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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (April 8, 2017)
Page 6A RECORDS East Oregonian OBITUARIES Staff Sgt. Austin Leo Bieren Colorado Springs, Colo. January 7, 1992-March 28, 2017 Austin Leo Bieren, 25, died on March 28, 2017, in Syria. He was born on January 7, 1992, in Pendleton, Oregon, to John Timothy Bieren and Tracy Ann (Gibson) Finck. Austin attended and graduated from Umatilla High School in 2010. Austin loved to hunt, fish, and hunt some more. He enjoyed anything and everything outdoors, the true definition of a mountain man. He avidly worked out and did everything to stay healthy and active. Bieren He joined the Air Force right out of high school in November 2010. After basic training, he married his wife, Rachel (Kennedy) Bieren, and they both moved to Minot, North Dakota, and were there for three years, and then moved to Colorado Springs where Austin worked at Peterson AFB. He was deployed three times. Bieren’s awards include the Aerial Achievement Medal with one device; Air Force Achievement Medal with two devices; Meritorious Unit Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one device; National Defense Service Medal; Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with one device; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border; Air Force Expe- ditionary Service Ribbon with one device; Air Force Longevity Service; U.S. Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device; and the Air Force Training Ribbon. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Thomas Keith Bieren, and his grandmother, Susan Gibson. Austin is survived by his wife, Rachel Bieren; mother Tracy Finck; stepfather Jody Finck; father JT Bieren; stepmother Amber Bieren; sister Brianne Bieren; nephew Jaren Journot; grandparents on both sides; and his aunts, uncles, and many cousins. In lieu of flowers, Rachel will be setting up a memorial fund in Austin’s honor. The funds will be used to make special gifts for Austin’s many military friends in remembrance of Austin. The fund is located at any US Bank, “Austin Bieren Memorial Fund.” There will be a hometown service in Umatilla, Oregon, located at the Umatilla High School on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by: The Springs Funeral Services, Colorado Springs, Colo- rado, www.tsfs.co DEATH NOTICES Lauren Jordan Pilot Rock Aug. 31, 1928-March 14, 2017 Lauren Jordan, 88, of Pilot Rock died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at his home. He was born Aug. 31, 1928, in Portland. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A full obituary will follow. Juniper Ridge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. UPCOMING SERVICES SATURDAY, APRIL 8 BULLOCK, LEONARD — Funeral service at 2 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God, 1109 Airport Road, Pendleton. GUTIERREZ ESTRADA, JAVIER — Funeral service at noon in the chapel at Burns Mortuary, 685 W. Hermiston Ave., Hermiston. Burial will follow at the Hermiston Ceme- tery. ROUSKA, MARK — Celebration of life and potluck lunch at 1 p.m. at A.C. Houghton Elementary School, 1105 N. Main Ave., Irrigon. A family-friendly softball game will follow the reception; wear your favorite sports team apparel or Hawaiian shirt. SUNDAY, APRIL 9 No services scheduled MONDAY, APRIL 10 CLEAVER, BERNICE — Graveside funeral service at 11 a.m. (MST) at Hilltop Memorial Cemetery, Nyssa. TUESDAY, APRIL 11 No services scheduled 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. Saturday, April 8, 2017 Gorsuch rolls Supreme Court to the right WASHINGTON (AP) — After weeks of turmoil, the Senate confirmed Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch as the Supreme Court’s youngest justice Friday, filling a 14-month vacancy after the death of Antonin Scalia and restoring a rightward tilt that could last for years. Gorsuch will be sworn in Monday and will quickly begin confronting cases of consequence, including one involving separation of church and state that the justices will take up in less than two weeks. At 49, he is decades younger than several of the other justices — two are in their 80s and one is 78 — raising the possibility that President Donald Trump will have a chance to appoint more conservatives to a court that has been somewhat balanced in recent years. Vice President Mike Pence was presiding as the Senate voted 54-45 in favor of Gorsuch, a veteran of Denver’s 10th U.S. Circuit of Appeals whose conser- vative rulings make him an intellectual heir to Scalia, who died in February 2016. Republicans blocked Barack Obama from filling the seat all last year. The outcome was a major victory for Trump, his first big congressional win. And AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File In this March 22 photo, Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch speaks during his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. it was cause for celebration for conservatives, who have often seemed willing to forgive various Trump failings next to the chance to win this lifetime appointment to the most important court on the land. “As a deep believer in the rule of law, Judge Gorsuch will serve the American people with distinction,” Trump said in a statement. The judge won support from 51 of the chamber’s Republicans as well as three moderate Democrats up for re-election in states Trump won last fall: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana. GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia, who has been recov- ering from back surgery, did not vote. Gorsuch’s name was on a list of potential choices Trump produced during the campaign, and was vetted by conservative groups including the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation. That unusual external review omitted consultation with Senate Democrats, contributing to bitter Democrat complaints about the way the whole process was handled. Gorsuch is expected to join a conservative-leaning voting bloc of justices, making five on the nine-member court. As soon as April 13, he could take part in his first private conference, where justices decide whether to hear cases — and some of them could involve gun rights, voting rights and a Colorado baker’s refusal to design a cake for a same-sex couple’s wedding. Friday’s Senate vote was the final act in a corrosive political confrontation that began with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision immediately after Scalia’s death to hold the seat open for the next president to fill, rather than convene hearings for Obama’s nominee, Judge Merrick Garland. Democrats seethed for months over Garland’s treatment, and under pressure from liberal activists fuming over the Trump presidency they mounted a filibuster Thursday to block Gorsuch. McConnell, R-Ky., immedi- ately responded, as expected, by leading his Republicans in a unilateral rules change to lower the vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees from 60 to a simple majority in the 100-member Senate. That paved the way for Gorsuch’s confirmation vote Friday, but left lawmakers of both parties bemoaning the undoing of comity in the Senate and warning that the 60-vote filibuster barrier on regular legislation, a key tool to force bipartisan cooper- ation, could be next to go. McConnell vowed that would not happen on his watch. Hiring slows, but U.S. unemployment falls to 10-year low WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers cut back sharply on hiring in March, yet Friday’s jobs report still had much to be encouraged about, including a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.5 percent, the lowest in a decade. Employers added just 98,000 jobs, the Labor Department said. It was barely half the previous month’s gain. Yet unemployment dropped from 4.7 percent, reaching its lowest point since May 2007. While the rate has fallen in the past because of unemployed workers who had given up looking, it happened this time because of a healthy gain in the number of people with jobs. “Within the disappointing 98,000 net new jobs added, there seems to be a lot more going on beneath the surface, and what is going beneath the surface is mostly good,” said Mark Vitner, an economist at Wells Fargo. Here are the positive aspects of the report, followed by some parts that were not so hot: Job growth still OK In the past three months, employers have added an average of 178,000 jobs a month. That’s much better than March’s increase and is closer to the underlying trend, economists said. That’s also just below the average gains of 187,000 jobs a month last year. Hiring should rebound closer to that level in the coming months, economists say. Hit from weather probably temporary One reason last month’s weak gain was probably a blip is that harsh winter weather in New England and the Midwest most likely hurt hiring in construction, retail and other weather-sensitive industries. Also, construction companies reported huge job gains in January and February, when the weather was unseasonably warm, so they didn’t need to engage in their usual spring hiring. Better jobs The job gains last month, while tepid, occurred in better-paying industries, such as manufacturing and a category that includes accounting, engineering and other professional services. Lower-paying fields, such as retail, cut jobs, while a category that includes restaurants and hotels posted a small gain. And all the new jobs added were full time, the govern- ment said. The number of Americans who are working part time but would prefer a full-time job fell. An alternative unem- ployment measure, which includes involuntary part- time workers, fell to 8.9 percent, its lowest level since December 2007, when the Great Recession started. That’s down from a peak in 2010 of 17.1 percent. Yet there were some discouraging signs: More optimism, same economy Consumer and business optimism has soared since the presidential election. Many companies eagerly await the tax cuts and deregu- lation promised by President Trump. Yet so far, there is little evidence that better senti- ment has translated into more hiring, spending or economic growth. Companies are adding workers at the same pace they did last year. And consumers trimmed their inflation-adjusted spending in January and February. Stagnant wages Average hourly earnings climbed 2.7 percent over the past year, not much of a win for workers. And after factoring in inflation in the past year, paychecks are essentially flat. “Right now, real wages are basically stagnant,” said Megan Greene, chief economist at Manulife Asset Management. “That’s why things like retail sales growth and other indicators for consumer demand have been so anemic.” The situation is even tougher for front-line workers, who account for the majority of all jobs. Their wages have risen just 2.3 percent, so after inflation they have fallen. Hiring not widely spread The drop in the unemploy- ment rate is good news, but it doesn’t mean everyone has benefited. Women made up nearly all those who gained jobs, with the unemployment rate for adult men unchanged, at a still-low 4.3 percent. Disappearing retail jobs Online shopping is taking its toll on traditional retailers who can no longer compete on price or convenience as they once did. Department and general merchandise stores trimmed 34,700 workers from their payrolls last month. Clothiers let go of 5,800. Amid these job losses, wage growth for retail workers was a paltry 1.1 percent before inflation, far worse than the national average. COMING EVENTS SATURDAY, APRIL 8 A L L - Y O U - C A N - E AT BREAKFAST, 6-10 a.m., White Eagle Grange, 43828 White Ea- gle Road (between Pendleton and Pilot Rock on Highway 395 South), Pendleton. Suggested donation is $7 for ages 8 and up, $4 for ages 5-7 and free for age 4 and under. (Gail Wilson 541-276- 3778) YARD SALE FUNDRAISER, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Hermiston Church of the Nazarene, 1520 W. Or- chard Ave., Hermiston. Proceeds from annual sale help fund sum- mer 2017 Honduras mission trip. (Gabrielle Fritz 541-567-3677) FREE FOR ALL, 9:30-10:15 a.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendle- ton. Free art classes for children up to age 12. Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. (Roberta Lavadour 541- 278-9201) YARN CLUB, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. (541-567-2882) FOIL BOOK & BAKE SALE, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Irrigon Public Library, 490 N.E. Main Ave., Irri- gon. Proceeds benefit the Irrigon Library and the Oregon Trail Li- brary District. (541-922-0138) SAGE SATURDAY, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman. Make a trop- ical wind chime, play limbo and enjoy a frozen treat. Free. (541- 481-7243) HIP & HANDMADE, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free drop-in project class for adults. (Roberta Lavadour 541- 278-9201) COUNTRY HOEDOWN, 1-4 p.m., Milton-Freewater Neighbor- hood Senior Center, 311 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater. Live music, dancing and singing. Admission $2, refreshments available for purchase. (541-938-3311) SAGE CENTER MOVIE EVENT, 2:15 p.m., SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman. En- joy “Moana” and a free Hawaiian lei (first 100 people). Admission is $3 per person, includes free bag of popcorn. Concessions and bottled water will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Riverside High School Operation Graduation. (541-481-7243) SAGE CENTER MOVIE EVENT (SPANISH), 4:15 p.m., SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman. Enjoy “Moana” in Spanish and a free Hawaiian lei (first 100 people). Admission is $3 per person, includes free bag of popcorn. Concessions and bottled water will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Riverside High School Operation Graduation. (541-481-7243) DANCING WITH YOUR PENDLETON STARS, 7 p.m., Vert Auditorium, 480 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Local celebrities pair with professional dancers from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company to raise money for lo- cal charities. Tickets are $20 per person, available at the CAPECO office, Dave’s Chevron, Pendle- ton chamber office, or from each dancer and (541-276-1926) OLDIES NIGHT: CHUCK BERRY, 7-10 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 816 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater. BJ the DJ will spin Chuck Ber- ry’s best music and bands who had success with his hit songs. Refreshments will be provided by The Frogs. Free. (Bob Jones 541-938-7028) SUNDAY, APRIL 9 FAMILY BREAKFAST, 8:30- 9:15 a.m., First Christian Church, 516 S. Main St., Milton-Freewa- ter. Cost is by donation. Everyone welcome. (541-938-3854) PALM SUNDAY SERVICE, 9 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 241 S.E. Second St., Pendleton. Service begins with Liturgy of the Palms. Everyone welcome. (541-276-3809) BLESSING OF THE PALMS AND EUCHARIST, 9 a.m., St. John’s Epsicopal Church, 665 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. (Chuck Barnes 541-567-6674) SPECIAL NEEDS OPEN GYM, 12-1:30 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Free for special needs children and fam- ilies. (541-276-8100) INLAND NORTHWEST CHORALE CONCERT, 4 p.m., Weston Middle School, 205 E. Wallace, Weston. Musical selec- tions include “Serenade to Music” by R. Vaughan Williams and Ga- briel Faure’s “Requiem.” A recep- tion will follow the concert. Free, but donations accepted. (Sally Ketchersid 541-289-4696) ADULT OPEN GYM, 6:30 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. MONDAY, APRIL 10 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELL- NESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendle- ton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541- 276-8100) TOT TIME, 10-11 a.m., Pend- leton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. For children ages 0-5. Costs $1 per child per session. (541-276-8100) PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30 a.m., Athena Public Library, 418 E. Main St., Athena. For ages birth to 6. (541-566-2470) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 p.m., Pend- leton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puzzles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541-276-1926. (541-276-7101) TEEN ADVISORY COUN- CIL, 4 p.m., Hermiston Public Li- brary, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Herm- iston. All teens welcome. Snacks will be provided. (541-567-2882) ART STUDIO, 4-5:30 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free class for ages 7-12 to develop skills and encourage art explora- tion. (Roberta Lavadour 541-278- 9201) MEETINGS MONDAY, APRIL 10 IRRIGON FIRE DISTRICT, 7 a.m., Irrigon Fire Department, 705 N.E. Main Ave., Irrigon. (541-922-3133) PENDLETON SCHOOL DISTRICT, 6 p.m., Pendleton School District office, 107 N.W. 10th St., Pendleton. (541-276- 6711) HERMISTON SCHOOL DIS- TRICT, 6:30 p.m., district office, 502 W. Standard Ave., Hermis- ton. (541-667-6000) M I LT O N - F R E E WAT E R SCHOOL DISTRICT, 6:30 p.m., Central Middle School, 306 S.W. Second St., Milton-Freewater. (541-938-3551) HEPPNER CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Heppner City Hall, 111 N. Main St., Heppner. (541-676- 9618) MILTON-FREEWATER CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Milton-Free- water Public Library Albee Room, 8 S.W. Eighth Ave., Mil- ton-Freewater. (541-938-5531) PILOT ROCK FIRE DIS- TRICT, 7 p.m., Pilot Rock Fire Department, 415 N.E. Elm St., Pilot Rock. (541-443-4522) HERMISTON CITY COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Hermiston City Hall council chambers, 180 N.E. Sec- ond St., Hermiston. (541-567- 5521) ATHENA-WESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, 7 p.m., Weston Middle School library, 205 E. Wallace, Weston. 5:30 p.m executive session, 5:45 p.m. work session, 7 p.m. regu- lar meeting. (Kim Thul 541-566- 3551) WESTON PLANNING COM- MISSION, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall, 210 E. Main St., Weston. (541- 566-3313) TUESDAY, APRIL 11 PENDLETON PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, 12 p.m., Pendleton City Hall community room, 500 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541- 276-8100) PORT OF UMATILLA COM- MISSION, 1 p.m., Port of Uma- tilla offices, 505 Willamette Ave., Umatilla. (541-922-3224) PENDLETON FARMERS MARKET BOARD, 5:30 p.m., Pendleton Early Learning Cen- ter, 455 S.W. 13th St., Pendle- ton. (541-969-9466) WESTON CEMETERY BOARD, 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, 210 E. Main St., Weston. (541- 566-3313) PENDLETON LIBRARY BOARD, 6 p.m., Pendleton Pub- lic Library meeting room, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave, Pendleton. (541-966-0380) LEXINGTON TOWN COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Lexington Town Hall, 425 F St., Lexington. (541-989- 8515)