News
Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
A9
HAY FEVER rolls into town
Eight big rigs and
3 pickups add to
hay stacks
By Angel Carpenter
Blue Mountain Eagle
JOHN DAY – Eight semi-
trucks rolled into John Day Sept.
2, each loaded with 25 to 30 tons
of hay to be donated to local
ranchers with livestock displaced
by the Canyon Creek Complex
¿UH
Behind the big rigs were three
additional pickups pulling trail-
HUV¿OOHGZLWKKD\WRDGGWRWKH
stacks at the “Hay for John Day”
site at the old Grant Western
Lumber Company.
Jim Hamsher of Prairie City
and others were there to help
unload the contributions, com-
ing mostly from Central Oregon
farms and ranches.
Hamsher said they current-
ly have 500 tons of hay in the
barn.
“It sounds like a lot of hay,”
Hamsher said. “But just for the
horses down at the fairgrounds,
they needed 60 tons to get those
horses by.”
He didn’t know the number
of displaced livestock, but said
the need is great, and one cow
or horse would need as much
as three tons of hay, from now
through winter.
One rancher he knows will
QHHGWRQVRIKD\WR¿OOWKH
stop gap until November.
And that’s just the beginning,
because pastures and grazing al-
lotments have burned.
Mark McKinnon of McK-
innon Family Farm in Powell
Butte was one of several farmers
and ranchers with a truck in line
to be unloaded.
Jim Hamsher of Prairie City unloads hay at the old Grant Western Lumber
Company site in John Day as Shane Smith of Culver looks on.
“We’re just happy to be in a
position to help,” he said.
Other drivers brought dona-
tions from Terrebonne, Alfalfa
and Culver.
Kristin Currin has also been
assisting in the effort from La
Grande, arranging for hay loads
and helping manage the “Hay
for John Day” Facebook page.
“That page is what has been
driving a lot of these hay loads,”
Hamsher said.
Mike Williams and his
friends in Baker have also been
a big help, recently bringing
in 130 tons of hay, with Gary
Smith Trucking making the haul
for free.
Hamsher is now working on
insuring the donations.
The task is proving a chal-
lenge at the moment because the
¿UH LVQ¶W FRPSOHWHO\ FRQWDLQHG
– a stipulation the insurance
companies he’s spoken with are
requiring.
Our thanks to the many who
assisted in keeping our homes
safe from the fire when it blew up
on Pine Creek. The firefighters
from off forest and on, our county
sheriff, his deputies and Search
and Rescue Posse that secured
our roads, the people who filled
the pumps and kept them
running when some folks couldn’t
get home.
We would also like to thank my
neighbors for helping to make
things happen and get things of
consequence prioritized when the
need arose. Many thanks to the
dozer operators, cat bosses and
all.
Sincerely,
Michael & Marsha Christensen
02701
As mayor of Prairie City –
which was threatened by the
&DQ\RQ &UHHN ¿UH ZKHQ WKH
blaze came within a mile and a
half of homes – Hamsher is han-
dling quite a balancing act.
Hamsher expressed appre-
FLDWLRQ IRU DOO WKH ¿UH¿JKWHUV
including the local volunteers,
as well as law enforcement and
local contract engines and CAT
drivers who came to the rescue.
“We’re so lucky we didn’t
have any houses in town burn,”
he said.
+LV³LURQVLQWKH¿UH´LQFOXGH
making sure the city’s water
supply maintains a sustainable
level.
He lauded Prairie City resi-
dents who’ve conserved water
at their homes. City workers
had to monitor the pumphouse
around the clock because the
low water table combined with
the higher water-use rate was
taxing the supply and caused the
computer system to shutoff the
water supply at times.
Along with the Hay for John
Day calls he takes, Hamsher is
DOVR¿HOGLQJRWKHUFDOOVIRUGR-
nations to help livestock own-
ers, including $30,000 of vet
supplies, such as vaccinations.
Now he’s on the hunt for a re-
frigerated space.
He said the pace has been
“hectic,” but he’s also grateful –
especially for the hay trucks that
came in.
“It’s been quite the blessing,”
he said. “Thank God for bring-
ing all these generous people.”
For more information, visit
Hay for John Day on Facebook
or call Hamsher at 541-620-
2861.
Eagle photos/Angel Carpenter
Mark McKinnon, center, of Whittaker Farms in Culver
speaks with Jim Hamsher of Prairie City as a young
helper waits. Whittaker was one of several truck
drivers bringing loads of hay to the collection site in
John Day and Hamsher has been coordinating the
local effort.
A TTENTION G RANT C OUNTY V ETERANS :
Did you know Grant County
Veterans Services Officer is available
to assist YOU in applying for all VA
benefits you may be entitled to?
See your Grant County Veteran Services
Officer today for more information,
located at Grant County Court House.
Open: Mon, Wed, & Fri 10 am - 4 pm,
by appointment.
Call 541-575-1631
Our thanks and gratitude
cannot be expressed enough for
the fire fighters who saved our
homes on Aspen Lane.
We also want to thank all the
community volunteers, OTEC,
ODOT and CenturyLink for
their long hours to restore our
services and make our lives
more normal.
God Bless you all!
Ron & Sally Greb
Justin & Jonna Bishop
02676
Congratulations to the Winners in the Sept 8th Chamber Drawing!
Thanks to our Local Businesses and those who
purchased Raffle Tickets, we presented a check for
$
to Benefit Fire Victims
7,200
DONOR
Chester's Thriftway
John Day True Value Hardware
Malheur Lumber
Tidewater Contractors Inc.
Life Flight
Bob Bagett
Greg & Melody Jackson
Radio Shack
Nydam Ace Haradware
Len's Drug
Prairie Hardware & Gifts
Andy's Plumbing & Sports
McKinley Logging
Mosier's Home Furnishings
Pat & Hedi Voigt Ranch
Les Schwab Tire Center
John Day Eye Center
John Day Auto Parts
Driskill Memorial Chapel
1st Choice Auto Body
MD Enterprizes
Gardner Enterprises
John Day Golf Course
Darrell McKrola Construction
Voigt Chevron
Good Deals
Silver Spur
Maria's Mexican Restaurant
Bear Valley Roadhouse
Grumpy's Embroidery
America's Best Value Inn
Cloud 9 Salon
Dairy Queen
King's Dept. Store
Hoffman's Yes We Do Cleaning
Body Fitness & Dance
JD Rents
John Day River Veterinary Clinic
Historic Hotel Prairie
North River Electric
Newport Tradewinds Pkg.
Bed and Breakfast by the River
Wright Chevrolet
Len's Drug
McDonald's Restaurant
Dreamer's Lodge
Jim's Antiques
Sherry Fieger
Andy's Plumbing & Sports
Doug's Motor Vehicle Repair
Mary Miles Massage
Long Creek Lodge
Pioneer Feed
Prime Time Video
Duke Warner Realty
Outpost Pizza, Pub & Grill
Shiny Thimble Quilt Studio
John Day Polaris & Eberhard's Dairy
GIBCO & Gardner Enterprises
Spoiled Rotten Botique
1st Baptist Church
Figaro's Pizza
Triangle Oil
Mossy Oak Properties/
Cupper Creek Land Co.
Austin House
Tracey Raymond
Arrow Appliance
Arrow Appliance
Lands Inn
Wild Horse Casino & Resort
Sylvies Valley Ranch
Gardner Enterprises
Silvies Valley Ranch
Silvies Valley Ranch
Dayville Merc
Bio Smile
High Desert Office Equipment
Russells Custom Meats
ER Printing & Graphics
Grant County Automotive
The Afghan Elf
DONATION
3 Minute Shopping Spree
Quality Weber BBQ
Your Choice 1 Pallet Bricks or Pellets
10 yds Driveway Rock
1 yr Membership, Hat, Hoody, Mug
1/2 hr Airplane Ride
Grant County Greenbacks
2 Video Game Units
Ruger 10/22 w/ Simmon Scope
Gift Card
Gift Basket
5 Day Survival Backpack
1 Cord Juniper Fire Wood
Gift Certificate
GIBCO Gift Certificate
Emergency Road Kit
Exam
Black & Decker Lithium Drill & Tool Set
2 Nights Wapati Cabin on Powder River
Credit to New Windshield
Residential Service Call
2 Cases Beverage
2 Rounds Golf + Cart
1 Window and Installation
Oil Change
Gift Certificate
Dinner for 2
Gift Certificate
Gift Card
2 Hooded Sweatshirts
1 Night's Lodging
1 Cut & Style
Gift Card
Cast Iron Cookware
Gift Certificate
Gift Certificate
Gift Certificate
1 Spay or Neuter Dog or Cat
1 Nights Lodging & Drinks
Gift Card to Dayville Café
5 Hour Fishing Trip *Goes with Golf
Gift Basket
Lube, Oil & Filter
Gift Card
Gift Certificate
1 Room From 10/15 to 3/15/16
Vacuum or Sewing Machine Repair
Homemade Snack Basket
Zombie Bear Target
Lube, Oil & Filter
30 Minute Session
Room for 2
Gift Certificate
15 Movie Star Card
Gift Certificate to Dayville Cafe
Gift Card
Quilt Book & Gift Certificate
ATV Tool Bag & Tub Ice Cream
Birdseed & 2 Cases Pop
Camo Hat & Necklace
Girt Certificate & Basket
Two Pizza and Movie Nights
12 Quarts of Oil
Gift Certificate
VALUE
$300-500
$400.00
$225.00
$160.00
$100.00
$120.00
$50.00
$180.00
$310.00
$50.00
$87.00
$80.00
$160.00
$200.00
$250.00
$35.00
$164.00
$150.00
$300.00
$100.00
$50.00
$60.00
$84.00
$400.00
$49.00
$25.00
$40.00
$20.00
$25.00
$40.00
$84.00
$25.00
$50.00
$49.00
$50.00
$40.00
$75.00
$180.00
$119.00
$50.00
*
$50.00
$40.00
$50.00
$100.00
$75.00
$38.00
$40.00
$30.00
$40.00
$30.00
$60.00
$25.00
$30.00
$35.00
$25.00
$60.00
$29.00
$30.00
$30.00
$40.00
$40.00
$26.00
$50.00
WINNER
David Frazier
Pat Carter
Jim Officer
Bob Buckhaults
Karen Hinton
Jan O'Rorke
Michal Madden
Chuck Cason
Larry Bennett
Justin May
Chris Labhart
Wanda Voigt
Carol Beck
Billie Bullard
Jim Sullens
Sharon Rayner
Dr. Doucette
Tris
Chris Cronin
Dr. Doucette
Susie Snyder
Sandy Brown
Stacie Klusmier
Michal Madden
Randy Horner
Jim Sullens
Steve Patterson
Jay Taramusson
Greg Kling
Pennie Miller
Pam Durr
Reba Smith
Leslie Bennett
Sue Holliday
Cindy Streeter
Eloise Boren
Tyler Davis
Walt Kight
Jack Sweek
Chris Rowe
Larry Bennett
Jim Klum
Sherry Shultz
Chris Wenzel
Liz Smarr
Kathy Prophet Harms
Tom Bridges
Tammy Burdick
Garry Miller
Tom Ware
Stacie Klusmier
Barbara Byant
Ellen Carlson
Christy Keffer
Janet Lee
Ron Ballard
Terry Williams
Lori Azbill
Riley Pettyjohn
Greg Vantassle
Andrew DeGrande
Amanda
Shah Afshah
Dave Driscoll
Gift Certificate
Handmade Quilt
Gift Certificate
Gift Certificate
One Nights Stay
1 Night & Dinner Buffet
Hooded Sweatshirt
Coke Sweatshirt
Gray Fleece Vest
Pink Vest and Carhart Shirt
Tshirt
Denta Exam Pkg or Bleach Trays
Gift Certificate
Gift Certificate
1,000 Business Cards
5 Gallon Fuel Container
Handmade Afghan
$25.00
Priceless
$100.00
$100.00
$95.00
$189.00
$85.00
$36.00
$35.00
$55.00
$20.00
$200.00
$45.00
$40.00
$125.00
$30.00
Priceless
Wendy Ballou
Jim Officer
Jim Sullens
Kathy Smith
Karin Barntish
Cynthia Jackson
Garnet Shank
Sharon Raynor
Eloise Boren
Craig Lough
Greg Bremner
Lori Anderson
Katie Duncan
Chris Labhart
Chris Cozart
Reba Smith
Christy Moothart
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
LOCATIONS THAT SOLD THE
MOST RAFFLE TICKETS:
1st: Ace Hardware,
2: John Day True Value Hardware
3rd: Bear Valley Store
THANKS TO THE OTHER LOCATIONS:
Bear Valley Road House,
Chamber of Commerce, Dayville Café,
Dayville Merc, JD Rents, John Day Napa
Auto Parts, Len’s Drug, Nydams Ace
Hardware, Prairie Hardware & Gifts,
Silver Spur, Squeeze Inn, Stampede Café
THANKS TO THOSE
WHO DONATED CASH:
Oster Professional Group, Oregon Telephone
Corp., Country Preferred Realtors, Norco
Medical Supplies, Eastern Oregon Realty,
KJDY, The Blue Mountain Eagle
THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED
FOR THE FIRST DRAWING:
4 Seasons Plumbing
Allen Mullen
Austin House
Bar W B
Becker Consulting
Better Blooms & Gardens
Blue Mountain Chiropractic
Chuck’s Little Diner
Cindy’s Dog Grooming
Clark’s Disposal
Doug’s Vehicle Repair
Dr. Virginia McMillan DDS
Eberhards Dairy
Ed Staub & Sons
ER Printing & Graphics
Family Tree Service
Fields GrassFed Beef
Flower Shop N More
Gardner Enterprises
Grant Co. Building Supply
Greg & Melody Jackson
Grubsteak Mining Company
Hitching Post
Hitz’s Taxidermy
Huffman’s Select Market
JD Rents
Jim’s Antique Shop
John Day Floral
John Day Polaris
John Day Video Shoppe
Land Title Company
Len’s Drug
Les Schwab Tire Center
Lou’s Heartfelt Quilting
Malheur Lumber
Mary Miles Massage
MD Enterprizes
Mills Building Supply
Mobile Glass
Ne-Hi Enterprises-
Baker City
One Guy & A Wrench
Oxbow Restaurant
Oxbow Trade, Museum
& Antiques
Pioneer Feed
Prairie Hardware & Gifts
Prairie Trading Post
Quilts & Beyond
Radio Shack
Radio Shack
Russell’s Meat
Sherry Fieger
Silver Spur
Snaffle Bit
Squeeze Inn Restaurant
Stampede Café
State Farm Insurance
Sunrise Construction
Susan Hutchison
T&H Automotive
Tanni Wenger Photography
Thomas Orchards
Tidewater Contractors Inc.
Triangle Oil
Velvet Touch Car Wash
Virginia McMillan DDS
THANKS TO THOSE WHO
DONATED TO THIS DRAWING
(PLEASE SEE LIST ON LEFT COLUMN)
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF
THE VOLUNTEERS THAT HELPED
WITH THE RAFFLE
Our profuse apology
if we failed to
acknowledge Anyone!