Jennifer Jenks, right, pictured with her daughter Elina, is the new editor for the Burns Times-Herald. She has held numerous positions at the newspaper and looks forward to her new role. (Photo by DEBBIE RANEY)

New editor has worked at the paper since 2002 and went to high school in Crane

It’s a new year and a new era at the Burns Times-Herald. As one editor steps down, a new one steps up to take her place. Welcome Jennifer Jenks, who replaces Debbie Raney as editor of the newspaper.

Jenks started working at the Times-Herald in 2002 as a proofreader. Originally, she was only supposed to work one day a week, but during her second day on the job, management increased her hours and asked her to take on reporting duties. On her third day of employment, she became a full-time reporter.

In 2005, Jenks transitioned to the advertising department, where she built ads, designed the classified pages and retained some of her newsroom duties as a court reporter as well as covering community events from time to time.

“Jennifer was an obvious choice [as editor] for me,” said Sue Pedersen, general manager for the Burns Times-Herald. “After working with her for almost 10 years, I appreciate her writing and organizational abilities. I am anxious to watch her take her journalism skills to the next level.”

Jenks is excited to take on the responsibilities as editor and believes that having experience in so many facets of the paper gives her an added understanding of what this community wants from its weekly newspaper. “I think readers want the same local news stories and coverage of local events and sports that they’ve come to expect from our paper,” Jenks said. “I hope they know they can come to me with their story ideas and concerns.”

Jenks is no stranger to Harney County having lived and worked here for the past 10 years. She also attended Crane Union High School, graduating as salutatorian of her class in 1992. After that, she attended many different colleges including Eastern Oregon University, Central Oregon Community College and Treasure Valley Community College, before landing at Portland State University, where she earned the equivalent of a bachelor of arts in English.

While she was growing up, Jenks’ family moved around quite a bit. At different times she called Gloucestershire, England; Pennsylvania; Los Alamos, N.M.; and many places in Oregon home. “From driving with my parents and five siblings in a VW van through Europe, to skiing every year in the mountains of New Mexico and watching the beautiful sunsets there, to the hustle and bustle of city life in Portland and the slow moving lifestyle of the country in Crane and getting lost in corn fields in Pennsylvania – every place I lived was different and opened my mind to all the varied experiences life can throw at us,” Jenks said.

She believes that her unique upbringing has given her the necessary experience for her new role at the newspaper. “Learning to recognize that every person and place has a story to be told, if we only look hard enough, is probably the best preparation I’ve had for being editor. I know there are so many stories here in our county, just waiting to be told,” she said.

As she settles into her role as leader of the newsroom, Jenks said she would like to see as much local news covered as possible. “In the long term, I’d like to have more reporters available to cover events that we sometimes miss because all the reporters are already busy with other stories,” she said. She would also like to see more local columns highlighting the various talents of community members. “I think it would be fun to feature content from local people instead of just getting press releases off the Internet, that are still useful, but not local,” she said.

In her spare time, Jenks enjoys reading, cross stitching and spending time with her daughter, Elina. “My childhood prepared me for a life of traveling, so I love to travel and have new experiences like visiting museums and wilderness areas and different states,” she said.

Jenks looks forward to learning more about the special people and places of Harney County. “I think that my life experiences have made me understand a lot about people, their similarities and differences, and that we all have a story to tell,” she said.

The Harney County Snowmobile Club expects about 300 enthusiasts to attend the annual Oregon State Snowmobile Association convention, which will be held at the Harney County Fairgrounds. (Photo by SHELBY LYN/RIVERS EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY)

In January, snowmobilers from all over the state will converge in Harney County to celebrate the OSSA’s 40th anniversary

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

Over the hills and through the woods…

Thanks to the efforts of the Harney County Snowmobile Club, the Oregon State Snowmobile Association (OSSA) will be holding their 40th anniversary celebration in Harney County this coming January.

Local club president Darrell Williams stated that the OSSA holds their convention in a different spot around the state, and this year the Harney County club won the bid.

Williams said they are expecting around 300 snowmobile enthusiasts to attend the week-long event.

Jan. 16-19, there will be organized rides to designated areas (depending on the snow) and nightly get-togethers at local establishments.

The convention itself will begin at 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 20, with registration and exhibits at the Harney County Fairgrounds.

Registration is $33, $12 for kids 12 and under, and that includes a free pizza party Friday night and a buffet dinner Saturday night. Breakfast and lunch will be available on Saturday at an additional cost.

A safety seminar for snowmobile certification for those 18 and under will be held at 1 p.m. Friday.

The event will also include live and silent auctions, drawings, contests, vendors and prizes.

Williams pointed out that a portion of the money raised from the event will go toward legal fees incurred to those fighting to keep trails open for snowmobilers.

Club membership
Williams said that the convention is open to everyone, and the Harney County club is accepting new members at this time. The club encourages everybody to not only attend the convention, but sign up and become a member if you love the sport of snowmobiling.

In order to be a member in the Harney County Snowmobile Club, you also have to be a member of the Oregon State Snowmobilers Association, so new members would sign up for both organizations at the same time.

For those wondering what the OSSA is all about, Williams provided the following information:

The Oregon State Snowmobile Association is an organization of individuals, snowmobile clubs and businesses working together to preserve, protect and enhance the sport of snowmobiling. OSSA was formed in 1972 by a small group of snowmobilers concerned about the sport. The association saw a need for better, safer and more scenic trails, and recognized the public demand for a better trail system.

OSSA has grown to 30 snowmobile clubs, 25 of which are grooming clubs. OSSA manages the grooming program under agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation, and in cooperation with local snowmobile clubs. Last season dedicated snowmobilers volunteered more than 28,000 hours maintaining a 6,000-mile trail system. The groomer operators logged more than 31,000 miles of groomed trails. All clubs participate in trail clearing and trail maintenance. Oregon’s snowmobile program is recognized throughout North America as a model of volunteer accomplishment.

OSSA snowmobilers participate in many diverse activities. An organization they are proud to be involved with is the Candlelighters. OSSA contributes to a co-op law-enforcement program with eight county sheriff’s departments. Safety Certification classes are scheduled throughout the state to promote safe snowmobiling. Snowmobilers build snow shelters for the enjoyment of all winter recreationists, and provide representation for legislative issues at the state and national level. OSSA promotes safe, responsible snowmobiling and proper recreational land use.

According to OSSA, thousands of acres of prime snowmobiling are lost to “wilderness” designation.  The support and vigilance of all snowmobilers is needed to stop this growing expansion.

Registration forms are available online at www.oregonsnow.org, at Burns Garage, or by calling Mike Choate at 541-573-6598, or Williams at 541-589-0187.

Business would like to add building to accommodate storage

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

Rimrock Recycling has proven that operating a recycling business in Harney County can be a successful venture, and is now able to plan for the future.

During the Harney County Court meeting on Dec. 21, Rimrock Recycling’s Becky Cunningham presented an update on the operation. She said that over the past year, finances have doubled from just under $25,000 worth of income to just over $50,000. The volume of recycling has gone up from 303 tons last year to 400 tons this year.

Due to the increases, Cunningham said Rimrock Recycling would like to build a new building that would allow for more storage — the goal would be to have room to store four semi-loads of recycling at once. Cunningham said they would then be able to store bales until they had full loads, which would increase the profit per bale.

With this goal in mind, Cunningham applied for and was awarded a Meyer Memorial Trust grant to add an additional building at the recycling site.

One of the conditions of the grant is that Rimrock Recycling have a minimum 10-year lease for the property.

Cunningham requested that the court renew the lease with Rimrock Recycling for the property and existing building for 10 years. The court agreed to draft a lease renewal, with a caveat that the county has a right to terminate at any time.

•••
In other county court business, the court reviewed letters of interest from applicants for the vacant Harney County Fair Board positions. Assisting in the review were Fair Manager Don Slone, fair board member Zelley and fair board director Bill Otley.

Discussion was held on whether the court should appoint five new members to the fair board to make a seven-member board, or to appoint three new members to make a five-member board. The court decided to appoint five new members to join Zelley and Jim Kelley on the fair board. The new members will be Valri Purdy, Karen Moon, Kevin Pryse, Joe Maher and Brian Farrally.

The court asked that within 45 days the fair board provide a new organizational chart to the county court, and possibly meet with a facilitator from another county fair for a strategic planning session. Slone will also meet with Judge Steve Grasty and Harney County Treasurer Nellie Franklin to review financials.

•••
Alicia Goodson, Drug Free Communities Coordinator, and Ashley Vorges from Symmetry Care presented the Community Marijuana Assessment Results.

•••
The court reviewed a letter from the City of Burns requesting use of a county-owned residence at 232 S. Court for training purposes for the fire department. The request was approved.

•••
Gerard and Lori LaBrecque provided the court an update on the operation of Joseph’s Juniper, Inc. According to the LaBrecque’s, they processed over 800 acres in juniper in just over seven months, with eight employees.

They said they feel that juniper is Harney County’s most important product, and the biggest hurdle in their operation is insurance costs.

The court discussed the forest health and job funding source that was used to assist Joseph’s Juniper Inc. last year. Commissioner Dan Nichols said he wished to advertise the funding again, as soon as possible, in order to review applicants and get the funds out into the economy again. Grasty will advertise for the funding on Jan. 11.

•••
The court will interview for the positions of Director of Public Health and Home Health and Hospice on Jan. 11.

•••
The court reviewed Harney County’s use of the National Association of Counties Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Grasty said he wanted to make sure the county’s citizens were aware that the card program is still available.

•••
The court will advertise for the Emergency Management Coordinator position.

•••
A letter requesting the use of the Edward Hines Lumber smoke stack to attract Vaux’s Swifts was reviewed.

The plans for Arrowhead Plaza, a project headed by the Harney County Opportunity team, will revamp the currently vacant lot that runs from North Broadway, east to North Alder, along East A Street.

Soon-to-be plaza property donated by Bill and Ulaberl Allen

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The preliminary design plans have been completed for the Arrowhead Plaza, a project which has been initiated by the Harney County Opportunity Team (HCOT).

The Plaza will be built on the vacant lot, which runs from N. Broadway, east to North Alder, along East “A.” The lot was donated to the HCOT last July by Bill and Ulaberl Allen.

With the desire to create a space that would attract both local citizens and out-of-town visitors, HCOT incorporated a variety of elements into their wish list. The design includes a fountain, which will double as a Christmas tree display during the winter, an amphitheater with seating and performance platform, restrooms and picnic pavilion. The plan also includes plenty of seating and gathering spaces.

Remnants of the Arrowhead Hotel building will be used throughout the plaza. The plan also includes lots of trees for shade and space for vendors.

According to HCOT board member Bill Wilber, the next step will be to break down the actual design in detail.

The HCOT would like the community to make comments and suggestions on the preliminary plan. Once a plan has been finalized, HCOT will be able to apply for grants to fund the project.

Individuals, groups or businesses are also being encouraged to donate to the project. All donations are tax deductible as a charitable contribution. A donation form is available on the HCOT website, that can be filled out and mailed to HCOT. Go to www.harneycounty.com and click on the HCOT link on the far right-hand side of the page — this will take you to the HCOT web page — the donation link is near the bottom of that page. Donations can also be dropped off at the HCOT office, located in the Chamber of Commerce at 484 N. Broadway.

For more information on this project, contact any of the following HCOT board members: Peggy Asmussen, Fred Flippence, Bill Wilber, Bill Renwick or Joyce Moser.

This could mean more flooding for Harney County

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

In anticipation that the spring of 2012 could bring as much water to the Harney Basin as the spring of 2011, representatives from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boise, Idaho, attended the Harney County Court meeting on Dec. 7, to give an overview of programs the service offers.

Jay Breidenbach, warning coordination meteorologist, and Troy Lindquist, senior service hydrologist, said contrary to the most recent weather, they expect the winter snowfall to match that of last year. If this prediction comes to pass, there will be potential for spring flooding in Harney County such as last spring. With this forecast in mind, the NWS hopes to receive feedback from the county on how their services could be improved.

According to Breidenbach and Lindquist, there is still a La-Nina system impacting the weather, which means the northwest should see a wetter, colder winter. This could once again turn to a flooding situation.

During their presentation, Breidenbach and Lindquist said they would like to see an improved gauging system installed on the Silvies River, which would help the NWS issue more effective flood warnings. Using partnerships the NWS has with other agencies, they can model and predict future river stages, using stream flow, snow measurement, reservoir storage releases and flood control release decisions.

The service area for the NWS in Boise includes Harney, Malheur and Baker counties. The Burns/Hines community sits on the western edge of Boise Dopler radar’s reach. Several weather resources are available to the public, including sites with long-term and short-term outlooks, current snow measurements and river and stream observations. In addition to the online weather resources, the NWS has forecasters on duty around the clock and three administrative contacts are available for the county to reach in emergency instances.

Internet resources available are as follows:
www.weather.gov/boise
www.cpc.noaa.gov
www.wcc.nrcs.usda/gov/snotel/Oregon/oregon
www.nwrfc.noaa.gov

•••
Other county court business on Dec. 7 included:

• Judge Steve Grasty provided an update on the Sage Grouse Strategy, including what had been discussed at the Local Implementation Team meeting held on Dec. 6. He told the court the North Steens Transmission Line Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision would probably be signed on Dec. 21.

• The court discussed a meeting of the Energy Facility Siting Council that will be held on Dec. 9 in Hood River. The Oregon Natural Desert Association is once again requesting the council’s support of a legislative effort to define a single energy facility. Commissioner Pete Runnels will attend the meeting.

• A draft resolution on restrictions against use of land in proximity to wilderness or wilderness study areas was discussed. The resolution was drafted by the Oregon counties to the National Association of Counties.
• A discussion was held regarding filling the position of lead person of Public Health, Home Health and Hospice. Several options were considered. The court will hold an applicant screening during an executive session on Dec. 14.
• A meeting with those who were interested in volunteering for the Harney County Fair Board was held. Those interested in filling the vacancies on the board are Karen Moon, Joe Maher, Lincoln Reed-Nickerson, Brian Farrally, Pam Sherburn, Vern Brown, Jr., Valri Purdy, Julie Burri, Lloydene Hill and Kevin Pryse. The court will meet with current fair board members to get their recommendations on appointments. Prospective members were also asked to send letters stating their areas of interest and expertise.

County agent will relocate to Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center

During the Harney County Court meeting on Nov. 21, David Bohnert, from Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center and Dustin Johnson and Shana Withee, OSU Extension agents, were present to discuss a cooperative project with Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, EOARC and OSU Extension.

The project would require the relocation of the Harney County Agriculture Agent to the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. The court was in support of this plan, seeing many benefits to the proposal. With the change, Johnson would be conducting research at the refuge one-third of his time.

The court felt this would be beneficial to agriculture in Harney County. The county extension office would remain at the courthouse.

•••
The court heard a presentation from Bob Elvers, of Science & Management Consulting, on the fall grazing of cheatgrass. Elvers is a consultant to the Dean of Agriculture at the University of Nevada, Reno, and is conducting a major research project on this subject. The court agreed to write a letter in support of this continued research.

•••
Harney County Road Supervisor Eric Drushella told the court that he is continuing to review the bids on the East Steens Road project. The court received an official protest regarding this project, and Drushella will discuss the issue with county counsel  and project engineers before awarding the bid.

•••
Mike Howes, representing the Harney County Contractor Committee, was present with a proposal for the building development program, permitting program, plan review and inspections. The court will discuss the proposal and have another meeting with the group to decide what is best for the community.

•••
One bid was received and opened for a sports utility vehicle for the Harney County Sheriff’s Department. The bid, from Burns Ford, Inc., was for a 2013 police-rated explorer, for $29,265.88. The bid was accepted.

•••
Sheriff Glerup stated that he would like to prepare a fee schedule for civil services, for the court’s approval. He stated that his office will be doing more foreclosure sales, and hopes to implement a fee schedule for civil services provided. Sheriff Glerup and county counsel will provide a draft schedule for the court’s approval.

•••
The court met with landowners from the meadowlands area, regarding issues with road maintenance and access issues. A lengthy discussion ensued. The group agreed to put together a committee, to continue to work towards a resolution. Judge Steve Grasty volunteered to meet with the committee regularly.

•••
Dan Hoke was appointed to the Harney County Commission on Children and Families.

•••
The court signed an order denying vacation of a road near Princeton.

•••
Kenneth H. Delano, Jr. was appointed Harney County Surveyor.

•••
After advertising for interest in vacant fair board positions, the court received letters of interest from the following individuals: Lloydene Hill, Vern Brown Jr., Pamela Sherburn, Valri Purdy, Kevin Pryse, Linc Reed-Nickerson, Dawn Crafts, Karen Moon, Brian Farrally, Julie Burri and Joe Maher.  The court will meet with these individuals, the current fair board, manager and directors on Dec. 7.

•••
Proposals were received from ASI (A Systems Integrator), Chaves Consulting, Black Mountain Software, Springbrook Software and Tyler Technologies for county general ledger and financial software.  Judge Grasty, County Treasurer Nellie Franklin Treasurer and Human Resource Administrator LaDene Hurd will open them together and begin the review process.

Owners have ties to Harney County

A new enterprise has come to Harney County which will provide much needed jobs for as many as five to 10 local residents.
Federal Recycling, Inc., (FRI) an Oregon Corporation, has begun operations in Hines. Federal Recycling Inc. has signed a three-year lease with Rattlesnake Creek Land & Cattle Co. for warehouse space located at 320 Snow Mountain Avenue in Hines, where the main operations will be conducted. The endeavor is spear-headed by former Harney County resident, Sharyn (Choate) Ochoa, her husband, Philip Ochoa, and brother, Gordon Choate of Hines.

The Ochoas live in Southern California and own and operate Federal Defense Industries, Inc., www.fedef.com, a 12-year old defense contracting company that supplies replacement parts and new equipment for U.S. military applications in foreign bases. The company employs 25 people and occupies a 26,000 square foot building in Moorpark, Calif.

“Since I’m a former Harney County resident with friends and family still in the area, it’s been a long-held desire of ours to bring jobs and revenue to Harney County. Now with the success of our current business and the identification of a viable business opportunity, we feel we can do that,” said Sharyn Ochoa.

Choate is co-owner and general manager of the operation, and will manage the business. The core business of Federal Recycling, Inc. will be the recycling of metals such as copper, iron and steel. These components will typically be acquired from military bases and trucked to the company’s facility to be separated, bundled and then transported to regional foundries for recycling.

“We’ve been working extremely hard to get this set up for several months now,” said Choate. “We believe we have a great opportunity here, and this type of operation is perfect for this area. We want to provide jobs for local residents and bring some revenue back into Harney County.”
“Randy Fulton from Harney County Economic Development and Harney County Judge Steve Grasty have both been very encouraging and helpful in providing information as to the local and state assistance and incentives that are available for new business ventures in the area, said Ochoa.

She continued, “Because Harney County is identified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Zone, some of our federal contracts may qualify for certain federal set-asides meant to benefit areas that have been hit the hardest economically. Even without these benefits we believe we have a good location in Hines to conduct business.”

By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County Court voted unanimously not to vacate a public road near Princeton, during a continuation hearing on Nov. 2, held during the regular meeting of the county court.

A petition had been filed by Barbara Cannady requesting that the county vacate a portion of the old State Hwy. 78. Cannady cited trespassing and having gates left open as the basis for her request. She proposed that the other landowners who would be affected by the vacation had other options to access their properties.

A public hearing was held on Oct. 19 regarding Cannady’s request. Testimony was taken at this time, with the court closing the record and setting Nov. 2 to make the final decision.

Following a motion to deny the request to vacate, the members of the court discussed the rationale behind their individual decisions. Commissioner Dan Nichols addressed the closing points that Cannady’s counsel had mentioned during the Oct. 19 hearing.

Nichols said that public testimony had proven that the road was necessary for the other landowner’s access, the 1952 agreement between the state and county said the road could not be abandoned, the county hasn’t and isn’t obligated to spend any money on maintenance, the county is acting within their legal responsibilities and the road supervisor’s report was duly submitted.

Commissioner Pete Runnels added that though Cannady had insisted there were multiple other routes for landowners to take to their properties, none were viable routes, and all were questionable due to distances that would have to be traveled. He also commented that the county, by statute, cannot vacate a road if it denies access to citizens.

Judge Steve Grasty said he felt that the public hearing proved the county should not vacate the road. He said the amount of public interest in keeping the road open was “significant.”

Cannady was not in attendance at the continuation hearing; her counsel Tyler Smith participated via telephone.

Proponents of the vacation, Gary and Colby Marshall and Linda Neale, were present to hear the court’s decision.

The court asked their counsel, Ron Yoakum to write an order for the court to sign.
•••
In other  business on Nov. 2, the court decided to appoint Kenny Delano from John Day as the Harney County surveyor. The court felt Delano was the best suited of the applicants due to his proximity and knowledge of the area.
•••
Harney County Planning Director Brandon McMullen presented the court with a breakdown of “Goal 5.” This is a statewide planning goal that covers over a dozen resources and the protection of these resources.
•••
Staff from Harney County Home Health and Hospice were recognized for having earned placement as a member of the 2011 HomeCare Elite, based on their care, process measure implementation and financial performance. Cheryl Keniston, executive director of Harney County Home Health and Hospice said that though their team is small compared to most areas, they  still have the same requirements as the big organizations.
•••
Bids were open for the East Steens Road widening project. There were 16 bids submitted, with bids ranging from $695,400 to $1,408,010. Road Superintendent Eric Drushella will review the bids with a representative from Anderson Perry and Associates, the engineering firm for the project.
•••
The court voted to reappoint Len Vohs to the Southeast Area Commission on Transportation.
•••
Misty McCanna was appointed to the Harney County Advisory Board.
•••
The court approved Resolution #2011-12 in the matter of establishing a Harney County Fairgrounds capital fund, which will be used to deposit funds received from an easement agreement with AT&T. The fair board will have access to the funds, but the resolution states that a balance of $15,000 must be maintained. To use the funds, the board will have to go through the annual county budgeting process.
•••
Judge Grasty said he had been contacted by six people who were interested in serving on the fair board. The court agreed that before appointments were made, there should be a time set aside to visit with each of those showing interest.
•••
The court signed Resolution #2011-13 to establish a sister-county relationship with Clackamas County.
•••
Due to conflicting schedules, the next Harney County Court meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 21.

Hearing to be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the senior center

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to attend a public hearing to comment on the Burns-Hines Disposal Site’s draft landfill permit, known officially as a municipal solid waste permit.

The Burns-Hines Disposal Site’s current permit limits the facility to a construction and demolition landfill. The proposed permit would allow the facility to also take municipal solid waste.

Currently, the Burns Hines Disposal Site and Transfer Station operate under separate DEQ solid waste permits. They are, however, located at the same property. The transfer station is permitted to accept household garbage, which is then trucked to the Simco Landfill in Mt. Home, Idaho. The Burns Hines Disposal permit is for the disposal of construction and demolition waste.

Under the proposed permit, the owners of the Burns-Hines Disposal Site, Black Crow Disposal, LLC, will discontinue trucking garbage to Idaho, but the transfer station will remain active as a drop-off location for the public. The proposed permit would allow them to dispose of both household garbage and construction demolition debris in the landfill, and operate it as a municipal solid waste landfill.

If this permit is issued, it will replace both the current construction and demolition debris landfill permit and the transfer station permit. No other DEQ permits are required for the operation of the landfill.

The public hearing will be held on Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Harney County Senior Center. Written comments are due by 5 p.m.  Dec. 7, and can be sent to Susan Christensen, Natural Resource Specialist, 475 NE Bellevue Drive, Suite 110, Bend, OR 97702; or emailed to christensen.susan@deq.state.or.us
Hard copies of the draft permit and related documents are available at the Harney County Library, 80 West “D” St., Burns.