A recovery group, “Celebrate Recovery,” meets each Sunday at the Harney County Church of The Nazarene, 311 Roe Davis Ave., in Hines. Dinner is served at 5 p.m., the main meeting is held at 6 p.m., small group sessions are at 7 p.m., and “Cross Talk Cafe” begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call 541-573-7100.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Sunday at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns, for 12X12 study at 7 p.m.

Harney District Hospital will hold a free Physical Therapy Sports Injury Clinic Monday evening, Feb. 6. Students experiencing muscle or joint pain due to sports activities will be seen by a physical therapist to assess injuries and offer recommendations for treatment. To take advantage of this free clinic, call the physical therapy office at 541-573-1543 to schedule a time to be seen.

Masonic Lodge meets the first Monday of each month at the Burns Masonic Lodge, 1210 West Taylor, at 7 p.m.

The Burns Lions Club meets every Monday at noon at the Burns Elks Lodge. Those interested in serving the community are welcome.

Communities PRIDE meets every Monday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Pine Room banquet room. Those interested in the communities of Harney County are welcome to attend and participate in this forum for community involvement for community benefit.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Monday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

A Women’s AA meeting is held every Monday at noon at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

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

Harney Basin Writers meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Harney County Library from 2-4 p.m. Writers of any age and writing style are encouraged to attend.

Silvies River Spinners meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Harney County Courthouse basement meeting room, 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, September through November and January through March.

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 for Better Balance with Diane Rapaport is held each Tuesday at Harney County Senior and Community Services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — free.

SHIBA and patient assistance will be held every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center. If immediate assistance is needed, call 541-573-6024 to contact a volunteer.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

ALANON, a support group for friends and families of alcoholics, meets each Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns. Please use the north entrance. All interested are welcome.

LEGALS

Notice of Preliminary Determination for Water Right Transfer T-11234

T-11234 filed by ROD HOAGLAND, 22286 FIELDS DRIVE, FIELDS, OR 97710, proposes CHANGES IN POINT OF DIVERSION and PLACE OF USE under Certificate 468. The right allows the use of 0.48 of one cubic foot per second (priority date FEBRUARY 7, 1910) from CRICKET CREEK (AKA FIELDS CREEK) in Sec. 28, T 38 S, R 34 E, W.M. for IRRIGATION in Sec. 28. The applicant proposes to move the point of diversion approximately 5875 feet upstream in Sec. 20, T 38 S, R 34 E, W.M. and to change the place of use to Secs. 20, 21, 28, and 29, T 38 S, R 34 E, W.M. The Water Resources Department has concluded that the proposed transfer appears to be consistent with the requirements of ORS Chapter 540 and OAR 690-380-5000.

Any person may file, jointly or severally, with the Department a protest or standing statement withing 30 days after the date of final publication of notice in the Department’s weekly notice or of this newspaper notice, whichever is later. A protest form and additional information on filing protests may be obtained by calling (503) 986-0883. The last date of newspaper publication is February 8, 2012. If no protests are filed, the Department will issue a final order consistent with the preliminary determination.
Publish January 25 and February 1 and 8, 2012

LEGAL NOTICE OF DECISION AND APPEAL PERIOD

On January 23, 2012, Douglas H. Jones, Emigrant Creek District Ranger, Malheur National Forest, made a decision on the Dairy Project. The Decision Notice documents his decision to select the Proposed Action Alternative and the factors he considered in reaching his decision. Briefly his decision authorizes moving approximately 1,296 acres of forested stands in the project area toward historic ecosystem conditions with the use of commercial, pre-commercial and biomass removal activities, and reduce open road densities in the subwatershed by 22% in order to reduce sediment in the area streams, reduce harassment of wildlife species, reduce maintenance costs, and meet Forest Plan road density standards while meeting other management objectives.

The decision is subject to administrative appeal according to 36 CFR 215. Appeals must be consistent with 36 CFR 215.14 (content of notice of appeal), and must be made in writing, postmarked, and sent to the Appeal Deciding Officer within 45 days of the date on the written notice of this decision. The 45-day appeal period begins the day following the date this legal notice is published in the Burns Times-Herald, Burns, Oregon, the Emigrant Creek Ranger District’s official newspaper of record. The Notice of Appeal must be filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer:

Teresa Raaf
Appeal Deciding Officer
USDA Forest Service
Attn. 1570 Appeals
P.O. Box 909
John Day, OR 97845

Appeals may also be filed electronically at: appeals-pacificnorthwest-malheur@fs.fed.us, or hand delivered to the above address between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday except legal holidays. It is the responsibility of those who appeal a decision to provide the Appeal Deciding Officer sufficient written evidence and rationale to show why my decision should be changed or reversed. The appeal must be filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer (36 CFR 215.8) in writing. At a minimum, an appeal must include the following:
1. Appellant’s name and address (§ 215.2), with a telephone number, if available;
2. Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the appeal);
3. When multiple names are listed on an appeal, identification of the lead appellant (§ 215.2) and verification of the identity of the lead appellant upon request;
4. The name of the project or activity for which the decision was made, the name and title of the Responsible Official, and the date of the decision;
5. The regulation under which the appeal is being filed (36 CFR Part 215 or 36 CFR 251 subpart C (§ 215.11(d)).
6. Any specific change(s) in the decision that the appellant seeks and rationale for those changes;
7. Any portion(s) of the decision with which the appellant disagrees, and explanation for the disagreement;
8. Why the appellant believes the Responsible Official’s decision failed to consider the substantive comments; and
9. How the appellant believes the decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy.

For additional information concerning the specific activities authorized with the decision, you may contact:

Lori Bailey
IDT Leader
Emigrant Creek Ranger District
265 Hwy. 20 S.
Hines, OR 97738
(541) 573-4300

Implementation of this decision is subject to 36 CFR 215.9. When no appeal is filed within the 45-day time period, implementation of the decision may begin on, but not before, the 5th business day following the close of the appeal-filing period (36 CFR 215.15).

Except for emergency situations (36 CFR 215.10(c)), when an appeal is filed, implementation may occur on, but not before, the 15th business day following the date of appeal disposition (36 CFR 215.2). In the event of multiple appeals of the same decision, the implementation date is controlled by the date of the last appeal disposition.

Publish February 1, 2012

CARD OF THANKS

While we traveled, when anyone would comment on the beautiful scenery, Herb’s reply was always, “The view sitting on my front porch is better.” At the end of each day, he enjoyed sitting on the porch swing, with a glass of mint tea, looking over the mint and alfalfa fields.

When we were first married, Herb told me that he thought everyone deep down longed to live on a farm, and he was content when he was able to fulfill his dream. It pleased him to be able to spend time with our son, Herb III, and grandsons Dustin and Hayden and to be able to work in the fields with them.

We would like to thank everyone that attended Herb’s service, burial and dinner. Seeing all of you, hearing your comments about Herb’s life, and talking to you was very comforting for us, Herb’s family. We know he touched your lives and you miss him, just as we do.

Thank you for the cards and letters; reading them helps lighten our grief. The beautiful plants and floral arrangements have cheered us.

We attended both Faith Baptist Church and Crane Fellowship Church. So, it seemed right to include both churches and both Pastor Mikes. Herb enjoyed listening to Pastor Mike Fast and Pastor Mike Schnitker and often we would discuss the message on our trip home after church. I’m going to miss that.

Herb’s brothers, Joe and Tom, had the hard job of standing in front of everyone, reading Herb’s eulogy and obituary. Our son John said he could see Dad standing behind them, placing a supporting hand on their shoulders whenever they faltered.

It wasn’t hard to choose the music for the service. ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’ has been Herb’s favorite since we started attending the community church in Orovada, Nev. We liked ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ when we heard Johnny Cash sing it, but loved it when we heard Helen and John perform it at the Old Time Fiddler’s Jamboree. The other song, sung by Michelle Yunker (accompanied on guitar by Vern Brown) was recommended by our niece, Elli. She said it just reminded her of Uncle Herb, and she was right.

To everyone that provided food — thank you. It brought back memories of the first church potluck we attended — Herb went back for seconds and told everyone that he was getting this heaping plate “for his wife.” That earned him an elbow in the ribs. That was also where he first heard one of his favorite expressions, “I only like two kinds of pie, hot pie and cold pie.”

As well, we want to thank everyone at LaFollette’s. They helped us in so many ways during the past few weeks. Herb’s dad, Herb Sr., often commented on how much he appreciated them when Jennette (my Herb’s mom) died. It’s a different generation at LaFollette’s, but the same family tradition of care.

While sometimes the sorrow is almost too much to bear, I know where Herb is, and I know he is free of pain, he is healthy and strong. There was rejoicing as he entered heaven’s gate and he saw his Savior, face to face. I can only imagine the joy as he sees loved ones that went before. And that sustains me.
Thank you to all who were part of Herb’s life.

Valorie Davis; Herb & Alfie, Dustin, Hayden, ShaeLynn, Sierra and Flower Davis; John & Helen Davis, and the rest of the family that called Herb dad, brother, uncle, son, cousin, papa, friend

PERSONAL / MISCELLANEOUS

We carry
Whirlpool Appliances, including freezers. We also sell water heaters and EdenPURE heaters.
Burns Electric
70 S. Fairview
541-573-6626
BE 1/10/07 TFN
____________________
24-HOUR CRISIS LINE: 541-573-7176. HHOPE offers free, confidential services for victims of physical, sexual and verbal abuse. Qualified staff, volunteers provide shelter, transportation and referrals with support and care. HH 7/91 TFN

FREE

Free working kitchen range (TAPPAN brand). Located at 652 N. Alvord, Burns.  UK 2/1 1t

JOB MARKET

General

5 Range Calvers wanted. Live in mobile camps/housing & work principally on open range for commercial cattle ranch; attend cows during calving; determine delivery time & assist w/delivery, i.e. proper restraint of cow & use of obstetric chains, report complications to rancher; assist calves w/suckling, apply ointment, milk teats, identify which cow-calf pairs are mothered & keep mothered when moving them back to herd & trailing to mountainous range selecting safe crossing areas & guiding across high running streams; distinguish between signs cow is searching for calf &/or hiding it; horseback using dogs, move cow-calf pairs to forage & water designated by rancher & away fro poisonous plants; protect cow calf pairs fro predators/theft; use pack horse to distribute salt, help w/ supplemental feeding; help w/ breaking/training camp horses; shoe camp horses; help w/ vaccinating, dehorning & branding including roping & restraint of calves; may help w/ maintenance of meadow lands & repair/construct fences/corrals (metal/woods); help w/ weaning calves; gather & trail cow-calf pairs to corrals for sorting & shipping. On call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week, work tools, supplies, equipment provided w/out cost to worker. Employment for 3/4 of work contract guaranteed. Transportation & subsistence expenses to worksite provided by employer. 6 months experience (exp.) in above duties req’d & reference req’d to verify exp. (if exp. has not been immediate preceding 12 months, up to 2 references required). Must be physically able to perform above job duties. Employer: Vermillion Ranch Limited Partnership. Location principally on range land south of Rock Springs, WY, extreme NW CO, & NE corner of UT. 5 job openings; positions are temporary  3/01/2012-11/30/2012. Wages: $1600/month plus free housing for all workers. Apply for this job at the nearest Oregon State Employment Department (SWA), or directly in person at the Burns office of the OR State Empl. Dept., 90 W. Washington, Burns, OR 97720: 541-573-5251. Please reference this ad. IA 2/1 1t
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Insurance Inspector. PT in Burns. Work independently in the field to verify measurements and condition of homes for insurance companies. No sales. Computer experience, digital camera, car, cell phone required. Knowledge of home construction and customer service experience a plus. Paid Training. Paid per assignment or minimum $15/hr. Apply at www.mueller-inc.com Ref# 13887 MS 2/1-8 2t
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Livestock Worker

5 Livestock Workers wanted. Performs any combination of following seasonal duties for range production of livestock: attend to cow-calf pairs on vast ranges using horses & trained dogs to keep in designated areas; assist w/monitoring/maintenance of water sources, water tanks, pipelines & reservoirs; assist w/ calving, supplemental feeding of range livestock; protect/care for cow-calf pairs; may help w/ branding, ear notching, dehorning, castrating, vaccinating livestock; report observations of livestock concerning health/injuries & help w/ administration of medications; assist w/ gathering, sorting, weaning & shipment of range livestock; may assist w/ care of small herds of sheep/goats; maintain/construct fences/corrals (metal/wood) using related tools; may assist w/irrigation of hay meadows using gravity flow, wheel & pivot; may assist with planting, maintenance & harvest of hay meadows; may use tractors, trucks, trailers, other supplemental feeding & hay harvesting equipment, etc. necessary to perform above duties; may assist w/ maintenance of machinery & equipment. Live in mobile camps/ housing principally on range. On call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Work tools, supplies, equipment provided w/out cost to worker. Employment for 3/4 of work contract guaranteed. Transportation & subsistence expenses to worksite provided by employer, 6 months experience (exp.) in above duties req’d & references req’d to verify exp. (if exp. has not been in immediate preceding 12 months, up to 2 references req’d.). Must be physically able to perform above job duties, Employer: Vermillion Ranch Limited Partnership. Location: principally on range land south of Rock Springs, WY, extreme NW CO & NE corner of UT. 5 job openings; positions are temporary  3/01/2012-11/30/2012. Wages; $1600/month plus free housing for all workers. Apply for this job at the nearest Oregon State Employment Department (SWA), or directly in person at the Burns office of the OR State Empl. Dept., 90 W. Washington, Burns, OR 97720: 541-573-5251. Please reference this ad. IA 2/1 1t
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Livestock Worker (Open Range)

4 Livestock Workers (Open Range) wanted. Performs any combination of the following seasonal duties involved in the open range tending of commercial livestock to assist ranch owners. Primary responsibilities are: Attend to livestock on the open range: harness, drive and feed cattle with teams of horses; feeds and waters livestock; herds livestock to pasture for grazing; examines animals to detect diseases and injuries; assists with the vaccination of livestock by herding into corral and/or stall or manually restraining animal on the range; applies medications to cuts and bruises; sprays livestock with insecticide; assists with castration of livestock; clips identifying notches on or brands animals; may assist with irrigating, planting, cultivating, and harvesting hay. Workers must be able to ride and handle horses in a manner to assure the safety of the worker , co-workers, and livestock. Must be able to find and maintain bearings to grazing areas. Must be willing and able to occasionally live and work independently or in small groups of workers in isolated areas for extended periods of time. Attend to cow-calf pairs principally on vast rugged fall, winter, and spring ranges using horses and trained dogs to keep range cattle in designated grazing areas in accordance with federal grazing permits; assist with monitoring/maintenance of water sources, water tanks, pipelines and reservoirs to ensure movement of range cattle to adhere to grazing plans; assist with calving; may help with supplemental feeding of range livestock using trucks, tractors and related trailers; protect and care for cow-calf pairs; may assist with branding, ear notching, dehorning, castrating, vaccinating livestock; report observations of livestock to rancher concerning health and injuries and help with administration of medications; assist with gathering, sorting, weaning and shipment of range livestock; assist with movement of cow-calf pairs through chutes/corrals & onto scales during sorting & shipping process; care for horses including shoeing horses and dogs; may assist with care of small herds of sheep/goats; maintain/construct fences/corrals (metal & wood) using related equipment. May assist with irrigation of hay meadows using gravity flow, wheel and pivot; may assist with planting, maintenance and harvest of hay meadows which provide supplemental feed or forage for range livestock; may use tractors, trucks, trailers, other supplemental feeding and hay harvesting equipment, other equipment, etc. necessary for performance of above duties; may assist with maintenance of machinery and equipment; may assist with maintenance of ranch building. Lives in mobile camps or other housing principally on the range. On call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Work tools, supplies, equipment provided w/out cost to worker. Employment for 3/4 of work contract guaranteed. Transportation & subsistence expenses to worksite provided by employer, 6 months experience (exp.) in above duties req’d & references req’d to verify exp. (if exp. has not been in immediate preceding 12 months, up to 2 references req’d.). Must be physically able to perform above job duties. 4 job openings; positions are temporary 3/01/2012-12/31/2012. Wages: $1600/month plus free housing for all workers. Employer: Pretty Water LLC. Location: primarily on range land south of Rock Springs, Wyoming (Sweetwater County) (Southwest Wyoming). Apply for this job at the nearest Oregon State Employment Department (SWA), or directly in person at the Burns office of the OR State Empl. Dept., 90 W. Washington, Burns, OR 97720; 541-573-5251. Please reference this ad. IA 2/1 1t
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Seeking full-time night audit desk clerk. Experience preferred but not required. Inquire within at Best Western BWRRI 2/1-8 2t
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Full-time position for R.N. with Harney County Health Department. Provides a range of Public Health services offered within the community including but not limited to: immunizations, contraceptive care with STD counseling and follow-up, communicable disease investigations, and WIC. Maternal child care experience preferable. Salary DOE on county wage scale. To submit resume or request further details contact Barbara Rothgeb, R.N., Health Department Director, at 420 N. Fairview, Burns, OR 97720, Fax 541-573-8388, phone 541-573-2271, email barbararothgeb@centurytel.net. Position open minimum of 14 days or until filled. HCHD 2/1-8 2t
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Sheepherder

13 Sheepherders wanted: Using horses & trained dogs, care for & herd large flock of sheep on open range; guard flocks fro predators & fro eating poisonous plants; round up strays; may assist in lambing, docking, branding, drenching, medicating, vaccinating, shearing; tag, clip, & sort/cut culls; check animals for illness/injury; assist w/ supplemental feeding using wagon pulled by draft horses; care for & shoe horse(s), work w/ horses to train to direct ewes back to lambs; repair/construct fences; may assist w/ water pipeline delivery system for sheep. On call 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Work tools, supplies, & equipment provided at no cost to workers. Employment for three-fourths of work contract guaranteed. Transportation & subsistence expenses to worksite provided by employer. Wages; $750/month + free housing & board to all workers. 3 months experience req’d & reference req’d to verify experience. Must be physically able to perform above job duties. 13 job openings; positions are Temporary  3/5/2012-3/4/2013. Employer: Midland Livestock Company. Location: primarily on range land near Farson & Rock Springs, Wyoming. Apply for this job at the nearest Oregon State Employment Department (SWA), or directly in person at the Burns office of the OR State Empl. Dept., 90 W. Washington, Burns, OR 97720: 541-573-5251. Please reference this ad. IA 2/1 1t

FIREWOOD

Firewood for sale. 541-573-5030 or 541-589-1311. BR 12/7/11 TFN
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Dry, split Pine firewood $140/cord — Delivered locally. Call 541-589-0283 AW 2/1 1t

HAY/LIVESTOCK FEED

Alfalfa hay, oat hay, small bales. 541-493-4669 JW 2/1-22 4t
____________________
Grass hay, 2-string, small bales, 75-80 lbs, $155/ton, delivery extra. 541-573-7796 NJ 1/18-2/8 4t
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Corn stalk bales, 3x4x8 approx. weight 1,000 lbs. Delivery available. $50/ton. 503-502-4069. Inquire anytime. Approx. 700 bales available. Located in Vale. TF 1/11-2/1 4t

SERVICES OFFERED

Piano Lessons
Beginner to advanced, all ages, fun and creative repertoire, 30 years experience, degree in music. 541-573-5346 LG 1/11-2/1 4t
____________________
Computer
Questions?
Zieber Computer
Repair / Tutoring
•Repairs, Maintenance, Sales, Parts
•Upgrades, Installations, •Personalized/Group
Tutoring
•Senior Citizen Discount
“Now Offering Rentals!”
Microsoft Certified
Professional (MCP) A+
(541) 573-1143
jonzieber@yahoo.com
JZ 1/12-TFN

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

2,000 gallon diesel fuel tank, $1,500/OBO. Allen hay rake, good condition, $4,500/OBO. 541-403-1739 TL 1/11/12 TFN
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Log truck loads: Firewood, house logs, saw logs, post and poles. 541-493-2162. GC 6/22/11-6/19/12 63t

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

Marylhurst Apartments: Low-income housing for senior and disabled. All utilities paid. 541-573-7119. TDD 711. MJE 2/1/12 TFN
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1 and 2 bdrm apartments now available. Close to downtown and shopping. Ask about move-in special. For more information call Brian, 541-493-2522. Mc 8/12/09 TFN
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Very nice 2 large bdrm, 2 bath, dishwasher, laundry room, garden tub, skylights, $475/mo. + dep. W/S/G paid. Half off 1st month’s rent! Hines, 541-573-3220. HRVP 2/1/12 TFN
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2 bdrm, 1 bath, woodstove, garage, good condition and Hines location at 420 N. Roanoke. Small house pets only. Big lot. $500/mo. by application. 503-807-8191 SL 2/1 1t
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3 bedroom 2 bath available now. 541-493-2740. MK 1/25-2/15 4t
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Newer mobile, 2 bdrm, 1 bath garden tub, kitchen bar, w/d hookups, water, sewer, garbage paid, half off 1st month’s rent! $425/mo. + dep. Hines, 541-573-3220. HRVP 12/7/11 TFN
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2 bdrm, 1 bath apartment, $450/mo., $400 dep. Call Sheree at 541-589-3090. KR 12/21 TFN
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In Burns, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, appliances included, fenced yard, dog kennel, storage shed and detached garage. 531-493-2440. DN 12/21/11 TFN
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Nice 3 bdrm, 2 bath, large living room, kitchen area, carport, storage shed, W/S/G paid, half off 1st month’s rent! $475/mo. + dep. Hines, 541-573-3220 HRVP 2/1/12 TFN
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For rent: Nice 3 bdrm, 1 bath house, no smoking, no pets, references required. $550/mo. + $300 dep. Call Lee, 541-493-2039 LW 2/1-8 2t
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3 bdrm, 2 bath house. 2 bdrm house. 2 bdrm house. Mary Jo Eshelby Property Management, 541-573-7119, 541-589-1617 MJE 1/11/12 TFN

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE

For Rent: Office/retail space, 57 W. Washington, Suite B, $400/mo. Commercial zoned, handicap bathrooms, covered walkway! 541-589-4142. CY 10/12/11 TFN

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Want to own your own home? Come talk to us! Payments under $495! Water, sewer, garbage paid, Hines RV Park. Come see our improvements and newer mobiles! New Owners. Background checks. 541-573-3220. DM 8/31 TFN

MOBILE HOMES

SETUP – SITEWORK
– FOUNDATIONS –
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Call Brian Richardson at
Bighorn Enterprises, Inc.
CCB# 74197
Call 541-589-3249
BR 6/1/11 TFN
____________________
1999 3b/2b manufactured home. Delivered and set-up to Burns area. Only $26,900. Please call 541-548-5511. J&MH 2/1-22 4t

AUTO PARTS

Four cylinder motor w/ 3 spd transmission and rear end. Came out of 1930 Model A. All original, in good running condition. Call 435-640-1529 RL 2/1-22 4t

AUTOS

For sale: Perfect gift for that someone special. 2008 Toyota Tundra Limited Edition. Excellent condition, low mileage, one owner. For details call 541-589-1584 RM 01/25/12-02/15 4t

Plan to deal with wolves that kill livestock must be in place by Feb. 15

By Jennifer Jenks
Burns Times-Herald

Being given just a month to come up with a plan for the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant Program, the Harney County Court elected to form a Harney County Advisory Wolf Committee at their meeting Jan. 18. The application process opened Jan. 12 and closes Feb. 15.

“This is a nightmare that’s been dropped in our laps very suddenly by ODA,” County Judge Steve Grasty said, “and now this committee has to come up with a plan by Feb. 15.” Grasty added that if a plan is not in place by that date and wolves kill livestock here, the owners will not be compensated.

The ODA requires the committee to be made up of one county commissioner, two members who manage or own livestock and two members who advocate wolf conservation or wolf co-existence with ranchers. The committee must then choose two business members from the community, making a total of seven committee members.
With the deadline approaching so quickly, Grasty advised the only option would be to form the committee, have them look at Wallowa County’s plan (which is the only county that has one done) and come up with a plan based on that.

Commissioner Dan Nichols agreed to be the county court representative. The board discussed other possible committee members and came up with some possibilities to contact. The board passed a motion to appoint the named individuals if they are willing to serve and gave Nichols authority to fill any vacancies with anyone he feels appropriate, in the interest of time. They agreed to revisit committee membership and set the terms of the committee after the Feb. 15 deadline.

•••
Harney County resident Mary Ausmus, in attendance, questioned the current purpose of the justice court and whether it was needed. Judge Grasty told her there had been a lot of discussion about this issue over the last year in particular. In a county our size, he said, with all the traffic and wildlife violations, justice court is an absolute necessity. In addition, small claims court is a less restrictive way for people to work out their differences.

It was explained that the criminal proceedings have moved to circuit court since the beginning of the year, and with the added workload on circuit court, there may be an eventual redistricting in which Grant and Harney counties will no longer have to share a judge, but that justice court will still be necessary and a service to the community. There was no update as to an appointment to replace Justice of the Peace Matt Fine, who is stepping down at the end of this month.

•••
Chris Siegner, director of Symmetry Care, gave an update on the services, finances and goals of the facility. There have been no interruptions in services, and they have implemented a walk-in schedule that has improved access to services.

Siegner discussed quality assurance goals including prompt follow-up once an assessment has been made and adding on a private area for emergency situations. He advised a recent site review undertaken at Liberty House, one of their treatment facilities, was better than when they were Harney Behavioral Health, and were actually licensed for two years this time, which is unusual.

Siegner said Symmetry Care was actually profitable in December, but they are currently $267,000 in arrears, most of which is owed by the state. Most of the fault for that lies with Symmetry Care, he said, because of some billing program issues.

•••
Guy McKay, veterans services officer, presented the quarterly update for the Veterans’ Services Office. He stated he had 76 scheduled interviews in the last quarter, not including walk-ins and seven out-of-office interviews, where he goes to Drewsey, Fields, Crane or elsewhere for scheduled interviews.

McKay has been getting a lot of positive response to his weekly radio show and has had interest for him to expand it to other counties. It would be no extra time or resources for him because he would simply be sending out the same show to the other counties with the contact information changed. “If I can get one guy out of 100 to come in and file a claim, it’s worth it,” he said.

The court was agreeable to this, but recommended he discuss it with veterans services officers in those counties first. Harney County Senior Center Director Angie Iturbide advised there were no financial issues with the program, as it was paying its way.

•••
In other news, the court:

• heard from Darrell Williams, community service supervisor, who was in attendance to update the court on the community service group. In 2011, between the county and both cities, 9,840 hours of community service were performed. Most service is performed cleaning up around the cities and around the county, but he said they were always looking for suggestions on what needs to be done;

• agreed to submit an Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Issue Form regarding the Oregon Department of State Lands’ revising its Real Estate Management Plan (REAMP). This new REAMP, the AOC is concerned, may impact county tax bases and local businesses;

• signed orders appointing Scott Spence, M.D., as the County Health Officer (it was pointed out that this is for public health and not for hospice); Julie Burri as Harney County Medical Investigator; Sandra L. Richards, Stephen Finlayson and Matthew R. Fine as Harney County Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore; and Steven E. Grasty as Budget Officer, all for the year 2012;

• approved and signed Resolution #2012-01 In The Matter of Appropriating Funds Due to Unexpected Occurrence or Condition dealing with Taylor Grazing Fund;

• opened two proposals for Forest Health Grant Funds, one from Timber Contracting Tony Hauth and the other from Joseph’s Juniper Inc. As stated at the last meeting, a committee will be formed made up of three community members who will be asked to get back to the court with recommendations by Feb. 1. The court discussed possibly setting aside $100,000 each year for projects like this without limiting them to forest health. Grasty said he would see what he could do while working on the budget;

• voted to use LGPI to carry on labor negotiations with the Harney County Deputy Sheriff’s Association;

• Scheduled two more interviews for the Harney County Home Health Director position for Jan. 24.

The next county court meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. in Grasty’s office at the Harney County Courthouse.

Thefts totaled more than $30,000 worth of property; all suspects are in jail

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office announced that on Jan. 11, the Harney County Grand Jury issued a 19-count indictment on recent burglaries and thefts.

The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Oregon State Police and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office in which more than $30,000 worth of property was stolen in burglaries in Harney County.

The following people were arrested after several searches were conducted in Harney, Lane and Union counties:

Jennifer Dawn Griffin, 31, was charged with three counts of theft in the first degree;

Jerrod Daniel Griffin, 33, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, theft I by receiving (3 counts), burglary II and aggravated theft I;

Nickolas Dean Bleuler, 18, was charged with theft I by receiving (2 counts), burglary II and aggravated theft I;

Honey Lenn Schatz, 44, was charged with burglary II;

Michael Ken Pannell, 44, was charged with burglary II, possession of marijuana (more than one ounce) and felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts);

Misty Rae Pannell, 31, was charged with possession of marijuana (more than one ounce).

The state is also seeking forfeiture of an SUV used in the commission of the thefts.

Arraignments were scheduled for Jan. 18 on all but Jarrod Griffin, who is currently serving a sentence in the Malheur County Jail.

There are still several items that were not recovered. If anyone has information regarding these individuals and property, contact the Harney County Sheriff’s Office at 541-573-6156.

Eastern Oregon towns spend more on public safety than collected in property tax

A new report from the League of Oregon Cities finds that Oregon’s cities have yet to bottom out from the recent economic recession, and that many cities are pessimistic about a rebound in the near future.

“State of the Cities” combines survey data from 178 cities with an in-depth analysis of five years of annual financial data from 50 cities throughout Oregon. According to the report: “Revenues are down and rainy day funds are drying up. Stimulus funds will soon be exhausted. Services have been cut and will likely be cut further — all at a time when citizen demand for services is increasing. For most cities, balancing their budgets will be an increasingly difficult task.”

The report found that many Oregon cities spend more on public safety alone than they collect in property taxes, the largest source of revenue for the vast majority of cities. Of the 40 cities analyzed that have police and/or fire departments, the average city spent exactly 100 percent of property tax collections on public safety, and some cities spent far more, including the cities of John Day, Union, Pendleton, Lakeview and Burns in Eastern Oregon.

The report also finds:
• Revenues of the 50 cities analyzed have declined over the last five fiscal years, with governmental fund revenues down nearly four percent;

• The “rainy day fund” (for most cities, the governmental balance fund), has plummeted 16 percent over the same time period;

• 42 percent of survey cities report being less able to address their financial needs this year than they were the year prior, and nearly half of survey respondents believe that they will be even less able to meet financial needs next year; and

• The cities analyzed reduced governmental fund expenditures by 3.9 percent since the start of the recession.
Smaller cities dipped into their savings accounts more frequently than others, with 56 percent of survey respondents with populations less than 5,000 reporting a decrease in their general fund balances in FY2010-11.

Cities making tough choices
In the face of falling revenues, cities have enacted a number of measures to limit or reduce expenses, including workforce reductions. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, local governments in Oregon cut 119 police officers and 100 additional police personnel between 2009 and 2010, an average reduction of 2.15 percent of officers, and a 2.78 percent reduction in total police staff. Local governments also eliminated 217 firefighting positions during that time, a 6.5 percent reduction in firefighters.

In addition to reducing their workforces, cities have taken other steps to align revenues and expenditures. For example:

• 38 percent of cities have reduced road maintenance;
• 37 percent have reduced staff and/or operations at city hall;
• 30 percent have cut total operating spending;
• 25 percent have cut infrastructure spending; and
• 24 percent have increased their employees’ contribution to health insurance.

Beyond cutting core services like public safety, important quality-of-life programs have also faced severe cutbacks. While not all cities have libraries, park programs, senior services, etc., those that do are scaling them back significantly. Thirty-three percent of cities surveyed that devote resources to parks and recreation activities and facilities report reducing that support over the past several years, and 28 percent report reducing support for local libraries and social services.

Service demands are rising all around
These cuts have been made at a time when citizen demand for services has increased and is expected to continue increasing. More than 48 percent of survey respondents reported seeing an increase in demand for services over the past several years, and almost half of responding cities believe that citizen demand for services will increase further in the future.

“The current challenges facing cities are not just the result of the economic downturn,” LOC Executive Director Mike McCauley warns. “These problems are the result of structural revenue limitations and rising expenditures over which cities have little control, such as health care and pension costs. With very limited options, many cities are left with no option but to reduce essential services and maintenance. This will further erode their ability to effectively provide the platform for Oregon’s future job growth and economic health.”

About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities is a voluntary association representing all 242 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The league helps cities serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance and publications.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

It was a successful road trip to John Day for the Hilander varsity basketball teams on Friday, Jan. 20, as they both came up with wins over Grant Union.

The Burns girls improved to 3-1 in the Eastern Oregon League (EOL), 13-4 overall, with a convincing 67-20 over the Prospectors.

The Hilanders dominated both ends of the court from the outset as they took a 29-6 lead in the first quarter, and led 46-7 at the half.

Burns eased up in the second half and cruised to the win.

Shelby Sanders dropped in 20 points, including two 3-pointers, to lead the Hilanders’ offense. Charlie Siegner added 14 points and Abbey Fenton notched a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hilander defense came up with 31 steals, led by Maddye Dinsmore and Fenton with seven apiece.

1    2     3    4   Final
Bur    29   17    7   14   67
GU      6     1    8     5   20

Burns
Dinsmore4-6 0-0 8, Houck 2-6 1-2 5, Herrera 1-5 3-4 5, Sanders 8-19 2-2 20, Bodeen 2-2 0-0 4, Fenton 5-8 0-0 11, Siegner 7-11 0-0 14, Reid 0-4 0-0 0.Totals 29-61 6-8 67.
Three-point goals — Sanders 2, Fenton.

•••
The Burns boys topped Grant Union 55-50.

The win keeps the Hilanders in second place in the Eastern Oregon League with a 3-1 record, while the Prospectors drop to 2-2.

The Hilanders jumped ahead by seven in the first quarter, but had their lead cut to two by halftime.

The Prospectors tied the game at 42-42 by the end of the third, and the Hilanders outscored Grant Union 13-8 over the final eight minutes to get the win.

Kieran Colahan led the Hilanders with 13 points and 15 rebounds, Austin Feist had 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals, Tanner Crafts had nine points and Casey Heinz added eight points, six rebounds and three assists.

1    2     3    4   Final
Bur    18   11   13   13    55
GU     11   16   15    8     50

The Hilanders continue EOL with a road doubleheader this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 27, Burns plays at Riverside, with the games starting at 3 p.m.. Then on Saturday, Jan. 28, the Hilanders are at Umatilla, with games tipping off at noon.

A public scoping meeting to solicit public comments and identify issues for the BLM and FS National Greater Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Harney County Senior Center, 17 S. Alder in Burns, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A nutrition workshop, sponsored by Harney District Hospital and The Aspens, will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Aspens conference room. Learn how to set goals, identify challenges, make action plans and get started. The workshop will be hosted by Amy Dobson, HDH dietary supervisor, and Pat Hanlon, Aspens activity director. For more information, contact Hanlon at 541-573-2222.

A blood drive will be held at the First Baptist Church, 777 N. Saginaw in Hines, Wednesday, Jan. 25, from noon until 5 p.m. Make an appointment today by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit: redcrossblood.org

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 North 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.

Burns Hines Liquor Store in Ponderosa Village holds a free wine-tasting event the last Wednesday of each month, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring 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.

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, 541-573-6670.

Burns Elks Lodge, 118 North Broadway, meets each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Foursquare Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

So, you want to be a coupon queen (or king)? Well, come on down! A coupon class will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Harney County Senior and Community Service Center, 17 S. Alder in Burns. All ages are welcome, and no question is too small!

“Using An Online Food Journal,” a presentation by Wendy Reid sponsored by Harney District Hospital, will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Reid will show how to use this tool to improve accountability and weight loss. Reid has personally lost over 40 pounds in the past year, and food journaling has been an important component of her plan. Learn how to track your foods and their nutrient levels. For more information, contact Sonni Svejcar, 541-573-8614.

Ford Pathways to Community Vitality will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Harney County Community Center. Register online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/HarneyCountyForum

A blood drive will be held at the First Baptist Church, 777 N. Saginaw in Hines, Thursday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Make an appointment today by calling the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit: redcrossblood.org

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.

An Alzheimers Support Group meets each Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Harney County Senior Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Chamber Music Bell Choir meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 393 West A. Street. Bell ringers are being recruited. For information, call Carol Sawyer, 541-573-6886.

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.

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