A2 — BAKER CITY HERALD TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 County sets virtual meeting on COVID, hospitals Baker City Herald TURNING BACK THE PAGES 50 YEARS AGO from the Democrat-Herald August 30, 1971 The six and a half mile stretch of Elkhorn Drive lead- ing to Anthony Lakes was fi nished last week and fi nal inspection of the paving project was completed by For- est Service inspectors and offi cials Friday. The project which laid down thirty feet of asphalt and sealed coat topping cost $260,000 to complete. 25 YEARS AGO from the Baker City Herald August 30, 1996 BALDY CREEK TRAILHEAD — The normally transpar- ent water of the North Fork John Day River resembles chocolate milk this Tuesday morning as it fl ows beneath the halved log that bridges the river here. Rain is falling, a constant, cold drizzle that belies the calendar. The water is dark brown because it is carrying ash and scorched dirt from forests burned in the Sloans Ridge fi re earlier this month. Where the fl ames burned hottest, there is no grass and there are no shrubs to hold the soil or to slow the rain as it trickles down the slopes and into the river channel. 10 YEARS AGO from the Baker City Herald August 31, 2011 The smoke that settled in Baker Valley on Tuesday trav- eled halfway across Oregon to get here. Although lightning sparked more than 20 fi res in Northeastern Oregon on Sunday, most of those blazes were put out before they had burned more than half an acre. Meanwhile a complex of blazes on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation near Madras has spread over more than 60,000 acres, producing clouds of smoke that were pushed eastward by westerly winds. ONE YEAR AGO from the Baker City Herald August 29, 2020 Their career was selling books, but it’s the people — their loyal customers — who Carolyn and Tom Kulog mention most. “Meeting and serving our customers has been the big- gest reward of bookselling for us,” they said. After 32 years at Betty’s Books, the Kulogs sold the busi- ness in July to Jeana Phillips. “We’re very happy that Jeana was ready to step up to pursue a longtime dream of hers to own the bookstore just at the time we were ready to step down,” Carolyn said. “It was truly time for us to see what the next chapter might hold for us.” Phillips is a Baker City native. She graduated from Baker High School in 1997, earned a degree at Oregon State University, and returned to Eastern Oregon to “work in the helping professions providing casework, counseling and advocacy.” She said owning Betty’s Books combines her two favor- ite things: people and books. “I love connecting with people, making recommenda- tions as to what they may or may not like, what will chal- lenge them a bit and having that in return,” she said. “It is a gift that I hope to never take for granted.” Phillips, an avid reader, is just 9 months younger than the bookstore. OREGON LOTTERY MEGABUCKS, Aug. 28 MEGA MILLIONS, Aug. 27 WIN FOR LIFE, Aug. 28 32 — 36 — 51 — 60 PICK 4, Aug. 29 • 1 p.m.: 3 — 4 — 7 — 1 • 4 p.m.: 8 — 5 — 3 — 2 • 7 p.m.: 0 — 7 — 2 — 0 • 10 p.m.: 4 — 1 — 2 — 6 LUCKY LINES, Aug. 29 1 — 10 — 44 — 47 — 56 1-8-11-13-18-24-28-29 8 — 9 — 13 — 15 — 26 — 41 Next jackpot: $204 million POWERBALL, Aug. 28 12 — 22 — 26 — 46 — 59 PB 26 Next jackpot: $332 million Mega 23 Next jackpot: $306 million Next jackpot: $74,000 SENIOR MENUS WEDNESDAY: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, rolls, Jell-O with fruit, bread pudding THURSDAY: Prime rib, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls, broccoli and bacon salad, ice cream FRIDAY: Pork roast, red potatoes, baby carrots, rolls, ambrosia pudding MONDAY (Sept. 6): CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY TUESDAY (Sept. 7): Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, biscuits, cottage cheese and Jell-O salad, brownies Public luncheon at the Senior Center, 2810 Cedar St., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $5 donation (60 and older), $7.50 for those under 60. CONTACT THE HERALD 2005 Washington Ave., Suite 101 Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone: 541-523-3673 Fax: 541-833-6414 Publisher Karrine Brogoitti kbrogoitti@lagrandeobserver. com Jayson Jacoby, editor jjacoby@bakercityherald.com Advertising email ads@bakercityherald.com Classifi ed email classified@bakercityherald.com Circulation email circ@bakercityherald.com ISSN-8756-6419 Serving Baker County since 1870 Published Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays except Christmas Day by the Baker Publishing Co., a part of EO Media Group, at 1668 Resort St. (P.O. Box 807), Baker City, OR 97814. Subscription rates per month are $10.75 for print only. Digital-only rates are $8.25. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Baker City Herald, P.O. Box 807, Baker City, OR 97814. Baker County offi cials have scheduled a virtual town hall for Thursday, Sept. 2 to discuss the current surge in COVID-19 cases and concerns regarding hospital capacity. Residents can participate by phone or by Zoom. The panel will include: • Dr. Eric Lamb, Baker County public health offi cer • Dr. Lily Wittich of St. Luke’s Eastern Oregon Medical Associates • Priscilla Lynn, presi- dent and chief nursing offi cer for Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Baker City • Nancy Staten, Baker County Health Department director • Mark Bennett, Baker County commissioner and the county’s incident com- mander during the pan- demic The town hall will run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents can submit questions in advance by emailing them to pio@bak- ercounty.org, or during the meeting through Zoom. Options for participating: By computer https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 83965108083?pwd=RVA2UT lQblcyM3JudEVxOGtSTWF- hZz09 Passcode: 559535 Oregon’s Alpenfest, Juniper Jam canceled due to COVID-19 The (La Grande) Observer JOSEPH — For the second year in a row, Oregon’s Alpenfest has been can- celed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Directors of Oregon’s Alpenfest, a Swiss-Bavarian variation on the typical Oktoberfest, have canceled the festival for the second straight year because of the dramatic increase in COVID-19 case counts in Wallowa County and statewide. The festival was to have featured Mollie B & SqueezeBox, one of the most in-demand bands in the polka industry, Sept 23-26 at the Harley Tucker Rodeo Grounds in Joseph. Since 1975, Alpen- fest has been the last major Wallowa County event of the tourist season. Advance ticket holders will receive re- funds, according to Chuck Anderson, Al- penmeister of the festival and president of its nonprofi t organization, Alpenfest. “We regret having to do this, but we were anticipating record attendance because of Mollie B and that would have meant hundreds of guests gathered in an enclosed space,” Anderson said. “Even with face masks, we couldn’t risk the health any of our loyal fans, volunteers or performers.” The festival has endured ups and downs during its 46-year history. In its fi rst incarnation, “Alpenfest,” it ran from 1975 to 2008, when it was discontinued due to declining attendance. A new organization revived it as Oregon’s Alpenfest in 2012. Then it was threatened fi nancially in 2019 when it lost its longtime home at the Wallowa Lake Tramway and a giant rented tent proved to be burdensome due to weather, logistical problems and the tent’s rental cost. The setback was averted thanks to assistance from Com- munity Bank. The 2020 festival had been canceled because Oregon banned large gather- ings during an earlier stage of the pan- demic. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown hadn’t yet taken that step during the current surge in cases, but Anderson said Alpen- fest’s board of directors concluded that the risk to attendees was too great. “There’s no question that we will survive,” Anderson said. “In the early 20th century, despite tough odds, Swiss and German immigrants helped settle Oregon. We aren’t any different.” The 2022 festival is scheduled for Sept. 22-25. The recent coronavirus spike also claimed another event, as Juniper Jam was canceled, organizers announced Wednesday, Aug. 18. “The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in our region has led us to this heart- Oregon’s Alpenfest/Contributed Photo Directors of Oregon’s Alpenfest, a Swiss-Bavarian variation on the typical Oktoberfest, have canceled the festival for the second straight year. breaking decision, and we urge folks to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of this awful virus,” the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance said. Online ticket sales will be refunded, and those who purchased tickets from local outlets are encouraged to return to those locations for their refund. Next year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2022. Hells Canyon Mule Days, planned for Sept. 10-12, has also been cancelled — with the exception of the Dave Stamey concert at 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at the fair- grounds in Enterprise. Baker County Fair results Baker City Herald Results from the Baker County Fair. Sydney Keller; Reserve Gr. Champion, Kate Norton • Lamb: Grand Champion, Maggie Stanbro; Reserve Gr. Champion, Tessa Garrick • Goat: Grand Champion, Colton Luschen; Reserve Gr. Champion, Taylor Johnson Market • Rabbits: Grand Cham- pion, Tyler Myatt; Reserve Gr. Champion, Chase Myatt • Swine: Grand Champion, Henry Hester; Reserve Gr. Showmanship Champion, Jake Eskew • Poultry: Grand Cham- • Steer: Grand Champion, pion, Julianna Sandberg; Reserve Gr. Champion; Kathleen Nilsen • Cavy: Grand Cham- pion, Alexander (Xander) Johnson; Reserve Gr. Cham- pion, none • Rabbits: Grand Cham- pion, Alexis Rupel; Reserve Gr. Champion, Tyler Myatt • Swine: Grand Champi- on, Cody Eskew; Reserve Gr. Champion, Jake Eskew • Steer: Grand Champion, Angelina Tennent; Reserve Gr. Champion, Sydney Keller • Lamb: Grand Champion, Maggie Stanbro; Reserve Gr. Champion, Logan Neff • Goat: Grand Champion, Taylor Johnson; Reserve Gr. Champion, Ashtyn Cowan • Horse: Grand Cham- pion, Kodi Miller; Reserve Gr. Champion, Zack Morrison OBITUARY John Neske Baker City, 1957-2021 John Anton Neske, 64, of Baker City, died from a heart attack on Aug. 22, 2021, at his home. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Baker City Church of the Nazarene, 1250 Hughes Lane. John was born on April 22, 1957, at Corona, California, to John “Jack” and Beverly Neske. He graduated from Baker High School in 1975. After graduation he worked for Kenny and Delma Miles on their ranch. He bought a bale wagon and started his own custom stacking business. He married Marcella Dallimore on Oct. 24, 1980, at the Medical Springs Grange. They settled on a farm in the Baker Valley where they raised their children. He and his brother started Neske Bros., a custom haying and farm- ing business, which they operated with their wives and children. His dedication to farming led him to serve as a board mem- ber of the Baker Valley Irrigation District for many years. Family was important to him and he is survived by his wife, Marcella Neske of Baker City; his son and daughter in-law, Joshua and Angeline Neske of Anthony, Kansas; his daughter and son-in-law, JoLynn and Jimmy Lunders of Nampa, Idaho; six grandchildren Xavier, Liam, Isaiah, Jaxson, JD (James) and Evelyn; his mom, Beverly Schaer (Neske) of Baker City; his sister, Patty Rowe and her husband, Richard, of Haines; his brother, Martin, and his wife, Mary Neske of Baker City; and his sister, Dana Robin- son and her husband, Mark, of Spring- fi eld, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Evelyn Neske, and Anton and Margaret Swenson; his father, Jack Neske; his sister, Kathy Smi- etana; and his stepfather, Duane Schaer. Memorial contributions can be made to the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814. NEWS OF RECORD FUNERALS PENDING POLICE LOG Tharrell Tilgner: Graveside service with military honors will take place Thursday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Valley Cemetery in Richland. Arrange- ments are under the direction of Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Online condolences can be made at www.tamispinevalleyfuneral- home.com. Donna Weir: Graveside service will be Saturday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Valley Cemetery in Richland. Arrange- ments are under the direction of Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Online condolences can be made at www.tamispinevalleyfuneral- home.com. David Coughlin: Celebration of life, Sunday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. at the Quail Ridge Golf Course, 2801 Indiana Ave. in Baker City. Baker City Police Arrests, citations CONTEMPT OF COURT (2 Baker County Justice Court war- rants): Kyle Ryan Bork, 21, Baker City, 11:04 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27 in the 3400 block of 13th Street; cited and released. Oregon State Police Arrests, citations DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICANTS, RECKLESS DRIVING: Logan Gabriel Thumm, 37, Meridian, Idaho, 8:24 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 on Interstate 84, Milepost 320 westbound; cited and released. Accident report A motorcycle rider, Gary Wayne Hodgin, 74, of Milwaukie, was injured when he failed to negotiate a banked turn on High- way 26 near Milepost 209, about three miles northwest of Unity, around 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, according to an OSP report. Hod- gin, who was riding with a group of motorcyclists, was taken by Life Flight helicopter to Saint Al- phonsus Hospital in Boise, where he was in fair condition Monday, morning, Aug. 30. Accident report Two women spent the night in their car after it went off High- way 7 near Milepost 13, about 37 miles southwest of Baker City, on the night of Wednesday, Aug. 25, according to an OSP report. Sr. Trooper David Aydelotte wrote in a report that the driver, Eileen Helen Scott, 67, of Lebanon, told him the accident happened about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 when she steered to avoid a deer. The Chevrolet Malibu went down a steep embankment, and with no cell service, Scott and her pas- senger, Tina Marie Lester, 55, of Sweet Home, spent the night in their vehicle. On the morning of “You’ll love the work we do. I guarantee it.” - JR Aug. 26 a passer-by saw the car and reported it to police. Neither the driver nor the passenger was hurt. • Lumber • Plywood • Building Materials • Hardware • Paint • Plumbing • Electrical And much more! 3205 10th Street Baker City 541-523-4422 Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8 am - 5 pm Closed Sun Periodicals Postage Paid at Pendleton, Oregon 97801 Copyright © 2021 By phone Call 1-877-853-5247 (toll free), enter meeting ID 839 6510 8083, and passcode 559535 225 H Street • East of I-84 • 541-523-3200 • grumpysrepair.com