Harney County Judge Steve Grasty makes presentation before U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Oregon county commissioners and members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation made a compelling argument for a long term reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act during a roundtable discussion with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack last Friday in Portland.

The elected Oregon officials were joined in their request by representatives of Trout Unlimited, the Wilderness Society and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

“We asked Secretary Vilsack to include a long-term reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in the President’s 2012 budget,” Harney County Judge and Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) President Steve Grasty said following the meeting. “He seemed receptive to the concept, and we hope that translates into concrete action.”

“Everyone has a stake in the survival of rural America,” Secretary Vilsak said. “I’m here on your side.”

Federal agencies are currently working on the final drafts of their 2012 budget requests, which will go the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by Labor Day. Having a commitment from Secretary Vilsack would be a major step forward for the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools to be ultimately included in President Obama’s 2012 budget request to Congress.

“We tried to convey the urgency that these programs are a lifeline for the people of Oregon. On our watch, we are going to prosecute the case relentlessly to insure that a historical compact is honored. This is the No. 1 priority for Oregon’s Congressional delegation,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR said.

Secretary Vilsack and the members of Oregon’s congressional delegation briefed 38 elected Oregon county commissioners and judges from 24 of Oregon’s 36 counties Friday. Thirty-three of Oregon’s 36 counties receive funding under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Douglas County Commissioner Doug Robertson, who is also president of the Association of O&C Counties, told the secretary and members of Congress that reauthorization is vital to preserving vital public services in impacted Oregon counties.

Robertson said “It was a very frank discussion, a good dialogue between the secretary and the commissioners. He (Secretary Vilsack) came away with a very different view of Oregon than when he came to the state.”

Judge Steve Grasty told Secretary Vilsack that rural communities will be adversely impacted economically and roads in and out of federal land will suffer from a lack of maintenance if Secure Rural Schools isn’t reauthorized. Clackamas County Commissioner Bob Austin said Secure Rural Schools impacts 39 other states, notably California, Washington and Idaho as well as Oregon. “The Secretary heard us,” Austin said, “and asked for more of the human side of the story.”

U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-OR said Secretary Vilsack challenged the Oregonians in the roundtable to tell their stories so the president and other members of Congress will get a better understanding of the challenges Oregon faces with the potential loss of Secure Rural School payments. Rep. Schrader was instrumental in setting up the round table with Secretary Vilsack, his colleagues in Congress and the county officials.
“We deeply appreciate Congressman Schrader’s efforts on our behalf,” said AOC Executive Director Mike McArthur. “He’s brought a hugely important issue to the attention of the Secretary of Agriculture and hopefully, the President will respond.”

O&C Executive Director Rocky McVay offered that Oregon’s entire Congressional delegation has been working tirelessly for a long term reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools.

“This was a great opportunity for our members of Congress to express their commitment to the secretary,” he said.

Many of the county commissioners who participated in the roundtable offered personal stories from their counties on the loss of the federal funds. Lake County Commissioner Dan Shoun said, “I think the secretary left with a much better appreciation of the situation.”

Klamath County Commissioner Cheryl Hukill said, “The stories Secretary Vilsack heard about the impacts on children and public safety made a deep impression on him.”

The current act expires Sept. 30, 2011. The final 2011 payments will be distributed in January 2012. Oregon has historically received an average of $250 million a year from Secure Rural Schools. That amount represents the revenue lost from the unprecedented reduction in timber harvests.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

A number of visitors from around the state ventured into Harney County for the first time for the Oregon Association of County Clerks Annual Conference held Aug. 16-19.

Harney County Clerk Maria Itturiaga said 35 of the state’s 36 counties were represented at the conference, and for many it was their first visit to Burns. “This is the first time in 98 years it has been held here,” Itturiaga said. “It’s held each year in the home county of the association president, and because I was president this past year, the first from Harney County, we got to host it.”

More than 100 people attended the event, including county and deputy clerks, software and election machine vendors, as well as guest speakers Secretary of State Kate Brown, Attorney General John Kroger and State Representative Cliff Bentz.

Topics of discussion ranged from legislative and recording issues to the developing electronic recording.

“Electronic recording is coming, and we have to be ready for it,” Harney County Deputy Clerk Dag Robinson said.

Itturiaga said they accomplished a lot from the hard work by those in attendance, and the event also had a positive economic impact on the community.

“We used local vendors for all meals except the final banquet that was a Basque dinner catered by a friend of mine from Boise,” Itturiaga said. Meals included a barbecue at Sage Country Inn catered by Wendy Reid, lunch at Linda’s Thai Room, dinner at the Diamond Hotel and a catered lunch by Bella Java. Itturiaga noted that the breaks were catered by Reid as well, and gave her high marks for her work.

The group also visited the Round Barn and occupied more than 80 motel rooms for their three-night stay. “I think the economic impact on the community was huge,” Itturiaga said. “And thank you to the business people who were really gracious to our guests as they shopped around town.”

During the final banquet on Wednesday, Aug. 18, Terri Turi of Coos County was elected as the new president of the association, meaning the event will be held on the other side of the state in 2011.

“It was a lot of work, so I’m glad it’s over, but it was a lot of fun too,” Itturiaga said.

Carrerow, Rader nominated for All American honors

The Burns High School (BHS) cheerleaders attended a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) summer camp this past June. The camp was held in Pendleton and attracted multiple squads from the surrounding area, including Idaho. The camp lasted three days and included skills training, jump training, choreography, dance and teambuilding.

The BHS cheerleaders brought home multiple awards and honors from camp. They were awarded three Excellent ribbons and one Superior ribbon during their daily evaluations, and the entire squad earned individual Superior ribbons on the last day of camp.

BHS received the NCA S.P.O.T Award for displaying excellent skills in spotting and stunt technique. The squad was commended for their outstanding commitment to keep safety their No. 1 priority.

Two of the BHS cheerleaders were nominated for All American Cheerleader.  This honor is given to outstanding individuals who display strength in one or more of the following categories: motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance or leadership. These individuals are eligible to perform at various NCA Special Events. The two BHS cheerleaders nominated were Breanna Rader and Janelle Carrerow.

NCA camps have a long standing tradition of awarding the prestigious Spirit Stick to the squad that shows the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm throughout the entire day of camp.  Burns High School was awarded the Spirit Stick all three days of camp. The girls represented their school and their community with true pride and enthusiasm.

The final award the BHS cheerleaders received was the Most Improved award, earning overall camp recognition and a trophy. Julie Burri, the new Cheer Coach, also received the Top Rookie Coach award at camp.

The Burns High School cheerleaders look forward to supporting school athletics this year. The squad will be cheering at fall and winter activities for the 2010-2011 school year. They are excited to establish new traditions, continue old ones and support crowd involvement at games and activities.

Donna Faye (Gorsching) Goddard died on Aug. 13.

She was born on Dec. 7, 1921, in Bessie, Okla., to Peter and Mattie Gorsching.

Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Clinton, Okla., to farm. In 1934, they moved to Shafter, Calif., as a result of the Dust Bowl.

After graduating from Bakersfield Junior College, in Bakersfield, Calif., Goddard went to Fresno to pursue training in nursing. She completed the four-year program in 1945 and was always very proud of being a registered nurse and her career of caring for people.

While still in high school, she met her future husband, F. Lincoln Goddard. They were married in 1944, prior to his deployment to the Aleutian Islands. Upon his return, a little over a year later, they established a household in Shafter. Two of their four children were born while they lived in California.

In 1950, Goddard and her family moved to Oregon, settling for a short time in Glendale, before moving on to Ashland so her husband could complete his course of study in education. While in Ashland, her two younger children were born. Goddard worked at the local hospital and cared for her home and family.

In 1960, Goddard’s family moved again, this time to Burns. She worked at the hospital, rising to Director of Nurses. Goddard also worked for local doctors and the Job Corps, driving the 30 miles each way, five days a week to take care of her “boys.” She received a cash award for how well she handled a flu outbreak while working there.

While in Burns, Goddard was a member of several boards and various organizations, actively involved with the medical community, a member of the Business and Professional Women and a member of the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir. She was also instrumental in establishing the mental health organization, making many trips to Pendleton to learn what was needed. This was all in addition to working and raising a family.

After her husband’s death in 1989, Goddard spent most of each year in Arizona, living close to three of her sisters and their families. She joined the local Vi-Sa-Wen Women’s Group and participated in their various charitable functions. For many years she wintered in Arizona and summered in Oregon. Two years ago she became a permanent resident of Arizona.

Goddard enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, tatting, quilting, reading and baking. When her children were growing up she made nearly all their clothing. She used her knowledge of quilting while in the Vi-Sa-Wen Club, working with them to make trauma, baby and lap quilts.

Goddard is survived by her sister, Ollie; children, Kathy, Walter and wife Marlene, Meta and Liz and husband Frank; grandchildren, Tade and wife Leiann, Calen and wife Rebecca and Malia; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, F. Lincoln Goddard; sisters, Clara, Dorothy, Verna and Jeanne; brothers, Allen and Wes; and her parents.

Contributions in Goddard’s memory may be made to the Vi-Sa-Wen Club, P.O. Box 202, Salome, AZ 85348, the Wenden Bible Church, P.O. Box 237, Wenden, AZ 85357, or the charity of one’s choice.

Willard Ozell Keith, 85, of Prairie City (formerly of Burns) died on Aug. 12 at the Blue Mt. Nursing Home.

Willard was born on Oct. 17, 1924, in Talihina, Okla., to Benjamin and Ester (Washburn) Keith.

In March 1943, he joined the Marines. In the military during World War II, he was part of the 3rd Marine Division that invaded the island of Bougainville in the South Pacific in early November of 1943. Their mission was to take a small piece of the island from the Japanese to make way for a major airfield to be built from which American planes could assure security from the air for convoys and task forces that would invade the Philippines in October 1944. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1944.

Keith married Earlene Durant-Hale on Sept. 4, 1954, at the Assembly of God Church in Burns. Together they had five children. They divorced in February 1968.

He married Wyona Jordan on May 9, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in John Day. Together they had two children, and he became the step-father to three other children.

Keith was employed at Edward Hines Lumber Co. from 1965 until his retirement in 1988. He ran the sander and later was a planerman. In addition to working full time at the mill, he worked as a drywall installer and was considered the best drywaller in all of Oregon — his work was in great demand. He continued drywalling after his retirement until he was in his mid 70s.

He enjoyed wood working, building book cases, beds, and carving vintage World War II airplanes. Keith also loved to sit in the shade of a tree in the yard, as well as drive in the country and see the wildlife. He enjoyed watching old westerns and movies and documentaries about World War II.

While living in Burns he was a member of the Assembly of God Church and the Burns Four Square Church.

After he moved to Grant County, he attended the Rising Son Ministries and John Day Bible Way Church.

Keith is survived by his wife, Wyona Keith of Burns; daughters, Sherry Zacharias and husband Terry of Prairie City, Lonnie Specht of Prairie City and Lisa Alsup and husband Tommy of Prairie City; sons, Leland Keith and wife Jodi of Prairie City, Brad Keith of Tillamook and Mitch Keith of Canyon City; step-sons, Jim Jordan of Boise, Idaho, Keith Jordan and wife Donita of Burns and Brian Jordan and wife Kay of Prineville; 22 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eldon Keith, Jay Keith, Bud Keith and Gene Keith; daughter, Janice Keith; grandson, Logan Keith; and granddaughter, Danelle Pine.

A graveside service was held at the Burns Cemetery on Aug. 17. Driskill Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Oren Keith Aldrich died on Aug. 16.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1925, in Eugene to Walter R. and Lula (Edwards) Aldrich.

Aldrich attended school in Milwaukie, and upon graduation from Milwaukie Union High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

He was a World War II veteran, serving as a radio-man on the battleship USS Iowa and the destroyer Wiley.

During the time he was assigned to the USS Iowa, President Roosevelt was transported to the Tehran Conference. His assignments took him into action in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.

Aldrich was a cable maintenance trouble shooter for the telephone company for 36 years. He was a dedicated employee who loved his work and the challenges it presented. His primary work assignment was the McKenzie and Blue River areas, but through the years his work took him all over the state, particularly during times of severe rain and ice storms. He also spent time in San Francisco, Calif., and New York City assisting crews.

On May 10, 1945, he married his wife, Helen, in Vancouver, Wash. They were married for 65 years.

Aldrich was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Bend, serving as a layman. He served as president of the Telephone Pioneers in Eugene and the Eugene Moose and Mates Square Dance Club.

He volunteered at St. Charles Medical Center, working at the S.P.I desk and in the library. He also donated over 5,000 miles driving cancer patients residing in the outlying areas from Redmond to Gilchrist, to and from their treatments. He was also a volunteer at the High Desert Museum.

Aldrich was a poet and his poetry reached many people at many different levels. His poems showed his deep faith and trust in the Lord, his love of family, people, nature and his sense of humor.

Aldrich is survived by his daughters, Susan and husband Don of Princeton and Julie and husband Cliford; son, Tom; and companion, Tuffy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joy.

A celebration of life service will be held on Aug. 30, at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 680 NW Bond St. in Bend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aldrich’s memory may be made to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701, or to a charity of one’s choice

John W. Gehrke, Jr.  died on Aug. 5 at the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

He was born on Sept. 4, 1931, on the family farm in Morris County, Kan., to John W. Sr., and Gladys E.     (Miller) Gehrke.

Gehrke graduated from Lost Springs High School in 1950.

On Sept. 7, 1952, he married Barbara Adams in Herington, Kan. He and his wife moved to Oregon in 1981.

He was a farmer and stockman all his life.

Gehrke is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Blaine Gehrke and wife Dottie of Lost Springs Kan.; sister, Irene Parrish; brother, Larry Gehrke; two grandchildren; and four great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter; and a sister.

Graveside services were held on Aug. 12, at the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Herington, Kan. Pastor Charles Norman officiated.

Contributions in Gehrke’s memory may be made to the Burns Ambulance Service,   for the EMTs and First Responders of Harney County.

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 of 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.

Burns Butte Sportsmen’s Club holds Twilight Trap Practice every Wednesday through September. For more information, call Ralph Steelman at 541-573-2099.

Storytime at Harney County Library is held each Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. for fun, interactive stories and crafts. For more information, call 541-573-6670.

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 7 p.m. at Four Square Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

The Harney County Arts in Education Foundation will hold a no-host burger bash along with the annual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Meat Hook Steak House.

Hilander Day at Burns High School will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26. Seniors should report at 9 a.m., juniors at 10 a.m., sophomores at 1 p.m. and freshmen at 2 p.m.

A “Rules for Regularity” workshop will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Aspens Conference Room. Sponsored by the Aspens and Harney District Hospital, the workshop will focus on learning about high fiber food choices, hydration, lifestyle habits, exercise and medication side effects. The workshop will be hosted by Amy Dobson, Harney District Hospital Dietary Supervisor and Kristen Peila, Aspens Activity Director. For more information, call Kristen at 541-573-2222.

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: Moving for Better Balance is held every Thursday at the Harney County Senior Center. The beginner class is held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The intermediate class is held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome.

Kiwanis Club of Burns-Hines meets for a no-host luncheon each Thursday at Glory Days Pizza, 690 Oregon Ave., at noon.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon. Call 541-573-2896.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at Four Square Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

Reading Club meets at the Harney County Library each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, District 9, meets the first, third and fourth Friday of each month. Call Micky at 541-573-2515, for time and place.