Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 2, 1973)
LIBRARY er EUGENE, ORE. 07403 HowTwill Willow Greek Dam affect Heppner? UUVyUU UUUUU UUUUUUU whpre HWKlated wUhlhe reservoir gamb.l What changes in the social atructure of a amall commun ity can be expected when that village ' faced with iU largest aingle alteration since 1003? Specifically, what will be Hcppner's Internal reaction! to the Willow Creek Dam and lake being proposed by the Army Corp of Engineers? Funded by the' Corps, Robert W. Gardner, sociolo gist for Walla Walla College, visited Heppner during April and May with his social research methods class com posed of upper division sociol ogy students. His objective: give the Corps a thorough social Impact assessemt and an Idea of the changes which may take place as a result of the proposed flood control project. Keyed to a keen state of ED ay pirojod doors Funds to begin the construction phase of Willow Creek Dam project has been approved by a Senate-House conference on the Public Works Appropriations Bill, Sen. Mark Hatfield told the Gazette-Times Monday. Hatfield and Cong. Al Ullman called inclusion of the funds "a signal victory for the people of Oregon." Hatfield and Ullman said the $450,000 to provide funds for land acquisition and road relocation is "a critical step toward construction of this project. Inclusion of the funds finally gets this project over the hump and into the construction phase," they said in a joint statement. Hatfield, who led the Republican Senate conferees, said he hammered away at the conferees with examples of property damage and human suffering caused by Willow Creek flooding. Stiff sentences for doe (tillers Two men were fined $305 each in Justice Court Thurs day for illegal possession of a doe. Harvey Edward ModraU, 813 W. Birch St., Walla Walla, and Wayne Elwin Cross, ' tfeppner, received the fines from Justice of the Peace Charles O'Connor. They were given the choice of paying the fine or serving 60 days in the county jail. The two were arrested July 25 by State Police Officer Victor L. Groshens, who stopped Modrall for a traffic violation and found deer entrails and other waste from a butchered deer in the man's car. $10,000 worth of hay Last Wednesday afternoon a fire of unknown origin started at the Walter Wright Ranch, Heppner, and burned an estimated 250-300 tons of hay valued at $10,000. "Although some of the hay was from last year, with the present shortage of hay, this would have seen us through r r:. awareness, the study team entered Heppner for two days and one night and returned wilh Information in the form of Interviews, questionnaires, observations and documents. Using these four methods, students investigated the social structure of Heppner in relation to economics, politics, education, recreation, reli gion, health, communications and local associations. "Theoretically," says Gardner, "a major change such as the construction of Willow Creek Dam will bring about secondary changes throughout the community, affecting everyone even If it is in a small way." Heppner is a small town of about 1,429 people. It is a town that began as a service center for stockmen raising horses, House members have a reputation for hanging tough against such Senate budget additions, the senator said, "but Al (Ullman) had done a good job making the House conferees aware of the importance of this project to our state." "I am pleased at the cooperation between us," Ullman said, "that allowed this key project to continue." Oregon related items in the Public Works Appropriations Bill fared extremely well in the conference, the senator stated. Of the $11.5 million in Senate budget additions, $11 million remained in the final conference version of the bill. Chances of the president impounding Willow Creek funds are slight, Hatfield believes, because the final budget recommendation is $8 million less than the president's own budget recommendation for public works. Modrall admitted he and Cross had shot the deer in the Opal Butte area south of Hardman, 'and that the veni son could be found at the Cross residence. At that residence, Groshens found 100 pounds of fresh venison in the bathtub. Modrall was fined $17 for the traffic violation that led to the discovery of the butchered doe. Both pled guilty to the illegal possession charge, but Cross protested that "We killed it for the meat, and didn't spoil any of it. "But you did open the season a little early," Judge O'Connor replied as he set the fines. the winter," Don Anderson said. . Some of this year's crop of hay lying in the field was destroyed, but most of the bales remained untouched. A truck parked near the haystack, also completely de stroyed, was blamed by some as the cause of the fire. The cattle and sheep and then transformed to center ior agriculture, an activity that is its economic mainstay to this day. Originally settled by people that could endure tough conditions, Heppner's resi dents still display an individ uality that encompasses the strength and friendliness associated with an independ ent way of life. "In every case but one, the residents were willing to give their time and information when asked to answer the 99 items on the questionnaire," said Gardner. "And, no one refused to sit for an inter view." Communities like Heppner are less adaptable to change than most. Variations occur rarely and normally only in Cross asked it he could pay the court $50 a month on the fine, an offer the court declined. Judge O'Connor then ordered Officer Groshens to book both men into county jail at Pendleton to start serving their sentences unless they raised the money immed iately. Both began attempting to raise the fine money. Officer Groshens said the meat was "well butchered," and had it stored in a locker in Heppner until the trial, after which it was turned over to the authorities for distribution to welfare recipients. The rifle used in killing the doe was confiscated. lost in fire truck had a short in the engine, and a spark could have ignited the hay, some speculated. The fire burned an estimat ed 25-30 acres and came within 10 feet of burning a tractor, baler and a tank of diesel fuel. According to Wright, it was an unusual fire. Altough it -"Vs- A-1 -z- is" - ""'--n! The ashes U the right of the truck are all that remains of more than 25 tons ol hay after it was destroyed by fire the Walter Wright Ranch. The truck, also destroyed. U blame for starting the Mate last week. Upper right porUo. of Uie photo shows the path of the fire. The white area w untouched by the blaxe. mall increments. The ques tion of whether or not to build the dam is the biggest political Issue In town, according to the ' findings. The dam is com monly discussed in local gathering spots, especially when the subject is spurred by the presence in town of a Corps or college study team. Although Heppner has been flooded nine times during the last 30 years, the most destructive flood occurred in 1903 when a "leaping, foaming wall of water, 40 feet in? height" roared through the small town tearing buildings ; from their foundations, and , carrying trees, people and buildings along with it. That flood killed 247 people. The destructiveness of floods has its bright side in terms of community spirit. THE Renters get property tax "Renters should be aware that they too are now eligible to apply for property tax refunds," says Charles H. Mack, director of Oregon's Department of Revenue. "For the first time renters are included in a tax relief program," Mack adds, "but they must show receipts of money they paid in rent during this calendar year of 1973 when they file applica tions for refunds after Jan. 1, 1974." The tax relief program passed during the closing days of the 1973 legislature session permits renters with an annu- al income of less than $15.Wecurityjiumber; duration or in flaim a refund of S50 to $245. depending on their income and the amount of their rent. Homeowners earning less than $15,000 will be eligible for $100 to $249 depending on the amount of their taxes and the amount of their income. "We are concerned," said Mack, "that some renters who move during the year may have difficulty providing the required evidence without knowing the need at the time of moving. We are alerting -them now to one of their responsibilities and require ments." reduced the hay to a pile of ashes, there was hardly any smoke from the blaze. In fact, some of the friends and neighbors who helped fight the fire didn't know the location of the fire, because they couldn't see any smoke. The fire was completely controlled early Friday. 1 5 V " 1 Gardner discovered that the act of rebuilding and reestab lishing their way of life after each of the floods has bound the already close-knit com munity into a working team. As one long time resident put it. "You really haven't be come a citizen of Heppner until you have gone through a flood." In the economic sense, the main short term effect of the Willow Creek Dam will be the influx of 150 to 200 workers that will be required for construction. Their purchas ing power will cause a quick rise in the local economy. However, when construction is completed, the workers will depart and the economic boost will go with them. The search for housing by these workers may cause a problem in this in on refund Renters must attach a copy of a rent certificate to their tax refund application that shows net rent paid during 1973. Landlords are required by the law to provide this form at tenant request. The De partment of Revenue will make this form available to landlords later this summer. Mack says, "If you are moving now, before these new forms are available, or have already moved, you should go back to your former landlord and request a receipt or statement with the following information: Landlord's name and address; landlord's social the rental period during the 1973 calendar yean me amount of the rent; the landlord's signature; as the tenant, your name, social security number and current address. The Department of Revenue will accept this as a valid rent certificate." Homeowners and renters claiming a refund must file a claim with the Department of Revenue between Jan. 1, 1974, and April 15, 1974. Mack said, "In order to better inform the several hundred thousand Oregonians who will qualify for these refunds, the department will regularly issue information through the news media. This information will explain de tails of the, program and responsibilities of the taxpay ers. We are also working on other methods of communi cating the message so that as many people as possible will file applications." Timber lost by fire A "man caused" fire broke out last Thursday and burned three acres of heavy timber in the southwest part of the Heppner area, also called the John Day area. The fire, which began be tween 5 and 6 p.m., was slowed by the work of 175 firefighters, 13 pieces of equipment and 8,000 gallons of fire retardent. The area is heavily timber ed, and the U.S. Department of Forestry considers itself fortunate the fire was con trolled before it had time to spread. The fire was contained by 1:50 a.m., July 27. However, men and equipment continued to stand by until all danger is past. WILLIAM A WOLFF IN ROTC TRAINING Cadet William A. Wolff, 21, son of Dr. and Mrs. Wallace H. Wolff, Heppner, is receiving practical work in military leadership at the Army Re serve Officers Training Corps advanced summer camp at Ft. Lewis, Wash., June S - July 19. small community where dwellings are in short supply. The Issue of flood control has been used as a "political football." The subject has been used during recent elections and most city lead ers have played an active role In pushing for a solution. These individuals have gone to the State Capitol in Salem, the Corps of Engineers In Walla Walla and their congressional delegation In Washington. D.C.. to speak In favor of the project. Gardner found that in speaking to the townspeople, a lecidediy different purpose jomes through. Few people alk about the importance of lood control. Most of them jpeak in terms of recreation Jiat they they hope will be UfoeGti barvesf' yiolds bsK off tett yoar s Morrow County is facing a near disaster as far as wheat production is concerned, ac cording to Harold Kerr, coun ty extension agent. He estimates that wheat and barley production in this area is 50 per cent under last year's yield. With the wheat harvest about 75 percent complete in Morrow County, the average crop is running about 14 or 15 bushels to the acre. Last year's average was 25 bushels per acre. There are about 153,000 acres of wheat to harvest this year and 24,000 acres of barley. Wheat acreage is up 10,000 acres over last year; barley is about the same, Barley yields are about 1,000 pounds to the acre. Lowest wheat harvest yield Liquor, speed '610 fine for Donald Wayne Papineau, 19, Lexington, was fined a total of $610 Tuesday by Justice of the Peace Charles O'Connor on charges of driving while under the influence of liquor and trying to elude police officers. Papineau also had his dri ver's license revoked for 90 days and received 30 days in the county jail, later suspend ed with the stipulation that if Papineau appears in court on any charge of being under the ' influence of liquor, he must begin serving his 30-day sentence immediately. Judge O'Connor was lenient to the extent that he permitted Papineau to drive a vehicle to and from work on a temporary permit so that Papineau can pay the fine. Court fine 'inflated' too! Roger Lee Poullus, 19, Heppner, had just heard a man fined $17 for failure to stop at a traffic sign. So he was taken aback Thursday when Justice of the Peace Charles O'Connor assessed him $32 for a similar traffic violation. . . "The fine for running a stop sign is going up, the judge said by way of explanation. Pollus was charged with failing to bring his logging truck to a stop at the intersection of Highways 206 and 207, near Ruggs. Farmer free to produce Farmers may grow all the wheat and grain they want in 1974. The Secretary of Agricul ture has announced features of the 1974 farm program as it affects feed grains, wheat and cotton, according to David McLeod, ASCS executive director. In order to assure adequate supplies for domestic and export markets, the secretary said there will be no goyern- to be formed behind the dam. The local educational sys tem will feci the influence of the project when the children of construction workers move to Heppner and attend classes. The added number of students will increase the ratio of pupils to each teacher al though the schools in Heppner are not considered overcrowd ed by comparative standards. Some teachers also felt that the reservoir and its surround ings would be utilized heavily for school social outings and field trips. This consideration of recreation continued to surface throughout many personal contacts made during the study. Some of the early Heppner settlers were very religious while others were more in terested in drinking and reported in the county is Vk bushels per acre. Orville Cutsforth Jr., is reported to have one of the highest yields per acre. On 60 acres, heavily irrigated and fertilized, he is harvesting about 110 bushels per acre. Other ranchers report yields of 10-20 bushels per acre. Bill Rietman apparently opened the harvest season on July 2. Most harvesting began in the period of July 9-16, shoud be completed by the end of the week. This is the second year of drouth for Morrow County, and unless there is rain soon, and plenty of it, next year's crops are expected to be poor. Kerr said the improved price of wheat this year will help offset the reduced yields. brings youth The youth was arrested early Monday morning, July 30, after Papineau refused to stop his vehicle when ordered by police to do so. After a wild chase that covered 15 miles, Papineau was appre hended by Heppner Police after he drove his car into a -deadend street. He was then placed in Morrow County Jail and later s released pending his trial Tuesday. Also "arrested for speeding on July 27 was Joseph F, Mitcham, 22, of Beaverton. Mitcham was arrested y Heppner Police for speeding on South Court Street, and cited to appear in Justice Court on Aug. 2. ment setaside of land for 1974. The decision announced at this time should permit farm ers to plan their 1974 acreages of these crops. Maintenance of an estab lished conserving base will not be required as a condition of eligibility to receive price support or program pay ments. "This will permit farmers to produce all the wheat and feed gains they wish," said McLeod. aambling. The flood of 1903 changed what was a wild, boisterous, western town into a community of more serious minded people. Religion took on a new meaning as a result of the disaster. Some clergymen look on the new dam as recreation site that will lure their congrega tion away from services on Sunday morning. The findings indicate that the possibility for racial discrimination exists in the churches, schools and the1 community aa a whole sinre some of the construction workers may be of minority groups and Heppner is a nearly totally white commun ity. The added population dur ing construction will also put an increased load on local health services and private Continued Pg. t Farmers were selling wheat in Pendleton this week for as much as $3.61 a bushel, the highest price in history. What with heavy exports already authorized to Taiwan, China and Russia, forecasters see $4 a bushel a possibility. Fann ers are being advised in some of their farm journals to sell only what poor grade of wheat is necessary to meet current expenses, and hold the best for higher prices. Barley was bringing from $105 to $109 a ton this week. Kerr attributed some of the blame for short yields to the April frost that hit crops at heading time. In Portland last week, both South Korea and Taiwan bought wheat at $3.35 per bushel. An improved Highway 19 is sought It will take $4 billion to put Oregon roads into first-class condition, and only $150 mill ion is available for the job. Herb Wright of Fossil dis cussed the condition of high ways in Eastern Oregon at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Monday, with emphasis on extensive work on Highway 19 through Grant, Wheeler and Gilliam Counties. "On Highway 19 for 125 miles out of Spray there are 183 curves and two bridges mark ed for one-way traffic for trucks and buses," he said. He pointed out that Heppner and Morrow County are also affected by the economic factors involved in this in creasingly traveled highway through Spray, Fossil, Condon to Arlington. Wright was here to ask support of Heppner business men in securing better high ways through the area. SUMIKO ONOSATO Tutor and chaperone for Japanese students visiting la Morrow County, Sumiko Onotato of Ykohama, Japan. wiU speak at the Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday, Aug. C. r . V . ... : V. v I : v
