By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

A resolution in Harney County Court that was approved in 2005, was finally implemented on May 6.

Resolution #2005-23 created an economic growth incentive fund, and was passed by the Harney County Court on Dec. 21, 2005. The resolution created a fund that could be used to award county residents for creating or adding jobs.

“This new business recruitment and job bounty program is just another tool in our economic development toolbox for Harney County,” said Mark Maliwauki, County Economic Development Director. “We want everyone to be thinking about how they might be able to participate in bringing new businesses and through them, new jobs and employment opportunities to the county.”

To receive the incentive award, a person must identify themselves early on in the process, preferably prior to jobs being created. If the minimum job requirements are met, the person named will be given an award at the end of the first full year of job creation. If 3-10 jobs are created or added, the award will be $1,000; 11-20 jobs, $3,000; and 21-plus jobs, $5,000.

All of the specifics of the resolution are available from Maliwauki at 573-1638, or e-mail at econdev@harneycounty.org; or from Judge Steve Grasty at 573-6356.

“The reality is, economic development starts with each one of us,” said Maliwauki. “It is the factor of one that is critical. It takes one person to get something started but that one will lead to many others joining in and before we know it, we have new opportunities that we never had before.”

Draft Environmental Impact Statement expected to developed by this fall

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

At their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, the Harney County Court voted to enter in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to participate as a cooperating agency in the North Steens Transmission Line Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“By entering into this MOU, we hope to expedite the process,” Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said. “It also provides us with a seat at the table in discussions with this project.”

The transmission line is being proposed by Echanis, LLC, a subsidiary of Columbia Energy Partners, LLC, and would transmit electric power that would be generated from Echanis’ proposed wind farm on the north side of Steens Mountain. The proposed route of the line would cross private and public land and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR).

According to the MOU, development of the Draft EIS is expected during the summer and fall of 2009, and consideration of public comments on the Draft EIS will occur prior to the Final EIS, expected in October 2010. After consideration of public comments on the Final EIS, the Records of Decision for the North Steens Transmission Line Project are anticipated late in 2010.

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The court also discussed 4R Recycling and the amount it is costing the county to keep the facility operating. “We need to at least break even,” Commissioner Dan Nichols said. “If the communities would support it, fine. But we can’t continue to fund it.”

4R manager Wayne Baron and two members of the newly formed board of directors told the court they are continuing to work toward non-profit status.

The court instructed the group to keep the bills, such as rent taxes and baler payments, current. “If the bills become more than 30 days past due, we’ll look at having to close the facility down,” Grasty said.

The court agreed that many people in the community liked having a recycling center, but just as with any business, if it’s losing money, it can’t continue to operate.

Fred Flippence was in attendance to give the court a report on the Harney County Library Foundation. He stated the fund is coming back up after the drop in the economy, including gaining $60,000 in March.

Flippence added that the library is planning an open house for Aug. 13, which will include auctioning off book baskets and a barbecue.

The court also declined to transfer any monies from the foundation’s fund to the general fund.

Harney County Weed Board (HCWB) supervisor Jesse Barnes reported they would be having a “Free Spray Day” starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6. They will have the Weed Wagon at Big R and will be giving away herbicide on a first come-first-served basis.

Barnes said the HCWB would also be attending the Ag, Auto, Home and Garden Show at the fairgrounds May 29-30.

The next county court meeting will be held at 10 a.m. June 3.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Andy Hammon fired a 153 to lead the Burns boys golf team to a fourth-place finish at the OSAA 3A/2A/1A state golf tournament played at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks May 18-19.

Hammon shot a 75 on Monday, and then followed that up with a 78 on Tuesday to place third in the individual standings. Harold Knieriem of Burns placed 31st with a score of 170 (79, 91), Dylan Thompson finished 35th with a 171 (87, 84), Sam Fitzpatrick 50th with a 180 (85, 95) and Jeff Nelson 83rd with a 205 (105, 100).

Hammon’s third-place finish also earned him a spot on the All-State team.

Catlin Gabel took first in the team standings, finishing with a score of 655. Westside Christian was second with 662, followed by Creswell 664, Burns 674 and Valley Catholic 675 in the top five.

Westside Christian’s Alex Harding was the overall medalist, finishing with an even-par score of 144 (70, 74).

Correction: Knieriem placed third at the district meet played at the Wild Horse Resort in Pendleton May 11-12 rather than fifth as reported in last week’s paper.

Harold Boyd “Vince” Vinson died on May 17 in Hines.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1926, in Lawrence County, Ark. Vinson served in the United States Army.

Vinson retired as a truck driver from Conrock in San Bernadino, Calif. He enjoyed playing the guitar with his brothers and his band, playing pool and going hunting with his dog, Morgan. He liked spending time with his family and friends, going to the casino and good food. Vinson was married several times.

Vinson is survived by his children, David Vinson, Lenny Vinson, Kathy Vinson, Steve Vinson, Sharon Vinson-Flores, Brent Vinson and Luana Vinson; siblings, Lurea Williams, Cloyce Vinson, Ernie Vinson, Earl Vinson, Betsy Morrison, Donna Root and Carlos Vinson; and many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Viva Mae Wright and Clifford Boyd Vinson; siblings, Francis Jones and James “Butch” Vinson; and step-son, Bob Battistone.

A memorial service for Vinson will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at LaFollette’s Chapel in Burns. His ashes will be inurned next to his mother in Prineville. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial service will be held for Bill Cunningham, 58, on Sunday, May 31, at 1 p.m., at Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

Cunningham is survived by his wife, Sheila Cunningham; children, Bridget Cunningham, Eric Cunningham, Benjamin Cunningham, Jacob Cunningham and Brianna Cunningham; sisters, Saundra Smith, Barbara Payne and Regina Griffith; and brother, Brian Coleman.

He is also survived by his step-mother, Verna Cunningham; and grandchildren, Terry Smith, Kyler Smith, Hannah Moore, Kaylee Cunningham, Kayden Cunningham and Taylor Cunningham.

Contributions in Cunningham’s memory may be made to the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.

Velma (Brown) Randolph of Burns died on May 16.

She was born on Dec. 30, 1920.

A graveside service was held on May 21 at Deschutes Memorial Gardens. Deschutes Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Harney County Health District board of directors meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in the board conference room of the hospital, in the entrance off N. Grand, at 6 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.

High Desert Park and Recreation District board of directors meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in their office at Lincoln Junior High School, 550 North Court, at 7 p.m.

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.

Dr. Tom Fitzpatrick and the Mobile Health Clinic, sponsored by Harney District Hospital, will be in Frenchglen  on Thursday, May 28, at the Frenchglen School. Call the High Desert Medical Center at 573-8894 to schedule an appointment, and bring your insurance information to assure proper billing.

Disabled Services Advisory Council (DSAC) meets every fourth Thursday at the State Office Building small conference room, 809 West Jackson, at 1:30 p.m.

Harney County Soil and Water Conservation District board of directors meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the Rory and Ryan Best Western in Hines from 5-7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

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 Avenue, at noon.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon. Call 573-2896.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Thursday at the Foursquare Church, at 7 p.m.

An Ag, Auto, Home & Garden Show will be held at the Harney County Fairgrounds May 29-30, at 10 a.m. each day. The show will feature ranch equipment, new and used cars, saddle and tack, flowers and trees, ATVs, irrigation equipment, construction materials and more. For more information, call the Harney County Fairgrounds at 573-6447.

Teen Late Night at the Harney County Library will be held on May 29, from 6-8 p.m. The evening will include music, snacks, games and more, and is open to students in grades 6-12.

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

An Ag, Auto, Home & Garden Show will be held at the Harney County Fairgrounds on May 29-30, at 10 a.m. each day. The show will feature ranch equipment, new and used cars, saddle and tack, flowers and trees, ATVs, irrigation equipment, construction materials and more. For more information, call the Harney County Fairgrounds at 573-6447.

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