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

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 to 3 p.m. There is no charge for the clinic and results can be forwarded to a physician or nurse practitioner at your request.

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.

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 to 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.

Burns Fire Dept. meets each Monday at the Burns Fire Hall at 7 p.m.

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.

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

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.

Harney County Little League will have its annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Glory Day’s Pizza. Everyone interested in serving on the Little League Board is encouraged to attend. For more information, call Lori at 573-5856.

A free developmental screening will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center. For more information, call 573-6461.

Medicare D and Health Plan assistance is available on the first Tuesday of each month, from 1-3 p.m., at the Harney County Senior Center. For an appointment, call 573-6024.

Harney Basin Writers meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Harney County Library, from 2-4 p.m.; and the third Tuesday of each month at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Hall at the corner of Diamond and “A” Streets, from 7-9 p.m.

Silvies River Spinners meets the first Tuesday of each month at Native Circle, 90 W. Adams in Burns, at 5:30 p.m.

Harney Hospital Foundation meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Hospital Conference Room at 7 p.m.

Sylvia Rebekah Lodge meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the I.O.O.F. Hall, 348 North Broadway at 6:30 p.m.

The Chamber Orchestra meets the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Burns High School band room, 1100 Oregon Avenue, from 7-8:30 p.m. with Ken Peckham directing.

Harney County Democratic Party meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Harney County Courthouse, 450 North Buena Vista, at 7 p.m.

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.

All 0 to 3-year-olds and their parents are welcome to attend play group at the Early Childhood Center at 655 W. Fillmore, weekly on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

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.

Over the past four years, Harney County School District No. 3 has been completing projects made possible by the bond measure voters passed in the fall of 2005

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Voters who passed the schools repair bond measure back in 2005 may be curious how that money was used. All they need to do is stop by Hines Middle School to see the gleaming new windows, the bright new gym and the practical new elevator to realize students are benefitting every day from residents’ tax dollars.

During a recent tour of the school, District Business Manager Petrina White and Facility Manager Mike Faulhaber talked about all of the different projects that have been completed in the last four years. “Most of the people who voted for this will never get to see it,” White said. She hopes this story will give residents without children or grandchildren in the school system a chance to see how the bond money was spent.

At a cost of $135,530, the HMS gym is probably the place where the remodeling has been the most noticeable. Last school year, it was discovered that some of the trusses in the gym roof were broken and bowed, creating a hazard for students. The gym was then closed to student access for the remainder of the year. Over the summer, much of the gym roof work was completed. “We had contractors from one end of this building to the other,” Faulhaber said.

Beyond structural stabilization, new insulation, a fresh coat of white paint, new bleachers, a new floor and a sturdy new portable basketball hoop all help to change the look of the gym for the better. “I really love how bright it is in here now,” said HMS Principal Gail Buermann. She also pointed out all the decorative painting that was done by students in Anne Kness’ service learning class. The students used green and yellow paint to accent the gym and create an optical illusion as the background for the stage.

In addition to all the work on the gym, the school has new double paned windows with thermal insulation, which cost a total of $132,058. Faulhaber said that the teachers have commented on how much easier it is to regulate the classroom temperature without all the warm air going out the windows. He also noted that the contractor felt it was important to keep the architectural integrity of the building intact by making sure the new windows were in a style that complimented the vintage of the building itself.

The elevator has been a great help to students with disabilities as well as elderly folks and those who are less mobile who attend school functions. Faulhaber said that initially they had trouble just getting contractors to bid on the project, which went out to bid three times and ended up costing $723,149. “It took a downturn in the economy to get somebody interested,” he said. Before the elevator was installed, students who couldn’t walk the stairs had to use a chairlift, which was noisy and difficult to use. As part of the elevator project, a covered outdoor ramp leading up to the building was also created.

Other HMS projects included a bigger pantry in which to store food, removal of asbestos floor tiles, installation of air conditioning units in some classrooms, installation of a heat pump to warm and cool the school’s computer lab and remortaring of some of the brick outside.

Faulhaber noted that several of the projects such as the soccer field sprinkler system and the rebuilding of the gym ceiling were done in house to save money.

Overall, White said that the district used $1.2 million for weatherization and safety repair projects at Hines Middle School. Projects at Slater Elementary School, Burns High School and the Lincoln building are completed for the most part as well, though work continues on the high school’s wood pellet boiler.

“I do appreciate people passing the bond,” Faulhaber said. “These are projects we would never have been able to do within our normal budget.”

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

After several months of discussion and meetings, the Harney County Court made a decision at the Sept. 16 meeting to change the medical insurance coverage for all county employees.

With the changes, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010, each employee will have the opportunity to open a health savings account. The county will then deposit a set amount into each employee’s account. The new plan will save the county approximately $400,000 per year on insurance costs.

Judge Steve Grasty said over the summer he met with, “every county employee that would come,” to discuss each individual’s situation. He said he had found no instances in which the employee would not be better off in the long run to have the health savings account instead of the current insurance plan. Grasty also said that the majority of the employees he met with actively supported, or were resigned to, the county needing to make a change.

Over the next couple of months the county will make the policies necessary, including determining an amount to be put into each employees account. The options discussed on Wednesday were $1,500 for single and $2,500 for families, or $2,000 across the board. A decision will also have to be made on  which financial institution to set the accounts up at, and how often the deposits will be made.

Judge Grasty said he would put together a check list for employees to help make the shift less complicated. One of the most important things for employees to remember, he said, would be to keep complete and thorough records and receipts. A policy will also have to be established regarding new hires, and when the savings accounts will be offered to them.

A review will be made of the plan at the end of the first year of application. Because the fiscal year ends on June 30, the new plan will actually be in effect for 18 months before any changes can be made.

•••

In other county court business, County Road Supervisor Eric Drushella presented a decision stating  he could not find evidence that would prove that the county right of way on Penland Road in the south end of the county should be extended to intersect with Wild Horse Road.

Drushella explained that he couldn’t find anything  in court records that indicated the county had right of way, only the right to have easement.

Harney County Sheriff Dave Glerup was in attendance at the court meeting, and requested that the court use testimony from the historians in the area to legalize the road. Glerup voiced concern that by not legalizing the road, the county would be setting up a situation for controversy between the landowners. “We’re going to be in the middle of every law suit that happens.”

Judge Grasty said, “We don’t have the legal basis to declare Penland Road a county road.”

Commissioner Dan Nichols agreed, “It’s going to take a lot more research into what we have on record.” He continued, “I’m not sure [the local landowners] want it to be a county road.”

Using Penland Road as an example, Drushella said that the county road survey, completed in the early 1970s, is inadequate. He told the court that new surveys need to be done.

• A public hearing was scheduled for Sept. 30, regarding allowing the youth from the Eastern Oregon Youth Authority Facility to work outside of the OYA facility. The meeting will be held at the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Discussion was held on the Local Government Personnel Institute (LGPI) survey which compared Harney County governmental wages with Baker, Grant, Lake and Malheur counties.

• Via a phone conference, the court met with Jim Brennan of Western States Equipment regarding a trade-in agreement on a John Deere 770BH grader. On Jan. 21, a value of $55,000 was given for trade in on the grader. With the drop in market prices, Brennan said the current value is $27,500. A letter presented to the court from Brennan requested that Harney County “help us out a little bit.” After brief discussion, the county offered to give Western States Equipment a $5,000 break, and accept a trade-in of $50,000.

• Signed resolution #2009-18, approving the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

• Released the mineral rights on property located west of the Malheur Lake Refuge Station at Double O. The request was made by property owner Mark Khan, and was accompanied by a mineral evaluation report finding “no significant mineral value on the parcel.”

To engage the public in meaningful discussions about Malheur National Wildlife Refuge management issues, an open house with refuge management staff present to listen to and answer questions will be held.

The Comprehensive Conservation Planning public open house meeting is planned for Sept. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, 484 N. Broadway. This open house will enable all participants to learn about and discuss each others issues and ideas.

The refuge will also continue to provide information at informal listening posts and displays set up at a number of locations in Oregon during September and October.

For more information to to the refuge CCP  Web site  at: www.fws.gov/Malheur/CCP_overview.html

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

After being kept in check for the majority of the first half, the Burns offense scored on their first four possessions in the second half for a 35-0 win over Elgin on Friday, Sept. 18.

Zach Dobson led the Hilanders’ offense as he rushed for 117 yards and threw for 129 more, including two long completions to Casey Heinz to set up scores.

A.J. Swartzlender ran for 84 yards on 13 carries and Landon Hanner added another 72 yards on 14 rushes.

Burns defense was solid the entire game, holding the Huskies to just 96 yards on the ground and 37 yards through the air.

Burns first scoring drive of the night began at their own 42-yard line with just 58 seconds left in the first half.

Following a 7-yard run by A.J. Swartzlender, Dobson found Heinz open down the left sideline for a 44-yard gain. The Hilanders reached the 1-yard line on a completion to Swartzlender, and a timeout stopped the clock with one second left.

Dobson followed his offensive line straight ahead on a sneak, and Burns led 6-0 at halftime.

Burns opened the second half with an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive, which included a 47-yard completion to Heinz. The drive was capped off by an 18-yard touchdown run by Dobson.

An onside kick was recovered by the Hilanders’ Francis Cain, and Burns had the ball back at the Huskies 37-yard line. From there, Burns  put together a six-play scoring drive, finished off with a 5-yard run by Swartzlender to go ahead 20-0.

Burns’ next possession ended with another touchdown as Dobson executed a perfect option-pitch to Swartzlender that covered the final 18 yards.

The Huskies were forced to punt on their next possession and the Hilanders began their final scoring drive at their own 26-yard line. The 74-yard drive included a clutch fourth-down, 14-yard completion to Gus McConnell, and Dobson’s nine-yard TD run.

“We had a tough time moving the ball in the first half, but we adjusted our blocking schemes at halftime and the kids came out and moved the ball,” Burns coach Dally Swindlehurst said. “ And I thought our defense played well all game long.”

he Hilanders also converted all three of their fourth-down attempts during the game. “These kids believe they can do anything,” Swindlehurst said.

Burns is now 2-1 on the season, and will travel to Ontario on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff at 7 p.m. Mountain Time.

1   2   3   4   Final
Elgin        0   0   0    0    0
Burns       0   6  14  15   35

Second quarter
Bur — Zach Dobson 1 run (Kick failed) :00
Third quarter
Bur — Dobson 18 run ( Casey Heinz pass from Dobson) 7:01
Bur — A.J. Swartzlender 5 run (Kick failed) 5:12
Fourth quarter
Bur — Swartzlender 18 run (Landon Hanner pass from Dobson) 11:51
Burt — Dobson 9 run (George Swartzlender kick) 4:59
Individual statistics
RUSHING—Elgin, T. Hollgarth 11-62, Moore 10-16, Witherspoon 1-0, J. Hollgarth 2-6, Ja. Harris 3-18. Burns, Hanner 14-72, AJ Swartzlender 13-84, Dobson 16-117, Kness 2-7, Bennett 1-3, Stampke 1-3.
PASSING—Elgin, Moore 5-14-1 37. Burns, Dobson 6-13-0 129.
RECEIVING—Elgin, J. Hollgarth 1-2, Ju. Harris 3-29, T. Hollgarth 1-6. Burns, Swartzlender 3-24, Heinz 2-91, McConnell 1-14.

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Crane Mustangs had possession of the football 9 times during last Friday’s contest against the Dayville/Monument/Long Creek Tigers (D/M/L). The Mustangs scored on each possession for a 72-8 win.

Beginning with a 58-yard punt return from Ryan Opie, and ending with a blocked punt ran in by Greg Thompson for score, the Mustangs were dominant throughout the entire game. At the half, Crane had a 52-8 lead.

Pete Joyce ran the third quarter opening kickoff 70 yards back for a touchdown, putting the game into running time for the remaining 11:48 of the third quarter and the full 12 minutes of the fourth.

Royal Henricks was responsible for the blocked punt that resulted in Crane’s final touchdown, as well as a blocked punt in the first quarter of play.

Defensively, the Mustangs had 21 players record tackles and assists, including shared sacks by Zach Cody and Thompson and Matt Miller and Milton Merritt.

This week, the Mustangs will be playing in an endowment game, a change  from the original schedule. Crane will play in Bend at 1 p.m. on Friday,  against the Days Creek Wolves.

1    2     3    4       Final
D/M/L      8    0     0    0         8
Crane       22   30   14   6        72
First quarter
Crane — Opie 58 kick return (Steeves pass from Opie) 11:05.
Crane — Opie 7 run (Henricks pass from Opie) 4:56.
D/M/L — 4 run (run) 2:35.
Crane — Maupin 49 run (run failed) 2:20.
Second quarter
Crane — fumble recovery Thompson (run P. Joyce) 11:54.
Crane — Opie 9 run (Max Miller run) 8:46.
Crane — Potter 11 pass from Opie (run failed) 3:06.
Crane — Opie 27 run (Cody pass from Opie) 0:00.
Third quarter
Crane — P. Joyce 70 kick return (Thompson run) 11:48.
Crane — Opie 13 run (pass failed) :50.
Fourth quarter
Crane — Thompson 37 blocked put return (run failed) 6:34.
Crane individual statistics
RUSHING — Opie 8-131, Maupin 7-125, P.Joyce 4-99, Thompson 3-43, Max Miller 2-5.
PASSING — Opie 7-10-63.
RECEIVING — Potter 3-35, Cody 2-16, Henricks 2-9, Steeves 1-3.
TACKLES UNASSISTED-ASSISTED — P.Joyce 3-6, Henricks 4-3, Nyman 1-4, Witzel 4-1, Maupin 1-4, Matt Miller 2-2, Merritt 1-3, Thompson 1-3, Potter 1-3, Steeves 1-1, Max Miller 1-1, Haworth 1-1, Williams 0-1, Northrop 0-1, Davies 1-0, R. Joyce 1-0, Lamb 0-1, L. Miller 1-0, Cody 1-0.

Roy Edison Cheek died on Sept. 6, in Boise, Idaho.

He was born on Nov. 7, 1935, in Bush, Ky., to Mary and Orville Cheek, Sr.

Cheek is survived by his stepmother, Betty Cheek of Hines; brothers, Troy Cheek and wife Sandy of Christmas Valley, Orville Cheek, Jr. and wife Arvetta of Boise, Idaho, and Bill Cheek and wife Lori of Hines; sister, Clara Thielke and husband Ray of Canyon City; nine great-nieces and nephews; and many great-great-nieces and nephews.

Linda Carel Farster died on Sept. 2, in Ontario.

She was born on Oct. 20, 1942, in Burns to Grace and Burdette Farster.

Farster resided for many years in Baker City, where she worked in the Step Forward Program. She had recently retired and moved to Ontario.

Farster enjoyed fishing, camping, shopping and trips to the Oregon coast. She especially loved going to a family cabin in Richland.

She is survived by her brother, Dennis Farster and wife, Kathy of Marysville, Calif.; aunt and uncle, Mary and Bruce Farster of Hines; nieces, Robin Ward and husband Dan and Katherine Cleaver and husband Sean of Woodland, Calif.; great-nieces, Allison and Kristen Ward, Grace Cleaver of Woodland; great-nephew, Gannon Cleaver of Woodland; and cousins, Dan Farster of Algonquin Ill., Pam Farster of Laramie Wyo., Anne Struthers of Littleton, Colo., and Penny Narlesky of Denver, Colo.

A private memorial service will be held in Burns, where Farster will be laid to rest next to her parents in the Burns Cemetery.

Contributions in Farster’s  memory may be made to Step Forward Activities, Inc., 3720 10th St., Baker City, OR 97814-1423.