By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The Nyssa Bulldogs captured the 2008 Special District IV wrestling title by edging out Burns 287.5-274.

The tournament, held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, at Burns High School, saw the Bulldogs outscore the Hilanders 28.5 to 13 in the final session Saturday night to secure the team title.

The top three wrestlers in each weight class qualified for the 3A state wrestling tournament to be held in Portland this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16. Burns will send 12 wrestlers on to the state tournament, while Nyssa had 11 qualify. The Hilanders will be trying to win their seventh consecutive state title at this year’s tournament.

Three Hilanders won individual district titles: Brendan Palmer at 125 pounds, Josh Cate at 140 pounds and Joe Drinkwater at 145 pounds.
Second-place finishes went to Dallas Root at 103 pounds, Patrick Stampke at 119, Charlie White at 130, Mike Schaff at 135, Dallon Swindlehurst at 140, Dillon Root at 145, Chris Gillespie at 160 and Daniel Doverspike at 285.

Kenny Withee placed third at 189 pounds. Jay Masterson finished fourth at 112 pounds, Nathan Young and Jess Tate were fifth at 103 and 125 pounds respectively,  and Jake Yaryan was sixth at 135. Jake Swindlehurst competed at 152 pounds but did not place.

“I thought our kids wrestled pretty well,” Burns coach Mark Hofman said. “I would have liked to have seen us do a little better in the finals matches, but we did OK.”

Individual results for the Hilanders are as follows:

103 — Da. Root won by 15-0 technical fall, won 5-4 decision, lost  10-0 major decision. Nathan Young won 12-0 major decision, lost by fall,  lost 5-4 and won by fall.

112 — Masterson lost by fall, won by 9-2 decision, lost by fall.

119 — Stampke won by fall, won by fall, lost by an 8-5 decision.

125 — Palmer won by fall, won by fall, won by 12-7 decision. Tate won by fall, lost 6-1, lost by decision, won by fall.

130 — White won 9-0 major decision, won 8-5 decision, lost 6-5.

135 — Schaff won by fall, won by fall, won by fall, lost by fall. Yaryan lost by fall, won by forfeit, lost by fall, lost by fall.

140 — Cate won by fall, won pre-determined fall. D. Swindlehurst won by 18-2 technical fall, won by fall, lost to Cate.

145 — Drinkwater won by fall, won by default. Di. Root won by 10-2 major decision, lost by default.

152 — J. Swindlehurst lost by 12-0 major decision, lost by fall.

160 — Gillespie won by fall, won by 13-7 decision, lost by 20-4 technical fall.

189 — Withee lost by fall, won by forfeit.

285 — Doverspike won  13-9 decision, lost 8-3 decision.

The Riverside Pirates placed third in the team standings with 188 points, followed by Vale with 147, Umatilla 142.5 and Grant Union 76.5.

The top finishers in each weight class are as follows:

103 — Rocky Garcia (N), Dallas Root (B), Eric Goodell (N), Charlie Warr (U), Nathan Young (B), Tyler Wentz (N).

112 — Chris Boyer (GU), Cesar Jacobo (N), James Town (R), Jay Masterson (B), Ronny Koda (V).

119 — Landon Hartley (N), Pat Stampke (B), Eric Magallanes (R), Matt Esplin (N), Zach Lillie (U).

125 —  Brendan Palmer (B), Kyle Schoorl (N), Arcenio Carrillo (V), Mason Moyer (U), Jess Tate (B), Sergio Barreto (U).

130 —  Garrett Chamberlain (V), Charlie White (B), Juan Llamas (R), Torivio Gallegos (N), Drew Stanley (U), Jesse Alavarado (N).

135 —  John Iverson (N), Mike Schaff (B), Ernesto Gutierrez (U), Jesus Carrillo (N), Ricky Trim (R), Jake Yaryan (B).

140 — Josh Cate (B), Dallon Swindlehurst (B), Carlos Garcia (R), James Larsen (N), Collin McIntyre (U), Garet Sappe (V).

145 — Joe Drinkwater (B), Dillon Root (B), Tanor Morinaka (N), Shane Johnson (V), Christian Llamas (R).

152 —  Luke Skerjanec (V), Cam Anthony (V), Brian Moore (N), Grant Hadley (N), George Eddy (U), Harley Orcutt (R).

160 —  Brigham Hansen (R), Chris Gillespie (B), John Sparks (N), Colin Peterson (N).

171 —  Jose Rosas (U), Taylor Elizando (N), Ethan Kowing (GU), Hector Dominguez (R).

189 —  Toby Smith (V),  Mason Murphy (R), Kenny Withee (B).

215 —  Eric Coy (V), Daniel Hansen (R), Levi Case (N), Dalton Murray (GU), Garrett Murray (GU), Fernando Castaneda (R).

285 —  Vinnie Thomason (R), Daniel Doverspike (B), Elvis Munoz (U), Don Speakman (GU), Jeremiah Pine (U), Travis Hickman (N).

Carlyle Ellery Thomas, 89 died on Jan. 29 at his home.  He was born on Oct. 20, 1918, in Iowa.

Thomas lived alone on the Alvord Desert, where he enjoyed the wildlife and the desert. He was an avid motorcycle rider. He traveled all over racing his bike, sometimes taking his mother with him in his sidecar. He won many trophies while racing, and he loved it when his friends would come to ride with him for many hours in the hills.

Thomas was dedicated to his family and friends, always looking forward to seeing them and having a good time.

Thomas served in the United States Army during World War II.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Della Husaker and  Zena Green; son, Roy Brannon; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Louis Richard Thomas and Etta Mae Craft Thomas; and his wife, Omalee Thomas.

Frances “Fannie” Porten, 98, died on Feb. 7, at Emmanuel Care Center in Kennewick, Wash.

She was born on Aug. 22, 1909, in Virginia, Minn.

She married Joe Porten, in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Dec. 26, 1933, and joined him in Hines in March 1934. Her husband worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company, and they made their home in Hines until his death on Jan. 23, 1991.

Porten remained in Hines, living in her home until she was 90, and then lived in The Aspens Assisted Living Facility in Hines until she moved to Kennewick in 2003.

Porten is survived by her sons and their spouses, Edward and Marilyn Porten of Clarkston, Wash., James Porten of Auburn, Calif., and Donald and Jeanne Porten of Kennewick, Wash.; grandchildren Tony Porten, Tamara Basye, Teresa Eberhardt, Debra Keller, Mark Whitinger, Michael Porten and Christopher Porten; 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Porten; parents, Matthew and Frances Laurich; brothers, Matthew, Edward and Rudolph Laurich; and sisters, Marie Affolter, Angela Kriegbaum and Rose Del Conte.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary was held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in LaFollette’s Chapel, with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Feb. 13, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Burns.

Contributions in Porten’s  memory may be made to the Harney County Senior Citizen Center, 17 S. Alder, Burns, OR 97720.

Frank Victor Des Ilets died at his home on Jan. 26.

He was born at the family home on Riverside Drive in Burns on May 29, 1920, to Joseph Moise and Sara Elizabeth Des Ilets.

Des Ilets was home-schooled by his mother until the sixth grade, at which time he attended Burns Grade School. His mother died when he was 12, and then he attended school in California and Portland.

In 1941, Des Ilets was drafted. He worked at Meier and Frank in Portland until he was called for duty in the South Pacific, traveling to Australia, New Guinea, the Phillipines and Japan. When he returned to the United States in December, 1945, he married Virginia Dowling, whom he had met while working at Meier and Frank. They were married on June 1, 1946, and they lived in Burns since then.

Des Ilets was an officer in the American Legion and Burns Elks Lodge for several years. He also served on the draft board and was a participating partner of Burns Hines Cable Company and High Desert Microwave, which brought Portland and Boise television to Burns, Hines and Lakeview. He was also a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

Des Ilets’ hobbies included flying, building model airplanes, camping out in the hills, and family activities. He was a practicing accountant for more than 50 years in Burns, receiving his degree from LaSalle University in Chicago. He retired from his practice in 2005, due to ill health.

Des Ilets is survived by his wife, Virginia of Burns; sons, Rick of Burns and John of Gresham; daughter, Suzanne of Salem; grandchildren, Stephanie Krupicka of Molalla, Nic and Kristen Des Ilets of Burns; and great-grandchildren, Amber and Isaac Cobb of Molalla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; and sisters, Pauline Henderson, Louise Thomas and Beatrice Carter.

A memorial service will be held at Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. A private family internment will be held in the spring.
Contributions in Des Ilets’ memory by be made to Harney County Hospice or Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

The Harney County Farm Bureau meets at the Country Companies Insurance meeting room, 531 North Broadway, the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

The Harney County Cancer Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at Glory Days Pizza, on Highway 20 in Burns, at 4 p.m. For more information, call Tonny Calloway, evenings, at 573-7867.

Harney County Fair Board meets the second Wednesday of each month in the Hibbard Building at the Harney County Fairgrounds at 7 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.

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.

Harney County Home Educators will host a Valentine’s Day party at the Boys & Girls Club, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., for all home-schooled families. For more information, call Lonna Walters at 573-7630.

A Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Harney County Senior Center, at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Mike at 573-6914.

The Desert Riders chapter of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA) will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. at Egan’s in Hines. The key importance of this month’s meeting is the election of officers and discussion of the upcoming season’s formal ride schedule. All members are encouraged to attend. The OVMA was established to promote veterans, veterans issues, motorcycling and provide broad-based community support. The public is welcomed to attend.

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.

The sixth annual Harney County Library Foundation Dinner will be held on Feb. 15. For more information, call Jolyn Wynn at 573-6670.

Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, District 9, meets the first, third and fourth Friday of each month. Call Julia at 573-2770, for time and place.

Boxing is held each Friday from 2-4 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club. The fundamentals of boxing are taught to kids. Permission slips must be turned in prior to participation in this program.

Hines Middle School Reading Club meets each Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Harney County Library.

The Boys & Girls Club has the Club Bucks Store open each Friday. This is an incentive program in which members earn “club bucks” by doing good deeds and helping out around the club.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Friday at Foursquare Church at 7 p.m.

AARP Driver Safety Program refresher course, especially designed for drivers 50 years and older, will be held on Feb. 16, at Rory and Ryan Best Western Inn.

Alanon holds an open meeting each Saturday at Foursquare Church at 5:30 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at Foursquare Church for 12X12 study, 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.

The Hines Volunteer Fire Department meets at the Hines Fire Hall each Monday at 7 p.m. (except the last Monday of the month). Prospective members may contact Fire Chief Bob Spence at 573-7477 or 573-2251.