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World turmoil shakes Gold Hill With 3 of its citizens captive in S. America, distant violence hits home By Melissa Martin GOLD HILL � Citizens in this tiny town expressed surprise and sadness Saturday after learning that three of their neighbors are among five Americans kidnapped in Ecuador last week. Erickson Air-Crane confirmed that Jason Weber of Gold Hill is among the men seized by armed guerrillas in the Ecuadoran jungle Thursday. Weber�s family declined to speak to a reporter, saying they�d been asked to refer all questions to Erickson. The Central Point helicopter company that employs the men also identified a fourth employee, Dennis Corrin of New Zealand, as among the missing. Steven Derry, 40, and Arnold Alford, 41, both of Gold Hill, were already confirmed among those kidnapped while working in oil fields in Ecuador. Citizens in Gold Hill said they regretted how violence on a distant continent could touch their small town. Many said they would remember the missing men in their prayers this morning. "We�re praying for them," said Dori Glockler, a Gold Hill resident. "You never think anything like this will come into your community," said Donna Silva, a member of the Gold Hill City Council. "It brings to mind that we�re not living in an isolated world anymore," said Steven Straughan of Gold Hill. "It happens to our friends and people we know and care about." "It�s the thing you hate to hear when it hits close to home," said Barbara Finnie, a Gold Hill writer. "My heart goes out to the families." Erickson, with its headquarters outside Central Point, builds and operates heavy-lift helicopters used for construction, firefighting and logging. It dispatches pilots and helicopter crews around the world, and has sent personnel and machinery to replace the statue on the top of the U.S. Capitol building and install giant antennas on Chicago�s Sears Tower. In a statement, the company said it expressed "profound concern for our four employees who have been taken captive from our operation in Ecuador." But the company would not disclose additional information, saying the men�s safety, speedy return and privacy for their families were its primary concerns. "We have been advised to keep specific details of events and circumstances of this situation confidential in the safest and best interests of the captives," said the company statement. "We ask that the community remember these men in their prayers." The Americans are among 10 foreign workers taken by 50 gunmen from the El Coca region. Soldiers are searching for the kidnappers, believed to be Colombian rebels acting in retaliation to U.S.-backed anti-drug-trafficking efforts. The rebels are thought to have fled back to Colombia. Congressman Greg Walden and Sen. Ron Wyden were reportedly in contact with the State Department, but they also have refused to offer many details on the men or their capture. Meanwhile, neighbors and families await news of the men�s fate. "At this point in time it�s strictly a waiting game," said Mike Derry of Medford, whose brother Steve is among the missing. No one�s come through with any ransom or demands, he said. "I couldn�t believe something like that could happen clear down in South America," said Gold Hill resident Nora Bailey, "and touch a life up here." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.