Harney County Library Advisory Board meets the last Monday of each month (except for those dates that fall on national holidays) in the library, 80 West D St., at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Use the back door to the left. For more information, call 573-7339.

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.

Medicare D assistance will be available each Tuesday through Dec. 31, from 1-3 p.m., at the Harney County Senior Center. If you need help before that date, call 573-6024.

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.

Patient Assist, Needy Med Program trained volunteers will be at the Harney County Senior Center each Tuesday, from 1-4 p.m. For appointments call the Senior Center at 573-6024.

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.

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

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Jack and Theresa Peila were introduced as the Grand Marshals for the 2009 Harney County Fair, Rodeo and Race Meet at the 2008 Fair Year Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Fair manager Don Slone introduced the Peilas, and cited their history of almost 50 years as Harney County residents. The Peilas received a commemorative clock and will have a bench, inscribed with their names, placed at the fairgrounds.

The 2009 Harney County Fair court, Queen Jeanne Hogan and Princess Carrie Milburn, were also introduced and presented with belt buckles.

The fair theme for 2009 was voted on by the crowd and the winning entry was “Country Fun for Everyone.”

Following dinner, live entertainment was provided by Alyssa Burri and Michelle Yunker, winners of the youth and adult talent shows at the 2008 fair.

Slone gave a report on the 2008 Harney County Fair, which included the following statistics:

Exhibits: 197 adults entered 982 Open Class exhibits; 136 youth entered 136 Open Class exhibits; 215 4-H and FFA youth entered 1,250 exhibits; all numbers are less than in 2007.

Fairgrounds events: There were 118 youth events with 10,562 people attending. This is 46 more youth events and 5,338 more people attending than in 2007. There were 157 public events with 25,281 people attending. This is 79 more public events and 11,704 more people attending than in 2007. There were 59 private events with 8,383 people attending. This is six less private events and 36,617 less people attending than in 2007. There was a total of 334 events with 44,226 people attending. There were 119 more events but 19,575 less people attending those events than in 2007.

Volunteers: There were 578 volunteers working directly for the fair board in 2008. This is 119 more volunteers than in 2007.

Estimated hours by those volunteers were 10,456 or the equivalent of five full time employees. At a minimum wage, those volunteer hours would cost $82,863.41.

Financial statistics: The expense of the 2008 fair was about $165,000. The income of the 2008 fair was about $162,000. The estimated gross dollars earned by other community organizations during the fair is about $260,186 or about $47,329 less than in 2007. The 4-H and FFA auction alone grossed about $160,000 or about $43,866 less than in 2007. The estimated gross dollars generated by community organizations at the fairgrounds during the off season was $161,423 or $83,986 more than in 2007. The economic impact to Harney County is about $1.2 million. That is 7.5 times the fair revenue. Economists say on average, money rolls over 7.5 times.

If lives or city property are in danger, trucks will likely still respond

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The Burns City Council voted to cease fire response outside the city limits (with a few exceptions) at the Dec. 10 meeting.

Fire Chief and Interim City Manager Bill Guindon said that if a fire was reported in which structures pertinent to city interests are in danger, or someone’s life is at stake, the department could still respond. Whether the city responds outside the city limits will be at the fire chief’s discretion.

Guindon was quick to point out that this decision does not mean that residents living outside the city limits should assume that the city will respond if there is a fire at their residence.

This has been a prominent issue during the last couple of years as the City of Burns threatened to stop fire response outside the city limits in the fall of 2007. However, in response to concerned county residents, the city extended the deadline to June 30 to give county residents time to start the formation of a fire protection district.

A committee of county residents formed to get all the paperwork in place to put a fire protection district proposal before the voters in the November election. Committee Chairman Phil Kessinger was forced to pull the proposal from ballot consideration in June when he found out the Hines and Burns fire departments would not travel more than five miles outside the city limits. Because the fire departments were unable to cover the entire proposed district, it would have been illegal to put the proposed district on the ballot.

As a result, the committee was back to square one, and the Burns City Council agreed to extend the fire response deadline until Dec. 31 as long as the committee continued to make progress.

At the Dec. 10 city council meeting, Burns Fire Chief and Interim City Manager Guindon presented the council with a letter from the fire district formation committee, which stated that they were pursuing legislative active and other fire protection options.

“The committee is really no further than they were,” Guindon said. “They’re not in a position to move forward at this time.”

In discussion regarding the decision, Councilor Craig LaFollette said that the council really needs to take the city taxpayers into account. “There does come a point where we say we’ve extended this as long as we can,” he said.

Mayor Laura Van Cleave stated that she knew young families living just outside the city limits whose homes were financially tied to having fire insurance, which of course is directly tied to the city’s outside fire response policy. “People are actually impacted by the decision we make,” she said.

“It’s terribly unfortunate,” responded Councilor LaFollette, but he went on to say that ultimately the city isn’t responsible to people living outside the city limits.  He said their responsibility lies with taxpaying citizens of Burns.

Councilor Darwin Johnson said that he hoped that even if the city fire department can’t cover the whole county, that perhaps the city would consider having contracts with those near enough to the city limits who would benefit from fire coverage. He reminded the council that Hines currently has fire contracts with people outside its city limits as does Vale.

Councilor Dan Hoke agreed with Johnson and asked if the city had considered offering contracts to people within a two-mile radius of the city limits.

Guindon said he really didn’t feel that contracts were a good idea. “Just because an entity does it doesn’t mean it’s right,” he said. He noted that the city is still liable any time the fire truck leaves the city limits.

Councilor Linda Johnson moved to accept Guindon’s recommendation to suspend fire coverage outside the city limits. Councilor LaFollette seconded the motion.

Councilor Bill Renwick restated that while the city is technically suspending coverage, the fire department will respond if lives or structures important to city business are in danger. He also wanted to add that the city still needs to work with the state on legislation to improve the billing structure for fires in rural areas.

The motion was approved with councilors Hoke, Linda Johnson, Renwick and LaFollette voting in favor and Mayor Van Cleave and Councilor Darwin Johnson voting against.

Kenny McDaniel has been selected as the new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) District Manager in Hines.

McDaniel is currently an employee of the BLM and serves as Field Manager for the Gunnison Field Office in Gunnison, Colo.

“Kenny has extensive background in forming common interest partnerships with state and federal resource management agencies and other stakeholders in positions that he’s held throughout various levels of the Bureau,” said Ed Shepard, Oregon/Washington BLM State Director.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to returning to Oregon and working with the Burns District staff, community, and unique resources,” McDaniel said.

The Burns district manager serves as the line manager and advises the state director on policies and programs pertinent to the Burns district as they relate to the management of natural resources on public lands. The Burns district extends from the Oregon-Nevada border on the south into the Blue Mountains on the north, a distance of nearly 200 miles.

There are more than 3.36 million acres of public land and it is divided into two Resource Areas: Three Rivers Resource Area, roughly 1.68 million acres in the northern portion of the District; and Andrews Resource Area, 1.68 million acres of public land in the south. Within the district boundary there are also large areas of private, other federal and state lands.

“Kenny’s excellent consultation and communications skills will serve him well in working with stakeholders associated with key Burns district resources and programs, such as the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area,” Shepard said.
McDaniel has been with the federal government since 1978 and held a variety of roles with the BLM including Field Manager, Acting Deputy State Director-Division of Resources, Forester-Senior Specialist in the Washington Office, Natural Resource Staff Administrator, Forester and Lead Forester in Medford.

Athletes who participated in volleyball and football this season and rodeo last spring were honored at a dinner on Dec. 11 at Crane Union High School.

Letters for varsity and junior varsity levels were presented by the team’s coaches, as well as special awards.

Volleyball awards were presented by coaches Sherri Hussey, Rachel Dunten and Lindsey Robertson.

Hannah Buermann was selected as the 2008 varsity volleyball player of the year. Most improved player was presented to Natalie Bentz, with September O’Crowley being selected as most inspirational. The entire 2008 team was selected to receive the most valuable award.

Receiving varsity letters for volleyball were Buermann, O’Crowley, Bentz, Alex Borelli, Lindy Steeves, Lily Valentine, Merry Jo Whiting, Brooke Nyman and Emilee O’Toole.

The most valuable junior varsity volleyball award went to O’Toole. The J.V. most inspirational player was Iris Gunkel, and Brandi Carlon was selected as most improved. Nichole Bentz was named the team’s rookie of the year.

Players receiving J.V. letters were Gunkel, Bentz, Carlon, Savannah Duff, Beth Milburn, Brenda Otley, Cassidy  Corrigan, Kailee Davis, Kayleen Macomber, Heather Ketscher and Shayla Lundy.

Receiving the volleyball team manager letter was Carolann Tracy.

Football awards were presented by coaches Stub Travis, Chuck Steeves and John Opie.

Selected as the most valuable player was Dallen Davies. Max Miller and Blake Steeves were co-winners of the most improved award, and Pete Joyce was named the team’s most inspirational player.

Receiving football letters were seniors Raymond Thompson, Drew Cody, Tucker Dunbar and Davies; juniors Milton Merritt, Matt Bunch, Miller and Joyce; sophomores Josh Williams, Royal Henricks, Ty Harris, Lewis Whiting, T.J. Potter and Steeves; and freshmen Cole Maupin, Zach Cody, Greg Thompson, Ryan Opie, Donald McDermond, Wilson Witzel, Levi Miller, Matt Davis, Cody Davis, Tanner Titus and Dan O’Crowley. Team manager Jessica Cronin also received a letter.

Rodeo competitors from last spring also received recognition during the awards dinner.

Receiving varsity letters were Pete Joyce, Brooke Nyman, Hannah Buermann, Jesse Northrop and Royal Henricks. Josh Williams received a junior varsity letter, and Max Miller and Jacob Brennan were recognized for participating on the team. Also receiving varsity letters were 2008 graduates, Cody Henricks and Katie Buermann, as well as Chase Creason, who no longer attends Crane.

Everett Ernest Hilbert died at his home in Frenchglen on Dec. 7.

He was born on April 22, 1926, in Pendleton to Jess and Kate (Mackenzie) Hilbert.

Hilbert spent his childhood on a ranch in Ukiah, where he learned to hunt and fish — skills he enjoyed throughout his entire life. In his early years, he also liked to dance at the country dances.

He was a horseman, a cattleman and loved to hunt and trap.

In 1956, the family ranch in Ukiah sold, and Hilbert and his wife, Betty, and brother, Frank, purchased the “Dust Bowl” ranch near Frenchglen. He ranched there until retiring to his home in Frenchglen.

He was a member of the Burns Elks Lodge, #1680, and was a veteran of World War II.

Hilbert is survived by his wife, Betty (Stimson) Hilbert, of Frenchglen; and daughters, Gloria Ash of Silver Lake, and Sharon Messner and husband, Chuck of Adel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Wendell (Bum) Ash; and brother, Frank Alex Hilbert.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 13 at LaFollette’s Chapel.

Barbara A. Esarey, 62, died on Nov. 25.

She was born on Sept. 24, 1946.

Esarey was born in Tacoma, Wash., the daughter of Mary and Byron Brookhyser. She was a former resident of Burns, and she and her husband, Kenneth, had lived in Nevada for the past 30 years.

Esarey is survived by her husband, Kenneth Esarey; mother, Mary Brookhyser; son, Charles Wade; daughter, Courtney Esarey Zeigler; sisters, Sharon Guardino, Joan Hogan and Lynne Garton; and granddaughter, Brittney.

A private service was held in Redmond on Dec. 4. Contributions in Esarey’s memory may be made to the Huntington Disease Society of America, 158 West 29th St., 7th floor, New York, NY 10001-5300.

Dennis Van Wey died on Dec. 10.

He was born on Feb. 14, 1953, in Corvallis to Donald Van Wey and Valda Coleman Van Wey.

In 1956, Van Wey moved with his family to Burns, where he attended school.

He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, board games, Bingo and going to the casino. Van Wey had spent the last year and one-half in the Country Spice Care Home in John Day.

Van Wey is survived by his brother, Darrel Van Wey of Yakima, Wash.; sister, Valerie Van Wey Bennison of Burns; and nieces and nephews, Ted and Beth Bennison, Tonya and Ron Fox, Terri and Buddy Schoonover and Catherine and Jonathan Bennison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Velma Schoonover and Vivian Gasper.

A graveside service was held on Dec. 15 in the Burns Cemetery. Contributions in Van Wey’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. LaFollette’s Chapel was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Robert (Bob) Eugene Sahlberg died on Dec. 1.

He was born on June 5, 1937, in Ontario, to Adelia and August Sahlberg.

When Sahlberg was 18, he joined the military and served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. He traveled all over the United States and finally ended up in Downey, Calif., where he met his first wife, Linda Joy.

Sahlberg moved to Oregon, and then back to Norco, Calif., while he was employed in a number of jobs ranging from tile setter to truck driver. He drove truck until 1971, when an accident nearly took his life. When he recovered, Sahlberg went to Chaffey College in Riverside, Calif., and obtained an X-ray technologist license. It was during this time that he also became an ordained priest in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1975, Sahlberg, his wife and three children, moved to Porterville, Calif., where he began working at Sequoia Medical Center during the day, and Sierra View District Hospital on night calls. He eventually stayed with Sierra View and was an X-ray technician there from 1975-1999.

Sahlberg was an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #1342. He remained an active member until a few months preceding his death, working his way up through the chairs, becoming the Exalted Ruler in 1982. He participated in many events, as well as becoming the coach of the Elks Ritual Competitions.

In 1979, Sahlberg divorced his first wife, and he remained single until his second marriage to Dathel “Dee” Brown on Oct. 5, 2002. Together they raised their grandson.

Sahlberg is survived by his wife Dathel Sahlberg of Porterville, Calif.; children Cherrie Yarbrough of Castaic, Calif., Glenn Sahlberg of Colbert, Ga., and Jodie Fowler of Morro Bay, Calif.; four brothers; one sister; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and brothers in the Elks.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and brothers, Billy and Lloyd.

A service was held on Dec. 5, at the Porterville Elks Lodge. Contributions in Sahlberg’s memory may be made to the Purple Piggy Fund, at the Porterville Elks Lodge, or to Optimal Hospice. Whitehurst-Peters-Loyd Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements.