Ranch House Coffee offers a place to sit and linger over a cup of Joe

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Jeni Stevens opened Ranch House Coffee in February of this year to provide Harney County residents with a comfortable place to hang out and chat with friends while enjoying an espresso drink.

She developed the Ranch House Coffee concept in talking with locals about the kind of coffeehouse they wanted in Burns. Ranchers and farmers wanted a place they could walk into and not be afraid of getting mud or hay on the floor. Local professionals wanted a place they could get healthy take out for lunch.

Stevens decided to combine rustic decor with a menu full of soups, sandwiches and a salad bar in hopes of creating a relaxed, welcoming coffeehouse that everyone would enjoy.

Ranch House Coffee, located at 83 W. Washington in downtown Burns, has been doing a brisk business since opening earlier this year. While customers stop in to get their morning coffee, Stevens said lunch time is when things really get busy. “I need to find a way to add more seating,” she said.

Stevens was born and raised in Hillsboro and worked for seven years as a Regional Foods Specialist for Starbucks. As part of her duties she traveled the Northwest region, going from Starbucks to Starbucks checking on food quality.

About three years ago, Stevens moved to Harney County after marrying her husband, David Ward. Ward works for Harney County Parole and Probation, but is currently serving a 13-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Stevens’ experience with Starbucks has come in handy in running her own full service coffee house. “I can pretty much make any espresso drink you want,” she said. And if she hasn’t heard of it, she can usually figure it out if you describe it to her.

The coffee brewed at Ranch House is her own blend of beans. The Ranch House blend is smooth and dark, while the Long Horn blend is a little lighter and brighter, according to Stevens.

Pastries on the menu include scones, muffins, cookies, biscotti and bundt cakes, some of which are made by Dana Copenhaver. Stevens said she would like to add Danish and a German chocolate brownie to the list.

Lunch items change monthly (sometimes weekly) and include soups, paninis, sandwiches and salad bar. In September, Stevens anticipates adding soup bread bowls and a baked potato bar. “I think we try and offer a little bit of a healthier option,” she said as far as lunches go. “I like to come up with fast food options that aren’t fast food.”

Stevens said in the future, she may add a delivery service for area businesses. She noted that when customers only have a 30-minute lunch, it can be hard to get in and out quickly enough to get back to work on time. So a delivery service would help. She also noted that people can call in orders so they are ready to pick up when they arrive at the coffee house.

Another future priority will be adding wireless Internet access.

Stevens said that what she enjoys most about her Burns business is the customer interaction. “Everybody’s friendly. If people come in and there’s no place to sit, they usually know somebody who invites them to sit at their table,” she said. “I call it the “Cheers” syndrome — when everybody knows you. That would never happen in Portland.”

Ranch House Coffee, 83 W. Washington, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Owners hope to open more stores in other rural towns

Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Just A Buck $tore, located at 302 S. Broadway, will host its grand opening starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

The dollar store will stock household items such as paper towels, garbage bags, aluminum foil, cleaning supplies, school and office items as well as shampoo and toiletries. Food products such as cereal, coffee and munchies will also be on hand. Co-owners Judith McClain and Robert Rogers said everything in the store will be either $1 or $2. McClain said they also plan to carry seasonal items throughout the year.

McClain and Rogers have been working on opening a dollar store in Harney County for the last nine months. They were simply waiting to find the right location. The building on South Broadway, a block down from Burns City Hall, was the perfect solution as half of it will house the store and the other half will be used as a warehouse.

McClain and Rogers hope to open more dollar stores in other rural towns such as John Day and Lakeview. The Burns store would serve as a warehouse and distribution center for the whole operation. In this economy, with gas prices being what they are, McClain said such stores are needed to supply rural folks with basic household supplies that are used on a daily basis.

“We’re keeping the money in our community, and that’s good for all of us,” Rogers said.

Just A Buck $tore will host its grand opening starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. After that, regular store hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. McClain said the store will not accept checks. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are the preferred forms of payment.

School district given permission to install fence

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County Court took a field trip to Crane on Aug. 20 to look at the Crane Union High School track. The visit was for the purpose of making an evaluation on a request by the high school for an easement onto the right-of-way of a county road.

When the Crane track was resurfaced, the improvements placed the track to within two feet of the existing fence and boundary line. The high school board requested to the court that the fence line be moved back 20 feet, to allow space for bleachers between the track and the fence. This adjustment would put the fence line approximately 5-10 feet from the travel portion of county road running north and south, parallel to the track.

After a site visit, members of the court returned to the courthouse to discuss the issues of the project and render a decision. The issues brought up by the public, the court and the school board included traffic safety, snow removal, senior citizen parking during football games and protecting the right-of-way for the future.

Commissioner Jack Drinkwater argued that “without the school, there isn’t a town.” Stating he didn’t see a problem with moving the fence to accommodate the request.

Commissioner Dan Nichols asked, “When do you quit bending? This will set an example. Equitable is equitable, so what are we going to do when the next request comes?”

After discussion, and advice from legal council, the court made the decision to allow the fence to be moved 20 feet, with the stipulation that no permanent structures can be placed within the allowed distance, and the county has the option of terminating the agreement if deemed necessary in the future.

•••

In other court business, Judge Steve Grasty presented a copy of a request from ranchers along the Silvies River to change the water preference of the river from irrigation to stock water, in light of the current drought situation. Ranchers on the southern end of the river are objecting to irrigation on the northern end, which they say is taking all of the water.

Grasty had contacted Ivan Gall, Manager of the Eastern Region of the Oregon Water Resources Department, to find out the rules and regulations of changing the water preference.

Gall’s response to Grasty stated that due to the late date, getting a change for this water year would probably be unnecessary. “The last irrigator will remove boards on the dam, typically by mid-September, and the remaining small streamflow (currently 6.40 cubic feet per second and dropping) will make its way through the system.”

The court made the decision to pursue a change in the Silvies decree for future years, which would give preference to stock water. Grasty said he would also contact the parties immediately involved and ask them to try to come to a peaceful solution for this year.

•••

Following repeated controversy between residents in the area, the court signed an order for a survey and study to be done on Penland Road, off East Steens Road at Andrews. The study will be done by Harney County Road Superintendent Kerry Landers.

The court ordered the study because existing records on Penland Road are inaccurate and incomplete and the original survey documents have been lost or destroyed. The study will include county maintenance records, public use records, power company use, and possible testimony from past county officials.

Following the study, the court will hold a hearing to make the decision whether Penland Road is a county road.

•••

Harney County Librarian Cheryl Hancock presented a request to appoint Diane Smith to the Library Advisory Board. With the appointment of Smith, one vacancy remains on the board.

Hancock also updated the court on changes at the library, including circulation policy changes and schedule changes.
The library will hold a book sale on Sept. 13.

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Crane Mustang volleyball team will have their first test on the court this weekend, as they attend the Dufur Classic Tournament.

Mustang fans will see a few changes in the team from last season, beginning with an addition to the coaching staff. Lindsey Robertson has joined head coach Sherri Hussey and assistant Rachel Dunten. Robertson is a native Harney Countian, and a Burns High School alumni. “She brings a whole lot of enthusiasm to the court,” said Hussey.

With only seven returning varsity players, Hussey said they are looking at a young team, but one that has a lot of talent. The Mustangs will, for the first time, run a 5-1 offense. The strengths Hussey sees at this early stage of the season are good blocking and hitting skills.

Returning to the court for Crane will be September O’Crowley, Lindy Steeves, Brooke Nyman, Lily Valentine, Hannah Buermann, Merry Jo Whiting and Natalie Bentz.

The opening league game for the Mustangs will be against the Burnt River Bulls, in Unity. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, but has been changed to Thursday, Sept. 4, to allow 4-H and FFA members to participate in the showmanship competition during the Harney County Fair.

•••

The Crane Mustang football team lost a lot of size with the graduating class of 2008. This loss has head coach Stub Travis and his assistants John Opie and Chuck Steeves making personnel adjustments, moving players to new positions.

“Since we don’t have very much size on the line, we’re going to have to make some changes,” said Travis. But, there will be some experience up front with veteran players Drew Cody, Royal Henricks, Milton Merritt and Tucker Dunbar.

Crane will also have the experience of fourth year varsity players in the back field with Raymond Thompson and Dallin Davies. They will be joined by returning players Josh Williams, Blake Steeves, Ty Harris and Lewis Whiting.

Going into the season already slated to take first place in the High Desert League, Travis said he looks for the Mustangs to live up to the expectations. The passing game will have the benefit of first-year senior Jordan Conaway receiving, and the running game will benefit from the speed of Davies and the muscle of Thompson.

The first test will be at Dufur this Friday. Crane will play Butte Falls at 4 p.m. The first league game will be on Sept. 4, against Burnt River.

•••

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

At the same time many Harney County residents may be enjoying their first or second cup of coffee, the Burns Hilander cross country runners are already stretching and preparing to race through the sagebrush covered hills.

With 13, and possibly 14, runners making up the boys and girls teams this year, head coach Alice Herauf likes what she sees so far. “The boys team should be strong this year,” she said. “In fact, they compare to a boys team we had a few years ago that won the district title.”

The boys team is led by senior Devan Attleberger who placed at the state meet last year. He’s joined by fellow seniors Nathan Drushella and Josh Walters, juniors Tyler Rowley, Brenden Palmer, Kraig McCanna and Ralph Caldwell, sophomore Truman Mallon and freshman Sean Cashen.

Herauf said the Burns boys team should be tough in the Eastern Oregon League (EOL), but Union is the favorite to win the district title. “They won state last year and only lost one runner to graduation,” Herauf said.

Brianna Cunningham, a senior, is the top returning runner for the girls team, having just missed placing at the state meet last year. Rounding out the roster are sophomore Kara Davis, and freshmen Visalia Hammond and Anna Clemens. “If I had just one more girl, I think we’d have a strong team,” Herauf said.
The Hilanders open their season with the Lakeview Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6, and Herauf is looking forward to the season. “We’ve got good leadership with Devan and Brianna, and another great schedule,” she said. “If we run to our potential, we’ll be all right.”

Football

With only 28 kids out for football, head coach Scott Smyth may be fighting an uphill battle.

“I’d say it’s a rebuilding year,” Smyth said. “We don’t have the numbers we’ve had in the past, so we’re going to be thin at a few positions. There are some new faces, and three or four kids that I was expecting didn’t come out this year.”

This year’s team is comprised of just three seniors, seven juniors, eight sophomores and 10 freshmen.
Ethan Bentz, who was sidelined due to injury last year, Michael Martin and Garrett Bentz should be mainstays on both sides of the ball for this year’s team.

Smyth said that despite the low numbers, the Hilanders could be in the running for a playoff spot again this year. “Grant Union may win the league with the talent they have, and Vale is always solid,” Smyth said. “Nyssa has a new coach, so I don’t know what to expect there. Riverside’s numbers are down and Umatilla will be much improved. With a little bit of luck, we should be competing for a playoff spot.”
The Hilanders open the season at home this Friday, Aug. 29, when they host La Pine.

“We’re real young, not much experience, but the kids have good attitudes,” Smyth said.

Assistant coaches helping out this year include Dally Swindlehurst and Jim Wagner, as well as volunteers Dave Johnson, Wyatt Shelley and Newton Skunkcap.

Volleyball

After bringing home the state championship trophy the past two years, this year’s Hilanders are poised to make it three in a row.

“We have 10 players returning that went to state last year, and there are some younger kids coming up that could compete for varsity spots,” head coach Paula Toney said. “We’re working hard, improving daily and look to keep improving each day.”

The five returning seniors for this year’s squad include Ashley Schouviller, Erin Swindlehurst, Jessica Wheeler, Courtney Toney and Mattea Zabala. They’re joined by six juniors, six sophomores and 10 freshmen.

When asked about their main competition in league play, Toney said she expects the toughest challenges from Vale and Grant Union. “Vale lost 10 seniors, but they’re always tough and we expect them to be tough again this year,” Toney said. “Grant Union improved last year, and we should see that again.”

The Hilanders’ first action will come this Saturday, Aug. 30, when they take part in the Pendleton Invitational. The Hilanders will be home against La Pine on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and then will play host to seven teams in the Burns Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6.

“Cascade Christian out of Medford, who went to state last year, is coming to our tournament this year,” Toney said. “We’ll also get a look at Vale and Nyssa, as well as our old rivals Ontario and Baker.” Madras, who finished second to Burns at last year’s tournament, and Lakeview complete the brackets.

Toney is assisted by Tara Martinak and Lani Ribeiro.

Soccer

This year’s Hilander team might best be summed up in two words — experienced and fast.

“I’m really impressed with their speed,” first-year coach Jodi McLean said. “Some of the teams we play, like Umatilla and Riverside, run all the time, and I think we can keep up with them this year.”

The bulk of the experience comes with the six seniors on the team, Joe Jarvis, Patrick Stampke, Christian Lassan, Josh Cate, Charlie White and Logan McGee.

McLean said that experience translates into a lot of possibilities for the team. “These kids can play a lot of different positions, so we can, for instance, pull someone out of the goal and put him in at midfielder,” she said. “They communicate well with each other on the field, and they’re very aggressive, which is a plus as well.”

There are a total of 16 players out for the team this year and McLean said more show up every day. “I’d like to have a few more too, just to build up the depth,” she said.

Although this is McLean’s first go-round as the varsity coach, she won’t be hesitant to employ some new strategies. She said that rather than change the goalie every 10 minutes or so, she’d leave them in for a half, and the team was OK with that.

With the team unity, experience and talent the Hilanders have this year, McLean is optimistic about the season. “This is a good group of kids and you can see the determination on their faces,” McLean said. “This just may be the strongest team Burns has had.”

After taking part in the Redmond Jamboree this Friday, Aug. 29, the Hilanders will face a tough test right off the bat when they host Umatilla at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Burns High School.

McLean is assisted by Ray Cate.

Troy Humphrey, 69, died on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Harney District Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Humphrey was born on Nov. 11, 1938, to Napoleon and Eva Humphrey in Rush, Ark., where he was raised and educated.

He worked as a carpenter and rancher and enjoyed visiting with friends and family. Humphrey liked to hunt, fish and camp, and he loved his dogs.

Humphrey is survived by his children, Alan Humphrey of Burns, Kathleen Humphrey of Kentucky and Beth Ann Reed of California; and grandchildren, Troy Burton, Kelly Burton, Marisa Humphrey, Kara Reed, Katelyn Reed and Kearsten Reed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Napoleon and Eva Humphrey.

Contributions in  Humphrey’s memory may be made to  American Cancer Fund in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, PO Box 488; Burns, OR 97720. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements. No services will be held.

Dorothy (Dottie) Lakey, 80, died at her home in Nampa, Idaho, on Aug. 20.

She was born on Feb. 26, 1928, in Atchinson County, Mo., to Ollie and Cicero Nance.

She moved to Burns in 1929 with her family.

On Sept. 10, 1943, she married Merrill Man. The couple had two children, Dennis and Sherrill.

On May 1, 1952, she married Frank A. Lakey. The family moved to Nampa, where Lakey lived until her death.

Lakey was a lifetime member of the Elks Ladies, Nampa Elks Lodge #1389. She was elected Valentine Queen of the Elks Ladies in 1984, at the same time her husband was elected Idaho State Elk of the Year. She and her husband were very active in the Elks Lodge and made many friends through the organization.

Lakey was also a member of the Nomad RV Group, and enjoyed camping and traveling with her husband.

Lakey is survived by her son, Dennis Man of Nampa; grandson, Shawn Man of Nampa; daughter, Sherrill Prescott and husband Steve of Boise; step-children, Joan Alney and husband, Gene of Nampa, and Harold Lakey and wife, Patti of Spanaway, Wash.; and sister, Virgie Bennison and husband, Howard of Burns.

She is also survived by nephew, Gary Bennison and wife Valerie of Burns; nieces, Nancy Ray and husband, Gary of Belton, Mo., and Sandy Johanek of Redmond; great-niece, Tonya Fox and husband, Ron of Burns; great-nephew, Ted Bennison and wife, Beth of North Bend; eight grand-children; and 29 great-grandchildren.

Lakey was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, step-father, two sisters and two brothers.

Graveside services were held on Aug. 23 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Caldwell, Idaho. Contributions in Lakey’s memory may be made to the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, P.O. Box 1100, Boise, ID, 83701, or, Hearts for Hospice, 4869 Malad, Suite D, Boise, ID 83705.

Burton Evans Blake died at his home in Boise, Idaho on Aug. 8.

He was born on Jan. 3, 1938, in Portland to William J. and Delight Evans Blake.

Blake grew up in Sandy, graduating from Sandy Union High School before attending Cascade College Portland, where he majored in music. He was a member of the Oregon National Guard.

In 1959, Blake moved with his family to Burns, where he worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company and KRNS Radio Station. He was an active member of the Burns Fire Department as well as the Burns Elks Lodge, where he served as organist for several years.

Blake moved to Boise, where he rejoined the military and served as a military policeman with the rank of Staff Sergeant, retiring from the Idaho Air National Guard in 1998. Following his retirement he served as a volunteer at the VA Hospital in Boise.

He was a member of the Boise Elks Lodge, where he served many positions with great pride and dedication, including Exalted Ruler.
Blake was married to his wife, Esther, for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Esther; sister, Nancy Cray and husband, George of Burns; niece, Kathleen Cray, of Denver; nephews, William Cray and wife Vicki of Chad, Africa, Shawn Cray of Burns, and Major David Cray of Virginia; and grand-nieces Rebecca, Susannah and Bethany.

Blake is also survived by step-children, Shirley Carter and husband, David, Katherine Newell, Thomas Newell and wife Debra, John Newell, and Benjamin Lewis and wife Joanna; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Delight Blake; grandson, Jesse; and granddaughter, Gracie.
A military graveside service was held on Aug. 20 at the Idaho Veteran’s Cemetery with Elks honors.

Tom Biggs, 48, of Weed, Calif. died on, Aug. 23.

A service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. at the Lake Shastina Community Bible Church, 5826 Jackson Ranch Road in Weed.

Biggs is survived by his wife, Lynn; children, Nikki, Paula, Jason, Justin and Jerico; mother, Barbara Biggs; sister, Patti Wilson; niece, Tara Martinak; nephew, Tim Wilson; grandchildren, Carrie, Mya, Jordan, Caleb and Berkeley; sisters-in-laws, Paula Hutchins and Janet Moore; mother-in-law, Edna Dunham; and great-nephews Tyler and Grayden.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gaillard Biggs and brother-in-law, John Wilson.

Contributions in Biggs’ memory can be made to the Madrone Hospice Center, the Lake Shastina Community Bible Church, or to Al Bonson for a memorial tailgating party at an Oregon Duck’s football game, all in care of Tara Martinak, P.O. Box 442, Hines, OR 97738.

A celebration of life for Biggs will be held in Burns at a later date.

James Merle Cummings, 90, of Baker City died on Aug. 24 at St. Elizabeth Health Services.

Viewing will be held from 9-10 a.m. (PST) on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Vale Christian Church, with funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. (PST).

Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Vale.

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 of N. 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.

High Desert Park and Recreation District board of directors meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in their office at the former Lincoln Junior High School, 550 North Court, at 7 p.m.

Burns Sportsman Club will present Twilight Trap Practice every Wednesday night, from 5-7 p.m. at the shooting facility on Radar Hill. Members and non-members are welcome to participate.

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 573-6670.

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.