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About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 9, 2015)
10 — THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015 Local Sumpter Valley Community Volunteers have annual meet • GROUP NOW HAS NONPROFIT 501(c)3 STATUS BY MEGHAN ANDERSCH Meghan@TheBakerCountyPress.com “We’re an enthusiastic bunch with big dreams,” said LeAnne Woolf, secretary of the new(ish) organization Sumpter Val- ley Community Volunteers (SVCV). The group received 501(c)3 status in June of this year. They dissolved their steering committee and elected regular officers in their first Annual Meeting on September 19th. Woolf, who dealt with the IRS and State and wrote the articles of incor- poration and the bylaws for the group, said they have a fairly broad mission statement. Woolf explained that the IRS has 10 exempt purposes for charitable organizations and that SVCV used three of them: erection or maintenance of public buildings, monu- ments, or works; lessening burdens of government; and combating community deterioration. John Young, who served as president for the Steer- ing Committee, said the purpose of forming SVCV was to form a totally non- political organization and have an organization that “encompasses the entire historical area of Sumpter and the people in it.” He said SVCV is happy to have any interested people get involved. Members of SVCV and the Sumpter area held a work day in August tightening and refinishing Breakfast Club benches that sit in various places Photo courtesy of Sumpter Valley Community Volunteers. Volunteers stain benches during one community-wide work party. around town. After completing the work, they enjoyed a pot- luck lunch together. Woolf said SVCV is working on a project to clean up around a histori- cal building that was the original steam plant for Sumpter. The building provided electricity for the town for several years. They are also looking at restaining sign boards for Sumpter’s walking tour. Woolf said folks would also like to see SVCV get involved in assisting with clean up in the historic portion of the Sumpter Cemetery. SVCV will also be able to hold fundraisers for community organizations, including local museums and both rural fire depart- ments and will support such community events as Music in the Meadow. Young invited members or any interested persons with ideas for improv- ing the area to bring the information forward so members can get a list of project ideas. Woolf explained that project areas can eventu- ally include Sumpter, Lockhart, Salisbury, and at least as far down as the dam. She shared her vision for possible future endeavors of SVCV, in- cluding museum expansion and interactive exhibits. SVCV is membership- based with dues of $25 per individual or $40 for two adults with children under 18. However, as their website states, “this does not mean you are required to be a member to be involved. We would like to invite all residents of Sumpter and the Sumpter Valley to become in- volved.” Business meetings, New Sumpter Council looks to future BY MEGHAN ANDERSCH Meghan@TheBakerCountyPress.com As of the end of last month, Sumpter not only has a full roster of City Councilors, but a new mayor as well. Leland Myers was ap- pointed mayor at a City Council meeting on Sep- tember 22nd. Myers is a long-time resident of Sumpter and served on City Council some years ago. Myers also has a long and varied history of volunteering in the area, including as a charter member of the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restora- tion in 1971. Regarding current issues facing the Council, Myers remarked, “We need to walk into problems care- fully and get them solved.” He said he is looking forward to “getting as many problems resolved as possible and having peace and harmony” in town. Myers joins Councilors Ann Oakley, Robert Arm- bruster, Cary Clarke, and Samantha Rowan. Clarke and Rowan were sworn in as Councilors on September 8. Clarke had previously served on the town’s Plan- ning Commission. Recall elections were held earlier this fall for Sumpter mayor Me- lissa Findley and Council members Ann Oakley and LeAnne Woolf. Woolf was recalled by one vote in an election concluding September 15th. Armbruster said the pre- vious administration under Findley was dedicated to “transparency, holding in- dividuals accountable, and doing things right.” He expressed concern that things in the City may go back to the way they have been in the past, but said he wants to hang in as long as possible on the Council. He said there are a few things he would like to see addressed, including secu- rity of personnel files. Other City Councilors either had no comment or could not be reached in time for this article. Sumpter’s next City Council meeting will be October 13th at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Dutch Oven cookoff ahead at Interpretive Center The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Trail Tenders volunteer group are host- ing a Dutch Oven Cook-off on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the outdoor Wagon Encampment. The Cast Iron Chef Cook-off is a fun team competition celebrating open air cooking, commu- nity, and the local harvest. Ten teams of up to three people each will be assigned an open fire cook space at the Trail Center outdoor wagon encamp- ment. All equipment and in- gredients are supplied, and teams have three hours to produce a meal. Teams can find more in- formation and register for the cook-off at trailtenders. org or by calling 541-523- 1852. held the third Saturday of the month at the Masonic Lodge, are open to the public. Work days are also non- exclusive and nonmembers are welcome to join in. Young emphasized that SVCV is a very friendly group that wants to benefit Sumpter. More information and membership applications can be accessed at http:// sumptervolunteers.word- press.com. The group also has a Facebook site under Sumpter Volunteers. The next meeting of SVCV is October 17th at 10 AM at the Masonic Lodge. Obituaries CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Leland U. Fortner In retirement, Lee and Dee traveled extensively, taking part in many Elderhostel programs, learning about the history and culture of many different places in the US, as well as extended journeys to Australia and Europe. He and Dee also played active roles in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives, traveling often to visit them all. He stayed active physically, playing golf and bowling for many years. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Diona, and their three children, Raymond (Ann), Douglas (Kathy) and Roxane Frostad (Mick). He is also survived by his younger brother Ross and nephews James Fortner (Kay), and Richard Fortner (Nancy), and their families. Surviving grandchildren are Aidan Fortner, Mark Fort- ner, Clair Fortner, Noah Fortner, Michael Frostad, and Ryan Frostad (Kirsten). Lee touched and affected many lives during his life, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 10th, at 2:00 pm at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Kenne- wick Avenue, Kennewick. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Lee’s name to Trail Seekers of Kennewick, 1035 Pattyton Lane, Richland, WA 99352. Names released in fatal crash Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into this morning's fatal crash on highway 82 near milepost 5, just North of La Grande in Union County. Upon arriving on scene, emergency crews found two vehicles had collided head-on and were still in the road- way. Preliminary information indicates that on October 5th, 2015, at approximately 6:40 a.m., a red in color 2005 Dodge Durango operated by Jason Tyler Parsons, age 18, of Elgin, had been traveling westbound on Highway 82 when the Durango crossed over the center line for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound green in color 2000 International commercial motor vehicle, operated by David Lamont Zemmer, age 29, of Baker City, nearly head-on. Zemmer reported minor injuries and Parsons was pro- nounced deceased on scene. Highway 82 was shut down for over four hours, with intermittent one lane openings. OSP is being assisted by the Union County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Island City Fire Department and La Grande Fire Depart- ment. Highway 82 was closed for several hours as the investigation was conducted and the wreckage removed. MOVI NG AUCTI ON Horse Draw n Vehicles- Antiques/ Collectibles-Tools- Misc. Shop Saturday Oct. 17th, 2015 Time:10:00 A.M. PDT • Sale Located at: 73972 Hw y. 82, Elgin, Ore. Sale Located at: 73972 Hwy #82. East on Hwy #82 to the intersection of Hwy 82/ Hindman Rd. (mile post 25.6) Terms: Cash or bankable check day of sale. No merchandise removed prior to settlement. 10% buyers premium. Concessions available on site. Auctioneers Note: Cliff and Judy Tschirgi have been business owners/ranchers in the Grand Rhonde Valley for more than 35 years. With a change in direction, they are down- sizing their nice, clean property at auction. Plan on attending this unique auction sale. Horse Drawn Vehicles: late 1800's Surrey w/fringe top; late 1800's Dr.'s buggy w/ new old stock runners included, both have new uphol- stery and are restored, shaves and tongue avail- able; 4 seat sleigh w/original shaves and original mohair upholstery. Carriage Horse: Good looking registered Morgan Palomino gelding, 14.2H, 900 lbs.(ap- prox) 9 yo. Professionally trained to drive and ride. Point earner is different shows. Collectibles: 3-wood burning stoves, Colonial cook stove (Portland Iron works), Dow- agic stove, Great Western Duplex wood stove; 3- cast iron bath tubs; Stanley # 35 rabbit plane, #6 jack plane; Prairie #2 25 lb. Brass spring scale; vintage logging tongs; nice 24 slot oak letter rack; Maytag wringer washer; one-lunger washing machine engine; antique tools; dual can dispenser 7-up vending machine w/key; 1920's G.E./Hotpoint automatic electric range (very clean); Duncan-Pfiffe table and chairs; nice faint- ing couch (ready to be re-finished); 7 ft. buffet (probably oak); 1920's bridge lamp; 5 gal. And 2 gal. Wearever cast aluminum stock pots; Ruby Red punch bowl set; 6 pt Elk mount; Black Bear head mount; neat and clean steamer trunk w/ original drawers and hangers; vintage bat wing chaps; Saddles and Tack: 15 1/2” bench made cutting saddle (D. Cunningham-G. Von Dohns maker, Union, Or.), 15 1/2” Herford by Tex Tan (old style); 3- 13 and 13” saddles, good quality; 3 sawbuck saddles; 1 pr. Ralhide back boxes; 1 pr. Pack bags; 2-Australian stock saddles; 1 pr. Saddlebags; more to find. Furniture and Appliances: White Kenmore 400 washing machine; white Kenmore 18 cu. ft. double door refrigerator; maroon Laz- E-Boy couch w/dual recliners; beige 4’ round great chair/couch; Hamilton-Beach convection oven; central vacuum system, new in box; like new NordicTrak Tread Climber exercise ma- chine; wrought iron style patio furniture; wicker furniture;more to find. Shop and Misc.: Bark Buster (P.T.O. Wood splitter); P.T.O post auger w/12” bit; 16 ft. Pow- der River Classic gate; misc. panels; Lincoln 225 Amp arc welder; a good selection of Craftsman power tools to include, 20 gal., 2hp air compres- sor; 12” table saw w/extensions; Radial arm saw; 6” joiner; 12” band saw; Shaper; 5 hp single phase pump; John Deere RX75 riding lawn mower; 20+ 4 X 4 X 8 pressure treated posts; ap- prox. 22 7' mid-weight T-posts; partial roll Red Brand barb wire; 134A Freon w/ hoses; Echo PB- 1010 leaf blower; McCullough Silver Eagle 3420 chain saw; high wheel lawn mower; Hi-Lift jack; new deep sink; 4 rolls 1 1/2” fire hose; frost free hydrants; broadcast spreader; locust firewood; new Camp Chef 2 burner gas stove; new Cole- man 2 burner propane stove; Coleman 2 burner gas stove; Misc. camping and fishing equipment. more to find. Partial list only: As we find more during set up we will post those that warrant advertis- ing on our web site. For pictures to to www.snakeriverauction.com. To arrange absentee or telephonic bidding call Roger at (541)212-5918. Preview Friday Oct. 16th. 12-4:00 p.m. Sale Conducted by Snake River Auction L.L.C. P.O. Box 672 Payette, I d. 83661 ( 541) 212-5918
