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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (April 14, 2021)
LOCAL Wallowa.com Wednesday, April 14, 2021 IN BRIEF Fishtrap off ers summer youth scholarships Bill Bradshaw/Wallowa County Chieftain Kevin McQuead, left, is sworn in Monday, April 12, 2021, as the new chief of police for the city of Enterprise by Gina Birkmeier, customer service specialist for the city, before the City Council’s regular meeting. Chief McQuead shares thoughts on new job Former deputy ‘reintroduces’ himself to community By BILL BRADSHAW Wallowa County Chieftain ENTERPRISE — Enter- prise now has a new police chief, since Kevin McQuead was sworn into the posi- tion Monday, April 12, at the monthly City Council meeting. The long-time Wallowa County deputy was hired to replace former Chief Joel Fish, who was elected Wal- lowa County sheriff last year and took that post in January. The council’s Police Com- mittee extended a conditional off er to McQuead for the posi- tion in February, contingent on his successfully passing several background investiga- tions. The committee recently deemed those investigations concluded and made the off er offi cial. McQuead is the husband of city Administrator Lacey McQuead, who was not involved in the hiring process. Since the chief reports directly to the committee, there was deemed no confl ict of interest. Although many in the county already know McQuead, he and the Chief- tain agreed it would be advan- tageous to reintroduce him in his new capacity as chief. He answered a series of questions via email prior to taking on his new role. Chieftain: Where were you born, raised and attended school? McQuead: I was born in Arizona and raised in Escon- dido, in San Diego County, California. I graduated from Escondido High and attended college at the local junior college to study general education. C: Tell a little about your family. M: I married (the former) Lacey Shelton in 2011, who is a local native. Lacey was raised in Lostine, in the same house her father was raised in. My parents reside in Escon- dido in a house that they built when I was a young boy. I have a sister and brother that also reside in Escondido with their families. I have four boys, ages 23, 22, 15, 13. My two youngest attend Enter- prise Junior High and High School. C: Why did you want to be Enterprise Police chief? M: Law enforcement called to me later in life. I began my law enforcement career in 2003 after fi guring out it was where I was meant to be. I knew I wanted pro- gression within my career, but I didn’t realize how much I wanted it until I started going through the application pro- cess. Writing down my years of service and accomplish- ments during those years, brought reassurance to my decision to apply for a lead- ership position. I have a great boss, friend and men- tor in Sheriff Joel Fish. I went to him the minute I had any thought about applying for the position. It was my conversa- tions with both him and my family that helped me realize this was the best decision and a great opportunity. C: How long did you work for the Enterprise Police Department before becoming a deputy? M: I worked for the Enter- prise Police Department from April 2005 until January 2008. C: Why did you leave the EPD for the sheriff ’s offi ce then? M: With only fi ve years of law enforcement under my belt (including my years as a reserve offi cer), I saw the Wallowa County Sher- iff ’s Offi ce as an opportunity to expand the variety of calls and add new experience to my career. After 13 years, I still love my career as a dep- uty, but I am ready for the next stage, and that’s to be a leader and mentor for the offi cers of Enterprise. C: What do you see as the most important law enforce- ment issue for the city? M: This is to be determined. C: Former Chief Fish made a point of develop- ing a relationship with kids at Enterprise school. Do you plan to continue that? M: Absolutely; kids are the future. I take pride in the relationship that I have with the youths of this community. I am excited for the morning greetings from the students getting off the bus and to con- tinue the presence of EPD at the school. Sheriff Fish, as well as current EPD offi cers, have done a great job bring- ing a positive presence to the school, a presence that you will continue to see during my time as chief. C: Your thoughts on the proposed school resource offi cer? M: It is a goal of mine to have a resource offi cer in the school. C: Anything else you’d care to comment on? M: This is a new “starting point” in my career and I plan to be with the city of Enter- prise until my retirement. I am fortunate that I get to begin this process with three incred- ible, experienced police offi - cers: Jacob Curtis, George Kohlhepp and Cody Billman. I look forward to my career as police chief and serving the citizens of this community. ENTERPRISE — Do you know a kid who loves to write? Are you an aspir- ing writer entering grades 5-12? Fishtrap has several Scholarship opportunities for students to attend Sum- mer Fishtrap this July for free. Any youth who is enter- ing fi fth grade or above in the fall can apply for the scholarship through May 14. Details on apply- ing are available online at https://fi shtrap.org/ youth-scholarships/. Summer Fishtrap Youth Workshops are taught by fun, experienced educa- tors who will help youths discover their unique, cre- ative potential and inspire them to tell stories in new and exciting ways. Wallowa County stu- dents have the choice to attend the week of classes in-person at Joseph Char- ter School July 12-16 or online via Zoom. Students living in all other regions By BILL BRADSHAW Wallowa County Chieftain WALLOWA — A Wal- lowa man accused of mul- tiple counts of sex abuse of a child in Utah was arrested March 31 at his Douglas Street home by Wallowa County Sheriff ’s deputies, according to a police report. Michael Anthony Alexis, 52, was arrested on a nationwide felony warrant issued by the district court in Washington County, Utah, for four counts of aggravated sex abuse of a child. Wa s h i n g - ton County Detective Sgt. Nate Alexis Abbott said T h u r s d a y, April 8, that the alleged off enses took place over about a year’s time from 2019-20. Although he couldn’t identify the alleged victim, Utah law indicates anyone younger than 14 is considered a child. “The charge indicates it was a child,” Abbott said. He said that after the alleged crimes, Alexis apparently relocated to Wal- lowa County. When the allegations were brought to the attention of the Wash- ington County Sheriff ’s Offi ce in the past couple of months and an investigation was opened, investigators sought Alexis out. “We reached out to him and he was uncooperative,” Abbott said. As a result, the dis- trict court there issued an arrest warrant and Wallowa County deputies found and arrested Alexis. Sheriff Joel Fish said the arrest took place without incident and Alexis surren- dered willingly. As of Thursday, the 5-foot, 6-inch, 225-pound Alexis was still being held in the Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton without bail. Abbott said Washing- ton County is now in the process of seeking extradi- tion from Oregon to Utah for Alexis to answer the charges. Alexis could waive extradition, the detective said. Since Alexis has not been convicted, he is not required to be registered as a sex off ender. Schools Building Health Families Classroom, Enterprise High School, Joseph Charter School, Wallowa High School Businesses/Agencies Arrowhead Chocolates • Creative Tree Pre-School • Enterprise Animal Hospital Enterprise Electric • ESD Technology Department • Joseph Electric Josephy Center for Arts & Culture • Kni-co Manufacturing • Neils Body Shop • Roots Salon Ruby Peak Realty • Sports Corral • Stangel Bison Ranch • Stangel Industries Tanzey Forest Management • US Forest Service • Wallowa Community Bank Wallowa Memorial Hospital • Wallowa School District Oregon Water Resources Department - Watermaster Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office • Wallowa County Grain Growers/ Tri-County Equipment Winding Waters Clinic • Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness Births A daughter, Angelina Lynn Richardson, was born April 7, 2021, in Enterprise, to Suzy Ellis and Timothy Richardson of Enterprise. Grandparents are Gary Ellis, Teresa Ellis, Michael Richardson and Thelma Vanarsdale. A son, Conrad George Maly, was born April 5, 2021, in Enterprise, to Annika Maly and Geoff Maly of Enterprise. Grand- parents are Wes Giesbrect, Valerie Giesbrecht, Jef Fellows and Katherine Fellows. eomediagroup.com 301 W. Main, Enterprise • 541.426.3177 This week’s featured book Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi 107 E. Main St. Enterprise OR 541-426-3351 bookloftoregon.com • manager@bookloft.org WINTER HOURS DINE I K N E OR TA T OU Taking Wed. & Thur. 10 Fri. & Sat. 10 am am - 7 pm - 8 pm Sun. 10 am - 7 pm Now s Reservation TAKE OUT ORDERS • CALL 541-569-2285 SPRING TIME FUN and HVAC Parts & Service Ed Staub & Sons Energy Community Service. 201 East Hwy 82 Enterprise, OR 97828 Not just propane 541-426-0320 Pastor Archie Hook You came to us five years ago as our lay pastor, when we were struggling. You brought us back together in unity, bringing hope, deepening our faith, and strengthening our church family. Most importantly, you helped us all grow spiritually by learning to get past ourselves. THANK YOU The Rotary Club of Wallowa County wishes to thank the following businesses, agencies, and individuals for their help in making its April 5th, 2021 Shadow Day another huge success. Through their cooperative efforts, 41 high school juniors were able to explore a local career in an area of interest. can take the writing work- shops online. The scholarships are awarded based on a per- sonal letter demonstrating the applicant’s fi nancial need, age and how being able to attend Summer Fishtrap can enrich their writing. Learn more about the scholarships and apply at Fishtrap.org or contact Emily Aumann by email at emily@fi shtrap.org or by phone at 541-426-3623 ext. 3. — Chieftain staff The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. Wallowa man held on Utah sex charges Michael Alexis accused of abusing a child A3 We wish you and Vicqui the best in your new role at La Grande Christian Church Join Us! Sunday, April 25, Pastor Archie’s Last Sunday 9:30 am Last Bible Study 11:00 am Last Worship Reception with Cake and Coffee after (noon) All are welcome to attend the worship service, or to stop by for cake and coffee immediately following – you do not have to be a member of the church . Covid guidelines followed Enterprise Community Congregational Church “The Big Brown Church” 301 NE First St. Enterprise For more information, find us on Facebook or call 541-426-3044