FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015
THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS — 9
2015: A Year in Retrospect
March
April
March 20
April 24
Ash appointed sheriff. The Baker County Board of Commissioners welcomed a full
house once again on Wednesday, March 18, at the regular bi-monthly session at the
Baker County Courthouse, as the decision was made to appoint Lieutenant Travis Ash
as interim Baker County Sheriff, effective May 1.
Pine-Eagle teacher files suit over active shooter drill. An elementary school teacher
in Halfway filed a civil rights lawsuit last Friday afternoon against the Pine-Eagle
School District 61; Alpine Alarm Communications and Construction, LLC; the members
of the Pine-Eagle School Board at that time.
McCarty victorious. The court case Baker County versus David McCarty and his
business Columbia Basin Helicopter was resolved when on March 6, 2015, Oregon
Circuit Court Judge Ronald Pahl handed down a decision in favor of McCarty and his
agricultural helicopter business.
Nonpartisan issue heats up. Initiative 1-63, on the ballot, asks a simple question,
“Shall Baker County commissioner positions become nonpartisan in 2015?”
Wyden’s town hall. Last Saturday morning democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden ar-
rived in Baker City to hold a town hall at the Senior Center as part of this year’s annual
tour. The group of around 65 citizens who arrived to hear him speak, and two separate
protests—one involving a giant balloon from Fight for the Future against the Trans-Pacif-
ic Partnership—made for a busy parking lot.
Partial summary judgement granted for Langrell case. Umatilla County Circuit
Court Judge Ronald Pahl entered a ruling Friday, March 13 in favor of partial summary
judgement for plaintiffs Richard and Lynne Langrell. The Langrells filed suit against the
City of Baker City about a year ago, claiming the City charged double sewer and water
rates for the motel they own, The Always Welcome Inn.
Baker Rural wins fire service trophy. On Saturday, area fire service agencies came
together to participate in the 11th annual fire service exercise known throughout the
agencies as “The Scavenger Hunt.” In the end, the Baker Rural Fire Protection District
took home the four-foot-high trophy.
School Board fills empty seat. The Baker 5J School Board responded to the resigna-
tion of board member Kyle Knight by appointing Melissa Irvine to the open position
during the school board meeting Tuesday, April 21.
May
May 1
March 27
Beef. The Baker County Cattlewomen and Cattlemen joined forces to serve over 300
people, including students, parents and faculty, a barbecue beef tri-tip lunch as part of an
annual tradition in its 6th year, last Thursday, March 19th, at South Baker Intermediate.
Heritage Museum display honors men and women in uniform. The exhibit is
aptly named “Honoring those that served.”
Fire Chief focuses on prevention. Mark John has only been at the helm as the new
Baker City Fire Chief since January, and one of the areas that he is planning on taking
immediate action on is building inspections with the focal point being downtown.
Walden speaks at two events. Last Saturday was a full evening for Congressman
Greg Walden who held a town hall at the VAOI on Main Street just prior to attending
the Baker County Republicans’ Annual Banquet just down the street.
April
Travel Oregon stops by. The Palm Court at the historic Geiser Grand provided the
backdrop for a Travel Oregon meeting on Tuesday.
OGEC can’t address ethics complaint. Early Monday morning, the Oregon Gov-
ernment Ethics Commission (OGEC) confirmed receipt of a formal request for review
of Baker County Commissioner Tim Kerns’ involvement during the appointment of his
wife, Jan Kerns, to the Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) during their
March 18, 2015 meeting.
County bans pot. On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the Baker County Board of Com-
missioners passed Ordinance No. 2015-02, with the title “An Ordinance Regulating
Marijuana Within Baker County; And Declaring An Emergency.”
ODOT holds huge career day. Blue skies and warm temperatures prevailed as 348
students from 20 schools including Baker High’s Technical Institute and Burnt River,
had a day out of the classroom Thursday April 23, for the Eastern Oregon Construction
and Utility Career Day hosted by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
May 8
‘Mysteries at the Museum’ films in Baker City. About six weeks ago, a film crew,
now confirmed to be from the Travel Channel’s popular show, “Mysteries at the Mu-
seum,” filmed in Baker City—at least in part at the Baker Heritage Museum.
April 3
Bentz does town hall blitz. Last Friday, Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) held a series of
five public town halls across Baker County, with additional town halls the following day
in adjoining counties within his district.
City may settle Langrell suit. In light of a recent ruling by Umatilla County Judge
Ronald Pahl, Baker City Council intends to offer Richard Langrell, who currently still
sits on the Baker City Council, a settlement agreement. Judge Pahl’s ruling would ex-
clude bringing in what the City considers important evidentiary materials at trial in the
lawsuit of Richard W. Langrell v. City of Baker City. As a result, Thursday’s scheduled
trial was canceled.
Sumpter fire—trooper carries woman to safety. On March 29, 2015, shortly after
noon, Oregon State Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Brad Duncan of the Fish & Wildlife
Division in Baker City, was patrolling in the town of Sumpter, southwest of Baker City,
when he saw what appeared to be a vehicle on fire with three people standing nearby.
April 10
Pavilion construction begins. It has been a long time coming! The Baker City Geiser-
Pollman bandstand pavilion project began as only a conversation nearly 10 years ago.
Commissioners clarify coordination/cooperation stance. Last Friday, an article
published in The Baker City Herald with the headline, “Bennett, Kerns thank USFS”
launched a flurry of calls and emails spanning hundreds of eastern Oregon citizens,
including members of Forest Access For All (FAFA), media and various other groups
and residents.
City and Langrell
reach settlement. After
the past week, negotiations
between the City’s Attor-
ney, Brent Smith from La
Grande and the Langrell’s
attorney, Rebecca Knapp
from Enterprise, were
successful and a settlement
amount of $50,000 was
reached.
Baker City to host Oregon Sniper Challenge. The men who may very well be the
top 50 snipers in the entire world are coming to Baker City next month for the Oregon
Sniper Challenge—an event that tests the mettle of the best of the best.
Greater Bowen Val-
ley RFD welcomes
new chief. On Saturday,
volunteers and staff from
multiple agencies came
together at the Greater
Bowen Valley fire sta-
tion on Sumpter Stage
Highway to celebrate a
grand reopening of sorts,
including a brand new Fire
Chief, Jim Devlin.
Kerry McQuisten/ The Baker County Press
Greater Bowen Valley RFD. L-R back: Dave Down-
ing, Brent Kragness, Keith Jensen, Penny Devlin,
Allen Jensen, Tabbitha Jensen, Cal Foster, Don Co-
Friends of NRA raises
$9.5K for Sierra Bingham. pley, Chris Galiszewski, and Steve Ritch. Front L-R:
Saturday evening, the Pow- Jim Devlin, Gabriel Jensen and Rick Badgley.
der River Friends of the Na-
tional Rifle Association (NRA) gathered at the Elks in Baker City for their well-attended
annual fund raiser, raising funds as well for the Bigham family’s medical bills.
May 15
Inmate dies of meth overdose. On Saturday evening, 28-year-old Joshua Pantle was
pronounced dead at St. Alphonsus—Baker City after showing signs of medical distress
while incarcerated at the Baker County Jail.
Man leads police on mountain chase. Damon Robinson is a registered sex offender
with a past record including burglary. After ditching his stuck truck near Marble Creek,
he fled on foot, only to be captured by an armed, law-abiding citizen the following day.
Barley’s customers Tip-a-Cop. The local Special Olympics’ annual fundraiser
brought in $1.5K this time around.
May 22
Controversial gun bill
Gina K. Swartz / The Baker County Press
moves toward law. On
15 golden shovels hit the ground Monday at noon to Monday, the most recent
gun control bill fraught
break ground for the new bandstand in the park.
with controversy, Senate
Bill 941, swept through the
Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee on a three-to-two vote, strictly along party lines.
Democratic Senators Floyd Prozanski and Ginny Burdick are SB 941’s chief sponsors.
April 17
Council’s sets goals. A dusting of spring snow fell on the metal rooftops visible
through the Council Chambers’ windows as Baker City’s City Council met primarily to
discuss 2015-2016 Council goals, City fees, and vote to finalize the settlement in Coun-
cilman Richard Langrell’s lawsuit against the City.
Marijuana debate hits County level. The full Baker County Board of Commission-
ers met Wednesday with an agenda spanning marijuana dispensaries to mining to com-
mittee appointments.
Gamer Haven opens. Scott Violette and partner, Josh Neilson, rented out half of the
American Legion building and did a soft opening.
Lieutenant moves onward and upward. On Wednesday, co-workers, family and
friends in the community held a farewell celebration in the Council Chambers of Baker
City Hall for Lieutenant Kirk McCormick, who is resigning from the Baker City Police
Department after 20 years of service, in order to relocate to Scotland, South Dakota, to
become its new Chief of Police.
Haggen opens its doors. Last Friday, the Albertsons store on Campbell Street became
a thing of the past as the recent purchase by Haggen reached its final step.
Forest Access for All Banquet. Renowned public lands expert Fred Kelly Grant and
Montana State Rep. Kerry White speak to packed house at Sunridge.
Human trafficking in the spotlight. Soroptimists hold seminar, fundraiser to combat
growing issue.
Nonpartisan issue goes down in flames. 1-63, the initiative spearheaded by Randy
Joseph and supported by the political committee “Baker County People over Politics”
(Randy Joseph, Kate Rohner, Elliot Averett, Sharon Defrees, Mary Jane Guyer and
Hayden Perkins) was defeated Tuesday night. 1-63 was opposed by the Baker County
Republicans.
May 29
Catfish Derby. The 30th Annual Huntington Lion’s Club Catfish Derby was held Me-
morial weekend in Huntington.
Thief steals bag from paramedic. An unknown suspect took a large blue canvas bag
containing at least $200 in medical supplies out of Baker City Fire Department Lieuten-
ant and paramedic Donald Taggart’s vehicle.
Memorial Day. Baker County is home to one of the largest number of military veter-
ans per capita in the state of Oregon and this fact is highlighted every Memorial Day at
Mt. Hope Cemetery.