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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 2017)
RECORDS Thursday, February 16, 2017 PUBLIC SAFETY LOG TUESDAY 1:01 a.m. - Staff at Upper Columbia Mill, 77200 Poleline Road, Boardman, notified emergency services their wood dust and bark piles caught fire. 7:49 a.m. - A caller told Umatilla police someone stole her stepson’s cellphone from high school, and that they tracked it to a house on Columbia Boulevard, Umatilla. 9:17 a.m. - A Pilot Rock resident on Northeast Elm Street told police a dog jumped her fence again and killed her cat. 10:29 a.m. - The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office took a report for the theft of a trailer from Klaus Road, Hermiston. 12:53 p.m. - A Hermiston man on Southeast Sixth Street asked to speak to police about problems with a neighbor and suspicious activity in the neighborhood. 2:25 p.m. - A man, possibly intoxicated, yelled at people from the trees between Bi-Mart, 901 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pendleton, and the next-door First Community Credit Union. 2:34 p.m. - A guest at Comfort Inn & Suites, 77514 S. Highway 207, Hermiston, told police he received a call at his room from someone who demanded his personal information under the threat of forcing him to leave the hotel. 3:35 p.m. - A man told Hermiston police he bought a vehicle with an Oregon title, which came back clear, but when he tried to transfer the title and get insurance he found out the vehicle was stolen out of Hermiston. He asked to speak to an officer. 3:47 p.m. - The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Locust Mobile Village, 1501 N. Elizabeth St., Milton- Freewater, of a vicious pit bull that chased a girl. 4:29 p.m. - Hermiston police issued a warning after a caller on Northwest Dawn Drive reported “two people doing something in the backseat” of a vehicle. 5:13 p.m. - Morrow County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a break-in and theft at a home at Riverview Mobile Home Park, Irrigon. The victim reported the culprit probably is his ex-girlfriend. 6:23 p.m. - A woman on Southwest Jay Extension, Pendleton, told law enforcement her daughter’s boyfriend stole a vehicle. 7:54 p.m. - Pendleton police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a domestic disturbance between a husband and wife at a home on Southeast First Street. 10:35 p.m. -Two cars racing near Milton-Freewater prompted a 9-1-1 report. The caller said the cars headed east on Ballou Road, blew through the stop sign at Highway 339 and kept on toward Highway 11. Competition, demographics concern lottery director The Oregonian/OregonLive PORTLAND — One of Oregon’s critical revenue sources, the Oregon Lottery, could be in jeopardy. Aging players, increasing competition from tribe-oper- ated casinos and a shrinking retail base threaten to cut into revenue the state budget counts on, lottery director Barry Pack told the House Revenue Committee Tuesday. The lottery, with more than 3,900 retailers statewide, is projected to contribute nearly $1.2 billion to state coffers this biennium. About half of that goes to education, according to Pack’s presentation. The rest pays for economic devel- opment, parks and natural resources and gambling addiction treatment. Lottery sales took a hit 2007, when lawmakers passed a bill to ban smoking in bars, and the recession dealt it another blow, Pack said. Though sales have begun to recover, they haven’t returned to pre- recession levels. The biggest problem facing the state’s lottery, Pack said, is one facing lottery programs throughout the nation: The players are getting older, and young people aren’t as interested as lottery officials would like. “They’re looking for skill-based games, they’re looking to play on their mobile devices,” Pack said. “So I think one of the future revenue risks is how do we stay current with the player base, and how do we reach out across broader demo- graphics to attract a different set of players than may be playing now?” Between the state lottery and tribal casinos, Oregon has reached market satura- tion in terms of gambling, Pack said. And instead of asking current players to play more, the state is hoping to develop new games to lure in new customers. “Any future growth is going to have to come from new product offerings,” he said. “It’s not just about bringing in more retailers, or being able to tap players for our current product offerings.” But Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, worried that video lottery, which brings in 70 percent of the state’s lottery revenue, amounts to a regressive tax. According to data presented by Pack, 43 percent of percent of the state’s new video lottery players make less than $40,000 a year, compared to 33 percent for Oregon adults overall. “It looks as though we can anticipate if we continue this effort (video lottery), we’ll consistently be taking half of lottery from people that are under $40,000 income,” he said. Meanwhile, the compe- tition, especially from tribal casinos, is getting stiffer. Pack said the state expects lottery sales to drop $100 million a year when the Ilani Resort near La Center opens this spring. A proposed casino in Jackson County and a poten- tial Grand Ronde entertain- ment center in Wood Village could also cut into the state’s earnings, he said. Gentrification in the Portland area also poses challenges for the lottery: As older, spacious neigh- borhood bars are sold and torn down to make room for mixed-use developments, the bars and pubs that replace them have less room for the games, Pack said. While the Oregon Lottery is losing retailers in Portland’s urban core, some are moving to the suburbs, he said. All of these factors contribute to uncertainty for the state lottery. “We just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Pack said. Rep. Greg Smith, R-Hep- pner, asked the director to look into the effects of decreasing the amount the lottery pays to players. On average, video lottery games pay out as much as 94 percent of the time, Pack explained. Smith wondered how a decrease in this rate — maybe a decrease of 1 percentage point for a two-year period — would affect the lottery. East Oregonian OBITUARIES Timothy E. Newtson Darin James Skaggs Helix October 15, 1957-February 5, 2017 Pendleton May 14, 1985-February 10, 2017 Timothy E. Newtson Tim went to work for was born at St. Anthony’s Daniel Construction, which Hospital in Pendleton, later became Fluor Daniel Oregon, to Phyllis LaFarge Construction. He worked his and Robert Billette on way up and became foreman October 15, 1957. His early for a large crew. Tim worked childhood was in on large projects the city of Rieth, in California, where he attended Louisiana, South first grade. His Dakota, Colorado, father passed Texas and other away in 1962. states building Phyllis married bridges, dams, Ray Newtson, who and factories. His raised Tim from biggest job was in the age of five. Louisiana building They moved to modules for oil Mission and Tim refineries that went to school Newtson were floated on at Washington in barges through the Pendleton. Panama Canal to Alaska. At the age of nine Tim Tim loved to hunt and fish played Little League base- on his trips home between ball. At Helen McCune Jr. jobs with family and friends. High he became interested While working in Texas, in motocross and racing, but Tim was diagnosed with baseball was his number one diabetes and became too ill interest. Tim continued his to continue working. He took sports interests at Pendleton a summer off and lived in Sr. High, playing football and his trailer at Big Creek, then baseball, earning letters all moved to Sandhole-North three years. He also played Juniper Canyon and spent the baseball for the American next couple of years farming Legion Teams each summer. with King-Temple. As Tim’s His senior year he was disease progressed, he moved drafted by the Cleveland to Helix in 2001. He enjoyed Indians, but Tim decided to taking care of his place until continue his education. a serious fall in 2005, which He attended Mesa put him in a wheelchair. Tim Community College in passed away in La Grande, Mesa, Arizona, and played Oregon, on February 5, 2017, for two years on the Mesa at age 59. Pirates baseball team, where Tim was preceded in death he received notoriety and by his father Robert Billette awards for his ball playing. (1962), stepsister Marsha He was awarded a full base- (Dayton) Hart (1985), and ball scholarship at Mesa State his stepfather Ray Newtson College in Grand Junction, (2016). He is survived by Colorado, where he majored mother Phyllis Newtson and in recreation management. sister Cindy (Robin) Severe, He played on the Mesa and stepsister Susan (Jack) Mavericks baseball team for Bascomb. two years and was drafted Donations can be given by the Pittsburgh Pirates. to the Helix Community He had received numerous Church, the Diabetes Foun- injuries and decided not to dation, or the charity of pursue a career in baseball, your choice in care of Burns but instead to seek a career in Mortuary, P.O. Box 489, heavy construction. Pendleton, OR 97801. DEATH NOTICES Gordon Bissell Walla Walla May 1, 1929-Feb. 13, 2017 Gordon Bissell, 87, of Walla Walla died Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in College Place, Wash. He was born May 1, 1929. Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater is in charge of arrangements. Marianne Elizabeth Czyhold Walla Walla Dec. 10, 1937-Feb. 12, 2017 Marianne Elizabeth Czyhold, 79, of Walla Walla died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Milton-Freewater. She was born Dec. 10, 1937. Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in Milton-Freewater is in charge of arrangements. Dolores ‘Jean’ Pinney Hermiston June 5, 1926-Feb. 15, 2017 Dolores “Jean” Pinney, 90, of Hermiston, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, in Hermiston. She was born June 5, 1926, in Weed, Calif. Arrangements are pending at Burns Mortuary of Hermiston LAS VEGAS — A federal agent testified Wednesday that he saw a “sniper” behind a concrete barrier on a freeway overpass pointing a mili- tary-style weapon at him while a crowd of protesters in a dry river bed called for the government to release Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s cattle in April 2014. Bureau of Land Management Special Agent Michael Johnson told a U.S. District Court jury hearing a third day of evidence in Las Vegas that he’ll never forget the feeling of fear, and that that he “absolutely” felt his life was in danger. “There was a man with binoculars right next to him. He would periodically pop up,” Johnson said, adding that he Darin James Skaggs, 31, of Pendleton died Friday, February 10, 2017, at Seattle, Washington. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery, Heppner, Oregon. A luncheon and gathering will follow at the Heppner United Methodist Church. Darin was born May 14, 1985, at Heppner, the son of Robert Skaggs and Skaggs Wendy Skillicorn. He was raised and attended school in Heppner where he graduated from Heppner High School. He worked at farming and sales and was residing in Pendleton at the time of his death, following a long and courageous battle with his illness. Darin loved the outdoors, the Seattle Mariners, spending time with family THURSDAY, FEB. 16 WICKHAM, JANET — Viewing from 2-5 p.m. at Burns Mortuary, 336 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. FRIDAY, FEB. 17 MARCUM, MAXINE — Celebration of life service at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Burns Mortuary, 685 W. Hermiston Ave., Hermiston. WICKHAM, JANET — Graveside services at 1 p.m. at Skyview Memorial Park, 70116 S. Highway 395, Pendleton. OBITUARY POLICY The East Oregonian publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can in- clude small photos and, for veterans, a flag symbol at no charge. Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These in- clude information about services. Obituaries and notices can be submitted online at www.eastorego- nian.com/obituaryform, by email to obits@eastoregonian.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the East Oregonian office. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, ext. 221. “There was a man with binoculars right next to him. He would periodically pop up.” — Michael Johnson, BLM agent also saw the man he termed a “spotter” using a monocular range-finder to judge the distance between them. Johnson testified he took cover for more than an hour behind a portable generator trailer, and never raised his handgun or AR-15 rifle at the overpass or at unarmed men, women and children in the wash below. On Tuesday, another bureau agent, Rand Stover, testified for the prosecution that he too felt his life was threatened. Under questioning by defendant Todd Engel, who is serving as his own lawyer, Johnson said Wednesday he saw other federal agents with weapons pointed toward protesters. Engel tried to establish a timeline suggesting government officials were first to draw weapons. No shots were fired during the tense standoff, and the cattle were eventually released. Six defendants who prosecutors say wielded weapons are now standing trial on charges including conspiracy, firearm offenses and assault on a federal officer that could get them more than 100 years in federal prison. Bundy and sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy are due to stand trial with two other men as a second group, after the first trial is over. and friends and elk hunting with his grandpa. Survivors include his mother, Wendy O’Rell and her husband Glenn of Walla Walla, Washington; father Rob Skaggs of Pendleton; brothers Eric Skaggs and his wife Shawna, and R.J. Skaggs, both of Pendleton; paternal grand- parents Frank and Janice Skaggs of Heppner; maternal grandparents Lynn and Carlene Skil- licorn of Mountain Home, Idaho; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions to help with final expenses may be made to the Darin Skaggs Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of Eastern Oregon, P.O. Box 39, Heppner, OR 97836, or at any Bank of Eastern Oregon branch. Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements. Fredric ‘Fred’ Talbott Union August 12, 1926-January 28, 2017 Fredric “Fred” Talbott, 90, of Union passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Grande Ronde Hospital. A memorial service will be held later in the spring. Fred was born on August 12, 1926, in a small house on Getta Creek, Idaho, to Platt and Alberta (Holbrook) Talbott. His mother, later that next spring, packed him and his brother Everett in apple crates on the back of a mule to the Snake River then loaded them Talbott up in a pickup and drove to Grangeville, Idaho, for birth certificates. Fred grew up in the canyons of the Snake and Imnaha. Fred graduated from Joseph High School and joined the U.S. Army during WWII and served in the Pacific. On June 9, 1948, he married Vera Warnock and they had two daughters. He later married Saonni Witty and gained four stepsons. His life had taken many turns from a cow hand to working with the U.S. Forest Service for 23 years, always with the help of a horse, mule or a dog. At the age of 12, he learned to shoe horses and did so until the age of 80. There was never a horse or mule in three coun- ties that Fred did not know. With the Forest Service, he would ride the Wallowa Mountains checking the grass allotments and, in the winter, he would travel and put on packing demonstrations for everybody. He loved people and was always the first to help whenever he could. Everyone that knew Fred has a story to tell. Fred is survived by his wife, Saonni; daughters Debra Brown (Steve) of Union, Ore., and Lorri Dinger (Craig) of Eureka, Kan.; stepsons Brett Witty of Enterprise, Ore., Kim Witty (Deb) of Ellensburg, Wash., and Richard Witty of New Mexico; sisters Irene Duckett of Prineville, Ore., and Marjorie Tripp of Texas; brother Bob Talbott of Cottonwood, Idaho; five grandchildren, Cinda Rodgers and partner Len Walters, Ramus Rodgers and partner Erika Boldrin, Jessica Hulse, Cheyanna Slack and Ryan Witty; and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memo- rial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com MEETINGS UPCOMING SERVICES BLM agent testifies ranch standoff gunman aimed at him By KEN RITTER Associated Press Page 5A THURSDAY, FEB. 16 ECHO CITY COUNCIL, 4 p.m., Echo City Hall, 20 S. Bo- nanza St., Echo. (541-376-8411) HERMISTON IRRIGATION DISTRICT, 4 p.m., Hermiston Irrigation District office confer- ence room, 366 E. Hurlburt Ave., Hermiston. (541-567-3024) UMATILLA COUNTY SPE- CIAL LIBRARY DISTRICT, 5:15 p.m., Pendleton City Hall second floor jury room, 501 S.W. Emi- grant Ave., Pendleton. (Dan Feil 541-276-6449) PENDLETON PLANNING COMMISSION, 7 p.m., Pendle- ton City Hall council chambers, 501 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pend- leton. (541-966-0201) St., Irrigon. An executive session may be called to discuss legal issues. (Lisa Baum 541-922- 3814) ECHO SCHOOL DISTRICT, 6 p.m., Echo Community School, 600 Gerone St., Echo. (541-376- 8436) HELIX CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Helix City Hall, 119 Colum- bia St., Helix. (541-457-2521) PENDLETON YOUTH COM- MISSION, 7 p.m., Intermountain ESD office, 2001 S.W. Nye Ave., Pendleton. (541-276-6711) FRIDAY, FEB. 17 No meetings scheduled MONDAY, FEB. 20 2/16 WEST EXTENSION IRRIGA- TION DISTRICT, 9 a.m., Irrigon Fire Department, 705 N.E. Main Cineplex Show Times LOTTERY THE BIG COUNTRY $5 Classic Movie 2/22 Tuesday, Feb. 14 Mega Millions 07-11-33-60-68 Mega Ball: 15 Megaplier: 5 Estimated jackpot: $38 million Lucky Lines 02-06-11-13-FREE-20-21- 27-31 Estimated jackpot: $40,000 Pick 4 1 p.m.: 2-6-7-2 4 p.m.: 6-8-1-1 7 p.m.: 4-3-3-9 10 p.m.: 4-1-5-0 Wednesday, Feb. 15 Pick 4 1 p.m.: 3-2-9-7 The LEGO Batman Movie (PG) 2D 4:50 7:10 3D 9:30 A Dog’s Purpose (PG) 4:30 6:50 9:10 John Wick: Chapter 2 (R) 4:20 7:00 9:50 Fifty Shades Darker (R) 4:00 6:40 9:20 Rings (PG13) 4:40 7:20 9:40 Credit & Debit Cards accepted Cineplex gift cards available * Matinee Pricing wildhorseresort.com 541-966-1850 Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216
