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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 9, 2016)
News Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, March 9, 2016 A5 C OPS & C OURTS LETTERS Continued from Page A4 Long Creek City Council dropped the ball To the Editor: It is of the utmost impor- tance that the community and citizens of Long Creek are aware that there is a city council meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m. in general re- gards to the commercializa- tion of marijuana. All should attend for support. By a vote of 3-2, the city council de- cided to speak for the 105 registered voters of our city and not allow a vote in re- gards to this very impactful subject. Although Measure 91 was passed in regards to the legalization of marijua- na, it was voted down on the east side of the Cascades by a 65-percent to 35-percent major majority. Our city council disregarded that fact and should change that de- cision and let the people of our city vote to decide on such an extremely important subject! It was a very dis- appointing vote by our city council and too important to the people of Long Creek and the county to be decided by just five people. Dan Morrow Long Creek Editor’s note: The Long Creek City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 10 at the Long Creek Community Center regarding a conditional use permit for Southern Blues Bud LLC to establish a marijuana grow- ing business at 755 W. Main St., Long Creek. Wishes for our county To the Editor: My husband and I have lived in Grant County for 18 years. We have loved it here and have contributed to the community in a number of constructive ways. I have fre- quently been dismayed by the anger and negativity in letters to the editor and/or editori- als, often written by the same people week after week. Not wanting to be part of a “con- versation” like that, I have hesitated to speak up about important issues. It’s time to change that. Over the past weeks, I’ve read about and listened to opinions on many of the is- sues that are being discussed in our county, important is- sues such as: impact and re- action to last summer’s ¿re, the County Court resolution, presence of out-of-county militia, freedom of speech, meaning of the constitution, sheriff’s duties, etc. It’s encouraging to read opinions based on facts. But it’s discouraging and non-pro- ductive if those statements are untrue, inÀammatory or are malicious personal attacks. It’s also offensive to hear things like “traitors” shouted out in our county courtroom. I hope our county can become a positive example for other counties in Oregon and the entire country. De- spite differences of opinion, let’s have respect, civil dis- cussions, facts, peaceful ex- pressions of opinion and le- gal processes. Let’s not have threats, intimidations, slander, extralegal interpretations of laws or mean-spirited words or actions of any kind. Releases: 5 Arrests: 1 Fingerprints: 4 Civil papers: 7 Warrants processed: 1 Asst./welfare check: 2 Amy Jean McCool, Santa Cruz, Calif., was convicted of no non-resi- dent hunting license, and ¿ned $2,000. Scott Anthony Cotter, John Day, was convicted Justice Court of second-degree disor- CANYON CITY — derly conduct, and ¿ned The Grant County Justice $435. Court reported the follow- ing ¿nes and judgments: Dispatch Exceeding the speed John Day dispatch limit: Fedor Y. Zarkhin, worked 119 calls during 29, Portland, 93/55 zone, the week of Feb. 29-March Feb. 12, ¿ned $435; Tricia 6. Along with the various Grant County Sheriff Kathleen Smith Burckard, traf¿c warnings, trespass- CANYON CITY — 45, Hines, 87/55 zone, ing, injured animals, noise The Grant County Sher- Feb. 12, ¿ned $160. complaints and juvenile iff’s Of¿ce reported the Violation of the basic complaints, these calls in- following for the week of rule: Janine Amber Weav- cluded: Feb. 26-March 3: er, 33, Mt. Vernon, 71/55 John Day Police: Bookings: 9 zone, Feb. 12, ¿ned $135. Feb. 29: Harassment reported on Southwest Brent Drive in John Day. March 3: Respond- ed to a reported dispute at Meadowbrook Apart- ments. March 4: Cited a John Day woman for no insur- ance and driving while suspended. March 5: Reported hit- and-run on 6th Street. March 6: Arrested a John Day man for parole violation; theft reported at Riverside Mobile Home Park. Grant County Sher- iff: Feb. 29: Trespassing reported at the Long View Ranch. March 1: Theft report- ed at the Blue Mountain Motel in Mt. Vernon. March 2: Cited a John Day woman for not hav- ing an ignition interlock device installed and for no insurance. John Day ambu- lance: Feb. 29: Dispatched for an elderly woman. March 2: Dispatched for a young child having a seizure; dispatched for a woman with difficul- ty breathing; dispatched for an elderly man with pain. March 3: Responded for an 82-year-old woman with a stroke; dispatched for an elderly woman with chest pain. What kind of county do we want to live in? Victoria Thompson Mt. Vernon ous. One was a former Ma- rine, so that made four from the Corps there. Another was a former Army Ranger and the third fellow a self-proclaimed “political activist.” With the sheriff having served in the Air Force, we represented ser- vice in Vietnam and Iraq. You know, typical militants. Eager to learn about the events at the refuge, it was a surprise when the three men spoke of “redress of griev- ance” for the Hammonds and educating people about the U.S. Constitution. Dog-eared and highlighted copies of the Constitution were produced and references to poignant sections of the law of the land were discussed. It was an interesting and informative time. Hardly the wild-eyed militants some people be- lieved them to be. I was there, took notes and challenge anyone to confront me and say otherwise. Dave Traylor John Day government decides is ac- ceptable use of our land. Haley Olson John Day left, with its reputation who wouldn’t celebrate? Surely whoever came along and used their network of cables would easily provide better customer service. Comcast’s use of an even better tax break than the Leg- islature intended is unbeliev- able. The Legislature must develop a backbone and make this right. Jody Wiser Founder and chair of Tax Fairness Oregon Portland Militia supporters jeopardizing county desirability To the Editor: We moved to Grant Coun- ty 18 years ago. We were at- tracted to this wonderful part of Oregon as well as Àeeing the lifestyle of the I-5 corri- dor. Our experiences here have consistently exceeded our ex- pectations. I’ve been amazed at how hard so many individuals, groups and businesses have worked to support and grow our local economy. Much of that effort has gone to make Grant County a desirable place to live, visit and retire. The ugly rhetoric, intim- idation and threats coming from the so-called militia and their defenders are jeopardiz- ing that work. I wouldn’t move here in this environment, and I’m having second thoughts about encouraging young Grant County people to stay or to come back and bring their friends with them. We need a population of working fami- lies to make this a vital com- munity. Richard Thompson Mt. Vernon Refuge occupiers referenced U.S. Constitution To the Editor: I attended the meeting at the Outpost Jan. 12 when three of the “armed militants” from the wildlife refuge came over. Let me set the stage. I was invited by a friend that is a local logger that had been at the refuge the previous Sun- day and invited several fel- lows there to come over for a meeting with people from Grant County. I brought two friends and met up with a rancher and wife, a Realtor, log truck owner and the sher- iff. The sheriff did not know anyone from the refuge would be there until he arrived. The three men were in their 30s, cleanly dressed and courte- Government failure To the Editor: Citizens of Grant County, we have a situation unfold- ing locally that I believe is setting a dangerous prece- dent for Grant County and the citizens of Oregon. In 2014, recreational marijuana was voted on, and the law was approved by 55-percent majority. With the passing of the measure, it became the law of our land (Oregon). Then, our “appointed,” not elected, governor com- promised, which allowed counties all over the state to disregard the will of state- wide voters. Some reasons for the compromise includ- ed lawsuit threats by East- ern Oregon representatives, Eastern Oregon counties voting against the measure in 2014 and inability to move legislation through the state legislature on HB 3400. In my opinion, the gov- ernor failed the citizens of Oregon — especially the people in Eastern Oregon counties like ours. The fact is, we have major unem- ployment, serious lack of funding for schools, roads, police and fire departments. Currently, there is little hope for any new jobs or revenue in our community. The governor should have threatened a veto and insist- ed all counties, especially the ones with serious unem- ployment problems and rev- enue issues, to implement the law. To top it off, Grant County officials jumped on the “ban” wagon and decid- ed for everyone, without a vote, to ban our right under state law to open a business on our own property — a business with good-paying, sustainable jobs that stay in Oregon. Elections have conse- quences; we may agree or disagree with the results, but this is the way our sys- tem works. What precedent are we allowing to be set if a governor, legislator or county official is allowed to compromise on statewide law? In reality, the feds have not come in and ar- rested everybody in Colora- do or Washington, and it is very unlikely they’re head- ed to Oregon anytime soon. If we don’t stand united on this issue, then the legal use of your land is and will be dictated by state and local officials — not only with marijuana but whatever the Comcast hoodwinked our legislators To the Editor: Last year Comcast hood- winked our legislators into a tax loophole for itself. But taxpayers won’t bene¿t: Comcast’s rates don’t vary based on state and local taxes. Comcast built their tele- communications network in Oregon knowing full well what our taxes were. Did any taxpayers get a big rate de- crease last year because the legislature gave them a tax break? Of course not. Now it’s time for legislators to respond with “tough love,” and undo all the changes they made for the bene¿t of com- munications companies. Let Comcast, Google and the oth- ers pay their taxes based on the law that was here when they decided to come to Oregon. What might Comcast do? Leave? If Comcast up and Too many deputies To the Editor: Whoa, Glenn Palmer has outdone himself. With one sheriff we have gotten not one, not two or three, but 70 special deputies. Wow. I feel 70 times safer now that I know there are 70 hand- picked, unelected, unidenti- ¿ed, untrained deputies with the power to arrest and detain me. It’s like our very own se- cret police. What could pos- sibly be wrong with that? Sam Walker John Day OREGON CAPITAL INSIDER eomediagroup.com The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. Pro Saw Shop and a Whole Lot More 02131 Circuit Court CANYON CITY — The Grant County Circuit Court reported the follow- ing ¿nes and judgments: James Dean Loveday, 53, pleaded guilty to in- terference with making a report. He was sentenced to bench probation for 12 months, 40 hours of com- munity service and ¿ned $600. The court dismissed one count of fourth-de- gree of assault, constitut- ing domestic violence. Dakota Charles Stout, 18, pleaded guilty to con- spiracy to deliver meth- amphetamine. He was sentenced to jail for 15 days, supervised proba- tion for 24 months and 80 hours of community ser- vice. He was ordered to have no contact with the victims and ¿ned $250. The court dismissed one count of unlawful posses- sion of meth. 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE PG-13 Woman discovers the horrifying truth about the outside world while living in an underground shelter. A TTENTION G RANT FRI & SAT (12:45) (4:10) 7:10 9:35 (1:10) (4:10) 7:10 9:40 SUNDAY MON-THURS (1:10) (4:00) 7:10 C OUNTY ZOOTOPIA PG Disney Animation. Fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop work together to uncover a conspiracy. See your Grant County Veteran Services Officer today for more information, located at Grant County Courthouse. LONDON HAS FALLEN R In London for the Prime Minister’s funeral, Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders. FRI & SAT (12:45) (4:20) 7:20 9:40 (1:10) (4:20) 7:20 9:40 SUNDAY MON-THURS (1:10) (4:00) 7:20 9:40 $9 Adult, $7 Senior (60+), Youth V ETERANS : Did you know a service-connected disabled veteran is entitled to FREE use of Oregon State Parks? FRI & SAT (12:45) (4:00) 7:00 9:30 (1:10) (4:00) 7:00 9:40 SUNDAY MON-THURS (1:10) (4:00) 7:00 9:40 Open Mon, Wed, & Fri, 10 am - 4 pm, by appointment. Call 541-575-1631 03582 Arrests and citations in the Blue Mountain Eagle are taken from the logs of law enforcement agencies. Every effort is made to re- port the court disposition of arrest cases. The Blue Mountain Eagle’s Debbie Ausmus 245 South Canyon Blvd. John Day, OR 97845 OPEN WED. & THUR. 9 am - 5 pm 541-575-1113 24 hrs/7 days wk debbie.ausmus@ countryfinancial.com $15 for: Accepting children 2 to 6 years old Multiple child discount - Positive - Nurturing - Fun - • Art • Physical Activities • Healthy Menu 227 NW 2nd St. John Day Contact Stacie for more info: 541-974-8760 YARD S 32 C E A L E M • UNLIMITED words, • 5 large “Yard Sale” signs, • a voucher for a FREE 25-word, one week ad (a $17 value!) CIG Call 541-575-0710 • Fax 541-575-0244 • Email office@bmeagle.com Stop by 195 N Canyon Blvd., John Day • Deadline for Classifieds is 10 am Mondays.
