A roundup of issues from the county court’s perspective

By Harney County Judge Steve Grasty
For Burns Times-Herald

2008 has been a challenging year for the community in Harney County, its citizens and for county government. Fuel prices (though better now), market conditions for the ag sector and our RV plant, the nation’s recession and general poor economic factors world wide have all added to those challenges.

The editor of the Burns Times-Herald asked the court for a recap of the year at the county level thus this report.

At the county level the commissioners, economic development staff and I, along with many others, dedicated a significant amount of time this year to seeking and developing strategies and actions that hopefully will eventually payoff in attracting and keeping jobs in our community. The year began immediately following the closing of the LP plant in Hines. The county court’s position is that we should do all we can to preserve the facility in a condition where it might attract some industry or business. We have met with numerous parties interested in developing industry and jobs in that plant.

Disappointedly, nearly all of those ideas have ended up being severely challenged in obtaining financing due to the national credit crunch. The exception is that interest remains high toward some use of the land or facility around bio-mass energy and heat production.

In June, John Deere Industrial at our request staged a demonstration of their equipment in removing and harvesting juniper. The results were much more favorable than many of us had thought. Their work also increased interest in using juniper for wood pellets. Following the demonstration the county sent a truck load of juniper bundles to Cascade Locks for processing into wood pellets. Tests showed a large reduction in moisture content (an added benefit to making wood pellets) in only eight weeks. We continue to pursue both pellet manufactures and bio-mass energy firms.

The greatest challenge now will be to assure some sustainable and predictable supply off federal grounds as well as private.

On a more positive note early in ’08 one of several wind energy developers investigating sites in this county submitted a land-use application for a 104 megawatt wind-farm near Mann Lake. There were no protests/appeals and the permit has been granted.

Work on the access road has kept one local firm and all its employees busy a large share of this year. Additional land use applications for two other wind farms near Diamond have since been received by the planning department and action will be taken on them early in ’09. These developments along with others may provide the first new jobs and economic recovery for this county in several years. The county court will remain active in these projects.

Related to both biomass and wind, the county became a participant in a couple of collaborative processes in an attempt to arrive at solutions with various special interest groups. The hope is for solutions rather than to have to deal with litigation.

One of those efforts has been supported by and is now being facilitated by the local High Desert Partners group. The effort received recognition from the Governor and is one of several “Oregon Solution” projects with support out of his office.

The court also entered into a memorandum of understanding with The Nature Conservancy seeking collaborative solutions as they have set a statewide agenda to find a way to end all the litigation, which has so adversely affected much of rural Oregon.

One of the major services that this county government provides to its citizens is the rural county road system. We began the year with incredible drifting near Fields and put hundreds of hours into just trying to keep that road open during day-light hours. The drifting was caused by a lack of road side vegetation from a large fire in ’07.

The county court has been preparing for the eventual loss of the timber replacement dollars and to that end purchased a rock crusher in late ’07 which was put into use early in this year. Gravel and chip seal rock is the largest single purchase of the road department, and we have proven that making our own rock will save substantial dollars over time.

The road crew and its contractors replaced three bridges in the county, on the Silvies River, Donner Und Blitzen River and at Sodhouse. The crew re-graveled the Crane-Venator Road and improved Red Ruh road to the point that all weather travel on it is now possible. They were unable to perform any asphalt work in ’08 due to petroleum prices driving asphalt oil prices to nearly four times the previous year.

Kerry Landers, Road Superintendent for over 39 years, retires on Dec. 31. He and his memory will be greatly missed. Eric Drushella is the new superintendent.

Surprisingly the Secure Rural School dollars were replaced late in November, albeit in a reduced formula and the county received $1.9 million from the state which puts the road department in good financial condition for the next several years. The court will continue to monitor funding for roads and adjust as necessary, but these receipts have given some breathing room.

The county general fund received an unexpected increased payment of $357,000 as payment in lieu of taxes for the federal government. This will assist the fund to remain in the strong financial position.

On another note, there were four issues that came up this year that remain unresolved at this time. They deserve a comment in this letter.

First, the court dealt with a very contentious land-use decision appealed from the planning commission and then from the county court to the Land Use Board of Appeals. It has been remanded back to the court on two occasions. It remains to be seen if more action will occur on this issue.

Early in the year a dedicated group of folks began efforts on the formation of a rural fire protection district. At the very point in the complicated legal process where the county court would have had to make a decision whether to put it onto the ballot for a vote the committee had to withdraw their petition. The committee continues to meet and something may yet occur. If a district is to be formed some action on the part of the court will likely be required.

A new noxious weed, African Rue, was discovered in the county mid year. This plant is so worrisome that a major focus from the land owners, Oregon Department of Ag, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the County Weed program is occurring. Costs to eliminate this weed could exceed $250,000 and take several years to accomplish. The county has several noxious weeds already, and it will be important to not allow this new one to spread. This issue will be closely watched.

Finally a new recycling effort, 4R Recycling, began in the county with much support. Rimrock Recycling; a volunteer effort, closed its door after many years of hard work on recycling. The world wide demand of materials has resulted in a large decrease in the value of recyclables and is now putting the new effort at risk. This issue also will need to be watched; hopefully prices will turn around to help.

There are many other areas in which your county government was involved this past year; however the topics above cover the major efforts. If you would like to hear more or to discuss any of these issues,  contact any of the three members of the County Court: Commissioner Dan Nichols, Commissioner Jack Drinkwater or myself, Judge Steve Grasty.

We wish you all and all in this county a wonderful new year — one that is successful for all.

New law to notably affect taverns and bars

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

On Jan. 1, smokers will have to extinguish those cigarettes in places such as taverns and bars, where they have previously been allowed to smoke indoors.

When Oregon’s new Smokefree Workplace Law takes effect this week,  businesses will be required to post signs notifying employees and patrons to stay at least 10 feet from business exits and entrances if they plan to take a smoke break.

Ramla Richardson is Harney County’s Tobacco Prevention Coordinator and said Oregon is following in Washington State’s footsteps with this new smoking law. She noted that Oregon is fairly progressive in its smoking stance. “Secondhand smoke is so deadly. That’s what it’s about — a  nonsmoker’s right to go out and not have to breathe smoke,” she said.

Sean Wilson, owner of Egan’s Tavern, said that because the law affects all Oregon businesses,  “It’s an even playing field. I don’t think it’s going to hurt business at all.”

To enforce the law, Wilson said the staff at Egan’s will simply point those who want to light up outdoors, where the ashtrays will be located. From a purely logistical  standpoint, Wilson said, “It’s fewer ashtrays I’ll have to clean.”

He said that once the weather warms up a little, he’ll try to install some outdoor seating to make things a little more comfortable for smokers who are forced outside.

The new law has few exceptions, but those include certified smoke shops and  cigar bars, designated hotel and motel rooms and tribal casinos.

Old Camp Casino General Manager Judith McClain stated that the new law won’t apply to the Paiute Tribe’s casino. “At this time, we’re not going to enforce it,” she said. She noted that all of tribal casinos in Oregon are exempt from the law. American Indian tribes are considered sovereign nations. However, McClain said that in the future, the Old Camp Casino has plans to offer patrons a smokefree area.

As far as enforcement is concerned, the new law puts the onus on businesses to maintain a smokefree environment. However, if complaints are made, the Oregon Public Health Division will step in. Business owners who do not comply with the new law can be fined up to $500 per day, not to exceed $2,000, in a 30-day period. Complaints can be filed confidentially by calling 1-866-621-6107 or by completing an online complaint form at www.healthoregon.org/smokefree.

Richardson was quick to point out that the state wants to help businesses with the smokefree transition. “The state is really on board with helping people quit,” she said.

Harney County Health Director Cheryl Keniston agreed and said that there are programs available to help smokers quit. According to 2006 state statistics, 73 percent of current smokers in Oregon say they want to quit.

Keniston said that people live longer now, but questioned the quality of life for those who continue to smoke as the years pass by. “Do you want to be on oxygen the last 10 years of your life?” she asked. Keniston said the county health office has smoking cessation materials for those who are interested.
Harney County smoking statistics from 2002-2005 indicated that 28.6 percent of county residents smoke cigarettes.

“We’re not the smoke police,” Richardson was quick to add. “We want to be sensitive to our culture here (in Southeastern Oregon).

We aren’t the Western side of the state.” Richardson said that while some smokers may see the new law as a hindrance, it will offer others who avoided smoky bars  the chance to enjoy an evening out on the town in a smokefree atmosphere. Maybe everyone will breathe just a little bit easier.

Smokefree law

Oregon’s new law takes effect Jan. 1. Workplaces and public places will require smokers to stay at least 10 feet from building entrances and exits. These include but are not limited to:

• Bars and taverns, including bar areas of restaurants
• Bowling centers
• Bingo halls
• Private and fraternal organizations
• Employee break rooms
• Restaurants
• Private offices and commercial office buildings
• Retail and wholesale establishments
• Manufacturing plants and mills
• Truck stops
• Child and adult day-care
• Assisted living facilities
• Movies theaters and indoor entertainment venues
• Hotels and motels (Exception: up to 25 percent of guest rooms may be designated as smoking rooms by the owner or entity in charge)
• Work vehicles that are not operated exclusively by one employee

Elizabeth Jane Ditzler Hamilton (Liz), 49, of St. Helens, died on Dec. 28 after a  six-year battle with cancer.

She was born on Aug. 16, the second child to M. Jane (Jan) and Kenneth Ditzler, in Dallas. She joined her 16 month-old brother, Raymond Kirk. She spent her early years in Albany.

Following the marriage of her mom to George Weese, the family relocated to Harney County when Hamilton  was 7 years old. She remained in Eastern Oregon throughout most of her formative years. At the end of her junior year in high school, the family relocated back to the valley and resided in Grants Pass. During her senior year, Hamilton participated in the exchange student program and lived in Germany with her aunt, Marina Cuttaia and family. She returned to graduate from Grants Pass High in 1977. The family then made a major move to Lufkin, Texas, in the same year.

Hamilton attended college at Angelina Junior College in Lufkin and worked multiple jobs. After a short return to Oregon in 1979, during which time she acquired her cosmetology training, license and instructor credentials, Hamilton returned to Texas for another three years. She made a final return to Oregon after the birth of her daughters, Miesche’ and Whitney.

She married Randy Hamilton in 1996 and completed their family with the additions of Dallas and Courtney.

Hamilton was a successful property manager and mortgage broker. She was an active member of New Heights Baptist Church and Athey Creek Church. She worked diligently for, and contributed greatly to, the betterment of her Cherokee/Choctaw tribal heritage.

Hamilton loved to be with people and never met a stranger. She had a special place in her heart for people in need.

Hamilton is survived by her husband, Randy; children, Miesche’ Baldridge and husband Jon and Whitney and fiancé Sean Fivecoats, Dallas and Courtney; grandson, Alec; grandmother, Edna M. DeWitt; mother, M. Jane (Jan) Michaelsen and husband Everett Harm; father, Kenneth Ditzler and wife Joanne; sister, Samantha Jo Burnside and husband John; nieces and nephews, Aundra, Johnny, Alec, Blake, Brad, Ben and Joey; and many friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Ditzler; step-father, George K. Weese; and grandparents, Sarah Navariz and Joseph B. DeWitt.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Boulevard, St. Helens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Hamilton’s name may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. at: www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

Lowell E. Barton died on Dec. 20 from complications of heart surgery.

He was born on June 21, 1938, to Edward and Opal Barton on the family farm in Grand Rapids, Iowa.

Barton attended grade school and high school in Grand Rapids, graduating in 1956. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, where he traveled the world on the USS Ranger.

When his military obligations were finished, Barton returned to Grand Rapids. There he met Kay Meagley, and the two were married on June 3, 1962. He was married for 24 years, and had four children. While married to Kay, the couple lived and worked on the farm where he was born. He worked a second job with Dana Corporation as a tool and die man, building transmissions for the auto industry. They were divorced in October 1986.

In 1991, Barton sold the farm in Ohio and moved to Indiana, where he continued to work for Dana. While there, he met his second wife, Claudia, and they were married in January 2002. He retired from Dana in 2003, and after retirement, worked odd jobs including welding and mechanic work. He divorced Claudia in 2004.

In the late spring of 2005, Barton moved to Burns to be closer to his grandson, Luke Bailey. He purchased property in Burns and began upgrading it shortly after the purchase. He met Lois Harmon in Burns, and the two were married in October 2007.

Barton enjoyed hunting, fishing, a good card game and a good joke. He had a talent for drawing and was very creative. His three daughters credit their dad for becoming strong, independent women with good work ethics.

Barton is survived by his third wife, Lois Barton of Burns; daughters, Roxane Kay Bailey and husband, Brad, of Burns, Jennifer Sue Barton and husband Patrick Lyons of Manchester, Mich., and Stephanie Michelle Barton of Columbus, Ohio; grandson, Luke Edward Bailey, of Burns; granddaughter, Adelaide Kay Lyons of Manchester, Mich.; brother, Richard Barton and wife, Lucille, of Grand Rapids, Ohio; and sister, Marilyn Murray of Coldwater, Mich. He is also survived by stepdaughters, Claudelle Halcome and Collette Wolf of Sacramento, Calif., Charlene Teutsch, of Burns, and Cheryl Alacon, of Merced, Calif; and numerous nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren and great-step-grandchildren.

Barton was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Caris Ann Dawes; and son, Edward James Barton.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve wisely, designate a driver!

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 at 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.

Have a Happy New Year!

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.

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

Diabetes Support Group meets at the Harney County Health Building, 420 North Fairview, the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.

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.

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 the Harney County Courthouse basement meeting room 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 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.