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.

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.

The Hines Volunteer Fire Department meets at the Hines Fire Hall each Monday at 7 p.m. (except the last Monday of the month). Prospective members may contact Fire Chief Bob Spence at 573-7477 or 573-2251.

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.

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

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.

WHAT: National Guard Appreciation Day and Send-off Party for local National Guard soldiers who will deploy overseas
WHEN & WHERE: noon Saturday, March 21, at the Burns Armory
CELEBRATION:  Volunteers will be serving a free barbecue. Dignitaries attending include U.S. Congressman Greg Walden, State Senator Ted Ferrioli and Brig. Gen. Charles Yriarte. Veteran Services Officer Guy McKay said, “ The National Guard has a long history in Oregon, and this is a chance for the community to show support. I hope we have a huge crowd.”

Staff members question why funding procedure wasn’t spelled out from the start

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Issues regarding funding for the Silvies River Web Academy dominated the discussion at the Harney County District No. 3 School Board meeting on March 10.

The controversy stems from the fact that, initially, the Web academy was touted as a money-making program  that wouldn’t cost the district anything.

The Web academy, which was approved in October, started operating a month or two before Superintendent David Courtney thought it would. This forced the district to fund the Web academy starting in October before the state began reimbursing the district for the Web academy enrollment in February.

Since October, the district has made monthly $120,000 payments to the Silvies River Web Academy. Just last month, the district received its first reimbursement payment in the amount of $275,130. The district projects that it will receive three more such payments (one each in March, April and May) while it continues to pay the Web academy $121,905 each month through the end of the school year.

In the end, the state will reimburse the district for $1,100,520, 87.5 percent of which goes to the Web academy as agreed in the original contract signed in October. Some of that money will also have to be sent to other school districts whose students are enrolled in the Silvies Web Academy. This will theoretically leave the district with a minimum net profit of about $70,000.

What upset many district staff  members and teachers initially was that the district appeared to be fronting the Web academy money until the state payments started coming in February. With the questionable economic climate, many wondered whether or not the district had an alternative plan if the state did not come through with the expected funds.

Board member Steve Bull voiced this concern as well, asking what assurances the district had in getting its money back.

District Business Manager Petrina White and Superintendent David Courtney said they met with Michael Wiltfong, State School Fund Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Education, who went through the numbers with them and said that he was as certain as he could be, in light of the hard economic times, that the district would in fact get its money back.

Randy Fulton, chairman of the district’s recently formed finance committee said that after reviewing the Web academy contract, he felt that ultimately this will be a money-making proposition for the district. However, he said that there should have been more explanation early on regarding how the Web academy would be funded, as the school board members did not fully understand the manner in which the district would be reimbursed.

There was also some discussion as to the length of the contract, which is for five years. Fulton noted that the district has an “out” or termination clause in case there is no money to fund the Web academy.

Discussion centers around whether specific wind project should be named

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

At their regular meeting on March 11, the Burns City Council approved Resolution No. 09-500, which declares support for wind energy projects in Harney County.

Before the vote was taken, Burns mayor Len Vohs told the council that the County Court and the Hines Common Council had both approved similar resolutions.

After getting a chance to read the resolution, Councilor Bill Renwick expressed some concern about approving it as written because it specifically named the Echanis Wind Energy Project.  Renwick said. “I would change the language to not mention a particular project, but rather support wind energy projects in general.”

Councilor Craig LaFollette questioned why the City of Burns would hesitate to approve the resolution as written after the county and the City of Hines had no problem with it. “It’s OK to be cautious, but what are the ramifications if we approve it as is?” LaFollette asked. There were no clear answers to his question.

Councilor Linda Johnson, attending by phone, said, “I think it’s important to leave the project name in to let people know we do support it. It’s important to our county’s economy.”

The motion to approve the resolution passed on a 4-1 vote, with Renwick casting the lone nay vote, and Councilor Darwin Johnson abstaining, citing his employment with the county’s planning department as a possible conflict of interest.

•••

The council approved a proclamation declaring Saturday, March 21, National Guard Appreciation Day.

Veteran Services Officer Guy McKay told the council he appreciated all the support received from the community and the local troops are ready to be activated. McKay added there will be a free barbecue at noon at the Burns Armory, and Brigadier General Charles Yriarte, U.S. Congressman Greg Walden and State Senator Ted Ferrioli are expected to be in attendance. “Congressman Walden will present the troops with a flag that has flown over the nation’s capitol, and I hope we have a big turnout of community members to thank the military personnel for their service to our country,” McKay said.

•••

Burns Fire Chief Bill Guindon said his department is again planning to conduct the “Big Sweep” clean-up in downtown Burns on April 1 at 5 p.m. “We encourage all businesses and volunteers to help us sweep the sidewalks and streets on that day, to get ready for the bird festival,” Guindon said.

•••

Mayor Vohs told the council he had appointed community members to serve on advisory boards for the airport and cemetery. Vohs said the standing committees for the two entities seem to stall out when they get to certain problems, and it was his  reasoning that the advisory boards could look at the “bigger picture,” and confer with the committees about solutions.

Appointed to the airport advisory board were Harney County Judge Steve Grasty, Rick Kelley and Debbie Ausmus. Those appointed to the cemetery advisory board include Jan Cupernall, Jean Cain and Dick Day.

In other business, the council:

• approved a business license for Jamie Bland of Auto-Medics auto repair. The business license for Alan and Lanette Humphrey of Big Dog Kennel Co. (breeding St. Bernards) was tabled pending an investigation that the business was in compliance with all city ordinances;

• noted that Burns officer Jeff Brewer was commended by  the HHOPE Shelter for the manner in which he handled a call at their location;

• awarded Certificates of Appreciation to LaVelle Johnson, Riley Aamodt and Clio Rodriguez for “Exemplary Animal Kindness.” Vohs explained that the three children had found a lost dog in their neighborhood and took the time searching the neighborhood to find the owner;

• approved a proclamation declaring April 2009 Sexual Assault Awareness Month;

• approved the phase 6 report authorizing the engineering firm to proceed with the evaluation of the runway rehabilitation project at Burns airport, and the FAA grant process;

• approved a motion to donate $100 to the Diamonds in a Glass fund-raiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County. The Burns police and fire departments also agreed to donate a combined $125. The council also approved a motion to donate $100 to the Reinforcing Positive Youth Behavior program;

• was told by Vohs that three citizens, Loretta Carter, Terri Holt and Joyce Kozeni, had submitted letters of interest regarding the vacant council seat.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at city hall.

Children’s Barn celebrates Broadway location with grand opening

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

The Children’s Barn has three new partners and a new home in downtown Burns at 253 N. Broadway.

The store, which has moved from its location on Diamond Street to downtown, features a greatly expanded inventory that offers clothing, shoes,  educational toys, hair bows, jewelry and baby equipment. The grand opening was held on March 14.

Owner Nicki Houck said the move allows the business to offer customers an expanded selection of products as well as longer hours in a convenient downtown location. Her partners, Tori Fenton, Kimberly Theall and Mandi Hoyt will help man the store. “This has been my plan for a long time,” Houck said. “It just took a while to put it in motion.”

The new store also boasts a kids’ play area with a TV and toys in which children can occupy themselves while their parents shop.

The store’s signature red barn facade has been moved inside, where a blue sky ceiling with fluffy clouds ensures a sunny atmosphere despite whatever unpredictable weather may be afflicting Harney County outdoors. “It’s definitely a kid-friendly atmosphere in here,” Theall said.

Years ago, the building used to house a craft store. Before the Children’s Barn could move in, the building needed some work. Many hours were spent renovating the space, including painting the walls and refurbishing the floor. The result is a bright, friendly place filled with all things related to children. Houck said the new space is five times bigger than the shop on Diamond Avenue.

While the store mainly had consignment kids’ clothes before, now there is a bigger selection of brand new items, which includes educational toys, shoes, gift items, hair bows, jewelry, puzzles and more. In addition, there are more items geared for boys as well as older pre-teen children.

The store also stocks baby equipment and can special order items as needed.

Houck said that she will continue to keep her prices competitive so that the Children’s Barn can be a “one-stop shop for kids in Burns.”  In the future, she hopes to add maternity clothing to her inventory.

Houck, Fenton, Hoyt and Theall have worked hard to make the Children’s Barn an inviting place that offers a wide variety of kids’ clothing, toys and many other items. “We want everyone to come check it out,” Fenton said.

The Children’s Barn is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 253 N. Broadway in Burns.

 Businesses on the move (sidebar)

Maybe it’s the time of year to move. In addition to the Children’s Barn, two other business have moved to new locations in town.

Fancy Fingers:  Mother and daughter nail technicians Beth Bass and Darcy Martin will move to a new location at 51 W. Washington on April 1. Bass said she and Martin look forward to being among the businesses downtown. The duo will add some new services to the nail art, manicures and pedicures they currently offer. They will now offer manicure parties (up to 10 at one time) for little girls as well as bridal party manicures and pedicures. Hours are 10 a.m. to  5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and other appointments made upon request.

A Touch of Harmony: Harmony Cushing has moved her salon business from Washington Street in downtown Burns to 525 N. Highway 20 in Hines (across from the flag) in the old Grandma’s Cedar Chest building. She said the new building is more efficient and offers better exposure just off the highway. The salon will continue to offer the same services that it has in the past. Kathy Swisher, Victoria Hagelgans and Sara Williams cut hair. Katie Brigham has returned after a month of sick leave and will do nails. Williams also does nails. Jed Hell does massage and Monel Shelly provides ionic foot detoxifying services. Also offered are fudatonic infrared body detoxifying sessions, which heats the body to get rid of impurities via sweat. Other new products at the salon include Xocai chocolate with acai berry; Repchage, a new line of make up for sensitive skin and Nikken products. Salon hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Appointments recommended but walk-ins accepted.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The Burns Hilanders boys basketball teams held their end-of-the-season awards night on Tuesday, March 10, to recognize team members for their accomplishments.

When it came time to announce the special award-winners, head coach Eric Nichols told the crowd that the “Most Inspirational Award” was being renamed the “Jerimiah Kolar Most Inspirational Award.”

Nichols told the crowd, “The Jerimiah Kolar Most Inspirational Award was established following Jerimiah’s service to the boys basketball program from 2005-2009. Jerimiah, the team’s basketball manager,  didn’t get a great deal of attention for sorting uniforms or filming, but was considered to be one of the leaders of the basketball team. This is reflected first of all in his tremendous integrity. Jerimiah is the first person the coaches can count on to be truthful about how the team is feeling, how players are conducting themselves on and off the court, and determining any actions that should be considered. The players and coaches respected his thoughts and insight, and depended on him for it.

“Jerimiah was always about others first, and constantly led our school by his example. The honesty and integrity that Jerimiah demonstrates in the locker room are the same in the classroom and in his life. He had a moral quality that could be depended on by his friends, teachers and coaches. Jerimiah was trusted in our school and in our program to take on numerous leadership tasks. The maturity he showed in accomplishing these goals was amazing.

“Jerimiah could be heard over the noise of the crowd on the film cheering on his teammates and could sometimes be seen after a tough loss with a tear in his eye, but that tear never got in the way of him supporting his teammates and doing his job.

“Jerimiah, or ‘Jeri’, or ‘Miah’, or ‘Smack’0 is a true testament to what a winner and a teammate are all about. This award is given to the athlete who embodies the characteristics of the ultimate teammate, Jerimiah Kolar,” Nichols said.

Nichols added that every recipient of the award in years to follow will be given a copy of how the award came about.

The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Tyler Fenton, Andy Hammon won the Most Improved Player award and Casey Heinz was named the Most Promising Freshman.

William J. (Bud) Harris died on March 15.

He was born on May 28, 1926, to William A. (Bill) Harris and Katie A. Jones Harris while the parents were working and living at Three Mile Ranch in Catlow Valley. He was born in the Narrows Hotel as they couldn’t make it to Burns before the baby decided to come into this world.

Harris attended grade school throughout Harney County — first grade was  in Burns; second grade at Sod House; third grade in Voltage; and fourth-eighth he attended at Burns Elementary. He graduated from Burns Union High School in 1944.

During his school years he held many jobs — setting pins at the local bowling alley, shearing camp at Frank Kuenys, working in the hay fields and the ship yard in Portland. One summer he spent in Colorado with his Granddad Harris mining for gold. During his senior year, he worked a half day for Pluribus Tiller in the grocery store. He was also on the Burns Volunteer Fire Department and played in the high school band.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and did four weeks of basic training at Camp Farragut in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was sent to Bremerton, Wash., Naval Base and assigned duty aboard the Aircraft Carrier “USS Yorktown” better know as “The Fighting Lady.” Very soon he  was in route to the South Pacific.

Harris saw battle at Utlithe, Eniwetok, Wake Island, Philippines, China Sea, Taiwan and Iwo Jima.  The Carrier escorted General McArthur into Tokyo Bay for the treaty signing.  The ship made two more trips to the United States bringing American G.I.s home. Harris was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Harney County.

When he returned, Harris worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company before attending the University of Oregon in Eugene. He then moved to Union County, attended Eastern Oregon College and worked for the U.S. Forest Service.

Harris met Donna Kersey in Union, and the two were married on April 18, 1948.  Their first summer was spent on Mt. Emily Lookout in La Grande, both working for the U.S. Forest Service.  That fall they settled in La Grande where their first child, a daughter, Sheryl, was born in 1949. In 1952, they moved to Burns and three more children joined the family — Steven, David, and Jill. Harris went to work for Edward Hines Lumber Company, where he stayed until retiring in 1982.

In 2002, he and his wife moved to Boise, Idaho, to be near family members.

Harris was an active member of the Fraternal  Order of Elks since 1952, serving as Exalted Ruler 1965-66 and District Deputy 1975-76. He was a participating member of the Catholic Church, serving on the Parish Board and the finance board. Harris was a member of the Senior Citizen board and Food Bank, the Burns Pioneer board, the Hines Credit Union board and the elementary school budget board.

Harris is survived by his wife, Donna of Boise, Idaho; daughters, Sheryl R. Vaterlaus and husband, Alan and Jill M. Harrie and husband, Doug both of Boise, Idaho; sons, Steven C. Harris and wife, Lolly of Eugene and David W. Harris and wife, Paula of Redmond; and grandchildren, Robbie Harris, Sheryl Marie Harris, Dustin Harris, Lindsey Harrie and Alyson Vaterlaus. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Alexis and Sebastian; and brothers, Jerry Harris and wife, Betty and Pat Wheeler and wife Joyce.

Harris was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and grandson, Tony Harris.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Sacred Heart, 811 S. Latah, in Boise, Idaho.

There will also be a viewing in Burns on Thursday, March 19, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Burns Elks Lodge. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 1 p.m. at the Burns Cemetery. Arrangements are by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise, Idaho.

Contributions in Harris’ name may be made to the Burns Elks Eye Clinic or the Harney County Senior Center, Food Bank.

David Dene Bennett, 55, of John Day died on March 11 at his home.

He was born on July 11, 1953, to Dene and Dani (Garrett) Bennett in Burns. Bennett graduated from Burns High School in 1971.

He later joined the United States Air Force.

As an adult, Bennett became a logger. He liked to hunt, with bow and rifle, and he also enjoyed fishing and camping. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Bennett married Valerie Clark on Nov. 29, 1996, in Reno, Nev.

Bennett is survived by his wife, Valerie Bennett of John Day; sons, David Bennett of La Grande and Shawn Bennett of Bend; daughters, Lisa Moutsanides of John Day, Jennifer Conklin of Bend, Amy Nelson of John Day, and Niki Vandetta of Tacoma, Wash.; mother, Dani Bennett of Bend; sisters, Debbie Bennett of Bend and Julie Benzen of Burns; brothers, Benny Daugherty of Burns and Chris Daugherty of Enterprise; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dene Bennett.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in John Day, with Pastor Dan Benson officiating.

Contributions in Bennett’s name may be made to the Blue Mountain Hospice, in care of Driskill Memorial Chapel 241 S. Canyon Blvd John Day, OR 97845.

Agnes Marie Baker, 83, died on March 12.

She was born on Jan. 18, 1926, in Carmen, Okla., to Raleigh Cool and Ruth E. Ruby Cool.

She married Richard S. Baker on March 15, 1942, in Artois, Calif. After they were married, they moved back to Colorado, where they lived on and off until moving to Burns in 1973.

Among her many professions Baker loved to waitress at the Palace Cafe. She always enjoyed the company of all of her customers in the restaurant. She also loved to take care of her flowers and garden. Her hobbies included crocheting, cooking, gardening and collecting humming birds. She loved cooking for her family and was famous for her cinnamon rolls.

Baker is survived by her children, Rex Baker of Hines, Richard Baker of Denver, Colo., and Phillip Baker of Brighton, Colo.; grandchildren, Jason Baker of Lakewood, Colo., Marcy Johnson of Hines, Jon Baker of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jodi Wooford of Harvest, Ala., Tammy Baker of Maryland, Amy Cusmarno-Bel Air of Maryland, Kristina McCarty of Maryville, Tenn., and Jessica Jenkins of Hines; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Baker in 1983.

A memorial service for Baker will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. at LaFollette’s Chapel.

Contributions in her name may be made to the Agnes Baker Memorial Fund in Colorado in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488; Burns, OR 97720. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.