S. John Collins’ layoff a loss to the entire community

Hyperbole seems to be in high fashion at the moment. “World’s biggest,” “fastest ever,” “like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” etc. So it is with some caution, but with absolute conviction, that we say the loss of S. John Collins is a true loss to our entire community, the Baker City Herald, and to the Eastern Oregon Media Group.

We understand the need for all of us, individuals, businesses, and organizations, to pull together in this time of upheaval and uncertainty. It is also, however, an opportunity to re-evaluate the things we have grown accustomed to — including business practices, organizational structure, budgets, and relationships — and to consider thoughtfully the things we value most deeply. Newspapers are not exempt.

When a resource is widely recognized as “one in a million,” doing away with it should be more than simply a corporate decision based solely on the bottom line. John Collins’ value as an outstanding asset is clear in any business model.

Jayson Jacoby captured the essence of John’s contributions to this community and to the Baker City Herald over the past four decades (April 11, 2020, issue). Surely the smart corporate folks of Eastern Oregon Media Group can re-examine this issue. Perhaps a creative restructuring of the photographic needs of the entire corporation (not just the Baker City Herald) could result in retaining John Collins.

You know the old saying, “You never know what you’ve lost ’til it’s gone.” Bring John back!

Dave and Joyce Hunsaker

Baker City

Wear a mask if you can’t maintain social distance

Earlier this week I made a shopping trip into Baker City. I wore a mask into both stores I entered. I am a retired nurse practitioner so I am aware of infection transmission. I was amazed to not see anyone with a mask on in one of the two businesses I entered. The second one I entered had about six folks with masks. Folks, your political leanings are up to you; believe the President or not, but you do not have the right to infect the air in the store anyone else is in. Wear a mask when you can’t maintain social distance. This disease is a killer.

Iva Mace

Baker City

Grocery customers need to cover their faces

Just returned from senior hours at Safeway.

The staff and clerks are doing everything they can to keep up with demand and they are doing an amazing job! Not so much all customers. Sad face. I mean two uncovered coughs and one huge sneeze. Allergies? Who knows? Since many have no symptoms before they get this disease they are putting all shoppers and store pewrsonnel at risk. So please please please think of others and cover your face.

Sherry Thomas

Baker City