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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 2020)
LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020 WALKOUTS Continued from Page 1A The proposed constitu- tional amendment, Baessler said, would oust legislators who have at least 10 unex- cused absences in a year. Republican state sena- tors — outnumbered by an 18-12 Democratic majority — staged two walkouts last year to prevent the Senate from going into session. The Oregon Legislature, one of just a few states with strict quorum rules, requires that two-thirds of the members be present to conduct busi- ness. The fi rst walkout failed to stop a new business tax, but Democrats did agree to drop bills dealing with guns and vaccinations to get the Republicans to return. The Burdick second walkout helped deep- six a bill on carbon emissions aimed at combatting climate change. Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, has introduced a constitu- tional amendment for the February session that would ask voters to remove the two-thirds quorum rule. But Burdick, Brown and House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, all played down the likelihood of moving forward with this proposal. “It’s always a heavy lift to go for a constitutional amendment,” said Burdick, WATCH Continued from Page 1A He said those involved are the eyes and ears of Elgin and that if they see something and it is an emergen- cy to call the sheriff’s offi ce and wait for law enforcement to arrive. “If you see critical information or a pattern, communicate that with us,” Rasmussen said. “It will help tie everything together.” A follow-up meeting will estab- lish block assignments, phone trees and related matters. Until then, members of the new watch can join a Facebook group created by Elgin resident Kristina Sanders. The “Community Watch Elgin, Continued from Page 1A spring and fall until 2008 when they moved full time to Joseph. For 10 years, they inserted themselves in their new community. She was a docent at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture and took yoga classes taught by Amy Zahm. The couple also volunteered at local events, such as Mule Days in Enterprise and the Fly-in at the Joseph Airport. But Fishtrap inspired her to write. “Fishtrap was instrumental in my connection with the community,” Adelhardt said. “I attended Summer Fishtrap, which launched me into writ- ing my memoir.” A Fishtrap intern, Katey Shultz, taught a memoir class at Fishtrap where Adelhardt began her transforma- tion from writing government memos to writing something people would fi nd interesting. After the internship, Shultz moved away, but she took on Adelhardt and two other students in a long-dis- tance writing course. Shannon McNerney, executive direc- tor of Fishtrap, is pleased with Adel- hardt’s publication. “Pat’s experience with Fishtrap is what we hope for when we put togeth- er our writing workshops. Everyone has a story to tell. Writing workshops are a great way to learn new skills, meet other writers and build confi - dence as you begin to write your story down.” As Adelhardt sent her writing to Shultz for review, she belonged to a writers group in Joseph called the Write Women, to whom she expressed her appreciation in the book’s Continued from Page 1A helping it raise money for local scholarships, support- ing its community sight and hearing programs and more. The Island City Lions Club raises much of its money through the annual Hog Wild Days celebration each June, which the organization puts on. Beeman played a prominent role in helping to run the event. Beeman was a member of the Island City Lions Club more than 25 years, serving as president for one. Dan Cosner, past president of the club, noted Beeman was the type of person he could turn to when he needed a morale lift. “She was my booster,” he said. Beeman’s perpetual com- mitment to helping others never ceased to amaze Cosner. Baertschigar Hansell but she suggested there could be discussion about “fi nes or some kinds of conse- quences.” Baessler said any legisla- tive action aimed at curbing walkouts just could trigger another absence by GOP lawmakers, who have re- fused to rule out taking that option again. A memo from a California polling fi rm that conducted research for the unions claims about two-thirds of likely general election voters are at least inclined to support a measure that would oust legislators who Or” Facebook page has more than 530 members as of Tuesday after- noon. Sanders reminded people at the meeting the page is for report- ing information only. “It is not the place for bashing, rumors or accusations,” she said. “We can do good things with this page as long as we stay focused.” Sanders explained group members can use the page to communicate when something has happened or to help people who may not want to go to the police directly. She said the page serves as a communication tool between the residents of Elgin and law enforce- ment. Eckstein added that law enforcement could use the page as ADELHARDT BEEMAN Kotek had at least 10 unexcused absences. The poll also shows 59% somewhat or strongly opposed to last year’s “re- peated walkouts” by Senate Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschigar, R- Grants Pass, said he didn’t know whether voters would support a ballot measure cracking down on unexcused absences. But he questioned how much it would really accomplish. Even if such a measure passed, Baertschigar said, “in districts like mine, they’ll (toss out a legislator) and people will just re-elect you again. I think it’s just a usual thing of Democrats fi gur- ing out another way to gain more power.” He also suggested Demo- crats should be careful what a lead in investigating a crime, but she reminded people that post- ing on Facebook is not the same thing as reporting it to the police. Rasmussen said if a crime occurs, residents should report it, but the sheriff’s offi ce will have eyes on the Facebook page to stay informed about citizens’ observations and concerns. “I want to make sure our neigh- borhood watch is doing this to help each other, not just complain about this or that,” resident B.J. Ruther- ford said. The city of Elgin contracts with the sheriff’s offi ce to provide law enforcement services. Three depu- ties cover the 633-acre town for “Pat’s experience with Fishtrap is what we hope for when we put together our writing workshops. Everyone has a story to tell. Writing workshops are a great way to learn new skills, meet other writers and build confi dence as you begin to write your story down.” — Shannon McNerney, executive director of Fishtrap acknowledgments: “It was so helpful to read my stories and get their support and critiques. It was a safe place to discuss what I was writing about. Listening to the writ- ings of women, how they expressed overcoming their struggles, inspired me to fi nd my voice and grow as a writer. “A writer’s voice is an indi- vidual’s writing style … how they put words together, how they punctu- ate, how the whole thing fl ows. It grabs the reader’s attention and helps establish a relation- ship be- tween the reader and the writer. I “She believed the best possible thing you could do was help the community,” he said. Beeman participated in the Lions Club with her husband of 56 years, Lowell. He served as a member of the La Grande Rural Fire Department for at least 40 years, during which time she became closely involved in helping the volunteer organization in an auxiliary capacity, extending a hand to fi refi ghters by bringing them meals at fi res and much more. Beeman was raised in Wallowa and graduated from La Grande High School in 1961. Those in her class included Lonnie Myers of Island City. “She was great to talk with. I will really miss her,” Myers said. Family friend Jeni Kayøa- Bonäqeraj of La Grande said Beeman represented more THE OBSERVER — 5A approximately $350,000 a year. Duffy said the city recently was approved for a private grant of $10,000, of which $5,000 will go toward law enforcement. The city plans to spend the remaining half on neighborhood watch materials, such as signs and stickers. Duffy after the meeting said he did not know off the top of his head who provided the grant. The Elgin watch group will use tools and tips from the National Neighborhood Watch Program, including the mantra: “If you see something, say something.” The phrase came up several times dur- ing the meeting. Duffy reminded residents they are the eyes and think my style is conversational.” Throughout her life, Adelhardt con- tended with periodic bouts of depres- sion. Infl uenced by her enigmatic fa- ther, she felt the sense of a black heavy cloud over her. With the help of mental health professionals, she was able to resolve her personal family history. “Do not be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone,” she advised anyone liv- ing with depression. Adelhardt realized the writing of her story was therapeu- tic: “A lot of soul-searching went on as I put the words on paper.” Adelhardt returned to the Maryland farm to take care of family matters and continues to expand her creative life. She has taken a course in voice acting and is marketing herself in that fi eld as well as promoting her book. “Far from the Tree” is available at the Bookloft in Enterprise, in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com and at local libraries. than Island City. “She was an ambassador for all humanity, a golden and giving individual,” she said. Kayøa-Bonäqeraj said Beeman was smart and witty and was not one to bur- den others with the health challenges she confronted later in life. they do, because they could someday fi nd themselves in the minority. For Sen. Bill Hansell, R- Athena, the idea of limiting unexcused absences is a sticky one in the aftermath of the two walkouts he par- ticipated in last session. “Those who supported the reason we walked are saying we represented our constitu- ents in what they elected us to do,” he said. “Those who didn’t support it say we neglected our jobs.” He compared the act of limiting unexcused ab- sences to opening Pandora’s Box, since approval for absences is determined in this case by Democratic leadership. “If you have a rule like this, all the party in power would have to do is not The title of Pat Adelhardt’s book, “Far from the Tree,” refers to her struggles to deal with her fa- ther’s Mafi a ties and other family issues. She was inspired to write her memoir through Fishtrap workshops and a Fishtrap writer’s group. approve the absences,” he said. “You open up a possible venue for real abuse.” Hansell also questioned the seriousness of the unions behind the proposed initiative. He said possible referendums popping up before a session weren’t uncommon. “I try to do what I believe is best for the citizens of my district and not be intimi- dated by outside interests’ threats of a possible refer- endum,” he told the East Oregonian in an email. Other local lawmakers Greg Smith, R-Heppner, and Greg Barreto, R-Cove, did not respond to a request for comment before publication. — East Oregonian reporter Jessica Pollard contributed to this report. ears of the town, but safety is im- portant and the goal of the watch is not to personally catch people and leave that to law enforcement. North Powder also has a neigh- borhood watch, Rasmussen said, but it is on a smaller scale. “I’m excited about the program, the citizens being active and help- ing police the city,” Rasmussen said. “It is always a team effort. We’ve had a lot of things that are brought to fruition based on citizen infor- mation.” The general consensus at the meeting was the hope the neigh- borhood watch brings crime down in Elgin and leads to locals looking out for one another. TREE FACT: Trees can help you find your way if you get lost in the woods. In the northern hemisphere, Always the rings of the tree are FREE Estimates slightly thicker on the southern side. In the 3110 10th Street, southern hemisphere, Baker City the opposite is true. Thank You Chamber Members Dining at the Landing Michael Santucci www.VisitUnionCounty.org 541-786-8984 Alliance Self Storage 2105 E L Ave., La Grande • allianceselfstorage123@gmail.com Call today to connect with a SENIOR LIVING ADVISOR INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Courtesy photo A Place for Mom has helped over a million families find senior living solutions that meet their unique needs. “She never complained about anything,” Kayøa- Bonäqeraj said. 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