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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 18, 1978)
TWO The Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, May 18, 1978 The Heppner GAZETTE-TIMES t ft I H At "i -V " ' tne i iin&ojse 0 KimI KflitfJI favdl Voters have choices in May 23 primary Local races for county offices include Judge D.O. Nelson, running unopposed; Assessor Everett Harshman, running unopposed; and Commis sioner Homer Hughes, unopposed on the ballot, although a write-in campaign for Dan Creamer of Irrigon got an eleventh-hour start. Nelson, Harshman and Creamer are all Democrats. Hughes is a Republican. The Gazette-Times urges a vote of confidence on both Republican and Democrat ballots for Nelson, Harshman and Hughes. In the District 55 State Representative race Billy C. Bellamy is running unopposed on the GOP ballot. On the Democratic side incumbent Jack Sumner of Heppner is being challenged by Chuck Bennett, a resident of Gates. District 55 is a large district geographically, with the largest towns being Madras, Heppner, Mill City and Estacada. Many people feel that Sumner hasn't been responsive to the needs of the district in his previous three terms. Sumner responds that committee assignments require his presence in Salem during much of the year, and he acknowledges that he has let public relations with his constituents slide. A conservative Democrat, Sumner has attained a position of seniority in the House of Representatives and stands a good chance of being appointed chairman of that body's Ways and Means Committee for the next session. While Eastern Oregon can ill-afford to lose legislators with clout, that shouldn't be the only determination. Sumner's character and reputation here in his home county suffers and his record indicates that he has perhaps spent more time furthering his personal political career than working for programs and legislation that directly affect his district. Bennett, a former newspaperman in the Salem area, carries a more liberal philosophy than Sumner, and pledges to be an outspoken freshman legislator if elected. Bennett has carried on a grass-roots campaign, knocking on doors, visiting almost evey city or town in the district, asking questions, giving his thoughts. An observer of the legislature for the past three sessions, Bennett feels that he knows the problems of state government and he offers a few viable solutions. In summation, The Gazette-Times feels that Chuck Bennett would make an effective legislator for District 55. He is knowledgeable, capable, and would be more responsive to the district's needs and wishes than Sumner. With those traits, seniority would come fast as it does in the Oregon legislature. The race for the governor's chair in Oregon this year has brought forth four major candidates. Incumbent Bob Straub on the Democratic side and on the GOP ticket, former Governor Tom McCall, Senator Vic Atiyeh and Representative Roger Martin. McCall certainly has the experience and the support. In two terms as governor, McCall became known for bold action, foresight and business savvy. During that time frame state government also began tremendous growth. Vic Atiyeh is a long-time legislator known for thoughtful consideration and judgement of legisla tion. When it comes to problem-solving and administration, however, Atiyeh seems to have a voic as far as we're concerned and someone in the governor's position must have those qualities. Roger Martin has served six terms in the Oregon legislature, including two terms as House Republican Leader. Martin is a hard-liner when it comes to burgeoning state government and we think he is serious about cutting back state involvement on a local level. Roger Martin is The Gazette-Times choice for governor. A non-partisan race that has direct affect on Morrow County is for Circuit Court Judge. Incumbent William W. Wells is being challenged by Milton-Freewater attorney Milo Pope. Both men are extremely well qualified and voters are fortunate to have such a selection for such an important position. Wells has the edge on experience, having held his judgeship since 1952. Pope has been practicing law for about 16 years and is a respected member of the state bar. His work before the Court of Appeals is extensive and has earned him the respect of clients, judges and other lawyers. His colleagues claim he has ideal judicial temperment, and the Gazette-Times agrees. The only complaint heard about the Circuit Court in Morrow County is that it doesn't meet here on a regular basis. When a attorney can't tell his client when the court date for a simple dissolution of marriage will be, the system is failing. Pope maintains that Morrow County should have its own, regularly scheduled Circuit Court date and since the issue has become campaign material, Wells has taken a similar position. In terms of enforcement or punishment for crimes committed both men would be fair and tough. Neither man would be a hand-slapping judge. The Gazette-Times feels that an endorsement in this race, because of equal qualifications, would be an endorsement of personality which isn't proper reason for endorsement. tmh Q.Lt'iF'u'ECIlS EFU30rd" Congratulations given on birthday Editor I wanted to take the opportunity of the 95th birthday of the Heppner Gazette-Times to congratulate you on continuing the tradition of this fine newspaper. The citizens of Morrow County benefit tremendously from the weekly news and advertising you provide to them. It is indeed fitting to describe the newspaper as 95 years young. 6 Yes ' on Measure 4 Editor. The Oregon Association of Water Utilities urges you to vote yes on Ballot Measure 4. It would help water districts and cities maintain, improve or repair the water systems through which you receive your drinking water. The program is modeled alter the successful Veteran's Home Loan Program. The state would sell bonds and loan the money to the public water provider with an interest rate high enough to cover the state's cost in issuing the bonds. The interest paid by the water district or city is frequently lower than the cost if they were to issue their own bonds. The result is significant savings to taxpayers while, at the same time, improving the facilities through which we get our drinking water. Please vote yes on Measure 4. Sincerely, Craig Henry Executive Di -ector Oregon Assn. of Water Utilities based on its past accomplishments and its grip on the future. Congratulations on the 95th year. May the newspaper have many more. With warm regards. Rep. AI Ullman Campaign corrections Editor, I am writing to inform registered Democrats in District 55 that an error exists in campaign information supplied to them by my campaign committee. Due to a clerical mistake in transcription, my campaign brochure states that my opponent, Rep. Jack Sumner, voted against city revenue sharing during the last legislative session. In fact, Rep. Sumner was absent during a committe vote on this important program and was not present (excused), when the issue came to the House floor. I regret this error. Like many of youTl have been chagrined by the state of the political art over the past several years, particularly the lack of trust which has developed as a result of misstatements and misrepresenta tions among politicians. I have avoided this in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Sincerely, Chuck Bennett candidate for state representative Gates, OR William Joseph Van Winkle, 63, Lexington, died in Heppner Friday, May 12. He was born May 11, 1915 in Arlington, the son of William C. and Cleo Eskelson Van Winkle, and lived in Lexington all his life. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Van Winkle was a member of the VFW Post at Heppner, a member of the Heppner Elks Lodge, and was employed by Morrow County Grain Growers at Lexington as parts manager. Seattle, Wash.; and six grand children. Funeral services were Mon day, May 15, at 11 a.m. at the Christian Church in Lexing ton, with the Rev. Steve William Joseph Van Winkle He is survived by his wife, Gladys, Lexington; his moth er, Cleo Van Winkle, Pendle ton; three sons, Donald Van Winkle, Tacoma, Wash.; Charles W. Van Winkle, En terprise; Robert Van Winkle, Paulina; three daughters, Lin da, Santa Monica, Cal.; Leora Kane, Lexington; and Glenda Bradd, Ontario; two brothers, Alfred Van Winkle, Spokane, Wash.; and Jack Van Winkle, Heppner; three sisters, Alma Green, Heppner; Lorene Toll, Prineville; and June Duvall, Tollefson officiating. Conclu ding services and vault inter ment were at the Lexington Cemetery. Burns Mortu ary was in charge of arrangements. Hazel Devin THEGAZETTE -TIME The Official Newspaper of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow 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. G.M. Reed, Publisher Dolores Reed, Co-publisher Terry M.Hager, Managing Editor Rick Steelhammer, News Editor Eileen Saling, Officer Manager- Elane Blanchet, Reporter Gayle Rush, Composing Chloe Pearson, Composing Justine Weatherford , Local Columnist Ron Jordan, Printer Hazel Devin, 65, Woodburn, died Wednesday, May 10 in Woodburn. She was born August 8, 1912, in lone, the daughter of Lee and Lana Padberg and spent most of her life in Morrow and Gilliam counties. She was married to Harlan Devin on August 9, 1947, at lone. They moved from Condon to Wood burn in 1970, and have made their home there since. Funeral services were Sat urday, May 13, at Simon Funeral Chapel, Woodburn. Interment was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. Mrs. Devin is survived by her husband, Harlan, Wood burn ; a daughter, Lynn Marie McDonald, Omaha, Neb.; two stepsons, Glen Devin, Arling ton and Dr. Boyd Devin, Cheney, Wash.; a brother, Darrell Padberg, lone; two sisters, Opal Burton and Pearl Kruse, both of Portland, and two grandchildren. A son, Ralph L. Benge, preceded her in death in 1967. The family suggests me morials be made to the Senior Estates Building Fund. Ten years ago this week, the May 6 election which had passed the Morrow County School District budget by a 3-vote margin was declared void by the School Board. Five ballots were cast by persons who had not registered to vote 30 days prior to the election, as required by Oregon law at the time, and since it could not be determined whether these were negative or affirmative votes, a new election was called for. The School Board decided to resubmit the budget with no cuts, saying that the budget was already "tight" and any paring would hurt the school program. The close first vote and a low 25 per cent voter turnout also influenced the1 board's dicision to send the same budget back to the polls. Primary elections were already past history this week in 1958, with Morrow County going along with the rest of the state to give the nod to gubernatorial candidates Mark Hatfield on the Republican ticket and Gov. Robert D. Holmes for the Democratic nomination. In the single county contest, Republican Harry Dinges, incumbent assessor, ran up a two to one lead over his opponent for the post, Delmer Buschke. Batie Rand of Boardman, a write-in candidate on the Democratic ballot, was set to face Dinges in the general election. Voters also gave generous approval to the county's five-year serial levy for the Road Department 20 years ago. The measure was passed by a 646 to 360 margin, gaining approval in ever y precinct except Irrigon where it received a small 'no' majority. Following the presentation of diplomas to 26 graduating Heppner High School seniors in 1958, special awards went to many students. Student body officer pins were given to president Ed Groshens, vice-president Len Ray Schwartz, secretary Phyllis Quackenbush, and treasurer Joann Brosnan. Other special awards included outstanding citizenship, Ed Groshens and Helen Graham; outstanding athlete, (tie) Len Ray Schwartz and Ed Groshens; school spirit, Peggy Applegate and Burke Gentry; and Hehisch awards, Helen Graham, Phyllis Quackenbush and Janice Beamer. Primary elections were also in the news this week in 1948, with Thomas E. Dewey squaring off against Harold Stasson for the Republican presidential nomination and Pres. Harry Truman unopposed on the Democratic ticket. The Gazette-Times commented: "Sparked by the battle for Oregon's 12 delegates to the national convention which has seen two of the leading contenders for the Republican nomination visiting almost every section of the state, Friday's primary gives promise of drawing out the heaviest vote for many years. Interest has not run so high since the days before FDR became supreme and securing the Republican nomination became a matter of form..." In local election news, Russell Miller of Boardman, candidate for county commissioner, told the Chamber of Commerce that the people at the north end of the county felt they were entitiled to representation on the Court. He added a' better understanding between the two ends of the county would be reached by having someone from his section participate in working out county problems. A Notson for Congress Club had been formed in Heppner during the primary elections in 1928 to support the candidacy of a home town man, S.E. Notson, for Representative for the 2nd Congressional District. The Times reported on the progress of his bid for the position: "The vigorous campaign of S.E. Notson. ..is gaining him support in every section of the district, according Jo advice received by his supporters at Heppner. In fact, the success of his plan of 'meeting the voters' has been such that political observers concede that he will figure in the finals when the vote is registered Friday. ..His record has been one of clean, conscientious and efficient public service and he is represented as a candidate without a weakness..." One of Notson 's chief supporters, incidentally, was the secretary of his campaign committee, Spencer Crawford, who also happened to be co-publisher of the Gazette-Times. Frank Gilliam was chairman of the Notson for Congress Club. While most issues of the Gazette-Times through thej decades are filled with primary election politicking at this j time of the year, the paper in 1918 featured mostly World War j I news, sporting such headlines as "Young Men Will Register For Draft" and "Khaki Handkerchiefs in Demand Over; There". There was s small article about the number of registered voters in the county, a total of 2,077. The break down of voters in the different parties showed much more variety andi Imagination than nowadays: 1,361, Republican; 544 j Democrats; 4, Progressive; 24, Prohibitionist; 89, Socialist; j and 55, Miscellaneous. j Only one short comment was made about any candidate 1 in the primary election 60 years ago: "Anyone who has been j reading the bunk that Mayor Harley is putting out to advance I his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor j must realize what a handsome spectacle he would make in the state's executive chair. The only trouble is that Harley j will destract a lot of good votes that should go to one of the regular candidates." Community BILLBOARD Call 676-9228 Thursday May 18 Soroptomists, noon, Wagon Wheel Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., Heppner High School Friday May 19 Puppet Show, 1:30 p.m., I Heppner Elementary multi- purpose room Heppner eighth grade din ner-dance, 6 p.m., Elks Lpjge Saturday-May 20 Babe Ruth tryouts, noon, lone ballfield Horror movie, 7:30 p.m., HHS Cafetorium lone Eighth grade dinner dance, 6:30 p.m., lone Cafetorium Monday May 22 I Chamber of Commerce, noon, West of Willow Pop Concert, 7:30 p.m., BMCC Pioneer Theater, Pen- Tuesday May 23 VOTE! 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Election Day Dinner, 11:30 a.m.-l:30 p.m., lone Legion Hall Wednesday May 2 4 . County Court, 9 a.m., courthouse I Li Sponsored By RAY BOYCE J INSURANCE t 228 N. Main St. Heppntr 676-9625 ' i I
