Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (March 7, 1968)
HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES. Thursday. March 7. I6I HEPPNER "TOP THE f GAZETTE-TIMES Hppnr, Otaoa 97SM rbeM C76-822 MORHOW COUJnXS MEWSPAPES Tfc. Ilonnncr Gazette established March 30. 1SS3. Timet established rovemoer 10, 1912. The Heppner Consolidated February 15, NIWIPAPII PUIlltHIII ASSOCIATION NATIONAL NIWSPAMt WES LET A. SHEBKAW HELEN E. SHEEMAJt EDITOR AKO FOTUSHEB A5500ATE PC1USHEB ARNOLD RAYMOND Shop Foreman Printer CAIL BURKENBIN'E Society Circulation cKrintinn P.it- i v Year. Slr.cle Copv 10 Cents. Published Every Thursday and Entered at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon, as becona Class aianer. Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m-, Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. until noon Saturday. REGGIE PASCAL Linotype Operator RANDY STILLMAN Apprentice JIM SHERMAN Pressman Prayer Breakfast Response at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast here Friday was gratifying. This was trie first time such an event was held in Heppner. and Mayor W. C. Rosewall was host with the Morrow County Jaycees as sponsors. Because of limited space available, It was by Invitation only. Most of those invited made It a point to come, and additional places had to be set to accommodate the crowd. It is a good sign when those In places of prominence recognize the need for prayer today and when they sincerely believe In the power of prayer. Too often our leaders have manifested a pseudo religion. They have been too Inclined to give lip service without truly espousing Christianity. Some of our community leaders, In conversation at the breakfast, expressed the desire that such events be held morf often. While the world founders In a quagmire of problems and our leaders are bewildered and confused In their search for answers, the solution could be quite simple If mankind would truly accept the teachings of Jesus Christ and follow Him. As we read the other day, at the root of every social disease that infects the world war, race prejudice, poverty, drug addiction, crime and others is human sin, pride, greed, avarice, lust, laziness, selfishness, jealousy, envy, and malice. This article said, 'The gospel of Christ Is the only rem edy . . . and . . . like any medicine, It must be taken to work." If mankind recognized this, If our leaders believe and follow this, then some real progress will be made on the world's problems. When our local leaaders acknowledge the power of prayer and publicly declare that a Higher Power is needed for guid ance, it Is a significant start. John Day: Winners in Losing Grant Union's Prospectors lost the district tournament to Heppner Saturday night in La Grande, but in our book, they won while losing. Picture the conditions that set the stage for the Pros pectors In the tournament: They had gone for a long time undefeated, but eventually lost a pair of games in late sea son. However, they had ranked consistently high in polls, fin ishing the regular season in fourth spot in the state. They still have one of the best win-loss records among Oregon high schools at 21-3. They went into the tournament with a 20-2 record while Heppner had only a 14-8 mark. The Pros pectors could floor a lineup that boasted more than a 6-footer in every position, and some of them like Dave Dicker, Chris Labhart, Mike Lenz and Bill Deist are crackerjack ball play ers. This looked like a real dream year for John Day, and no wonder hundreds of the Grant county community came to La Grande with the thought that they were going to state. They had a confident and spirited attitude; they wore little lapel ribbons boosting their team; their sparkling band was peppy; their cheerleaders optimistic and lively. A week before tournament, bad news hit them when Lab hart was stricken with appendicitis. But he was suited up Friday night even though he had been in surgery only a week before. He performed admirably during the time he was allowed in the ball game. Anyone not knowing that he had undergone the appendectomy would have found nothing in his play to Indicate any deficiency. Those who did know it as most did had to marvel at his fortitude. When the Heppner Mustangs edged ahead of the Pros pectors in the second half of the game, the dismay in the faces of the John Day crowd across the way was apparent. Probably many already had made reservations at Coos Bay. Some of them looked crushed. When it was all over, and the Mustangs had earned their victory, there were no sour grapes from the John Day side; there were no boos; no hard words evident on the floor. The Prospector team proved itself composed of big men In more than size when its members were first to come to the Heppner players and congratulate them sincerely. This took some real doing from kids who must have been heart broken inside. Then from the John Day stands, while presentations were taking the attention on the floor, came a rousing organized cheer for the Heppner Mustangs. Out of the throes of stunn ing defeat, this was a gallant, noble and appreciated gesture. Had the sponsoring Optimists' club sportsmanship trophy been awarded on conduct at the tournament itself, it would be pretty certain that the Heppner team and supporters would have overwhelmingly been for John Day. The finest gestures of sportsmanship came after the voting had been done for the trophy, and this makes them all the more meaningful. Heppner fans had many thrills In the district tournament, but the cheer from the John Day side after the Prospector's defeat, was one of the greatest. There have been some rather close ties between the John Day and Heppner teams. Labhart, once having lived in Hepp ner, Is almost considered a home town boy. We join the Pros pectors in feeling a little disappointed that he won't get a chance to play in the state tournament. There are some good friendships between Mustang and Prospector players. Heppner fans know the feeling that comes from follow ing its favored team, only to see hopes dashed. So there is some sincere sympathy to the John Day folks. We're sure that Wahtonka deserved the sportsmanship trophy from the Optimists on their conduct through the days in the tournament, both in and out of the gymnasium. When one looks back, sportsmanship was outstanding through the event. Not one technical foul was called; there were no scuf fles on the floor; few boos were hoard. The Optimists are to be congratulated for the manner in which they sponsored the district tournament. They have learned to have more seating available and promise it for next year! But aside from the admiration for the performance of the Heppner team, the noblest part of the tournament was the sportsmanship displayed by John Day. Perhaps it is little consolation, but it may be pointed out that in a sense John Day didn't lose. The team and com munity won respect and appreciation for their sportsmanship. Mustangs: Aroused Giants After the Heppner High basketball team "came alive" when they had an 0 2 record In league play. It became In creasingly apparent that the Mustang would be a contender for the western division Greater Oregon champion.shlp and would furnUh strong opposition In the district tournament. But their achievement of winning the district tournament verges almost on the fantastic In view of tho eight losses against them on their total season's record. Watching them at La Grande Saturday night, one would scarcely believe, for Instance, that early In the season the same team had drop ped a game to DcSales of Walla Walla by nearly 30 point, had lost to Wuhtonka at The Dalles and had taken two on the thin from Condon. A few years back the Mustangs had a club that seemed to deserve the title of "Cinderella Team." Some would call this year's team by the same title. But this doesn't fit f r when the season opened It was apparent that there was con siderable talent on the team. They didn't come out of no where like some of the Heppner teams In the past Others think they should be called the "Giant Killers' because they have knocked over the big ones. But again, they should have been equal to the "giants" all along for the ability was there. Bob Dobbs, In a recent sports story, referred to them a the "Sleeping Giants" and this would seem a more accurate nickname. They did seem to be sleeping through some of the early games, but when they were aroused In mid-season, they proved to be giants In spirit and court wizardry. Indeed, al though they cannot be classed as giants In stature. Russ Kilkenny and Bub Dobbs, both at 6-4, are the only big men on the squad. At the District tournament, though, they were truly arous ed giants, leveling the lofty Prospectors of Grant Union and proving more than a match for the perennial contenders, the Vikings of Vale. Probably tho finest achievement for the team Is the man ner in which the boys proved themselves after being kicked around In early season. It was the spirit that said, "We're not going to continue to take such beatings." And from that point they started clicking, knitted them selves together, knocked over the opposition by an average of better than 2j points per game, and kept their aplomb to go through the district tournament in high gear. It Isn't often these days that a high school team goes to state tournament with eight losses against it. But these arous ed giants have truly earned the right and deserve the berth they have won. Perhaps other coaches and schools will look at the Hepp ner record and think that this will be the easy one. If they do, this will be their mistake for they don't know these aroused giants! Reaching a peak late In the season puts a team in a favorable spot. Not only are they ready and raring to go, but they have a better psychological advantage, since they haven't been hexed by high ratings in the polls and singled out as the "team to beat." Coach Bob Clough believes his Mustangs will be real con tenders at Coos Bay, and every evidence points to the fact that they will make a good showing. The community is immeasurably proud of the Heppner Hish team, the performance of the kids, the work of the coaches, and the great spirit displayed in turning a losing season into a winning one. These aroused giants may still have a few surprises up their sleeves when they perform at Coos Bay. Those who can not follow them and support the boys in person extend their heartiest best wishes for a fine tournament They want the whole state to know that Morrow county is proud of the Mustangs. The Rhyming Philosopher DECISIONS YOU'RE A NORMAL SOUL. SO YOU MEDITATE ON THE VICES AND VIRTUES OK MEN; ON WHAT CAN BK DOSE, AND WHAT CAN JUST WAIT, Oil THE TASKS YOU MUST TACKLE AGAIN. NONE OTHER THAN YOU MAY DECIDE WHERE OR WHEN SINCE THE PROBLEM IS YOURS ALL ALONE, SO THAT IS THE TIME TO WITHDRAW THERE AND THEN JUST TO THINK IT ALL OUT ON YOUR OWN. YOU LOOK AT THE TREES AND GLANCE AT THE SKY AND YOU'LL SIT WITH YOUR HEAD IN YOUR HAND, AND YOU'LL ASK YOURSELF A THOUSAND TIMES, WHY THESE SOLUTIONS DON'T COME ON DEMAND. STILL NO OTHER PERSON CAN QUITE UNDERSTAND, THOUGH YOU GNAW AT IT DOWN TO THE BONE; WHEN THINGS DONT DEVELOP THE WAY YOU HAD PLANNED YOU MUST THINK IT OUT ALL ON YOUR OWN. IN THIS CHALLENGING WORLD WITH ITS NEEDS TO MEET, THE QUESTION YOU FACE IS AVOIDING DEFEAT, AND NO BETTER ANSWER HAS EVER BEEN KNOWN THAN SIMPLY TO FIGURE IT OUT ON YOUR OWN. HARRY W. FLETCHER Grange Plans Supper Families and friends of the Rhea Creek Grange are Invited to attend the pancake and ham sunner on Saturdav. March 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the grange hall, with tickets priced at $1.25 for adults and 50c for children. Those attending are invited to stay for a free card party fol lowing the meal. Activities of Dad's Week-end at Oreeon State University on Friday and Saturday were en joyed by several local fathers. Among those spending the week-end with sons or daugh ters at the university were Frank Anderson, Phil Mahoney, Harlan MeCurdy, Don Evans, and Bob DeSpain of Arlington. Parents enjoyed the two basketball thrillers when OSU played the University of Washington ana Washington State University on Friday ana baturaay nignis. Chaff and Chatter Wes Sherman WE FEEL sort of sorry for any of our readers who don't en joy the game of basketball. In the exuitance tnis ween oi nep pner winning the district tourna ment, the paper is pretty full of basketball, but we'll try io in clude enough other news to make this issue of some interest to all! Those who do not follow bas ketball cannot experience the great delight in the district tournament championship of the Heppner Mustangs. Nor can they feel the hurt of defeat that the lone Cardinals suffered in their close losses In the Class B tournament at Pendleton last week. But perhaps if you aren't a fan, you can sympathize with those who are. The spirit of joy around here has become almost hysteria this week, and surely there must be some contagion in it! WE CAN'T HELP but devote this column to basketball, so, if you are not a fan, you prob ably better read no farther. In reflecting on the A-2 dis trict tournament we'd have to pick Russ Kilkenny as the hard luck guy. We don't think the Mustangs would be bound for the state tournament next week without him, for he performed very well indeed at La Grande. In the Grant Union game, Russ made at least four field eoals that didn't count. It seem ed that every time he scored, he was fouled in the process. and the officials (who inciden tally did a creditable job in the tourney) disallowed the baskets on the theory that the lnirac tions came before the shots. But sometimes that is pretty hard to call, and some of us "experts" along the sidelines thought that some of the bas kets should have counted. Unfortunately, the big man for the Mustangs wasn't having a great night on the free throw line, so he finished with only eight points on the one field goal that did count, and six free throws. Russ must have set a tourn ament record for the number of field goals that were nullified bv fouls! But if we read the sta tfsties charts right, Kilkenny picked off 17 rebounds against Grant. This is a pretty fine per formance against these Tall Firs. for 14 points. Three of Jon's buckets came in the first quarter. This was quite significant be cause Heppner was obviously competitor. six points from the floor was a "heroes" from the unsung ranks Watch these fellows Randy Stillman, Larry Pettyjohn, Steve Pettyjohn, Jerry Heaiy and rai Kilkenny. Their chances may come at state when they are sliDDed in durine a tight spot They all have the goods and thev are an important to me Mustangs. m m w WHEN THE VALE game was over, it was the end of an 'era" for Heppner-in one way. It was the last time that Rick Johnson will be dynamite for them. This should call for some sort of celebration in the Mor row county seat, partly as a tri bute to this tremendous little This Johnson scored 28 against decided boost for the Mustangs Heppner in the district tourna- and really got them rolling. He ,men a f", Jw Droved to be sort of the .Ice knocked the Mustangs out when d villi LbHe.f 6 they had every hope of going to ONE THING that is often not iced in tournaments: The un heralded fellow often comes through to sparkle and has a moment of glory. In the Vale game Friday, there were two. Jon O'Donnell, a steadv, solid player came through with his tinest game of the year. He hit breaker for Heppner. If the Viks had taken much of an edge in that first quarter, the game story might have been dif ferent. So this was Jon's big night of the season. THE SECOND fellow deserving of an unsung hero award is Bob Dobbs. Remember the scene? With 45 seconds to play in the first half against Vale, the Viks nad taken a 32-26 lead, 'mis was the point that they threatened to break the game open. It was a crucial spot for Heppner. Dobbs had just reported in the game as a reserve. He got his hands on the ban under the Heppner bucket and used his 6-4 frame to score a tip- in. Fouled in the process, he calmly sank the free throw. This brought Heppner to 29-32. A short time later John McCabe scored to bring it to 31-32 at halftime. Heppner only trailed bv one. but if those three points of Dobbs' had been scored by a Viking, the lead would have been nine. Later in the contest Dobbs scored another field goal, giving him five points for the night in the short time he was in there. In our book, that was worth a lot of bench riding through the season. WE'RE NOT overlooking the boys who played outstanding ball through the tournament. Bill McLeod sparkled all the way. He led the Mustangs in scoring with 35, and he zeroed in at the crucial times. Those shots from the baseline were deadly. Wee Willie surprises everyone with how he gets up to pull rebounds. John McCabe, the sophomore of the team, was second in point total for the Mustangs with 30, 15 each night. A sophomore who performs like John is oouna to bolster the club, and he was great. Kilkenny was third in scoring, with 23, and Dave Hall follow ed with 19. In going back over the tournament statistics, we note that time and again Dave made a key feed to a team mate for scores. His teamwork paid off for the Mustangs. Everyone on the traveling squad got to play for the Mus tangs, and everyone is import ant Calvin Ashbeck came in to score two beautilul twisting jumpers against Vale- The state tournament could five goals and four free throws possibly bring out some more state. With his 24 this year, that's 52 in the two tourneys. And in rooDan in me iau oi 1967 Johnson led the Vikings to a 36-0 win over Heppner for the district grid title. Rick pass ed for three touchdowns and ran over another. This year's district basketball was sort or an avenging game for the Mustangs, but it was no fault of the 5-8 guard tnat tne Mustangs won. His 24 points were respectable enough. He just failed to blast Heppner off the court this time. Rick Johnson may look for ward to commencement exercises at Vale this year, but it is a tri bute to him that Heppner High will be happier than he is when that great day comes! ONE FINAL tournament tribute should go to Dave Dieker of Grant Union. He proved every bit as good as he was heralded in the Wahtonka game, scoring 24 against the Eagles. Heppner's defense was geared to stop him, with one man com ing out of a zone to sag on him a great job by Bill McLeod, by the way and he was held to Dieker seemed to be the most disappointed in losing and prob ably felt he had not performed to his best. But that man was really defensed in this game. He is still just a junior, and so he has another year of high school competition. WRAPPING UP the tournament with a few miscellaneous com ments: Heppner's Pep Band, small in number did a real fine job and the school and commun ity should appreciate xne worn of these kids who refused to see the school go by default in this department. We heard many pood compliments about them- Mrs. Arnie Hedman and some of the band players' mothers did a lot of work getting those blue vests made, and they looked very nice. Rally girls did an exceptional job and got some good publicity in La Grande for it. The crowd was so large that latecomers couldn't find a place to sit Saturday night. Even the Pep band had a bad time find ing a spot to roost. Late in the game with Grant Union, someone knew that Hepp ner had the game sewed up far cello bags of confetti started going through the crowd to be readv for the final whistle. 1 Welsh Story Pictures Author's Background Mrs. Gene Ferguson entertain' ed members of the Bookworms club with a review of the book, a weisn Mory, by Joyce Var ney, at their recent meeting, held Tuesday, February 27, at the home of Mrs. Virginia Turn er. The story reviewed Is an au tobiographical story of the auth or's childhood, and tells of where she lived while growing up in a mining town in Wales while living with her grandpar ents. Time of the story is be tween the first and second world wars and tells of her go ing to work at age 14 as a ser vant for the same family, whose ancestors had employed her an cestors for hundreds of years. The author is now living In New Hampshire with her two sons. Mrs. Cornett Green, president, conducted the evening's busi ness meeting for the 11 mem bers present Mrs. Turner was assisted dur ing the evening by co-hostess, Mrs. Don Turner. Lodge Makes First Plans for Convention Plans to attend a state con- i ventlnn of the Degree of Honor Protective Association were In the making at the February 27 meeting of tho croup. Mrs. Clara Gertson spoke to the lodge members urging them ! to memorize their parts for the convention and to make every effort to attend. Mrs. Gertson U ; national treasurer for the De cree of Honor and Is also a , state director. The convention will be held 'April 21-25 at the Cosmopolitan : Motor Hotel In Portland. President Ardith Hunt made suggestions to the club that members be divided Into two groups for a contest In memor izing parts and working on membership, to encourage non active members to participate more regularly. Two teams have been organ ized for this, with Mrs. Lincoln Nash and Mrs. Mary Bryant as captains. They will be assisted bv Mrs. Earl Soward. Mrs. BUI Farra has requested that members who have been saving Flavor Pac labels to please turn them In. Anyone wishing to assist with this pro tect will be appreciated. Lodge members are making plans to conduct a white ele phant auction at the March li meeting. Proceeds from this fund raising affair will be used to help with convention expenses. A humorous "Who's Who" guessing contest provided much fun during the evening, with members bringing baby pictures of themselves. Mrs. Lucille Parrlsh and Mrs. Alice McCabe provided refresh ments for the lodge members and Mrs. Ed La Trace was the recipient of the door prize. Names of two lodge members who attended the State Degree of Honor convention held recent ly were Mrs. Adolph Majeske and Mrs Ron Haguewood. Are vou moving? Subscribers are reminded to notify The Gazette-Times of new addresses, and please include your old address. ) COMMUNITY U BILLBOARD Jl Pioneer it rilWFTW-A' ft" E e iJ Ponderings By w. s. caverhill 1968 Leap Tear) So far this year has evoked little interest or activity on the part of the ladies who should be exercising the tree hunting license that is given them every four years. I wonder why? Could it be that they have already made a kill, or have thev forgotten their established privilege? In the years past, Leap Year was something the gals looked forward to. Early in December of the year previous feminine hearts would begin to flutter in anticipation of the time when they could declare their love for the man of their choice without embarrassment. I cannot understand the pres ent lack of activity. Perhaps in this modern age they have al ready put the question, or they may have put their questions through a UNIVAC machine, and the answer came out "No" Maybe the gals are marking time until the wiley bachelors come out of the bushes, and then overcome them in a mass rush. Whatever happens, Leap Year isn't what it used to be alone the Road South. Coming Events STATE A-2 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Monday - Wednesday, March 11-13 Coos Bay Gymnasium Heppner vs. Rogue River, Monday, March 11, 8:45 p.m. Broadcast locally over TV Channel 3 and Radio Sta tion KUMA HHS Pep Club Food Sales, Thursday and Saturday, central Market Drill Teams Car wash, Sat., 10-4', Richfield Station, $2.00 and $.du ELKS INITIATION Thursday, March 7, 8 p.m. Ladies Night Dinner, 6:30 pm. Noodle Feed, Sunday, March lu, 4-y p.m., $1.00 person GRANGE SUPPER & PARTY Saturday, March 16, 6:30 p.m. Pancake and ham supper, $1.25 and 50c Free evenlner of cards Public invited 4-H LEADERS MEETING 4-H Clothing Leaders training session Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. Lexington School HIGH SCHOOL PLAY "Arsenic and Old Lace." 3 act olav Friday, Saturday, March 22 23, 8 p.m. High School Multipurpose Room SPONSORED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE BY C. A. RUGGLES Insurance Agency O. Box 247 PH. 676-9625 Heppner -:lSlEK BBILLIANT JLAI COL OR) IK IN EVERY ROOM At the new SALEM 745-785 Commercial S.E. Phone: 503 363-2451 RESTAURANT WITH S4-HOtm COFFEE SHOP
