ANTELOPE & SHANIKO

LOCAL AREA NEWS

5-7-16

Margaret Hill, former Antelope Mayor passes away at 93

Margaret Workman Hill, former Antelope Mayor and area school teacher, has passed away April 22, 2016 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.

Margaret is truly a great figure in the history of Antelope having been Mayor during the siege of Rajneesh. Frequently the spokesman for our community she had a gallant image, composure and intellect and showed bravery in the face of danger. Her home was often the front lines and was the scene of the infamous arrest by the Rajneesh Police Force of free lance journalist Bill Driver then reporting for Oregon Magazine.

On Aug. 29, 1969, she married Phil Hill in Antelope and they enjoyed almost 34 years together. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Antelope.

The Dalles Chronicle reported:

"The newly installed mayor of the town of 50 souls would soon face a terrorizing experience, becoming the focus not only of endless lawsuits from the followers of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, but of direct physical intimidation. Through it all, Hill, who died at age 95 on April 22, served as a beacon of steadiness and strength for the besieged town. It is a bittersweet Mother’s Day for her three children and two grandchildren, as they prepare to lay her to rest on Monday.

Her daughter Mollie Boyce said “On one hand, it was kind of lucky for the people in Antelope” to have her mom as mayor. But on the other hand, it was “not lucky for her.”

Antelope resident John Silvertooth wrote a tribute to Hill on the Anderson’s Tribute Center memorial page, saying that Hill, frequently the spokesman for the community, had “a gallant image, composure and intellect and showed bravery in the face of danger. Her home was often the front lines and was the scene of the infamous arrest by the Rajneesh police force of freelance journalist Bill Driver, then reporting for Oregon Magazine.”

...“I remember her saying, if they’d just wanted their commune on the ranch and just stayed there, there probably wouldn’t have been much of an issue, but they wanted the town” of antelope, Boyce said.

“There were things they couldn’t do legally unless they were an incorporated city,” she said. “There was a lot of zoning things they wanted to do but couldn’t unless they passed a law, and they couldn’t pass a law unless they had a city.”

And so nearby Antelope fell into their sights. Town officials tried to snatch away the prize by pursuing a vote of unincorporation, but Rajneeshees, who had by then moved to town in some number, had enough votes to turn the measure down.

Eventually, there were enough of them to wrest away control of the city council and school board. They even renamed the city Rajneesh for a short time.

Hill told her daughter that the Rajneesh years were easily the most stressful of her life. Hill and her husband, Phil, soon began spending winters down south, expressly to get away from the situation.

Keith Mobley was the city’s attorney for the early years of the Rajneesh era. He said Rajneeshees had “developed a security force and they’d keep an eye on things and I guess [Hill’s] house deserved particular attention.”

She regularly had her house spotlighted at night as the Rajneeshees would drive by, her daughter recounted.

But they didn’t stop with that, of course, since they also arrested the journalist who was visiting them.

In those years, Boyce saw a side of her mother she’d never seen before.

The Rajneeshees had a team of about 20 lawyers targeting Antelope officials and others. “The thing I remember so much her talking about was the depositions [for lawsuits] and how excruciating those were,” Royce said. “They had a way of being — especially [de facto commune leader Ma Anad] Sheela — they were just nasty people. They were just mean, they would say things; they would insinuate things, none of which was true, just to cause problems.”

She said her mom “hated when she had to have anything to do” with Sheela.

Through this, Boyce saw in her mother “a strength and fortitude that came out. A side of her that was forced into existence that I hadn’t seen before. My mom was a great mom, she was always, always there for me, always. A wonderful grandmother. I have two sons and they loved her to pieces. But there was a business side to her.”

...In her working life, Hill taught in one-room schoolhouses and on Indian reservations and then finally in Kent and Antelope. She made such an impression that four or five of her former students came to her 90th birthday party."

4-28-16

Hanford, Not Fukushima, is the Big Radiological Threat to the West Coast 

Cunterpunch reports: "There is a dangerous radiological threat to the West Coast of the United States that puts the health of millions of Americans at risk. It includes dangers to public health, dangers to the food supply, and dangers to future generations from long-lived radionuclides, including some of the most toxic material in the world. It is not Fukushima, it is Hanford. While radiation from the Fukushima nuclear meltdowns is reaching the West Coast, carried across the ocean from Japan, the radiation from Hanford is already there, has been there for 70 years, and is in serious risk of catastrophe that could dwarf the effects of Fukushima even on Japan.

Hanford, on the Columbia River in Eastern Washington State, is the site where the United States produced the majority of its plutonium for nuclear weapons during the Cold War. These tens of thousands of American nuclear weapons were built as an end product of the high levels of plutonium production at Hanford."

See:   http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/29/hanford-not-fukushima-is-the-big-radiological-threat-to-the-west-coast/

1-16-16

ANTELOPE CITY COUNCIL BACKS NEW TAXING PARKS DISTRICT.

While the city would have no direct control over the new agency, the Antelope City Council jumped on the bandwagon for a new county parks and recreation agency placing the city in the proposed district,. The next step will be for voters in the proposed district to decide to back or reject the proposal advanced by a group from Northern Wasco County that wants to repair a boat ramp at Pine Hollow Reservoir.

Even if Antelope voters vote "no" and turn down the proposal we would still be forced into the district under the concept embraced by the City Council.

While the proposal at this time of for a non-taxing district. according to ORS 266.410, the new district would be able to levy property taxes, may use "condemnation proceedings" to acquire private property and may "compel all residents and owners within the district to connect their houses and habitations with the street sewers, drains or other sewage disposal system."

The Dalles Chronicle reported:

"Inspired to fix a broken boat ramp at Pine Hollow Reservoir, a group of motivated South Wasco County citizens want to form a non-taxing parks and recreation district.

At Monday’s Wasco County Board of Commissioners meeting, they got a consensus to move forward.

Members from the South Wasco Alliance, Wamic Rural Fire Foundation and Wamic Boating Access Improvement Committee began meeting with Commissioner Steve Kramer, Administrative Officer Tyler Stone, County Clerk Lisa Gambee and Planning Director Angie Brewer in August to figure out what do to about the north boat ramp, which has been closed for about five years.

The group realized in order to get any grants from the Oregon State Marine Board, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department or Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, they needed to form a parks and recreation district."

 12-6-16

Patriarch of Kent area Von Borstel ranching family passes away in the Dalles.

Donald Theodore von Borstel, The Dalles

  May 26, 1921 - December 6, 2015

10-3-15

REMINGTON SHEER PLAYING FOOTBALL FOR SHERMAN HUSKIES

 Remington Sheer, son of current Antelope Mayor Brian Sheer and Belinda Anderson of Grass Valley, is playig Quarter Back this fall for the Sherman County Huskies Football Team.

UPDATE 5-17-16

Shaniko Fire Department Levy passes in 8 to 6 Vote

Reversing the result of an 8 to 8 tie last November Shaniko voters reverse course of a Fire Department Tax Levy. Election Returns: City of Shaniko Fire Dept. Property Tax levy: "8 votes YES" to "6 votes NO" as per Wasco County Clerk final returns.

11-5-15

Shaniko Fire Department Levy Defeated in 8 to 8 Tie Vote

Vote split 8 to 8 out of 16 ballots cast.

 "On the ballot in Wasco County was a five year tax levy in Shaniko. As of last night, that vote is standing at a tie. According to Wasco County Clerk Lisa Gambee, there are 21 registered voters in Shankio, 21 ballots were mailed and 16 were returned as of 8 pm last night and the count was 8 in favor and 8 against.” http://gorgenewscenter.com/klickitat-county-election.../

 The proposed $1.50 per $1000 of value property tax levy for Shaniko (with funds to go to South Sherman Fire District) stands defeated as result of the 8-8 tie vote. A couple of years ago South Sherman announced plans to seek annexations of areas in Wasco County but the current agreement with Shaniko is as far as that effort has gone and the status of the agreement is less than clear after the levy failure, the first time the voters had a direct say in the matter.

Tony Cortez, age 31, Passes Away

Former Antelope and Shaniko resident Tony Cortez passed away October 20 in Vancouver, Washington. Tony was involved with the former Tumbleweeds Station in Shaniko.

Virginia Cortez posted on Facebook: "Our family unexpectedly & tragically lost a beloved member, Tony Cortez Tuesday October 20, 2015. In 31 short years Tony impacted everyone that knew him and was known and loved by many for his contagious laugh and silly, outgoing personality. Tony was a loving son, father, brother, cousin and uncle who has left behind an extensive amount of family and friends, who all will miss having him near." Survivors in Antelope and Shaniko include his sister Virginia, his mother Laura Cortez and an uncle Gary May.

SHANIKO BANS RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES, ANTELOPE DOES NOT.

Closet location for Antelope and Shaniko residents wanting recreational marijuana is Madras.

Shaniko City Council Votes for Prohibition on Recreational Marijuana Activities. Shaniko joined the war against recreational marijuana like many other Eastern Oregon cities. Empowered by the state legislature with the local option to restrict parts of Measure 91 the Shaniko City Council voted to prohibit producing, processing, retailing and wholesaling recreational marijuana.

 Libertarian minded Shanikoians will still be able to possess, use recreational marijuana and cultivate four plants per residence according to state law The prohibition law will be voted on at the 2016 General Election when Shaniko voters will be able to weigh in on these restrictions on personal freedom. Sales of alcohol and nicotine are not affected.

The City of Antelope has adopted no such restrictions.  Mayor John Silvertooth said he advised the Leagye of Oregon Cities this summer that the proposed restrictions were "a waste of time."

The City of Madras will apparently allow recreational mairjuana sales and three medical dispensaries are now selling recreational pot to those over 21. Jefferson County reversed an earlier decision and is restricting recreational sales in unincorporated areas over which the county has jurisdiction,  Wasco County has held public hearings in North County but still has not acted on the issue.

http://www.oregon.gov/…/Docum…/Cities_Counties_RMJOptOut.pdf

11/2/15

KGW TV Collapse of Rajneeshpuram 30 year nostalgia:

 "ANTELOPE, Ore. -- It seems inconceivable in 2015 that a spiritual leader from India could bring thousands of adherents to Oregon and take over a small Central Oregon town. But Sunday marked exactly 30 years since the arrest of the man who pulled it off, which brought to a close one of the strangest sagas in the state's history.

In 1981, the followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh purchased the 64,000-acre Big Muddy ranch outside Antelope, Oregon. The price tag was $5.75 million, a whopping $15 million in 2015 dollars. A year later, followers voted (unanimously) to incorporate their ranch into the city of Rashneeshpuram."

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/2015/11/02/rajneeshpuram-30-years-since-collapse-oregon-commune/74885010/?c=n&can=n

8/3/15

Frances Wheeler Dickson passed away

Frances Wheeler Dickson passed away early Sunday morning at St. Charles Hospital in Madras. A school teacher, mother, community leader and city councilor in the Antelope community for decades she will be well remembered. Frances Wheeler married Bill Dickson, whose family raised wheat and cattle at the family ranch near Antelope, on Dec. 22, 1948, at the Christian Church in Madras. Bill and Frances enjoyed numerous trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. When they retired to Madras in 1989, they enjoyed trips to the ranch, taking and guiding historical tours around Jefferson County and Oregon, attending her grandchildren's concerts and events. Sje is survived by three of their four children: son, David (and wife Melinda Dickson) of Antelope; daughters, Ellen Missy Dickson McNamee (and husband John) of Antelope, Susan Taylor (Mitch) of Madras; daughter-in-law, grandchildren including Larry (Brandie N Larry McNamee), and great-grandchildren.

7/29/15

Warren Priday Passes Away

Warren is survived by his wife, Gay; sons Rich (Sandy), Annan (Marla), and daughters Susan (Jack) and Margo (Mike), nine grand- children, and eight great-grandchildren.

J. Warren Priday was born in The Dalles, Oct. 31, 1919, and passed away July 21, 2015, at East Cascade Retirement Community at the age of 95. Warren grew up on their Trout Creek ranch and attended the Cross Keys Grade School.

Warren was past president of the Jefferson County Cattleman's Association, Jefferson County Cattleman of the Year, chairman of Gateway school Board, Jefferson County Pioneer Man, and a member of the Madras United Methodist Church.

 When WWII broke out, he joined the Army Air Corp, obtaining the rank of captain before his discharge in October, 1945. He was a flight instructor for B-17 and B-24 bombers.

8/17/15

JANET SILVERTOOTH 95th Birthday Party

Janet Silvertooth Stewart 95th Birthday Party brings Antelope Old Timers, descendants together at the AOUW Hall in August.  Janet was born in Antelope in 1920!

8/31/15

Barbara Mae Metteer Passes Away

Barbara Mae Metteer, daughter of well-known Antelope ranchers Eldon and Lottie Borthwick, passed away August 16, 2015. Memorial services were held on Sat. Aug. 29. In 1935 Eldon Borthwick purchased the Tub Springs ranch where Barbara grew up. Barbara married Fred Metteer and the ranch is now known as the "Metteer place." Today her son Lanis "Lanny" Metteer manages the ranch. Barbara is also survived by a grand-daughter Angelica Brandy Metteer. Barbara's Great Grandfather Omar Borthwick first came to Central Oregon to ranch in 1901. He married Miss Ruby Taylor, daughter of rancher Ben Taylor at their ranch house north of Antelope. Her grandmother Lottie Borthwick was born July 1, 1906, at the historic Burnt Ranch to Elzy and Mary (Pentecost) Stephens.

July 4, 2015

Alert for Area fire setter.

Biggs Junction Suspicious Fire

State Police and local South Sherman RFPD are looking for information on a "fire bug" with several suspicious fires set in the area including fires set at: June 16 Cow Canyon Hwy 97 South of Shaniko in Wasco County, Finnegan Road Fire June 13 (between Kent and Grass Valley), Biggs fire June 10th, Highway 97 Mile Post 50 May 27th (about five miles north of Shaniko).

Anyone with information is asked to call and all are asked to be on alert to any suspicious that may be involved in fire setting. In emergency use 911 to report suspicious activity. Also they are asking people to take license numbers, vehicle descriptions, etc.

Also they are asking if anyone has video or photos of these fires to please send them in.

Contact Numbers:

OSP Detective Mike Myers 541 278 4090

Deputy State Fire Marshall Dave Fields, 541475-0401

 South Sherman RFPD Glenn Fluher. Email: nfo@southshermanfire.com, Telephone: (541) 333-2525

June 25, 2015

Antelope water system tentatively back on track

Antelope water system- after a month of intermittent overnight shut downs the system is tentatively back on track after American Leak Detection of Portland identified what the city water department described as a major leak at the former vacant Antelope Store and Cafe which the Water Department claims was leaking over 20,000 gallons per day. Some audience members seems puzzled that the water department had not been able to find the store meter on Main Street and detect the leak long ago after over one month of an intense search and prior leak detection attempts by ALD in December. Outdoor watering was restored to one hour on even dates and watering time hopefully will be lengthened if the reservoir maintains steady levels. Residents upset with watering restrictions have been pointing to residents allowed to water without water department intervention as a sign that the department was playing favorites. American Leak Detection presented a three phase plan to the council. Phase 2 and 3 were implemented and Phase 1, testing the line from the reservoir to the city. was abandoned by the City Council at this time. Two weeks back Tim Richardson, Deputy Water Master, was making dire predictions about leaks from the reservoir which he claimed to have discovered. After filling the reservoir and shutting the line to town one evening Watermaster Don Fischer was satisfied that the reservoir was not leaking. The council authorized tentative steps to place a measure on the November ballot to authorized the City Council to incur up to $250,000 debt for long term state loans to replace the line from the reservoir to town a plan favored by the Water Department. The City Council may not incur over $5,000 in debt without voter approval because of City Charter restrictions. Additional leaks, some of which have been known of for several years, were detected and repaired. Of those it seems the most significant was a leak near the Wasco County Road Department Shed. Earlier in the month, despite the fact that he has been watermaster for several years, Don Fischer admitted that the system had not been maintained and some of these leaks were not repaired. Budget OfficerBarbara Beasley pointed out that should city now need to raise funds for major repairs that drastic cuts in all departments would be required to raise funds. The contract with ALD had been awarded by the Council without competitive estimates. At that time the Water Department claimed no one else other than ALD "within 1,000 miles" was able to do the work. Former Watermaster Cody Flecker presented evidence to the council of a similar contractor in Eugene that could perform the work and submitted an estimate Flecker felt was better than ALD. Mayor John Silvertooth, who assumed office in January, told the Water Department that if future leak detection services were considered that competitive estimates would be in order. The final bill from ALD has not been submitted. $3,000 had been allocated for Phases 1, 2 and 3. Phase 1 is being shelved. In December the City spent $1.500 for an additional contract with ALD for leak detection. That amount was $1,000 over what the Water Department is authorized to spend for emergencies without prior Council authorization. That contract was let without competitive estimates and public pre-authorization by the Council.

4/3/15

OREGON BURNNG MAN PERMIT ISSUED FOR WHITE RIVER RANCH

"Oregon "Burning Man" Approved on Jusetsen Ranch on White River- Dalles Chronicle reports: "Tygh Valley residents voiced their concerns Wednesday evening for a music and art festival that is expected to draw crowds.But through a 90-minute public hearing, the organizers were able to relieve most of the citizen’s worries and the Wasco County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved SOAK’s application for an Outdoor Mass Gathering. The event is to be held May 21-25 in the White River canyon.

4/25/15

Gateway Cowsills Rock Star on nationwide summer tour!

Did you know we have a certified 60's rock star neighbor in Gateway? Paul Cowsill and his wife LouAnn live on a ranch outside of the small community of Gateway. The classic 60's rock band The Cowsills is on tour this summer and you can catch the act at their one Oregon date July 18, 2015 in the Happy Together Tour at Chinook Winds Casino. The tour groups also include pop bands: The Turtles, The Association, Mark Lindsay (former lead singer Paul Revere & The Raiders), The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams.

Paul Cowsill and his wife LouAnn.

5/17/15

Maupin Wasco County Small Quake

THE DALLES (AP)— "The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) says two small earthquakes have been recorded in the Northwest, one in northern Oregon... A magnitude 3.0 quake was recorded at 3:42 p.m. Friday in northern Oregon, 9.4 miles WNW from Maupin." (From Dec. 2006 to Nov. 2011, PNSN reported 467 earthquakes in a swarm near Maupin, Oregon. That swarm included 20 greater than 3.0 events. The new quake was about 35 miles from Antelope and 30 miles from Shaniko This is further away from us than the Maupin Swarm which is about 23 miles from Antelope.)

3/1/15

E-ON WITHDRAWS BRUSH CANYON WIND FARM APPLICATION!

In a major development the German mega-utility E-On has formally withdrawn the application for a siting permit to construct a huge wind farm running from south of Grass Valley south to Antelope and east to the John Day River. ODOE made this announcement to governmental agencies Friday 2/27/15:

Regarding "the Brush Canyon Wind Power Facility, which was proposed in Wasco and Sherman counties....The project applicant, E.On Climate & Renewables, has formally withdrawn its EFSC application for site certificate for the proposed Brush Canyon Wind Power Facility. All work related to processing the application has ceased"

2/26/15

State may buy portion of ranch along Lower Deschutes. 10,000 acres would become wildlife area.

Bend Bulletin reporting: "A 10,000-acre piece of a ranch along the Lower Deschutes River could become a wildlife area managed by the state.The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering purchasing the property, part of the Lower Deschutes River Ranch, downstream of Maupin, the agency announced earlier this week. The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit with an office in Bend, would help facilitate the purchase."

2-14-15 

LARRY SMITH NOW CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Robin Moats stepped aside as President of the Antelope City Council on Wednesday and City Councilor Larry Smith was elected Council President. Moats who has held the position for the last two years cited expanding family and personal obligations as her reason. Smith was re-elected to the Council in November but lacked a majority in the run against former Mayor Brian Sheer who apparently would have won the position except for write-in voting errors, Larry Smith, age 71, lives in Antelope after moving from Fossil. He lives with his domestic associate Sharon Savage. His Statement of Economic interest with with the state for 2013 claims as source of income is: Social Security and Home Care Provider for Senior and Disabled Services. Moats continues to serve as a City Councilor and City Fiscal Officer.

 

RAJNEESH ERA TRIBUTE TO PEOPLE OF ANTELOPE AT WASCO COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Newspaper History 

"The Antelope Herald"

"The Antelope Herald" was published in Antelope from 1892-1910 and was considered the lead newspaper in the region.

Max Lueddemann came to Oregon in 1898 locating first in Antelope, where he established the "Antelope Herald," a weekly paper. Later he moved to Madras where he bought the Madras Pioneer and also owned the Silver Lake Leader and Ashford Prospector. Later he established the Bend Bulletin.

As a boy in 1906-1908, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist H.L. Davis worked as a typesetter for the "Antelope Herald." Max Lueddemann is remembered in Davis stories as well as his youthful experiences while working at the paper including the short story: "Back to the Land — Oregon, 1907" At that time the Antelope Herald office was located in the back of the AOUW Hall.

Phil Brogan, well known Oregon historian, author and newspaperman also had his first literary experience writing for the "Antelope Herald."

In later years the Antelope Herald was purchased by The Dalles Chronicle that published the paper from the seat of Wasco County. When the Chronicle offices burned the complete collection of the Herald was lost forever.  Some copies still survive at the University of Oregon Library in Eugene. 

The "Antelope Herald" was not the city's only newspaper.  Antelope became a two newspaper city in 1900 when the newspaper met short-lived competition in the form of The Antelope Republican.

CENTRAL OREGON

REGIONAL NEWS LINKS

FACEBOOK 

Current events, news. All things uptown, downtown and around town... Facebook group: antelopeoregon.net 

 ANTELOPE & SHANIKO

LOCAL AREA NEWS

5-17-16

Maupin Earthquake Swarm kicks out 2.3

Not to be left out of the recent earth quake swarms at Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens the Maupin swarm area seemed to pop back on the earth quake map at 4:52 pm on Monday, May 16th with the 2.3 quake after a period of dormancy. When the swarm was very active several years ago the official thinking seemed to be the hot spot was unrelated to other quake areas but this resurgence would seem to me to indicated there is a real connection. OSU reported: "From December 2006 to November 2011, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) reported 467 earthquakes in a swarm 60 km east of Mt Hood near the town of Maupin, Oregon. The swarm included 20 (greater than) 3.0 events."

Primary Election Returns 2016

Brandie McNamee elected Jefferson County Treasurer

Brandie McNamee leading in Jefferson County Treasurer race by substantial margin with 42%. In second Anzie Adams got 17%.

In both Wasco and Jefferson County incumbent County Commissioners Steve Kramer and Wayne Fording both won in contested races.

Bernie Sanders won the Democratic Presidential race in both Jefferson and Wasco. Donald Trump running as a Republican won the GOP primaries in both counties by a substantial margin.

3-30-16 KTVZ Reports

Warm Springs native named Oregon's poet laureate

Culture, history inspires Elizabeth Woody's work. Warm Springs native Elizabeth Woody, recently named Oregon's next poet laureate, developed her love for poetry as a teen while attending Madras High School.

She will be the eighth Oregonian to hold the position, but the first Native American. "Poetry is the oldest form of history in the world," Woody said Tuesday. "It's the way we memorize. It's the way we tell ancient story." Woody is a Warm Springs tribal member. An environmentalist at heart, she spends her time being acquainted with nature. "The Pacific Northwest is very important to me. My work comes from being informed culturally and being part of this community. Not just Warm Springs, but Oregon," Woody said.

3-30-16

Wasco County Commissioners approve Burning Man Portland Permit for Second Year.

Gorge News Center reporrts: "Commissioners then traveled to Tygh Valley for a hearing on a mass gathering permit for proposed second year of the SOAK festival, also known as Burning Man Portland, to be held on the Justesen ranch near Tygh Valley on Memorial Day Weekend. Unlike the What the Festival in the Dufur Valley, which generates noise complaints, everyone who testified was complimentary over the way the festival was handled last year, and no one spoke in opposition. This festival is also much smaller, at a maximum of 1800 people, than the What the Festival with a maximum of 7500. The permit was approved unanimously."

3-24-16

McNamee named finance director for Jefferson County

Brandie McNamee has been named the new finance director for Jefferson County and also filed for the position of County Treasurer. The position of county treasurer, has been vacant since former treasurer Deena Goss resigned Oct. 29, 2015, after being found guilty of theft and forgery charges. Brandie McNamee is originally from Powell Butte, McNamee graduated first from Redmond High School, and then the University of Oregon. She and her husband, Larry McNamee, have two children, Avery 2, and Addie, 5, and live in Madras. She is the daughter-in-law of John McNamee.and Ellen Dickson Antelope area ranchers.

2-22-16

Melissa Bowerman Pleads Guilty

Finally there was an end to this tragic saga.

KTVZ reported: "Ex-Madras HS track coach gets 5 years probation in abuse plea deal Melissa Bowerman also must get sex offender evaluation, no contact with minors, Internet"As her trial was set to begin, a former track and field coach at Madras High School pleaded guilty Monday to one count of second-degree sex abuse involving a 17-year-old on the team and received a sentence of five years probation..." Bowerman was arrested in July 2014 by Oregon State Police at her home in the Wheeler County town of Fossil on Class C felony charges of second-degree sexual abuse, luring a minor and online sexual corruption of a child, as well as a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor. She also had pleaded not guilty last July to more charges in Deschutes County concerning the same victim."

Jon Bowerman addressed 509-J board, 30 July 2014 and apologizes for the scandal. Bowerman offered a public apology at the Monday night School District 509-J Board meeting, in the wake of his wife, Melissa Bowerman, the Madras High School track coach, being arrested on allegations of sexual abuse of a 17-year-old boy, who was on the track team.

“I’d like to apologize on behalf of the Bowerman family for the shame and embarrassment we’ve brought to the community,” Bowerman said, adding, “My phone has been ringing off the hook, and I’ve gotten calls from Europe, and South America. My father’s name (Nike founder Bill Bowerman) is being drug into this, and Melissa never even knew him.”

2-21-16

Dalles Chronicle Features Shaniko in "Ghost Town Speaks."

 1-11-16

Sheer resigns as Antelope Mayor

1-11-16

Moats resigns Antelope City Council Seat 

 Antelope resident Robin Moats recently resigned her seat on the Antelope City Council. She is retaining her position as City Fiscal Officer. No reason was cited in City Council minutes.

 1-10-16

Rare Owl Spotted in Antelope Raptor Survey

Local biologist Pete Weigel found a Barred Owl during the year end raptor survey: 'Out in Antelope last weekend doing a winter raptor survey and look what turned up right in town....  Definitely the first record of a Barred Owl in Antelope, and probably the first for Wasco County." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states "Barred owls are native to eastern North America. It is believed they began expanding west of the Mississippi River around the turn of the 20th century. This could have been a natural range expansion or human-caused, or a combination of both."

Ashwood Old-Timer Daisy Thornton passed away Dec. 30 at age 93

 Daisy Wharton married Gerald Thornton on Jun. 25, 1944. They farmed and ranched in the Donnybrook and Pony Butte areas of Ashwood, and retired in 1983. They were active members of the Baptist Church, the Farm Bureau, Oregon Wheat League, and the Ashwood and Donnybrook Schools, and the Ash Butte Grange.

Daisy Thornton attended dances at the grange hall as a child. She also celebrated her 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries at the building.

Of the Ashwood Donnybrook area she said “I’ve stuck around awhile.” said Thornton ."Well, I’m 89 years old. I grew up right over that hill over there.

I’ve lived here my whole life. My house over the hill, where my daughter lives, it’s over a hundred years old.”

“This was the Donnybrook vicinity. That was back before Jefferson county even existed. This was all Crook county, you know, and this was where my grandfather homesteaded and farmed.” And recalled him "hauling in firewood, lumber, and hay. My husband would tag along, but that was during another time. You had wagons then.”

On living alone in Ashwood she recalled: "Well, this is my home. My garden stays green, because I’m blessed with water.”  (Multiple sources used for the story.)

Dec. 2015

Two beloved Seniors suffer strokes over Christmas Holiday

Susan Chase left.. Gertrude Beuther right. Shown last summer in Maupin.

Two of our favorite area old-timers are now recovering from strokes that hit during the holidays.

Susan Chase, Grass Valley and Gertrude Beuther, Kent required medical attention. Gertrude Beuther is a long time rancher in the Shaniko area presently operating the family cattle ranch where she was raised.

Susan Chase was raised in the Lostine area and has lived in Grass Valley since she retired. Her family owns ranch land on Bakeoven. Her Grandfather was Levi Christman who was a long time Sheriff of Wasco County decades ago.

Gertrude is recovering at a care facility in the Dalles. Susan is with her son and family in Bend. We are wishing for the best for our friends.

12-2- 2015 Madras Pioneer:

"Grants help rebuild Ash Butte Grange"

"Ash Butte Grange Hall in Ashwood has been literally rising from the ashes, thanks to volunteer builders, donations and the recent receipt of grants of $14,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation, and $5,000 from the Oregon State Grange".

 Nancy Jolstead, from OCF, presents the grant award to Melanie Friend of the Ash Butte Grange.

"The grange hall, long a center of community activitites, burned in 2012, and according to local residents, has been sorely missed.The previous hall, thought to have been built around 1891, was the site of potlucks, parties, business meetings, dances and the home base for local fire fighting efforts."

WASCO ELECTRTIC COOP ELECTION

 Antelope rancher Lowell Forman Looses Wasco Electric Co-op Board election by ONE vote. Gary Carlson of Sherman County gets 179 votes to Forman's 178 votes. This will be the first time in decades the Antelope area will be without a representative on the consumer-owned electric cooperative Board. Mike Collins the Board member from the Simnasho, North and South Junction and Bakeoven area was re-elected by a vote of 197 to 174 against Jeff Burgener. The new Board member representing Antelope area District 2 is Gary Carlson. "GARY CARLSON graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in agriculture economics. After a short stint in the military, he returned home to farm with his father in 1971. Gary and his brother operate Carlson Brothers Ranch in southern Sherman County, where they raise wheat and cattle. Gary is a member and past president of the Sherman County Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Wheat League, and Farm Bureau. He served on the South Sherman Elementary School board and the Sherman Union High School Board, acting as chairman. He has served on the Sherman County Planning Commission and was superintendent of the beef barn for 15 years at the Sherman County Fair."

11/16/15

7.5% Wasco Electric Rate Increase

Wasco Electric Coop Rate Increase this month. "At the regular September board meeting, the Wasco Electric Board of Directors approved a 7.5% overall rate increase to all rate schedules of the cooperative effective with the November 2015 billing. This decision was made following much deliberation and review with staff of the financial forecast and revenue requirements of the co-op." http://www.wascoelectric.com/category/news/

11-6-15 WEC:

Kelly McGreer is retiring Wasco Elecric Co-Op Board after 18 years of service.

 'Kelly is a fourth generation farmer residing with his wife Rosenary on the family ranch near Clarno. He farms approximately 700 acres of irrigated cropland with a diversified variety of crops. Kelly is a graduate of Oregon State University with degrees in Agriculture, Economics and Range Management. He has served on numerous boards, including past chairman of the John Day River Basin Council.".

 11-5-15 Dalles Chronicle

Sheriff Rick Eiesland is retiring after 12 years

 "Sheriff Eiesland was appointed by the Wasco County Court and took his oath of office on March 1st 2004. He started his law enforcement career in 1987 with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. He spent 5 years on the Mid-Columbia Narcotics Team and 6 years as the Detective Sergeant. In 2003 he was promoted to position of Chief Deputy.

Sheriff Eiesland attended Eastern Oregon State College from 1971 through 1973. He attended the prestigious National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2003. In 1969 he joined the Oregon National Guard and retired in 1993 after 23 years of service"

11-5-15 Dalles Chronicle

Lane Magill, Chief Deputy, files for Sheriif in May 16 Primary.

Lane Magill, who now serves as chief deputy, has filed as a candidate in the May 16 primary."

For four years, Lane Magill has held a top administrative post at the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and he is now seeking the job of sheriff. Magill was born and raised in Wamic, the third generation of the family to farm in the area. He was raised with the ethos “How you do things is just as important as what you get done,” a value that he embraces.

“My job is to give (employees) the resources they need to do their job in the way that best serves citizens and gives taxpayers the most bang for their buck,” he said.

If elected as sheriff, he will be the second one in the family to serve in that capacity. His father, John Magill, was sheriff of Wasco County from 1976 to 1981. http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2015/nov/04/magill-files-sheriff-seat/

9/15/15

Barbara Johns Passes Away

 On Sept. 14 Barbara Johns, 87, of Madras passed away as reported in the Death Notices in the Madras Pioneer.

 Barbara's parents Doris & Chet Olson owned and operated the Antelope Store and Cafe in the 1970's and early 80's until the place was sold to Rajneesh Investment International, a holding company of the cult that took over Antelope. Doris was also Antelope Postmaster in the late 1960's and early 1970's when the Post Office was located in the .Antelope Store.

After the Rajneesh abandoned their compound at the Muddy Ranch the Olson's foreclosed on the cafe and it was operated by Barbara's daughter Linda for several years.

Barbara was well known as a prominent real estate agent in Central Oregon and operated John's Realty. She became very controversial in the early 1980's as she brokered a number of the early Rajneesh real estate purchases from old-timers in Antelope which paved the way for the cult take over. After the Rajneesh departure Barbara again brokered a number of the sales of their abandoned properties in Antelope most of which had been awarded to a former cult member in a law suit. The notice in the Pioneer indicated there would be no service according to her wishes

Shaniko Gas Station Sold at Sheriff's Auction.

Tues. 9/8- We understand the defunct Shaniko Gas Station, last operated a Tumbleweeds, was sold at Sheriff's auction recently for $7,000. We have also been told the new owners intend to re-open the gas station. They have a lot of work ahead of them but it would be a welcomed addition for the community.

Tues. 9/8

Antelope Post Office Break-In

 Recent Antelope resident Steven White, 36, was in NORCOR custody Weds. AM. White is facing four felony charges which apparently relate to an Antelope Post Office break-in. Charges include: BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE,  THEFT 1ST DEGREE, UNAUTHORIZED USE MOTOR VEHICLE, DUII (CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE) - FELONY Bail was set at $125,000. (At this point all charges are only allegations and White has not been convicted of any of these crimes.)

United States Postal Inspection Service delivered to post box users recently a "Crime Prevention Hotsheet" regarding the "Burglary of the Antelope, OR Post Office." It states in part that a suspect has been identified and that "(t)here is no indication mail was stolen for PO Boxes" and that in the event anyone is contacted by law enforcing or financial entities about fraudulent activity on any accounts to contact the Postal Inspection service a 503-276-2075.

UPDATE: As of 5-22-16 White is still in custody and facing additional charges including POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

 9/19

Shaniko Hot Rod Rally Attracks Many Classic Rigs!

Big turnout for the 9th annual Back to the Fifties Shaniko Style car rally!

9/25/15

Barbara Johns Passes Away.

On Sept. 14 Barbara Johns, 87, of Madras passed away as reported in the Death Notices in the Madras Pioneer. Barbara's parents Doris & Chet Olson owned and operated the Antelope Store and Cafe in the 1970's and early 80's until the place sold to Rajneesh Investment International, a holding company of the cult that took over Antelope. Doris was also Antelope Postmaster in the late 1960's and early 1970's when the Post Office was located in the Antelope Store. After the Rajneesh abandoned their compound at the Muddy Ranch the Olson's foreclosed on the cafe and it was operated by Barbara's daughter Linda for several years. Barbara was well known as a prominent real estate agent in Central Oregon and operated John's Realty. She became very controversial in the early 1980's as she brokered a number of the early Rajneesh real estate purchases from old-timers in Antelope which paved the way for the cult take over.  After the Rajneesh departure Barbara again brokered a number of the sales of  their abandoned properties in  Antelope most of  which had been awarded to a former cult member in a law suit. The notice in the Pioneer indicated there would be no service according to her wishes

Jefferson Co. Commission reconsiders support for Ashwood area Wilderness

Jefferson Co. has opposed the plan because of lack of public access.
Supporters of the proposed wilderness Oregon Natural Desert Association state: "...Jefferson County... has engaged landtowners to solve outstanding access issues. The issues they set out to solve were two-fold, ensure that Muddy Creek Road remain open year-round without gates and improve drive-in access to the proposed wilderness lands. ... the ... process ... resulted in a reconfiguration of acreages that leaves Muddy Creek Road open and an increase in the size of Horse Heaven to make more than 65% of the lands accessible by road. For more information: https://onda.org/where-we…/…/horse-heaven-and-cathedral-rockPublic Hearing to consider reinstating support for Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven wilderness proposal is Weds, May 27, 6:00 PM, 66 SE D St., Madras.Or. 

4/18/15

“Rusty” Kimsey Passes Away

The Dalles Chronicle reports: "Rustin “Rusty” Kimsey, retired Episcopalian priest and bishop and lifelong promoter of tolerance and social justice, died at home in The Dalles April 10 after a short illness. He was 79. He was a priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in The Dalles from 1971 until he was named Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon in 1980, and moved its offices from Bend to The Dalles. ... He came from pioneer stock and was very much “a man’s man” who could be found “standing around a truck at 6 a.m.  taking a sip from a bottle of hooch with his friends.”..."He retired as bishop in 2000, though he later did two year-long stints as Assisting Bishop, once to serve “Navajoland” and once in Alaska.

 4/13/15

Ashwood Cowgirl Poet Lona Burkhart facing Eviction

Lars Larson reports: "84-Year Old Rancher Faces Eviction Despite Long-Standing Agreement. 84-year old Lona Burkhart has been a rancher all her life. Long-time friend Tom McDonald said that he has known Burkhart since she moved to Ashwood, Oregon, in 1980. Burkhart says a “lifetime estate” agreement decades ago meant she would be able to stay on the property until the end of her days. But the California doctor who made that agreement has passed away, and his widow seeks to seil at least part of the property. McDonald says that because of this, Burkhart received a 5-day eviction notice to move her belongings and livestock."

1-9-15

Antelope- Wi-Fi Tower Construction Begins

Antelope- Wi-Fi Tower Construction starts next week. Reliance Connects (Trans Cascade) will begin construction of their Internet Wi-Fi Tower next week near the existing ATT Cell Phone tower. Reliance Connects manager told Antelope City Council to expect to see rate of internet access to increase from 1G to 5G. Current Reliance Connects customers will be transferred to the system automatically with no rate increase about March.Antelope Mayor John Silvertooth told Mr, Anderson from Reliance that some people were concerned that there could be a red flashing warning light and he assured the Council that there would be no light as the tower is only 40 feet tall. This is about 100 feet shorter than the present  ATT Cell Phone Tower.

ex.ssf/2013/12/faa_decisio

PLEASE SUBMIT LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS OF ALL KINDS FROM ANTELOPE, SHANIKO, KENT, WILLOWDALE, ASHWOOD & CLARNO AREAS-

EMAIL: antelope@antelopeoregon.net

Please sign your submissions and include conact information.

ANTELOPE OREGON