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About The Record-courier. (Haines, Baker County, Oregon) 1932-2016 | View Entire Issue (May 12, 2016)
Note: The Record-Courier welcomes your letter to the editor. Prefer 300 words or less. Letters may be sent by a single author once a month. Email with your contact information: news@therconline. com. Not Looking for a Combat Zone To the Editor: As business people in Baker City for 25 years, when we review the literature of the candidates for County Commissioner, here’s what scares us. One candidate uses the word “fight” in 3 of 5 paragraphs. One candidate uses “defend” or “protect” in 3 of 5 paragraphs. And putting public lands “under local control” is just another way of saying “fight”—this time the federal government. Both these candidates have publically vowed to sue the Feds with your money to accomplish their aims if other approaches don’t work. Word travels. Will that presenta tion attract savvy businesses and retirees to Baker for the economic development that we all agree is needed? Looking back, what brought us to Baker County? The Interpretive Center had just been completed through the efforts of dedicated citizens (and substantial federal funds). From the economic devel oper we received an impressive folder of materials on the good qualities of Baker City branded the “premier rural living experience”. We came with money, energy, and a desire to commit to the commu nity. With the recent combative political climate here, why would one choose Baker City over La Grande? What a newcomer is looking for is not a combat zone, but a stable, well run, and solvent base/home with good services and quality of life (not necessarily including an ATV). And don’t our youth and parents want safer, better jobs than “working in the woods”? Good things come from the ground but also from what’s between the ears and in the heart. Let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot by being taken in by a tiny but vocal fringe of one political party. Those of you who are entitled to vote, consider carefully. There is only one candidate who says “No” to lawsuits, and who is committed to making appropriate changes within the scope of “doing the business of the county”—skillfully, thoroughly, and with integrity. That’s how Nichols has done business since long before he thought of running for commis sioner. We can attest to that. Baker County needs a manager, not a crusader. Vote Nichols for Commissioner. Ed and Suzanne Moses, Baker City Better Credentials To the Editor: I laughed out loud when I read Kody Justus' ludicrous comment about what he fears most which is, when camping in the forest, an armed federal agent enters his camp. You know, in a lifetime of camping, I've never dreamed of such an irrational situation occur ring. But then, I'm not fixated on a few perceived issues which apparently supersede other practi cal facets of county commissioner work, such as understanding economics, maintaining a profes sional capability to collaborate with everyone, both individuals and agencies, regardless of personal feelings, and to make well-thought out decisions, work ing as a team with the remaining commissioners, as to the welfare of all of us in Baker County. I did not cross over to the Republican Party to vote for either of the other two candidates, but I do have Bruce Nichols signs on my property and I think he has far better credentials to offer to our county, both in education and professional experience. Maryanne Lovell, Huntington I Do Pray To the Editor: I've read your columns in the RC. It takes a brave editor/publisher to put this information forth to your County. I hope and pray (and I do pray) that people will read it and head the warnings of what is to come if the Oath Keepers take over Baker County government. It won't be like what happened here [in Harney County] with the Bqndys. They are not poised in Baker County to take over an iso lated federal building. But they are poised take over the county gov ernment and be in a position to continuing furthering their agenda. Thanks, Virginia Tabor, Bums Justus has Reputation for Honesty To the Editor: This letter is intended to assure that you vote for the candidate for County Commissioner that best represents your values. Both, in my view, are capable candidates but with quite different views of how Baker County, and the rest of Oregon, should .be managed and what our long term objectives should be. I do not personally know either of the gentlemen. One candidate, Mr. Bruce Nichols, is quite well known, largely because of his business relationship with local farmers. He appears to have a good business understanding, including budget ing, which could be of benefit to the county. He appears to be content with the manner in which the federal agencies manage a large portion of the county lands and a very large portion of its natural resources. This ‘includes law enforcement on public lands. For the most part he would like to help ran the county more smoothly. The competing candidate, Mr. Kody Justus, is not nearly as well known, has a strong agricultural background and a reputation for honesty. He believes in the U. S. and Oregon Constitution, and lives the law of the land to the extent presently possible. He believes that local government should, and has the constitutional authority to, manage local natural resources on what are now considered to be federal lands and are strictly controlled by federal agencies to the detriment of the local economy and way of life. This, to the best of my knowledge, is the major difference between two good candidates. The one who gets your vote defines what sort of environment in which you choose to live and to pass on the the next generation. I, person ally, believe in our rights as set forth in both Constitutions and therefore stand firmly behind, and with, Mr. Justus. Jasper Coombes, Medical Springs Highway Taxes Yes, Commissioner No To the Editor: We have known Bruce Nichols since 1973. We have always liked Bruce, we chose him to do our taxes, would we chose him to be our commissioner, “no”. Presently all three commission ers are on record as supporting coordination. By this time, every one knows, coordination is the last tool available in dealing with the federal agencies. Mr. Nichols, was quite clear at the last two fortuns that he will not take on the chore of standing up and demand ing, yes demand, the federal agencies conform and follow the law. By the way, coordination is the law, not a choice, unless you have a lazy board of commission ers that choose to let the federal government dictate our way of life. Together, BLM and the USFS control about half of our land base in Baker County. Virtually all the wealth (minerals, timber, grazing, or recreation)on these holdings are controlled by their dictates. Collusion creeps into dealing, whether projects proceed, etc., kick in a little extortion with trade off of roads and you end up not knowing where the fox is denned. For many many years the direction our local representatives have chosen, “go along and get along”. What has the return been. I’ll begin with the Travel Manage ment Plan, many of us recall the slap in the face from the forest service, with their Record of Decision that totally ignored local voices. The list continues, Boardman/Hemmingway Line, B1M Sage Grouse, Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revision, Blue Mountain Resiliency Project and more in the pipeline. BLM resource plans and countless end less projects from the forest serv ice. Jerking us around with their comments and appeals. Our efforts have been rewarded with obvious predetermined handouts. This is known as collaboration. The time is now, a voice that will speak up for the people and our area. Kody Justus, will be that voice. He will stand with Bill Harvey and Mark Bennett, to form a united team. Tork and Wanda Ballard Baker City See more letters Bruce Nichols Best Choice To the Editor: In the upcoming election for Baker County Commission posi tion, we all have the opportunity to elect new and responsible leadership. Baker County strongly depends on the Natural Resources Industries - crop and livestock agriculture; mining and timber; tourism, both foreign and domes tic. A respected businessman, Bruce Nichols has worked county wide with industry leaders. We believe Bruce to be that Commis sioner to listen to all concerns and with quiet demeanor get the job done. Being members of the Older Persuasion, we recognize the many concerns our growing population of mature citizens have. Baker County has one of the largest per capita percentages of senior citizens in the state. For this reason alone, we know the candi date most qualified and ready to put the County on a forward path is Bruce Nichols. For example, Baker County provides some funding support for Community Connection, who sponsors many senior wellness programs, furnishes assistance including free legal aid, in-home respite care, heat assistance for low income households and senior citizens. Nutritious meals are served five days a week in Baker City and New Bridge, many deliv ered through the Meals on Wheels program. Bruce Nichols under stands the importance of support ing opportunities to both our low income and senior populations. He will be a strong advocate for continued county support of these programs that keep people healthy and functioning in their own homes, and having a wide range of important socialization opportuni ties. Elect BRUCE NICHOLS Commissioner. Deanna G. Davis, Milt Prowell Baker City ’ 'i ggjK*'* News of Record Marriages April 15 - Ronnie Lynn Meyer to Wendy Joan Gray, both of Baker City. April 23 - Eric Scott Adams to Journey Nicole Elaine Gerard, both of Baker City. April 29 S Michael Ray O’Donnell to Michelle Lynn Jones, both of Baker City. News of Record 4/30 - WARRANT ARREST (Marion County Warrant): Janice Marie Deck, 50, of 160 E Madison St, Huntington, Ore., at 12:50 p.m., at her residence; jailed. 4/30 - THEFT III: Timothy Justin Guilliams, 19, of 2601 Court Ave., at 1:28 p.m., 3515 Pocahontas Rd.; cited and released. 5/1 - POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE-OPIUM: Barney Lee Bailey, 55, of 878 Bailey Farm Rd., Statesville, NC, at 12:17 a.m„ 515 Campbell St.; jailed. 5/3 - FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM (Baker County Circuit Court Warrant): Amanda Marie Murray, 19, of 2920 Elm St., No. 20, at 9:50 a.m., 3410 K St; jailed. 5/6 - CONTEMPT OF COURT (Baker County Circuit Court War rant): Desiree Rose Suitter, 22, of Baker City, at 9:03 a.m., 880 Elm No. 111; jailed. Accidents May 5 - On Highway 26, five miles west of Unity, at 8:37 a.m., a Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Jyla Hill, 27, of Canby, Ore. was traveling west when the vehicle drifted off the right shoulder. Hill overcorrected, and the vehicle skidded across both lanes, rolling at least once before coming to rest in the borrow pit below the eastbound lane. Passengers were Suzie Bradley, 34, of Canyon •City; Jenifer Dean, 28, of Canyon City; and Gerald Dewayne Roe Jr., 54, of John Day. All four were taken to Unity by a pass ing motorist where they were treated by emergency service re sponders. Bradley and Dean were taken by ambulance to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day for treatment of minor injuries. Hill was cited on a charge of no insurance. you looking for a perky and loving little girl to add to your family? Well, I'm Millie and you need look no further. I was rescued by a very nice lady who had her own little dog. This kind lady cared for me for several months and now is the time for me to find my forever family. Once I know you I am very affectionate and loving. I am an energetic and I love and adore stuffed animals. I have an affinity for balls of all sizes. I am vaccinated and will soon be spayed. I am mostly housebroken and expect to perfect that task very soon. I know what "down" and "no" mean as well as "ouch" (which means "let go"). As best I can determine, my heritage is Chihuahua, Shitzhu and Doxie and that's a lot for one little dog. So here I am, little Silly Millie, just waiting to meet my new family. To find out more about me or to meet me please call: Best Friends of Baker 541 519 7387 Call Best Friends of Baker, Inc. 541-519-7387 Judgments March 10 - State of Oregon vs. Matthew James Harshman for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants; class A misdemeanor. March 10 - State of Oregon vs. Joseph Robin Spencer for Theft I; class C felony. Spencer ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75 to victim, Robert Skorney. March 10 - State of Oregon vs. Tiffany Leann Shotkoski for Hunt ing bn Cultivated/Enclosed Land; reduced to class A violation. March 17 - State of Oregon vs. Kyle Craig Koontz for Theft I; class C felony, and Theft II; class A misdemeanor. March 24 - State of Oregon vs. Marlene Frances Johnston for Aggravated Harassment; class C felony. March 29 - Sandra Adele Stumbaugh (petitioner) vs. Brent R. Stumbaugh (respondent) for Domestic Relations Dissolution. Equalizing Judgement in favor of petitioner in the amount of $630,000 to be paid in full by respondent within 18 months via three separate payment plans. March 29 - State of Oregon vs. Dustin Reid Hellbusch convicted on six counts of misdemeanor Wildlife Violations, three counts of Waste of Wildlife; class A misdemeanor, and one count of Tam pering with Evidence; class A misdemeanor. Hellbusch’s hunting license is suspended for a term of three years and he has been ordered to pay restitution and fines totaling $18,000 to the Ore gon Department of Fish and Wildlife Services. April 8 - State of Oregon vs. Dale Rex Taylor for Theft III; class C misdemeanor.
