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 1-3 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.

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.

Harney County Search and Rescue meets the last Monday of each month at the Search and Rescue Building, at 7 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 Watershed Council meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the EOARC (Section 5) on Hwy. 205 in the conference room at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Harney County Chamber Music Society Choir meets the second and fourth Tuesday, September-November and January-March. The choir meets in the Burns High School band room, from 7-8:30 p.m., with Marianne Andrews directing. Singers ages 13-up are welcome.

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.

Road supervisor advises residents to quit taking gravel

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Harney County Road Supervisor Eric Drushella wants to get the word out that the county’s rock piles are not free for the taking.

Drushella told the county court at their meeting on Wednesday, Oct.7, that they have had gravel missing from various sites around the county. “The rock stockpiled throughout the county is not for public use,” Drushella said.

The missing rock has become a concern for the court because of the amount being taken. Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said it’s not just a matter of someone taking a shovel and putting some gravel in the back of a pickup, but rather people using loaders and dump trucks.

The court recommended putting up signs at the rock piles, and possibly issuing a press release. “We have to remind people that county rock sources are not for the public to use,” Grasty said.

•••

Executive Director of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Mike McArthur was in attendance and gave an update on recent legislative decisions made in Salem and how they could impact the state. “The legislature’s gone, but the work’s not done,” he said.

McArthur said if the two recent tax measures passed by the legislature make it on the ballot and are voted down by the public, it would result in a state budget shortfall of more than $400 million. “Education, health and human services and public safety will take hits if that happens,” McArthur said.

He added that if the tax measures don’t pass, it will also have an impact on the next budget cycle beginning in 2011.

McArthur stated that by that time, the state will have no more federal stimulus dollars coming in which will create an even bigger budget shortfall.

McArthur said the AOC had discussion on the ballot measures in committee meetings, but came out with no recommendations.

There was some discussion on who and how much the tax measures would effect, and Grasty felt it was important that accurate information is released. “I would say stay with no recommendation, but accurate information has to get out so people can make informed decisions,” Grasty said.

McArthur also said Grasty was due to be elected president of the AOC in November, and Commissioner Jack Drinkwater pointed out that he would be the fourth from Harney County to hold that position.

•••

Economic Development Director Mark Maliwauki told the court he had attended a show in Chicago, Ill., a couple of weeks ago, and there seemed to be a lot of interest from European countries in locating to the U.S. now because of economic conditions.

He said European companies are usually located in rural areas so the remoteness of Harney County isn’t a factor, but they need to identify what problems might prevent a company from locating here, such as transportation and costs.

Maliwauki reported that in the past several weeks, there have been a number of small start-up companies and that is an encouraging sign.

In discussion regarding the Louisiana Pacific building, Maliwauki said they have a number of solid proposals on the Oregon Prospector Web site for potential relocation companies, but the missing component for a match is usually rail or natural gas.

Maliwauki added that the independent film company, which has been here for the past five weeks making a movie, has been good for the local economy. “It’s been a boost for motels, restaurants and other businesses,” he said.

In other business:

• Grasty reported there was a public hearing held to get the public’s input on the matter of allowing inmates at the Oregon Youth Authority outside the facility as part of work crews. Grasty said the hearing was sparsely attended, and he has asked the Burns and Hines city councils to try and gather information as to how the community feels about the idea. He added that they need more specifics on the proposal and will continue to gather information before making a decision;

• Weed Control Coordinator Jessie Barnes went over a proposal by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding five alternatives for weed control on public lands. Barnes said with the first alternative, there would be no herbicides allowed on BLM-administered lands. All weed control would be manual or mechanical.

The second alternative would be to continue with the status quo, meaning no new products could be used.

The third alternative would add nine products to the list of currently used chemicals.

The fourth alternative would add 12 products to the  current list, and the fifth alternative would be similar to the fourth with the exception of allowing a non-selective contact herbicide. “It’s a very powerful herbicide,” Barnes said.

While the preferred alternative seems to be the fourth one at this time, Barnes and the court would recommend the fifth alternative. “It would be nice to have a ‘full toolbox’ ready to go to fight any new weeds that pop up,” Barnes said.

The implementation of the decision is still about a year off because of past litigation;

• the court briefly discussed the possibility of the county clerk’s office collecting a $1 fee for fee collection services provided by the clerk’s office.

The next county court meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.

All-natural beef to remain a staple at the restaurant

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The Meat Hook Steak House has built a favorable reputation by serving locally grown, all-natural beef, and the new owners, Todd and Neta Bigelow, look to keep that reputation intact.

The Bigelows plan a few subtle changes in the future, such as a children’s menu to make the restaurant a little more family friendly, but for now, it’s business as usual. “We’ll continue to serve all-natural beef and it will remain a staple of this restaurant,” Bigelow said. He added that the meals, which are served family style, are all-inclusive, meaning diners get everything from soup and salad to dessert with their meal.

Bigelow said he does most of the cooking because it’s important to be consistent. “When a person finds something on the menu they really like, they want it that way again when they walk in,” he said.

The Bigelows say they may change some of the restaurant’s decor, but the large white cow near the entrance will remain a landmark. “That’s a famous cow,” Bigelow said. He then related a story about some people from Finland who had been in recently and just had to have their picture taken with the fake bovine.

“I told them if the picture makes it into a newspaper in Finland, send me a copy,” he laughed.

Neta said they would like to incorporate some local artists’ work into the decor. She stated that there are a lot of talented artists in the area, some under the radar, and they would like to have their work either on consignment or on display at the Meat Hook.

Bigelow said they will continue to be known as an evening steak house, open 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but that doesn’t mean they have their days free. They often spend 10 hours a day at the business getting everything ready for the night’s customers. “There are some long days, but working for yourself is very satisfying,” Bigelow said.

He added that the posted hours aren’t etched in stone. “If someone wants to come in a little later, all they have to do is call us, and we’ll stay open longer,” he said. “We’re here to make our customers happy.”

With the summer season now gone, the Bigelows are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season. The restaurant is currently taking reservations for holiday parties and family get-togethers, and they are offering special holiday packages for larger groups. To book a reservation, interested parties can call 573-7698.

While the restaurant has kept the Bigelows busy since they bought it, they would like to see more Harney County residents come in for dinner. “We have quite a few tourists, and I’d like to see our local base grow some,” Bigelow said. “That’s kind of our goal this winter.”

Local gathering, to become an annual event, attracts teams from Idaho and Portland

On Saturday, Oct. 10, about 45 high school and former collegiate lacrosse players and their families from the local community, Boise and Portland came together to play lacrosse for the day, to remember and honor Amos First Raised III and to give thanks.

Tournament organizer Rick Roy said, “There were some very good, experienced and skilled lacrosse players who were out there running up and down the fields all day Saturday. I think the spectators were treated to some good lacrosse.”

The championship game featured the Lacrosse Idaho Has Beens and the Minutemen, a varsity team from Boise.  The game was tightly contested and ended with a 8-7 victory for the Has Beens.

The Minutemen had a 5-1 lead at halftime, but the Has Beens came back in the second half and scored the winning goal with a minute remaining. “Sam Pierce (a member of Nadzitsaga, the Harney County team) played goal for the Has Beens in the championship game and was solid in goal and made several great saves,” Roy said. “I think it was a great experience for Sam to play with a team made up of former college players. He played with a lot of confidence.”

After the tournament, the lacrosse players, their families, First Raised’s family and friends met at the Burns Paiute Tribal Gathering Center for a day’s end meal.

Helen Irene Haney Dunsmore died on Oct. 4.

She was born on Jan. 4, 1924, to Floyd Haney and Effie Beery in Mead, Kan., one of seven children.

Dunsmore grew up on her family farm, with an abundance of sunshine and a lack of money. She and her siblings so rarely enjoyed trips to town for treats that on just such an occasion, Dunsmore ate the ice cream from her cone and then threw the cone away not knowing that it, too, was edible.

As a girl, she enjoyed dancing and roller skating. She was also known for filling silences with a whistled song.

At the age of 18, Dunsmore gave birth to her first child, Jack Warren Wise. In the next eight years she had two more, Kitty Sue and Marjorie Annette.

When Dunsmore’s sister was killed in 1958, she took in five of her children — Bill, Sheila, Pat, Jane and Lynne. Her home was then filled with eight children ranging from the age of 5 to 16.

As her children were having children of their own, Dunsmore met and married her husband, Earl. They made their home in Denio, Nev., where she lived her last 40 years.

Dunsmore is survived by her husband, Earl; eight children; four stepchildren; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Contributions in Dunsmore’s memory may be made to the Denio Community Hall, Denio, NV 89404.

The 2009 Harney County Fair 4-H Evaluation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Harney County Courthouse basement meeting room. All 4-H leaders, junior leaders, members and parents are encouraged to attend.

The Crane Rangeland Fire Protection Association board of directors will meet on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Crane Union High School library. This is a public meeting and all members, potential members and those interested are invited to attend.

The annual meeting of the Harney County Farm Bureau will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Harney County Community Center. A social time will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and speakers to follow at 6 p.m. The barbecue dinner will be provided by the Crane FFA and the Harney County Farm Bureau. Speakers will include Representative Cliff Bentz, Oregon Farm Bureau representatives, and possibly a Greg Walden staff representative.

The Harney County Cancer Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at Glory Days Pizza, on Highway 20 in Burns, at 4 p.m. For more information, call Tonny Calloway, evenings, at 573-7867.

Burns City Council meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Burns City Hall, 242 South Broadway, at 6 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.

Bring the babies to Lapsit Storytime at Harney County Library, each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Enjoy music, stories, rhymes and fingerplays especially for babies and toddlers.

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.

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 program will be presented by Carla Burnside, archaeologist at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. She will be talking about the current refuge planning process, and what it might represent for the historical and archaeological resources on the refuge. Comments and ideas on the planning process will be gladly accepted.

The Alternative Energy Club (AEC) meets the third Thursday of each month at Harney County Library, 80 West D St., 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.

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.

Friday Morning Book Club with Lisa, a new program for kids ages 7-10, will be held at the Harney County Library from 9-10 a.m. The program will include stories and crafts.

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