BAKER CITY HERALD • TuEsDAY, JunE 7, 2022 A3
LOCAL
Citations
Grads
Continued from Page A1
Continued from Page A1
The threshold for meth is 2
grams, and for fentanyl it is 5
grams.
For people who have less
than those amounts of the
drugs the offense is now
treated as a violation, similar to
a traffic infraction. People can
either pay a $100 fine or avoid
the fine by seeking a health as-
sessment at a drug treatment
facility.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid
that’s 50 to 100 times more po-
tent to heroin. It’s also easier to
manufacturer and cheaper, and
carries a higher risk of over-
dose, according to police and
doctors. Fentanyl is sometimes
added to counterfeit prescrip-
tion opioid pills, and people
who take it might not be aware
that they’re ingesting fentanyl.
Officials blame fentanyl for
contributing to Oregon’s 41%
increase in overdose deaths in
2021, according to the National
Center for Health Statistics.
The Baker County incident
started about 11:50 a.m. when
Oregon State Police Trooper
Dakotah Keys responded to a
report from a citizen about two
teenagers hitchhiking on the
freeway near Farewell Bend.
Keys ended up talking with
the two occupants in a 2005
Honda near Milepost 347 east-
bound.
The driver, Kuropatkin, ad-
mitted he had inhaled fentanyl
and consented to a search of
the vehicle, according to Keys’
report.
Keys found both fentanyl,
less than 5 grams, and meth,
less than 2 grams.
Keys cited Kuropatkin for
two violations at 1:20 p.m. on
June 3.
The other person in the car,
Kayla Sporn, 34, of Weiser,
Idaho, had an outstanding war-
rant from the Malheur County
Circuit Court for failure to ap-
pear.
Sporn was taken to the Mal-
heur County Jail in Vale.
According to Keys’ report,
Kuropatkin said his 11-year-
old son was walking eastbound
on the freeway shoulder with
Marchand to get fuel at Fare-
well Bend.
Keys found the pair near
Milepost 352, walking west.
Marchand consented to a
search, and Keys wrote in his
report that he found fentanyl
and meth, both in violation
amounts.
Caitlin Lien
Lien talked about watching
her sister, Carson, graduate
four years ago.
Caitlin said that she was in-
spired by the valedictorian’s
speech that year.
“From that moment I de-
cided I would dedicate myself
to my education to earn the
same honor when I would
graduate in 2022,” she said.
“Well, it is now 2022 and look-
ing back I realize how difficult
it was to achieve this honor,
how much effort I put into
achieving this moment. The
tears and the frustration will
never be forgotten but my
achievement of standing up
here today is proof that I saw
what I wanted and I worked
every day to achieve it.
“So to any incoming fresh-
man in the stands you are ca-
Ian Crawford/Baker City Herald
pable of achieving anything
From left, Baker High School Class of 2022 valedictorians Phoebe Wise, Sarah Plummer, Emma Baeth
you put your mind to,” Lien
and Caitlin Lien, and salutatorian Megan Hurley, during commencement on June 4, 2022.
said. “Now is the time to figure
who you are so the best advice
“Now is the time to figure who you are so the best advice I can give you is
I can give you is slow down,
smell the roses, take a breath,
slow down, smell the roses, take a breath, and find joy in all the little moments
and find joy in all the little mo-
ments because those moments because those moments will be the ones you remember 10 years from now.”
will be the ones you remember
— Caitlin Lien, valedictorian, Baker High School Class of 2022
in 10 years from now.”
Sarah Plummer
Plummer thanked the
“teachers, coaches, and men-
tors who inspired me, and es-
pecially to my most commit-
ted supporters: my family.”
“Graduation is the suc-
cessful end of a journey filled
with amazing memories,”
Plummer said. “Whether it
was the catchy ‘Start strong,
be strong, stay strong, finish
strong’ wording painted on
the walls or the celebratory
walk our class took around
the elementary schools yes-
terday, it is clear that we have
been striving to reach some
sort of ending.
“As graduation drew closer,
I realized that all this talk
about endings didn’t show the
full picture. As we celebrated
each milestone, while there
were the emotions of a chapter
drawing to an end, there was
an overpowering sentiment of
excitement. Even as we cele-
brated the closing of the past
four years, each of us looked
ahead with anticipation.
“The success we celebrate
today is not a finish line that
we have reached, but the be-
ginning of a life we cannot yet
Club
gering another person, a Class
A misdemeanor. That’s based
Continued from Page A3
on his throwing the beer bottle,
Baxter said.
Marianne Stone also pushed
All the other charges are
Kassandra McCarter, who Bax- Class B misdemeanors.
ter said is Bender’s friend and
• Daniel Stone, second-de-
tried to intervene.
gree disorderly conduct, ha-
Several minutes after the
rassment, attempted fourth-de-
fight started, Donald Mawhin- gree assault.
ney, 43, punched Bender sev-
• Marianne Stone, sec-
eral times in the stomach, ac-
ond-degree disorderly conduct,
cording to Baxter’s affidavit.
harassment.
Bender faces the most seri-
• Gavin Stone, second-de-
ous charge — recklessly endan- gree disorderly conduct.
imagine. We are not only be-
ing recognized for the accom-
plishments we have attained,
but, more importantly, the
ability we have to determine
our futures.”
Plummer described the se-
niors’ visit on Friday, June 3
to schools throughout the dis-
trict, where, clad in their caps
and gowns, they were greeted
by the younger students.
“The students told us a lot
of things. I heard ‘good job!’
and ‘congratulations!’ more
times than I can count, but
the message that I found most
touching was just a small sign
held quietly by one of the stu-
dents. As we celebrate our suc-
cessful commencement into
the next chapter of our lives, I
will leave you with that sign’s
simple message: Good luck!”
that I met in the past year. I
see friends I made in FBLA,
or mock trial, soccer, tennis,
swimming, and leadership.
I see artists and athletes and
scholars. But what I really see
is a room full of people who
not only can do something
amazing, but who will. I know
this sounds corny, but I really
mean it when I say I’ve always
seen our class as full of people
with the potential to do great
things in the future.”
Wise talked about how she
has changed over the past sev-
eral years, becoming more
confident in herself.
“When I met most of you
in seventh grade I was a very
different person than I am
now. I was extremely shy
and quiet, I really preferred
to stand on the outskirts
of a conversation and lis-
Phoebe Wise
ten rather than speak, even
“I’ve lived in Baker City for when I was with my friends.
most of my life,” Wise said.
At the same time, I started
“As I’m standing here, look-
to join clubs and get more
ing at this sea of purple robes, involved in the school.
I see friends I was too young
Over time, I started to try
to remember meeting, many I new things, which eventu-
met in middle school, some of ally included some public
which became my best friends speaking. Now, being the
in high school, and even a few shy person I was, you can
• Mawhinney, second-degree
disorderly conduct, harass-
ment.
Baxter said that although
the Stones were responding to
Bender throwing the beer bot-
tle, and nearly hitting Graison
Stone, the video supports the
misdemeanor charges.
He said the fight lasted for
more than four minutes.
In the affidavit, Baxter
wrote: “The appropriate thing
for each of the individuals to
do would have been to call law
Abel Coronado
August 4, 1953 - May 21, 2022
Abel
Coronado
passed
away
unexpectedly at the age of 68 on May
21, 2022, at Saint Alphonsus Medical
Center, Baker City, Oregon. He was born
on August 4, 1953, in Walla
Walla, Washington, to Lucio
H. and Ramona Coronado.
He grew up in Walla Walla
with his five siblings and
numerous cousins, sharing
many happy times.
He
attended
Davis
Elementary School, John
Sager
Middle
School,
Garrison
Junior
High
School and Walla Walla
High School, graduating
in 1972. He enjoyed track
in middle school and loved
baseball. Abel attended
Walla Walla Community
College. He was employed for many years
by Hatfield’s Department Store in Moses
Lake, Bend, Walla Walla, and Pendleton
before opening his own store, Abe’s
Clothing and Footware, in Pendleton,
Oregon. After closing his store, Abel
worked as a Correctional Officer for EOCI
in Pendleton, Oregon, and for Powder
River Correctional Facility in Baker City,
Oregon, until his retirement.
Abel married his childhood sweetheart,
Kathy Knopf, later divorcing after years
of marriage. Abel and Kathy had three
sons, Tom, Jason and Justin. Abel was a
loving and supportive father and his love
for his children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren was immeasurable. Abel
married Sandy Perkins of Baker City,
Oregon, and later divorced.
Abel loved music, dancing, and
spending time with his family and friends.
He made connections with everyone he
met, loved all people, and loved life! He
was the heart of our family, and his smile
and laughter will be greatly missed by all
who knew and loved him.
Abel was predeceased in death by his
parents, Lucio H. and Ramona Coronado.
He is survived by his
sons and their spouses,
Tom
and
Claudia
Stephenson,
Jason
and Wendy Coronado,
Justin
and
Dawna
Coronado; grandchildren,
Jessika (John) Salinas,
Kylie (Dylan) Long,
Issac Coronado, Issa
Stephenson,
Roberto
Vela, Alex Coronado,
Tayler
Kiesau,
and
Blake Kiesau, Jaxon
(Brooklyn) Coronado and
Jordon Coronado; great-
grandchildren,
Jayden
Salinas, Blakely Salinas, Deklyn Salinas,
and Emerson Long; siblings, Genaro
Coronado, Irma (Frank) Leonetti, Rebecca
Cruz, Ricardo Coronado and Diana (Ron)
Coronado Wheeler; aunts, Luz Cabrales
and Ina Coronado; uncle, Luis Coronado,
and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,
and friends.
Burial services will be held on
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at
Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. 2nd
Ave, Walla Walla, WA with a celebration
of life gathering immediately following at
College Place Lions Club.
Memorial contributions in Abel’s
memory may be made to the Pendleton
Little League or the Baker City Little
League through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer
Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR
97814.
To leave an online condolence for
the Abel’s family, please visit www.
grayswestco.com.
enforcement. Instead, each in-
dividual who is being charged
acted in a manner that was
criminal, because they esca-
lated the situation by either
physically harming or attempt-
ing to physically harm some-
one else.”
“As we go on to this next
chapter of our lives I want you
to remember that I see the
potential in all of you, and I
want to encourage you to step
outside of your comfort zone
and try new things until you,
and the rest of the world, can
see it too.”
Emma Baeth
Baeth talked about the
many unexpected challenges
she and her classmates had
to deal with during their four
years at BHS.
“In the famous words of For-
rest Gump, ‘Life is like a box
of chocolates, you never know
what you’re going to get.’ And
boy was that true for the class
of 2022: our box of chocolate
included a global pandemic,
seven different principals, the
life of online school, and yes,
our single pep night win.
“That being said, if I had
to choose one characteris-
tic to represent our class, it
would undoubtedly be perse-
verance. Every single one of
us was forced to persevere to
get to this very spot, to over-
come our own set of unique
challenges, and now, here
we are, wearing these pur-
ple gowns. And for that, we
all should be proud. You see,
very few graduates have dealt
with the challenges we have
faced and overcame.
probably guess that that was
“We rose. We stood up. We
a bit outside of my comfort
zone. But, slowly, and I’m not chose to care and support each
other. When a friend couldn’t
sure about the science be-
stand up on their own, you
hind this but hey, it worked,
reached out, took their hand,
I started to gain confidence
and lifted them up. These ex-
in myself and my ability to
periences, however testing
speak to others. Eventually,
they may have been, have
this confidence carried over
made us stronger, braver, and
to my day-to-day life and I
started talking to new people ready to take on anything the
and making friends who, now, world throws at us.”
Following speeches and
I don’t know what I would
the awarding of diplomas,
do without. In the end, I’ve
become an overall better ver- the Class of 2022 took their
cue from Flanagan and threw
sion of myself than I really
their mortarboards high in
ever thought was possible,
all because I kept making the the air to the booms of con-
fetti cannons and the cheer-
choice to step outside of my
ing of loved ones.
comfort zone.
Barbara Ann Sorensen
February 27, 1934 – May 13, 2022
Barbara, of Sun City West,
AZ, passed away on May 13,
2022, at the age of 88. She was
born February 27, 1934, in Gove,
Kansas, to parents Chris and
Naomi Wyckoff.
Barbara is survived by her
loving husband of 40 years,
Gary, her three children and
two stepchildren: Ron Edwards
Jr., Francine Edwards, Brenda
(Leonard) Hanson, Serena (Larry) Sorensen and Gary
(Alicia) Sorensen Jr. Barbara is also survived by nine
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brother J.B.
Wyckoff and many loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held in Wallowa, OR,
this summer and a celebration of life will be held in Sun
City West, AZ. In the fall. Dates to be determined.
Wade Arthur Dahlen
September 10, 1939 - September 23, 2021
Wade Arthur Dahlen passed away
on September 23, 2021 with his family
by his side. A small gathering for Mass
of Christian Burial was held. Interment
will be held at Rock Creek
Cemetery on June 25, 2022,
at 10:00am. A luncheon will
follow for family and friends
at the Dahlen home.
Wade grew up in
Robbinsdale,
Minnesota
and earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Forest
Resource Management from
the University of Minnesota.
He met the love of his life,
Betty, at the University and
they married on October
13,1962. They began life
at Blue Mountain Ranger District of the
Malheur National Forest. After service in
the military, he returned to the Prairie City
Ranger District as Forester and in 1966
was transferred to the Wallowa-Whitman
National Forest, Baker District as Post Sale
Forester.
In 1969, he became an independent
Sales Agent for Baker City Realty for Lyle
Leager and in 1978, he and Dave Still
opened D & S Realty, Inc. as Brokers. In
1982, he went to Pioneer Federal Savings
& Loan Association as an Outside Sales
Representative. He held various positions,
from Loan Officer to working in the
Data Processing and Computer Technical
Services for the Bank until retiring in 2007.
Wade had many interests during his
lifetime and warned Betty that he might
retire several times. He enjoyed all aspects
of living in Baker.
The mountains and great people made it
a wonderful place to raise children. He was
a fixer and enjoyed working in his shop.
He supported his children in their school
activities, attending sporting events and
theater performances at high school and
college levels. He loved trips to the Oregon
Coast and going to the Hawaiian Islands.
He was grateful to reconnect with college
friends and through the years, they enjoyed
telling stories about camping and skiing on
their yearly trips.
Wade had an infectious smile and was
always willing to lend a hand. He thoroughly
loved spending time with family and his
grandchildren. He was light
hearted with a great sense of
humor. He was thoughtful of
others and always willing to
put their needs ahead of his
own. He was meticulous in
his work, firm in his beliefs,
and committed to helping his
community.
Wade was a lifetime
member of the Catholic
Church and made many
lifelong relationships over
the years. He belonged to the
Knights of Columbus and
helped in their many activities including
the East West Shrine Game. He held many
offices including Grand Knight. Wade
supported Betty in bringing awareness to
Cancer Research through their involvement
with Relay for Life and made projects for
the silent auction and annually donated
over a $1,000 in return can deposits.
Wade served on many community
boards including: Lions International
as 3rd Vice President and Treasurer, St.
Elizabeth Nursing Home Board of Trustees
for 6 years and chairman of the Board for
the last 3 years, Secretary/Treasurer for the
Baker County Home Builders Association
and City of Baker Planning Commission
from 1972- 1975.
Wade is survived by his wife Betty and
children: Lisa (Mark) Ward of Baker City,
OR., Tom (Melissa) of Boise, ID., Eric
(Desa) of Bonners Ferry, ID., Amanda
(Quinn) Anderson of Baker City, OR.,
brothers; Bruce, Keith, Mark, Paul and
sister Diane. Wade has 17 grandchildren
and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded
in death by his parents, Charlotte and
Marlyn. He was deeply loved.
Memorial contributions may be made
to the American Cancer Society through
Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street,
Baker City, Oregon 97814.