Sherman County eNews #167

Posted on June 26, 2018 by swkaseberg

Have you signed up for the Emergency Notification System?
Appreciation Extended to Rufus Fire Fighters
U.S. Wheat Associates Seats Officers, Darren Padget of Grass Valley
FCC chairman rolls through Eastern Oregon
Wasco County Historical Society Presentations, July 7 & 28
New Transportation Tax Withholding Starts, July 1
Sherman County Senior & Community Center July Meal Menu

1. Have you signed up for the Emergency Notification System?

Have you signed up for the Emergency Notification System yet? Please DO NOT wait until there is an emergency to do so. This is a great way for you to receive emergency notifications.

The Emergency Notification system gives us the ability to deliver pre-recorded emergency notifications and information messages to targeted areas within one of the four counties. The system utilizes home phones, cell phones, text and electronic mail messaging. The system within Sherman County is called FRONTIER REGIONAL ALERT.

Sign up can be found on the Sherman County website at www.co.sherman.or.us. Click on the Emergency Services Tab, then Emergency Alerts, then “How do I get Notified of county emergency alerts?” There you will find the link to access the sign up page. If you need any assistance with registering, please contact Shawn at Sherman County Emergency Services at 541-565-3100.

Once again, please sign up as soon as possible and DO NOT wait until an emergency to do so.

2. Appreciation Extended to Rufus Fire Fighters

thankYou Thanks and immense appreciation for the firefighters here last night; there could not have been a more impressive effort. You undoubtedly saved lives and our town. Thank you from all of us! ~ Janice Strand, Rufus, Oregon

3. U.S. Wheat Associates Seats Officers, Darren Padget of Grass Valley

wheat.four Seattle, WASHINGTON — The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board of Directors seated new officers at its annual meeting June 24, 2018, in Seattle, Wash. USW is the export market development organization representing U.S. wheat farmers.

USW officers for 2018/19 are: Chairman Chris Kolstad of Ledger, Mont.; Vice Chairman Doug Goyings of Paulding, Ohio; Secretary-Treasurer Darren Padget of Grass Valley, Ore.; and Past Chairman Mike Miller of Ritzville, Wash. USW officers were elected to these one-year positions at the February 2018 board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C.

The board of directors also welcomed members of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers as special guests at their meeting. Executive Director Ricardo Pinca presented information about the potential threat from Turkish flour imports. Several years ago, the association proved to their government that Turkish companies were dumping flour into the Philippines that created a “material threat” to their business. That threat extended to U.S. wheat sales because Philippines millers import more than 95 percent of their commodity from the United States. Duties were imposed on Turkish flour but they will expire in 2019, so Pinca explained how USW and local millers can work together to fight the future risk of continued dumping.

USW’s next Board meeting will be held jointly with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, 2018, in Tampa, Fla.

Chris Kolstad is the fourth generation of his family to farm in Montana’s “Golden Triangle” region. He and his wife Vicki have four children, including their son Cary who is a partner in their operation. They grow hard red winter (HRW) wheat, dark northern spring wheat, durum, barley and dry peas. A commissioner of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Kolstad has been a USW director since 2012. He is also a member of the Montana Grain Growers Association and Montana Farm Bureau. He is a regular blood donor and his community leadership includes past service on the local school board, in his family’s church and on the Montana Commission on Community Service.

Darren Padget is a fourth-generation farmer in Oregon’s Sherman County, with a dryland wheat and summer fallow rotation currently producing registered and certified seed on 3,400 acres annually. Previously, Padget held positions on the Oregon Wheat Growers League board of directors and executive committee for seven years, serving as president in 2010. He chaired the NAWG Research and Technology Committee and served on the Mid-Columbia Producers board of directors, for which he was an officer for 10 years.

Doug Goyings’ family has been farming in northwestern Ohio since 1884. Goyings and his family grow soft red winter (SRW) and have hosted numerous trade teams on their farm. He has served in Ohio and national agricultural leadership positions for 37 years. Goyings has been a member of the USW board since 2009 and is a past chairman of the USW Long-Range Planning Committee. He serves as a director for the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff Board, is a past-president of his local Farm Bureau and has served as a director for the Ohio Veal Growers Inc., Creston Veal, Inc. and Paulding Landmark, Inc.

Mike Miller is a fourth-generation farmer who operates a dryland wheat farm and grows multiple crops on a separate, irrigated farm in east central Washington. He has served on many local, state and national boards, and this is his seventh year as a USW director representing the Washington Grain Commission. Miller is also very active in supporting wheat research and development. He and his wife, Marci, have three children.

USW’s mission is to develop, maintain and expand international markets to enhance wheat’s profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers in more than 100 countries. Its activities are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 17 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

4. FCC chairman rolls through Eastern Oregon

Blue Mountain Eagle http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2018180629993

The recent repeal of net neutrality has raised hackles across the U.S., but Ajit Pai and Rep. Greg Walden found a mostly friendly audience Saturday in Eastern Oregon.

Pai, the lightning rod chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, was in the midst of an 1,800-mile tour of rural communities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana to discuss the “digital divide” between rural and urban communities.

Walden, who oversees the FCC as the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined Pai as he stopped in Hermiston, Pendleton and Weston.

According to Walden, Pai was likely the first FCC chairman to visit Eastern Oregon. The last stop of the day was at Weston’s Memorial Hall, where Pai and Walden spoke with local elected officials and representatives from communication corporations.

While Pai was there to discuss how rural communities could gain access to broadband internet services, the conversation did touch on the FCC’s recent repeal of net neutrality.

Net neutrality is a rule that requires internet service providers to treat all internet traffic equally, regardless of how much they pay or where they are located.

With the repeal having gone into effect on June 11, Pai shot back at some of his critics. In both an interview before the meeting and in his discussions during the meeting, Pai said the sky hadn’t fallen since net neutrality ended 12 days prior and the “fear mongering” coming from “grandstanding politicians” opposed to the move was overblown.

Continue here: Blue Mountain Eagle http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2018180629993

5. Wasco County Historical Society Presentations, July 7 & 28

Saturday, July 7th, 11:00 a.m., at the Moody/Rorick House located at 300 W. 13th St. in The Dalles, “The Rajneeshees in Wasco County” by then sheriff & now retired Wasco County Sheriff Art Labrousse. Please bring your own lawn chair. Free. Refreshments. Sponsored by the Wasco County Historical Society.

Saturday, July 28th, 11:00 a.m. at the Moody/Rorick House located at 300 W. 13th St. in The Dalles, “Celilo Village, Past and Present” by local historian Jean Vercouteren. Free. Refreshments. Sponsored by the Wasco County Historical Society.

6. New Transportation Tax Withholding Starts, July 1

Oregon.Flat.pole SALEM, Ore.—Oregon employees will see a new tax withholding on paystubs received after July 1. Oregon’s statewide transit tax is one-tenth of one percent (.001) of wages earned—or $1 per $1,000 in wages. The tax was part of House Bill 2017 from the 2017 Legislative Session, also known as the “transportation package.” Revenue from the statewide transit tax will go to finance investments in and improvements to public transportation throughout Oregon, except for those involving light rail.

Those working in Oregon—which includes both residents and non-residents—won’t have to do anything in regards to this tax. While employees pay the tax, employers are responsible for withholding it from employee wages, just like for personal income taxes.

Oregon residents who work outside of the state can ask their employer to withhold the statewide transit tax from their wages as a courtesy, but employers aren’t required to.

If the out-of-state employer doesn’t withhold the tax, the employee is responsible for reporting and paying the tax due when they file their annual Oregon personal income tax return. More information on employee reporting for the statewide transit tax will be available on our website later this year.

For more information on how statewide transit tax revenues will be used, check out “HB 2017 Funding Package” under “Projects & News” on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/odot. To learn more about the tax, visit the Department of Revenue online at www.oregon.gov/dor.

7. Sherman County Senior & Community Center July Meal Menu

Sherman County Senior & Community Center

Meal Menu

July 2018

We serve lunch at 12:00, noon sharp. First come, first served.

If you have a group of 2 or more, please let the Kitchen staff know at #565-3191, the day before to ensure that we make enough food to serve!

MEAL PRICING: Under 60 Yrs. Is $7.00 ~ 60 Yrs. & UP $4.00 suggested donation!

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
2	3	4	5	6
Grilled Reuben Sandwich	Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce	CLOSED	Hot Turkey Sandwich	Bacon Swiss Quiche
Potato Wedges, Veggies	Garlic Bread, Salad	TO CELEBRATE	Mashed Potatoes/Gravy	Veggies, Salad
Salad & Dessert	Veggies & Fruit	THE 4^TH OF JULY!!	Veggies, Salad & Fruit	Dessert
9	10	11	12	13
Turkey Tetrazzini	Chicken Strips w/ Dip Sauce	Meatloaf	Chicken or Egg Salad Sandwich	Pork Fried Rice
Veggies, Salad &	Tater Tots, Veggies	Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy	Potato Wedges	Salad, Veggies
Dessert	Fruit	Veggies, Salad & Dessert	Salad & Fruit	Dessert
16	17	18	19	20
Oven Fried Chicken	Taco Salad Bar	Chicken Fried Steak	Chicken Caesar Salad	French Dip Sandwich
Potato Wedges	Veggies	Mashed Potatoes/Gravy	Rolls, Salad	Tater Tots, Salad
Veggies, Salad & Dessert	Fruit	Veggies, Salad & Dessert	Veggies & Fruit	Dessert
23	24	25	26	27
Cheeseburgers	Pizza loaded w/ Meat	Sweet & Sour Meatballs	Stir Fry Chicken w/ veggies	Chicken/Cheese Quesadillas
Potato Wedges	Veggies, Salad	Rice Pilaf, Salad	Rice Pilaf, Salad	Veggies, Salad
Veggies, Salad & Dessert	Fruit	Veggies & Dessert	Fruit	Dessert
30	31	Menu subject to change due to availability ATTENTION: For those who have food allergies, be aware that a large variety of foods are prepared in the kitchen. Therefore, meals may be prepared with ingredients and food service equipment may come in contact with ingredients to which you may have an allergic reaction, such as nuts.
Hot Ham & Cheese/Bun	Chicken Teriyaki
Potato Wedges	W/ Sesame Noodles
Salad, Veggies & Dessert	Salad, Veggies & Fruit

Sherman County eNews #166

Posted on June 26, 2018 by swkaseberg

Update for Today: Sherman County Public/School Library
Rufus Fire: Sherman County Sheriff’s Office & KOIN
Boxcar Fire and Jack Knife Fire Update 6/25
Top Ten Tips for Parents to Protect Kids from Online Predators
Cliff Jett 1940-2018
Take Precautions: Avoid Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
Links: Things to Think About & Things to Do

1. Update for Today: Sherman County Public/School Library

The community storytime for today is cancelled, and S.T.E.A.M. will start at 10, with crafts for the younger kids.

2. Rufus Fire: Sherman County Sheriff’s Office & KOIN

Sherman County Sheriff’s Office https://www.facebook.com/Sherman-County-Sheriffs-Office-643904422378873/

KOIN. Wildfire Breaks Out in Sherman County (Rufus)

http://www.koin.com/news/oregon/wildfire-breaks-out-in-sherman-county-evacuations-start/1264066877

Sherman County Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/144574559075535/

3. Boxcar Fire and Jack Knife Fire Update 6/25

June 25, 2018 9:00 a.m. Update

Boxcar Fire: 95,850 acres Containment: 47% Reported: June 21, 7:48 am Cause: Lightning

Jack Knife Fire: 14,772 acres Containment: 65% Reported: June 22, 8:11 am Cause: Lightning

Maupin, Oregon – Firefighters have accomplished significant containment on both the Boxcar and Jack Knife Fires, burning south and east of Maupin in Wasco and Sherman Counties. Estimated containment for the Boxcar Fire is 47% and for the Jack Knife Fire is 65%.

The Boxcar Fire is now 95,850 acres. Yesterday heavy smoke lingered in the area due to an inversion holding warm air and smoke low to the ground. Smoke increased midafternoon due to fire activity on the Fire’s eastern flank between Highways 197 and 97. Fire crossed over the dozer line and an additional spot fire was detected in the area. Aerial resources assisted firefighters with water and retardant drops to suppress this burning. Those sites will be tied back into the main fire containment perimeter today. On the southern edge of the Boxcar Fire, firefighters burned out remaining fuels to increase containment along South Junction Road and the Deschutes River corridor. Night shift crews monitored the south and east portions of the fire, continued protection of structures, and accomplished an additional ½ mile of burning-out along the River corridor, leaving approximately one mile to complete today. Prineville District BLM River Rangers will transport firefighters via jet boat to otherwise inaccessible areas to continue to secure the fire’s edge along the river. Aerial resources are available to the fire as needed.

The Jack Knife Fire [Sherman County] grew to 14,772 acres as ground crews made great progress burning to containment lines and continuing to secure the Fire’s north and south edges down to the John Day River. Firefighters will be working throughout the day to cool hot spots on the perimeter and improve containment.

Today’s weather will be cooler (78 degrees) with higher relative humidity (30%). Strong, gusty winds out of the north/northwest are expected in the fire area and could push Boxcar Fire activity towards the east. Crews will continue efforts to contain and secure this perimeter, keeping the Fire west of Bakeoven Road.

As a reminder, Deschutes River recreation sites are open to the public. Recreationists are encouraged to use caution in the fire area. Fire-blackened sites can still contain hot spots from burning stumps or heated rocks. Rocks that have rolled down from steep canyon slopes have been reported on the road.

Closures:

On the John Day River, river miles 68 through 55 are closed to camping.
A Level 1 Evacuation Notification is in place for the area bounded by Hwy 97, Hwy 216, the Deschutes River, and the South Junction Road. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the threat in their area and consider how they would evacuate should conditions change.

4. Top Ten Tips for Parents to Protect Kids from Online Predators

Produced by the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section’s Cyber Crime Committee:

Top Ten Tips for Parents to Protect Kids from Online Predators: Many parents today are struggling with how to provide their children with the benefits of access to the Internet while protecting them from the potential hazards of online predators. In order to help parents, the Cybercrime Committee of the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association has developed a list of “Top Ten Tips.” Since no one size fits all situations, the tips below must be considered in light of the child’s age and maturity.

Set up a computer with Internet access in an open public area, such as the living room. Avoid positioning a computer in a private area, such as a child’s bedroom, or an out-of-the way area, such as a basement.
Talk with your child about basic rules to use while on the Internet, such as instructing them on not giving out their name, home or school address, phone number, age or other personal information. Urge your children to ask your permission before sending photos of themselves over the Internet or setting up a social networking profile. Teach your child that people can easily lie about who they really are, and that they should tell you if anyone says or does anything online that makes them uncomfortable
Don’t assume that one conversation is enough. Some parents may wish to reinforce these guidelines by making a sign that the child can decorate; post it near the computer. Others may wish to write up a “contract” with the child (samples can be found online), which can be periodically renewed.
Consider using filters on your computer. Filters may be available through one’s Internet Service Provider or through a search engine, such as Google.
Engage your child about his or her online activities. Be mindful of unusual behavior, such as if a child changes the screen when you enter the room, or if a child spends lengthy amounts of time on the Internet.
Monitor a child’s activities on the computer. The Internet browser features history files, for example. Parents may also wish to consider purchasing and using monitoring software (often called “spy” software), or just checking a child’s email.
Consider other computer usage by your child – at school, at the library, at homes of friends, and even via cell phones. Talk to your children about where they use the computer and what they do in those places. Make sure you’re comfortable with the environment in which your child spends time online, such as at a particular friend’s house. LIBA/1822786.1
Be alert for unusual activities aside from your child’s time on the computer. Pay attention if your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don’t know, or receives calls from or makes calls to people you don’t recognize. Another warning sign may be that he or she becomes withdrawn from the family.
Heed the possible warning signs, including finding pornography on your child’s computer, or your child receiving phone calls from people you don’t recognize; address these situations and don’t just ignore the problem or hope it will go away.
Report apparently illegal activity. In case of emergency, contact your local, state or federal law enforcement and others such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Trust your instinct and report activities to the relevant law enforcement, or report suspicious activities to the CyberTipLine (www.CyberTipline.com, or 1-800-843-5768), operated by the NCMEC.

If you want to educate yourself further on these issues, check out http://www.NetSmartz411.org/, presented by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).

5. Cliff Jett 1940-2018

Waterfront Organizations of Oregon Facebook:

“It is with deep sadness to announce that Board Member Cliff Jett crossed the bar on June 7, 2018. Jett joined the Board in 2014 and had a long career in marine law enforcement in Nevada and Oregon. His love for Oregon and public service propelled him into several local governments and regional councils with one of his accolades being the Mayor of Rufus. Jett also served as a seasonal marine deputy in Sherman County for 10 years and taught boating safety courses to the general public and high school students. Additionally, Jett served as an instructor with OSMB’s Marine Academy for two years. Jett’s representation on the Board for eastern Oregon boaters was stellar and he offered balanced perspectives along with pragmatism. His presence is sorely missed. Tight lines and fair winds, Cliff.”

https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontOregon/

6. Take Precautions: Avoid Wildfire Smoke Inhalation

North Central Public Health District reminds residents of Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties to take precautions to avoid illness due to wildfire smoke inhalation.

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

Poor air quality conditions are a health threat and all residents should limit their exposure to smoke. Those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children, are advised to stay indoors when the air-quality is poor.

Air quality can change quickly. Please visit the Oregon Smoke Blog and the DEQ Air Quality Index links below. DEQ air quality monitoring data is updated hourly and is color-coded for easy to read information. Unfortunately, the only permanent monitor for our region is in The Dalles, with Hermiston and Prineville being the next closest monitors. A link is also provided below with information on the 5-3-1 Visibility Index, if there’s not a monitor near you.

Please take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:

Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area. See the links below for DEQ’s Air Quality Index and Oregon Smoke blog or use the Visibility Index.
Avoid working or exercising outdoors when air quality is poor. Limit outdoor sports, work and recreation.
Drink lots of water – staying hydrated can keep your airways moist which will help reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation such as scratchy throat, running nose and coughing.
Try to avoid driving in smoky areas. If you do need to drive in these areas, keep your windows rolled up and vents closed. If you need air conditioning, make sure you set your system on “re-circulate” to avoid bringing smoke into your car.
Avoid smoke by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors and use a filter in your heating/cooling system that removes very fine particulate matter. Portable air cleaners with HEPA filters can also help keep indoor air cleaner in smaller spaces.
People with concerns about health issues, including those suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems, should follow their breathing management plans; keep medications on hand, and contact healthcare providers if necessary.
Use of masks or bandanas doesn’t filter out gases or fine particles. An N95 respirator can provide some protection, but only if the person using it has had a fit-test to make sure it fits properly, and the respirator is worn correctly. N95 respirators are not available in children’s sizes. For more information about the use of masks, please visit CDC Respirator Factsheet link below. For respirator use in the workplace, contact your employer or Oregon OSHA at the link below.

For more information, please contact North Central Public Health District at 541-506-2600 or visit us on the web at http://www.ncphd.org or our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/NorthCentralPublicHealth/.