I Record-Courier
Sawptth/
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21,2016
7
Mark Luker and LeAnne Woolf
sumptervolunteers@gmail.com or
541-894-2303, leannemywo@gmail.com
Indeed, fresh powder was not
far behind last week’s clouding. It
snowed especially hard the after­
noons of Jan. 16 and 17. So far
this month, Sumpter has had just
under 21 inches of snowfall, over
19 inches of it in this past week.
The morning of Jan. 18 dawned
with gorgeous blue skies (photo
by LeAnne Woolf). With settling,
melting, and evaporation, the ac­
cumulation around ye olde snow
stake at mid-elevation stands at
29 inches (photo by Nancy
Myers).
Calendar (as of Jan. 17)
Tuesday, Jan. 26 - Alpine Chap­
ter O.E.S., Masonic Hall, 8
p.m.
Monday, Feb. 1 - McEwen
Lodge, Masonic Hall, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Sumpter Volun­
teer Fire Department, City Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Powder River
Rural Fire Department, Mos­
quito Flats station
Thursday, Feb. 4 - Planning
Commission, City Hall, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 6 - Sumpter Valley
Blue Mountain Snowmobile
Club, Schoolhouse Community
Center, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9 — City Council,
City Hall, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13 - Sumpter Val­
ley Railroad Board Meeting,
Baker City, 10 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13 - Sumpter Val­
ley Blue Mountain Snowmo­
bile
Club Poker Run,
registration at Schoolhouse
Community Center
Tuesday, Feb. 16 - Sumpter Vol­
unteer Fire Department, City
Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 16 - Powder River
Rural Fire Department, Mos­
quito Flats station
City
City Council met in regular ses­
sion on Jan. 12. The City, work­
ing in concert with DEQ and
Infrastructure Finance Authority
(IFA), is moving closer to having
a contract for City Engineer ready
for review. Joe Heitz of Sisul En­
gineering had met with mayor
Leland Myers to discuss what in­
flation may have done to costs for
the DEQ-required upgrades. Sisul
Engineering prepared the Pre-En­
gineering Report on the project.
The current City Attorney is
having some health concerns and
will not be continuing with
Sumpter after the Woodley et al
suit is completed. The Council
will arrange an interview with
Dan van Thiel, who has served as
City Attorney before.
Utility Manager Jeff McKinney
reported that he’s getting lots of
practice with the snowplow.
Water inflow is holding about
steady with citizen usage, but he’s
not sure that if there’s an issue at
the intake up McCully’s Fork
whether any of the City equip­
ment can get there. Jeff had asked
the fire department for help with
clearing out hydrants, and
thanked Fire Chief Kurt Clarke
for tackling that task with his own
personal equipment. Kurt and
City Council member Cary
Clarke also donated labor and
equipment to clearing City Hall’s
roof. Council authorized Jeff to
ask Oregon Health Authority for
an extension of a year on getting
the effluent meters added to the
water towers.
Planning Commission Vice
President LeAnne Woolf reported
on the Commission’s Jan. 7 hear­
ing and meeting and Jan 11 train­
ing session (both included in last
week’s column). Planning Com­
mission’s next meeting was to be
Jan. 18 rather than 21.
Council discussed the IFA Wa­
tershed Protection Grant that has
been offered. Council member
Bob Armbruster had gotten a
copy of a plan prepared for
Halfway. Council will review that
and see how it might fit Sumpter,
and what might be expected by
way of follow-up. Funding is not
being offered for follow-up.
Sumpter Valley Community
Volunteers (SVCV) presented a
letter urging Council to accept
ownership from Oregon Parks
and Recreation of the historic Su­
perintendent’s House. SVCV is
willing to contract with the City
for use of the house if the transfer
is made. A former restaurant
owner is contesting a bill. Coun­
cil determined that the sewer or­
dinance is very clear on what the
owner’s responsibilities were.
There were several questions
from the audience about the pro­
posed 2016 Sumpter Charter.
Council agreed to remove a sec­
tion that made people uncomfort­
able. This does not change the
City’s rights or responsibilities
under State Law. It was pointed
out that a city’s charter is a basic
outline and that ordinances, or­
ders, and resolutions handle the
details. Audience and Council
asked the Charter Committee to
put that information in a handout.
Michael Hobbs, Sumpter’s
Postmaster, has heard many
things about Sumpter Valley
Days, so he brainstormed some
ideas for events. He gave copies
to council and to SVCV. Jim
Shelter announced almost 900
mites of snowmobile trails have
been groomed this year compared
to a total of480 last winter. Trails
go as far as Anthony Lakes and
Indian Rock Lookout, for exam­
ple.
At this time, the next council
meeting scheduled is the regular
session on Feb. 9.
Organizations
Sumpter Valley Community
Volunteers met on Jan. 14. Presi­
dent Annie Oakley resigned from
the board due to health concerns.
Vice-president Mark Luker will
become president. John Young
was appointed to the board and
voted in as the new vice-presi­
dent. Secretary LeAnne Woolf
noted that both wordpress.com
and Facebook page for Music in
the Meadow had been updated
with this year’s dates (Sept. 17
and 18). Several people have rec­
ommended bands. There was dis­
cussion on the pros and cons of
the various sites available around
town. There was also discussion
of what responsibilities the group
is willing to contract for if the
City takes over ownership of the
Superintendent’s House and al­
lows SVCV to use it.
SVCV’s next meeting will be
Feb. 18 rather than 11, so that
members who are also part of the
Snowmobile Club can focus on
the Poker Run. SVCV will hold a
Leap into Action potluck on Feb.
27 (two days before Leap Day)
followed by a Game Night. The
ping pong table will be set up
after dinner. Everyone in Sumpter
Valley and beyond is invited.
Find out what kinds of projects
SVCV will work on next. Bring
board games and card games to
share, if you like. More details
will be available later.
The Jan. 15 Bingo Night by the
Sumpter Volunteer Fire Depart­
ment and Auxiliary had a low
turnout, but they had a blast.
About $40 was made for SVFD
and the bingo jackpot increased
about $20 dollars.
Winter Hazards
With all the snow that’s been
falling, roof loads are looking
pretty heavy. If you’re a part-time
resident, please consider coming
up to clear your roof, or arranging
for someone else to do so. In
years past, collapsing snow roofs
have crushed the trailers they
were intended to protect.
Frozen pipes are less likely
now that there’s a good pile of in­
sulating snow, but it’s still a good
idea to keep a trickle of water
running in your house.
Finally, long-time residents rec­
ommend crossing over the snow
berms at highway intersections at
an angle to avoid becoming high
centered.
Churches
Sunday morning services are
held at St. Brigid’s in the Pines at
Auburn and Bonanza in Sumpter
on the first and third Sundays of
the month at 11 a.m. followed by
a coffee ‘hour.’ Weekly services
at McEwen Bible Fellowship in­
clude Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.,
Morning Worship at 11 a.m., and
Wednesday evening prayer at
6:45 p.m.
Deadline
News and calendar items re­
ceived by Sunday evening will be
included in the Sumpter column
the following week. Send in news
and/or photos with captions of
guests, births, group meetings,
any special occasion.
Elgin Depot Movie Night, Jan. 29
Watch Emperor of the North on a large screen, when the
Friends of the Joseph Branch host another movie night at the
Elgin Depot, Friday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but
a can of food per person for the local food bank is encouraged.
Free popcorn, coffee and cocoa will be available.
Oscar winners Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine star in the 1973
railroad film classic. Official promotional materials describe the
movie as follows: Set on the Pacific Northwest railways at the
height of the Depression, Emperor of the North pits a crafty, train
hopping drifter, called A-No.1, against Shack, the cruel, bum-in­
tolerant conductor of Engine 19. But when pride turns their de­
termination into obsession, the clash escalates into a
fight-to-the-finish that only one man can survive!
Rated PG, the film is fast-paced and gripping and might be a
little too intense for young children. The film was shot almost en­
tirely on location, on the old Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Rail­
road which was based in Cottage Grove. It features Engine 19, a
steam engine well-known throughout the northwest.
This event is the second in a series of movie nights at the depot,
focusing on railroad themes.
“We want people to think of the depot as a community gathering
place, as well as the center of operation for the Eagle Cap Ex­
cursion Train,” said Ed Spaulding, President of the Friends.
Spaulding says the depot can be rented for meetings and events.
The Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization,
manages and operates the train for the Wallowa Union Railroad,
with certified members volunteering as car hosts, engineers and
conductors. The volunteer organization also manages the depot
and has been responsible for the passenger car and engine ren­
ovations.
Contact Ken and Shirley Kirk, 541.437.4693, or Daryl Hawes,
541.437.1810, for information and to schedule the depot for your
activity.
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Postal W.-
Particulars1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The LDS Family History Cen­
ter, 2625 Hughes Lane is open
Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday
10-1 p.m. and 5:30- 8:30 p.m.;
Thursday 10-1 p.m.; Friday 1-4
p.m. and by appointment.
(Phone 541-523-2397 during
regular hours or 541-524-9691
any time) Consultants help
everyone use Ancestry.com;
Find My Past; Heritage Quest
Online and other family history
websites free of charge.
HELP WANTED
BAKER SCHOOL DISTRICT 5J is
currently accepting applications for
a Special Education teacher at
South Baker Intermediate. For a
complete description of the position
go to www.baker.k12.or.us or
contact the employment division.
You may also call 541-524-2261.
LIVESTOCK
MILES BREEDING SERVICE
A.I., Semen Sales,
Heat Synchronization
Myron Miles, 898-2140 (tin)
Angus Bulls - EPD Records
available, yearlings, two year olds,
replacement heifers and bred
cows. Bill Clonts, Bar A Angus,
541 -519-8579 bclonts@thegeo.net
(«")
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Powder Valley Water Control
District meets the 2nd Monday of
the month at 7 p.m. at 690 E. Street,
North Powder, OR 97867.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Baker Rural Fire District
meets the 3rd Tuesday of every
month at 7 p.m. at the Pocahontas
Fire Station, with the exception of
May and June when they hold their
budget meeting at 6 p.m. with the
regular meeting following at 7 p.m.
The North Powder Rural Fire
Protection District meets the
second Wednesday of the month at
7 p.m. at the Rural Fire Building, 340
"E" Street, North Powder.
Burnt River Irrigation District
meets the second Tuesday of every
month at 1 p.m. at the office of
Silven, Schmeits & Vaughan. 1950
Third Street in Baker City.
The North Powder Cemetery
Maintenance District meets the
fourth Tuesday of the month at 5
p.m. at the Grange in North Powder.
Safe Haven: Alzheimer/ Dementia
Caregivers Support Group. Second
Friday of every month at 11:45 a.m.
in the Fellowship Hall (right wing of
Nazarene Church). Lunch will be
provided. 1250 Hughes Lane, Baker
City.
The Haines Fire Protection
District will meet on the first MON­
DAY each month at 6 p.m. through
the winter months. Meetings are
held at the Public Library in Haines.
Celebrate Recovery: Hurts,
Habits, and Hangups; Tuesdays at
6:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center,
1250 Hughes Lane, Baker City.
Veterans Safe Zone: Veterans
Support Group; 1 st and 3rd Monday
of every month at 6 p.m. in the left
wing of the Nazarene Church, 1250
Hughes Lane, Baker
The Medical Springs Rural Fire
Department meeting is the 1st
Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. at
Pondosa Station.
HAY FOR SALE
200 ton, 1st crop alfalfa-grass
No rain - 3x4 bales, test available $180 / ton
150 ton, 2nd crop
small bales, no rain $200 / ton
541-519-0693
HELP WANTED
OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE
JOB OPENING NOTICE
Customer Service Clerk
- Baker District -
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC), with headquarters
in Baker City, Oregon, has an immediate opening for a
Customer Service Clerk in its Baker district. This hourly position
reports to the office supervisor and performs clerical duties
reiated to customer service experience; operates a ten-key
adding machine (by touch); computer data entry, Microsoft
Office applications; and answers multiple-line telephone.
Applicants must possess a valid Oregon Driver’s license. The
position also requires the ability to take appropriate action on
ones own initiative, accuracy, timeliness, the willingness to
promote consumer satisfaction, and the ability to work well with
other employees and the public.
Includes an excellent benefit package. A ten-key and typing
test is mandatory and must be submitted with the application.
Applications can be found on our website at www.otecc.com or
may be picked up at any OTEC office.
Applications may be sent to the attention of Human
Resources, 4005 23rd Street, Baker City, OR 97814 and must
be received no later than 5:00 pm or postmarked no laterthan
Friday, January 22, 2016.
with Krista Dennis
Postal employees operate retail serv­
ices (Post Offices), work in processing
centers, move the mail (your carriers),
and manage an enormous system that
employees one of the largest civilian
workforces in the US. The faces you
see each day - postmasters, carriers,
and even the postmaster general - are
only a small portion of the USPS
workforce.
There are countless skills, knowledge,
and specialties that are required to keep
this ever growing system operational.
While we all have our differences, we
share a common sense of public serv­
ice which supports our nation’s oldest
form of communication.
Did you know that for many years the
postal system used a political reward
system known as ‘patronage’? Post­
masters who found themselves an the
opposite side of the party in power,
could and often times found them­
selves unemployed. In 1883, the
Pendleton Act created the Civil Service
Commission, which required appli­
cants to pass examinations before
being hired, and advancement was
based on merit. However, many postal
hires and fires continued to operate
under the patronage system until the re­
organization of die postal system in
1971.
Today, employees of the USPS still
are required to pass examinations to get
hired and must prove their merit to
move up the ladder.
Our Priority is: YOU!
Hats off to the Baker
County Chamber
for a very successful
Awards Banquet
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Join the Chamber of Commerce today
and say hello to the brand new
Executive Director, Shelly Cutler
541-523-5855
490 Campbell Street in Baker City
www. visitbaker, com