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.

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.

Crane Union High School graduation will be held at 6 p.m.

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.

Cowboy singer/songwriter Dave Stamey will perform at the Harney County Fairgrounds at 7 p.m. on May 23. Opening performer is local singer/songwriter Levi Harris. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Crane Union High School’s Every 15 Minutes Drinking and Driving Awareness Program.

Burns Butte Sportsmans Club will hold a Memorial Day Trap Shoot on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 10 a.m., at the trap range on Radar Hill. All levels of shooters are welcome. Lunch will be available.

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

Drewsey Memorial Day potluck picnic will be held at the Drewsey School gym/community hall on May 24, at noon.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at Foursquare Church for 12X12 study, at 7 p.m.

Memorial Day

The Harney County Health Department will be available at the Harney County Senior Center, 17 South Alder, to check blood pressure the fourth Monday of each month from 1-3 p.m. There is no charge for the clinic and results can be forwarded to a physician or nurse practitioner at your request.

Order of Eastern Star meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Burns Masonic Hall, 1210 West Taylor, at 7:30 p.m.

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.

Souper Supper is held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m., at the Community Center. For more information call Lori at 573-2863.

Registration and orientation for the next scheduled GED test will be held at 3:30 p.m. on May 26, at the Harney ESD Regional Services Center in Fairview Heights. Photo identification and testing fee must be presented t the time of registration. Testing will be on May 27-28. for more information call 573-2426 or 573-2122.

A breast cancer support group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Harney District Hospital conference room, from 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, contact Sonni at 573-5750.

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.

The Paiute Tribe’s downtown building will be remodeled inside and out

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Things are looking up in downtown Burns. Another prominent building is receiving a facelift.

The Burns Paiute Tribe’s building in the 500 block of Broadway will be renovated in three phases. According to the tribe’s interim general manager and transportation manager Kenton Dick, Creating Ways, a construction company owned by Lyle Stratton, will be doing the work on the exterior of the building. The work will include replacing windows, brick work and replacing the  awning in the front of the building.

The tribe received money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for phase one of the project. Phases two and three will concentrate on the interior of the building and will be paid for with grants and donations. Dick said that it was important to the tribe to use local contractors as much as possible.

Within the last year, the Smith building, which is in the 400 block of Broadway, received a complete renovation and now houses the Harney County Community Center and rents space to the chamber of commerce.

When the work on the tribe’s building is completed it will be used as an interpretive center, a place to sell arts and crafts made by tribal members and it will house offices and a small conference room. “The intent is to open it up for use by the community,” Dick said.

For more information on this project, call the Burns Paiute Tribe’s administration office at 573-2088.

The association cites reasons such as sensitive natural resources, among others

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

At a time when the economy in Harney County could use the boost that it would receive from alternative energy production, the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) has made it known that they will fight the majority of the wind power sites proposed in Harney County, especially those in the Steens Mountain area.

Brent Fenty, executive director of ONDA, presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Harney County Court last week summarizing where ONDA stands on each wind power project. The report titled “Oregon’s High Desert and Wind Energy: Opportunities and Strategies for Responsible Development,” was released for public viewing on Monday, May 11.

The report created by ONDA and five other conservation groups, uses Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to outline where and how these groups believe large-scale wind power generation could be approached in Oregon’s high desert while still conserving sensitive wildlife habitats and important natural landscapes.

The report was created through the mapping and analysis of the areas identified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory as having the best wind power potential. ONDA then compared this data with what they consider to be sensitive natural resources such as wilderness study areas, sage grouse leks and sensitive bat species. The report includes a narrative outlining the nature of the potential conflicts, ranking from high to low, with wind energy development.

According to Fenty, “ONDA supports renewable energy development and believes that such development can help reduce our fossil fuel consumption and help address climate change while creating sustainable economies for rural communities throughout Eastern Oregon. There is an urgent need to analyze where wind power potential is the highest and wildlife and social conflicts are the lowest. Such an analysis will ensure that projects can be developed without degradation of desert wildlands and damage to sensitive wildlife populations.”

After presenting the report at the county court meeting last week, Fenty was met with frustration from the court. Harney County Judge Steve Grasty told Fenty, “If you want credibility in this area, you have to support something, some day.” Grasty remarked that the report contained no social or economic analysis, and took no consideration into private land.

Commissioner Dan Nichols commented, “You’re fouling your own nest, and all of ours with it.”

In a press release issued May 11, Fenty said, “This report was designed to be used by multiple audiences. Local, state, and federal regulators will be able use the report to work with developers to guide how and where wind power facilities are permitted. And conservation groups and local citizens will be able use the report to prioritize areas most important for protection while also recognizing areas where environmental conflicts are least significant.”

In addition to ONDA, the report is endorsed by Audubon Society of Portland, Defenders of Wildlife, Hells Canyon Preservation Council, Oregon Chapter Sierra Club and WildEarth Guardians.

The full report is available at:

www.onda.org/protecting-wildlife-and-clean-water/Oregon%20Desert%20Wind_050809_FINAL.pdf 

Locals talk about the good things happening in Harney County

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Approximately 30 people were in attendance for the Harney County Chamber of Commerce forum, “Stand tall — The future is bright for Harney County,” on Wednesday, May 6.

Harney County Judge Steve Grasty opened the forum by saying at one of the more recent county court meetings, a group of people commented that the court and others weren’t being positive enough about what’s happening in the county. “So we’re here today to talk about the things that are good,” Grasty said.

Grasty reported the county government is in strong financial shape with good or great beginning fund balances in every department, the tax rate is the same as it was 15 years ago, and there are no plans for layoffs at the county level.

He added that while state funding may decrease, the county will maintain current services, and they do anticipate receiving funding from the federal stimulus package.

Grasty then talked about the current projects in the works that could impact the county’s economy, such as wind energy, geothermal companies, biomass and forest resources.

“We invite you, the public, to come help us. Tell us what direction you want us to go,” Grasty said.

Others to speak at the forum included Lyle Stratton, owner of Creating Ways, Inc; Mark Maliwauki, Harney County Economic Development Director; Jessica Boone, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Shane Otley, Harney County Farm Bureau President; Dennis Myrum of the Oregon Farm Bureau; Debbie White, Training and Employment Consortium (TEC); and Jim Bishop, Chief Executive Officer at Harney District Hospital.

Stratton said the real estate and construction markets continue to be strong in the county, with new building permits remaining consistent and 14 custom homes either under construction or will be within 30 days.

Stratton also highlighted the ongoing improvements in the community such as the new hospital, the new community center building, Burns Garage expansion, Beauty on Broadway restoration of their building, the Burns Paiute Tribe’s restoration of the building on North Broadway, the incoming Veterans Administration clinic and the wind energy projects. “We have the opportunity to continue expanding,” Stratton said. “We have to keep a positive attitude, realize what we have and encourage people to not only visit, but to move here.”

Maliwauki stated there are two businesses looking at the Louisiana Pacific facility, a food processing firm from Arizona is exploring the possibility of expanding into the county and work is continuing with biomass companies, wind energy projects and the possible expansion of the zeolyte plant.

Maliwauki said there are a number of incentives and a bounty program available to use as recruitment tools.

Boone said the chamber has launched a “shop local” radio campaign, and will soon be posting signs to encourage people to shop locally.

The chamber will continue offering workforce development training, such as creating a resume and improving interview skills.
Boone reported that from January of this year to the present time, Burns has approved 12 new business licenses and Hines has approved seven. “People still want to work for themselves,” Boone said. She also pointed out a quote from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which said, “Small businesses will be the ones to lead us out of this economic recession.”

Otley and Myrum both stressed the importance of agriculture in the local, and state economy. Myrum said that agriculture contributes over $5 billion to the state’s economy every year, and that figure is pretty consistent. “It’s a sustainable industry that helps support the community,” Otley said.

A couple of key issues being addressed by the Farm Bureau are bringing broadband access to rural areas and rural health care.
White reported her office would be receiving funds from the federal stimulus package, which would enable them to hire 15 to 17 youths for the summer, plus crew leaders. She also explained how they assist displaced workers, provide training skills and help people to further their careers.

Bishop told the crowd the hospital has been an innovative company, citing the installation of a wood pellet boiler and electronic patient records as examples.

He stated the hospital has the equivalent of 100 full-time employees with an annual payroll of $6 million.

Bishop said when the hospital has a job vacancy, they do conduct a nationwide search to fill the position, and are always looking to increase local services.

In closing, Grasty praised the agricultural community for being a strong, stable  portion of the county’s economy and said the common theme that seemed to run through everyone’s talk was, “We need each other. We all have a single goal, and that is to continue to make Harney County the best place to live.”

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

Eighteen Crane Mustang  track team members came away from the District 4-1A meet in Baker City last week with a ticket to the OSAA state 1A meet to be held this weekend.

Eleven Mustang boys qualified for the state meet, placing either first or second in individual events, with seven girls earning the trip. In addition, the Mustang boys team won the district championship, racking up 194.5 points. The Joseph Eagles were the closest competitors to the Crane boys, scoring 133 points. The Crane girls finished in second place at the district meet, scoring 154 points behind Imbler’s 169.

The Mustangs had numerous district champions, including September O’Crowley who left the meet with four gold medals. O’Crowley took first place in the pole vault and the 400-meter, as well as running in the championship 4×100-meter and the 4×400-meter relays.

Lindy Steeves and Jordan Conaway finished the district meet with three championships apiece. Steeves was also a member of the two relay teams and took first in the 200-meter run. Conaway earned gold in the long jump, pole vault and the 110-meter hurdles.

Natalie Bentz, Alex Borelli, TJ Potter, Emilee O’Toole, Bethany Milburn, Lewis Whiting and Dallen Davies round out the list of Mustang champions. Bentz took first in the high jump and ran on the 4×400 relay team. She will also compete at the state meet in the 800-meter run, having placed second at district.

Borelli ran in both the first-place 4×100 and 4×400 relays, and her time in the 100-meter was also state qualifying.

Potter won gold at the district meet in the 300-meter hurdles. He will also compete at state in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, which both finished in second place at district.

O’Toole ran on the championship 4×100 relay team, and also qualified for the state meet by placing second in the 100-meter run and the 200-meter run.

Milburn finished the 300-meter hurdles in first for gold, earning the chance to compete at state.

Whiting took first at the district meet with a championship run in the 3,000-meters.

Davies picked up two gold medals with first-place finishes in the 100- and 200-meter runs. He will also be competing in the 4×100 relay.

The remainder of the Mustangs qualifying for state include Gus Titus, second in the 3,000-meter; Blake Steeves, second in both the triple jump and the 4×100 relay, plus a qualifying distance in the long jump; Jeran Conaway, second in the pole vault as well as a qualifying height in high jump; Raymond Thompson, second in the 4×100 relay; Greg Thompson, second in the 4×40 relay; Delilas Korth, second in the 3,000-meter run; and Cole Maupin, second in the 4×400 relay.

The state meet will be held at Western Oregon University in Monmouth on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. The first preliminary events will begin at 11 a.m.  Friday. Saturday’s finals will start at noon.

Individual top 10 results from the district meet for the Mustangs are as follows.

Boys
100m — 1-Dallen Davies, 11.44.
200m — 1-Davies, 23.46; 7-Cole Maupin, 25.15.
400m — 10-Milton Merritt, 59.29.
800m — 4-Josh Williams, 2:24.90; 5-Tanner Titus, 2:25.91; 6-Levi Miller, 2:26.06.
1,500m —- 3-T. Titus, 4:41.45; 4-Miller, 5:01.27; 5-Matt Bunch, 5:09.92.
3,000m — 1-Lewis Whiting, 10:13.85; 2-Gus Titus, 10:14.22; 3-Dan O’Crowley, 10:48.19.
110 hurdles — 1-Jordan Conaway, 15.87; 3-Wilson Witzel, 20.08.
300 hurdles — 1-TJ Potter, 43.18; 3-Jeran Conaway, 47.45; 5-Witzel, 49.65.
4×100 relay — 2-Davies, Potter, Raymond Thompson, Blake Steeves, 46.63.
4×400 relay — 2-Maupin, Potter, Steeves, Greg Thompson, 3:47.10.
Discus — 3-R. Thompson, 118-03.
Javelin — 3-R. Thompson, 151-08; 4-Je. Conaway, 134-04.
High jump — 4-Je. Conaway, 5-09.
Pole vault — 1-Jo. Conaway, 12-06; 2-Je. Conaway, 11-06; 5-Kenny Haworth, 9-0.
Long jump — 1-Jo. Conaway, 21-10; 4-Steeves, 20.02.5.
Triple jump — 2-Steeves, 41-10.25.

Girls
100m — 2-Emilee O’Toole, 13.06; 3-Alex Borelli, 13.13.
200m — 1-Lindy Steeves, 27.07; 2-O’Toole, 27.71.
400m — 1-September O’Crowley, 1:01.92.
800m — 2-Natalie Bentz, 2:41.68; 6-Savannah Duff, 3:01.44; 7-Shayla Lundy, 3:04.21.
1,500m — 4-Delilas Korth, 5:40.10; 6-Iris Gunkel, 6:24.74; 7-Jessica Cronin, 6:44.90.
3,000m — 2-Korth, 12:38.36; 5-Gunkel, 14:14.69.
100m hurdles — 4-Bethany Milburn, 18:16; Duff, 19.69.
300m hurdles — 1-Milburn, 50.64; 7-Duff, 57.45; 9-Lily Valentine, 1:01.77.
4×100 relay — 1-Steeves, O’Toole, O’Crowley, Borelli, 51.00.
4×400 relay — 1-Steeves, Borelli, Bentz, O’Crowley, 4:10.89.
Shot put — 8-Cronin, 24-01.
Javelin — 4-Valentine, 106-03; 7-Cassidy Corrigan, 85-09.
High jump — 1-Bentz, 5-04.
Pole vault — 1-O’Crowley, 9-0.
Long jump — 4-Steeves, 15-02.25; 7-Duff, 13-11.; 8-Nichole Bentz, 13-08.25.
Triple jump — 8-Ni. Bentz, 26.08.