After Bernie Turner honored 10/23/2016 with 'Turner Way' in McMinnville

Mac News photo from 8/2016.

 No bets, Bernie, on Clinton-Trump vote

10/28/2016 Whatchamacolumn by Jeb Bladine, president and publisher of the News-Register.

I missed Sunday’s party, when McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity celebrated the organization’s new Aspire subdivision and 25 years of contributions to Habitat by co-founder Bernie Turner.

News about the event prompted a few “episodic memories” about Bernie. That kind of thing seems to happen to me more often in recent years — you know, when you can’t remember what you had for breakfast yesterday while accessing detailed recollections of experiences decades ago.

We supposedly have infinite storage capacity for long-term memory, which can be procedural (how to do things), declarative (facts and knowledge) or episodic (events and personal experiences). Here are just a few of my episodic memories involving Bernie Turner:

During a time about 40 years ago, I fell into a regular series of handball games at Linfield College with Bernie, Ad Rutschman and the late Ted Wilson. And yes, as I recall, the presumably mild-mannered Baptist pastor was a terror on the handball court.

Skip forward about 15 years to Bernie’s fair-handed organization of a volatile community meeting related to the local school strike. He wasn’t exactly a fan of our editorial position at the time, but I remember him recognizing that some of the local rancor toward our newspaper coverage was misdirected.

Then there was the time Bernie and I made a friendly bet on a certain high-passioned presidential election. The loser, we decided, would donate $100 to the winner’s favorite charity. Someone, who shall remain nameless, formally accused me of illegal betting on elections, leading to an investigation by the state Elections Division.

Bernie, as I recall, considered it all somewhat amusing that his old handball partner temporarily was twisting in the wind, but I still refused to divulge his identity to state officials.

So what, you might ask, does any of this have to do with Habitat for Humanity creating Turner Way as the roadway alongside its latest affordable housing project? Well, nothing, I suppose — except, perhaps, that many people in the community have cherished episodic memories that involve Bernie Turner, and I suspect more than a few of those memories were recalled after this week’s story.

As luck would have it, next week Bernie and I will join a small breakfast meeting that has nothing to do with handball or Habitat. I won’t be surprised, however, if talk turns to yet another high-passioned presidential election — but no betting this time

………….

Habitat honors founder with new street

By Nicole Montesano N-R/News Register 10/24/2016

McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity held a street dedication Sunday for the Aspire subdivision in development in southeast McMinnville.

The purpose was two-fold — to honor founder Bernie Turner and celebrate its 25-year history.

The new road has been dubbed Turner Way. Because rain prevented crews from getting it paved in time, the celebration was held on the American Legion Hall’s covered patio.

Executive Director Mary Stern said about 100 people turned out, including some of the homeowners in the new subdivision.

Former Habitat Executive Director Marianne Milles told them she had known Turner and his family for 46 years — ever since he came to McMinnville as senior minister at First Baptist in 1970, she said.

McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity became an affiliate of its international parent organization in 1991, and Turner played a key role in that, Mills said.

She also praised community volunteers and businesses for dedicating thousands of hours of labor and tens of thousands of dollars worth of materials. And she shared a quip from Washington Roofing owner Harold Washington, who said he “got involved in Habitat by choice — Turner’s choice.”

He said Turner was very emphatic about the need for a roof for one of the chapter’s early houses, and he’s been involved ever since.

The Aspire project, which has been underway for several years, started out as a controversial one. Neighbors vehemently objected to the organization’s plans, and appealed local approval on to the state Land Use Board of Appeals.

Habitat for Humanity won in court. And it eventually won over the neighbors by re-designing some of the aspects they found most objectionable.

The changes included making one of the sections smaller, in exchange for adding a third set of homes, and enlarging a community park, to replace some lost open space.

Stern said five homes have been completed so far, and three more are under construction.

She said having a single large piece of property, expected to last for several years, greatly simplifies the homebuilding process. It also makes that process a lot more affordable, she said.

...........
Letter to editor, 11/4/2016 McMinnville N-R/News-Register

He’s a consensus builder

Last week I received a lot of ink in the News-Register. First, with a story about the Aspire project. It’s been a privilege to be involved with Habitat for Humanity and its work in the community. I am grateful for the recognition I have received. Then Jeb Bladine reminisced about the many ways we have been associated over the years in McMinnville. I enjoyed his reflections; thanks, Jeb.

Today I have in mind the ink Ken Moore has received. Ken is a good friend whom I respect. It has been troubling to me that his campaign has come under fire for the ads used by the Democratic Party of Oregon. I have not talked with Ken about these ads, but I believe he is a man of integrity who would not initiate these ads himself.

Why the DPO decided to inject this kind of politics in his campaign, I do not know. There is speculation about their efforts, which I’m sure puts Ken in a difficult position to comment. Our district has been served by Republicans for many years — Marilyn Dell was the last Democrat representative. Ken’s opponent, Ron Noble, is a good man and I do not believe the negative implications with which he has been charged, but I am sticking with Ken.

For two years, Ken Moore has worked hard to be informed about the desires of the electorate. He has talked with people. I believe he is prepared to serve us well. I was disappointed with the harsh position taken by the News-Register in last week’s editorial. Ken is a consensus builder and he will work with both sides of the aisle to represent the people of this district. I am voting for Ken and I hope you will join me in supporting his efforts.

Bernie Turner
McMinnville

What's next for McMinnville's Deluxe Billiards?

Fate of Deluxe hangs in the balance

Story from McMinnville N-R/News-Register 10/27/2016

Photos from Mac News 12/2014

As workers renovate the apartments gracing the second-floor of the Douglas Hotel building, and negotiations continue with a potential tenant for ground floor space at the corner of Third and Galloway, the fate of The Deluxe Billiard Parlor hangs in the balance.

The popular bar is living on borrowed time. Owner Mark Baisch, whose parents purchased it in 1972, is scrambling to find a new location before his scheduled Dec. 20 eviction.

At his request, building owners Denny and Lucetta Elmer have offered him an extension until the end of the year. But that’s not much of a reprieve.

Other existing tenants are being invited to stay, but not The Deluxe.

“We don’t have a plan,” Denny Elmer said. But he said, “We know we want something a little quieter in the evening for the tenants upstairs.”

Baisch is working with a commercial real estate broker to find a new home, preferably downtown. He concedes that it’s tough to envision The Deluxe in any other space, but sees that as his only option at this point.

“It’s hard for me to imagine,” he said Thursday. “But I’m trying to keep a positive attitude and hope that something comes up.”

Baisch took a look at the Taylor Dale building on the southeast corner of Third and Ford, but ruled it out.

“They’re asking for $12,000 a month,” he said. “That’s a little out of my league.”

Thanks to the bar’s popular owner, deep roots and dedicated, multi-generational clientèle, it long ago transcended the moniker of merely a “long-time McMinnville business.”  

Like the Blue Moon a few blocks west, it’s become an iconic hangout, opening early for workers finishing the night shift and closing late for serious pub patrons.

Twenty-somethings go there for a drink, burger and pool game. They mingle with older patrons who might be found enjoying pinot and pasta at Nick’s Italian Restaurant another night, or even earlier the same night.

The Deluxe has operated out of 711 N.E. Third St. for 65 years. Prior to that, Baisch said, it was occupied by Timmreck & McNicol Jewlers.

“I’m not sure the year it was established there,” he said, “but it was turn-of-the century, I know that.”

The bar moved to its current location, closer to the railroad tracks, in 1951. It was purchased by his parents, Harriet and Eldore Baisch, in 1972.

Baisch started working there when he turned 21. He arranged to pay off his parents’ loan when his father died in 1985.

Having now worked there 44 years, Baisch occasionally finds himself carding the children of customers he carded decades ago.

The Elmers, who own other properties downtown, bought the building around 2008. They’s been mulling a remodel for years.

The building features 14 apartments upstairs. For years, it hosted a computer shop in the corner space.

The second-longest ground floor tenant is the Thai Country Restaurant. The Odditiorum, an eclectic art gallery, recently moved into the space between Thai Country and The Deluxe.

Originally known as the Eggleston Block, the two-story stuccoed concrete structure was put up in 1928 to house the Hotel Bays. Later housing the Douglas, it featured rooms upstairs and a lobby and set of office tenants downstairs.

The land and building cost a combined $50,000, according to the McMinnville Downtown Association’s Stroll Historic McMinnville guide.

The structure has housed several prominent businesses over the years, including the As You Like It Café, The First Motor Company and Maloney’s Barber Shop, in addition to Timmreck & McNicol.

Renovation began earlier this year on the upstairs apartments and first-floor corner space.

The Elmers originally envisioned a boutique hotel upstairs. They settled instead on upgrading the existing apartments, aiming them for people in the market for downtown living, but might set a couple aside for tourist rental.

The corner shop remains a work in progress. But a sign in the window advertises upstairs apartments at “Douglas on Third,” with a starting price point of $800 a month.

“We’ve got some very interested people, a really good tenant,” for the corner space, he said. He declined to identify the prospective tenant, beyond saying it was an existing Third Street business interested in relocating.

As for Baisch, he said he’ll retire if he can’t come up with a new location. He said his biggest concern isn’t for himself, but for his half-dozen employees.

“I’ve got a number of people who work for me I’m concerned about,” he said. “They depend on me to make a living and so I’m trying to find a new location so I can continue business and they can continue to make a living.”

Beautiful fall colours driving on McMinnville (Oregon) Third Street 10/18/2016

Presented by ‘Mac News’ http://mac97128news.blogspot.com

Bird (heron) is the word in a McMinnville neighborhood. Afternoon 10/14/2016

Restaurants: A Jem and a Gem in Yamhill County

Yamhill County has two restaurants (each calls itself a “saloon”) which are gems.

--In Newberg, it’s Jem 100 Ice Cream Saloon at 208 N Main St.“Welcome to Jem 100 Ice Cream! Jem 100 is the place to get great American style food and ice cream in a 50's style environment.”

jem100.com

--In McMinnville it’s Gem Creole Saloon at 236 NE 3rd St. “Relive the sounds and legendary cuisine of New Orleans - a fusion of cultures and food - truly an American creation.”

www.mcminnvillegem.com

McMinnville’s Gage Gubrud stars in EWU football win over Washington State

Gage Gubrud of Eastern Washington University was Big Sky Conference football offensive “Player of the Week” for a game played 9/3/2016 evening.

In the opening season contest for both teams, EWU upset favored Washington State, 45-42, at WSU’s Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

Making his first start at quarterback for the victorious Eagles, Gubrud, a sophomore from McMinnville (McMinnnville High Class of 2014), had a record-breaking performance.

He completed 34-of-40 passes for 474 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 77 yards. Gubrud’s 30-yard bootleg TD with 1:39 left in the game followed by a PAT kick gave EWU a 45-35 lead.

(Gubrud’s 551 yards of total offense broke the EWU record of 518 set by QB Vernon Adams Jr. against Oregon State in 2013, when he passed for 411 yards and rushed for 107 yards.)

EWU coach Beau Baldwin said Gubrud’s “played like we went live in a scrimmage – and we’ve done that before.

“He didn’t go out there wide-eyed or nervous. He didn’t play perfect – nobody played perfect and I didn’t coach perfect. You’re always searching for that, but he went out there with confidence and attacked it. I think that helps you a lot when you settle down and don’t pay attention to everything else that’s going on.”

Story based on Big Sky Conference news release of 9/5/2016 and other sources. 

McMinnville QB Gage Gubrud might be EWU Eagles starter

McMinnville’s Gage Gubrud (McMinnville High Class of 2014) might be Eastern Washington University’s starting QB for the EWU Eagles' opening season game 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, in Pullman, Wash., versus Washington State University. 

Roster bio for Gage (jersey #8) from EWU Sports Info:
http://goeags.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4565&path=football 

Game advance info from EWU Sports Info:

http://www.goeags.com/news/2016/8/29/football-no-14-eagles-play-at-washington-state-in-2012-rematch.aspx?path=football

Spokane Spokesman-Review 8/29/2016 story:

To see story, scroll to end of this posting. Story says either Gage will start at quarterback "or."

Watch game on TV:

Pac-12 Network

Listen to game on radio:

EWU football play-by-play of the game on Spokane’s 700-AM ESPN radio. Broadcast pre-game starts an hour before kickoff:
www.700espn.com

Live game stats from WSU:

http://www.wsucougars.com/news/2015/8/19/210276807.aspx

Video and photos by Mac News 7/5/2016 unless indicated:

•Video (no audio) Gage with Dave Cook, EWU sports info director, on EWU campus in Cheney, Wash.

•Gage with football and EWU Eagles logo signage.

•EWU Athletics photo shows Eagle cheer staff with rally flags at EWU’s famous home football venue, red turf Roos Field (also known as “The Inferno.”)

•Roos Field sign and farmland near EWU campus. 

EWU depth chart has a few surprises; QB still ‘either, or’

By Jim Allen, Spokane

Spokesman-Review
3:58 p.m. Monday 8/29/2016

Eastern Washington has released its depth chart for Saturday’s football opener, and for the most part it’s what you’d expect.

However, coach Beau Baldwin has thrown in a few surprises, while trying to prolong the mystery on who will start at quarterback this weekend at Martin Stadium …

Eastern Washington has released its depth chart for Saturday’s football opener, and for the most part it’s what you’d expect.

However, coach Beau Baldwin has thrown in a few surprises, while trying to prolong the mystery on who will start at quarterback this weekend at Martin Stadium.

At least four, and possibly five or six, are expected to make their first starts this week. Most of those are on the offensive line, where all five starters and the top two backups have departed.

Freshman redshirts Tristen Taylor (left tackle) and Chris Schlichting (left guard) make their debuts on the left side of Eastern’s line, and sophomore Matt Meyer makes his debut at right guard. Right tackle Nick Ellison (four career starts) and senior center Jerrod Jones (two) are the only O-linemen

Sophomore Gage Gubrud is expected to start at quarterback, but the depth chart follows his name with the word “or” – as in or sophomore Reilly Hennessey, “or” senior Jordan West.

Gubrud, a third-stringer last year, attempted just 13 passes in 2015, while West started 10 games and Hennessey two.

Likewise, three players are also listed as possible starters at running back, including true freshman Antoine Custer Jr. and sophomore Sam McPherson. They would be making their first starts, while the third, senior Jabari Wilson, has 10 starts in his career.

The lone starting debut expected to be made on defense is sophomore cornerback Josh Lewis, but Eastern has plenty more experience at that position. Nzuzi Webster (10 career starts), Victor Gamboa (21) and D’londo Tucker (one) have a collective 32 starts between them. Webster is listed as the other starter at cornerback.

The biggest surprise could be junior defensive lineman Albert Havili, a former middle linebacker who missed all of the 2015 season with injury. He’s atop the depth chart at field end, ahead of true sophomore Keenan Williams.

He set an Eastern true-freshman record with 61 tackles in 2013.

Placekicker. Roldan Alcobendas, who missed most of the 2014 season and all of last year with an ACL injury, apparently has beaten out 2015 starter Brandyn Bangsund. Alcobendas also is listed as the top backup to Jordan Dascalo at punter and as a possible starter for kickoffs.

EWU depth chart has a few surprises; QB still ‘either, or’

By Jim Allen Spokane Spokesman-Review 3:58 p.m. Monday 8/29/2016

Eastern Washington has released its depth chart for Saturday’s football opener, and for the most part it’s what you’d expect.

However, coach Beau Baldwin has thrown in a few surprises, while trying to prolong the mystery on who will start at quarterback this weekend at Martin Stadium …

Eastern Washington has released its depth chart for Saturday’s football opener, and for the most part it’s what you’d expect.

However, coach Beau Baldwin has thrown in a few surprises, while trying to prolong the mystery on who will start at quarterback this weekend at Martin Stadium.

At least four, and possibly five or six, are expected to make their first starts this week. Most of those are on the offensive line, where all five starters and the top two backups have departed.

Freshman redshirts Tristen Taylor (left tackle) and Chris Schlichting (left guard) make their debuts on the left side of Eastern’s line, and sophomore Matt Meyer makes his debut at right guard. Right tackle Nick Ellison (four career starts) and senior center Jerrod Jones (two) are the only O-linemen

Sophomore Gage Gubrud is expected to start at quarterback, but the depth chart follows his name with the word “or” – as in or sophomore Reilly Hennessey, “or” senior Jordan West.

Gubrud, a third-stringer last year, attempted just 13 passes in 2015, while West started 10 games and Hennessey two.

Likewise, three players are also listed as possible starters at running back, including true freshman Antoine Custer Jr. and sophomore Sam McPherson. They would be making their first starts, while the third, senior Jabari Wilson, has 10 starts in his career.

The lone starting debut expected to be made on defense is sophomore cornerback Josh Lewis, but Eastern has plenty more experience at that position. Nzuzi Webster (10 career starts), Victor Gamboa (21) and D’londo Tucker (one) have a collective 32 starts between them. Webster is listed as the other starter at cornerback.

The biggest surprise could be junior defensive lineman Albert Havili, a former middle linebacker who missed all of the 2015 season with injury. He’s atop the depth chart at field end, ahead of true sophomore Keenan Williams.

He set an Eastern true-freshman record with 61 tackles in 2013.

Placekicker. Roldan Alcobendas, who missed most of the 2014 season and all of last year with an ACL injury, apparently has beaten out 2015 starter Brandyn Bangsund. Alcobendas also is listed as the top backup to Jordan Dascalo at punter and as a possible starter for kickoffs.