Safeway and Thriftway improve the grocery shopping experience for locals

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The two largest grocery stores in Burns have both had some new additions this summer that make the shopping experience for customers a little more enjoyable.

Thriftway checkstands

Erickson’s Thriftway has implemented some new changes that will help both customers and checkers.

The store recently installed new checkstands that allow customers to unload groceries onto conveyor belts, which eases the burden on the checkers. Bigger display screens also allow customers to see their items as they are scanned, so they can check to make sure the prices are correct.

Burns Store Manager Tom Rogers said the new checkstands speed up the checkout process and are much more efficient. He noted that Madras, Bend and Prineville Erickson’s stores have all been upgraded to the new checkstands.

“Almost everyone has thanked us for investing in our store and our community,” Rogers said.

Safeway remodel

The most prominent remodel took place at Safeway,  which hosted its official grand re-opening on Aug. 28. The store was the 91st Portland Division store to be re-modeled to Safeway’s lifestyle store format. The deli was completely re-vamped and has added numerous products, the most notable of which is fresh baked French bread.

The store has new flooring throughout and has had upgrades in the produce, floral and meat departments as well.

According to a press release, “Safeway launched its lifestyle store concept in late 2003 to showcase its commitment to quality, particularly in the perishables departments, with high-quality fresh produce, meat, seafood and floral departments.” The stores feature an earth-toned décor with lighting to  highlight products and departments, custom flooring and display features.

Burns Store Manager Merle Reid said that the grand re-opening was phenomenal. “A lot of people were excited about the  fresh bread,” he said. The store will now offer fresh baked French bread at 10 a.m and 5 p.m. daily.

Safeway has operated a store in Burns since 1924, and opened the store in its current location in 1978. “We’ve had loyal Burns customers here for nearly 90 years. We’re proud to reinvest in Burns and we thank our local customers for their continued support,” said Safeway Division President Steve Frisby.

Currently, the store employs 79 people and 24 percent of those employees have been employed by Safeway for more than 10 years. Safeway increased the workforce during the store remodel by 22 employees, which is 29 percent of the workforce. Safeway will permanently retain those employees.

Committee presents landscaping proposal

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

After many months of research and information gathering, the City of Burns is ready to move forward on several improvements at the Burns cemetery.

At their regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 25, the city council approved a proposal from the Cemetery Executive Committee that outlined the steps for landscaping the cemetery within the parameters of the bequest of Goldie Racine.

Before approving the proposal, Councilor Dan Hoke, who is a member of the cemetery standing committee, provided the council with a background of how the committees have worked to solve several issues at the cemetery.

Hoke explained that about 18 months ago, the city appointed Jean Cain, Jan Cupernall and Dick Day to the executive committee and asked them to provide a cemetery evaluation and recommendations for improvements. At the same time, the standing committee came up with their own list of priorities for the cemetery. Hoke said the lists were very similar, and from there they came up with five main priorities.

The first was to develop a 20-year plan that would include understanding the budget and how to deal with other issues such as infrastructure, beautification and cemetery trends.

The other four identified priorities are non-compliance issues, the re-plotting plan, the development of a beautification plan using the Racine fund and the Racine Memorial.

Cain gave a brief review of the proposal, explaining how it adheres to the guidelines of Racine’s bequest. The Racine Fund makes it possible for the city to replace and add trees to the cemetery with the stipulation that 80 percent of the trees are evergreens and the other 20 percent of the trees have red or purple leaves. The submitted proposal would result in a total of 165 trees by removal, replacement and addition of trees.

Also according to the Racine Fund requirements, items to be planted must be 80 percent evergreens, 10 percent red or purple trees, 10 percent tulips and no lilacs.

Cain said that there are currently 120 trees in the cemetery, mostly elm and cottonwood, which are problem species. The proposal would remove and replace 75 percent of the the current species over a nine-year span, making it possible to enhance the landscaping while growing replacements.

The first step of the proposal includes hiring an arborist to determine the health of existing trees, and then hiring a landscape architect to devise an overall plan.

The committee also came up with a lengthy list of trees and shrubs that would meet guidelines and could be used in the architect’s design.

Cain added that there is sufficient money in the Racine Fund for the project, so the city would not be using any of the general fund.

Hoke also told the council that the surveying work for the re-plotting resulted in tripling the amount of grave space available for one section of the cemetery, from 450 to about 1,400, while maintaining the size of the grave at 10 feet by four feet.

City Manager Don Munkers reported the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had conducted an inspection at the airport and, with the exception of one runway light out, everything was found to be in satisfactory condition.

Munkers said work on the new runway was moving along, the concrete plant was up and the workers were expected to start laying concrete in two to three weeks. He added that he had attended a meeting in Hermiston and ConnectOregon III would be awarding the city $1.4 million for a fire suppression system at the airport.
The city is also planning to replace the west apron at the airport with funds from the FAA, the state Airport Improvement Program and city money.

In other business:

• Shirley Thompson was present to ask for permission to hold a parking lot dance at the Pine Room on Thursday, Sept. 9, for youth 20 and under. The council agreed the dance was a good idea and advised her to talk with Police Chief Randy Cook to work out the details;

• the council voted to donate $100 to Harney County  Arts in Education Foundation to help with the expense of bringing the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra to Burns on Oct. 30;

• Chris Pratt asked the council for a letter of support to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) requesting them to continue funding a study of Harney County groundwater. Pratt said the study was about two-thirds complete,  and was important as to development in the county. The council agreed by consensus to submit a letter;

• the council voted to accept a bid on a used vehicle from Burns Ford for the Public Works Department, providing the vehicle passes inspection;

• Scott Franklin asked where the city was in the hiring process for the airport manager position, and also stated he had concerns that the airport was looking shoddy because of weeds and areas that hadn’t been watered. Munkers said the bid proposals for the manager’s position were in and would be on the agenda for the council’s next meeting. As for the appearance of the  airport, that would be addressed after the construction work is completed.

The next council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at city hall.

Hospital board listens but does not comment on accusations

By Dylan Thompson
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County Health District Board of Directors met on Wednesday Aug. 25, with the delicate situation in the Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS) and former emergency medical technician Ron Copeland in attendance to speak.

Many members of the community attended the meeting to show their support for Copeland, who had been terminated from his position as an EMT. All commentary concerning Copeland came from the public. The board and the administration declined to comment.

Copeland attended the meeting to deliver a message concerning the direction of the EMS. He expressed his worries about the upcoming September EMS schedule in which he singled-out the new EMS director for not being on call, or on the primary or secondary schedule throughout the entire month.

Copeland insisted that his concerns were more for the taxpayers and the public than for his own job. After giving the board a copy of the September schedule, Copeland pointed out that there are holes where the EMS is not fielding three technicians and that this compromises the 24/7 coverage paid for by the taxpayers.

Quickly, however, Copeland’s commentary turned to an attack on the new EMS director and the hospital administration responsible for hiring him. He claimed the administration failed to do a complete observation before the hire. He blamed the new director for low EMT morale, and a number of EMTs who have quit or been fired because of opposition to the director.

Copeland finished firmly, declaring that if the board didn’t think there was a problem with the hospital and EMS administration they needed to wake up. Board Member Buck Taylor thanked Copeland for speaking.

More members of the public made comments to express their support for Copeland, including Toby Cronin and Mike Fine, while others, also in support for Copeland, posed questions about hospital and department policies.

Board member Tim Smith answered these questions by explaining that each department has their own policies in which the board is not involved. He detailed the system in which complaints about policy should be issued, starting first with an employee’s immediate supervisor, or the head of that particular department.

Board member Bob Otley stated that all policies concerning the hospital are public information.

Smith also explained that the situation is currently in appeal, therefore disallowing the board to make any comments concerning the EMS issue, though he acknowledged the issue’s importance, stating that “untended wounds begin to fester.”

John Stinnett offered a presentation to the the board on the hospital’s switch to LS Networks for a new high speed connectivity. This switch could possibly cost the hospital $45,000 in installation and a recurring cost of $3,000 a month, but a Federal Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC) grant would pay 100 percent of the installation and 85 percent of the recurring costs.

The hospital would keep its current connectivity with Eastern Oregon Technology for patient usage.

In other business:

• Sam Caizza and Ann Vloedman met with Osters Professional Group, who were very complimentary of the job done by Chief Financial Officer Catherine White;

• Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. Holland Haynie informed the board that he was still having issues with the Veterans Administration. He has spoken with Steve Bull on how to give better local care to veterans, claiming that if the process is more difficult, those veterans won’t want to get care locally;

• CFO Catherine White and CEO Jim Bishop reported struggles with US Bank regarding the Hotchkiss Foundation. US Bank has offered to come again to speak with the board and administration;

• Chief Nursing Officer Barb Chambers reported that the staff experienced no preventable revenue losses and that the nursing staff had been very successful. She also stated that new manager, Bill Cross, would be here next week;

• the board reported that the $1,000 check to the 2009 4-H sale was never cashed, and that that check would be canceled and a new check would be issued. The hospital will donate another $1,000 to the 4-H sale this year to boost base price on all of the animals.

The next Harney District Hospital Board meeting will be on Sept. 22 in the hospital’s downstairs meeting room.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The fall sports season is here once again and the expectations of coaches and players at Burns High School are running high.

The Burns volleyball team placed fifth at last year’s state tournament and returns a strong nucleus of players.

The football squad has nearly every starter back from last year’s playoff team and that experience should translate into another post- season game for the purple and gold.

The Hilanders’ cross country and soccer teams are both low in numbers, but there’s good talent returning in both sports.

Volleyball

While this year’s Burns volleyball team may not feature a lot of height, head coach Paula Toney is confident of their abilities and expects to challenge for the Eastern Oregon League (EOL) title and a state playoff berth.

“We don’t have much height, but we do have really good ball control,” Toney said. “And I would say our strong suit is defense.”

Toney’s team opened some eyes this past summer when they competed in an elite tournament in California featuring about 40 of that state’s top teams. The Hilanders hung tough and finished in the top 20 by the tournament’s end. “The girls jump well and they played well defensively. That helped them frustrate the high-powered hitters.”

This year’s team will include seniors Chelsea Siegner, Stefani Sanders, Teri McConnell, Kaci Nonnenmacher and Jennifer Higle, juniors Maddye Dinsmore, Maggie Thompson and Abbey Fenton and sophomore Charli Siegner.

As far as the EOL goes, Toney expects the main challenges to come from Vale and Grant Union. “Vale does have a new coach, but I expect them to be tough again, and Grant Union is working hard. You don’t want to overlook them,” Toney said.

The Hilanders should be battle-tested by the time the end-of-season playoffs roll around as they will compete in several tough tournaments this season including the Hermiston Invitational, Santiam Christian Tournament and Mazama Tournament.

Burns will open their season at the Hermiston event this Saturday, Sept. 4.

Football

It’s easy to see why head coach Dally Swindlehurst is excited about the upcoming season. Of the 48 players who reported the first week of practice, 35 were with the team last year, including 12 seniors.

“We’ve got the experience,” Swindlehurst said. “We moved Cole Potter from tailback to quarterback, and will have Nolan Stampke and Cody Bennett at that tailback position. Other than that, we’ve got everybody back on both sides of the ball.”

The offensive line is anchored by senior center George Swartzlender, who received second team all-state honors last year. He’s flanked by seniors Raymond Wright, Jake Swindlehurst and Gabe First Raised and junior Austin Piper. Landon Hanner will handle the fullback duties, Gus McConnell is back at tight end and wideouts Casey Thein and Casey Heinz provide speed and sure hands on the outside.

Swindlehurst expects the defense to be solid as well, with probably only one outside linebacker position yet to be decided.

This past summer, Swindlehurst took 30 kids to a football camp in Gold Beach and the coach reported the experience was, “Awesome. Simply awesome.”

Playing against bigger schools from Nevada and California, as well as Oregon, the Hilanders had success. “The third time we scrimmaged Klamath Union, their coach came over at halftime and said they were done. They were tired of getting banged around,” laughed Swindlehurst.

Swindlehurst pointed out the schedule got a little tougher this year when they dropped the game with Elgin and picked up Baker. “We’ve got Ontario and Baker back-to-back just before we head into league games,” Swindlehurst said. “Baker was a 4A finalist last year and Ontario was in the semifinals, so we’ll get tested.”

As for the EOL, Swindlehurst said it’s a toss-up, but the Hilanders should be in the mix. “Vale has a new coach, so I don’t know what to expect there, but they’re always tough,” Swindlehurst said. “Grant Union should be good again even though they graduated some good players. Nyssa and Umatilla are still kind of young, and Riverside will be a revenge game.”

While having a lot of experience should provide a solid foundation, Swindlehurst said he’s been impressed by the kids’ motivation. “We’re working on conditioning quite a bit because I keep telling them we’re going to be better than other teams in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Then at practice, I ask them if they’ve had enough and they say, ‘No coach! Let’s keep going.’

“They want a home playoff game and a deep run into the playoffs.”

The last time Burns hosted a playoff game was in 2001 when they beat Sweet Home 26-10. That playoff run ended the following week with a loss on the road to Pleasant Hill.

The Hilanders kick off the season Friday, Sept. 3, when they host La Pine at Corbett memorial Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Cross Country

Second-year coach Erron Mertz may have a small team this year, but she’s excited about the possibilities.

The girls team has six runners including three from last year’s team: Kiely Banton, Anna Clemens and Hannah Caldwell. Rounding out the team are Keely Root, Alex Sell and Madison Winn.

“I feel like we have a strong girls team and can work our way to state,” Mertz said. “I think we have a couple of really top runners and the rest are solid, so we have the depth.”

The boys team is comprised of just two runners, Victor Kegley and Kyle Krause.

The Hilanders open the season on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Lakeview Invitational. Because of commitments to the Harney County Fair, a couple of runners will miss the opening race, but Mertz is looking forward to it. “That’s a tough course to open with, but that’s what cross country is all about. We’ll see how they do,” Mertz said.

Soccer

Four teams from Special District 5 will make the state playoffs this year, and Burns coach Jodi McLean figures the Hilanders have a good shot at being one of them.

“We have seven returning starters, and I see improvement in all those coming back,” she said.

McLean said the team will be led by seniors Jay Masterson and Anthony Frail. She’s also pleased with the play of Max Hill as goalie.

McLean said the team is strong defensively, but the offense needs to focus on more team work. “We need to work on the fundamentals until we get more comfortable working the ball around,” McLean said.

Burns opens their season by hosting Umatilla at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. “That’s a tough opener. They always seem to place at state every year,” McLean said.

She then pointed out the match-ups with Central Christian and Culver later in the season. “We always seem to split with them, and I think we can beat them both twice this year. Plus, we seem to play Irrigon tough every game, and I think we can stay with Grant Union,” she said. “I think we have the skill and athletic ability to pick up more wins this year and that would get us to state.”

James R. Schulze, 71, of Echo died on Aug. 24 at the Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston.

He was born in Baker City on Sept. 15, 1938, to Paul and Stella (Phillips) Schulze.

Schulze spent his early years in Baker City, Molalla and Roseburg. He attended Oakland High School from 1952-1956, spending his summers in Baker County haying with his uncles.

He joined the U.S. Navy upon graduating high school, serving just over three years on Naval Bases in Texas. He began a career in logging after his honorable discharge from the Navy.

On June 5, 1960, he married Janice Rippstein and they had three children —Sue, Eric and Carl. In 1971, he moved his family to Eastern Oregon, where he began a 25 year career working on ranches in Spray, Mitchell, Paisley, John Day and the Alvord Ranch in Harney County.

After a brief stint in Western Oregon, Schulze and his wife moved to Echo to be closer to their sons in Pendleton, where he took care of cattle for relatives. For the past two years he had been retired, spending time with family and friends, working on numerous leather projects, reading and doing crossword puzzles with his wife of 50 years, all the while entertaining everyone with his humorous personality.

Schulze is survived by his wife, Janice Schulze of Echo; sons, Eric and Carl Schulze both of Pendleton; sisters, Alice Anderson of Lebanon, Teresa Rasmussen of Ogdon, Utah, Clara Jean Kehl of Sutherlin and Diane Martinez of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Jeff Schulze of Clarkston, Wash., and David Schulze of Bend; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sue Schulze; sister, Patricia Ross; and brother, Herb Hogan.
At his request, there will be no services. Disposition was by private cremation. A condolence book can be signed at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.

Harney County Court meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Harney County Courthouse, 450 North Buena Vista, at 10 a.m.

The Harney County Community Response Team (CRT) meets the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Center located at 484 N. Broadway. The CRT consists of anyone interested in what is going on in the county as it relates to business and industry. County, city and tribal leaders provide general information to the public regarding existing programs and recruitment efforts.

Burns Butte Sportsmen’s Club holds Twilight Trap Practice every Wednesday through September. For more information, call Ralph Steelman at 541-573-2099.

Storytime at Harney County Library is held each Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. Bring the kids for fun, interactive stories and crafts. For more information, call 541-573-6670.

Bring the 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.

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

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

Dr. Tom Fitzpatrick and the Mobile Health Clinic, sponsored by Harney District Hospital, will be in Drewsey at the Drewsey Community Hall from 9 a.m. to noon,  and in Crane at the Crane School Modular Annex from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. This is a full-service health clinic which comes to you. Appointments are encouraged to ensure adequate time, supplies and equipment for your appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome. Call High Desert Medical Center at 541-573-8605 to schedule an appointment, and bring your insurance information to assure proper billing.

Burns Butte Sportsmen’s Club meets the first Thursday of each month at the State Office Building, 809 West Jackson, at 7 p.m.

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

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon. Call 541-573-2896.

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

Dr. Tom Fitzpatrick and the Mobile Health Clinic, sponsored by Harney District Hospital, will be in Fields at the Fields School gym from 9 a.m. to noon and in Frenchglen at the Frenchglen School gym from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3. This is a full-service health clinic which comes to you. Appointments are encouraged to ensure adequate time, supplies and equipment for your appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome. Call High Desert Medical Center at 541-573-8605 to schedule an appointment, and bring your insurance information to assure proper billing.

Reading Club meets at the Harney County Library each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.

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

Diabetes Support Group meets at the Harney County Health Building, 420 North Fairview, the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.

Farmers Market is held in Hines Park each Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 1  p.m. For more information, call 541-573-2251.

ALANON meets each Saturday at 7 p.m. at Four Square Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

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