Medicare Assistance Program, through the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center is held the first Monday of each month from 1-3 p.m. Call 573-6024 to make an appointment.

Harney County Search and Rescue meets the first Monday of each month at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at 7 p.m.

Masonic Lodge meets the first and third Monday of each month at the Burns Masonic Lodge, 1210 West Taylor, at 7 p.m.

The Torch Club, a teen leadership and service group at the Boys & Girls Club, meets each Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

ImageMakers, a photography program is offered to members of the Boys & Girls each Monday from 4-5 p.m. All ages are encouraged to learn and practice black and white, color and digital photography skills as well as image editing.

PRIDE meets each Monday in the Courthouse basement meeting room, 450 North Buena Vista, at 7:30 a.m. to network for community betterment.

The Burns Lions Club meets each Monday at noon at the Burns Elks Lodge, 118 N. Broadway, for lunch. Those interested in serving the community are welcome.

Narcotics Anonymous holds an open meeting each Monday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church.

HDH Sports & Physical Therapy will offer a free athletic injury clinic at that facility, 559 West Washington, every Monday from 5-6 p.m. A physical therapist will assess and treat athletic injuries and provide education for athletes and parents on self management of injuries. For more information call 573-1543.

Harney Hospital Foundation meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Hospital Conference Room at 7 p.m.

Sylvia Rebekah Lodge meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the I.O.O.F. Hall, 348 North Broadway at 6:30 p.m.

The Chamber Orchestra meets the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Burns High School band room, 1100 Oregon Ave., from 7-8:30 p.m. with Ken Peckham directing.

Harney County Democratic Party meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Harney County Courthouse, 450 North Buena Vista, at 7 p.m.

Tai Chi  is held every Tuesday at the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds an open meeting each Tuesday at Foursquare Church, at 7 p.m.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The Burns Hilander wrestling team added another chapter to their winning legacy by chalking up their seventh consecutive 3A state championship.
The Hilanders claimed the title by amassing 159 points over the two-day tournament held Feb. 15-16 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Glide finished second with 130 points, followed by Colton with 114.5, Nyssa 101, Willamina 97, Vale 88, Clatskanie 85, Harrisburg 84, Rainier 75 and Reedsport 74.5 in the top 10.

The Hilanders took 12 wrestlers to the state tournament, and eight of them placed in the top six of their respective weight classes.
Joe Drinkwater was the lone individual champion for Burns, winning the 145 pound weight class with a 4-0 decision over Colton’s Trevor Hess in the finals.
The Hilanders had two second-place finishers, Brendan Palmer at 125 and Josh Cate at 140. Pat Stampke at 119 and Daniel Doverspike at 285 both lost their second-round matches, but then came back through the consolation brackets to finish third in their respective weight classes.

Earning fourth-place finishes for Burns were Dallas Root at 103 and Dallon Swindlehurst at 140. Dillon Root wrestled to a sixth-place finish at 145 pounds.
Also competing at the state tournament for Burns were Charlie White at 130, Mike Schaff at 135, Chris Gillespie at 160 and Kenny Withee at 189.

“We had a couple of super rounds on Saturday,” Burns coach Mark Hofman said. “Our team wasn’t as strong as some of the others we’ve had in the past, but the kids wrestled well, and we got it done.”

After the third round of wrestling in the championship bracket, the Hilanders led Willamina by a meager one point, 100-99. The teams then headed into the third round of the consolation brackets, and by the time the dust had settled, the Hilanders had stretched their lead to 123-105.

By the time the third and fourth place matches were over, Burns had an insurmountable lead, 155-121 over Glide, and another state trophy.

With the victory, Burns became just the second team in history to win seven consecutive state wrestling titles and the first 3A team to accomplish the feat. Nyssa won seven 2A/1A titles from 2000-2006.

Individual results for Burns :
103 — Dallas Root vs. I. Woosley-Santiam Christian, won by fall (2:29); vs. J. Campbell-Myrtle Point, lost by decision 6-0; vs. E. Goodell-Nyssa, won by fall (2:24); vs. H. Tedrow-Santiam Christian, won by major decision 13-1; vs. A. Halstread-Reedsport, won by fall (3:53); vs. J. Campbell-Myrtle Point, lost by major decision, 16-3.

119 — Patrick Stampke first-round bye; vs. D. Scott-Willamina. lost by decision, 7-0; vs. C. Manues-Reedsport, won by fall (:48); vs. E. Magallenes-Riverside, won by fall (:34); vs. C. Skeans-Rainier, won by fall (1:55); vs. C. Mitchell-Clatskanie, won by fall (2:57).

25 — Brendan Palmer vs. C. Trotter-Glide, won by fall (1:45); won by forfeit; vs. K. Schoorl-Nyssa, won by decision, 18-13; vs. B. Linton-Willamina, lost by decision, 3-2.

130 — Charlie White vs. D. Dawson-Harrisburg, lost by fall (1:31); vs. D. Rumbolz-Vernonia, won by decision, 9-4; vs. M. Stephen-Colton, lost by fall (1:44).

135 — Mike Schaff vs. J. Harris-Rainier, won by fall (3:01); vs. B. Jordan-Sheridan, lost by decision, 4-1; vs. K. Freestone-Reedsport, won by fall (2:32); vs. C. Holmes-Coquille, lost by decision, 11-7.

140 — Josh Cate vs. J. Maurer-Glide, won by fall (3:20); vs. J. Bittner-Jefferson, won by fall (1:39); vs. D. Norton-Colton, won by decision, 8-2; vs. G. Forrester-Glide, lost by major decision, 11-2.

Dallon Swindlehurst vs. A. Martin-Amity, won by fall (3:10); vs. J. Nelson-Neah-Kah-Nie, won by fall (3:39); vs. G. Forrester-Glide, lost by fall (3:32); vs. J. Maurer-Glide, won by fall (2:37); vs. D. Norton-Colton. lost by decision, 7-0.

145 — Joe Drinkwater vs. J. Mitchell-Sheridan, won by decision, 9-3; vs. K. Wemmer-Clatskanie, won by decision, 7-0; vs. BJ Wilson-Willamina, won by decision, 2-0; vs. T. Hess-Colton, won by decision, 4-0. Dillon Root vs. T. Hess-Colton, lost by fall (5:06); vs. C. Cagley-Myrtle Point, won by decision, 12-8; vs. M. Cassaro-Reedsport, won by fall (3:36); vs. BJ Wilson-Willamina, lost by fall (2:01); vs. T. Wood-Harrisburg, lost by decision, 6-4.

160 — Chris Gillespie vs. A. Chase-Reedsport, lost by fall (:18); vs. K. Stone-Vernonia, lost by decision, 10-7.

189 — Kenny Withee vs. T. Sluder-Clatskanie, lost by fall (:37); vs. A. McGlone-Rainier, lost by fall (1:19).

285 — Daniel Doverspike vs. B. Neves-Reedsport, won by fall (2:48); vs. B. Greer-Colton, lost by decision, 4-2; vs. A. Manley-Harrisburg, won by major decision, 10-0; vs. J. Smith-Coquille, won by fall (2:59); vs. E. Munoz-Umatilla, won by decision, 14-7; vs. S. Morris-Reedsport, won by decision, 10-6.

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The cities of Burns and Hines could potentially have 24-hour police coverage in the near future thanks to a trial agreement between the two city councils.
The Burns City Council and Hines Common Council have decided their respective police departments will share Hines Police Chief Randy Cook. He will oversee both Burns and Hines officers. The cities will try this situation out until June 1, at which time the cities will review how the trial period worked and make a decision as to whether the arrangement will become more permanent.

Burns Police Chief Rob Nou has announced that he will retire effective Feb. 20. Cook was sworn-in at the Feb. 13 Burns City Council meeting. In his resignation letter, Nou stated that he had accepted a job in Washington state. “This change in my life’s direction is in no way a sleight on or toward the city or the community. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve this community for the past four years,” Nou wrote.

The City of Hines wants to be sure the public knows that the two departments are not merging, and this is a trial situation until June 1. Cook will report to both cities, and 60 percent of his salary will be paid by Burns while 40 percent will be paid by Hines. Burns City Manager Justin Boone said that the decision will save Burns $25,000 to $26,000 per year. He noted that Burns councilors Len Vohs and Craig LaFollette were instrumental in negotiating with the City of Hines to bring about the arrangement.

“We’re going to share a chief,” Boone said. “His troops are going to patrol Burns and Hines, and we’ll have more coverage.” Between the two departments, five officers in addition to Chief Cook will patrol the community. Cook noted that 24-hour police coverage is the goal, though that probably won’t happen until all the officers are settled and have had the necessary training at the academy in Salem.

Burns officers include Shawn Heiser, Newton Skunkcap (who was sworn-in at the Feb. 13 meeting) and Jeff Brewer, who began work on Feb. 19. Hines officers include Ryan DeLange and Chris Van Hise.

The City of Burns has also hired former Burns police officer Brice Mundlin as an evidence custodian. Councilor Vohs said having Mundlin on board will help things run more smoothly.

Burns council members were generous in their praise of outgoing Chief Rob Nou. “It’s going to be sad to see you go,” Manager Boone said.
Councilor LaFollette thanked the chief for his service to the citizens of Burns. “He has given 100 percent to this community,” he said.

The council then gave Chief Nou a standing ovation.

Councilor Sean Wilson asked what the city will do with the money it will be saving on the chief’s salary. Councilor Vohs said the plan is to start focusing on repairing city streets.

Meet the new Burns police officers

WHO: Burns Police Officer Jeff Brewer
BORN and RAISED: Here in Harney County. “I’m a hometown boy,” he said.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Before being hired by the City of Burns, Brewer worked as a reserve officer for the City of Hines and for the Harney County Sheriff’s Office in the Parole and Probation Department. At the end of March, Brewer will likely be sent to the police academy in Salem for training.
QUOTE: Brewer applied for the Burns police officer position because, “I was seeking an opportunity to serve the community.”

WHO: Burns/Hines Police Chief Randy Cook
BORN and RAISED: Born in Idaho, but has lived in Oregon for the last 45 years. He grew up in Mitchell. “I’m a small town guy,” he said.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Cook has worked in law enforcement since 1973. He has moved around some, working in Ontario, Springfield, Lane County and Lake County before moving to the Burns/ Hines area 14 years ago. In Harney County, Cook worked for the Paiute Tribal Police prior to taking the position of police chief in Hines.
QUOTE: Cook is excited about the recent decision to share a police chief. “I think it’ll be beneficial for both cities,” he said. “The residents are going to have a good, solid police department.”

WHO: Burns Police Officer Newton Skunkcap
BORN and RAISED: Here in Harney County.
WORKED PREVIOUSLY: Skunkcap previously worked for the Paiute Tribal Police under Chief Cook for about three years before he was hired on as an officer on the Oregon Coast in the town of Reedsport. He spent about two years there before the lure of Harney County pulled him back. “From Reedsport, I jumped at the opportunity to come back home,” he said.
QUOTE: “I’m very excited to be back home. As a department, we’ll continue to progress and move forward.”

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

While the big news at the Feb. 13 Burns City Council meeting centered on the police department, another topic concerning the city’s logo prompted an interesting discussion among council members. The city would like the public’s feedback on the proposed new logo.

Burns City Manager Justin Boone presented the council with the new logo, created by Design Journeys of Frenchglen, featuring Steens Mountain. The new logo also features a new slogan, “The Heart of Oregon’s Big Country.” The Steens logo would replace the old picture of the Scotsman with the word Hilanders below it on the city’s letterhead. In his written report to the council, Boone said it was his intention to foster a more professional image for the city to allow for greater marketability.

Boone noted that not everyone in Burns has Scottish heritage and that to him Steens Mountain has a broader appeal.

Councilor Jim Eshelby noted that, “We’ve been Hilanders for a long, long time.” Boone stressed that the city would still be known as the home of the Hilanders, it just wouldn’t be on the city’s letterhead.

There was some discussion about the nature of the artwork. “It doesn’t look like the Steens,” Councilor Craig LaFollette said. “It looks like a bat.”
Mayor Laura Van Cleave said she liked the new slogan.

Councilor Bill Renwick said he felt the community should be able to have a say on the logo as well.

To give feedback on the new and old logos, call the City of Burns at 573-5255 or e-mail cityofburns@centurytel.net.

After hearing what residents have to say about the proposed logo, the council will make a decision at the next council meeting.
In other business:

• Manager Boone updated the council on his meeting with representatives from C&B Sanitary and 4R Recycling, which did not produce an agreement between the two parties. Wayne Baron, manager of 4R Recycling, said his proposal to have C&B Sanitary workers conduct curbside recycling to be dropped off at his facility, was rejected.

At the Jan. 23 meeting, the council heard from Baron who said he would like to offer curbside recycling to Burns residents. However, he is prohibited from doing so by the city’s franchise agreement with C&B Sanitary.

Councilor LaFollette said he thought it was unfortunate that a representative from C&B was not at the Feb. 13 meeting. “They have a legitimate business reason for their decision,” he said.

In a phone interview after the meeting, C&B Sanitary owner Rod Dinsmore said regarding the recycling issue, “There are a lot of variables that aren’t feasible.” He also mentioned some permit issues. “So I guess right now, things are up in the air,” he said.

Mayor Van Cleave said the council needs to take another look at the franchise agreement with all the involved parties present and left it at that.

• the council discussed an agreement with a Unicel representative about leasing the water tower site to Unicel so they can set up a cell tower. The tower would provide better cell coverage in downtown Burns. The site would be leased for 25 years as a rate of $1,000 per month. City Attorney Steve Finlayson wanted a few changes made to the proposed contract, and the council instructed Finlayson, Boone and Unicel to work out the details for approval at the next city council meeting;

• Manager Boone noted that Cindy Witzel of Design Journeys has been working on the city’s new Web site at www.ci.burns.or.us and the public will be able to access city ordinances, the city charter, council minutes and the council packet on the Web site;

• resident Yvonne Warden addressed the council asking about Councilor Linda Johnson’s absence. Mayor Van Cleave responded that Councilor Johnson asked to be excused for a couple of months due to travel plans;

• the council appointed Boone to be the city’s budget officer for the 2008-2009 fiscal year;

• the council approved a number of ordinances regarding changes to the city’s comprehensive plan and approved a resolution for Burns’ representation and participation in the Harney County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The next Burns City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at city hall.

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County District No. 3 School Board thanked Burns High School teacher Nancy Reid for her many years of service and acknowledged her retirement at the Feb. 12 meeting.

During the last 30 years Reid has been at BHS, she taught general business, crafts and yearbook.

Reid stood up and thanked the board and the district. “It’s a wonderful district to work for,” she said. “I’m going to miss the students. It’s been an absolute blessing to teach in Harney County.”

In other business:

• the board discussed the issue of student evaluations of teachers, which was broached at the January board meeting. Board Chairman Gordon Mallon brought up the topic thinking it could be a useful classroom tool for teachers.

After the January discussion, it was decided that teacher Jimmy Zamora, the local representative for the teachers’ union, would see what other teachers thought about the student evaluations. He noted that after speaking with a group of BHS instructors, they were not opposed to the idea, although they didn’t think the evaluations should be mandatory and the student evaluations should in no way impact their evaluations by Principal Ron Wassom, as per their union contract.

“If it was clear that it wouldn’t be used for that, would that take away that concern,” Mallon asked Zamora.

Zamora agreed that it would. He also noted that he already uses student evaluations in his classroom. “Student input is valuable,” he said.

Principal Wassom wanted to know how the evaluations would be created and implemented. Mallon said it would be up to Wassom to take charge.
Wassom had some concerns regarding the objective use of student evaluations when performing a formal evaluation of a teacher. “I think the No. 1 important thing is feedback for the teacher,” he said.

Mallon suggested making the evaluations anonymous.

The board voted to approve the use of student evaluations on an experimental basis;

• the board approved a leave of absence for Katie Baltzor, Hines Middle School Principal. The leave of absence will be for the 2008-2009 school year. Superintendent David Courtney said the district will open the position and accept applications.

• the board heard a report from Bond Project Manager Bill Renwick, who said great progress has been made on the new bus barn. He encouraged board members to drive by and see it;

• the board discussed the 2008-2009 school calendar, which has yet to be approved. Superintendent Courtney said that Hines Middle School has requested that the district take all of fair week off and then have students attend school on Fridays during the first part of the year to make up for it. However, this is problematic as Courtney said that attendance is notably lower on Fridays. He said he will continue to meet with administrators on calendar issues;

• the board acknowledged the resignation of Sara Kirby as the JV volleyball coach at BHS;

• the board appointed Steve Bull to the Education Services District board;

• the board approved the hiring of Christine Hutchison as a life skills education assistant at Slater Elementary School and the transfer of Jimmy Wagner from volunteer assistant golf coach at BHS to assistant golf coach at BHS.

The next Harney County School District No. 3 board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 11 at the district office.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Trevor Smith’s free throw with less than 10 seconds to play in the game not only gave Burns a 61-60 win over Umatilla, it also gave the Hilanders their first league title in 27 years and their first state playoff appearance in 22 years.

The win over Umatilla on Saturday, Feb. 16, gave Burns an 8-2 record in the Eastern Oregon League (EOL), and they will host Rainier this Saturday, Feb. 23, at Burns High School in a first-round state playoff game.

Burns vs. Umatilla

With the EOL title on the line, the Hilanders found themselves down by three with less than 1:30 left to play in the game. Burns then forced a Viking turnover, and Tommy Ghost Dog tied the score at 60-60 with a 3-point shot.

The Burns defense again came up with a stop and a foul by Umatilla on a fastbreak opportunity set up the game-winning free throw by Smith.

“I’ll tell you what, that was one of the sweetest feelings ever,” Burns coach Eric Nichols said. “To see the hard work of the kids pay off was tremendous. We’re going to ‘the show’ and the credit goes to these kids who have worked so hard for this opportunity.”

The Hilanders were led by Drew Heinz with 20 points and Ghost Dog with 11. Smith finished with nine, Steven Smartt eight, Garrett Swisher seven and Tyler Fenton six.

1    2    3    4   Final
Uma   13  20  16   11    60
Bur    23   7   14   17    61

Burns vs. Riverside

The Hilanders took control of the game early and cruised to a 60-42 win over the Pirates on Friday, Feb. 15.
Heinz scored 20 points, and Smartt added 16 for the Hilanders.

The Hilander defense also kept the Pirates’ Bryce Doherty in check, holding him to just 14 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field.

“The kids came out tonight with a lot of fire and intensity,” Nichols said. “Our defensive effort led to some easy baskets at the other end.”

1    2    3    4   Final
Riv      6   13  11   12    42
Bur     16  16  16   12    60

Burns vs. Ontario

Three Hilanders combined for 44 points and the Hilander defense held the Tigers’ Tad Anzaldua to 10 points in Burns’ 58-54 win over Ontario on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

“This time Ontario shot like mortal men,” Nichols said. “Trevor (Smith) and Logan (Garner) did a great job guarding Anzaldua.”
Heinz led Burns with 22 points, Ghost Dog finished with 12 and Smartt added 10.

“Drew led the way with points, but our entire team helped out offensively and on the boards,” Nichols said. “Ontario is a good ballclub that we had to work hard to beat.” Nichols added that his team achieved something special with the win because Burns hadn’t beaten Ontario since 1996.

After trailing by two at the half, Burns outscored Ontario 34-28 over the final two quarters to pull out the win.

1    2    3    4   Final
Bur     14  10  16   18    58
Ont     13  13  13   15     54

•••

The Hilander JV boys basketball team came up with wins over Riverside and Umatilla last weekend to finish with a perfect 10-0 record in league and an 18-3 overall record.

On Friday, Feb. 15, Burns defeated  Riverside 58-24.

Zach Dobson-led the way with 11 points and Joe Jarvis added nine.

On Saturday, Feb. 16, Burns downed Umatilla 73-55.

Dylan Thompson had 19 points for Burns, Jarvis dropped in 12 and Carraig Colahan added 11.

Gerald D. Gray, Jr., died on Feb. 3.
He was born on Aug. 13, 1957, in San Francisco, Calif.
Gray was a passionate musician, particularly on the harmonica. He was known for his unique and unwavering zest for life, despite the  many challenges he was given to overcome. He always kept a positive attitude, a spring in his step and a laugh on his lips.
Gray is survived by his mother and step-father, Betty and Kent Jenkins of Shasta, Calif.; step-father, Russell Hovis of Redding, Calif.; and sister, Charlotte Hovis of Golden, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Gray and sister, Mona Leslie.
At his request, no formal services will be held. Gray will be placed to rest next to his father in the Burns Cemetery at a later date.

The Oregon Commission for the Blind will hold a Community Awareness presentation at the Burns Senior Center on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 11:30 a.m.

Harney Hospital Foundation will hold its rescheduled annual meeting at 5:30 p.m., in the hospital conference room, on Wednesday, Feb. 20. The meeting is open to the public. Anyone interested in becoming involved as a foundation volunteer is encouraged to attend.

Burns City Council will hold a meeting on Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., in the council chamber of the Burns City Hall, to work on reviewing and amending the ordinances, including streets and sidewalks and utilities. The public is encouraged to attend.

Harney Partners for Kids and Families meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

Babe Ruth meets the third Wednesday of each month in the courthouse basement meeting room, 450 North Buena Vista, at 7 p.m.

Community Response Team meets the third Wednesday of each month at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at 5:30 p.m. For dinner reservations, call Pam Mather at 573-2251.

Oregon Hunters Association is for all hunters, whether rifle, bow, shotgun, muzzle loader or other. The local chapter meets at Linda’s Thai Room, the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m and is followed by a board meeting.

Storytime for preschoolers is held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Harney County Library.

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Wednesday at the Foursquare Church at 7 p.m.

The Harney County Cooperative Weed Management Area partnership will hold a meeting on Feb. 21, at 3 p.m., at the BLM conference room. for more information, call Jesse at 573-8385.

Burns Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of each month at Burns City Hall, 242 South Broadway, at 7 p.m.

Harney County Historical Society meets the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge, 118 North Broadway, at 11:45 a.m.

The Alternative Energy Club (AEC) meets the third Thursday of each month at Harney County Library, 80 West D Street, at 7 p.m.

Silvies River Spinners meets the third Thursday of each month at 650 East Washington at 7 p.m.

The Prescription Assistance program through the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center is held each Thursday, from 1-3 p.m. Call Selena Westlake at 573-6024 to make an appointment.

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, 573-6886.

Tai Chi  is held every Thursday at the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All ages are  welcome to participate.

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 573-2896.

The Boys & Girls Club holds karaoke each Thursday. Members of all ages are welcome to join Hanna in the education room for a program that promotes the art of singing, as well as a fun way to practice reading skills.

Teen Night is held at The Boys & Girls Club each Thursday, from 6-7 p.m. for all teenagers.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Thursday at the Foursquare Church, at 7 p.m.