Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2016)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS — 5 Local Angels among us Lead in water CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Overman said of her mentor, “She helped me tremendously to under- stand the things I had been experiencing since I was a little kid. However, during my battle with cancer those things increased. Hearing voices, seeing things that were not there. Knowing stuff I just shouldn’t know. Feeling other people’s pain and suffering.” Such claims naturally draw both skeptics and be- lievers alike to Overman— either just fine with her. Those holding more fundamentalist religious beliefs often fall into the skeptic category. However, it could be pointed out that several verses of scripture detail angelic communica- tion on earth. Then there’s Corinthians, which discusses spiritual gifts from God—and still other scripture discussing false gifts from the “other guy.” Exploring this topic full of contrasts definitely makes for interesting con- versation. “I used to belong to a Christian church for all of my life—speaking in church and attending Bible study for years,” she said. Overman parted ways with the more “organized” part of her religion about four years back, looking for a “stronger walk with God” that better served her. From a Christian point of view Lucifer is said to disguise himself as an angel of light—but in Overman’s experience, the difference between good and evil is clear to sense. “It (evil) feels totally different from good,” she explained. “I protect myself with prayer asking for God’s white light to surround my client and myself. I ask that only love and light to enter in.” Overman said she has experienced times when “the dark side” made its presence known. She said, “Again I always protect myself to block it out. I also call upon Archangel Michael as a protector to help if I feel it is needed.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Submitted Photo. Overman’s upcoming group venue, the Library Room (top center) at the Geiser Grand: Viennese crystal chandeliers hang from a sixteen-foot ceiling and french mahogany doors overlook last year’s masquerade ball. Primarily, people aren’t looking for advice on good versus evil when they come to Overman, though. She said, “Most people come to me wanting to connect with a loved one. Maybe they never got to say goodbye or they just need to understand that their loved one is okay. Some come for guidance to get insight on their soul journey—and are they on the right track kind of thing. Many people just need to know that they are okay and that there is noth- ing they did that would ever make God stop loving them.” Overman said she doesn’t physically see angels—the experience is more like seeing them in her mind’s eye, or sensing them. Sometimes she’ll see a ray of color. “Sometimes I see sparkly lights in my peripheral vision as well. I also get chills and or really hot depending on whom I am working with,” she said. When an angelic pres- ence makes itself known, Overman said she suddenly physically gets hot. Overman’s readings are filled with prayer, medita- tion and energy clearing, as well as simple conver- sation depending on the amount of time allotted and need of the client. She sometimes turns to themes on cards printed with angelic images when she needs to start focusing on a client’s particular situation. Sessions are often done via Skype, and last half an hour to an hour. Angels also take up quite a bit of Overman’s free time; she has recently begun painting them her- self. She said, “I have wanted to learn how to paint for many years. Just a year ago I felt a calling to paint angels. I just knew that is what I was supposed to do. I have been teaching my- self and learning as I go.” Her paintings currently go for between $100 and $250 on average. The paintings focus on specific angelic themes, such as healing or peace— and she believes the color schemes can be divinely inspired. Overman will hold a group session Saturday, September 24, 6 p.m. in the Geiser Grand Hotel on Main Street in Baker City. Group parties involve around six people and tend to last about four hours. The group gatherings give people time to visit and talk about spiritual topics with one another, as well as some one-on-one time with Overman for specific questions. Those skeptics and be- lievers? All are welcome to attend and make up their own minds. The Overmans will both appear at the Wicked Ways Masquerade Ball at the Geiser Grand on Saturday, October 29, in the Library Room on the second floor. Spiritual guidance and angel merchandise will be in supply. A possible group event is also tentatively planned for September 23 in Sumpter. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ staciesangelkisses or www. stacieoverman.com. Overman concluded, “I have always known I am here to help others. It has just taken me quit some time to figure out the best way to do that. Now I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be ... I pray that every angelic divine reading will be a blessing. I am so honored if they feel drawn to come to me to be that telephone. I know how much my very first reading helped me heal after my late husband passed away so young. I knew if I could help others in that same way it was the least I could do during my time here on earth.” Lucas now on Sumpter City Council BY MEGHAN ANDERSCH Meghan@TheBakerCountyPress.com Sumpter City Council met in a brief session Tues- day night, heard reports, and filled a vacant Council seat. Councilors Samantha Rowan and Carey Clarke were present, with Robert Armbruster out on vaca- tion. Utility Manager Report Jeff McKinney reported the bathrooms have again been vandalized and said he can only hope whoever is doing it gets tired of such juvenile behavior. McKinney reminded everyone that water con- servation measures are in effect until rain increases water flow rates. He com- mended citizens for their cooperation. McKinney and Clarke are going to look at a grader that may be avail- able to the City. The street improvement project is still in the works. Material for the project was made avail- able to the City six weeks ago with the completion of the Granite Highway pav- Meghan Andersch / The Baker County Press Greg Lucas listening as Julie McKinney (outside frame) administers the oath. ing project. Finally, McKinney reported a reserve of over $93,000 has been built up in various relevant City funds during his time as Utility Manager. Fire Department Re- port Jim Sheller reported a quiet month with no call-outs. He reminded everyone that until rain eases restrictions, there is no burning in City limits. SEE SUMPTER PAGE 7 Baker Middle School 24 samples tested and some samples exceeding 20 ppb, including two fountains and seven sinks, which were then shut off. 5J added a bottled water drinking station. South Baker 35 total samples tested, with some exceeding 20 ppb — one fountain and seven sinks and other sources. Sinks and one fountain were shut off, with bottled water brought in. Baker High School and Brooklyn Primary School All drinking fountains have been shut down as a precautionary measure while testing results are pending. Bottled water drinking stations are in place. The remain- ing sources in the building will be flushed daily. Keating School Bottled water has been the primary source and will continue to be provided. All sources will be flushed daily before school starts. Samples were in the range of 21.9 ppb to 73.6 ppb, all levels that require action. Concerned parents can go to the 5J District Office, 2090 Fourth Street in Baker City, or visit the website, baker. k12.or.us. More information is available by calling Witty at 541-524-2260. Lead is not treated by the City’s UV treatment system in place for the City water supply. Lead in water is most commonly found there due to a building’s old pipes or old sealant connecting pipes, not in drinking water supplies. Veterans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "Most of all, we need to start with what matters, and that is the veteran. That, ladies and gentlemen, should be our foremost commitment and our starting place: what’s best for that veteran and that veteran’s family.” A recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that on average, it can take up to one year or longer to remove a permanent civil servant in the VA and other federal agencies. Under the VA’s existing civil service rules, the department often fails to hold mis- behaving employees accountable for their actions, and when they do take disciplinary action, it rarely occurs in a swift and meaningful way. The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act would give the depart- ment more flexibility to remove VA employees for poor performance or misconduct. The legislation would also increase whistleblower pro- tections for individuals who speak up about misconduct, and would recoup bonuses from undeserving employees. Additionally, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act takes important steps to reform the department’s broken disability benefits appeals process. By allowing veterans to waive a hearing, limit the intro- duction of new evidence, and have the option to bring their appeal to a regional office, this bill streamlines the antiquated appeals process for VA disability benefits. The bill passed the House by a vote of 310-116, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Symphony season begins The 68-year-old Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra will begin fall rehearsals Wednesday, September 21, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm in Groth Rehearsal Hall in Loso Hall on the EOU campus. All musicians who can read music and play an orchestra instrument are welcome! “We are ex- cited to again welcome Zeke Fetrow as our music director and conductor. Zeke has planned another exciting pro- gram for the 2016-2017 musical season with the theme of “Magic, Mystery, and Majesty” for the fall concert. “I am looking forward to the start of rehearsals with the Grande Ronde Symphony on September 21. We've got another fantastic opportunity to encourage artistic involvement from the community while continuing the legacy of excellence in La Grande. I'm excited to seek out and nurture new additions to the orchestra, while engaging our audience through creative programming,” commented Mr. Fetrow. He concluded, “I am working closely with the regional musical groups and school sys- tems to foster a collaborative musical effort that inspires participation in creating music, and developing young musicians. We have a fantastic year planned, with excit- ing repertoire, collaborations and featured artists. You don’t want to miss any performances!” The Grande Ronde Symphony is the longest, continu- ously operating orchestra east of the Cascade Mountains. In 2015, Eastern Oregon University changed direction with its music program, ending 66 years of providing a professorship for the conductor of the symphony. The Grande Ronde Symphony Association is most apprecia- tive of EOU for graciously continuing to provide rehears- al and performance facilities along with offering college credits for students playing in the orchestra. “The Grande Ronde Symphony Association’s mission is to support and promote the ongoing music programs of the Symphony Orchestra, the Grande Ronde Student Symphony, and the Chamber Series, thereby enhancing the quality of life in our region,” commented Patty San- doz, GRSA president. Interested patrons may purchase concert season tickets, chamber concert series passes, annual auction tickets and make contributions on our website at granderondsymphony.org. In addition, musi- cians interested in playing with the Symphony are greatly encouraged to consider joining the orchestra.