Plan to deal with wolves that kill livestock must be in place by Feb. 15

By Jennifer Jenks
Burns Times-Herald

Being given just a month to come up with a plan for the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant Program, the Harney County Court elected to form a Harney County Advisory Wolf Committee at their meeting Jan. 18. The application process opened Jan. 12 and closes Feb. 15.

“This is a nightmare that’s been dropped in our laps very suddenly by ODA,” County Judge Steve Grasty said, “and now this committee has to come up with a plan by Feb. 15.” Grasty added that if a plan is not in place by that date and wolves kill livestock here, the owners will not be compensated.

The ODA requires the committee to be made up of one county commissioner, two members who manage or own livestock and two members who advocate wolf conservation or wolf co-existence with ranchers. The committee must then choose two business members from the community, making a total of seven committee members.
With the deadline approaching so quickly, Grasty advised the only option would be to form the committee, have them look at Wallowa County’s plan (which is the only county that has one done) and come up with a plan based on that.

Commissioner Dan Nichols agreed to be the county court representative. The board discussed other possible committee members and came up with some possibilities to contact. The board passed a motion to appoint the named individuals if they are willing to serve and gave Nichols authority to fill any vacancies with anyone he feels appropriate, in the interest of time. They agreed to revisit committee membership and set the terms of the committee after the Feb. 15 deadline.

•••
Harney County resident Mary Ausmus, in attendance, questioned the current purpose of the justice court and whether it was needed. Judge Grasty told her there had been a lot of discussion about this issue over the last year in particular. In a county our size, he said, with all the traffic and wildlife violations, justice court is an absolute necessity. In addition, small claims court is a less restrictive way for people to work out their differences.

It was explained that the criminal proceedings have moved to circuit court since the beginning of the year, and with the added workload on circuit court, there may be an eventual redistricting in which Grant and Harney counties will no longer have to share a judge, but that justice court will still be necessary and a service to the community. There was no update as to an appointment to replace Justice of the Peace Matt Fine, who is stepping down at the end of this month.

•••
Chris Siegner, director of Symmetry Care, gave an update on the services, finances and goals of the facility. There have been no interruptions in services, and they have implemented a walk-in schedule that has improved access to services.

Siegner discussed quality assurance goals including prompt follow-up once an assessment has been made and adding on a private area for emergency situations. He advised a recent site review undertaken at Liberty House, one of their treatment facilities, was better than when they were Harney Behavioral Health, and were actually licensed for two years this time, which is unusual.

Siegner said Symmetry Care was actually profitable in December, but they are currently $267,000 in arrears, most of which is owed by the state. Most of the fault for that lies with Symmetry Care, he said, because of some billing program issues.

•••
Guy McKay, veterans services officer, presented the quarterly update for the Veterans’ Services Office. He stated he had 76 scheduled interviews in the last quarter, not including walk-ins and seven out-of-office interviews, where he goes to Drewsey, Fields, Crane or elsewhere for scheduled interviews.

McKay has been getting a lot of positive response to his weekly radio show and has had interest for him to expand it to other counties. It would be no extra time or resources for him because he would simply be sending out the same show to the other counties with the contact information changed. “If I can get one guy out of 100 to come in and file a claim, it’s worth it,” he said.

The court was agreeable to this, but recommended he discuss it with veterans services officers in those counties first. Harney County Senior Center Director Angie Iturbide advised there were no financial issues with the program, as it was paying its way.

•••
In other news, the court:

• heard from Darrell Williams, community service supervisor, who was in attendance to update the court on the community service group. In 2011, between the county and both cities, 9,840 hours of community service were performed. Most service is performed cleaning up around the cities and around the county, but he said they were always looking for suggestions on what needs to be done;

• agreed to submit an Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Issue Form regarding the Oregon Department of State Lands’ revising its Real Estate Management Plan (REAMP). This new REAMP, the AOC is concerned, may impact county tax bases and local businesses;

• signed orders appointing Scott Spence, M.D., as the County Health Officer (it was pointed out that this is for public health and not for hospice); Julie Burri as Harney County Medical Investigator; Sandra L. Richards, Stephen Finlayson and Matthew R. Fine as Harney County Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore; and Steven E. Grasty as Budget Officer, all for the year 2012;

• approved and signed Resolution #2012-01 In The Matter of Appropriating Funds Due to Unexpected Occurrence or Condition dealing with Taylor Grazing Fund;

• opened two proposals for Forest Health Grant Funds, one from Timber Contracting Tony Hauth and the other from Joseph’s Juniper Inc. As stated at the last meeting, a committee will be formed made up of three community members who will be asked to get back to the court with recommendations by Feb. 1. The court discussed possibly setting aside $100,000 each year for projects like this without limiting them to forest health. Grasty said he would see what he could do while working on the budget;

• voted to use LGPI to carry on labor negotiations with the Harney County Deputy Sheriff’s Association;

• Scheduled two more interviews for the Harney County Home Health Director position for Jan. 24.

The next county court meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. in Grasty’s office at the Harney County Courthouse.

Thefts totaled more than $30,000 worth of property; all suspects are in jail

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office announced that on Jan. 11, the Harney County Grand Jury issued a 19-count indictment on recent burglaries and thefts.

The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Oregon State Police and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office in which more than $30,000 worth of property was stolen in burglaries in Harney County.

The following people were arrested after several searches were conducted in Harney, Lane and Union counties:

Jennifer Dawn Griffin, 31, was charged with three counts of theft in the first degree;

Jerrod Daniel Griffin, 33, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, theft I by receiving (3 counts), burglary II and aggravated theft I;

Nickolas Dean Bleuler, 18, was charged with theft I by receiving (2 counts), burglary II and aggravated theft I;

Honey Lenn Schatz, 44, was charged with burglary II;

Michael Ken Pannell, 44, was charged with burglary II, possession of marijuana (more than one ounce) and felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts);

Misty Rae Pannell, 31, was charged with possession of marijuana (more than one ounce).

The state is also seeking forfeiture of an SUV used in the commission of the thefts.

Arraignments were scheduled for Jan. 18 on all but Jarrod Griffin, who is currently serving a sentence in the Malheur County Jail.

There are still several items that were not recovered. If anyone has information regarding these individuals and property, contact the Harney County Sheriff’s Office at 541-573-6156.

Eastern Oregon towns spend more on public safety than collected in property tax

A new report from the League of Oregon Cities finds that Oregon’s cities have yet to bottom out from the recent economic recession, and that many cities are pessimistic about a rebound in the near future.

“State of the Cities” combines survey data from 178 cities with an in-depth analysis of five years of annual financial data from 50 cities throughout Oregon. According to the report: “Revenues are down and rainy day funds are drying up. Stimulus funds will soon be exhausted. Services have been cut and will likely be cut further — all at a time when citizen demand for services is increasing. For most cities, balancing their budgets will be an increasingly difficult task.”

The report found that many Oregon cities spend more on public safety alone than they collect in property taxes, the largest source of revenue for the vast majority of cities. Of the 40 cities analyzed that have police and/or fire departments, the average city spent exactly 100 percent of property tax collections on public safety, and some cities spent far more, including the cities of John Day, Union, Pendleton, Lakeview and Burns in Eastern Oregon.

The report also finds:
• Revenues of the 50 cities analyzed have declined over the last five fiscal years, with governmental fund revenues down nearly four percent;

• The “rainy day fund” (for most cities, the governmental balance fund), has plummeted 16 percent over the same time period;

• 42 percent of survey cities report being less able to address their financial needs this year than they were the year prior, and nearly half of survey respondents believe that they will be even less able to meet financial needs next year; and

• The cities analyzed reduced governmental fund expenditures by 3.9 percent since the start of the recession.
Smaller cities dipped into their savings accounts more frequently than others, with 56 percent of survey respondents with populations less than 5,000 reporting a decrease in their general fund balances in FY2010-11.

Cities making tough choices
In the face of falling revenues, cities have enacted a number of measures to limit or reduce expenses, including workforce reductions. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, local governments in Oregon cut 119 police officers and 100 additional police personnel between 2009 and 2010, an average reduction of 2.15 percent of officers, and a 2.78 percent reduction in total police staff. Local governments also eliminated 217 firefighting positions during that time, a 6.5 percent reduction in firefighters.

In addition to reducing their workforces, cities have taken other steps to align revenues and expenditures. For example:

• 38 percent of cities have reduced road maintenance;
• 37 percent have reduced staff and/or operations at city hall;
• 30 percent have cut total operating spending;
• 25 percent have cut infrastructure spending; and
• 24 percent have increased their employees’ contribution to health insurance.

Beyond cutting core services like public safety, important quality-of-life programs have also faced severe cutbacks. While not all cities have libraries, park programs, senior services, etc., those that do are scaling them back significantly. Thirty-three percent of cities surveyed that devote resources to parks and recreation activities and facilities report reducing that support over the past several years, and 28 percent report reducing support for local libraries and social services.

Service demands are rising all around
These cuts have been made at a time when citizen demand for services has increased and is expected to continue increasing. More than 48 percent of survey respondents reported seeing an increase in demand for services over the past several years, and almost half of responding cities believe that citizen demand for services will increase further in the future.

“The current challenges facing cities are not just the result of the economic downturn,” LOC Executive Director Mike McCauley warns. “These problems are the result of structural revenue limitations and rising expenditures over which cities have little control, such as health care and pension costs. With very limited options, many cities are left with no option but to reduce essential services and maintenance. This will further erode their ability to effectively provide the platform for Oregon’s future job growth and economic health.”

About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities is a voluntary association representing all 242 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The league helps cities serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance and publications.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

It was a successful road trip to John Day for the Hilander varsity basketball teams on Friday, Jan. 20, as they both came up with wins over Grant Union.

The Burns girls improved to 3-1 in the Eastern Oregon League (EOL), 13-4 overall, with a convincing 67-20 over the Prospectors.

The Hilanders dominated both ends of the court from the outset as they took a 29-6 lead in the first quarter, and led 46-7 at the half.

Burns eased up in the second half and cruised to the win.

Shelby Sanders dropped in 20 points, including two 3-pointers, to lead the Hilanders’ offense. Charlie Siegner added 14 points and Abbey Fenton notched a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hilander defense came up with 31 steals, led by Maddye Dinsmore and Fenton with seven apiece.

1    2     3    4   Final
Bur    29   17    7   14   67
GU      6     1    8     5   20

Burns
Dinsmore4-6 0-0 8, Houck 2-6 1-2 5, Herrera 1-5 3-4 5, Sanders 8-19 2-2 20, Bodeen 2-2 0-0 4, Fenton 5-8 0-0 11, Siegner 7-11 0-0 14, Reid 0-4 0-0 0.Totals 29-61 6-8 67.
Three-point goals — Sanders 2, Fenton.

•••
The Burns boys topped Grant Union 55-50.

The win keeps the Hilanders in second place in the Eastern Oregon League with a 3-1 record, while the Prospectors drop to 2-2.

The Hilanders jumped ahead by seven in the first quarter, but had their lead cut to two by halftime.

The Prospectors tied the game at 42-42 by the end of the third, and the Hilanders outscored Grant Union 13-8 over the final eight minutes to get the win.

Kieran Colahan led the Hilanders with 13 points and 15 rebounds, Austin Feist had 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals, Tanner Crafts had nine points and Casey Heinz added eight points, six rebounds and three assists.

1    2     3    4   Final
Bur    18   11   13   13    55
GU     11   16   15    8     50

The Hilanders continue EOL with a road doubleheader this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 27, Burns plays at Riverside, with the games starting at 3 p.m.. Then on Saturday, Jan. 28, the Hilanders are at Umatilla, with games tipping off at noon.

A public scoping meeting to solicit public comments and identify issues for the BLM and FS National Greater Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Harney County Senior Center, 17 S. Alder in Burns, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A nutrition workshop, sponsored by Harney District Hospital and The Aspens, will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Aspens conference room. Learn how to set goals, identify challenges, make action plans and get started. The workshop will be hosted by Amy Dobson, HDH dietary supervisor, and Pat Hanlon, Aspens activity director. For more information, contact Hanlon at 541-573-2222.

A blood drive will be held at the First Baptist Church, 777 N. Saginaw in Hines, Wednesday, Jan. 25, from noon until 5 p.m. Make an appointment today by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit: redcrossblood.org

Harney County Health District board of directors meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in the board conference room of the hospital, in the entrance off North Grand, at 6 p.m.

Burns City Council meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Burns City Hall, 242 South Broadway, at 6 p.m.

Burns Hines Liquor Store in Ponderosa Village holds a free wine-tasting event the last Wednesday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring babies to Lapsit Storytime at Harney County Library each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Enjoy music, stories, rhymes and fingerplays especially for babies and toddlers.

Storytime for preschoolers is scheduled at the Harney County Library, 80 West D St., each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Contact the Harney County Library for more information, 541-573-6670.

Burns Elks Lodge, 118 North Broadway, meets each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

So, you want to be a coupon queen (or king)? Well, come on down! A coupon class will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Harney County Senior and Community Service Center, 17 S. Alder in Burns. All ages are welcome, and no question is too small!

“Using An Online Food Journal,” a presentation by Wendy Reid sponsored by Harney District Hospital, will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Reid will show how to use this tool to improve accountability and weight loss. Reid has personally lost over 40 pounds in the past year, and food journaling has been an important component of her plan. Learn how to track your foods and their nutrient levels. For more information, contact Sonni Svejcar, 541-573-8614.

Ford Pathways to Community Vitality will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Harney County Community Center. Register online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/HarneyCountyForum

A blood drive will be held at the First Baptist Church, 777 N. Saginaw in Hines, Thursday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Make an appointment today by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit: redcrossblood.org

Disabled Services Advisory Council (DSAC) meets every fourth Thursday at the State Office Building small conference room, 809 West Jackson, at 1:30 p.m.

Harney County Soil and Water Conservation District board of directors meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the Rory and Ryan Best Western in Hines from 5-7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

An Alzheimers Support Group meets each Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Harney County Senior Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Chamber Music Bell Choir meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 393 West A. Street. Bell ringers are being recruited. For information, call Carol Sawyer, 541-573-6886.

Kiwanis Club of Burns-Hines meets for a no-host luncheon each Thursday at Glory Days Pizza, 690 Oregon Avenue, at noon.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon. Call 573-2896.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

An Open House for Ivy Warren, a new eclectic shop full of antiques, curiosities and fine art, will be held Friday, Jan. 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 25 East Madison (across from Desert Historic Theatre). Ivy Warren is also accepting goods from Harney County artists and craftsmen of all genres.

Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, District 9, meets the first, third and fourth Friday of each month. Call Micky, 541-573-2515, for time and place.

Reading Club meets at the Harney County Library each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. Open to 2nd- through 5th-grade students. For more information, call 541-573-6670.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Friday at Symmetry Care at 5 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Friday at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns, at 7 p.m.

Get ready to “Celebrate America!” at the 62nd annual Chamber Awards Banquet Saturday, Jan. 28. Tickets are now on sale at the chamber and Gourmet & Gadgets.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Saturday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

A recovery group, “Celebrate Recovery,” meets each Sunday at the Harney County Church of The Nazarene, 311 Roe Davis Ave., in Hines. Dinner is served at 5 p.m., the main meeting is held at 6 p.m., small group sessions are at 7 p.m., and “Cross Talk Cafe” begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call 541-573-7100.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Sunday at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns, for 12X12 study at 7 p.m.

Harney District Hospital will hold a free Physical Therapy Sports Injury Clinic Monday evening, Jan. 30. Students experiencing muscle or joint pain due to sports activities will be seen by a physical therapist to assess injuries and offer recommendations for treatment. To take advantage of this free clinic, call the Physical Therapy office at 541-573-1543 to schedule a time to be seen.

Harney County Library Advisory Board meets the last Monday of each month (except for those dates that fall on national holidays) in the library, 80 West D St., at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Use the back door to the left. For more information, call 541-573-7339.

The Burns Lions Club meets every Monday at noon at the Burns Elks Lodge. Those interested in serving the community are welcome.

Communities PRIDE meets every Monday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Pine Room banquet room. Those interested in the communities of Harney County are welcome to attend and participate in this forum for community involvement for community benefit.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Monday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

A Women’s AA meeting is held every Monday at noon at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

Burns Fire Dept. meets each Monday at the Burns Fire Hall at 7 p.m.