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.
Howton said one term
comes to mind when she
thinks of Beeman.
“Her heart,” Howton said.
“She wanted the best for
everyone. Her heart for serv-
ing the community was in
everything she did.”
FAMILY
OWNED
There’s no cost to you!
(888) 651-5669
! We’re paid by our partner communities
Portable Oxygen For The Way You
Want to Live
Includes Everything You Need to Regain Your Freedom
At just 2.8* lbs, the Inogen One G4 is the ultralight portable oxygen
concentrator you have been waiting for. The Inogen One G4 is
approximately half the size of the Inogen One G3.
Meets FAA Requirements for Travel
JUST
2.8 LBS.
REQUEST YOUR FREE INFO KIT TODAY!
CALL TODAY! 1-855-839-0752
*With a single battery. © 2019 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.
BEST OF HAWAII
FOUR-ISLAND
TOUR
FROM
$
2,249
1,999 *
$
13 days, departs
year-round
TM
215 Elm Street La Grande (541) 963-5440
northwestfurnitureandmattress.com
1-877-840-6119
Promo code N7017
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus $ 299 taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may
apply. Add-on airfare available. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 3/31/20. Other terms and conditions may apply. Ask
your Travel Consultant for details.