining two years on the unexpired term. Lynne Burroughs, board chair, will not seek re-election. Richard McKim and Rosemary Abell will vie for a four-year term on the board to fill the position Burroughs is vacating.

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Shallow snow means deeper Brownlee

March 15, 2013, 1:55 am

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By Jayson Jacoby jjacoby@bakercityherald.com The relatively paltry snowpack in Central and Eastern Idaho is a boon for boaters, anglers and others who spend time at, and especially on, Baker County’s Brownlee Reservoir. The scant snow means there’s little threat of flooding this spring on the Snake and Columbia rivers. The result is that Idaho Power Co., which owns and operates Brownlee Dam, will not have to lower the water level in the reservoir nearly as much as in the past couple of springs.

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Obituaries for March 18, 2013

March 18, 2013, 2:01 am

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Lois Franklin Formerly Baker City, 1917-2013 Lois Carmen Comstock Franklin, 96, a former Baker City resident, died March 14, 2013, at Starr Retirement home in Chelan, Wash. At her request, there will be no funeral. There will be a future gathering for disposition of ashes at Chelan, and additional interment of ashes at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City. Lois and her twin sister, Louine, were born on March 10, 1917, at Cove to Ray W. and Susan McNeill Comstock. The twins and their older brother, George Dale Comstock, were reared in Baker. Lois attended Baker schools, playing cello in the Baker Symphony and piano while in high school. She was a 1935 Baker High School graduate. After graduation, Lois was employed locally at O.H.P. McCord Realty office. Later she worked for U.S. Bank in Portland as loan officer. In October 1945, Lois married World War II Navy medic Alpin Earlynne (A.E.) Franklin in a ceremony at the Methodist Church in Baker. They became parents of two sons, Wesley and Ray, both of whom were born at Wenatchee, Wash. A.E. and Lois, along with A.E.’s brother, David, and his wife, Verona, owned Franklin Furniture Co. in Chelan for 22 years. Later, A.E. and Lois operated the Cabana Motel in that city. Lois and her husband were actively involved in all aspects of the Boy Scouts of America program at Chelan, where both of their sons achieved Eagle Scout rank. Lois loved to quilt, and she was an active member of the Chelan Sewing Club. She also served as treasurer of the Chelan Senior Center. She was active for many years in the Lake Chelan Garden Club and was an avid birdwatcher. She was known for her fun-loving nature (especially practical jokes) and her adventuresome spirit. She was never without a cat’s companionship. Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years; by both parents; by her brother, George; and by her sister, Louine. Survivors include her sons and their wives, Wesley and Mary Franklin, and Ray and Debby Franklin; her grandchildren, Victoria, Erin, Tamea, and Romy Franklin; her sisters-in-law, Grace Levi and Verona Franklin; her brother-in-law, Jim Franklin; plus nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed. Precht’s Funeral Home of Chelan is in charge of arrangements. Lillie Grandstaff Formerly Baker City, 1923-2013 Lillie Grindstaff, 89, of Baker City, died March 1, 2013, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center-Baker City. Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Lillie was born on Nov. 7, 1923, at Baker City to Clarence and Alice Corn Kelley in Baker, Oregon, where she was raised and went to school. She was a 1942 Baker High School graduate. She married Robert S. Grindstaff on July 4, 1942, at Weiser, Idaho. Robert joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II on the USS Bullock. They had two children: Rosalie J. and Donald S. Lillie worked at Jantzen Knitting Mills in Portland. She retired as a housekeeper for St. Elizabeth and a Baker City doctor’s office. She enjoyed fishing, picnicking, camping, spending time with her grandkids, and gardening. She had a beautiful voice and spent a lot of her time singing. She devoted her time to her love of Jesus and her fellow parishioners, whom she loved very much, at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. “She is home with God — her very presence lit up the room!” family members said. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son; her sister, Opal; brothers, Roy, Forrest, and Clyde; and great-granddaughter, Kayla Rose. Survivors include her daughter, Rose, and her husband, Norm; seven grandsons; three granddaughters; five great-granddaughters; nine great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews, each one very special to her; and several cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Lighthouse U.P.C. through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. Mark Coombs Formerly Prairie City, 1955-2013 Mark Steven Coombs, 57, a former Prairie City resident, died Feb. 22, 2013, at Abuyog Leyte, the Philippines. A graveside memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at the Prairie City Cemetery. Mark was born on July 31, 1955, at Prairie City to John and Marva Howard Coombs. He graduated from Prairie City High School in 1974, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines serving as a bandsman until 1982. On May 24, 1987, Mark married Susan Haberger in Boise. Mark always loved sports and was very musically inclined. He lived for almost 20 years in Massachusetts and was involved with his church’s music ministry. He played the saxophone in the church band playing at many multi-faith events in Foxboro, Mass. On a church band ministry trip to London and Wales, he was able to reach out to the community. Mark loved the outdoors and to fish with his son. He was very proud of where he came from and was a loving and caring father. He will be deeply missed by all. Mark always cared about children in need and loved to help the less fortunate. His mission in the Philippines was to help just such children. He brought joy and smiles to everyone he met and knew. Mark’s spirit will live on through his only son, Rick Coombs, and his sisters, Pam and Penny. Survivors include his wife, Susan, and son, Ricky Coombs, both of New York; his father, John Coombs; two sisters, Pam Gangler, and her husband, Tom, and Penny Black and her husband, Wendell, all of Prairie City; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marva Coombs; a brother, Ricky J. Coombs; his grandmother, Marie Howard; and his aunt, Donna Edmunson. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion /American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 106 through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

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Baker City releases annual report

March 18, 2013, 2:11 am

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By Terri Harber tharber@bakercityherald.com The 2012 Baker City annual report is complete. City Manager Mike Kee included an array of things that occurred in city government to focus on in the report. A significant number of these were designed to save money on operations. The city employed 58 full-time workers as of in December 2012. That’s three fewer workers than in December 2011. The city received more than $1 million in grants during 2012. Kee pointed out that several service contracts were renegotiated in 2012.

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Firefighters' fast work keeps house fire from spreading

March 18, 2013, 2:12 am

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By Chris Collins ccollins@bakercityherald.com A quick response by the North Powder Rural Fire District held damage to a minimum in a Sunday morning fire in a double-wide mobile home just north of town. Fire Chief Sam Martin said the fire was caused by an overheated wood stove that ignited the wall and the siding of the home on property owned by Ken Holman on Oregon Trail Highway about a mile north of North Powder. The Red Cross was called to provide emergency housing for the tenants, a family of two adults and three children. Their names were not available in time for this story. The Red Cross also provided food, comfort kits and information on mental and physical health services, according to Dennis Kelly, an after-hours Public Affairs volunteer. Martin said 10 North Powder firefighters responded to the fire at 11:47 a.m. They worked at the scene for about an hour. The house sustained only minor damage thanks to the response of firefighters who arrived just 7 minutes after they were called and were able to douse the fire quickly despite the high winds, the fire chief said. “Most of the time doublewides burn really quick,” Martin said. “We’re really happy with the way things went. It could have been a complete loss.” None of the family’s belongings was lost in the fire and there were no injuries, he said.

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River bill’s overreach

March 20, 2013, 2:03 am

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Oregon state Sen. Alan Bates says one of the main reasons he introduced a bill this year that would add sections of more than two dozen rivers to the state’s Scenic Waterways Program, including two in Baker County, is to protect salmon and steelhead from suction dredge mining. Fair enough. Except the two Baker County streams included in Bates’ Senate Bill 401 — the North Fork of Burnt River and Eagle Creek — harbor neither salmon nor steelhead. We presume Bates, a Democrat from Ashland, is aware of the absence of those fish in the two waterways. Yet the two rivers remain in the bill. Nor is that the only aspect of SB 401 that troubles us. The reach of Eagle Creek proposed for inclusion in the Scenic Waterways Program is already protected under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Congress did that in 1988, designating 4.5 miles of Eagle Creek as “wild,” 6 miles as “recreational” and 18.4 miles as “recreational.” But there’s a significant difference between the federal act and the state law for scenic waterways: The state rules affect private property but the federal act, by and large, does not. Critics of SB 401, and in particular miners, say the bill would greatly restrict the use of private property along streams. They make a good point. The rules that govern streams in the Scenic Waterways System apply not only to the waterway itself, but also to the land, including private property, within one-quarter mile of either bank. Placer mining, except for “recreational” mining, is prohibited in that zone. And private property owners must consult with the state before doing any of several things, including logging or constructing new buildings. These restrictions could cause major problems for property owners, especially along the North Fork of Burnt River, which flows through several miles of privately owned pastures where cattle graze. The river also is the subject of an ongoing legal case about whether mining should be allowed on public land. Additional protections for some reaches of Oregon rivers might well be appropriate. But neither the North Fork of Burnt River nor Eagle Creek qualifies, and both should be deleted from SB 401.

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Letters to the Editor for March 20, 2013

March 20, 2013, 2:03 am

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I’m supporting Charlene Chase for OTEC board Baker City resident Charlene Chase is a candidate for the Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative board of directors, position No. 9. I have known and admired Mrs. Chase for many years as she has held administrative positions in the field of education. She is very professional and while being goal-oriented, she also is a team player. Her current experience as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) points out that although being retired, she continues to serve our community. She understands business and would bring her expertise in communications to the board. Also, as a consumer, she would be able to work with citizens on their concerns. Being a “real person,” she is enjoyable to be around. Some of her goals are as follows: • Provide economical power for OTECC members• Engage OTECC’s power supplier to ensure current and future needs are met• Keep abreast of technology• Explore OTECC’s role in economic development• Continue to control and reduce operating costs while providing quality service• Keep in mind that the board represents the interests of the public Here is our chance to put a capable, accessible and willing candidate on the OTECC board to replace retiring Peggi Timm, who is the only female member of the board. Please vote for Charlene Chase as a member of the OTECC board of directors. Bruce Raffety Baker City Eastern Oregonians want healthcare changes There is a letter on my dining room table from my health insurance company, “Prescription Benefit Information.” It says they will not cover my newly prescribed medication for glaucoma. They did say I have the right to request an exception — but did not say it would be honored. My life was miserable for two years before this new treatment option that is being managed by an Oregon specialist. I am hopeful the exception will be granted. Tony Radmilovech’s story in The (La Grande) Observer, March 15, “Trying and failing: End ‘fail first’ practices,”) of debilitating pain and his search for a way to control his pain is unfortunately an experience shared by many of us. Tony describes how insurance bureaucrats interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and deny coverage for treatment, even treatment key to managing daily life tasks. He makes plain how insurance companies can actually override physicians’ care decisions. Is this good health care? Who is in control here? Should they be? The issue of appropriate, quality health care was raised in a recent documentary featured at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival, “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Health Care.” Lines formed outside the theater to see the film that asks “How can we save our badly broken healthcare system?” Crowds stayed after the show to listen to a panel of health care providers and congregated in the lobby and on the sidewalk to sign petitions to the Oregon legislature stating “Healthcare is a human right.” It is obvious that people in Eastern Oregon are concerned and want to learn more. Members of Oregon Rural Action Health Care Reform Action Team answered questions, distributed information and recruited volunteers. The Eastern Oregon movement to provide excellent, patient/physician-managed health care to every Oregonian is growing daily. It is time for “health care for all” and “‘fail first’ for no one”! Please join us; there is a place for everyone. Cheryl Simpson-Whitaker La Grande Co-chair, ORA Health Care Reform Action Team

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Obituaries for March 20, 2013

March 20, 2013, 2:09 am

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‘Lee’ Chaffee Baker City, 1922-2013 Lillian Ida “Lee” Chaffee, 91, died March 4, 2013, at Settler’s Park Assisted Living in Baker City. During her last few days, Lee was attended to by her son, Brandon Chaffee, and his wife, Teresa. There will be a family memorial service in Lee’s honor this summer in Tennessee. Lee was born on Feb. 14, 1922, at Decaturville, Tenn., to John T. Smith Jr. and Lura Hughes Smith. After her father’s death in 1931, Lee and her mother, Lura, and her two younger brothers, John and Bill, moved to Texas for a short time and then moved back to Clifton, Tenn. Lee was a 1940 Clifton High School graduate. She attended Bowling Green Business University in Kentucky in 1941. During World War II she wrote knot manuals for the U.S. Navy. After the war, Lee took the bus to Hollywood, Calif., where she worked for Eddie Foyer Jr. as his secretary. There she met her future husband, Lester F. Chaffee. Lester and Lee were married on Feb. 27, 1947, at Las Vegas, Nev. They then moved to New Britain, Conn., where they had three children: Bruce, Brandon and Cathy. Lee was an expert archer in the late 1950s and ’60s; she was the first woman on record to kill a deer with a bow in Vermont. In 1965 they moved to San Jose, Calif. Lee worked for Boole & Babbage, a software company as a technical writer. Lee’s husband, Lester, died on Feb. 18, 2000. In 2004, Lee moved to Richland to be closer to her son, Brandon, and his wife, Teresa. Lee lived on Valley Street. She loved the view from her front porch and said it had to be the best view in all of Eagle Valley. She was an avid bridge player, and an accomplished artist. She enjoyed painting in oils and watercolors. One of her floral paintings can be viewed at Settlers Park Assisted Living in Baker City as a memorial to her. Survivors include her son, Bruce Chaffee, and his wife Susan of Cul-de-sac, Idaho, and grandchildren Gregory Chaffee, Jeffrey Chaffee and Shevaun Chaffee of Lewiston, Idaho; her son, Brandon Chaffee, and his wife Teresa of Richland; and grandson Colton Clark-Chaffee of Nampa, Idaho; her daughter, Cathy Lursen-Powers and her husband, Ed, of Madera, Calif.; and granddaughter, Shannon Pham of Hollister, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eagle Valley Ambulance or Eagle Valley Fire Department through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Andy Dickison Walla Walla, Wash., 1954-2013 Andy Dickison, 58, of Walla Walla, Wash., died March 6, 2013. His memorial service was March 16 at the Calvary Chapel, in Walla Walla, Wash. He was born on Dec. 6, 1954, at Bayside, N.Y., and grew up in Northern California where he found a love for performing arts and music. He developed great musical skill at an early age and joined the junior symphony where he became concert master. He was recognized as the best violinist for his age group in all of Northern California. He loved composing music as well, and composed a full-length symphony. Andy met the Lord in January 1972 at a youth camp in Sonora, Calif., family members said. He was very involved in several ministries in the 1970s. Andy’s faith in Jesus saw him through many trials during his adult years. “He may have lost some battles but Jesus won the war,” his family said. Andy was a proud veteran, and served his country with the U.S. Air Force from July 1978 to March 1981. Andy spent his last years living at Walla Walla, Wash., where the streets were often graced by the sound of his violin playing on summer days. He found a church family with Calvary Chapel Walla Walla, and blessed many there with his warm personality, friendship, and his musical talent in their worship services. Andy was a member of the Rising Sun Clubhouse and had many friends there whom he spoke of constantly and prayed for often. “Those who knew him well miss him deeply, but are blessed to know that heaven, the kingdom he spoke of so often, and the God who he longed to see face to face, have been found by him in resurrection,” family members said. He was preceded in death his parents, Andrew and Betty Dickison. His body will be laid to rest close to theirs at Sumpter. Survivors include his brothers, Rick Dickison (Sandy), of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Mark Dickison of Pinole, Calif., and Wesley Dickison (Shaun) of Baker City; sisters, Teri Dickison of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Robin Olds (Jim) of Mountain Home, Idaho; and step-mother, Josephine Dickison, of Baker City. Wesley Kriege Prineville, 1917-2013 Wesley George Kriege, 95, died March 15, 2013, at Prineville. A memorial service will be scheduled later. Wes was born on Nov. 20, 1917, at White River, S.D., to August and Gladys Kriege. After attending school in South Dakota, Wes was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 14, 1941, at Tacoma, Wash. While in the Army, Wes was stationed in Papua New Guinea and Australia. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge Per Go 23 HQ 163rd Infantry 43, and Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star and Service Star Lapel Button. After an honorable discharge on Aug. 25, 1945, Wes began working on the Grand Coulee Dam as a jackhammer operator. In 1947, he moved to Prineville where he began working for Alexander Stewart as a planer man. During this time, Wes met the love of his life, Geraldine Blevins. They were married on Dec. 24, 1947. The couple had three daughters, Leona, Linda and Georgia, and continued to live at Prineville until they moved to Seneca. While in Seneca, Wes worked as a planer man at Ellingson Lumber Co., and eventually was promoted to a millwright. In December of 1982, Wes retired and became a snowbird with his wife, Geraldine, traveling to Apache Junction, Ariz. In April 2011, the couple moved back to Prineville. Wes greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and his No. 1 love, Geraldine. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Geraldine; daughters, Leona (Steve) Blasingame of Bend, Linda (Fred) Fell of Prineville and Georgia (Cecil) Morin of Prineville; grandchildren, Tami Steelman-Gonzales of San Leandro, Calif., Christina Olsen of Redmond, Fred Fell Jr. of Pendleton, Marnie Fell of Prineville and Wes Kriege of Prineville; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild; sister, Donna Parker of Sisters; brother, Dick Kriege of Sisters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother and one infant great-grandson. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Hospice-Prineville through Whispering Pines Funeral Home, 185 N.E. Fourth St., Prineville, OR 97754. Edith Flower Irrigon, 1925-2013 Edith Turner Gorham Flower, 87, of Irrigon, died March 18, 2013, at her home surrounded by her family. Her graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the North Powder Cemetery. Edith was born on Sept. 23, 1925, at Medical Springs to Oliver and Nina Haynes Turner. She and her twin sister, Alice, each fit in the palm of their father’s hand when born at the home of a relative on the way to the hospital. She was a Union High School graduate, training her senior year at the NYA (National Youth Administration) School in Pendleton to work at the Umatilla Army Depot during the war. A year later, she married her returning soldier, Gordon Gorham, and moved to the family farm at North Powder where five children were born. They were divorced 25 years later and Edith returned to school at Baker Business College, earning a degree in business while working at the Democrat- Herald in Baker. She then moved to Halfway and worked as a secretary at Pine Valley High School in 1967. Edith returned to work a year later at the Umatilla Army Depot in Hermiston. During her career, she also worked for the Army Corps of Engineers at Pomeroy, Wash., and Cascade Locks, as well as the City of Stanfield and the City of North Powder until her retirement at North Powder. She married Charles Flower at Stanfield in 1970. Mr. Flower died in 2001 and Edith relocated to Irrigon to live near her daughter. Edith was devoted to her family, enjoyed flowers, gardening, camping, fishing, and hunting. She had a great sense of humor and shared her home and love with many children throughout her life. It was well known that if you visited Edith you were always strongly encouraged to enjoy a meal, which she would prepare at a moment’s notice. She was a lifelong member of the Wolf Creek Grange at North Powder and had served as a Boy Scout leader and a 4-H leader. She taught Sunday School at the North Powder Methodist Church, often served as classroom mother for her children and supported and enjoyed her son’s and grandchildren’s many athletic events throughout their school years. She rarely missed an event, no matter how far she needed to travel to attend. She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands; brothers, Clyde, and Alford “Bud” Marsh; twin sister, Alice Eft; sister, Rosemary Krause; infant daughter, Jacqueline; sons, Donald and Gordy Gorham; and grandson, Gordy Gorham Jr.. Survivors include her son, Robert (Suzanne) Gorham of Forest Grove and daughter, Kathy (Elias) Mendoza of Irrigon; brothers, Forrest (Nellie) Turner of Union and Jim (Joyce) Turner of Elgin; brother-in-law, George Eft of Hermiston; sisters-in-law, Linda (Don) Silva and Marsha (Gordy) Bruner; grandchildren, Lynne (Tim) McCormick of Culver, Jacque (Troy) Walker of Salem, Krista (Troy) Donahue of Keizer, Angela (Craig) Nelson of La Grande, Ben (Lisa) Gorham of Vernonia, Chris Pulse of Forest Grove, Rebecca Davison-Stitzel (Rebecca Morehead) of Spokane, Wash., Jennifer Davison of Adams, and Frank Jauregui of Irrigon; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved as her own. Memorial contributions may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite 300, Hermiston, OR 97838; Stokes Landing Senior Center, 195 N.W. Opal Place, Irrigon, OR 97844; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attention: Memorial/Honor Program FH, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. Send condolences online to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements. Ronda Dillman Halfway, 1946-2013 Ronda A. Dillman, 66, a lifelong Halfway resident, died March 17, 2013 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. There was a Celebration of Life service for Ronda today at the Halfway Lions Club. Pastor Shawn Thatcher of the Pine Baptist Church officiated. Ronda Ann Dillman, proud to be a true native of Halfway, was born on Aug. 14, 1946, at Halfway to Everett and Virgene Hulse Payton. She attended all 12 years of school at Halfway and was a 1964 Pine Valley Union High School graduate. She married Walt, the love of her life, on Feb. 27. 1965. Her first job was with Morrison-Knutson at Brownlee Dam. She had wonderful stories to tell about her commute to and from work. Her one working experience away from Halfway was a job with Boeing in Seattle. She had a good experience, but was happy to return home. She then worked as a secretary at Pine-Eagle High School, where she mentored many young women. Staying home with her children, Ronda became the editor for the Hells Canyon Journal. She worked from her home and produced a weekly issue of the Journal. After she sold that business, she then went to work for the Forest Service. Her favorite time there was going on a fire. She enjoyed the excitement, long hours, and adrenaline rush. No matter what job Ronda had, she gave it her all. She loved to work and took a lot of pride in doing her job -— any job — well. She and Walt purchased the Halfway Garage, where she worked in the family business. She didn’t even mind pumping gas, as she liked to visit with everyone who came in, family members said. Yes, Ronda did like to visit. She rarely met a stranger. After her mother’s retirement, Ronda became a Farmer’s Insurance agent. If you were lucky enough to have her for your agent, you know she always went the extra mile for “her people,” as she called them. She particularly worried about some of her older clients, and took special care of them. After her retirement from Farmer’s, she continued to serve her many customers in various insurance policies. Ronda loved life, family, laughter and friends. She told stories that would keep her audience howling with laughter. She was a prolific letter writer, challenging whatever injustice she perceived. She loved to cook and was always trying new recipes. She loved to camp with friends and family, and she particularly liked to hunt. One year she went all out and bought some camo shorts to go antelope hunting. She called herself Jane Wayne, along with her hunting partner, John Wayne. She also enjoyed playing “Old Clyde” with her mom and Glenna, or anyone, for that matter, family members said. Taking after her dad, she developed a passion for hummingbirds. She must have had the nectar touch, because she fed up to a 100 birds a day. She and her guests enjoyed watching them. Her favorite vacation was to the Oregon Coast. Placing second was camping and Jackpot. She was known as “Aunt Ronda” to numerous kids in the valley. She loved a challenge and was always ready to try new things. She and Walt participated in many lip syncs, including “Doggie in the Window” and “Rocking Chair.” She welcomed everybody who dropped by and really enjoyed having people around. She had open house always. She loved all of her family, doting on her children and her grandchildren. She had a lot of love to give and she gave it freely. The family especially wants to thank Kate Grace for all of her love, support and help. She was a very dear friend to Ronda. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Walt Dillman of Halfway; her children, Josi Mack and her husband, Larry, of Baker City, and Corey Dillman and his wife, Cathy, of Washington state; her brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Beth Payton of Halfway; sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Roger Coles of Baker City; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lonnie and Marie Dillman of Baker City, and Dock and Cynthia Dillman of Crooked River Ranch; seven grandchildren; her aunt, Corene Hulse of Pasco, Wash.; special friends, Bob Hamby and Marvin Lee, “The Milwaukie Hunting Group,” Sandy and Dennis Sargent and Donna Barnes and her late husband, Jim; and numerous nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparent; aunts and uncles; and several cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to the Halfway Ambulance Fund through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.

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Fire destroys Baker City home

March 20, 2013, 2:14 am

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By Chris Collins ccollins@bakercityherald.com Ben Titus had been sleeping for just about an hour Tuesday morning after finishing his night shift at Settler’s Park when he was awakened by his neighbor pounding on his door. John Jeffries, who lives at 1305 Auburn Ave., just two houses east of Titus’ home at 1325 Auburn Ave., said he saw smoke in the street about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Upon further investigation he saw smoke streaming out from under the cedar shingles of Titus’ home. Jeffries, who didn’t realize Titus had returned from work, ran to the back door of the burning house to get Titus’ dogs out.“I told Ben, ‘I didn’t think about you, I thought about your dogs,’ ” Jeffries said.

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Perfect Pinocchio

March 20, 2013, 2:15 am

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By Lisa Britton For the Baker City Herald It’s a little eerie, to be driving west on Auburn Avenue and suddenly see Pinocchio. But at 30 feet tall and 4 tons, he’s hard to miss. Especially with that nose. Pinocchio has been nine months in the making at Blue Mountain Fine Art, a bronze foundry in Baker City. He is made of more than 300 pieces of bronze. On Monday, the top half was joined to the bottom half at the waist. He will be standing outside for the rest of the week at the foundry, which is located between Auburn Avenue and Broadway Street just west of the railroad tracks. His final destination (by boat) is South Korea. But he won’t go in one piece.“We’ll cut the arms off and the back leg,” said Tyler Fouts, who owns the foundry. Fouts will weld the parts back on at the job site in Korea. Pinocchio is a project by artist Jim Dine. The giant figure was carved from dense foam, from which molds were made to create the bronze pieces. The color — black hair, white shirt and reddish pants — are created with either acrylic paint or chemical reactions.

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Wind topples tractor-trailer on I-84

March 20, 2013, 11:03 pm

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A commercial truck driver suffered only a minor injury Wednesday afternoon when a wind gust apparently tipped his truck and empty trailer on their side on Interstate 84 near North Powder. Michael Corpuz, 38, of Santa Maria, Calif., was driving east on the freeway near Milepost 280, about five miles north of North Powder, when the crash happened about 2:10 p.m. Corpuz was treated for the injury at the scene, and was not taken to a hospital, according to Oregon State Police. An OSP press release didn't describe the injury. The truck and trailer blocked the freeway's inside shoulder and a majority of the eastbound traffic lanes. A cold front that swept through Northeastern Oregon Wednesday afternoon spawned thunderstorms that brought gale-force winds as well as torrential rain and hail. A peak gust of 52 mph was recorded at the Baker City Airport at 2:35 p.m. OSP Sr. Trooper Ryan Moorehead was about five miles away when the report of Corpuz's crash came in. OSP troopers from La Grande and Baker City also responded, along with the North Powder Quick Response Unit, Island City Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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BHS TENNIS: Baker sweeps Payette

March 20, 2013, 11:54 pm

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By Gerry Steele gsteele@bakercityherald.com Baker opened its nonleague tennis season by sweeping Payette at Payette Tuesday. Baker won the boys match 4-1 and the girls match 3-2. Baker boys coach George Keister said Payette’s best two players played doubles so Baker teamed its No. 1 and No. 2 singles players against the Pirate duo. Baker’s Lukas Huggins and Ivan Hansen defeated Payette’s Matt Bake and Devin Soelberg 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6). Keister said Huggins and Hansen trailed 5-1 in the tie-breaker before rallying. Hunter Stone and Matthew Barnes of Baker won the No. 2 doubles match 6-3, 6-0. Jesse Burk, playing No. 1 singles, won his match 6-4, 6-1. Isaac Mansuetti won the No. 2 singles 6-0, 6-0. In girls action, Baker swept the doubles matches and the No. 2 singles. Devon Galiszewski and Delaney Kee won the No. 1 doubles match 6-0, 6-1. Lena Bowers and Hannah Wilson won the No. 2 doubles 6-2, 6-0. Kaitlyn Uttenreuther won the No. 2 sinles match 6-4, 6-2. Baker at Payette Boys matches Baker 4, Payette 1 Singles Burk (B) def. Heleker 6-4, 6-1 Mansuetti (B) def. Stevens 6-0, 6-0 Mussell (P) def. Barnes 8-6 Doubles Huggins/Hansen (B) def. Bake/Soelberg 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6) Stone/Barnes (B) def. Gonzalez/Stoneman 6-3, 6-0 Girls matches Baker 3, Payette 2 Singles Briscoe (P) def. Robb 6-2, 6-2 Uttenreuther (B) def. Weiss 6-4, 6-2 Fuller (P) def. Fregoso 8-7 Doubles Galiszewski/Kee (B) def. Fuller/Caviness 6-0, 6-1 L. Bowers/Wilson (B) def. Burmester/Kinkead 6-2, 6-0 JV doubles Livingston/Hertel (B) def. Waldberger/Ali 8-1 Fuller/Caviness (P) def. S. Bowers/Patterson 8-2 Borgardus/Wachtel (B) def. Kinkead/Burmester 8-5 Caviness/Waldberger (P) def. Burk/Gentili 8-4

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BHS BASEBALL: Bulldogs fall to Weiser in season-opener

March 20, 2013, 11:56 pm

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By Gerry Steele gsteele@bakercityherald.com Baker received solid pitching but had some shaky hitting and fielding in its season-opening nonleague baseball game against Weiser Tuesday at the Baker Sports Complex. The Bulldogs dropped the contest 6-2. “It was a typical first game,” said Baker coach Dan Blankenship.“I thought our pitchers threw well enough. We just didn’t hit the ball well enough and weren’t solid enough in the field."

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BHS SOFTBALL: Baker rallies to beat Weiser, improves to 2-0

March 20, 2013, 11:57 pm

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By Gerry Steele gsteele@bakercityherald.com It took Baker almost half the game to figure out Weiser’s pitcher, but when the Bulldogs did their bats got hot. Baker (2-0) trailed 4-0 after three innings then erupted for nine runs to defeat Weiser 9-6 in the nonleague softball game at the Baker Sports Complex. “After I kind of blew my cool the girls finally made the adjustments we needed,” said Baker coach Al McCauley.“Their pitcher was throwing a two-seam fast ball that was moving outside. Then, when we finally decided to stay back and hit the ball to right field we starting hitting the ball."

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Obituary for March 22, 2013

March 22, 2013, 1:35 am

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Del Williams Baker City, 1936-2013 Del Williams,75, of Baker City, died March 15, 2013. A private service will be scheduled later. Del was born on June 21, 1936, at Richland to Walter and Opal Williams. He attended Eagle Valley schools through high school. His college years were at Boise Junior College and Oregon State University in Corvallis. Initially he studied accounting but switched to physics, which he found much more interesting. His professional life was varied. He helped build dams on the Snake River and the Columbia River. At Kaiser Permanente in California he worked on the early automation of medical records. He missed the friendliness of his home state so after two years, he returned to Oregon to work at Portland Public Schools managing the automation of student records. Later he was a department head at Tektronix in Beaverton. After leaving Tek he started his own company, Synertech, designing printed circuit boards for high-tech companies. The home he and his wife built near Portland was earth-sheltered. They retired to Baker City. He was a good businessman and had a soft touch for people and animals in need. His lifelong hobby was Model A Ford cars. In Portland he was active in the Beaver Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America. He also helped start the Lone Pine A’s in Baker County. He was an expert mechanic and loved helping others work on their A’s. His favorite trip in his A was to an international meet in Calgary, Canada. He also attended two rallies in New Zealand. He is survived by Julianne, his wife of 30 years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Model A Ford Foundation Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 95151, Nonantum, MA 02495.

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Listening to history, 40 years after it was made

March 22, 2013, 1:42 am

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Most of us who regularly read history books, I’d wager, have wished mightily at some point that we could actually witness the scenes we’re reading about. I was able recently to listen to history being made — before I was born. Which isn’t quite as compelling, I suppose, as seeing an epochal event happen. But this experience, though purely auditory, was awfully interesting just the same. The subject, I’ll concede, is unpleasant. But then much of what gets into the history books is like that. I would argue that the Manson murders of 1969 constitute the second most notorious criminal case in America in the 20th century.

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Why the rush on legal pot?

March 22, 2013, 1:42 am

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We didn’t expect the proponents of legalizing marijuana would surrender after their defeat at the Oregon ballot box last November. But we didn’t figure on the Legislature taking up their cause so soon. The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to discuss, during a public hearing April 1, House Bill 3371. It would allow people 21 and older to keep as many as six mature marijuana plants and up to 24 ounces of marijuana. The Oregon Health Authority would license pot producers, processors, wholesalers and sellers, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission would collect a tax of $35 per ounce from growers. The state would dole out the tax revenue by this formula: 40 percent to schools, and 20 percent each to the State Police, state general fund and services for mental health, alcoholism and drugs. The main effect of this bill, were it to become law — besides, of course, giving OLCC the sort of intoxicating power the likes of Al Capone could scarcely have dreamed of — is to disenfranchise the 923,000 Oregonians who voted “no” last November on Ballot Measure 80. That measure, like House Bill 3371, would have legalized marijuana use for adults. Measure 80 failed, with 53.2 percent of voters opposed (the margin was much greater in Baker County, with 64.4-percent opposition). The measure gained a majority of “yes” votes in just four of the state’s 36 counties — Benton, Lane, Lincoln and Multnomah. Yet less than five months later, lawmakers are thinking about thwarting nearly a million of their constituents. We don’t understand why this is a priority — nor, it seems, do legislators, as, according to a story in The Oregonian, nobody in Salem is copping to being House Bill 3371’s sponsor. Separate groups intend to bring the issue back to voters in November 2014 or November 2016. The voters have had their say, and the Legislature should allow them the chance to do so again.

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Six will vie for two school board seats

March 22, 2013, 1:44 am

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Rick Stout and Karen Spencer have joined the list of people seeking election to the Baker School Board in the May 21 election. A total of six candidates will be on the ballot. Stout and Spencer, along with Rickard McKim and Rosemary Abell, are competing for a four-year term as the Position 4 representative. The seat is currently held by Lynne Burroughs, board chair, who is not running for re-election. Jim Longwell, whose term expires June 30, had filed for re-election to a four-year term as the Position 3 representative on the board, but he withdrew his candidacy on March 15. (A story in Friday's Baker City Herald did not include the update that Longwell had withdrawn his candidacy.) Mike Ogan and Kevin Cassidy are vying to replace Longwell. Thursday was the last day for candidates to file for the election. The ballots will be mailed out on May 3 and must be returned to the Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. May 21.

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D.A. worried about crime bills

March 22, 2013, 1:45 am

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By Terri Harber tharber@bakercityherald.com Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff told the board of commissioners Wednesday there are bills moving through the Oregon Legislature with potential negative consequences. House Bill 3194 would allow judges discretion on sentencing for nearly 20 offenses — many of which fall under Measure 11 and 57 guidelines, which call for mandatory minimum sentences. Crimes that could have reduced sentences under HB 3194 are first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree assault and second-degree robbery, Shirtcliff said. The 54-page bill is based on recommendations the Oregon Commission on Public Safety made in December to Gov. John Kitzhaber. Shirtcliff said passage of HB 3194 would result in “a lot of bad guys running around.” He’s also concerned about a provision in the bill to give grants to counties for not imprisoning some offenders.

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Possible wolf sighting near Baker City

March 25, 2013, 1:29 am

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By Jayson Jacoby jjacoby@bakercityherald.com An animal that might be a gray wolf attacked two dogs Sunday morning just outside a home near Pine Creek, at the base of the Elkhorns about 10 miles west of Baker City. Brian Ratliff, district wildlife biologist at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Baker City office, said he searched the nearby forest and found tracks from two separate “large canids.” Ratliff said he also found feces and hair that he will send to the University of Idaho for DNA testing. The dogs’ owner, Jay Ogg, thwarted the attack by firing several rounds from his 10 mm Glock pistol. Ogg said this morning that he didn’t try to hit the attacking animal, which he is convinced was a wolf, but fired in its direction, intending only to scare it off. The incident happened about 7 a.m. Sunday at Ogg’s home on Spring Creek Loop, which branches off Pine Creek Lane. Ogg moved to the home last August with his wife, Genie.

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