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Wheeler County's only cold-case murder is approaching another grim milestone, as the 30th anniversary of Phil Brook's murder approaches. Killed on September 20, 1994 – the last day of summer – Phil Brooks was out riding his sister's horse on his day off when he was shot through the heart with a high-powered rifle. The assailant was never convicted, and while there are strong suspicions that a couple who had secured hunting rights on the Fopiano could be to blame, the cri...
The summer of 2024 is shaping out to be one of the worst wildfire years in Wheeler County's history. After local volunteers and firefighters from around the country worked to fight more than 118,000 acres of wildfire from the Lone Rock Fire in the northern part of Wheeler County, the Shoe Fly Fire is now burning at more than 20,000 acres as of press time, with 0% containment. On Tuesday, the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office ordered Level 3 – Go Now – Evacuations for areas jus...
Last week I wrote about the joys of blue paper towels, the kind used by mechanics in automotive shops. I discovered they are fabulous for around-the-house cleaning chores. If you have read this column for awhile, you know that I speak of the little joys in life. These occur frequently throughout the day when you look for them. And yes, joy can be found in something as simple as the “just right” paper towel that makes an unpleasant cleaning task easier and more pleasurable. I w...
The Times-Journal building in Condon is in the midst of a large renovation project, and a significant amount of work was done over the Labor Day weekend. Demolition on the building's front façade began last Friday, and framing commenced over the holiday weekend. Builder Ken Carpenter, owner of Shellback Interiors, LLC and local jack of all trades Mike Durfey worked on the historic building, which was constructed by Fred Wilson in 1903. The front façade has been remodeled s...
You, Dear Reader, now, know both that only you can prevent forest fires and that you might wish to have examined, that lovely set of Victorian-era novels by Sir Walter Scott, you know, the ones with the vibrant slivers of green dye-cloth laid onto their spines and that feature the fanciful blue lettering and designs on their covers. Previously, I touched on several ways in which 19th-century wallpaper, curtains and drapes and especially bookcloths covering sometimes quite...
The Condon Quilting Group started in 2021 when Judy Thomsen sent a request to the Columbia Basin Electric Ruralite publication to ask for batting. Not only did people send batting, but they also gave material for quilts, and some even sent quilt tops. Judy took the material, sorted it in her basement, and asked if there were any quilters out there who would like to help make quilts to give away. That first year, the new group gave away 54 quilts and afghans to organizations,...
On Sunday, Oregon once again made hard drugs illegal with the enactment of House Bill 4002, a law designed to reform the controversial Measure 110 that decriminalized drug possession in 2021. This shift marks a significant policy reversal as the state seeks to address the spiraling overdose crisis, homelessness, and safety concerns that have plagued Oregon since Measure 110's implementation. HB 4002 gives law enforcement the authority to detain individuals using hard drugs,...
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding that will help rural businesses create and save jobs in their communities. USDA is making loans and grants available under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) programs for fiscal year 2025. Through the programs, USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they then provide to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas....
Juanita Jo Pretty slow But steady That good mule Died today Ripe old age of Twenty six Hooves Sloughed off It's a Crossbreed thing Mother Stock horse 39 Part Percheron Mostly mustang Father Bunkhouse burro Pedro Grew up wild On a Thirteen by Twenty six Mile pasture She'd go through The river Skid on her butt Down declivities Where mortals Fear to tread Scared me Half to death In the saddle Meanwhile Back at the ranch Catlow Valley Don Miller outfit Gary Miller Main buckaroo...
The Sherman Co. / Condon High School DevilDawgs fell in their season opener to Cove on Friday, 14-16. The game was played as part of the Dufur Classic – but due to restrictions at the Dufur School, the game was held in Condon. Cove High School is in District 2, and will look to compete with league-rival Adrian for a top spot in the 1A State Football standings. The DevilDawgs played well in spurts, but struggled to gain momentum against the Cove team. The DevilDawgs will l...
This summer's historic wildfires in Oregon have taken a toll on ranchers and their more than a million cows and other livestock, prompting a unified plea by the state's top leaders for federal help. Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act nine times to deploy state resources to help ranchers and local communities. And then at the end of July and again in early August she called on the U.S. government for help. She asked the...
Days of Yore for September 5, 2024 10 years ago— The state’s Seven Wonders advertising blitz has given notoriety to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the Painted Hills, which, indeed, are wonders of the world. The number of tourists has grown and grown! Two groups of volunteers integral to any community will be honored this year at the 19th annual Painted Hills Festival celebration at Mitchell. The volunteers of the Mitchell Ambulance Service and the Vol...
Oregon State Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) has organized a meeting with the leaders of Blue Mountain Community College and Columbia Gorge Community College to discuss the growing crisis with EMS Services in the area. The two community colleges are the primary institutions in the region that provide training and testing for Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Gilliam County and Wheeler County are not in tax-paying districts for...
In the August 22nd issue of The Times-Journal, we reported that the Mermaid sailboat, an all–wooden ship from the 1930s, had sunk in the Arlington Marina. The Mermaid had been in the Arlington Marina for more than 8 years. Approximately 900 gallons of diesel were on board the ship when it sank, which brought the federal government into Arlington to oversee cleanup requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led efforts for the spill response, with appropriate conta...
