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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 11, 2017)
Wallowa County Chieftain wallowa.com News/Community Fishtrap set for Big Read Join Fishtrap this winter as The Big Read celebrates Tim O’Brien’s classic novel, “The Things They Carried,” his semi-autobiographical ac- count of a young platoon on the battlefi elds of Vietnam. Fishtrap kicks off The Big Read on Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. at Hurricane Creek Grange Hall with a book give- away, a screening of the docu- mentary “Dick Cavett’s Viet- nam,” and Hurricane Creek Grange Hall pies. Learn more about the novel, “The Things They Carried” and all The Big Read events coming in the next two months including fi lms, expert guests, a special veterans art exhibit, a writing workshop, and a 1960s fash- ion show dance party. January 11, 2017 A3 T AKING THE PLUNGE “Dick Cavett’s Vietnam” is a PBS documentary that examines the war and its im- pact on America through in- terviews conducted on “The Dick Cavett Show,” a TV talk show that featured thought- ful conversation and debate from all sides of the politi- cal spectrum. The program combines interviews from Cavett’s show with archival footage, network news broad- casts, and footage from the Vietnam War. The juxtaposi- tion of interviews with celeb- rities, politicians, protesters and veterans gives historical insight into the complexities of America’s involvement in Vietnam and context as read- ers and participants examine the lessons learned. Kathleen Ellyn/Chieftain The number of crazy people in Wallowa County is growing! Approximately 41 individuals made it to the 2017 Polar Plunge on Jan 1, with another 15 latecomers making a second wave. Co-founder of the event, Rodd Ambroson said regular swimmers were watching their outdoor thermometers closely as temperatures dropped, afraid they would be chopping ice in the morning. But the temperature was 18 degrees Sunday morning and the lake itself was much warmer — not that plungers would call it anything but shocking. O BITUARY Scott Colony Scott Edward Colony was born in Cedar Rapids Iowa, June 11, 1952 to Dorothy and Charles Colo- ny. He grew up in Albany, Oregon, graduating from West Albany High School in 1970. He attended both U of O and OSU, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Scott and his fi rst wife, Kathleen, raised three children: John, Abram and Connie. During these years, he managed the Arrowhead truck stop in Pendleton for 10 years, traveled in sales, and was the branch manager at U.S. Bank in Corvallis. Scott moved to Wallowa County in January 2001 after marry- ing his high school friend, June Davis. He worked at various jobs: the Joseph mill, fence building, weed control and as a car salesman. He fi nally found his calling when hired to work for the Cen- ter for Wellness, fi rst as the administrator for the Wallowa River House, and a few years later as their “person of all skills” employ- ee. Plumbing, electrical, roofi ng, fi xing engines, assembling furni- ture, painting buildings; these were the practical things he excelled in. However, if a client needed meds, a friend or an ability to cook their own meals, Scott was ready to help. He was about to start his fi rst year as a full-time case worker when he went on his last hunt up Bear Creek on Dec. 17. Hunting was in his DNA. His father brought him to the Wenaha country to hunt when he was just a boy, and he could weave in and out of the forests in pursuit of his game with a natural grace and skill. He said that he had never been “lost” while hunting, just “misplaced” for a while. Scott also had a passion for fi rewood. Mostly he liked to be in the woods, and fi rewood was his other excuse to go out and be in God’s beautiful creation. He had a knack for fi nding that elusive dead tamarack in thickets others had missed. He made sure that June never had to go further than her back porch to get stove wood. Scott’s greatest asset was his huge capacity to love. It fueled his unending kindness, his willingness to see beyond any human frail- ty of mental illness, or inability to function in society. Scott loved and supported someone exactly where they were. As the Presbyterian church elder, the sidewalks were always shoveled, the lawns mowed, bells rang, programs passed the com- munion shared. All done with quiet attention. As the Master of the South Fork Grange, he was steady in his leadership and passionate about his membership in this national organization. He attended the national conference in 2016, and also participated in State Grange functions as their Region 6 Legislative Committee representative. Scott was proceeded in death by his mother, father, and sister; Cynthia Miles. Survivors include brother Paul Colony, sister Lynn Huber and wife June Colony. Memorial services will be Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Liberty Grange Hall. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the service at 11:00 and a potluck to follow. Lostine Presbyterian pastor Stephen Kliewer offi ciating. All who knew Scott are invited to come, share stories and celebrate his life. Contributions to Wallowa County Search and Rescue and the South Fork Grange #605 can be made in memory of Scott. New member stirs up Joseph City Council at fi rst meeting By Steve Tool Wallowa County Chieftain Joseph’s new city councilor made an auspicious beginning to his political career, asking the council not to award grant money to three applicants and instead give the money to an- other organization. Tom Clevenger, in his fi rst council meeting Jan. 5, could convince no one else of his plan. The disagreement was over hotel and motel tax funds, about $10,000, that are given to the city from the county. Orga- nizations can apply to receive those dollars, which are used to boost tourism and the economy. Mayor Dennis Sands had previously appointed Clev- enger, along with council- ors George Ballard and Pearl Sturm, to a committee that would decide which grants, if any, would get awarded. The Josephy Center asked for $2,000 to be used to print arts-focused brochures, Wal- lowa County Farmers Market asked for $1,000 to help fund their music acts and Maxville Heritage Center asked for a $700 grant to help with a spring presentation. Clevenger reported that the group met Dec. 20 and con- sidered the applications and recommended not to award funds to any of the applicants. He said the committee decided that the nonprofi ts were using the grants to augment their op- erating budgets. Clevenger did say that the committee voted to give $2,000 to the Joseph City Park playground renovation project and keep the rest of the available funds to spruce up the city’s Main Street. The available funds from the tax amounted to slightly more than $10,000. Councilor Teresa Sajonia thanked Clevenger for the committee’s efforts but point- ed out the tradition of using the funds to help local non- profi ts and events. She also added that the council had already contributed money to the playground renovation project. “To (keep) available sup- port from these nonprofi ts, and by saying no to all of them, we’re basically disre- garding the importance of these groups,” she said. Clevenger denied that was what the committee intended, but Sajonia said the decision came across that way. “If we say no to these groups after they met the cri- teria, it’s a slap in the face to them in my opinion,” she said. “It just wasn’t awarded to them,” Clevenger respond- ed. “It had nothing to do with whether they deserved the money or were entitled to it.” During more discussion, Clevenger argued for us- ing the additional $8,000 for downtown upgrades. “Main Street is tourism,” he said. “People come here for Main Street ... we thought it was a better use for that money than to get brochures or have musicians playing on Saturday or to have an event MEDICARE BIRTHDAY RULE If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan you have 30 days after your birthday to compare & apply for a new Supplement Plan. H appy 60 tH W edding anniversary to Call Kathleen TODAY to discuss your options for a lower Medigap premium. Ron & Barb Arthur 541-426-4208 of Wallowa Locally owned & operated 616 W. North Street, Enterprise 720 months of memories and 21,900 days of life’s challenges. The diamond anniversary and the love you share is the richest and rarest of them all. shown.” He added that, for example, many of the street’s fl ower boxes were in need of repair. Sajonia noted that the city already has a separate hotel/ motel tax devoted to Main Street maintenance. “I’m just trying to look at them (the applicants) as a whole and say, ‘Are they on a trend of being a problem, or are they on a trend of honor- ing the spirit of the grant?’” said councilor Tyler Evans. He added that he thought the grants would pay for them- selves with the additional dol- lars tourists would spend. After more discussion Cle- venger motioned to deny all the grant applications. No one seconded the motion. Evans motioned to grant all three applications, which Sands seconded. The motion passed 3-1 with Clevenger casting the dissenting vote. Rodd Clark, as well as com- mittee members and council- ors Ballard and Sturm, were absent. In other business: • The city awarded Steve Lindley Contracting of La Grande the contract to replace the effl uent mainline of the city’s sewer system with his bid of $169,996. • The council heard a presentation from Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness regarding its institution of a mobile health service. • Discussed streamlining sewer rates for Main Street businesses. • Revisited the long-run- ning problem of delivery trucks not using alleyways for deliveries. The city decided to send a letter to Sysco food de- livery service and Main Street businesses explaining that the city preferred that truck drivers use the alleyways. Thank you to these businesses, organizations & individuals for making the 2016 Elks Christmas Baskets a tremendous success • 4-H Nez Perce Riders • VFW #4307 Ladies’ Auxillary • Wallowa County Extension Office • Community Connections • Wallowa County Food Bank • Hurricane Creek Grange • Wallowa Methodist Resale Store • Jannuzzi U-Haul • Kevin’s Tire Shop • Enterprise Flower Shop • Wallowa County Care Center • Enterprise Police Dept. • Wallowa County Juvenile • Enterprise Dollar Stretcher • Mt. Joseph Family Foods • Wallowa Food City • Enterprise Safeway • City of Enterprise • Scott Miller • Pam Latta • Kathy Bingham Ride with us! LOVE, YOUR DAUGHTER TINA eek W e h t f o t n e d Stu Beth Johnston WALLOWA HIGH SCHOOL Introducing new Nurse Practitioner Beth Johnston is a senior at Wallowa High School and is the daughter of Melissa Zollman and Greg Johnston. Beth has been selected as student of the month because of her continuous improvement in the classroom earning a 4.0 GPA for 2nd Quarter. She has been involved in FFA, volleyball and basketball. Beth is an active FFA member and has taken advanced Ag. classes. She has been on several CDE teams as well. Beth plans to attend college at OCCC to study early childhood education. Proudly sponsored by Joseph 432-9050 Enterprise 426-4511 Wallowa 886-9151 The Student of the Week is chosen for academic achievement and community involvement. Students are selected by the administrators of their respective schools. Jennifer Barden Jennifer brings 17 years of nursing experience covering the areas of emergency, trauma, oncology, telemedicine, pediatrics and public health. Now, as a nurse practitioner, Jennifer can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, take care of your annual physical exams, and help you stay well. Now accepting new patients Schedule your appointment today! 541.426.7900 Mountain View Medical Group 603 Medical Parkway (next to Wallowa Memorial Hospital) Enterprise, Oregon 97828 We treat you like family 601 Medical Parkway, Enterprise, OR 97828 • 541-426-3111 • www.wchcd.org Wallowa Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Do you have a vehicle that is covered in ice and snow? Do you dread driving in wintery conditions? Well, Community Connection offers public transportation 5 days a week! We have a bus that is available to Enterprise and Joseph citizens Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. We also have a shopping bus that can run you around to do errands on Tuesday and Thursday! This bus serves the needs of folks from Wallowa, Lostine, Enterprise, and Joseph! For more information contact Danielle at 426-3840 C ommunity C onneCtion of W alloWa C ounty