Prolonged Drought Nearly Empties Phillips Reservoir

A Paltry Puddle

Reaching the shore of Phillips Reservoir requires a long and dusty downhill walk these days. Almost as long as it’s ever been, in fact. But nothing like as long as it will take to refill this largest reservoir that’s wholly within Baker County, said Jeff ...MORE

Wood waste could boost local economy

Baker County Economic Development Director Greg Smith spoke to the Baker City Council Tuesday night about a potential new industry. Smith said Portland General Electric (PGE) is looking to retrofit its coal-fired power plant in Boardman to burn torrefied wood. Torrefied wood is made from ...MORE

Baker volleyball

Bulldogs sweep Ontario, stay unbeaten in conference play

Baker got all the battle it wanted from Ontario Tuesday before claiming a 25-20, 25-20, 25-19 Greater Oregon League volleyball win in the Baker gym. The win improves Baker’s GOL mark to 3-0. The match was Baker’s final home match of the season. In the first game Baker trailed 8-6 before rallying to take a 10-9 edge. Then the serving of Christina Maldonado, Kaeli Flanagan ...MORE

Baker easily stops Pioneers

Baker ran its Greater Oregon League volleyball record to 2-0 Thursday with a 25-12, 25-14, 25-13 victory over Mac-Hi in the Baker gym. In the first game, Baker broke a 5-5 tie when Christina Maldonado came off the bench to serve five straight points for a 10-5 lead. Baker kept its lead around five or six points until Jayme Ramos served seven consecutive points for ...MORE

Letters to the Editor for Sept. 28, 2016

Vote for Richardson, Pierce in two statewide races All too many times I hear it said “We here in Eastern Oregon cannot do anything to help to change the direction that our state government is going.” Oregon is at a crossroads with this year’s election. ...MORE

EDITORIAL

Talking about BMCC

Baker County commissioners heard some serious allegations last week about Blue Mountain Community College’s (BMCC) commitment to the county. The critic in this case has more than a passing familiarity with BMCC. Peggy Hudson is a former associate vice president for the Pendleton-based college, and ...MORE

First hunt memorable for Baker City girl, 12

When Emrie Osborn drew a special hunt antelope tag, she knew exactly what she needed to do. Take a hunter’s safety class. “I had to finish it in a week — that wasn’t too fun,” said Emrie, 12, of Baker City. She grew up in ...MORE

Hiking without retracing your steps

Backtrack? Bah Humbug!

I love to hike but I hate to backtrack. I think most hikers consider it onerous to retrace their steps, and naturally so. When I’m getting around solely by leg and lung power I want gratification for every calorie burned, and trodding on my own ...MORE