2008 Harney County Fair Evaluation will be held on Oct. 15 in the basement meeting room of the Harney County Courthouse at 6 p.m.

Meet the Author — Eileen McVicker will be at Harney County Library to talk about her book, “Child of Steens Mountain,” on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from noon-2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by the author. Everyone is  welcome.

Harney Partners for Kids and Families meets on the third Wednesday of each month at noon, at Glory Days Pizza. Lunch is provided, please RSVP to Michelle Bradach, president.

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

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.

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.

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.

Tween Night is held at the Boys and Girls Club on the third Thursday of each month, from 6-7 p.m. The night is for kids who are told they are too young, or too old, for other activities.

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.

The Chamber Music Society Bell Ringers meet each Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. For more information call Carol Sawyer at 573-6886.

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 (TOPS #630) meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon.  Anyone who has pounds to lose is welcome. 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.

Medicare D, Senior Health Insurance and Patient Assist (needy meds) trained volunteers will be at the Harney County Senior Center each Thursday, from 1-4 p.m. This will be for seniors, disabled and low-income people. Appointments are required; call the Senior Center at 573-6024.

The annual Harney County Chamber of Commerce Radio Auction will be held on Oct. 17-18, beginning at 8 a.m., on KZZR AM 1230. A list of auction items has been inserted in the Oct. 15 edition of the Burns Times-Herald. For more information, call the chamber office at 573-2636.

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.

Missoula Children’s Theatre will present “Rumpelstiltskin” on Oct. 18 at the Lincoln Auditorium. For more information, call 573-2610.

The Harvest Festival & Chili Cook-Off and apple pie contest will be held on Oct. 18. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. Registration forms are available at Trents Floors To Go and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce office.

The annual Harney County Chamber of Commerce Radio Auction will be held on Oct. 17-18, beginning at 8 a.m., on KZZR AM 1230. A list of auction items has been inserted in the Oct. 15 edition of the Burns Times-Herald. For more information call the Chamber office at 573-2636.

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

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.

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.

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

Harney County Watershed Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at the EOARC (Section 5) on Hwy. 205 in the conference room at 5:30 p.m.

Harney Basin Writers meets at the Harney County Library the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 2-4 p.m.

Harney County Library Foundation meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 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.

Harney County Library Foundation board of directors meets the third Tuesday of each month at the library, 80 West D St., at  5:30 p.m.

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

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.

Boy Scout Troop 440, sponsored by the Burns Lion’s Club, meets each Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the LDS Church in Hines. Boys ages 11-18 are welcome to join.

The Boys & Girls Club holds a cooking class, open to all members, each Tuesday.

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

Citizens express concern about one-size-fits-all system

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

Are the current land-use policies in Oregon adequate, or does the 35-year-old system need to be changed? Finding the answer to that question is what The Big Look Task Force has set out to do.

In 2005, Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed a committee of 10 bipartisan individuals to a task force, with the responsibility of reviewing the Oregon Statewide Planning Program. This group has been asked to make recommendations for any changes to land-use policy to the 2009 Legislature. According to the task forces’ mission statement, the recommendations would hopefully “ensure that the state’s land use system does its part in protecting our environment and our natural beauty, while also building an economy that is prosperous for citizens and communities.”

According to the task force, population projections for the year 2040 have Oregon increasing by another 1.7 million citizens. “If we do nothing to plan ahead for the growth,” the task force said, “we potentially could lose many things that make Oregon so special.” The major issues facing the state are how communities should be built, how farms, forests and natural areas should be preserved and how can citizen participation and state agency coordination on land-use decisions can be improved.

Through a series of 10 town hall meetings, the task force has spent the past two months compiling concerns and opinions of Oregon citizens on potential change of the land-use system. Last week, residents of Harney County had the opportunity to weigh in on the subject at a meeting held in Burns.

Nearly 25 people attended the meeting at the National Guard Armory, representing county government, city government, the ranching and farming industry, realtors and citizens at large. Moderated by Sorin Garber, the meeting was fashioned as a workshop, allowing public interaction on three main issues: farm, forest and natural areas, livable communities and public involvement. Each participant was asked to voice their opinion both verbally for the three task force members present, as well as through a survey form.

The majority of the comments made locally expressed concern that a one-size-fits-all system doesn’t work for Eastern Oregon. The need for flexibility, county-to-county was voiced by many of the participants.

“Farmers and ranchers have kept counties alive,” said Mickey Killingsworth, of Madras. “Rural people understand flexibility. If you don’t appreciate the range land now, you will when you can’t afford beef.”

Jim Jensen, Economic Development Director for Malheur County, agreed, “We can’t keep our kids in our community without jobs; we can’t get jobs if we don’t have flexibility.”

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty used the City of Hines as an example of how a community can grow because of the area’s natural resources. “You have to tie land-use with use of natural resources,” he said.

In two or three weeks, the task force will meet and review all of the surveys collected from around the state; prior to the meeting in Burns, this totaled 1,100. From these responses, the group will then generate a plan that will include the best options for improving the current land-use system and present their recommendations to the legislature.

Oregonians who were not able to attend any of the town hall meetings can still participate in the survey by going to The Big Look Web site: www.oregonbiglook.org.

Another option for those interested in participating is “Meetings In A Box,” which includes the DVD viewed at the town hall meetings, the survey and a PowerPoint presentation. This is also available by going to the Web site.

Residents to have opportunity to ask questions of those seeking city and county offices

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Candidates for local offices had their first chance to address the public at a meet and greet Candidates’ Night sponsored by the Harney County Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 30 at the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center.

Candidates will have another chance to talk with locals at an event to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Senior Center. This one will be an open forum with audience members asking questions of each candidate.

Two of the more competitive races include the Burns mayoral race, with three candidates (and no incumbent), and the Harney County Sheriff’s race with two candidates (one incumbent). Here is a summary of the candidates’ comments during the Sept. 30 event.

Burns mayoral race

Three official candidates, Yvonne Warden, Loretta Carter and Len Vohs, and one unofficial candidate, Sean Wilson, are campaigning to be the Burns mayor. Each had about five minutes to address the audience of more than 50 people at the senior center.

Warden was up first. She stated that she came to Harney County five years ago after the death of her father. She has served on the Burns City Council and, if she is elected mayor, she plans to focus on finding ways to save the city money. She also said she believes in an open government. If citizens want to see certain documents, they should be able to, she noted. “It’s your right to know,” she said. Warden wrapped up her talk by saying that, “Harney County requires a different kind of thinking.” She believes that the city council needs to think proactively while utilizing local resources.

Carter spoke next. Three years ago, she moved here with her husband from  Prineville, where she ran for mayor twice. “It’s time for Burns to come into the 21st century,” she said. She emphasized the importance of enticing young people and families to move here. She hopes to put Burns on the map as a nice community to live in. As mayor, Carter said she would listen to everyone and work hard to promote growth. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty,” she said.

Vohs was the third candidate to speak. He served more than two years on the Burns City Council. He resigned from his position on the council in August citing medical reasons. Vohs spoke about some projects he had a hand in, which included the Highway 20 land-use project and various airport issues. He talked about the importance of officials for the county, cities and Paiute Tribe working together toward the larger goal of making Harney County prosper. With energy projects utilizing biomass, wind and wood pellets in the wings, “There is a light,” he said.  “The future is in industrial growth and jobs.”

Wilson, a write-in candidate, was not present for the event.

Sheriff’s race

Incumbent Dave Glerup is running against Tim Alexander for the office of Harney County Sheriff.

Alexander spoke first, and talked about his time serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years and his decision to be a deputy for the Harney County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Greg Peterson.

In 2004, Alexander made the decision to leave the sheriff’s department and serve in Iraq for two years. He said that he saw the best and worst of life there. Upon his return to Harney County, he went to work at the sheriff’s department again and said he saw areas where he believed some changes need to be made, and this is why he decided to run for sheriff.

Alexander then made the decision to return to Iraq to serve his country. He was back on temporary leave, which is why he was able to attend the candidates’ night.

Glerup then addressed the audience. He said he has lived in Harney County for more than 50 years and has served as sheriff for more than 20 years.

At the age of 21, he went to work for the Oregon State Police. He then went into business with his brother in Harney County. In 1985, he was elected sheriff. While he took time off for a four-year period, he was then re-elected, and has been sheriff since that time period.
Under his tenure, the sheriff’s department has taken over the 9-1-1 Dispatch  as well as the Parole and Probation Department. “We’ve got a big county to cover,” Glerup said. “I’m privileged to have served the people of the Harney County in the State of Oregon for 26 years.”

Council seats

Burns City Councilor Bill Renwick, who has served on the council for about three years, is running for his seat, No. 2, this November, and Terri Holt, a former City of Burns firefighter, is running against him.

Renwick spoke briefly about his voting record, and said he would like to continue serving the city. “I have a pretty good record of thoughtfulness and stability,” he said.

Holt stood up next and stated that she has lived in Harney County most of her life. She enjoys the strength and grit of the folks who live here. She served on the Burns Fire Department for six and a half years and helped organize the annual Firemen’s Ball. As a city councilor she would like to focus on making sure the city is fiscally responsible. “We need more accountability within the city council,” she said.

Darwin Johnson was appointed to the Burns City Council earlier this year and is running for his seat, No. 3, unopposed. However, he was present to talk to the audience about his dedication to the city. “I do enjoy this community,” he said. Johnson graduated from Burns High School in 1999, and he and his family plan to make Burns their home for the long haul. He talked about the importance of residents letting city officials know how they feel about issues. “If you have concerns, please let us know them,” he said.

County positions

County Commissioner Dan Nichols is running for re-election unopposed. Having served the county for 12 years while being a full time rancher in Diamond, Nichols realizes the importance of representing county residents. It isn’t an easy job, he said, but at the same time he has a lot of pride for the county he represents. “You wouldn’t do this if you didn’t believe in Harney County,” he said. “It takes a certain kind of person to move here.” He stated that he would like to continue serving the county because, “We’ve had some successes. It’s a very positive time to be involved.”

Maria Iturriaga is running unopposed for re-election in her position as county clerk. Like Nichols, she has also served the county for 12 years. “I love my job, so I guess I’m asking you to re-hire me,” she said. As the county clerk, Iturriaga is in charge of elections, which requires precision. “There’s no room for mistakes,” she said. Her department also deals with marriage certificates, housing records and passports. Currently, her staff is working on digitizing county records.

Another Candidates’ Night will be held at 6 p.m.  Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Senior Center in Burns. After making brief statements, there will be a question and answer session with audience members.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Ethan Bentz rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more as the Burns Hilanders downed Riverside 32-7 on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Hilanders’ offense was in almost perfect balance in their first victory of the year, rushing for 152 yards and gaining another 155 yards through the air.

Playing in a constant rain, Burns’ defense kept the Pirates in check all night long, allowing just 59 yards of offense, all on the ground, forcing three turnovers and blocking a punt.

The Hilander defense set the tone early in the game, forcing the Pirates to punt on their first possession, and then tackling the punter at the 20-yard line before he had a chance to get the kick off.

The Hilanders lost yardage on their first two plays, but then Bentz completed back-to-back passes to Zach Dobson to get the ball down to the 3-yard line.  Two plays later, Bentz punched it in from one yard out and the Hilanders led 6-0.

Riverside was forced into another punting situation on their next possession, and Michael Martin crashed through the left side to block the punt, giving Burns the ball at the Riverside 26.

After an incompletion, Landon Hanner burst through the middle for a 26-yard touchdown run and a 12-0 Hilander lead.

Burns upped their lead to 18-0 with just 18 seconds left in the half on a 30-yard scoring pass from Bentz to Dobson.

Riverside’s only score of the game came with 6:15 left in the third quarter when  Erik Carranza picked off a tipped pass and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown.

Burns had to punt on their next possession, but a Riverside fumble gave them the ball right back at the Pirates’ 35-yard line. Bentz capped off a five-play drive with an 11-yard run and Burns led 24-7.

The Pirates decided to go to the air on their next possession, but it turned out to be a poor decision. The Hilanders sacked quarterback Cody Connell on first down and on second down, Nolan Stampke intercepted the Connell pass to give the Hilanders the ball deep in Riverside territory.

Bentz found Casey Thein open for a 15-yard touchdown pass and the Hilanders came away with the win.

Bentz finished with 15 completions in 25 attempts for 155 yards.

Hanner led the Hilander rushing attack, picking up 77 yards on 10 carries.

“It was a great win for the kids, and I was really happy with their effort,” Burns coach Scott Smyth said. “The wet conditions made for a lot of turnovers, but our kids hung in there.”

Burns is now 1-0 in Eastern Oregon League (EOL) play and 1-5 overall. Riverside drops to 0-1 and 0-4.

Burns’ EOL schedule has them on the road for the next two weeks, playing at Grant Union in John Day this Friday, Oct. 10, and then traveling to Vale on Oct. 17.

“I hope the win over Riverside gets the team riled up for the next two games,” Smyth said. “Both Grant Union and Vale are going to be tough games.”

1   2   3   4   Final
Riverside 0   0   7   0      7
Burns      12  6   0  14    32

First quarter
Bur — Bentz 1 run (pass failed) 6:43
Bur — Hanner 26 run (pass failed) 4:28
Second quarter
Bur — Dobson 30 pass from Bentz (pass failed) :18
Third quarter
Riv — E. Carranza 90 interception return (Barro kick) 6:15
Fourth quarter
Bur — Bentz 11 run (run failed) 11:26
Bur — Thein 15 pass from Bentz (Dobson pass from Bentz) 8:57
Individual statistics
RUSHING—Riverside, Orcutt 19-47, Brig. Hansen 5-11, Connell 12-(-7), E. Carranza 2-(-16), Alba 3-24. Burns, Hanner 10-77, Bentz 10-50, Kness 5-9, Dobson 2-22, Peasley 1-(-6).
PASSING—Riverside, Connell 0-3-1 0, Graff 1-1-0 0. Burns, Bentz 15-25-1 155.
RECEIVING—Riverside, Brit. Hansen 1-0. Burns, Hanner 1-6, Dobson 10-110, Thompson 1-7, Thein 1-15, Peasley 2-17.