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HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES, Thursday, April 4, 19G3
TUP jumf fo'i?3
HEPPNER
GAZETTE-TIMES
MORBOW COUNTY'S NEWSPAPER
PHONE 676-9228
Hie Heppner Gazette, established March 30. 1883. The Heppner
Times established November 18, 1897. Consolidated February 15,
1912.
WESLEY A. SHERMAN
Editor and Publisher
UlLISHIIf
V-AJIOCIATION
HELEN E. SHERMAN
Associate Publisher
NATIONAL EDITORIAL
lASfsbcATIG'N
3 U J
cMan i
Subscription Kates: Morrow and Grant Counties, $4.00 Year; Else
where $4.50 Year. Single Copy 10 Cents. Published Every Thursday
and Entered at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon, as Second
Class Matter.
OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
'Whipped Cream' In the Budget?
The fact that the hearing on the Morrow county school
budget for 1963-64 was on the stormy side Monday night was
a good thing in some ways.
For all concerned, it is far better for those with objections
and criticisms to come and express them openly. Only through
such frankness is there hope of agreement. The public hearing
is designed for this purpose, and the fact that there was a good
crowd present, many with remonstrances, is not an unhealthy
condition.
Whether many of those who had objections to the budget
are of changed mind after the discussion Is open to question.
However, they should have a little better understanding of the
board's position and its feelings on the fiscal needs of the
system, whether they agree or not.
On the other hand, the directors should have more of an
indication on the desires and feelings of the school patrons.
One of the most troublesome things, however, is the diffi
culty of reaching common agreement on what is essential for
schools and what patrons are willing to pay for. For example,
several in the audience Monday felt that the trend to higher
teacher salaries Is more than the public can afford, especially
in view of the fact that incomes of the patrons are not climbing
proportionately. However, another expression from the audience
was that teachers salaries are not too high but that the district
is providing too many positions for its needs.
A relatively small item in the budget, a sum allowed for
washers and dryers in the home economics department and
gym at the new Heppner-Lexlngton high school, came in for
thorough scrutiny and furnishes another example for difference
in thinking. Some felt the laundry equipment was more than
is necessary, but later one of those present expressed the feeling
that larger professional-type equipment should have been
considered by the board because it would last longer, although
its initial cost would add to the budget.
It has been evident that disappointment is keen by some in
the Heppner-Lexlngton area because the shop building will
not be constructed udjacent to the new school, and this was
emphasized at the hearing.
The shop building was included in the original planning
and was a part of the bond issue voted by the people. However,
the architect's cost estimates were too low to cover the con
ractors' bids, as became apparent at the two bid openings. All
bids, it may be recalled, were rejected at the first opening and
a new call was Issued with alternates provided. The shop
building was one of the alternates. At the second bid opening,
the contractors' figures were still above what was hoped, and It
was necessary to leave out several alternates, among them the
shop building.
Now, In the 1963-61 budget, the board proposed to use some
$59,000 in surplus funds from the 1962-63 budget to complete
some of the alternates. These surplus funds come from $8000
that was budgeted but not used for purchase of school site, from
the fact that the emergency fund was not used, and from
underestimating receipts other than taxes for the fiscal year,
as well as an unexpected payment of delinquent taxes.
The shop building is not among the alternates that the
board plans to complete in the coming fiscal year, and this
gives rise to some Indignation among the strong proponents of the
vocational agriculture and shop programs.
Directors declare, however, that the board has no Intention
of scuttling the shop program and realizes the value and im
portance of this part of the educational system. They take the
position, however, that in view of the insufficiency of funds
for the total job, that they can do the greatest good for the
greatest number of students by completing the band room, the
multipurpose room, the kitchen and other alternates with the
surplus at this time. There are some undoubtedly, particularly
in areas to the north, who do not think the surplus should be
used for the construction at all.
The board has reflected the thinking that the shop building
must come from a future budget or perhaps from a serial levy
at a later time. Tart of the area under the school building may
be devoted to woodworking but it cannot be utilized for welding
machines or any type of equipment that might bring a fire
hazard.
Although directors inquired about any deletions in the
budget that those present would make, none were offered
as definite suggestions.
Bob Rictmann of the lone advisory committee said In a
thoughtful presentation that he had carefully scrutinized all
parts of the budget, and although he could find no major items
to be deleted, felt that there was just a little too much "whipped
cream" all down the line.
He said that the district is over budgeting to some extent
and pointed out the surplus In the current budget to illustrate
the matter. At the same time, he added the commendatory re
mark that the board had not expended the amounts over
budgeted when it had it in its power to do so.
It is difficult to develop a elearcut trend in the public's
thinking because of its Inability to agree on what is essential
and what is "whipped cream," for what is held non-essential
by one patron may be the thing that another holds to be vital
to the school program.
In its deliberations on the budget through a series of long
meetings, the citizens' committee and the directors should have
deleted anything that could be construed as unnecessary.
At the same time they have a responsibility to provide the
best education they can for students of the district. This is a
responsiblliy that rests a little heavier on the heads and
shoulders of the directors and budget committee than most
patrons can realize, however sincere and thoughtful the latter
may be.
There is a natural reaction of appall by the taxpayer at
the size of the school budget, particularly when it readies
a million dollars In the general fund as it has this year. It
is a mounting burden, and the cry for help from property
taxpayers is one that cannot continue to be ignored.
But, ironically, from those who remonstrated Monday came
several suggestions that would add to the costs Instead of de
crease them. One was the proposal that school buses be retired
more frequently.
At last year's hearing only three questions were asked.
This year's hearing was a real contrast with the session lasting
more than two hours and dozens of questions posed.
Some left with the feeling that the time was wasted. It may
be true that most opinions were not changed, but If some
understanding wore gained, some questions answered, or some
festering misconceptions were quieted, then something was
gained.
One regrettable thing is the tone of comment that came
from some of those in the audience. Remarks of some were
biting and sarcastic, and this attitude can only be interpreted
as destructive. There is no quarrel with anyone with a criticism
or an objection, and even an occasional flare of anger is
excusable when one is sincere in his convictions. But only
when criticisms remain on an objective plane and are presented
with reasonable decorum and courtesy can they be expected
to help. The individual who indulges in sniping, regardless
of his feelings, only deters in the solution of problems that
present themselves.
It is to the credit of the directors and the administrator that
they met these remarks with courtesy and respect.
Decision as to whether there is too much "whipped cream"
rests with voters at the budget election on April 22. In the
meantime there is still ample opportunity for questions.
The unrest over schools is perhaps the greatest continuing
problem facing all the people of the county. It Is a matter that
calls for dedicated interest by all our people, for some real
understanding of the needs and desires of those in other areas
of the county than our own, for a constant recognition of the
need to be constructive for the benefit of all, and with the
ever-present knowledge that the needs and futures of our
school children are at stake.
Squeeze on Charitable Institutions
Movements on foot at state and federal levels threaten to
put a squeeze on charitable and religious organizations, as well
as some educational institutions.
In this session of the state legislature was considered the
matter of eliminating such institutions at least partially from
property tax exemption. This could create some hardship on
churches and others who have enjoyed tax-free status.
Now initiated at the federal level is a move that would
eliminate from tax deduction the first 5 of a person's income
given for charitable purposes. Some feel that this would be a
veritable death knell for the more hard-pressed charities and
churches. Probably the majority of income taxpayers do not
give up to 5 for these benevolences and would not, therefore,
get credit for any giving under this proposal.
It may be that nothing will come of either of these ideas
at this time, but the fact that our legislative branches are looking
towards them means that the threat is here.
Churches and religion are fundamenal in this nation, and
our charities, recognizing the needs of the less fortunate, have
a rightful place. It seems inconsistent to impose hardships on
such groups whose primary objective is to help others and whose
existence depends on the generosity of the public.
From those who hold this point of view, an expression to
congressmen and legislators would be in order.
Call for Little League Leaders!
For more than two weeks now an attempt has been made
to get the coming season's organization for Little League
underway. A conflict caused postponement of the first meeting,
and at the second call, only three showed up. Again this week,
La Verne Van Marter, president, is attempting to get things
moving and has set another meeting for Friday night.
Although Monday's April Fool snow and Wednesday's rain
don't look like it, baseball season is at hand, and it is time
to be getting ready.
Little League has been prominent here and It has furnished
a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the youngsters. All you
dads with kids of Little League age should try to get out
and give Verne a hand. How about it?
TO THE
EDITOR.
To whom it may concern
The purpose of this letter is
to state my feelings in regard
to the recall petitions filed
against Fredrick Martin. First of
all it is not my intention to
stand idly by and watch this
sort of thing carried out against
this decent, honorable and out
standing citizen of our commun
ity. Fred Martin has worked long
hours many of them far into the
night for years at no pay to help
our children get a better edu
cation in this county. We should
all be proud to have a man of
his character and ability serve
us on the school board.
This action is extremely re
grettable at this time because
we will soon be voting on the
budget to operate the schools
of the county for another year.
Let me remind you that Fred
Martin is only one member of
the county board with only one
vote. If the will of the people
of his zone or of the county on
any subject was contrary to
school law or the good of the
county as a whole, you can be
sure he would vote against it.
He took his oath to do that when
he accepted the job.
The third charge of failure to
maintain adequate physical stan
dards at the lone school Is a
good example of how unfair you
can get when you really try.
Very few schools in the state
can boast a heated swimming
pool. That is doing real well for a
community that consistently
votes no on the school budget
to operate that school.
The fourth charge of sanction
ing duplication of school bus
transportation routes is also un
fair. I have spent long hours at
the table in the courtroom of
the Morrow rnnntv rnnrt hnnca
with Fred Martin and other di
rectors trying to solve the school
transportation problems of the
eountv nnrl nt nn timo Hirl anv.
one ever sanction duplication or
even consider doing so. Although
that was several years ago there
is no reason to believe that his
judgment has ' -changed that
much.
Now, my fellow citizens,
friends and neighbors who sign
ed the petitions to recall Fred
Martn from the county school
board. It would only damage the
reputation of this good man to
recall him and especially with
out valid reasons.
The schools of the county are
constantly being improved. Take
a tour and see for yourself. Look
at the fine new school at Hepp
ner. The other schools are getting
new buildings, too.
We owe our school board mem
bers a vote of confidence and
appreciation for the constant
work and worry that goes with
the job, not a recall of one mem
ber.
If you want to do something
worthwhile for our schools it my
suggestion that you withdraw
the petition to recall Fred Martin
thus eliminating the hard feel
ings and other damaging con
sequences of such an action.
Sincerely yours,
Alonzo Henderson
P. O. Box 456
Lexington, Oregon
Chaff and Chatter
Wes Sherman
IF YOUR codv of the Gazette
Times comes folded a little bit
askew this week, we ask your
indulgence. It is a part of the
process of working out adjust
ments on our new equipment.
The new press is working fine,
but the folder has been a wee
bit cantankerous, apparently re
acting to the long ride over
here from the valley on a truck
that had no springs. Many of
the parts were loosened and
slightly out of kilter and it takes
a little patience getting the ma
chine "tuned up" again.
WHEN LITTLE Susan Raymond
arrived on the scene at Pioneer
Memorial hospital Saturday, she
became the fifth child in die
Arnold Raymond family and the
20th in the Gazette-Times "fam
ily." Along with the Raymonds'
five are the Joe Hartles' eight
(six at home), the Howard Petty
johns' three, and the Shermans'
four (three at home). So this
little old paper feeds quite a few
mouths.
We know Susan Is going to
be an unusually thoughtful and
considerate girl because she wa
kind enough to arrive on Satur
day, when her daddy is not in
the hectic midst of getting !iis
linotype work done on the papei.
She weighed six pounds, six
ounces at birth and joins sisters
Diana and Donna and brothers
Phillip and Jim.
MRS. A. T. SETHER of Seattle,
daughter of Mrs. Phebe Bar
tholomew of Butter Creek, has
completed an interesting work
on "The Judge's Family," a
booklet of some 30 pages, about
her grandfather, Judge Alba G.
Bartholomew, who was Morrow
county judge at the time the
courthouse was built and was
also judge here during the 1903
flood, although he died of over
work and strain some five
months later. The booklet, which
was printed by the Gazette-
Times, is also dedicated to the
Judges son and Mrs. Sether's
father, Charles Herbert Barthol
omew, who died in 1954.
In it is the genealogy of the
Bartholomew family, which le-
quired some exhausting research
to procure, no doubt. Mrs. Sether
previously wrote on the other
side of her family, the Thomson
family.
We admire these people who
can trace their families back to
the beginning. Mrs. Sether made
a trip abroad to trace the Bar
tholomews. We couldn't go back
any farther than great-grandparents
in the Sherman family,
but maybe it is just as well.
We might find out that we
aren't related to General Sher
man after all.
"The Judge's Family" will
have considerable historical in
terest even outside the family.
WE ANNOUNCED a couple of
weeks ago that Ed Dick is not
running for the school board, but
we picked up The Dalles Opti
mist the other dav, noticed a
picture on the front page of one
"Ed Dick" and it announced that
he was a candidate for the school
board. Not the same Ed, of
course.
WELL, APRIL 1 came and went
without a single April Fool
stunt being played around the
place. Even the children let the
day go by without passing out
cardboard gum.
The biggest April ' Fool joke
was played by Old Man Weather
who came forth with a short but
heavy downfall of snow. That
was really April Fools weather,
for sure.
The April 1 edition of the He
hisch, Heppner High paper, rath
er startled us. It was an Apri'
Fools edition, which we recog
nized, but there was a story in
it on five members of the school
track team getting hurt in a
meet. It was written so realis
tically we were prone to be
lieve it. It was somewhat of a
relief to see Lee Padberg walk
in the office today wiihout Tap
ing. According to the story, he
suffered a bad sprain that put
him out for the season.
Students Come Home
For Spring Vacation
Students home during spring
vacation week were Mary Shan
non, Sandra Harshman, Ronnie
Belsma, Ken Daggett, John Ceg
lia, Don Clark, Ron Creswick,
Dennis Fergeson, Helen Graham,
Cliff Green, Dick Sherman, Steve
Flug, Gerald Bunch, Mickey
Van Schoiack and fiance, Karen
Wilcox, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick
Ruhl, all from Oregon State Uni
versity. University of Oregon students
were Dennis and Roger Doherty,
Tom Driscoll, Jean Collins, Linda
Van Winkle, Bob Huffman and
Larry Tibbies.
Students home from Oregon
College of Education were Bev
erly Blake, Mary Evelyn Tucker
and Janet Struckmeier.
Eastern Oregon College stu
dents home were Ladd Dick,
Judy and Jeanne Schmidt, Kit
George, Larry Green, Leonore
Leonnig, Stuart Gribble, Barney
Nistad, Bob Davidson, Merlin
Hughes, Libby Van Schoiack,
and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Moyer.
David Creswick was home from
Columbia Basin Junior college.
TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor:
I thank you very much for
the Morrow county map. It is
very nice of you, and some time
when I am in Heppner I will
take you out to a dinner. You
know I was born in Heppner
and moved to Walla Walla Wn
in 1905. My father owned a lot
of land in Clarks Canyon. Thank
you again.
Elmer Markham
Walla Walla, Wn.
Dear Editor:
Our family and friends en
joyed the recent Talent Show
very much, but did miss the
adult talent. Hope next year to
see lots of it. I hope they con
tinue to have the talent show
every year, look forward to it.
An lone Reader.
COMMUNITY U
BILLBOARD
Coming Events
LEGION MOVIES
Friday, April 5, 8 p.m.
"Run of the Arrow," in
color.
Plus one-half hour of cartoons.
BAND CARNIVAL
80-piece combined lone and
Heppner Bands. Thurs., 8
p.m., lone auditorium.
Friday, 8 p.m., High School
Gym. Public invited No
admission.
HEPPNER SCHOOL SCIENCE
FAIR
Friday, April 5, 7 to 10 p.m.
Multipurpose room.
Science projects on exhibit.
BAKED FOOD SALE
By American Legion Auxiliaty
April 13, 10 a.m., Heppner
Red and White store.
BAND CARNIVAL
Fair Pavilion Bldg., Sat., Apr.
20. Full evening of fun,
starting at 5:30 p.m.
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Insurance Agency
P. O. Box 247 PH. 676-9625
Heppner
ft AAiAA
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at the sien of
sat- -vil
hi
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Jack's Chevron
SERVICE STATION
Heppner
Ph. 676-899S
IF YOU CANT GIVE BLOOD,
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To The Heppner Chapter
Red C
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QUOTA
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