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About The Record-courier. (Haines, Baker County, Oregon) 1932-2016 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 13, 2015)
6 Record-Courier i THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,2015 PoWeA/ Commissioners Hear from Parvaim Mining and Rep. Bentz by Emily Braswell The Baker County Commissioners met for their first Aug. meeting last Wednesday morning. Several items of interest were brought to the table, including the first reading of Ordinance No. 2015-05 regarding Parvaim Mining, LLC which acquired a piece of property located in Baker County on part of the Sumpter Deep Gravel Mining Claim patent within the Cracker Creek area on April 30,2015. ’ The property is currently zoned Rural Residential (RR-5), but is clearly located in a mineral extraction zone. Reading from the Planning Commission Staff Re port, Holly Kerns clarified by saying, “Zoning maps cre ated by Baker County in 1983 classified the property as RR-5 with no explanation as to why the patent was not considered in this zoning, as the language in the Com prehensive Land Use Plan clearly intends for patented mining claims to be zoned Mineral Extraction.” A proposal to re-zone Tax Lot 100 from RR-5 to Min eral Extraction (ME) was created in order to correct what appears to be a mapping error would not only work largely in favor of the new claimants, but also for any neighbors within earshot of the property, according to James Barkley, a representative of the mining com pany. Barkley testified in favor of the ordinance on behalf of Parvaim, stating, “What we are looking to do in that particular area is clean up the benches and put in our mill site. Because it would be a lower elevation, we would have natural dirt berms and hard rock, and those protrusions would muffle some of the sounds.”A e Barkley says the company isn’t looking to make en emies, and in fact, is willing to go above and beyond what’s necessary to make sure they are being good neighbors. Locating their mill in Tax Lot 100 would also lower their cost of operation with less wear and tear on vehicles and equipment that come and go because of the close proximity of the access road. “Lower operating costs will benefit everyone in the end,” he added. As a large, international mining company, the major ity of their profits come from placer mining. In fact, they have a goal to develop into the largest placer mining operation in the world. Continually expanding their reach, Parvaim Mining owns or claims mineral rights to properties in Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Mexico, Chile and several other states and countries. Their property in Mexico expands across 92,000 acres of mineral rich land. There was even a mention of eco nomic growth with employment possibilities at the new processing site in Sumpter. Commissioner Harvey questioned Barkley of the in tention of the company, should the zone change be ap proved. Barkley explained how they would come in with equipment to perform explorations at several sites across the property. Because of the short time-frame before the end of the season, they wouldn’t start full production until next spring. He also detailed the recla mation of the land where the previous mill sat, and the new mill location would be created with efficient and correct equipment with settling ponds being placed where they can develop into more natural looking, self- sustaining ecosystems. The first reading was unanimously approved and the second reading has been scheduled for the next regular Commission session, on Aug. 19. at 9:30 a.m. Representative Cliff Bentz addressed the commis sioners regarding important and life-altering Bills that have been passed for the State of Oregon, and even a few matters of importance from our nation’s Capitol. Of the hundreds of Bills passed, a select few were given an extra label of importance by Bentz. The first of those would be the long-awaited Kicker refund. His take home message? The more taxes a person paid into the state, the more money they will get back from the Kicker Refund. Oregon has a savings account, and there is actually money in it! Bentz reported that if the State doesn’t suf fer another recession, then the almost one billion dollars in Oregon’s savings for 2015 - 2017 will grow to close Business Oregon Creates Loan Program to Help Small Manufacturers Grow Business Oregon, the state's economic develop Oregon's director. "From semiconductors to wood ment agency, is launching a $250,OPQ loan program products to ocean going ships, Oregon's middle class to help small manufacturers increase their revenue /is fueled by manufacturing." and grow jobs in Oregon. Learn more about the program details and qualifi "Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Oregon's econ cations on the Business Oregon Website. Please con omy and delivers family wage jobsaround the state," tact your local business development officer for an said Governor Kate Brown. "We must make sure our application. small manufacturers have the tools to compete glob About the Small Manufacturing Business Expan ally so they continue to thrive and grow. This pro sion Program grain will provide these tools to! some who It will target traded sector companies that export traditionally wouldn't have access." their products to other states and countries in the Oregon has about 5,300 manufacturers and 75 per technology, outdoor gear or wood products indus cent of them have 20 or fewer employees. When they tries. The loans are capped at $50,000 and may be look to expand, ‘these small companies often don't forgiven for companies that meet specific perform qualify for traditional commercial loan programs. ance goals. To be eligible, companies must have no The Small Manufacturing Business Expansion Pro more than 25 ¡employees and provide at least 50 per gram seeks to fill that gap for six to 12 companies. cent of the project cost from its own resources. About Business Oregon: Our mission is to .grow them around the world." said Sean Robbins, Business Oregon jobs, companies and communities. Veteran’s Benefits Seminar Thursday, August 20th at 1:30 p.m. Join us at Settler's Park Assisted Living for a special presentation regarding your Veterans Benefits: Special pension with aid and attendance for veterans and surviving spouses. . Photo by Emily Braswell Cliff Bentz gives his Legislative Update to 1.5 billion. The speed limits on most Oregon roads will soon in crease. The bill passed, but there are various prepara tions that need to take place before it can be implemented. There is an urgent need for refuting the Owyhee Canyonlands Conservation Proposal that President Obama is getting poised to sign. It.’s not feasible for the economy or living. “Write letters!” Bentz exclaimed. Bentz shared it is particularly important to write letters to the editors of the large papers on the west side, es pecially the Oregonian. Bentz warned against the-2019 Cadillac Health In surance Plans tax. Any premium paid at over $1,000 per month, or $12,000 per year, will have the amount over the one thousand taxed by Obamacare at a rate of 40 percent. For example, if a state employee pays $1,400 per month for their health insurance, then an ad ditional 40 percent of the $400 (or $160) must be paid to Obamacare. Bentz is certain a legislative vote will mean this extra tax will be passed off onto the general public. Again this will be implemented in 2019. One last budget killer Bentz discussed in detail was the Carbon Emissions Gas Tax. Don’t forget to get your wheelbarrows tuned up by Nov. so that you can get your 2016 ballots from your mailbox to your house. Powder Linda Dixon 541-709-1045 • mogirl65@gmail.com We live in such a beautiful part I Need Your Help of the country, with the moun I am ’compiling a list of tains, the valley, the huge fields of veterans, past, present, and still goldep. wheat, the wonderful serving, who are from North smell of fresh cut hay, and the Powder. If you know someone, breeze whispering through the tall please call or text me. Thank you. green stalks of com. It's great to I would like the name and branch live in such a place. I had a*won- of service. de^l^LTwithfreshtom^oesj ""''Xug* '¿5tlie'1 list“ summer from the garden. We just returned from the big reading activity. It is from 11-1 city, and home looks good. We p.m. Kids, bring your parents for had our family reunion. We had a fun and food. Awards for summer good time, but I tell you, no mat reading programs will be given ter how much you love your dogs, that day. At dark on Aug. 21, we they don't belong at functions will be Showing a movie for with large crowds and elderly families. New movies have been folks. There is a time and place ordered, and hopefully will be for everything. Two huge dogs here this week. We ordered some greeted us at the door, almost of the minion movies and some- knocking my 96-year-old mother- movies for the older kids and in-law down. Then we had to ma adults (American Sniper, Alone, neuver around them to fill plates and several others). and such, not to mention the bark We are also looking into getting ing. Another guest showed up a local author to come and do a with a pup, and the inevitable reading for us. I will keep you happened. The pup knocked a posted. woman down, and she fell on the Vacation Bible School pup, breaking its leg and hip. The The United Methodist Church owner went into panic mode. is having a mini Vacation Bible Luckily, the fallen woman wasn't School for kids starting Aug. 18 carrying her small baby, and did at 11 a.m. -1'p.nt The kids will be not break her own hip or arm. So, served lunch, have a short study, use your heads. Dogs are not do crafts, and have fun, fun, fun. people. Not everyone loves your •Maggie Gutherie is the leader this dog like you do. So please, be year. If you have kids or know of respectful of others at events. anyone who would like to attend, Your dog can last a few hours send them on over at 11 a.m. on without you. Respect for others’, August 18. especially the elderly, need to be Red Hats queen, Suzie refreshed. Michaels, told me that the gals Well, enough ranting on my met at the Inland Cafe in Baker part, but the dogs certainly put a on Aug, 11. Everyone brought a damper on the fun and relaxing gift for the exchange, and had a day. great meal and great firn. Pinochle The Lunch Bunch was treated Shelly Gray hosted the to homemade vegetable beef soup pinochle gals at her home. Judy and cream cheese peach pie. I bet Moe was a substitute. High score it was wonderful. was Laura Dougherty, second Just a reminder to treat your was Joyce Lawyer, and low score elders well; you will be there one was Martha Jane Spratling.' The day. I dislike seeing children double pinochle prizes were won speak with disrespect to their by Eleanor Blankenship and Judy grandparents. They were once Moe. young and vibrant just like you, The new playground for the so please treat them with respect school is really beginning to take and kindness. Hug your kids, shape. Thank you to everyone smile at your neighbors, and have who has donated his or her time a blessed week. Oh, and don't to the project. < forget, school starts Aug. 31. Playground Under Construction Seating is limited for this special presentation of Veterans Benefits by Rick Gloria of Baker County Veteran Services Office., Call 541-249-4006 today to reserve your seat! SETTLER’S PARK a Senior Lifestyle community ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 289517TH STREET | BAKER CITY, OR 97814 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM »¡wily Submitted photo Playground at North Powder school is partially finished
