Vancouver, Wash., company looks to locate a total of four projects in Harney County

By Lauren Brown and Randy ParksBurns Times-Herald 

In Harney County’s quest to re-invent itself economically, options such as harvesting juniper for fuel and other biomass energy projects have emerged. Now, another energy solution, which has been flying under the radar for a couple of years, is on the table: wind energy.

Columbia Energy Partners has three permit requests that will come before the Harney County Planning Commission at the Aug. 20 meeting. These wind projects would all be located in the south end of the county. The company already has one project on the east side of Mann Lake Ranch in the works. The permit for this project was approved by the county in the spring of 2007.

South end projects

Columbia Energy Partners (out of Vancouver, Wash.) President Chris Crowley and Vice President of Project Development Marl Kane are excited to have a slight edge on the competition for wind in Harney County. “There are a lot of companies looking at projects in this area,” Crowley said.

His company already has a project running in the Columbia Gorge. While their Gorge project utilizes the strong wind there during the summer months, the Harney County projects would provide a strong source for wind during the winter months. “We’ve found a windy place at a time when that energy is in high demand,” said Crowley. 

 He believes in his company’s projects from a moral standpoint because they use a renewable resource to provide green energy.

“It doesn’t create pollution,” he said. Of all the renewable forms of energy, Crowley said wind is by far the best way to generate a large amount of energy.

Columbia Energy’s wind projects will each consist of approximately 45 wind turbines, capable of producing 100 megawatts of power, or enough to power 30,000 homes. 

The turbines stand 80 meters high, with three blades that create a 92-foot diameter. The turbines are constructed on the ground, lifted by crane to a vertical position and then placed on a base that extends approximately 30 feet into the ground. 

Once winds reach a speed of approximately 10 miles per hour (mph), a computer within the turbine switches it on, and the blades begin to turn at a rate of 13-18 rotations per minute (rpm). Built-in sensors are used to keep the blades turned into the wind, and the blades themselves are also automatically adjusted for maximum output of energy. 

The rotor, which turns the blades into the wind, is capable of turning 360 degrees, but if it makes three complete revolutions in one direction, it will then shut down the blades and turn three revolutions in the opposite direction so the cables connected in the base don’t become tangled. 

The turbines are also programmed to slow themselves down by blade adjustments if winds are in excess of 50 mph. The number of turbines in operation at any one time  depends on wind direction and siting of the turbines. Crowley was quick to point out that the energy generated by these projects would not power homes in Harney County.

“These projects are not being designed to serve local customers,” Crowley said. So locals who get their power from Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative or Harney Electric Cooperative don’t need to worry about rate changes.

Economic boon

The real boost to Harney County in these wind energy projects would be in their construction, contribution to the county tax base and long term maintenance.

It will cost Columbia Energy more than $200 million to build each project. While the construction phase can be completed fairly quickly,  Crowley said they will employ about 200 people  and will be using as many local workers as possible. Once the construction phase is done, each project will employ eight to 12 people for long term maintenance — a total of 32 to 48 jobs in Harney County.

“To have wind power come to Harney County is going to be significant from an economic standpoint,” Crowley said.  He went on to point out that it was of paramount importance to Columbia Energy to establish a good rapport with the people in Harney County.

Two out of the three proposed projects are on private land, while the third is on state property near Riddle Mountain. Columbia Energy Partners will hold a series of town hall meetings hosted by the Harney County Community Response Team in September.

These meetings will give locals a chance to ask questions and comment on the proposed projects. So far, Crowley said he has truly enjoyed getting to know the people of Harney County.

“We’ve had a great reception here, and we really appreciate it,” he said.   Harney County Judge Steve Grasty pointed out some benefits of having the wind projects in the county. “This is the best opportunity for job growth that’s happened in Harney County for a long time,” Grasty said. “It also assures some of our culture, like ranching and the outdoors, remains intact. I think people in Harney County realize, just like everyone else in the country, we need to get away from dependence on foreign oil, and this is a good start.” 

Green energy

Crowley said that what he likes most about wind energy is its small carbon footprint on the environment. Cows can graze right up to the base of the turbines, and after the construction of the projects, Columbia Energy will go back and restore and revegetate the land.

“I was reading about wind power in 2000, and I was fascinated because wind is one thing that unites the west and east sides (of the state),” he said, noting that while the two sides fight about a lot of things (i.e. grazing, owls, transportation, the environment, etc.), wind energy is one thing people can agree on. “Everyone wants green power,” he said. 

Superintendent asks Harney County Court for property extension

By Randy Parks

Burns Times-Herald 

In a county full of wide open spaces, sometimes it’s the smaller distances that cause concern. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Crane Schools Superintendent Pat Sharp approached the Harney County Court to request an extension of the schools’ existing property on the west side of the school track on to the county easement. 

Sharp said the school wants to place a rail fence on the west side of the track to prevent livestock and vehicles from damaging the new track.

Because the new track is larger than the one it was built on top of, for approximately 600 feet along the west side of the track and adjacent to Clyde Avenue, the track is located approximately two feet from from the school district’s property line, leaving no space for spectators. She added that it could be a potential danger for runners having to run so close to the fence. 

Sharp told the court that if they could go out 20 feet on to the easement, and build the fence there, that would allow room for spectators and possibly a set of bleachers. Several residents of Crane were in attendance to express concern that if the fence were built 20 feet out from the track, it would compromise Clyde Avenue.

“You would be making a narrow street, and possibly creating parking issues,” Don Lindner said. The court agreed that a fence was needed to protect the integrity of the track, but were reluctant to grant Sharp’s request.

“I want to help the school out, but I can’t support the full 20 feet,” commissioner Dan Nichols said. Harney County Judge Steve Grasty suggested the court make a trip to Crane on Aug. 20 and look at the property.

“If we go out and look, we can figure out what’s the minimum you can deal with out there,” Grasty said. 

The court reviewed six letters of interest they had received regarding the three vacancies on the county planning commission. After some discussion, the court appointed Jeff Dorroh, Vern Brown and Lindner to the commission. 

Nick Miller and Joan Suther from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) gave a presentation on the Slickear Creek/Claw Creek forest restoration project. Miller said the project would include both commercial and non-commercial thinning, with a harvest of possibly up to one million board feet.Grasty expressed some concern that the project was being done as a stewardship contract, meaning the county wouldn’t receive 25 percent of the timber receipts. Suther said the stewardship contracts mean less out-of-pocket costs for the BLM, while still creating jobs in the community. Grasty also brought up the possibility of a biomass company having interest in the area. “If there’s no commercial value, biomass is an option,” Suther said. If there’s any interest, we would do our best to make it available.”  

In other business: 

• because of ongoing disputes among neighbors on Penland Road, the court decided to go ahead with an order to legalize the road; 

• Karla Bird told the court that the Saturday morning farmers’ markets are growing in popularity and are planned to be held through mid-September at Hines Park; 

• Patty Dorroh, Harney County Commission on Children and Families Director, asked the court to sign an agreement with the Training and Employment Consortium for Childcare Resource and Referral for an early childhood educational and enhancement program. Dorroh explained that the program was funded by the state, and would help to improve the quality of childcare in the county, including training for the providers. The court voted to sign the agreement; • the court reviewed a list of surplus items to be sold, including two automobiles, a pickup, a fork lift and a cardboard baler. It was agreed that the items would be advertised and sold by the sealed bid process; 

• the court signed the deed notice regarding the closed Sodhouse landfill; 

• the court reviewed a letter from 4R Recycling requesting more space; • the court appointed Bob Greisen to fill the at-large position on the Weed Board. 

The next county court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Pole bending, sprint race will be held before main competition on Aug. 23

By Debbie Raney

Burns Times-Herald 

The crunching of a fender, the smashing of a hood and the bashing of a door — spectators will have the opportunity to see it all once again at the 39th annual Harney County Demolition Derby on Aug. 23.

But, along with the derby, some new action will be added to evening. According to Harney County Fair Manager Don Slone, the derby event has been enlarged with more ATV events and an after-derby dance. Beginning at 6 p.m. riders in three age divisions will compete for trophies in an “ATV rodeo.”

Competition will be held in pole bending and a sprint race prior to the demolition derby, and a barrel race will be held during the derby intermission. Trophies will be presented to the champion of each event in the “young guns,” “junior” and “senior” divisions. An entry fee of $5 per event will be charged.  

The demolition derby will begin at 7 p.m. and will once again include a “beauty contest” and a “powder-puff” heat, along with the main event. Prize money will be awarded in each heat, the powder-puff and the main event, along with trophies for each winner.

The prize money for the night totals $3,800. Following the derby, a dance with live music by Pete Ford and Texas Hold ’em will be held in the Memorial Building at the fairgrounds.

Ford performs a wide range of selections and styles of material, inspired by country music legends such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. He has opened for such artists as Michelle Wright, Joe Diffie, Dan Seals, Hank Thompson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, as well as performing live at fairs and resorts across the northwest, including the Pendleton Roundup and Bronc Billy’s in Sisters.

The dance is included in the demolition derby admission costs. Tickets for the derby, which is sponsored by the Harney County Fair, Burns Ford Garage and A Parts, are on sale at A Parts, Big R, Tumbleweed Floral and Broadway Deli.

Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12. To enter a car in the derby, an ATV in the rodeo, or to obtain more information on the events, call the fairgrounds office at 573-6447, or go to the Web site at: www.co.harney.or.us/fairgrounds.htm.

By Randy Parks

Burns Times-Herald  

Last Saturday night, the air around the Harney County Fairgrounds was once again filled with the sound of music. (Hey, is there a song in there somewhere?) 

I have to say it was a lot of fun having a concert in town again and I applaud those who were instrumental in making it happen.

I know it takes a lot of time and energy to pull it off, so now that it’s over and done, I hope those folks can sit back, relax for a day or two and reflect on a job well done. 

One thing that I am puzzled about though, is why didn’t the crowd go for an encore? Has it been so long since we had a concert here that folks have forgotten about an encore? Or are encores a thing of the past? 

I know I’m from a different generation (as my family so often reminds me), but in “my day,” if we enjoyed the show, we’d clap and hoot and holler until the performers had to come back on stage. We were NOT leaving without hearing more.

I can remember having some entertainers coming back out for as many as four encore performances. To me, an encore means you enjoyed the show and you could enjoy even more of it. I have to think the performers would feel good if the crowd screamed and shouted for more.

When I lived in Idaho, I had the opportunity to perform with a small theatrical group for several years. Following one particular performance, the crowd gave us a standing ovation and then kept applauding until we came back out for a second, and a third curtain call. Unlike a singer, we had no more acts to perform, but I wish we had.

 Just because a performer says that’s the end of the show doesn’t make it so. The power lies in the hands, and the lungs, of the crowd. 

When Joni Harms performed in Burns as part of Harney Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Western Life, I almost felt sorry for her at the end of the show. People applauded and then got up to leave. I thought, “Whoa! Let’s keep clapping until she gets back out here.” Didn’t happen. 

Then this last Saturday night, the same thing happened. Steve Holy sang his “last” song, left the stage, and I was expecting thunderous applause until he returned. Nope. Just like with Harms, people got up and moved toward the exits.

The two people I was sitting next to also wanted an encore, but just the three of us clapping wasn’t going to get it done. Not even if we lit the lighters. (Remember those days?) 

If the times have passed me by and encores are no longer part of a concert, can somebody please take me aside and let me know? Until then, please join me in thanking the performers with excessive noise until they just can’t play or sing another tune. 

Comments? E-mail Randy Parks at rparks@burnstimesherald.info

Kenneth Wayne Langdon, 69, of Eagle, Idaho, died on Aug. 6, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1938 in Albuquerque, N.M., to Miles and Lila Langdon. 

 Langdon was raised in Hines and graduated from Burns Union High School.

He later attended Eastern Oregon College, where he obtained a bachelor of science degree in math education.

His first teaching job was in Leadore, Idaho, where he taught math, vocal and instrumental music.

He left Leadore and taught 28 more years at various schools in the Treasure Valley area. 

Langdon was an incredible high school and college wrestler. He then coached wrestling and officiated and served as an official’s evaluator since 1959. He served on the Idaho Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Langdon was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., on May 8, 2004, at an awards banquet in Boise, Idaho. His contributions to the sport of wrestling and young wrestlers will be remembered and appreciated for decades to come. 

Those who knew Langdon knew his love for the Salmon River Mountains around and near Yellow Pine, Idaho. He knew, traveled, or made new trails to hunt elk and mule deer in every valley and mountain top in the area. He was a “professional” hunter who seldom came home without meat. 

Langdon will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, lust for life and adventure, and the teller of tales.

He enjoyed playing jokes on his friends and appreciated a good joke played on him.

He was often spoken of as a “Man’s Man.” 

Langdon is survived by his wife Joan, of Eagle, Idaho; daughters, Ronda Toston and Keri Meek of Pocatello, Idaho and Katie Roderick-Langdon of Edwards, Co.; son, Brad Peterson of Middleton, Idaho; sister, Glenda DeMoss and husband, Tom of Tucson, Ariz.; niece, Sheri Mazariegos of Pinecrest, Fla.; as well as other relatives and his many friends. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Eagle United Methodist Church, 651 N. Eagle Rd.

Summers Funeral Homes, Ustick Chapel, was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Langdon’s memory may be made to the Eagle United Methodist Church or to the charitiy of one’s choice.

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. 

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 at the Library is on hiatus Aug. 13 and 20.  The program will resume on Aug. 27. 

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.

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 local chapter of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association (OVMA) will meet at Big Bear Lodge, on Highway 20 in Hines, at 7 p.m. The OVMA was established to promote Veterans, Veterans issues and motorcycling. The public is welcome to attend. As weather permits they will be conducting weekend motorcycle runs throughout the local area. 

The American Legion Harney County Post #63 meets at the National Guard Armory, the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. 

A book club for kindergarten through fourth-grade students is held each Thursday at the Harney County Library, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.  

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 seventh annual Desert Dash Rally will be held Aug. 15-17. The event will include bike games, live music, poker runs, food and more. For more information, call 573-6404, or go to: www.hcdesertdashrally.com. 

Veteran’s Service Officer Guy McKay will be at the Frenchglen Hotel on Friday, Aug. 15. 

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. 

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.

The annual Kelley Arena Rodeo will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m. at Jim and Bonnie Kelley’s Arena in Princeton. The rodeo is open to all youth ages 15 and under. For more information, call Jim or Bonnie at 493-2783, or Bridgit at 493-2769. 

The seventh annual Desert Dash Rally will be held Aug. 15-17. The event will include bike games, live music, poker runs, food and more. For more information, call 573-6404, or go to:www.hcdesertdashrally.com. 

Burns High School class of 1948 is holding a 60-year class reunion Aug. 16-17. The class extends an invitation to anyone interested in attending the “get-togethers” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Ye Olde Castle, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at The Outpost at Big Bear Lodge. For more information, call Bonnie Wood at 541-573-6247, Bill Allen at 541-573-6964 or Beth Sayles at 541-928-2718. 

Alanon holds an open meeting each Saturday at Foursquare Church at 7 p.m.

Burns High School class of 1948 is holding a 60-year class reunion Aug. 16-17. The class extends an invitation to anyone interested in attending the “get-togethers” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Ye Olde Castle, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at The Outpost at Big Bear Lodge. For more information, call Bonnie Wood at 541-573-6247, Bill Allen at 541-573-6964 or Beth Sayles at 541-928-2718. 

The seventh annual Desert Dash Rally will be held Aug. 15-17. The event will include bike games, live music poker runs, food and more. For more information, call 573-6404, or go to: www.hcdesertdashrally.com. 

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