1 HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES. Thunder. September 1. 1966
HEPPNER
THE V ' .P
GAZETTE-TIMES
Heppner. Oregon 97836
MORROW COONTTS NEWSPAPER
The Heppner Gazette established March 30, 1SS3- The Heppner
Times established November 18. 1S97. ConsoUdated February 15,
1912.
NIWSAM
vS ryitisHi$
VSJ association
NATIONAL NEWSPAPER
WESLET A. SHERMAN
Editor and Publisher
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
until noon Saturday.
HELEN E. SHERMAN
Associate Publisher
Monday through Friday; 9 ajn.
Subscription Rates: $4.50 Year. Single Copy 10 Cents. Published
Every Thursday and Entered at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon,
as Second Class Matter.
Let's Make the Show Pay!
Morrow county has staged a rodeo since 1922. It is the
celebration highlight of the year, and apparently here to
stay.
Backed by funds from the fair, there Isn't as much pres
sure to make it a financial success as if it were strictly on
its own to make a profit or a loss.
This year the rodeo had a good gate, but undoubtedly it
will show a loss. Last year, it lost about $700.
In a sense it is a part of the fair. The rodeo committee
Is subordinate to the fair board, and the rodeo Is always at
the conclusion of fair week, giving it the complexion of being
the fun and entertainment event of the more serious fair.
For this reason, maybe one shouldn't be concerned wheth
er it makes a profit. On the other hand, there are some good
reasons why it should. First, it should be a matter of civic
pride. Anything worth doing should be able to carry its own
weight. This show has enough stature among rodeos to be
considered worthy enough to attract a gate to make it a fi
nancial success.
Secondly, there Is a crying need for a new grandstand.
If the rodeo can show a profit. It should lessen the time that
the grandstand will be a reality. If it isn't necessary to dip
into fair funds to make up a deficit, this might be channeled
to a new grandstand. Also any profit made might go to
this purpose.
Ironically, the fact that the grandstand is inconvenient
and uncomfortable for spectators is probably no little factor
in holding down the revenue. People don't want to sit for
several hours on a hard board with no leg room and without
easy access.
One way that might help make the show a financial suc
cess would be to examine again the "leaks" that permit many
persons to see the rodeo without charge. At least 500 at the
event are in the non-paying category, and probably this can
not be helped. They are the contestants, the visiting courts,
officials and participants.
This year, each contestant was given one complimentary
pass as well as his number. The number admits him to the
show, and the pass goes to his wife, a relative or a friend.
Many watch the show from parked cars on the hill above.
It can't be assumed that all these are trying to avoid pay
ing. Maybe some prefer the comfort of their cars to the hard
seats in the grandstand. Perhaps If a collection were taken
among them, they would contribute to the gate.
Others find ways to get In without paying. Some stay on
the grounds after the afternoon show and see the night show
without a ticket Others come in through unpatrolled corners
of the grounds.
On the more positive side, perhaps some additional effort
could be made to build up the gate. It is quite possible that
an advance ticket sale would help. Maybe an organization,
seeking funds, would push such a sale on a commission bas
is. Perhaps the rodeo committee and fair board should con
sider a season ticket, or even a family ticket which has proved
so helpful at the Pendleton Round-Up.
Another idea that might obtain cooperation from civic
minded businesses would be to give rodeo tickets in promo
tion of their goods a $2 rodeo ticket with the purchase of
mechandise amounting to $15 or $20, for instance.
The entire community has a stake in this. A new grand
stand would be a great thing, not only for the fair and ro
deo, but also for football games and other public events held
at the grounds.
The rodeo brings people to our community. It brings ad
ditional revenue to the community. It advertises Morrow
county and puts it on the map.
As long as we stage it every year, let's make it pay its
way, and let's work towards that new grandstand. We need
it
A Bad Passer is Dead Wrong
Too many of the people In this area drive our highways
as if he were the only person on the road. This is a contrib
uting cause to many of the accidents we suffer in this coun
ty. Since traffic is light compared to that around larger cit
ies, a driver is inclined to get the idea that it is a pretty
safe bet that no other car Is coming around that blind curve
or that he can make a pass where visibility is limited with
out getting into trouble.
Our very bad accident record proves this to be dead wrong.
Consider the number of accidents that have occurred with
in the past year or two between the city limits and the Mol
lahan corner. We can think of four within a relatively short
time where occupants were either seriously Injured or the
cars were domolished, or both.
The accident early Saturday morning that resulted In ser
ious injuries to two girls was the latest
As we understand it, the auto in which the two were rid
ing one driving and the other a passenger was forced off
the road when another driver coming in the opposite direc
tion, passed a third car into their path.
There is absolutely too much of this illegal passing.
Speed, too, has been a factor in the accidents on this stretch
of highway, which because of its dips and curves, should be
driven with the greatest of prudence.
A maximum speed of 50 miles per hour in the area of
the Kinzua mill and on out to the "S" curve would seem
reasonable, but many drive it at much higher speeds.
Unfortunately, very few citations have been issued as a
result of these accidents. We think there should be a crack
down on them. Too many of our people, particularly young
persons, are getting seriously hurt, some with permanent in
juries. When a driver will not operate his vehicle responsibly on
his own volition, the law is the only recourse. Too many
feel sympathetic to the violators perhaps because people
live closely in a community such as ours and no one wants
to make trouble for the other. But the penalty is high.
When the driver who does not operate his vehicle under
the prescribed rules of the road can go free, he has little
deterrent from causing accidents at some future date.
But it Isn't only the wanton driver that might cause troub
le. Because our highways are crooked and wavy, and because
there is a long distance between points, there is a tempta
tion for any driver in a hurry to "straighten them out," drift
to the wrong side of the road or cut a comer.
While the two girls spend long hours in the hospital and
Note to Subscribers
In Portland Area:
During the past two weeks,
the Gaiette-Tinies has receiv
ed letters from several sub
scribers In the Potland-Van-couver
area statinq that their
papers have been reaching
them as late as Wednesday
iollowing publication.
Papers are dispatched to all
points from Heppner at the
same time and leave the local
post oflice in the mail depart
ing Thursday evening. A
check with Postmaster James
Drlscoll confirms that they are
packaged properly and sorted
according to post office re
quirements under the Zip
Code system.
The postmaster has check
ad with Pendleton and be
lieves they are promptly rout
ed from that point He is now
working with the Portland
post office to determine it a
delay is being encountered In
distribution there.
Since there have been sim
ilar reports from at least six
subscribers, the condition may
be general to all Portland area
subscribers. The Gaxette
Times has a long list In Port
land. The publishers, in coopera
tion with Postmaster DriscolL
will continue working to de
termine what the trouble may
b. They appreciate any re
ports that will keep them
posted on the type of service
being received. The recent let
ters state that the delay in
service now being experienced
has been noticed for about the
past three months.
The publishers are anxious
to see that papers are distrib
uted promptly and are glad
that subscribers value their
papers enough to be concern
ed about the delay.
Gene Heliker left Sunday for
Salem to participate in activi
ties of "freshmen week" at Wil
lamette University. The first
part of the week will be fresh
men camp at Silver Creek Falls,
and registration will start Sept
ember 1. His college address
will be Room 207. Mathews Hall,
Willamette University, Salem.
Chaff and Chatter
Wes Sherman
CONGRESSMAN Bub Duncan
proved a friendly ami chatty
sublect when we asked to take
his picture on Al Hunch's horse
prior to the start of the rodeo
parade.
While we stepped back to net
the camera in focus, he said.
"You know why news photo
graphers alwavs take two pic
tures of a politician?"
"No," said we.
They're afraid the first one
won't be bad enough." he said
with his broad Erin.
The picture printed In this pa
per is the first of two we took
of Cong. Duncan. The reader can
judge for himself.
it occurs to us that it would
be pretty hard to take a bad
picture of Bob Duncan. His con
genial manner, broad smile, dir
ect approach and obligating
manner make him a photopen
ic subject.
TAD MILLER almost bounced
when he hit the ground at
the rodeo Saturday afternoon in
a fall from his horse dur I n g
Morrow eountv amateur call
roping. His saddle slipped as he
was galloping towards his calf,
Intent on roping the animal.
Everyone in the stands groan
ed for him when he hit. The end
of his lariat seemed to be tang
led around his neck, and as he
lav on the ground, the onlook
ers too far away to help were
fearful his horse would take off
and drag him. But Tad got up
In a few moments, then fell
down again. Indicating that he
was in a little worse shape than
he thought.
In a minute or so, assistance
came, and he was out of troub
le. But the doctor grounded him
for the rest of the rodeo and In
sisted that he go home Satur
day night, instead of staying
for the evening show.
Tad, who had done such an
admirable job in directing prep
arations for the rodeo as com
mittee chairman, should have
had one of the awards for "hard
are confined for months In casts during their recovery per
iod when they should be continuing their educations as they
intended, the rest of us might remember that when we go
out on the highways, other people are using the roads, too.
We can very well stay where we belong on the highway
on the right side and not pass unless It is done legally with
the oncoming lane free and unobstructed.
Anyone who doesn't Is a potential killer.
Down But Not Out
With the circuit court decision, ruled in Marion county
early this week, that the 1H property tax limitation meas
ure doesn't have enough signatures to be placef on the bal
lot, it could be that the Initiative is dead.
It seems quite clear, though, that if the state Supreme
Court doesn't reverse the decision, the ghost of the measure
will rise to haunt us.
All the persons who worked so hard to get the signatures,
and all the signers who supported it, cannot help but feel
some bitterness.
It still can have repercussions on the election as the thwart
ed proponents of the measure vent some wrath on the can
didates. One of the prime targets Is Secretary of State Tom
McCall, who is pretty much an Innocent victim of the dilem
ma concerning the matter.
Most of the major candidates in both parties In the state
have expressed themselves opposed to the 1H limitation,
but they felt that the voters should have the right to express
themselves. So, while It Is possible there could be some sec
ret satisfaction In seeing this rebuff by the court, most of
them are probably genuinely sorry that It will not be on the
ballot.
Reason for this is that while the measure may be knock
ed out on a technicality, the strong feeling still remains
among the proponents. Being frustrated In their well-organ
ized and efficient attempt to get the matter on the ballot
could only react to Intensify their feelings.
Had the matter come to a vote, it could have been settled.
If it passed, the entire state would have to face up to the
dilemma in which it certainly would have placed itself. Had
it failed, the opponents could say that reason prevailed, and
the proponents would have to accept the defeat
Secretary McCall Is In trouble because he used the total
vote for an uncontested judicial candidate in establishing the
number of petitioners necessary to get the measure on the
ballot. This was the same yardstick as had been used for
prior initiatives and indicates to reasoning people that he act
ed in good faith and with the best information immediately
at his command.
However, the court takes the position that the total vote
in a contested judicial race on the same ballot should be the
yardstick for the number of signatures necessary. Since the
signatures obtained by the deadline is short of this number,
the measure is ruled off.
It Is quite possible that the Supreme Court may reverse the
lower court, but at this time, this seems doubtful.
If it doesn't get on the ballot, the legislature must real
ize the dire necessity of getting busy at the upcoming ses
sion to relieve the burden on property tax. II this Isn't done,
it is sure that there will be another initiative petition and it
will have an abundance of signatures.
School districts and other taxing agencies that would lose
considerable revenue if the 1 measure became law might
be greatly relieved at this court decision, but the ghost of the
measure will remain until substantial property tax relief be
comes a reality.
We share tie feelings expressed by Rep. Irvln Mann and
others who are very much opposed to the l'4 limitation
but who believe that it would be far better that it come to
a vote of the people. If the opponents couldn't put over their
case against it and marshal enough strength to defeat it the
will of the majority should prevail.
Some interesting thoughts on the matter come to mind
now that the measure is at least temporarily thwarted. It is
quite likely that the final Supreme Court ruling will not be
made in time to meet the printers' deadline on the state vot
ing pamphlets. Should arguments be included in the book
lets or left out?
Also, opponents now undoubtedly will relax their efforts
towards defeating the measure. What happens, then, if the
Supreme Court reverses the decision at a later time? There
would be a scramble to get re organized and get out infor
mation against it. Those convinced that the measure is a
poor step should be prepared for this contingency.
Finally, it appears that this delay on the Supreme Court
hearing might put county clerks on the spot, trying to get
their pre-election work organized but perhaps being held up
on the final decision not to mention the printers (like us)
who have to get the ballots off the presses in time for pre
election deadlines!
luck cowboy," but lie wouldn't
have accepted it If others had
Insisted he receive It.
He was competing In the calf
roping In the same manner no
had participated in preparing
II,,. show with all his ener
gies. We felt quite disappoint
ed for him that tie could not
be out on the field Sunday dir
ecttng the event when he hail
put so much Into It.
But Jerry Dougherty, another
director, came through and did
an excellent Job as arena dir
ector. Everyone was glad that Tad
wasn't more seriously hurt, and
all feel the same way about
Becky Kulleton, Bruce Noble anil
Sue Ellen Greenup, alt of whom
were other rodeo casualties.
Their efforts showed the spirit
and keen competition of the
show.
ONE FEATURE in the Sunday
afternoon show wasn't listed
on the program, but It captured
the enthusiasm of the crowd.
It was the Impromptu perform
ance of Blowsnake who quick
ly disposed of cowboy Mike
Walker In the second section of
bareback riding.
Then the Northwest Rodeo as
soeiation's Bareback Horse of
the Year went into his act. He
romped around the arena and
out galloped his pursuers. When
they got close to him. he would
cut away and outwit them.
Blowsnake gave a beautiful
demonstration of grace and fire
before they finally ganged up
on him and got the beautiful
animal back Into the holding
pens. But he stopped the show
for nearly 10 minutes and the
crowd loved It.
ONE OF THE sidelights of the
rodeo that we enjoy greatly
is watching the work of the
pickup men. a we have written
before. They ride as hard as the
performers and keep right at It
through the show. It U amaz
ing how they grab riders, pull
ing leather, off a bronc or a
bareback horse. At this show,
Norm Durfy. Frank Johnson and
Jack MeCartv did the pickup
duties. We also noticed Howard
Johnson was working at It, too.
Howard Is the stock contractor.
ONE COMMENT heard at the
parade from a Ileppnerlte:
"I'm real proud of lone. They
have done a great Job in this
parade."
How true. The lone Rainbow
Girls' float. "The Wizard of Oz."
was a very good one that took
a lot of work and effort, and
Director Arnle Hedman had his
lone High school band high
stepping and playing as If they
had been practicing for months.
Again, the neighbors from
Hermiston. Condon, and Pen
dleton came through with beau
tiful floats to contribute to the
success of the parade.
IT WAS good to see Jack and
Fran Locke back for the ro
deo. They were on vacation from
his position with First National
Bank at t.rcsham and came
home" for the event. Jack
served as secretary for the ro
deo last year, and before the
week-end was over, he and Fran
pitched In to help John and
Uista Venard.
That matter of being rodeo
secretary Is a whale of a Job
When 200 cowboys come to en
ter a dozen different events In
all kinds of combinations and
making all kinds of requests,
it gels to be enough to drive
man out or his mind. Had to
reel proud of the way John Ven
ard stood up under fire in his
nrst year in the position.
kenna imltn. fa r secretary
Just got through with the hus
tle and bustle of fair and then
pitched in after rodeo to writ
checks for the winners and help
ciean minus up. we could hard
ly nave a fair and rodeo with
out Lenna, and no matter how
nectle it gets, she a wavs keens
a cool head and flashes a warm
smiie. :
Back to Jack and Fran jaeVe-
They like Heppner the most.
and they are still here in spir-
ii. coaiem uregon is lor them.
THIS WEEK the Gazette-Times
is in the back-to-school bust
ness after being in the fair and
rodeo business last week in
L .h.. .iw.t T y . ... . - :sm t
IF.,- 1 , f --"
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tiiiiirthWirntii-Titi umini- - - . MMMM1II,1MMMI
READY for the Labor Day water ski show at McNary Yacht club
is this trio, shown poiformlna on hydralolls. Jackie Howton
stands on the shoulders of Tom Helmblqner (left) and frank
Halvorsen (right). All have been outstanding in water skiing
achievements in many different shows. (Lyons Photo).
Annual Water
Show Due Monday
At Yacht Club
Annual water ski show of
MeNarv Ynclit club will be at
2 p m. on Monday (Iibor Day),
near Hat Rock on the Colum
bia River. As UMinl, the show
Is presented as a community
service at no admission charge.
Because of the unique, diffi
cult and often dangerous acts
performed, the McNary acht
club show Ls well known and
publicized throughout boating
and skiing organizations as one
of the top shows In the nation.
This year the skiers have
added many more spectacular
stunts. They will start the show
with an 11 -man pyramid on
single skies. Then two daredev
ils on kites will do crossumiers
behind the same boat. Seven
teen skiers behind the same
boat while three go over the
lump and Mark Halvorsen of
lone, cuts underneath will be
the next act.
Tom Helmblgner, also of lone,
will do many novel stunts, us
ually with pretty girls partici
pating. His newest is a double
carry In which twin girls do
an angel stand and layback at
the same time. This probably
has never been done anywhere
before.
Joe and Frank Halvorsen will
perform many difficult nets.
rrank has become outstanding
on hydrnfolLs.
These four young men will be
Involved In the barefoot acts.
As many as five skiers have
done this act behind one boat
at the same time.
Some of the best of the na
tion's freat lumpers will show
you how It looks when Jump
ing 120 feet as Bill Jeppe and
Mark Halvorsen stane u dis
tance contest and Tom Helm
blgner tries to find time to get
Into the act.
Steve Llndstrom and Gary
Helmblgner will team as an
nouncers to keep the public In
formed. Both of these young
college men have had ctmMder-
able experience on the mike In
their respective school careers.
Souvenir picture progra m s,
feuturlng most of the acts, wilt
be available at a very reason
able cost
Ray Helmblgner, show direct
or, has extended an invitation
to the public.
'We Invite our many menus
of the area to spend the day as
guests of McNary Yacht club,"
he said. "If you don't feel like
packing a picnic lunch, there
will be a concession stand serv
ing food until one o cluck.
Helmblgner also will tow
munt of the acts for the show.
Laxry Hotliday and a irteod,
Arthur Hall, were visitors dur
ing the week end at the home
of Larry's grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. A. u. neper.
!.
COMMUNITY
BILLBOARD
the commercial printing portion
ot the business, we mean.
The crew is getting out stu
dent handbooks that will be
new In all schools this year. We
can't help but comment that
they are very fine little books
that will give a lot of very help
ful Information not only to stu
dents, but to parents as well.
All the school rules and reg
ulations, many of the district
policies, athletic schedules,
school calendar, subjects offer
ed and much other data are In
cluded In the books. Principals
In the various schools compiled
them, although Heppner High's
will not he a printed book but
will be mimeographed.
Principal Dick Carpenter wants
the students to assist In formu
lating school rules and Heppner
High will get by with a mim
eographed handbook this year,
after which It probably will
have a printed booklet, too.
In view of the feeling last
year that school communica
tions needed to be Improved,
these handbooks should be re
ceived gratefully for they sure
ly will improve communications.
Coming Events
LABOR DAY WATER
SKI SHOW
McNary Yacht Club, Hat Rock
Park
Monday. Sept. 5, 2:00 p m.
Always good exciting shov.
OPENING OF SCHOOLS
All Morrow County Schools.
Tuesday, Sept. 6. 8:45 a.m.
Heppner High Special Assem
bly, 8:35 a m.
Registration following.
GOLDEN AGE CLUB
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7:00 p.m.
Episcopal Parish Hall, pot
luck and entertainment
HEPPNER SWIMMING POOL
Last day of swimming, Sun
day, Sept. 4, 1:00 to 5:00
p.m.
SPONSORED AS A PUBLIC
SEJIVICE BY
C. A. RUGGLES
Insurance Agency
F. a Bm 14? PH. m-MU
Y
19
ANNOUNCING the OPENING
- Rene's Beauty Shop -
On Tuesday, September 6
At 3G0 Aiken Street
HOURS:
TUESDAY through FRIDAY,
9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
CALL 676-5393 FOR APPOINTMENT
LATEST HAIR STYLING. MRS. RENE TOLL,
HAIR CUTTING, PERMANENTS, nwxro ivn
wmrLLiii nAin v-juie. OPERATOR
A