Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 17, 1977)
(' J -' - " ''' '"'' f'l TWO The Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, November 17, 1977 Episcopalians host Thanksgiving dinner LETTERS COMMENTS EDITORIAL : 1 ''4 "V 'J ? An effort being made Whether or not Morrow County will have a Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo here next year will be known next Monday evening. The decision rests with the Morrow County Fair Board; a group that, as controller of the purse strings, has been faced with several tough decisions since last August's show. EDITORIAL Early in October, the Fair Board decided to put the fair on one weekend and the rodeo on the following weekend. Further, they decided to drop RCA sanctioning of the rodeo and go to a jackpot or winner-take-all amateur show and cut back the size of the Fair and Rodeo Court, all in the effort to balance the books. People that have worked to put on the RCA rodeo for many past years didn't like the idea of dropping RCA standing and set forth to develop means by which the production could be made more profitable. We think they did and evidently the Fair Board thinks so too, because the decision to drop RCA is now being reconsidered by the Fair Board. Making the decision to reconsider was a big one and a generous one for the Fair Board and shows they are open minded about the issue. We feel a major move is underway that will result in a bigger and better 1978 Morrow County Fair and Rodeo. s Members of All Saints' Episcopal Church plan to serve their 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24, in the Parish Hall to anyone who doesn't want to" eat alone on that holiday. A cordial invitation is ex tended to come early and enjoy checkers, games, com panionship, a fire in the fireplace and sniffing of good smells of the Thanksgiving feast cooking. Trays of food will be taken to shut-ins who are unable to! attend the festive gathering. The church sponsors this annual feast for the group of people who do not enjoy eating holiday dinners by them selves. Father Kenneth Miller said that a call to 676-9970 or 676-9496 would be appreciated from any one who plans to partake in the dinner so the church members would know approximately how many to expect for dinner. 45' 4 "J 1 ik s .wr-aW Obituaries Letters Policy ALL LETTERS of general interest are welcomed, providing they are in good taste and not libelous. 250 WORDS IS about the maximum length we can accept, however, if you need more space, please use it. ALL LETTERS MUST be signed to be considered. If you wish to have your name withheld for good cause we will do so after contacting you for an explanation. TELEPHONE NUMBERS should be included. The number will only be used by the Gazette-Times to confirm it was you who wrote the letter. THE GAZETTE-TIMES reserves the right to refuse any letter it deems unfit for publication. LETTERS SHOULD BE addressed to Editor, Gazette-Times, P.O. Box 337, Heppner, Ore., 97836. The Gazette-Times was the recipient of a news release from the Oregon Department of Transportation this past week, that notes the Department's receiving a first place award in the Tenth Annual Awards 1977 "The Highway and Its Environment" contest sponsored by the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. The awards are given to demonstrate the compatibility of highways with their urban and rural surroundings. Oregon's winning entry was in the category "Outstanding Section of highway in Its Rural Environment" and was for a project on the Crooked River Highway near Prinevill, which preserves the unique rock formations through the ancient river valley canyon. About the same time the news release came a friend told us about a "rock formation" visible only from a certain portion of one of his fields. At his urging we went to have a look. What we saw combined with the timeliness of the "Highway and Its Environment" news release prompts the Gazette-Times to make an unofficial entry in next year's contest on behalf of the Oregon Highway Division. If you go past Pat Cutsforth's place toward Sand Hollow for about a mile and-a-half , there's a turnout on the opposite side of the road. Pull in, get out of your rig and walk to the edge leadilng into the barrow pit. There, ladies and gentlemen, is a magnificent piece of sculpture we have dubbed "Ode to Highway 207". There, sculpted by the Highway Department with the graceful swoosh of a hydraulic dump bed, is a truly unique slab of asphalt measuring some 8 by 15 feet and about IV2 feet deep and so totally "in tune" with the environment you can't even see it from the road. Selection of winners is based on the contestants' success in creating highways or highway-related improvements which reflect relatively new concepts of the highway not only as a means of transportation, but also as a means of protecting and enhancing the beauty. ..of the environment. We can only assume that "Ode to Highway 207" was sculpted to "enhance the beauty of the environment" which is consistent with the Oregon Department of Transporta tion's thinking in putting improvement of Highway 207 off until 1983. There are a couple of blanks on the proverbial government entry form that might cause some problems in convincing the judges that "Ode to 207" is a winner. The first blank calls for an explanation of the "objective" and really, none comes to mind in regards to the sculpture. The second blank asks for an "Analyst" mi haps. ' ercie in futiHt Van Hubbard Letters to the Editor Van Hubbard, 70, lone, died in Heppner Tuesday, Nov. 8. Services were held Thursday, Nov. 10 at the lone United Church of Christ at 2 p.m. with the Rev. William , Grahm officiating. Mr. Hubbard was born Dec. 29, 1906 in Dayton, Wash., the son of Elijah and Lida Vannice Hubbard. On Aug. 21, 1929 he was united in marriage to Loree Brill at Dayton. A retired rancher, Mr. Hubbard had lived in this area for 34 years. He was a member of Heppner BPOE 358 and the Dayton Methodist Church. Mr. Hubbard is survived by his widow, Loree, at the home, a son, Robert, lone; two daughters, Lillian Boyce, Hep pner and Peggy Connor, Pilot Rock; a brother, Rodney Hubbard, LaCrosse, Wash.; two sisters, Frances Mc Cauley and Mildred Thronson, both of Dayton; seven grand children and two great-grandchildren. A son, William Clyde Hubbard, preceeded him in death. Concluding services and interment were held at the Heppner Masonic Cemetary with Sweeney Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Con tributions may be made to the lone United Church of Christ Memorial Fund in Mr. Hub bard's name. Concerning Lexington's sewer system editor's NOTE: The following is a communication from Mrs. Earl Papineau to the Department of Environmental Quality and that agency's reply. Mrs. Papineau submitted both letters in regards to the proposed sewage system in Lexington. D.E.Q. Pendleton, Ore. Dear Sir: I live in a small town, Lexington, Oregon, population about 230 people. I have been trying to find an answer to a question and hope you can help me. Our town is working on installing a new sewage treatment plant, which a large majority of the residents don't feel we need. There has been a rumor which has some people in doubt as what to do. That is that the D.E.Q. or State or someone is going to come into Lexington and force us to put in this system whether it is needed or not, and that the city will be forced to put it in at a THE GAZETTE TIMES Published every Thursday and entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Second-class postage paid at Heppner, Oregon. The Official Newspaper of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow G.M. Reed, Publisher Dolores Reed, Co-publisher Terry M. Hager, Managing Editor Jim Summers, News Editor Eileen Saling, Office Manager Elane Blanchet, Reporter Laura Craig, Composing Chloe Pearson, Composing Justine Weatherford Local Columnist much higher cost than it might be obtained for now. That the State or D.E.Q. is going to force all small towns and communities to do this. Is this true? If so when? Have you ok the State been putting pressure on Lexington to do this? Lexington is a town that is platted with large lots at least 66 x 132 and the soil has a good drainage value, and our well is way up on the hill about a mile from town. There have been a great number of new cesspools installed in the last five years and have been approved by D.E.Q. I feel no need for this sewage plant. But if there is a need in the D.E.Q. 's eyes and the town is going to be forced in putting one in, we would like to know now. Sincerely, Mrs. Earl Papineau Lexington, Ore. P.S. There are only about 85 households in Lexington and $555,000 plus interest is a great burden on a lot of us. Mrs. Earl Papineau Lexington, Oregon 97839 Dear Mrs. Papineau: My answer to your letter is as follows: 1. The State Department of Environmental Quality is not and will not force all communities to build sewer collection and treatment systems. 2. Federal Environmental Protection Agency funds are only available to solve existing water pollution and public health problems. 3. To my knowledge there have been some failing septic tank systems in Lexington. Unless it can be demonstrated that there are severe problems the sewerage project would receive a low priority for EPA grant funds. Sincerely, Steven F. Gardels Regional Manager Eastern Region Council should reconsider An Open Letter: We would like to make the citizens of Heppner aware of a situation that exists in our community. In October a contractor proposed building three eight-unit apartment buildings at the corner of Aiken and Elder. This area is composed of individual family homes. A group of residents went before the planning commission objecting to this on the following basis: 1) A very poor street and bridge access to the area already congested would be aggravated. There is already a bad intersection at the corner of Quaid and Elder, this would make a worse one at the corner of Elder and Aiken. 2) Water line problems low pressure and air in the pipes. 3) Many children headed toward the elementary school at the same time that residents are leaving for work. The planning commission turned the proposal down on the basis of the objections of the residents present. It also appeared that the contractors plans did not meet city requirements, he had front yard parking, did not meet set backs, etc. The contractor indicated he would not appeal the decision. After this portion of the meeting those interested parties left the meeting. The subject came up again later for discussion after the vote had already been taken, at which time some members of the city council expressed support for the plan. The contractor later appeared before the city council to appeal the decision of the planning commission. Residents of the area upset over this collected signatures on a petition to present at the city council appeal. Normally objections by a few residents is sufficient to stop the issuing of a permit. We presented our petition, only one council member asked to look at it. We were listened to politely then completely ignored in their decision to grant a conditional use permit. The only real discussion was over water problems when the city engineer stated that the city water line into the area was four inches rather than six as would be required for proper service and fire protection. . The contractor, Mr. Hardy, was asked if he would be willing to bring a 6-inch line one block from Quaid street. He stated that he would consider it. Later he said that he would be willing to share part of the cost with area residents. The extra line would be required for apartments that we don't want in the neighborhood and to add insult to injury he suggested that we should share in the cost. We are upset. The council members obviously had their minds made up before the appeal. Our feelings were completely ignored in the decision. We are aware that Heppner needs housing but not 24 one-bedrocm apartments renting in the $200 per month range. We feel that family type housing or low cost housing for the elderly might be more appropriate. We feel that the city council should reconsider this decision with some regard to the desires of the neighborhood and a realistic look at this contractor's plans with respect to the needs of the City of Heppner and if he meets all of the applicable city code requirements. Mr. Hardy state several times that he only wanted to do Heppner a favor by building these apartments. He is doing Heppner no favors. He is a businessman and his primary concern is to make a profit. We are disappointed that our city council, elected to serve the interests of the people of Heppner, had so little regard for our feelings in this decision. Our primary concern still is the bad traffic situation. We have a blind corner right in the area that the entrance to these apartments would be. The added traffic over the narrow bridge would also be a hazard. Signed Gary Watkins Barbara Watkins Harriet H. Evans Debbie Koffler Ellen Campbell Chris Davidson Mike Davidson Tom Springer Viola Springer Bob Murray Margaret Murray Judy Davis Wayne Davis George Koffler Thomas Marlatt Sally Marlatt Fred Harrison On High School spirit To: Greg Davidson We don't think you have the right to criticize Heppner High School. You aren't at our school and you don't know what really is going on. If you saw our homecoming week and halftime and the preparation and spirit that went into that week, you would realize that the students at H.H.S. are not only spirited but are also proud of their school and actively involved. Speaking of lack of maturity, why don't you find out the facts before you prejudge our school! At least our underclassmen are treated with equal respect. Also, if the Elementary students have nothing to look forward to, then why is it that our clubs and athletic organizations are growing bigger and bigger every year? Heppner High Cheerleaders supported by H.H.S. Student Body More coverage sought Editor, After reading your paper for the lone and Heppner areas two weeks ago, we feel compelled to write you. We have though about this several times, but have always decided it best to leave things alone but, we do feel it is time to say what we think. Two weeks ago, the coverage of the lone High School Homecoming was really poor! When Heppner had their homecoming, there were pictures of the homecoming court and a special edition of the players and pictures. All that the lone homecoming got was a total of three pictures and not very good ones at that. We do feel that your pictureof Del La Rue was in very poor taste. Del has shown very good sportsmanship all of the years he has been at lone, and that picture sure leaves a lot to be desired! When the picture of the Homecoming Court was taken no prior notice was given to the girls. Consequently, one was in P.E. clothes, another in an old shirt due to homecoming week activities, and another well-dressed. We do not feel as though it is asking too much of you to call the school office the day before you plan to be at the school and give the kids a little bit of notice. Most of them would appreciate a fresh hair-do or a little better clothing for the occasion. Grace McElligott was queen of the Homecoming court. There wasn't even a picture of her. We realize it was a night game, but you could have at least gotten a picture and write up of that it wasn't even mentioned. This was an honor for these girls, and we'd like to see them get the proper recognition they deserve. We do realize that every business does have its problems; but at the same time, we feel that it is time that we let you know our feelings. Hopefully, you can better cover the news and community and school functions. We'd appreciate getting as much coverage as Heppner does. There are many lone subscribers and business men who support the paper who feel we should have better coverage. Granted, you do live in Heppner and it is easier to get pictures of the functions in Heppner, but we help support the Gazette-Times too. The following people in lone feel we could do with a little better understanding and coverage for our area. Signed by 18 residents of the lone area. EDITOR'S NOTE: The above letter was edited for publication and the names of the signators were withheld because the names were not written, but typed and the letter did not come through the mail but was delivered by a young ; boy to the Gazette-Times office late Tuesday, too late for confirmation of the names appearing. The letter is on file at" the Gazette-Times for inspection by interested persons. ' ..We were pleased to receive this reader response to the. Gazette-Times because to be a good newspaper, we feel our' readers must use us, read us and criticize us. We do feel however, justified in responding to a couple points made. First, the picture of Del LaRue was one of tremendous emotion and contemplation that is the lifeblood of high school athletics and life itself. ..Regarding the Homecoming Court picture, prior arrangements had been made and a picture was taken. As happens from time to time, the photo was not suitable for publication and on Monday morning the day we put the paper together a call to the school was made informing the office that a photographer would be down in the afternoon to take another picture. We can only assume the girls were notified of the retake. ..We strive to publicize and cover all events in our great com m unity and we ask readers to simply call tin (iazette-Times when they have items of interest to thi cum inimitv. I i 4 ,
