10A -THE OBSERVER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012
allow alife CANYON NOTES KATY NESBITT
Speedy • service If America's backbone is small business, its heart is customer se:rvice. Sunday aftemoon I was talking to friends who had moved to Wallowa County from Prineville, home ofLes Schwab and Les Schwab Tires, an empire built on customer se1vice. We exchanged stories of speedy service and employees going out ofthere way fur a customer, even five minutes befure closing time. No matter if you are in a city of 2,000 or one the size of Portland, the service is always "small town." Outside the reach ofLes Schwab territory, I was directed to Bamsley Tire when I lived in Boulder by my mechanics, the closest versions of Click and Clack from "Car Talk" you could envision. When I saw the manager wore Wranglers and there were photographs of 4-H animals purchased at the Boulder County Fair, I knew I was in the right place and the service was completely "small town." If someone asked me where to get tires, I would invariably sign my praises of Bamsleys. After moving to Lostine, it didn't take long to incorporate with the business oonmmnity. Unable to cl1ange my car's headlightbulb bymyse]fl went to Norton's fur help and was cli:mied down the street to their auto shop. Thn didn't Charge me, but asked where I was getting my oil changed ne.xt and I made an apiXJintment If I need air for my bike or my wheelbarrow, a jump start or a new engine, Nortan's takes care ofit. I have to endure a certain amount of joking and grie~ but I know I can count on them and they know I am pretty worthless when it comes to fixing anything, so I must endure. M. Crow's has a little bit of everything, so shopping there is a no-brainer. If they don't have an item in stock, most things they will mder for you. At the Lostine Tavern I am handed a beverage before I can sit down. The Blue Banana seiVes up dog cookies with lattes. Throughout the oounty there are few places I can go without knowing the owner or employees. A couple weeks ago a friend was blown away by the love and attention he received at Vali's Alpine Restaurant at Wallowa Lake. Two of the owners called him by name after his second visit. Maggie even offered to let him exchange his bottle of wine ifhe didn't like it. The culture of the rural West defines how we view the world. We value personal interaction, attention to detail, and an attitude of caring. Plainly, we like being SPOILED.
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Panners clear up grav areas By Katy Nesbitt The Observer
The Wallowa County Planning Department hopes to clear up some gray areas around the definition of structures and short-term rentals. Three amendments to the county's land use plan were presented Monday to the Board of Commissioners. The Planning Commission approved the amendments last year, but the Board of Commissioners' approval is needed to set them into action. The definition of a structure became clearer with the amendment that states a structUI'e is a ternpormy enclosure, not attached to
the ground (i.e., no foundation), doesn't appear on the tax rolls, is exempt from set-backs and design constraints. Planning Director Harold Black said, "For instance, a tarp on a woodpile is not a structure." The definition of a bunkhouse was also clarified. It is a small, rough building used as temporary sleeping quarters. The amendment also says that neighbors will be notified in advance of a plan to build a bunkhouse, which should alleviate concerns before construction. Black said by notifying neighbors up front, lawyers involved in the process
would be aware that the process was in alignment with state law and proper noticing had been done.
Neighbors' concerns An amendment to the land u<:;e plan describing what a short-term rental is should also reduce ooncerns by neighbors. Black said now the county reviews all short-term rentals every two years; half one year and half the next. He said the commission then decided to reduce the work of the planning department by keeping an eye on those short-term rentals receiving complaints. Once a complaint is filed, the owner will be notified and a 12-month clock will start to
review the permit and make sure it is in conformance. 'This has the backing of a majority of the property managers," said Black. Previously it took three citations from the sheriff's office to start a permit review and Black said the sheriff is not interested in managing complaints. It will create a little more work for the planning department, but should smooth out the process. If a crime is committed, like trespassing or dismderly conduct, the sheriff's office would still be involved, but not to enforce the land use plan, said Black. Traffic and pm·king problems are regular issues at
Wallowa Lake with visitors parking vehicles and trailers on private property. Tourists walking across lawns and even having picnics and camping have caused concern. ''Private property right"! need tobe respected," said Black. Mike Hayward, Board of Commissioners chairman, said the amendments won't necessarily clear up the controversies, but should help. "Most property managers are responsible and do a good job. These tools will be helpful," said Hayward The amendments will be presented to the board again at the next commissioner meeting, June 18, and put to a vote.
Ice rink gets $3,000 grant from lottery By Katy Nesbitt
in the off-months other recreational activities could Winter is slowly being occur like basketball, soccer, ushered out ofNortheastem and inline skating. Hansen Oregon, a good time to plan said the committee also for next year's cold weather envisions the slab being activities. used for concerts, farmers The Wallowa Valley Com- markets, weddings and munity Ice Rink has big parties. plans to build a new rink, Hansen said ideally the while working to maintain rink would have restrooms, the current facility. changing rooms, and a In Monday's Wallowa heated viewing area, as County "rrh . k h b . well. 1 ' e rm Board of as een l1l Several Commission- operation for 11 years, grant making ers meeting, is open and free to the foundations the rink have been received public, and has dozens identified ofsupporters who and Hansen a $3,000 grant from help erect and break it said he has the state's four grant video lottery down each year. " applications proceeds to to send off, help fund the conceptual with a long list of other design for a new facility. potential funders. The :Mike Hansenoftheicerink City of Enterprise is a development sub-committee regular supporter of the said he estimates a total of rink. $15,000 will be needed to Improvements schedpay for the architectural uled for next year drawings. include new lights and The current ice rink replacing rotting boards site is not level, which that make up the rink's has always caused probexterior. The committee recently lems, said Hansen, so the hope is to build a new one received a grant for $5,000 in the Enterprise City from the Wildhorse FaunPark. dation they will use for The rink would have a this work. roof to shield the ice from The rink has been in opthe sun, creating a longer eration fur 11 years, is open season. The open-air cover and free to the public, and would also keep snow off of has dozens of supporters the ice and reduce maintewho help erect and break it nance needed to scrape it down each year. Adult and off. youth league hockey atHansen said the cover tracts many participants as would be open on at least well as figure and recreation two sides, providing a view skaters. of the mountains, while imHansen said the rink is proving the ice condition. getting increased use from The new rink would people out of the county and have a concrete slab so with an improved facility The Observer
Obse rver file photo
Heather Risseeuw,WallowaValley Community Ice Rink manager, teadles kids how to hockey skate at the rink in the Enterprise City Park The rink's board of directors would like to build a new rink to extend the season and bring in hockey teams from out of the county for tournaments.
the committee 'vill host hockey tournament<:;, attracting teams from around the region. The rink is erected each fall and usually operational from December through February; depending on winter conditions. Th donate to the rink or volunteer, call541-263-0715.
Reading & Book Signing Cathy Jontos Putnam will read fromher new poetry collection
Alwavs
Tuesday, June l!th at 6PM
THE BOOKLOFT Across from the courthouse in Enterprise
107 E. Main St. • 426-3351
Call BEO Mortgage Division for all your home loan needs. Then, sit back & relax. Arletta Arnspiger NMLS #508276
Mortgage Lending Manager
BEO Mortgage Division 1-877-472-6217
• Purchase • Refinance • Construction Loans Bob Willialll'l NMLS #SO!l282
Loan Ollicct·
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Enterprise Branch 101 Hogan Street 541-426-4205 www. beo bank.com
Bank of
Eastern Oregon
John Bailey N~fLS
#SO!l2!ll
Loan Olliccr
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@ .. I.E ~ DEII
Member
FDIC
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