.

EFSC AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

Take your pick:

SASQUATCH ON THE LEFT- 

State Energy Facity Siting Council ON THE RIGHT-

And who has the best sign?

5/2/14

May EFSC Agenda Lacks Brush Canyon Project.

ODOE EFSC Siting Council Meeting of May 9th does not include E-On's Brush Canyon Wind Turbine Project on the agenda. EFSC agenda, expected to include Brush Canyon, does not include the project site certificate as a business item. Nothing mentions the how or why of what may be seen as further delay- Apparently the next scheduled EFSC hearing is not until July 18th. What the additional delays mean, if anything, for the future of the huge wind farm is uncertain. Perhaps E-On is not in hurry having asked the EFSC to give an extension of up to five years after getting their license to commence construction. See the agenda at:http://www.oregon.gov/energy/Siting/docs/Meeting_Materials/050914/EFSC_agenda_050914.pdf

3-1-;14

ODOE Facility Siting Council punts again on E-On Brush Canyon Wind Project.

The EFSC hearing in the Dalles Friday again delayed issuing the E-On permit. The Hearings Officer did present his report to the council but in several areas he recommended that ODOE consider issues before presenting the final order to the council. One of the issues he recommended for further consideration was that of fire protection and annexations to the South Sherman County Rural Fire Protection District. It is likely the matter will be back on the council's agenda next month. 

Additionally, because of objections by the applicant E-On to his participation, EFSC member Paul Sumner, well-know Madras area attorney, has removed himself from the process.



Madras Attorney Paul Sumner right.

1/25/14

EFSC HEARING CONTINUED FOR HEARINGS OFFICER REPORT

Report from the Energy Facility Siting Council The Dalles Discovery Center Fri. 1-24-"Brush Canyon" Hearing.

The members of EFSC were all present Friday and the Brush Canyon hearing but the Hearings Officer had not completed his findings and the Council continued the matter of the proposed Brush Canyon wind facility to their next meeting.

ODOE presented summary of public comments ntwo binders randing from the US Navy regarding interference with training flights. to OMSI relating to their observatory at Camp Hancock. Flying in from the UK was Tom Lowther of Eastern Oregon Mining who explains his family owns mineral rights under much of the proposed project including Shaniko Ranch and Antelope Creek Partners LLC and they were not ask for comments or considered.

Anti-wind farm citizen activists from the Blue Mountains and Grand Rhonde valley who testified at the Antelope hearing were present. Barbara Beasley , Cody Flecker and Janet Stewart were present. Present also was Madras Attorney Paul Sumner who is a member of EFSC.

1/8/14 New Antelope Herald (c)

EFSC Members Skip the Antelope Brush Canyon Hearing-

Or were they even invited by ODOE?

The Energy Facility Siting Council members that actually vote on the issuance of the Brush Canyon Wind siting were absent at the Antelope hearing Tuesday evening. The hearing proceeded under the leadership of a Hearings Officer. While we can not disclose our sources, apparently at least two EFSC members were not even aware of the hearing.

Citizens activists from the Friends of the Grande Rhonde Valley and the Blue Mountain Alliance, from Helix, Oregon have been fighting wind farms and commented at the hearing. One of the spokesmen said that it was unfair to the citizens of Antelope to not have the Siting Council Members present. The ODOE responded it was necessary because of the hearing that was canceled due to bad weather. 

The siting council members were about the only ones absent as many local proponents, critics and opponents were present in force. Attending the hearing were business men with with lease interests Dan Carver from Maupin and a representatve of the Justesen family in Kent who asked people to have an open mind.

Robin Moats, acting Mayor of Antelope spoke of a number of concerns including traffic, noise and light pollution. She asked for a bypass road as well. Attorney John Silvertooth-Stewart of Antelope also urged a bypass road citing an excessive amount of construction traffic (more that 500% according to E-On).. Barbara Beasley City of Antelope Finance Officer submitted an exhibit showing the historic scenic vistas from Antelope which are endangered by E-On's wind turbines. Goldie Roberts, Mayor of Shaniko attended the hearing but did not testify.

The Blue Mountatin Alliance speakers discussed the situation of Eagle deaths and danage to bat populations and other issues. The one speaker said that the people in Antelope were being too nice to the Oregon Department of Energy.

Also appearing was a Bend, Or. attorney Myles Conway who represents EOM, Easter Oregon Mining, various owners with mineral rights in portions of some ranches in the project. He said his clients were not happy with lack of notice of the project and that project development as planned could have adverse impacts on his clients interests in developing their mineral rights including natural gas.

The project supervisor for E-On Mike Greczyn  was present as well as a staff member for Iberdrola, a wind giant with extensive wind leases in the Bake Oven and Shaniko area. Written comments from local people including Antelope City Councilor Elizabeth Piling, Antelope Community Center Director Cody Flecker and Shaniko Recorder Debra Holbrook. Byron Jacobus of Shaniko gave a statement critical of the project . Shaniko City Councilor Don Treanor and his wife were present. Two Wasco County Commissioners attended as well.

Local Antelope ranchers Dave Dickson, John McNamee, Shane Gomes and Donnie Gomes of Eagle Valley Ranch and Elizabeth Pilling of Mauer Ranches were also present.

For the next stage the absent council will have a telephonic meeting to review the Proposed Order as submitted by the Hearings Ofiicer, who is appointed by ODOE.

HEARING RESCHEDULED FOR 1-7-14 IN ANTELOPE. 6 PM Community Center, Main (Hwy 218) & McGreer Steets

11-19-13

BRUSH CANYON WIND TURBINES HEARING SET DEC. 9th MADRAS

Antelope-Shaniko-Grass Valley wind turbines plan advances.

This will be the only public hearing.

6:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, Central Oregon Community College Community Room Madras.

From ODOE:
"Public Notice Available on Public Hearing and Request for Comments on the Brush Canyon Wind Power Facility Draft Proposed Order - Description:
The proposed facility is a wind-powered electric generating facility with up to 223 wind turbines and a 32-mile, 230-kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line.

ODOE has issued the Draft Proposed Order on the Application for a Site Certificate, recommending the Energy Facility Siting Council approve the Application and grant a Site Certificate.

Comments: Public testimony (oral or written) will be taken at the Public Hearing: 6:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 Central Oregon Community College Community Room Madras, OR . Or, mail, fax or e-mail comments before the close of the Public Hearing on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 to: Sue Oliver, Siting Analyst, Oregon Department of Energy, 395 E. Highland Ave.Hermiston, OR 97838 FAX: 503-373-7806 sue.oliver@state.or.us"

10/28/13

Another "Tourist Season" comes to a close.

In Shaniko the Great Northwest Tee-shirt Shop closed first for the season on Oct 7. Then Goldie Roberts is closed the Ice Cream Shop on October 15. In Maupin The Oasis Cafe is closing on October 30. Fall leaves were blowing at the Oasis Cabins Oct. 5th. Our Oasis Chef below has a winter job all lined up. Still hoping for some Indian Summer!



10/28/13

Shaniko declines Carter request for radio frequency

The Shaniko City Council at the Oct. meeting declded not to allow the Antelope Fire Chief Mike Carter to use that city's radio frequency. The Antelope Fire Dept. under Carter had been given permission to use the frequency but when Shaniko merged with the South Sherman he was issued letter advising him not to use that frequency and if he did the district would file a complaint with the FCC. Carter told Council that he thought it was a smart move on their part to go with South Sherman because of the training and resources according to one present. John Silvertooth, former President of the Antelope City Council, wrote to Mayor Goldie Roberts on Monday that: "While much could be said about this unfortunate situation we have here... if the Shaniko Council is somehow of the impression that this is what the people in Antelope want there are many people here that do not support Mike Carter and feel that he has failed to build a viable fire department here. A number of people here feel that Shaniko made the right decision by connecting with the South Sherman RFPD and we are also looking into joining South Sherman RFPD as well as soon a possible. That way we will have a functioning fire department with certfied workers."

10/28/13

10/28/13

"DUSTY DOG CAFE"

New Local Facebook site

9-12-13 KTVZ NEWS

St. Charles Hospital (Mt. View) could be closed by future cuts to federal Medicare.

"PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Changes to federal Medicare funding has rural, critical access hospital officials worried about the future There's 15 of them (critical access hospitals) in Oregon, two in Central Oregon -- Prineville's Pioneer Memorial and St. Charles-Madras are at risk. "The impact of this could be really huge. In Oregon that means 60 percent. 60 percent of critical access hospitals will close," Robin Henderson, director of government strategies at St. Charles Health System, said Thursday."
http://www.ktvz.com/news/co-hospitals-worry-about-proposed-medicare-cuts/-/413192/21911606/-/cbky7u/-/index.html

9-9-13

Justesen "pumped another $25,000 into his race for governor."

The Oregonian reported that Kent area Sherman County resident Jon Justesen "pumped another $25,000 into his race for governor." Justesen lost a 2012 race for Sherman County Commissioner but this had not stopped him on moving on to the statewide stage by entering the GOP race to be the Republican candidate against Democrat incumbent Kitzhaber. Justesen's ranch borders Shaniko and is part of the proposed E-On Brush Canyon industrial wind turbine farm supported by Kitzhaber. http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/09/jon_justesen_pumps_another_250.html

9-10-13

Massive Hail Storm Damages Farms

Storm News:

KTVZ: "Violent thunderstorms leave crops in ruins. Jefferson Co. farmers' losses in millions."

Over the decades, Harris has seen many storms pass through Central Oregon -- but none like the one that hit his community Sunday afternoon. "'I've been farming here for 45 years, and this two-mile-wide storm was the most economically damaging storm I've ever seen," Harris said Tuesday.The storm dumped three to four inches of thumbnail-sized hail on Harris's crops, hitting his carrot seed crop especially hard. Plantings that once stood 3 1/2-feet tall now lie flat on the ground. http://www.ktvz.com/news/storm-hit-jefferson-co-farmers-face-losses-in-millions/-/413192/21675672/-/feggtsz/-/index.html

KTVZ: Madras mourns farmer killed by lightning beneath tree.

Returning on motorcycle ride, they had taken cover in storm

A long-time Madras farmer was killed and his wife injured Sunday afternoon when lightning struck the large tree they took shelter under during an intense thunderstorm along Highway 97 about 20 miles north of Madras, Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins said Monday.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/man-killed-wife-hurt-as-tree-struck-by-lightning/-/413192/21650616/-/y1hj6c/-/index.html

Facebook

Ashwood Rancher want to help damaged Farmers

Ann Snyder of the White Diamond Ranch in Ashwood seeks to help farmers damaged by huge hail storm. Posting on her Face Book page Ann wrote: "I have a weird idea that I want to toss out to all my Face Book friends. Last week here in Jefferson county, there was a terrible hail, rain, wind and thunderstorm that killed one man, and did millions of dollars of damage to many farmer's crops and equipment. I want to show community support for those local farmers by putting on our own mini Farm Aid Concert. so far I am getting a lot of local support. I have our fairgrounds as a venue. It's not great, but it is what we have. I need help with organizing, getting outside bands, and jus people that know how to put something like this on. Any of you Portland folks want to come with your music or things to vend? Let's all pull together and pull this off to help these guys. Spread the word"

8-4-13 The Dalles Chronicle

E-On Brush Canyon Wind Turbines look for state approval in October or November

Wasco County Planner says E-On Brush Canyon Wind Turbines Project looking for state approval in October or November: "One major development planned for Wasco County that is currently waiting for approval is the Brush Canyon Wind Power Facility. The developer is EC&R Development, LLC and the 76,000 acre wind farm will be located in southern Wasco and Sherman County. The state, not the county, will be the one to give approval but the county’s comments will be given particular weight so Roberts has reviewed every page of the three-volume application. He said the developers are on target to get an approval in October or November, after which they can apply for conditional use permits from both counties." (EC&R Development is a subsidiary of E-On Corp.)

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2013/jul/30/wasco-county-sees-more-permits/

7-22-13

South Sherman Fire District seeks to expand into Wasco County

Board member Stuart Von Borstel told the Wasco County Board of Commissioners during their July 17 meeting the area that was being looked at was about 380,000 acres. If a ballot measure passed to expand the fire district property owners would be assessed $1.50 per $1000 of assessed value. Commercial or industrial properties would be assessed $2.50 per $1000 of assessed value. Meeting Monday, June 10 the Shaniko City Council voted to merge the city fire department with the South Sherman County Fire Department. This will be subject to voter approval if the city is to be actually annexed into the taxing district.

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2013/jul/19/south-county-seeks-fire-protection/

Update 8-4-13

Gov. KITZHABER SIGNED HB 3098 INTO LAW ON AUGUST 1st.

7-15-13

YOUNG LIFE LAND USE CHANGES BILL ADVANCES-

GROUPS ASK GOVERNOR TO VETO HB 3098

Young Life Expansion Land-Use Bill. Oregon League of Conservation Voters, along with other groups including 1000 Friends of Oregon, are joining others like Ashwood rancher Ann Snyder in asking Governor John Kitzhaber to veto HB 3098 passed in literally the last few hours of the recent legislative session. Christy Splitt of OCLV requests "email the Governor and urge him to veto the bill and tell your friends to do the same. While the bill originally just dealt with Young Life property on the Muddy Ranch it was amended and as Ann Snyder states: now "will open up (for resort style development) all land east of the Cascades that have poor soil classes. I believe the classes are V, VI, VII, and VIII. That means pretty much all our range land hills that are so highly erodable, and easily damaged will be in jeopardy. All that soil will wash into the John Day and mess the river up for all the folks down stream that rely on it for irrigation and such, not to mention what it will do to the fish and wild life. also, not to mention the fire issues."

7-3-13

Antelope City Recorder Mike Carter Resigns.

City Council appoints Fossil, Oregon voter to Vacancy.

At Monday's Antelope City Council meeting Carter resigned his position as Antelope City Recorder claiming he was under too much stress. He did not resign as city Fire Chief.

The meeting was scheduled to start at 6:00 but really didn't get underway until about 6:45. While Council President Robin Moats called the meeting to order at 6:00 there were no minutes ready and Deputy Recorder Paula Richardson and Carter went back and forth about who was responsible for that.

Then for the second item of business the swearing in of a Fossil, Oregon voter Larry Smith to fill a council seat was called but Carter forgot to bring the form and returned home to find it which took about half an hour. The council seemed to feel comfortable appointing Smith who admitted he was not even registered to vote in Antelope.

The Council did table a proposal to sell the city's cell phone tower contract and limited the so-called Fire Department in responding to accidents after a reponse by Carter to an incident on Hwy 97 in Jefferson Co. as the city has no workers compensation insurance as it was cancelled when Tim Richardson was acting Mayor.

Antelope resident Barbara Beasley outlined the work she had done to have the Community Center School named "endangered" and ask support for her efforts to get funding to restore the exterior of the building.

---

 

SHANIKO CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO MERGE FIRE DEPT. WITH SOUTH SHERMAN FIRE DISTRICT

Meeting Monday, June 10 the Shaniko City Council voted to merge the city fire department with the South Sherman County Fire Department. This will be subject to voter approval if the city is to be actually annexed into the taxing district. Mayor Goldie Roberts said two factors leading to the decision were the costs of Workers Compensation and fuel. Shaniko's Fire Department also has lost some volunteers over the past several years due a various reasons and moves. The "South Sherman Fire District" is a volunteer department based in Grass Valley.

 

"Outstanding Volunteer Program Award" to Sherman County Fire

In 2012 the Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Awards gave the department the "Outstanding Volunteer Program Award: Sherman County Emergency Services. Sherman County Emergency Services volunteers drop everything at the sound of the pager. Family dinners, holiday events, and birthdays are often missed due to their duty to respond and help those in need. In a small, rural area stricken with wildfires and traffic collisions on one of America’s most dangerous highways, the Fire and Emergency Medical volunteers go above and beyond to provide critical services." as reported in Gorge News. http://gorgenewscenter.com/sherman-county-emergency-service-gets-statewide-award/

---

Antelope School being designated as "endangered."

 

The Historic Preservation League of Oregon has designated the Antelope School as one of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places at a May 30th luncheon in Portland.

Thanks to Antelope resident Barbara Beasley who has been working to preserve the historic building.

The Bend Bulletin is writing an article about the school as a result of the designation.

 

Antelope School Constructed in 1924.

3/19/13

EON WIND PROJECT BACK ON TRACK

E.On Wind Project in Poland.

After basically a year and a half of dormancy the EON Brush Canyon revised application is expected to be filed with the Oregon Department of Energy at any time.

ODOE has contacted the City of Antelope about having a public meeting in Antelope during April to present the revised application and review the procedure going forward.

On the national scene, the Congressional players have refused to extend the wind production tax credits which has put new projects on the endangered list. Some developers in Oregon have sought extensions on their applications apparently concerned about how the lack of federal tax credits effect the viability of their projects.

3/19/13

1000 Friends of Oregon to oppose HB 3098-

The first public hearing on HB 3098 was March 19th and 1000 Friends of Oregon, the citizen's group that fought the establishment of the City of Rajneeshpuram, announced today on Facebook that "We are testifying against the proposed exceptions for the Young Life camp in Wasco County. We've submitted testimony to the House Land Use Committee..."

2/28/13 FroM KTVZ Bend News

Young LIFE seeks to expand WASHINGTON FAMILY COMPOUND

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A Christian-oriented camp on land formerly occupied by followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh wants to expand but needs state lawmakers' approval. The Bend Bulletin reports that supporters are pushing House Bill 3098 which would allow Young Life to expand. The nonprofit group owns and operates Washington Family Ranch. The camp was donated to the group in the 1990s after Rajneeshpuram was abandoned and fell into foreclosure.The 62,000-acre camp is looking to expand by an additional 1,500 overnight beds. The property straddles Wasco and Jefferson counties north of Madras. An official with the state Department of Lands, Jon Jinings, said the land is zoned for farm and ranch activity but it's an "unusual situation" because of its past use.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/Christian-nonprofit-seeks-to-expand-Wasco-camp/-/413192/19098582/-/127ym60/-/index.html

CLICK HERE FOR OUR PAGE WITH:

CONCERNS & NEWS: YOUNG LIFE EXEMPTION AND EXPANSION

Gordon Priday passes

1-16-13

MARY MAURER LONG TIME ANTELOPE AREA RANCHER PASSES AWAY

Mary Maurer passed away this past week. The family has planned a service Friday, Januray 18, 2013 which includes a 10:00 AM burial at Prineville and an 11:30 Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Madras, Or. Mary, who has managed the sprawling Mauer Ranch since her husband Donald Mauer passed away, has been residing in residential care in the Dalles for the past several years. The ranch is presently being managed by Antelope resident Elizabeth Pilling, Mary's neice. In the old days Maurer Ranches was a premier Scotish sheep ranch ran sheep over the sprawling ranch and into the Ochoco and Blue Mountains back during the prime sheep era. The Maurer always kept a house in Antelope which they originally bought back in older days so the children could attened school in Antelope. The house now owned by Mary's neice Elizabeth Pilling.

Excellent Obituary at the Madras Pioneer. Written by Bill Pilling is a wonderful story of Mary's life!

http://www.madraspioneer.com/archives/Story.aspx/18842/obituaries-for-week-of-1-23-13

Bill Dickson , Antelope Rancher, Pioneer Historian passes away

11-15-12

Bill Dickson, long time Antelope Rancher and Pioneer Historian has passed away. Born about 1920 he was raised on the Dickson family Ranch on Cold Camp Road.

His parents were Louie Dickson and Addie Taylor Dickson. He is survived by his wife Frances Wheeler Dickson, long time Antelope school teacher; daugther Ellen Missy Dickson McNamee, Antelope Postmaster, son Dave Dickson, Rancher; and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In Antelope Saga of a Western Town he recalled being raised on horses and remembering seeing carloads of wild horses be shippe from Shaniko the colts being given to kids that wanted them.

Bill Dickson is shown above at Sandy McKay's 100th birthday party in Fossil last summer. Since retiring from ranching Bill and Frances lived on Loucks Road near Madras.

BILL DICKSON -

MADRAS PIONEER OBITUARY

http://www.madraspioneer.com/MAPObituary0.shtml

Rains End Dry Spell and Hopefully Fire Season

Cathedral Rock Wilderness Updates:

Jefferson Co. Commission tours proposed wilderness area

Madras pioneer 22 May 2013

After a two-hour drive and half-hour hike, Jefferson County commissioners and other officials were able to take in the panoramic views from one of two proposed wilderness areas last week.

"It was very impressive," said Commissioner John Hatfield, who found the roads leading out there — Gosner and Muddy Creek roads — "more rustic than I remembered; they're not even gravel roads, just dirt roads." ...

At a commission meeting April 24, area residents once again expressed their interest in keeping Muddy Creek Road open, and having access to the proposed wilderness. Under the current proposal, the Bureau of Land Management would trade away the Wagner Mountain access point to Young Life, which wants Muddy Creek Road to be gated.

http://pamplinmedia.com/msp/129-news/153052-commission-tours-proposed-wilderness-area

9-21-11 Madras Pioneer Reports:

Wilderness proposal altered

Coffin Rock becomes Cathedral Rock, with no roaded access

Sometime between the original introduction of the proposal for the Cathedral Rock wilderness in 2009, and last year's introduction of U.S. Senate Bill 607, public access was removed, and no one seems to know exactly how it occurred. When the Jefferson County Commission held a public hearing on the proposal on April 27, commissioners discovered, to their dismay, that the access point was no longer on the map. As it stands, the wilderness bill would create the Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven wildernesses, with a combined total of over 18,000 acres.

2-11-11 Bend Bulletin Reports:

Walden says he's struggling to support more wilderness in the John Day"

Young Life - BLM Land Exchange on the rocks according to Oregon Natural Desert Association. "Walden says he's struggling to support more wilderness in the John Day" (Cathedral Rock & Horse Heaven) ONDA tells Facebook friends.

Eugene Register-Guard:

Heaven in the high desert

http://special.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/opinion/24424535-47/wilderness-oregon-acres-areas-desert.csp

Updated 7/5/12New Antelope Herald Reports:

Shaniko Ranch Hunting Retreat on the market for $5 million.

After decades of private memberships 7242 acre ranch hits the market. Price recently reduced from $9.5 down the from the original asking price of $11.8 million.See listing at: http://www.landlister.com/wasco-county-or-land-for-sale-p8246.html

This property is part of E-On's proposed Brush Canyon Industrial Wind Turbine Plant.

6/12/12 - New Antelope Herald

City Of Antelope Submits Comments to ODOE on Brush Canyon E-On Wind Farm

Subsequent to a meeting with Oregon Department of Energy representative Mo Walker, Wasco Co. and E-On Corp. last month the Antelope City Council submitted the following comments to ODOE:

"Whereas the Oregon Department of Energy has requested comment relating to city services from the City of Antelope regarding an application by E-On Corp. for a site certificate for wind energy facilities known as "Brush Canyon," it is hereby resolved to submit the following comments:

1) North of the city the city owns land including: a municipal water system including: watershed, reservoir, distribution system, wells, springs. Located on that site also is solid waste collection site. A condition of the project should be that the present and future municipal uses of the land involved will not be interfered with. Also located on that site is an ATT cell phone tower on land leased to ATT. ATT has an option to add another tower on a similar adjacent site. The road servicing that tower runs across, in part, land in the project boundaries owned by Antelope Creek Partners LLC. A condition
of the project should be that the ATT tower(s) should not be interfered with and that the ATT access also be insured through the existing route.

2) Transportation- Hwy 218, Bennett Road & Union Street- The increased traffic on Hwy 218 (projected at 600% increase) will have a negative impact on our community which is primarily a quiet residential area. This may impact city services in several ways. First, we may have need for increased traffic control. The City may have to use increased traffic law enforcement. The City will likely need to add increased trafiic control devices along Highway 218 including but not limited to stop signs to be added on all city streets entering Hwy 218. Also signs will need to be added along Union Street, this would include speed and caution signs. The city asks the state to note that from Highway 218 (Main Street) what is referred to as Bennett Road is actually Union Street, a city street. While the county had undertaken on it's own maintainence of the street, the city believes we also need and agreement that the project developers be responsible for any incurred expenses maintaining that portion of Union Street, including but not limited to: traffic control, stop signs and speed and/or other warning signs. This would include replace obsolete signs because of budget constraints no replacement of signs is scheduled.

Time of operation: To reduce the need for city prodviding city services for traffic control and to mitigate adverse impacts including noise and air pollution, the city would suggest a condition of the project be that the use of Hwy 218, Union St. and Bennett Rd. not be permitted from 8 PM to 8 AM and Sundays and Holidays unless
otherwise agreed to by the city.

3) Water- The City is listed as a potential source of water. The city has a very modest water system and under the present
circumustances it is not possible for thecity could provide water without impacting residents and dropping reserves for what we need for emergency services including fire protection.

4) Fire- The City now has no fire protection and now a fire protection rating of 10 (lowest). While the city notes that we are not listed as a fire protection resource in the application we question adequacy of the Shaniko and Moro departments to respond to project related fires here. Any adjacent land use as close to the city as this project imposes increased fire risks. If the city must provide fire protection or fire fighting services as a result of the project the city believes that a condition be that the applicant be required to cover those reasonable costs and expenses."

The public comment and hearing phase is yet to be scheduled.

5-17-12 Wasco Co. & School District Election Returns

4-16-12 - New Antelope Herald

WASCO CO. BACKS DEVELOPERS

Scraps Radar Activated Lighting. Denies Friends of the Gorge proposed residential setbacks.

4-5-12 Gorge News Center-

Wasco County Commission revamps renewable energy ordinance

Wasco County Commissioners voted in favor of a revamp of the countys renewable energy ordinance, but not before making some changes suggested by citizens at four public hearings. Wasco County Planning Director John Roberts outlines some of the adjustments: One key adjustment made as a result of the public hearing process was to make a difference in setback regulations between participating and non-participating property owners. That is, property owners who wish to put wind towers on their properties and people who are neighbors to properties with wind towers. Essentially, the county would establish no setback from dwellings for participating property owners. Instead, they would let the states noise regulation setback take precedence. Thats a more complicated setback to figure thats potentially different in every situation. And for those neighbors of properties with wind towers, there would be a county setback of 2/3 of a mile from the property line

.http://gorgenewscenter.com/wasco-county-commission-revamps-renewable-energy-ordinance/

3-24-12 - New Antelope Herald

E-ON Opposes Radar Activated Lighting Requirement

Wind Turbines near Condon, Or. with Mt. Hood.

E-On North America, the German-based utility giant planning the Brush Canyon project near Antelope and Shaniko, opposes the Wasco County Planning Dept. proposed ordinance to require radar activated lighting on wind projects.

E-On representative called the lighting systems "very new and relatively untested" and that they may not be "practicable" even if the systems are "approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration") in a Feb. 14, 2012 letter to County Commissioners..

The radar activiated lighting systems turn on turbine tower flashing lights as aircraft approaches rather than having the lights on continually at night.

This apparently continues the trend nation wide of industrial wind energy developers to oppose radar activiated systems. See for example the Canyon County Artizona dispute where developer NewEra appealed a local decision to require the lighting systems at the proposed Perrin Ranch Wind Farm.

See: Canyon Country Citizens for Responsible Renewable Energy www.cccrre.com/dates.htm

12-08-11 - New Antelope Herald

European Giant announces plans for "Brush Canyon" Antelope - Shaniko area Industrial Wind Turbine Plant.

E-On, a huge German utility, revealed plans for "Brush Canyon" industrial wind turbine generating facility east of Antelope and Shaniko at a Dec. 8th Oregon Department of Energy meeting at the old Shaniko School. 12 area land-owners in Wasco and Sherman Counties have leased over 100,000 acres of ranch and range land to E-On a major European utility that also owns nuclear and coal plants.

The historic Shaniko School was pretty much packed with with a crowd of local residents andranchers and many govenment agency workers and consultants from Oregon and Wasco County. The new director of the Wasco Co. Planning Department was present with County Commissioners Sherry Holiday and Rod Runyon.The old director of Wasco Co. Planning Todd Cornett was also there. Interestingly enough Cornett is now working for the Oregon Department of Energy and conducted the meeting for ODOE.

See: ODOE Brush Canyon Web Page:

http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/SITING/BrCW.shtml

See also: http://antelopeoregon.net/brush_canyon_industrial_wind_turbines_generating_project/admin

Feb. 10, 2012,Madras Pioneer by Holly Gill

Warm Springs Tribes Open US 26 Casino

"Warm Springs Telecom Open for Business

One-Third of Tribal Members Don't Have Phone Access

"WARM SPRINGS, Ore. -- A breakthrough celebrated Friday in Warm Springs: Access to phone and internet service will now be widely available for tribal members thanks to their very own, tribally owned telecommunications company." http://www.ktvz.com/news/30319906/detail.html

11-11-11 - 9:45 PM- Winter storm bring first snow of theseason.Blustery winds off of Mt. Hood bringsnow to the desert pounding with moderate to strong gusts into the evening.

11-10-11

Long-time Antelope area civic leader Phyllis Ann Dickson Forman, 93, a lifelong resident of Wasco County and The Dalles since 1989, died at her home Nov. 6, 2011, after a short illness.

http://www.madraspioneer.com/MAPObituary.shtml

8-10-11 Madras Pioneer Reports:

When a lightning storm passed through Central Oregon on Aug. 1, 17-year-old Amelio Yahtin was outside his home near Antelope. "I saw a big strike go rolling past our house last Monday," recalled Yahtin, who felt a tingling from the electricity and immediately went into his house to tell his parents, Al and Sandi Thomas, about the strike. "Following the strike, there was a big kaboom that rattled the windows in the house," said Yahtin, who lives with his parents and six siblings.

Amelio Yahtin

7-21-11 OregonLive.com reports:

"Cottonwood Canyon State Park plan approved by state parks commission

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is located on the John Day River, with Sherman County on the west and Gilliam County on the east, about 60 miles southeast of The Dalles.The state is in the process of completing acquisition of 8,114 acres of private ranchland to develop into a park.This will be the second largest park in the Oregon system, behind Silver Falls State Park".

7-27-11 GorgeRadio.com reports:

Wasco County Commissioners Tour Sherman Wind Farms

Wasco County Commissioners this week toured Sherman County wind farms as they prepare to make changes to the county land use ordinances concerning energy facilities. County Commissioner Scott Hege said they wanted to see what wind farm developments look like, get an idea of the distances of turbines from residences, learn about noise impacts, and talk with people who develop the wind farms. Hege notes the Commission wants to get the energy facility ordinances done as soon as possible, but without rushing through it. Wasco County is also waiting for the release of an Oregon Department of Health document on the potential impacts of wind turbines on health.

OLD antelope garAge gets facelift!

dEC. 17th, 2011

The Old Walker or Dueces Garage (known as the Antelope Garage) got a facelift this month. Owners Barbara Beasley and Cody Flecker removed paneling covering the part of the face of the historic building revealing more of the often photographed Antelope Garage. More clean up at the building coming.

 Enough said.

11-17-14

EFSC November agenda again passes on Brush Canyon site certificate.

The ODOE Energy facility Siting Council agenda for the September meeting does not include issuance of a site certificate for E-On's mega industrial wind farm from Grass Valley to Antelope. The agenda does include one Brush Canyon "action item." The EFSC panel will not meet agan until January 2015.

2014 Election marks 30 year anniversary of attempted Rajneesh takeover of Wasco County.

"The 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack was the food poisoning of 751 individuals in The Dalles, Oregon, United States, through the deliberate contamination of salad bars at ten local restaurants with salmonella. A leading group of followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) had hoped to incapacitate the voting population of the city so that their own candidates would win the 1984 Wasco County elections.The incident was the first and single largest bioterrorist attack in United States history. The attack is one of only two confirmed terrorist uses of biological weapons to harm humans since 1945.

Having previously gained political control of Antelope, Oregon, Rajneesh's followers based in nearby Rajneeshpuram, Oregon, sought election to two of the three seats on the Wasco County Circuit Court that were up for election in November 1984. Fearing they would not gain enough votes, Rajneeshpuram officials decided to incapacitate voters in The Dalles, the largest population center in Wasco County. The chosen biological agent was Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, which was first delivered through glasses of water to two County Commissioners and then, on a larger scale, at salad bars and in salad dressing."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_Rajneeshee_bioterror_attack

Margaret Hill, former Antelope Mayor now residing at Parkhurst House 

10-10-14 - Margaret Hill, former Antelope Mayor and area school teacher, is now residing at Parkhurst House care facility in Hood River. Facebook Group member Donna Ramsay reports Margaret "recently had a stroke but is doing pretty good..." She adds that "Barbara Hill & I drove to Hood River yesterday to visit her." 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, compo...sure 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. Margaret can be reached at: Parkhurst House, 2450 May St (Room #130) Hood River 97031. Phone: 541-387-4600. Email is:margarethieronymus@gmail.com

Cycle Oregon back through Antelope and Shaniko-

Fri. 9/12/`14. ! Lunch in Shaniko by Ladies Home Extenstion, water stop in Antelope.

2,200 Cycle Oregon bike riders pedal through Antelope this AM! On there way to lunch in Shaniko! One of the riders Oregon Supreme Court Justice Tom Balmer stopped by the Silvertooth house to wish Janet Stewart belated 94th birthday wishes!

Finally Traffic Law Enforcement! For many years many Antelope denizens have complained we have no traffic law enforcement... Looks like the trend may be changing- City of Milwaukie Police motor cycle cop with Cycle Oregon stops one of Antelope's hardened criminals shaking him down for not wearing a helmet.

8-1-14

Antelope Oldtimer Bonnie Jean Rooper passes.

Antelope Oldtimer Bonnie Jean Rooper passed away May 30 as reported by her son Vern: "My mother passed away on May 30. She stayed at home with the help of our local Hospice group and was fairly comfortable when she died We miss her a lot. She would have been 94 next week." For decades the Rooper family played a vital role in the area from operating the old Antelope Drug Store to the famed "Rooper Ranch" on Shaniko Flat where H.L. David worked as a boy and memorialized the sheep ranch in several stories. Last year for her 93rd birthday her son rented a big RV and told her he would take her anywhere she wanted. She instantly said she wanted to see Antelope and the Rooper crew returned to Antelope for what was Bonnie Jean's last visit to the old home town. She visited the home she was raised in on Main Street and enjoyed the wool exhibited in Shaniko where the young girl explained to her about sheep ranching- not even knowing she was talking to one of the "originals." Photo below shows Bonnie Jean (left) and childhood friend Janet Silvertooth Stewart (right) on the front porch of the Silvertooth house next door to her old home where her large family lived in cramped quarters during the depression.

Coach Melissa Bowerman trial set to begin in September

Madras Pioneer, 06 May 2015

"The trial for a former Madras High School coach, Melissa Bowerman, 44, accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a student athlete last year, will get underway in September. ..."

"Bowerman was arrested July 21, 2014, on charges of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, a Class A felony, and second-degree sexual abuse and luring a minor, both Class C felonies. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

UPDATE 

9-3-15

Melissa Bowerman year-old sex abuse case is headed to trial -- in late November

 See: http://www.oregonlive.com/playbooks-profits/index.ssf/2015/09/post_70.html

7-22-14

 Melissa Bowerman of Clarno arrested by OSP

Madras High School Track Coach Melissa Bowerman of Clarno was arrested  by Oregon State Police on charges she engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with a 17-year old boy on the track team.

KTVZ reports: Melissa Bowerman charged with abusing boy on team. Clarno area resident faces criminal charges in Jefferson County for allegedly engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with a 17-year old boy on the track team."Troopers took her to the Jefferson County Jail in Madras on Class C felony charges of second-degree sexual abuse, luring a minor and online sexual corruption of a child, as well as contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor.." "Jon Bowerman says he's in a "state of shock" and adds he loves his wife "and still will no matter how this thing turns out." The 76-year-old Bowerman says he helped his wife coach the Madras High School track team. She's expected to have a court appearance Tuesday."

7-31-14

Jon Bowerman addresses School Board

Madras Pioneer reports:"Jon Bowerman addresses 509-J board"Jon 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.”

http://pamplinmedia.com/msp/129-news/228730-91809-jon-bowerman-addresses-509-j-board

7-26-14 

Shaniko resident JAUQUIN CORTEZ arrested

 Shaniko resident JAUQUIN CORTEZ, 29, was arrested and is in custody at this time according to NORCOR public records posted on line. The lead charge is CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 1ST DEG. Bail is set at $4,000. See, http://www.norcor.co/eagle/ICURRENT.HTM

7-22-14

Antelope resident Dale Hedgecoke passes away.

Madras Pioneer Reports: "Antelope residenet Dale Sidney Hedgecoke passed away July 21, 2014, at the age of 80."

Mr. Hegecoke, 80, passed away this weekend at his home on Main Street in Antelope. After retiring from a career in the Armed Forces he moved to Antelope. He previously served on the Antelope City Council. He was an avid rock collector and collected agates and crystals from neighboring ranches. He recently participated in the Madras Rock Collector Pow-Wow. He was an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league in Madras. He was raised in the Mid-Willamette valley and is survived by two daughters one who lives in Redmond. After becoming concerned that he was not following his routine Antelope Postmaster Ellen McNamee went to his home. Others made inquiries at her behest and the Sheriff's Office was contacted about a welfare check. In the meantime a neighbor discovered Hegecoke passed away in his residence.

7-10-14

EFSC July agenda passes again on Brush Canyon site certificate.

The ODOE Energy facility Siting Council agenda for the July meeting does not include issuance of a site certificate for E-On's mega industrial wind farm from Grass Valley to Antelope. The agenda does include one Brush Canyon "action item." That is that the "Council will consider acting to appoint a new hearing officer for the Brush Canyon contested case." Looks like the Hearings Officer that came to Antelope and heard the local testimony is "out." Also "out" appears to be E-On project supervisor Mike Greczyn. Since the project first began Greczyn was lead coordinator on the project who facilitate E-On's participation in local meetings and dealing with local ranchers, etc. His office was always listed in Colorado. Now one Hal Balyeat with offices listed as Austin, Texas is named as E-On contact person. The next scheduled EFSC meeting is October 3rd. So once again our communities wait and wait. View agenda at:

http://www.oregon.gov/energy/Siting/docs/Meeting_Materials/071814/Final%20%20EFSC%20Agenda.pdf

6-7-14

Antelope Old-Timer Tillie Bain passes at 93. 

Tillie made her last trip to Antelope about 5 years ago for Janet Silvertooth Stewart's 88 birthday party. We have a photo of that day here to share. Janet on the left, Tillie on the right.

The Bend Bulletin reports:"Violet "Tillie" (Bain) Deinert passed away May 31, 2014 in Redmond, Oregon. She was born October 9, 1921 in Antelope, Oregon to Ronald & Cecilia (Frasier) Bain. (Oct. 9, 1921 - May 31, 2014)"Tillie was the youngest of six children. She attended school and graduated from Antelope. After graduation she worked as the only telephone operator in Antelope. In 1941, she married Henry "Hank" Deinert. and they continued to live and farm in the Antelope area.In later years, Hank worked road construction all over Oregon. After retirement, they moved to Redmond where her family lived. Tillie always had a very active part in the lives of her six nieces and nephews, Bonnie McGilvray, Beverly Kraus, Norman Scott, Norma Kraft, Buster Bain, and Ron Bain, who survive her. She also leaves one sister-in-law, Kathryn Bain of Redmond; and a cousin, John Little of London, England."Janet Stewart remembers the Bain family and was a close friend of Tillie's over the years. Her father was a sheep herder and they raised a large family in Antelope. Several of the children were active horse and rodeo enthusiasts well know for competitive riding and rodeo events. The old Bain home still stands in Antelope and is well maintained- the tiny yellow house at the end of town. Tillie's uncle "Knucka" was very much part of her family as he lived in town. Her father of course being a sheepherder was away for long stretches. One of the "old country" Scotch herders he was highly regarded for his talents and skills. Knucka worked in the Silvertooth's Idle Hour Saloon from time to time being one of the few people that couldbe trusted with "the till."

FUTURE OF ANTELOPE POST OFFICE UNDER REVIEW

6/17/14- Today post box holders in Antelope received a survey from the US Postal Service about the future of the Antelope Post Office.

A meeting has been set Thursday July 17 at 5:30 PM at the Antelope Community Church, College & Union Streets, Antelope to hear community feedback on the post office issues.

PLEASE ATTEND!

6-15-14

George DeJarnatt Passes Away 



Antelope area old-timer passes away. Madras Pioneer reports: "George DeJarnatt passed away peacefully June 7, 2014 in Madras, Oregon at the age of 88." George was born in the Dalles in 1925. His mother's family had roots in Antelope and lived in the Hastings house (now pink) on the corner of Main and Baird Streets Antelope. George was a WWII vet. In the 1950's he opened Madras Auto Parks and as a young man played drums in a band with the famed Doc Severinsen playing for dances in towns all along the Columbia River.

 http://pamplinmedia.com/obit/175-msp-obituaries/223907-85699-george-alba-dejarnatt

5-5-14

CYCLE OREGON BACK IN ANTELOPE THIRD TIME.

Famed bicycle tour Cycle Oregon advised antelopeoregon.net that "In September, we will be riding thru Antelope and Shaniko.We would like to have a stop in each town.In Antelope, we’d like to set up a water stop at the school on Highway 218. In Shaniko, we’d like to set up near the museum, where there is the pavilion/picnic area and has a sign that says Shaniko Barn." 

It will be Cycle Oregon's third stop in Antelope. In 2000 they camped in Antelope as shown above..

AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

SASQUATCH ON THE LEFT-                              

State Energy Facility Siting Council ON THE RIGHT- 

10/28/13

 

HARVEST DINNER SET FOR NOV. 17th

 Antelope area community Harvest dinner set for Nov 17th Sunday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Antelope Community Center. Come one, come all for a great homecooked Harvest Dinner sponsored by the Antelope Home Extension. It been a long time, but it's wonderful to look forward to! Donations to benefit Antelope Home Extension. Here's a great picture from the old days Harvest Dinners past with Alice Hensley, Jean Opray and Beverly Forman- it will be hard to top their grub!

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 Update 11/8/13

Antelope Store and Cafe: Foreclosed, "Closed until further notice"

 Antelope Store and Cafe: "Closed until further notice" signs posted today on the door and window. About two months ago new managers re-opened the Cafe after a long closure. According to City Councilor Betty Samul the Antelope City Council Monday declined to cut off city water service to the Cafe because of accumulated unpaid water bills on the urging of City Councilor Larry Smith.

Update 1-26-14 The "official" City of Antelope website recently reported as follows: The property was foreclosed on Jan 3, 2014 and is currently owned by the lender, Budget Finance.

 Rick Allen, of Willow Creek Property Management of Madras is now representing the new owners. He recently met with a group of tennants and others, including Larry Smith, Antelope City Councilor, a former short-order cook at the Cafe.

 

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10/28/13

 Elizabeth Rooper Hill Turns 90

 90th Birthday Party for Elizabeth Rooper Hill Antelope area old-timer was held Saturday October 19th in the Dalles. Those present enjoyed a good times honoring one of our honored area Seniors. The Rooper name is truly historic in Antelope and Shaniko as the family played a major role is shaping the communities at the turn of the Century. The Rooper Sheep Ranch on the Shaniko Flat is memorialized in the writings of HL Davis. Likewise her husband Fred Hill's family has an equally historical name in our community.

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Update: These charges against Shanks were dismissed by the Wasco Co. District Attorney.

10/28/13

Antelope's Rodney Shanks arrested

Antelope's Rodney Shanks was in custody at NORCOR Jail in the Dalles. Rodney Shanks was taken in to custody in Antelope by Wasco Co. Sheriff's Deputies. He was presently being held on a charge of THEFT 1ST DEGREE - AGGRAVATED with bail set at $2,000. 52 year old Shanks previously gave as his address a home once owned by Dick Dodd which according to press reports was sold to the "boyfriend" of Peggy Adams (presumably meaning Shanks) after she forged documents and stole the home from Dodd who was in nursing home care. Adams recently pled guilty to a similar charge of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree relating to that theft from Dodd. At this time in its unclear if Shank's charge also relate to that incident. As of today's date Mr. Shanks is no longer listed on the NORCOR web site as being in custody. So presumably he was able to post $2,000 bail.

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UPDATE 7/10/14

Antelope's Jeannie Peggy Essie Adams Earliest Release Date: 06/16/2014 as posted on Oregon DOC website.

10-3-13

PEGGY ADAMS SENTENCED TO 2 YEARS PRISON.

According to NORCOR Regional Jail website this morning on Wednesday in Wasco Circuit Court Antelope resident Peggy Jessie Jeanie Adams was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree.

As a result of a plea baragin another count of theft and over 20 counts of identity theft were dismissed. Adams has been in custody since being arrested by Oregon State Police in February. This means there will be no trial as scheduled for Haloween.

A "For Sale" sign that had been her residence was taken down last week.

Several years ago Adams plead guilty to charges in Jeferson Co. following a long State Police investigation of Adams and her "Self Determination Center" which victimized a vulnerable population. Previously she had plead guilty to theft from Belinda Anderson.

A rumor around town that Adams would now be transported to Modoc Co. California to face charges there is not true according to Wasco Co. Sheriff. http://norcor.co/eagle/ICUD0003.HTM

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October 8, 2013
The Dalles Chronicle reports:

Woman, 72, Imprisoned For Theft
...
72-year-old caregiver from Antelope has been sent to prison for helping herself to money in the checking account of a widower and forging the deed to give herself the house of another.“Be careful about who you trust to take care of your finances because you never know who is going to take advantage of you,” said Wasco County District Attorney Eric Nisley.” Jeannie Peggy Essie Adams pleaded guilty last week in Wasco County Circuit Court to two counts of aggravated theft in the first degree. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison, although she was credited for seven months spent in jail awaiting adjudication of her case. She was accused by Wasco County District Attorney Eric Nisley of stealing money from a man while helping him go through the probate process after the death of his wife. She admitted Oct. 1 to using his debit card to access his bank account and also writing herself two checks, for a combined total of $22,000. She also purchased items for herself with his debit card on a television shopping channel. Nisley said Adams served as the caregiver for another elderly man and, after he died, ended up with his house because she counterfeited his signature on a power of attorney form and the deed to the property, which was signed over to her boyfriend. “She put herself in a position of trust and the man said she was wonderful even when allegations of improper conduct were made before he died,” said Nisley. Adams was arrested Feb. 6 by Oregon State Patrol Detective Lori Rosebraugh while shopping in Madras. In a moment of courtroom drama, she tripped over her shackles during a late September hearing to enter a plea to the charges against her. She hit her head and was transported to Mid-Columbia Medical Center for a medical evaluation, which determined she had sustained only a superficial injury. When Adams is released from prison, she has been ordered by the court to pay $32,000 in restitution and will spend 36 months on supervised parole to get that done. The deed to the house has been signed over to the man’s heirs." http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2013/oct/08/woman-72-imprisoned-theft/

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9-17-13

Antelope resident Dave Hightower passes away

He was in home hospice care. In recent years Hightower had major heart surgery and liver cancer. Hightower was born in Northern California and lived in Madras before moving to Antelope. He most recently worked for USFS fire fighting contractors and traveled throughout the US in that capacity. He is survived by long-time companion Deanna Coulter of Antelope, a former Shaniko resident. Posting condolences on Facebook Antelope neighbors said: Cody Flecker: "Dave Hightower was always a friendly sort of a man, always having a smile and a wit about him. one thing for sure about Dave, was his honesty and friendliness. he will be missed." Peggy Whittle: "So sad. Stay strong, Deanna. You have our deepest condolences."

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Update 11/8/13

Antelope Store and Cafe: "Closed until further notice"

Antelope Store and Cafe: "Closed until further notice" signs posted today on the door and window.

9-19-13 The Round Up

Antelope Store and Cafe: OPENING

Looks like the Antelope Store and Cafe is opening again. The Round Up advertiser reporting today: "The new owners of the Antelope Cafe are Woody Reyes & Skip Hill and they would like to welcome the locals to stop in and meet them. They plan to keep much of the same menu, with popular items still available. Their business hours are 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week. They are hoping to offer a cheery atmosphere and freidnlt staff to be of assistance to anyone stopping in. They will have visa/master card merchant."

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9-18-13

Barbara Beasley named Antelope City Treasurer

The Antelope City Council recently created a new position of City Treasurer and appointed Antelope homeowner and resident Barbara Beasly to the spot. First job at hand: Cleaning up the mess left by outgoing Recorder Mike Carter. Good luck on that one. Beasley is the former City Recorder and has recently worked on having the Community Center declared a statewide endangered historic resource which should help the city obtain some funding for restoration. Before she retired Beasley, who has an MBA from UC Berkeley, was an employee of Pacific Power (PP&L). Previously these duties were suppose

d to be performed by the City Recorder. Council has also appointed newcomer Tim Richardson, an anti-IRS activist a pyramid internet marketer of survivalist dehydrated foods, to be Recorder. Richardson was defeated in the 2012 race for Mayor.

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9-13-13

Cody Flecker named Antelope Community Center Director

Antelope homeowner Cody Flecker was named Antelope Community Center Director at the Monday meeting of the Antelope City Council. The Community Center was named one of the top ten endangered historic places in Oregon eariler this year by the statewide Restore Oregon. After a number of years and various stages of management and mismanagement the Old Antelope School has yet to be completely renovated following extensive damage resulted from frozen water pipes. Cody has already been over there cleaning and sweeping up the mess left by others. We wish him all of the best luck.

 

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Update: 7/10/14

GUILTY PLEA BY JOKINEN

"Jokinen changes plea, gets life in Cloverdale murder - Apologizes to victim's family; can seek parole in 25 years"

http://www.ktvz.com/news/jokinen-set-to-change-plea-in-cloverdale-killing/26755812

 

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9-11-13

Joshua Jokinen Charged with Murder -

Former Antelope resident Joshua Jokinen is now facing a murder charge according to KTVZ. Jokinen reportedly called 911 "from a Madras location around 10 p.m. Saturday to report that he might have killed a woman near Sisters." He was also arrest on a parole violation out of Umatilla County and lodged him in the Jefferson County Jail. The Jokinen family lived in Antelope during the 1990's renting the so-called "Stage House" for a number of years.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/pendleton-man-charged-with-murder-in-cloverdale-killing/-/413192/21740696/-/1355rb6z/-/index.html

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/msp/129-news/161798-man-turns-self-in-for-murder-of-woman

 

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Aug. 13, 2013 KTVZ

FBI: Serial killer's violent trail began on Deschutes River

Serial Killer Lived in Maupin

The FBI said Tuesday it's linked 11 killings to admitted serial killer Israel Keyes, who killed himself in December -- but the first item in the violent timeline was the kidnap and rape of a teen who was riding an inner tube with friends on the Deschutes River near Maupin in the late 1990s. Anyone with information concerning Keyes is encoura

ged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL- FBI.The Oregonian also reported: The FBI "is trying to locate the (Maupin area) victim and determine when Keyes was in Oregon, where he went in the state and whether he committed any other crimes while he was here."Also he is suspect in another Oregon case: "... in April 2005, Keyes was in Washington state and British Columbia. In July that year, two teachers were found murdered in Oregon's Willamette National Forest.... "It's one of the more recent cold cases that we have. It's a double homicide. We'd love to have it solved."

http://www.ktvz.com/news/fbi-serial-killers-violent-trail-began-on-deschutes-river/-/413192/21451130/-/k5jgju/-/index.html

Ed. note: We unde

rstand that a recent documentary on Keyes describes an incident where he ran out of gas several miles from Shaniko and obtained gas from the Shaniko gas station.

 

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HAROLD CURTIS DEAD IN HWY 97 HEAD-ON

 

Antelope resident Harold Curtis was fatally injured in a head-on accident north of Madras on Hwy 97 on Friday July 19. Betty Samul, Antelope resident, survived the head-on apparently caused by a 91 year old driver from California. Curtis had lived in Antelope over 10 years and was born in the Prineville area where his family settled in the pioneer era having traversed the legendary Oregon Trail. Curtis was a retired truck driver and also lived in the Condon area as a young man.

See from KTVZ TV:

OSP IDs 2 drivers killed in Hwy. 97 head-on crash

http://www.ktvz.com/news/doublefatal-crash-blocks-hwy-97-n-of-madras/-/413192/21079390/-/de92ps/-/index.html

 

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IN MEMORY OF RICHARD & GEORGE ROBERTS
Shaniko's Roberts Brothers Passed Away Within Hours

RICHARD ROBERTS

GEORGE ROBERTS

In the early morning hours June 1st brothers Richard Roberts and George Roberts, well known Shaniko residents, both passed away of unrelated causes. Richard was in Bend at Saint Charles Hospital. George was at his home in Shaniko under hospice care. Both of the brothers recently had medical difficulties. The brothers were born and grew up on a farm in Northern California. Each took a different path to Shaniko. Richard began visiting Shaniko in the 1960's where is wife Goldie Roberts' mother lived. He and Goldie moved to Shaniko full time in the early 1980's. He operated a tow truck business and in later years was a partner in the popular Goldie's Ice Cream Parlour which closed last year. He loved to fish and in recent years was an outspoken advocate of Dr. Robert Pamplin's development efforts. His wife Goldie is the long-time Mayor of Shaniko. George Roberts was the long-time caretaker of "The Shaniko Ranch." Also he was a former member of the Shaniko City Council. He was an avid hunter. Richard is survived by his wife Goldie, his two daughters and grand-children and great grand-children. The family plans a celebration of life for the brothers in the future.

 

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Madras Pioneer 22 May 2013

Filomeo recalls Okinawa invasion

At 90 years of age, World War II veteran Bob Filomeo looks and acts 70, and drives into Madras weekly from his ranch in Antelope.

Filomeo, who is of Italian heritage, grew up in Contra County, Calif., in the Bay Area, with three brothers and three sisters. His parents farmed and ranched, raising cattle, hay and fruit.

World War II was under way when he graduated from high school in 1942, and Filomeo tried to enlist in the military. “I wanted to go into either the Air Force or cavalry, but you had to have college for the Air Force and the cavalry was being phased out,” he said.

Instead, he and a younger brother, Elmer, got farm deferrals, bec

ause the country needed some men left at home to raise the nation’s food. .

http://pamplinmedia.com/msp/131-features/153024-filomeo-recalls-okinawa-invasion

 

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White Diamond Ranch in Ashwood has a new Facebook Page!

Ann Snyder & Bing Bingham

Ann Snyder and Ranch Manager

The ranch is located in the hills between the Deschutes and John Day rivers near the tiny community of Ashwood. Our sheep are primaily a meat breed called Dorper that was developed in South Africa to do well on range grass, and not need to be sheared. Our goats are a mix of Kiko, Spanish and Boer that also do very well on range grass. We also raise a few free range Berkshire cross hogs. Our livestock are gu

arded from predators by two large livestock guard dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=ed1e3fb8cf9d6a5cd773635cd771f183&eu=n7MyckBzrTb4Pmuq5hPpzQ#!/WhiteDiamondRanch?fref=ts

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2-12-13 Antelope Herald

ANTELOPE COUNCILORS SWORN IN

ROBIN MOATS BOOK KEEPER

BETTY SAUML RETIRED

ELIZABETH PILLING MANAGER MAURER RANCHES

Three Antelope City Councilors were sworn in Tuesday at the Antelope Community Center by City Recorder Mike Carter. Two write-in winners Timothy Richardson and Chandler Cruise have apparently declined those offices.

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2/6/13

JEANNIE ESSIE

"PEGGY" ADAMS UNDER ARREST BY OREGON STATE POLICE.

Jeanie Essie "Peggy" Adams, Antelope resident, was lodged in Norcor this evening with bail set at $310,000. (Update 5/28/13 Adams Bail was recently reduced to $100,000 however as of today's date she is still in custody according to NORCOR web site.)

Adams' charges include: AGGRAVATED THEFT FIRST DEGREE (3 COUNTS);

AGGRAVATED I.D. THEFT (2 COUNTS), IDENTITY THEFT (21 COUNTS).

Oregon State Police were in Antelope this morning and searched the Adams residence on Main Street and apparently removed items from the home. Adams was apparently arrested in Madras in the afternoon and transported to Norcor Regional Jail used by Wasco County.

As reported on the Norcor prisoner roster she apparently is fa

cing 26 Felony counts. The charges are categorized as follows: 26 Felony Counts. (1) Aggravated Theft I ORS 164.057 B Felony — stealing property valued at greater than $10,000. (2) AGGRAVATED ID THEFT a Class B felony. (3) Identity theft is a Class C felony.

Persons with additional information or who may be additional victims should contact the Wasco County District Attorney at 511 Washington St # 304, The Dalles · (541) 506-2680. Adams also face criminal charges in Jefferson Co. several years ago.

http://norcor.co/eagle/ICUD0002.HTM

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Jan. 9 2013

Bob Pamplin Media

Group buys MADRAS PIONEER

 

The Oregonian: "Pamplin Media G

roup, owner of 18 newspapers in the Portland area, announced Tuesday that it had acquired six more weekly newspapers from Salem-based Eagle Newspapers Inc. The newspapers included in the acquisition include the Canby Herald, Madras Pioneer, Molalla Pioneer, Newberg Graphic, Wilsonville Spokesman and Woodburn Independent. "We are excited to add these outlets to the family of Pamplin community newspapers," Robert B. Pamplin Jr., owner of Pamplin Media Group and R. B. Pamplin Corp., said in a news release. Former Oregon Gov. Elmo Smith founded Eagle Newspapers in 1948. His son, former U.S. Rep. Denny Smith, now leads the company."

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RICH MILLER IN UGANDA, SOUTH AFRICA WITH

CHRIST SANCTUARY

From Africa, Rich Miller, former operator of the Antelope Cafe, posts on Face Book that from "humble beginnings, but Christ Santuary has had four in Uganda and soon to be three in South Africa."

Rich Miller at November 25 Service at Kroonstad, Uganda.

Rich Miller at Christ Sanctuary in South Africa. Rich will be returning to Oregon soon after his missionary work.

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2012 Summer Season Comes to Close in Shaniko

Goldie Roberts closes her ice cream parlour after 11 years- serves some of her last ice cream cones on Sunday, Sept. 30th.

Shaniko City Councilor Shirley Stevens and Antelope rancher Melinda Dickson (who operates a Shaniko gift shop) talk things over Sunday afternoon.

3-12-13

Antelope Store and Cafe: CLOSED

In Februay 2013 we regreted to have to report that Rod of the Antelope Cafe passed away.

In May of 2012, the Antelope Store and Cafe after being closed all winter had attracted a new couple Rod & Alaia McGregor from the Cloverdale Pacific City area in Tillamook County who opened up promising "Great Home Cooking" and "Friendly People." They asked "everyone to stop by and introduced yourselves."

As of Mid-March the Cafe is still closed and we have heard nothing about future plans. It seems to be joining the list of other regional area restaurants closed for business. Alaia McGregor is still in Antelope at the mobile home on Union Street and has many friends in the community.

Madras Saturday Market

10th Annual Holiday Market

Sat. Dec. 8th 9 am to 4 pm

Jefferson Co Fairgrounds, Madras

Two big buildings full of all kinds of hand made, local items from fresh produce, sausage, cheese and baked goods to Jewelry, holiday greens, clothing and more. Along with music and ready to eat food. They accept Oregon Trail and Debit cards
 

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Antelope Mayor Darnielle Resigns, Richardson new acting Mayor

ANTELOPE HISTORIC DISTRICT UPDATE

The Observer: Union and Wallowa News Leader December 02, 2011

Union land sale could lead to new industry

"UNION —When Don and Maryann Hore leave Antelope in Wasco County in January and move to Union, both cities will notice. Antelope will notice because the town’s population will plummet almost 7 percent since the town population is now 29. And the town will be shy one Yorkshire terrier the Hores will be bringing with them. Union will notice because the Hores are in the process of purchasing a large chunk of land once home to the sawmill with the hope of dividing the approximately 30-acre parcel into a few smaller parcels that might attract some light industries to the community." Whole story at: http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/News/Local-News/Union-land-sale-could-lead-to-new-industry

Murder Mystery Success Recent Murder Mystery Desert organized by Mayor Jill Darnielle was a great event. Shaniko resident Mary Wright stole the show playing Mrs. Howard Maupin as shown below. Everyone really had fun!

School Reunion a big hit!Over 100 people attended the all class reunion at the Antelope School organized by Marlys Miller, Hern & Jan McKay and Ellen MacNamee. A great event. Long time residents were glad to see former Mayor Margaret Hill from Hood River and Phyllis Forman, long time area rancher who recently passed away at 95.

Save Antelope Post Office Meeting

Robin Moats organized a meeting that drew over 40 at the AOUW Hall to save the Antelope Post Office. Senator Wyden's aide explained the process the Post Office is using and explained how to get involved. For the time being it looks like the Antelope Post Office is safe but Shaniko & Kent may be closed.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/30980940/detail.html

C. Oregon's Farm-Fresh Movement Growing

Group Brings Local Products to Restaurants

Twice a week, Agricultural Connections delivers fresh veggies, meats and more to Jackson's Corner on Bend's westside. The products are all from farms within 125 miles of Bend. It's not the cheapest way to do business, but for Christenson --- it's the only way. You can taste Agricultural Connection's growing success at Jackson's Corner, 854 NW Delaware Ave., among several other restaurants in town. Visit their website for more info, at www.agriculturalconnections.com.

12-14-14

Long time Antelope area personality Anna Myers passes away at 103

Madras Pioner eeports: "...Anna Meyers, 103, passed away peacefully Dec. 12, 2014 ... She was born Jan. 30, 1911, on a farm near Hutchinson, Kan., to Emil and Elizabeth Scheuchzer. During her long life, she survived almost drowning at age 2, being stunned by lightning, the “Dirty ‘30s,” Dust Bowl, and a destructive tornado, and proudly wore a pin stating “I’ve survived damn near everything.” ... To escape the dust storms, the Snyders headed West, with her husband and a hired man driving two grain trucks, and spunky Anna driving a Dodge station wagon and pulling a 17-foot trailer. In Oregon, they picked hops and filberts, but didn’t like the rain. They were headed for a dryer climate in Bend, when their vehicle broke down in Madras, and they decided to stay. They bought and leased out a couple of farms, and Anna worked in restaurants, while her husband worked as a carpenter. Ralph passed away in 1967. In 1970, Anna moved to Antelope where she owned a trailer court and married Wheeler Meyers."

In 1985 The New York Times reported ithat after selling the trailer court to the Rajneesh in the 1980's  "Anna Myers, the woman from Antelope, said she is owed $20,600 for a trailer park the commune bought from her" and she sued the cult to be paid her dues.

http://www.nytimes.com/.../lawsuits-filed-in-oregon-ask...

 http://pamplinmedia.com/.../244149-111825-anna-scheuchzer...

12-2-14

Antelope Oldtimer Clarence Brown Featured in Portland SE Examiner

"Clarence comes from the town of Antelope long before the Bhagwan and his followers stirred things up there. ...Clarence has always been a collector. His first interest was in rocks and he was inspired by his dad who had the Antelope Rock Museum. After the museum closed, many of the rocks went to the Peterson Rock Garden between Redmond and Bend. Some of the rocks that were donated can’t be found any more. ... One box that was an honor to see were Clarence’s badges and medals from the Korean War. He received a purple heart, Combat Infantry, commendation for being in five major battles, fifty year veteran, Korean General Award, United Nations, Army branch of the service and several others. 

http://southeastexaminer.com/2014/12/nutcracker-collectors/

For 2014 ELECTION NEWS for Antelope & Shaniko CLICK HERE 

Antelope area community Harvest dinner set for Nov 16th Sunday 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Antelope Community Center. Come one, come all for a great homecooked Harvest Dinner sponsored by the Antelope Home Extension.

UPDATE FALL - Sept 12, 2014

CAFE IS CLOSED.

Notice posted as follows:

 "Due to circumstances beyond our control we are closing the café - thank you Antelope & all who you have helped us to be successful"
Peggy Sue & Jacqueline

8-12-14

Antelope Store now open as Grandma's Cafe!

2014 Open now as Grandma's Cafe- 7am to 7pm, closed Tuesday. New owners have homecooked meals! New cafe manager Peggy Sue Tucker shown about in a photo from Grandma's Cafe Facebook group. A menu is posted at:https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_download.php?id=577513752358254&eid=ASuQVo45DmOgDtbdiP0iedxZCPEs3QLXiecGyRHPKAqx1645n5HiFkQojXVWlgZOEHM&inline=1&ext=1407866313&hash=ASvFo36tanBKNV-o  The Facebook group may be viwed at:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grandmas-Cafe/593566407431020?sk=info

:8-6-14

Antelope City Council: Thumbs Down to Recycling.

Despite a petition from numerous community members the Antelope City Council refuses to bring back any city recycling service or opportunity to recycle. The city now has an opt-in weekly garbage service operated by City Councilor Betty Samul. Recycling advocate Barbara Beasley said she intends to contact Oregon Bend DEQ to see what options have have.  Antelope resident Cody Flecker posted on antelopeoregon.net Facebook group: There is enough pollution in the world. It is bad enough that we have to listen to the pollution that comes out of our elected leaders including those right here in little Antelope, nut walk down the streets of Antelope sometime when it is allowed to burn and take a deep breath of fresh paper and cardboard burning. Likewise, take a look at the plastic bottles that are all over the city. Recycling is a basic right for all of us that want safe and healthy animals in our midst, and that includes all of us humans as well.

7/10/14

 Antelope Store and Cafe "OFF MARKET" 

Antelope Store and Cafe listed "OFF MARKET" on Zillow real estate web site. Something new awaiting us?

Now owned by Budget Finance of Los Angeles the properties had been listed just under $60,000 for several months. Today the property is listed "Off Market" on Zillow.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/45438-Main-St-Antelope-OR-97001/92996857_zpid/

7-10-14

We understand local ranch firefighters are back at the Camp Creek Fire again this afternnon when flames reignated on the Gomes Ranch.


7-09-14 

3.000 Acre Camp Creek Fire Near Antelope 

Camp Creek Fire Spreads on Dickson Ranch- Photo by Melinda Dickson.

Lightening strikes were the suspected cause of wildfire that took off July 4th by Antelope near the Gome's Eagle Valley Ranch.  

The blaze also spread to seriously threaten the Dickson and McKay Ranches out Cold Camp Road.  Local ranchers fought the blaze with help from BLM.

On July 6th KTVZ TV reported "FULL CONTAINMENT" of the fire noting:
"Crews... declared full containment of the 3,078-acre Camp Creek Fire that broke out Thursday on rangeland south of Antelope..

antelopeoregon.net Facebook group was kept aprised of the fire development including on the scene updates from rancher Melinda Dickson.

Rumors of a "possible evacuation" of Antelope that circulated in town were criticized by some residents a promoting hysteria as some took the chatter seriously and began to pack bags.

6-12-14

South Sherman RFPD Offers Contract Fire Protection in Antelope Area

South Sherman Rural Fire Protection District Seeks to Contract for fire protection services in South Wasco County.

A number of Antelope residents and ranches received by mail a solicitation from South Sherman RFPD to contract for fire protection services. The annual charge for contracting for the services would be $1.50 for $1000 of assessed value on residential, ag and farm land and $2.50 per $1000 assessed value on Commercial and Industrial.

For information contact the district at 541-333-2525 or email at admin@southshermanfire.com or 541-333-2525.

4-21-14

Hay Twine Recycling Program.

 "Central Oregon news flash. we now have two women putting together a hay twine recycling program. Becky Mortenson of Terrebone and Joanne Hink of Prineville are working together to collect and recycle as much plastic hay twine as they can get. If you are interested, give Becky a call at 541-815-3079. Also, please spread the word to any one you might know."

Twine recycling in Southern Oregon.

4-26-15

Goldie's Ice Cream opens Antiques Shop

The following announcement was published on Facebook: "We have also opened the store next door, so come and see our new store Antiques & Things, everything you are looking for and more to homemade, antique, new, refurbished collectors, so much cant mention everything, so come and see what we have." Working on the new store are Erin Roberts and Mary Gomes. They are considering consignments if you have some choice things to sell! 

3/27/14

Shaniko served as the set for a London Film 



Madras Pioneer reports: "Shaniko served as the set for a London Film School production last week as student Keith Kopp was filming part of his final master’s degree project.he movie, “Gage: A Short Western,” is set in 1848. The film is about Phineas P. Gage (1823–1860), an American railroad construction foreman remembered for his improbable survival of an accident in which a large iron rod was driven completely through his head, destroying much of his brain's left frontal lobe."

http://pamplinmedia.com/msp/131-features/215105-74037-film-crew-shooting-in-shaniko

Shaniko doings... April 7, 2014

MORELI LANDS GO ON MARKET

Morelli lands listed with Coldwell-Banker Madras (Dick Houts)- The Morelli family one time owners of the Shaniko Hotel have placed several parcels on the market...

http://www.coldwellbanker.com/property?propertyId=283312291&mode=detail&brandType=CB

CITY OF ANTELOPE NEWS BEAT

Cody Flecker Resigns as Antelope Community Center Director

Tuesday, Feb. 18. Flecker resigned in a letter to Acting Mayor Robin Moats in which he set forth his reasons which included what he called the refusal over the past several months. of Mike Carter, Fire Chief to remove a broken down car from the Community Center parking lot and that his efforts to enhance the beauty of the Community Center hastbeen met with resistance on the part of the fire chief, and any effort to maintain the safety of any residents has fallen on deaf ears by you. It was bad enough to attend a City Council meeting that lasted four to five hours but to endure your out of control behavior by yelling and needling volunteer workers was a bit dramatic. Had you exercised the same aggressive behavior towards the Rawhide Bill for $3200 (for fixing the fire department damage to the water system) that clearly showed 25 hours of labor looking all over the countryside for parts, I could see your aggressive style, but strangely enough you were silent and passed the payment of that particular bill with little fan fare," Flecker was appointed to the position by the City Council in September 2013.

Barbara Beasley resigns as Antelope Finance Officer.

The City of Antelope City Council is without their newly appointed Finance Officer following a tirade of the acting Mayor Councilor Robin Moats on Monday night 2/10. Beasley resigned the volunteer position the council created in September. Just days before Moats was admonishing her fellow city officers to treat others with respect. It seems Moats has a hard time practicing what she preaches to others. Cody Flecker, Community Center Director, described Moats as  "(y)elling... louder and louder."  Flecker said Beasley  "inherited a gigantic mess from the previous Recorder (Mike Cater).  Former City Recorder Marlys Miller said. "So sad!!! Why on earth can't you people look beyond your own nose and look to what is best for the town. I am really saddened."  Beasley is also a former city recorder. Beasley holds an MBA from UC Berkeley and prior to retirement worked for Pacific Power (PP&L).

City Council meeting postponed.  

The regular meeting of the council has been postponed from Monday 2/1/14 because councilor Elizabeth Pilling is out of town.  We understand that the meeting has been rescheduled for Friday. Feb. 7th at 3:00

Tim Richardson announces  Water Rates hike of 20%

"The council has determined that we need to raise the water rates for all customers.  The proposed rate increase will, if and when approved, take effect April 1. 2014.For residential customers up from $25 per month to $30 per month, and For commercial customers up from $30 per month to $40 per month." according to Tim Richardson on the city web site.

2-28-14

Beverly Ann Forman, passed away Feb. 19th 



"On Nov. 7, 1952 she married Charles W. Forman and moved to the family’s dry land wheat farm near Antelope, Ore. There they raised three children and were active in the community. Upon retirement in 2001, they moved to Madras. Bev taught 4-H and was involved in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Antelope Ladies Home Extension. ...She is survived by her three children; Charles Forman Jr. (Shelley Putnam), Lloyd Forman (Lorene), and Teresa Weis (Jerry), three grandchildren: Nathan Steckly (Katia), April and Allison Forman, and one great-granddaughter...

 http://pamplinmedia.com/obit/175-msp-obituaries/212260-70734-beverly-ann-forman

2-14-14

Shaniko figure Sonny Cox passes away

Sonny Cox passed away Thursday. Melinda Dickson of Antelope reported the death on Facebook and asked readers to "please remember Sylvia Cox in your prayers... they were long time Shaniko residents." Sonny Cox was a craftsman and  was responsible for building  replicas of Western stage coaches, covered wagons and chuck wagons. He had previously been involved with organizing the Tygh Valley Festival.

1-26-14 

Justesen campaigns for Governor in Portland

Kent area rancher Jon Justesen back in the news as he takes his campaign for Governor to Portland...

"Justesen... said the state needed to grow economically, but he reiterated his call for a sales tax and for a drive to reduce income inequality. And after his speech, he talked up another idea more often associated with Democrats by calling for an increase in Oregon's minimum wage."

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2014/01/dennis_richardson_jon_justesen.html#incart_river_default

1-20-14

Bobby Carsner passes away 

Wasco Co. Antelope Historian Passes Away in The Dalles.

Robert "Bobby" Carsner passed away January 6th according to reports in the Dalles Chroncile. Carsner was a descendant of two early Antelope families: The Roopers and the Boltons.

He was activity in the Wasco Co. Historical Society and was a local history expert even though he was raised in Spray. The obituary states:" He took great pride in his Carsner, Bolton, Rooper and Hughes ancestry ... pioneers who settled in Antelope, Oregon and spawned generations of leaders in agriculture and state and local government.

His family were strong Episcopalians, and Robert was baptized at the ancestral ranch in Antelope when he was but three months old. St. Paul’s has been his Christian home nearly all his life and for thirty plus years he has taught and been nurtured at Ascension School and Conference Center’s summer programs."

A memorial service is set for Feb. 7th.

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/obituaries/2014/jan/14/robert-carsner/

12-31-13

Unmanned aerial vehicles on the horizon

More Drones in Oregon Skies



The Oregonian reports "Unmanned aerial vehicles, from high-altitude balloons to hand-launched aircraft, apparently will ply the skies above Warm Springs...following the Federal Aviation Administration'approval Monday of a regional application that includes at least three test ranges in Oregon." Last year the US Air Force established a military air space for high altitude testing over Antelope and Shaniko. http://www.oregonlive.com/business/ind