Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 25, 1956)
LIBRARY U OF 0 EUQENE OR. . Copies 1 0 Cents Wagenblast Wins Second in State Grassman Contest Morrow County Winner fo Get Award for Work Hans Leuthold, a Tillamook dairy farmer who is well known for his purebred Guernsey cattle, this week was named Oregon "Grassman of the Year" for 1956 by the Portland Chamber of Com merce. Second place in the 6th annual "grassman" contest was awarded to Alvin Wagenblast, Morrow county Hereford raiser trom Lexington. Leuthold and Wagenblast will receive cash awards of $300 and $200 from the United States Na tional Bank, Portland, at a spe cial "grassman" luncheon spon sored by the Portland chamber on December 3. At this time the Pacific Northwest "Grassman" will be publicly announced and presented with a $750.00 cash award from R. M. Wade & Co., Portland irrigation equipment manufacturer. Alvin Wagenblast, winner of second place honors, has done an outstanding job with grass on a 560 acre Morrow county farm In seven years. In 1949 the place was described as a weed patch when he purchased it. At that time the place supported at most a dozen beef cows; today he runs 113 head of Hereford cattle. The Morrow county "grassman" story portrays real "bootstrap" effort. Since 1949 steady Im provements have been made on the ranch through the addition of irrigation, seeding of improved forage varieties, and proper man agement. This year his bottom land produced eight tons of hay per acre. Here It is intermediate wheat grass, Akaroa orchard grass and alta fescue that are doing the job in combination with Vernal, Talent and Ladak alfalfa. He has chosen these varieties of alfalfa because of theto differ ences in maturity dates, thus permitting one man to do most of the harvesting work. On the unirrigated higher lands, Nomad alfalfa is grown with crested wheatgrass and bul bous 'bluegrass. Alvin Wagenblast operates the ranch with his wife, Lee, and two sons, John 9 and Steve 7. He is active in his community, and was nominated to the state contest by the Morrow County Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau Names New Officers Harold Beach of Lexington was elected new president of the Mor row county Farm Bureau at the annual election meeting held Tuesday evening at the lone Grange hall. He replaces Irvin Rauch, who has headed the Bu reau for the past year. Other 'new officers are Gene Cutsforth, vice president; Mrs. Gene Cutsforth, secretary. Plans were made for partici pation in the state Farm Bureau convention which will be held In Pendleton November 7 through 10. Sewing Workshop Planned Next Week A blouse and shirt workshop sponsored by the Heppner Ex tension unit, will be held at the Methodist church parlors Mon day, Wednesday and Friday, Oct. 29, 31 and Nov. 2 from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. There will be k sack lunch at noon. Basic sewing techniques and time-saving methods will be taught at the workshop and any one wishing to take part who did not attend the preliminary meet ing may get information from extension agent, Miss Beverly Bradshaw. Mrs. Gene Ferguson and Mrs. Douglas Drake are pro ject leaders. o ' BAZAAR DATE WRONG The Degree of Honor bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 10 rather than Nov. 1, as was an nounced last week. , Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, October is . . y it!) a ex.- - va. 9 . - MORROW COUNTY GRASSMAN Lexington, this week was announced winner of the second place award in the state-wide Grassman contest sponsored by the Fort land chamber of commerce. The winner is shown with his two sons, John, 9 and Steve, 7. VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAQUE PLANNED; CORRECT LIST OF NAMES IS WANTED The help of the general public was asked this week in obtaining the names of Morrow county vet erans who lost their lives in either of the world wars or in the Korean fighting. . J. O. Turner, Heppner attorney, announced last Memorial Day at the Pioneer picnic that he would provide a bronze plaque to be erected in memory of the Morrow county veterans who lost their lives. He is ready to have the plaque made but wants to be certain that a correct list of the names is available to be placed on it. Following is a list obtained from various veteran's organi zations which is thought to be complete, however if any resi dent knows of an ommission, Tur ner would appreciate hearing from that person: FIRST SNOW OF WINTER FALLS HERE TUESDAY; MERCURY The first indications of winter fell upon Morrow county Tues day morning In the form of big, fluffy white snowflakes. They didnt last long in the lower elevations, but piled up to a depth of two to six inches in the mountains and foothills. Along with the snow, which rapidly turned to rain in Hepp ner, came the lowest tempera ture of the fall when the mercury Auxiliary Plans Benefit Card Party The American Legion Auxiliary will hold a card party Friday, November 2 at 8 p. m. at the home of Mrs. Kemp Dick. The benefit is for disabled veterans at the Portland Veterans hospi tal. Admission will be unwrap ped, non-fragile gifts which the patient will select to send as Christmas gifts to members of their families. Both pinochle and bridge will be played. Mrs. Gene Ferguson, chairman of rehibilitation.com mittee, is in charge of the event. Boat Landing Being Built at Boardman The county, in cooperation with the city of Boardman and the Boardman Commercial Club, is building a boat landing ramp and picnic area on the Columbia river at the North end of Main Street in Boardman. Thera is no landing on the river the entire length of Morrow county and it is known that there will be many people use the new facility for launching boats for fishing and pleasure. An at tractive picnic and park area is planned. mmttk -4 a .v. ff of the year. Alvin Wagenblast Earl K. Akin, Tench B. Aldrich, Eldon L. Allen, Elbert M. Gib son, Jr., Clarence T. Harris, Paul V. Rietmann, James A. Stevens, Stanley A. Way, George S. Wal lise, Oswald Sika, F. E. L. Still well, Roger J. Arendt, Herbert R. Davidson, Ernest Forbes (Pinkey Clark) Nalbro Cox, Clyde Edw ards, Kay Ferguson, Jerry Settles, Norton Kiig, Kenneth E. Warner, Harding T. Smith. The list represents known boys who were inducted into the ser vice from Morrow county and lost their lives in the service of their country. Anyone knowing a name that should be included, or if the list holds one that should not, is asked to contact Turner at Hepp ner or the Heppner American Le gion Post No. 87. Work will start on the plaque as soon as the list is complete. DROPS TO 27 dropped to 27 degrees at the Heppner weather station early Tuesday. During the past seven days a total of .81 inch of rain has been recorded in Heppner which brings the October total -to, nearly one and one-quarter inches. Leon ard Carlson at Gooseberry re ports .63 inch so far during the month which pleases ranchers in that area who say that in most fields the reserve and surface moisture has met and recently planted wheat Is beginning to sprout. The colder weather and snow is expected to be welcomed by Elk hunters who will take to the hills this weekend. Tracking the ani mals will be easier, but there is not enough on the ground to cause any particular travel dif ficulties that is unless more falls. Father of Heppner Man Dies Oct. 21 James Smyth McMurtry, 90, a former resident of Philomath, passed away in a Eugene hospi tal October 21. He was the father of R. G. McMurtry of Heppner. Mr. McMurtry was born Jan. 19, 1866 in Illinois and came to Ore gon in 1916, and he lived in Philo math for a number of years where he engaged in the grocery business. Survivors include three sons, Edward F. McMurtry, Muskogee, Oklahoma; James L. McMurtry, Philomath; R. G. McMurtry, of heppner; one daughter, Mrs. Mary J. Andreasen, Eugene, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. " Services were held in Philo math Oct. 23 with interment in the ML Union cemetery. 25, 1956 Daniel S. Barlow, 86, Taken by Death; Services Here Sunday Funeral services for Daniel Scott Barlow, 86, who passed away October 18 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cecil Lutkins of Gooseberry, were held Sunday at 2 p. m. at the Heppner Chris tian church with Rev. Earl L. Soward officiating. Mr. Barlow was born July 14, 1870 at Rock Port, Atchison county Missouri. He was married to Mary Etta Smith January 1, 1893 and to the couple were born three sons and four daughters. His wife and one daughter preceeded him in death. He was a devout Chris tian and member of the Christian church. Surviving are a brother Joel Barlow, lone; sons Frank, Mar tinez, Calif.; Alvin, loner and Everett, Madras. Daughters Maude Lutkins, and Dolly AH stott, lone; and Flora Schunk, of Heppner; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Interment was in the Heppner Masonic cemetery with Creswick Mortuary in charge of arrange ments. Those from a distance who at tended the services were Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Barlow, Portland; Mr. and Mrs. Truman Messenger Sr., Mitchell; Mr. and Mrs. Truman Messenger Jr., Ordnance; Mr. and Mrs. Claud Coats and Mr. and Mrs. Zearl Gillespie of Board man. Supreme Court, Upholds Avert Murder Conviction The Oregon supreme court Wednesday afffirmed the second degree murder conviction of Ann Whitney Avent for the fatal shooting of Delmore Sessard, former Portland attorney, here in June 1955. iTha 'opinion was written by judge Hall S. Lusk and upheld circuit judge William W. Wells. The opinion stated that "Les sard was unarmed and there can be no question under the evi dence about the fact that, from the moment the defendant un covered the revolver until he was killed, he was retreating from her." "Her felonious Intent is con clusively shown by the fact that she pulled the trigger five times before accomplishing her pur pose," the opinion said. The high court also turned down a motion for a new trial on the grounds that the defendant was emotionally disturbed. Mrs. Avent was convicted of second degree murder in Sep tember 1955 and was sentenced to life imprisonment She was taken to the penitentiary where she was held for a short time be fore she appealed the convic tion. Since that time she has been held in Rocky Butte jail at Portland inasmuch as the Morrow county jail has no facilities for wonien prisoners. Sheriff C. J. D. Bauman will re turn her to Salem shortly. Sample Ballots Now Ready for Voters County clerk Bruce Lindsay last weekend received delivery of the general election ballots from the printers and now has an ample supply of sample ballots avail able for the public. Samples are also available at the Gazette Times office. h". r -v ,J ? T W HEPPNER'S NEW GOLF COURSE, the Willow Creek Country Club SAND GREEN on tho 4th hole shows how the grounds have been pre got its first play last weekend when it opened for use. Photo shows pared for play. Much work remains to be done on the present part of the No. 1 fairway which has two creek dossing. No. 1 tee 5-hole course, but several parties of ardent golfers tried the Is In the distance near the big tree In center of the picture. course out Suday and reported it very satisfactory, (GT Photos) 73rd Year, Number 33 Hayride, Parties Are Planned For Hallowe'en Heppner youngsters of all ages will be provided with ample en tertainment to keep them out of serious mischief on Hallowe'en The older ones will be treated to the annual Soroptimist hayride and others have parties planned for them at various churches.. The Soroptimist club will again have its hayride Wednesday even ing with trucks scheduled to leave the school grounds at 5:30 p. m. The youngsters will be given a much-enjoyed ride then go to the Rhea Creek Grange hall where they will be treated to a dinner, games, dancing and other entertainment. All Heppner school youngsters from the seventh grade through the high sclMol are eligible to attend. The party will break up at the Grange hall about 10 o'clock and the trucks will bring the students back to town by about 10:30, it was announced. The Methodist and Christian churches are coooperating to hold a Hallowe'en party on Wednes day evening for all children 3 through 14 years of age. Pre school children, 3 to 5 years of age will be entertained from 2 to 4 p. m. at the Christian church. First, second and third graders will have their party at the same location from 6 to 7:45 and the youngsters in the fourth through eighth grades will meet at the: Methodist church from 7 to 9 o'clock. Games, prizes, films and re freshments will be on the pro gram for all groups and kids may come in costume if they desire, it was said. UNICEF Plan Set . Children of the Episcopal Sun. day school will assemble at 6:30 Oct. 31 to "trick or, treat" for UMCfcjr line united nations International Children's Emer gency Fund). They will cover the town asking for nickel and dime donations to the fund in place of the regular candy and eating gifts usually asked for on Hallowe'en. Following their canvass the youngsters will be treated to a party at the parish house. o Irrigon Man Named To Welfare Board Governor Elmo Smith this week appointed Loyd M. Berger, Irri gon as a member of the Morrow county welfare board. He re places C. N. Jones of Heppner, who recently resigned after serv ing 17 years on the board. Berger is superintendent of the West Irrigation District at Irri gon. Other members of the county board are Mrs. Ernest Heliker, lone; Mrs. Vernon Munk ers, Lexington; J. O. Hager, Hepp ner; and the three members of the county court Grange Plans Booster Night Saturday Rhea Creek Grange will have a Booster night program Saturday night, Oct. 27f It will begin with potluck supper at 6:30, and state grange youth chairman and state deputy, Mr. Hendrickson, will be on the program, and will show pictures of the state grange meeting In Pendleton and of his trip to Hawaii. All grange members, friends and neighbors are welcome to at tend. i $250,000 For Start W. C. "Dutch" Williams, chief engineer of the state highway de partment, last weekend advised county judge Garnet Barratt that $250,000 has been appropriated for the relocation, construction and paving of the first section of the Heppner-Spray highway and that survey work will be started as soon as possible. The approval marks the start of work on a road improvement pro gram that has long been advo cated by the county court, the Heppner-Morrow county chamber of commerce and many individu als in both Morrow county and the John Day river area. Money for the job will come from the $4,000,000 appropriation for the state from Forest Service and Bureau of Public Roads funds. According to the report, the state highwy department will re locate and improve between four and five miles of the present graveled road starting at the end of the present pavement at Cha- pin creek. The highway depart ment announced that it planned to call for bids on the project early next year. There is a total of 2b.6 miles of unpaved road across the moun tains between Rock creek and the John Day highway, 11.1 miles of it in Morrow county. Plans call for the improvement of all of the Morrow county end of the road over a three-year period and then follow up with the paving of the entire 26 miles after the north end of the road is relocated and rebuilt. It is understood that most of the road from the Whee ler county line south will not have to be relocated so cost of that section will be less than for the Morrow county end. The highway commission re ceived numerous letters and re quests last winter from organi zations and individuals asking that the highway be included in Evangelistic Series To Start Sunday At Christian Church Sunday morning Lawrence Carty, world traveler and evange list, will begin a two weeks ser ies of meetings at the Heppner Christian church. His opening sermon will be on "The New Testament Church." Each evening Mr. and Mrs. Carty will show 15 minutes of colored slides of their travels. Mrs. Carty will conduct a child ren's hour Monday through Fri day at 4 o'clock and all Heppner youth between 8 and 14 years of age are invited to attend. Wednesday night only the ser vice will begin at 8 p. m. be cause of the community Hallowe' en party for children. All other services will begin at 7:30. ROBBERY SOLVED BY WYOMING ARREST Sheriff C. J. D. Bauman re turned Monday from Cheyenne, Wyo., where he picked up Wesley Earl Post, who had confessed to Cheyenne police that he entered the Hitchin' Post cafe in Board man in May 1955 and robbed the establishment of $100. Post is being held in the Mor row county jail on a charge of larceny and his case will be heard by judge William W. Wells. Post was a cook at the restaurant at the time of the robbery. DANCE DATE CHANGED The Hallowe'en dance for Elks and their ladies, originally an nounced for Wednesday evening, Oct. 31, has been changed to Saturday night, Oct. 27, Jack Bailey, Elks secretary has an nounced. BEN MUSA VISITS HERE Bon Musa of The Dalles, Demo cratic nominee for state senator from the 16th district, was calling in Heppner today (Thursday). Approved of Work an improvement program. For several . weeks during the late winter and spring, the road was closed to heavy traffic and at times it was nearly impassible to all vehicles. The road carries a considerable amount of traffic from Kinzua, Camp Five, Monu ment and Spray and Heppner businesses felt the business slump last winter when residents of those areas were unable to get into Heppner. The road Is a state secondary highway and all funds used for its improvement will come from the federal departments. Arlington Bank Reapplies For Heppner Branch Reapplication for a charter to establish a branch of the Gilliam county Bank at Heppner was made Tuesday by the directors of the Arlington bank and two in terested Morrow county men, Garland Swanson and Bradley Fancher. k The men met personally in Salem with Marshall Case, new state superintendent of banks, and A. A. Rogers, former state bank head, who recently re signed his post. Marion Weatherford, chairman of the board of directors of the Gilliam county bank, reported that Case agreed to reopen the hearing on the application and will personally investigate the request within a week or two.' Earlier this year, the bank ap plied for permission to establish a branch in Heppner, but was turned down. If approval is granted the bank plans to ex pand its board of directors to in clude several interested Morrow county persons and to change the name of the organization to one more appropriate to the areas it will serve. Present di rectors are Marion Weatherford, D. L. Lemon, John Krebs, Earl Hoag and L. C. Buchner. It is expected to be several weeks before a decision is known. McKay Campaigners To Be In Heppner Friday Morning Phil Hitchcock.primary candi date for the Republican nomi nation as U. S. senator; Don Wal ker, Portland attorney and Ivan Conklin, representing veterans or ganizations, will be in Heppner Friday in behalf of Doug McKay for Senator campaign, J. O. Tur ner, Morrow county McKay for Senator chairman, announced today. The three McKay committee members are making a trip through this section of the state campaigning for McKay and will be guests at a no-host lunch to be held at 12:30 Friday at O'Don nell's Cafe. The meeting is open to the public, Turner advised. Deadline Near For Rummage Donations Persons wishing to contribute rummage to the Heppner Civic League sale November 2 and 3 are requested to turn it in as soon as possible, according to co chairmen, Mrs. Robert Jones and Mrs. Ray Myrick. Garments need ing cleaning must be in by Oct. 27. Final preparations for the kin dergarten benefit are now under way and members will hold a pricing and sorting session at Empire Machinery Thursday evening, Nov. 1. The chairmen also announced that any good rummge not sold during the sale will be donated to local church groups.