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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 1979)
TWO The Gazf He-Times, Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, June 7, 1979 The Heppner GAZETTE-TIMES Editorials o Columns n f'","3 FROM OUR READERS 7DH7IPDCTO Letters From Readers Brief explanation Jear ye Hear ye! There are weeks in the news pi ' r business as in every busi ng when nothing seems to go like it should and last week was one of them at the Gazette-Times. In addition to a Monday holiday (and a steadfast Tuesday deadline), and a newsman new to the community, we are in the process of remodeling the Gazette-Times office both inside and out. Were not offering excuses just a brief explanation and an apology from within to the people of lone and all of Southern Morrow County. Last Saturday was the date of the very popular lone Auction and Bar-B-Q. sponsored bv the lone Community work appreciated One of the great things about small communities is the abundance of volunteers that constantly strive to make their home town a better place in which to live, work and play. In recent weeks we've noticed a couple instances of such volunteer activity that we feel are worthy of special mention. The Heppner Garden Club ladies have been busy as bees this spring; first sprucing up the hospital flower beds and grounds, and secondly, Sifting through the TI Fifty years ago, one of the largest audiences in the history of Heppner gathered to listen to the program arranged for Decoration Day, held at the Star Theater. The oration was delivered by Francis V. Galloway, district attorney of Wasco County, whose general theme was patriotism. The speaker deplored war all of the evils that grow out of it; nevertheless, he advocated substantial preparedness on the part of the United States as the best possible means of preventing this country engaging in war in the future. Following the presentation of a petition with 100 signers, the city council passed a resolution empowering the mayor to create a boxing commission. All boxing matches staged within the city will come within its supervision. Mrs. Ada Jolly, state president of the W.C.T.U. will hold a convention on Friday, June 7 at the Methodist Church in Heppner. Her subject will be "Give prohibition a chance; the liquor traffic had its day." The Gazette-Times thanked Mrs. Arthur Keene of Rhea Creek for a sample of the very excellent strawberries being produced in their garden. "We doubt if they can be excelled in any strawberry producing section of the northwest." The annual meeting for the training of the short term personnel in the best methods of fire supression detection and prevention was held at Tupper ranger station during May 28, 29 and 30. All employees of the Ukiah and Heppner districts were in attendance. Others attending were Clarence Bisbee, Spray, George Bleakman, Heppner, Douglas Ingram, Portland, John F. Irwin, Pendleton and Central Dispatcher, John Clouston. The Official Newspaper City of Heppner and County of Morrow J OHPA O'Ogon Nvpopr Publibri Astociotion The Heppner GAZETTE-TIMES Morrow County's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper U.S.P.S. 240-420 Published every Thursday and entered ai second-class matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon under the Act of March3, 1879. Second-class postage paid at Heppner, Oregon SUBSCRIPTION RATE $8.00 In Morrow, Unatilla, Wheeler & Gilliam County; $10.00 elsewhere G.M. Reed, Publisher Dolores Reed, Co-publisher Terry M. Hoger, General Manager Jim Hockett, News Editor Eileen Soling, Office Manager Gayle Rush, AdvertisingComposition Melissa Scon, Composition Cndj Dohefty Justine Weotherford, Local Columnist United Church of Christ and attended by hundreds. Each and every year for the past 25 years the annual event has warranted a front page story and generally a photo the week of the Auction and Bar-B-Q. But not last week. We goofed. We missed the story and photo and to make matters worse, missed the Bank of Eastern Oregon -sponsored advertisement. To the many volunteers who work to put on the Auction and Bar-B-Q, and to those who might have missed the event because it wasn't advertised in last week's paper, we're sorry. tmh trimming underneath the numerous trees and adding to the flower beds at the city park, library and museum. Barbara James has been a driving forte behind both and the Garden Club ladies said Betty Byrnes' help at Pioneer Memorial has been invaluable. The beautification of both places adds much to the community and the volunteer help is a great savings to the city, county and all of us. Thanks, ladies! tmh Twenty-five years ago, voters of school district No. 1 were asked to approve a $325,000 bond issue for the purchase of necessary property and the construction of a new elementary school to be built on the approved Tum-A-Lum site. The board spent considerable time going over the preliminary plans presented by the architect for the 12 room and multi purpose room building. Last Saturday, Dick Wilkinson found a skull while cleaning out an irrigation ditch on a ranch about 11 miles above Heppner on Willow Creek. He reported his find to Sheriff CD. Bauman who investigated and discovered several other human bones; the bones indicated it was probably that of an Indian. Two coaching positions in the Heppner school district have been filled with the recent signing of contracts, it was revealed by superintendent H.C. Reed. Head high school football coach will be James Mallon who coached at lone last year and head basketball coach will be Larry J. Down who served in a similar capacity at Sultan, Washington. An agreement between the Heppner Lumber Company and IWA-CIO Local is expected to prevent any work stoppage at the local mill in the near future, according to Orville Smith, manager of the mill. On June 1, the mill had received a two weeks notification of a possible work stoppage which was required in a previous agreement between the mill and the union, which would have meant a shutdown June 15. Plans for resurfacing and sealing about 28 blocks of Heppner streets during the summer were approved by the city council. The 28 blocks include parts of Riverside, K, D, Elder, Aiken, August, Court, Chase, Gale, Water, Hospital Hall and Cemetery Hill streets. of the the MESjf, Editor: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Tis now the time for all good journalism students to learn the basics of reporting. Always keep your typewriter clean, use a good ribbon, and never misquote someone who has nothing but love for his community. In last week's paper, I had the dishonor of having my reputation slapped in the face by some of the most incompetent reporting I have ever witnessed in my life. I was totally overcome by the way my quotes were turned inside out for no apparent reason (other than a lack of ability by the reporter to take notes). I've spent six years of my life working in this town and I plan on being here many more years. If I am to remain in town, I must make public my true feelings about my recent retirement. Thank heavens all my friends in Heppner know I couldn't say many of the things quoted in last weeks paper. I will now tell you some of the things I said to the reporter, and then write down exactly what was quoted in the paper: (ACKLEY)-"...Most students aren't giving 100 percent. ..The commun ity, faculty, and school administration have been just great in their support of my program. ..Small towns always place more emphasis on athletics. I can accept that." (PAPER) "He says most students aren't giving 100 percent of their efforts to the music program and the community and school administration seems to place a greater emphasis on athletics." (ACKLEY) If the kids drop out of band because I'm leaving, they'll be tearing down what we've spent six years together building up. (PAPER) "If they drop by the wayside, they are not interested in continuing the program at the level which I left it." (ACKLEY) "I will try to make all of the concerts under a new director. I may miss a few ball games now and then, however." (PAPER)- "He said he would attend future band concerts under the direction of another music teacher, but if the students were not putting out 100 percent, he would be inclined to stay away." (ACKLEY) (low point) "...deter ioration of self-discipline and morale." (PAPER)- "...deterioration of dis cipline and morale at the high school level." (ACKLEY) "Bill Kenny is one of the hardest working students I've ever had and I have as much respect for him Reader offended Editor: I have surmised by various com ments and newspaper articles that the hospital board plans on submitting the same budget again for approval. I find this hard to understand as a majority of no votes, of those who voted, indicates to me that people feel that some changes are necessary. I appreciate the letters that two very concerned citizens submitted to your paper frequently pertaining to the hospital. I took offense to one writer though who called them "Boo Birds" and found his letter to greatly resemble his accusations. I may not always agree with them but I am glad they take the time to attend the meetings, do research and keep us informed. I fail to understand why the hospital board refuses to listen to the people which the no vote clearly indicated. The proposed "health care" budget would cost every man, woman and child in Morrow County approximately $73 a year. I understand that to mean that we in Morrow County pay for our health care Pride & self respect Editor: Dear Carolyn Hughes, I agree with you fully on your letter to Gazette readers about the abusive language on the walls of the tennis court. As a matter of fact, if you are observant, you may find abusive language sprayed about our entire town. At any rate, I have tried to impress upon my students the reponsibility they have for their own actions and that of their friends. If there were more students like yourself that had as much pride and self respect for the world in which they live as anyone I've ever met, other than my parents." (PAPER) "Bill Kenny. ..was the hardest working student whom he has ever taught and had as much influence on him as his parents." That gives you a good idea of what I'm talking about. Not only were the quotes turned around but even the number of students in each class was not listed correctly. I had pre-planned some of those quotes, so I'm not just guessing as to what I really said. My reason for retiring is simple: I'm just plain tired. I need to do something else as a job while still working for the community and especially the kids. All of my kids know that I wouldn't say what was mis-quoted in the paper. We've always been like a big family and I've told them that. I want it to continue that way. I've also said that I would continue to run the band part of the Fair-Rodeo Parade and give my total support to my successor. Why wasn't that in the paper? Granted, I've not been happy with student attitudes of late, and I feel a few of the parents may have followed Dr. Spock's advice too closely. But I'm not about to belittle the majority of the community or school for the actions of a few. It's too bad that stories like last week's disaster are allowed to creep into our newspaper. They not only ruin reputations, but leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the community. I'll let my deeds and actions speak for themselves. If most of you honestly believe the picture painted of me in last week's paper to be true, then I guess it is time to move on down the road. This town, and especially the kids, mean more to me than I could ever express. The best indication I could give of my sincerity is to remain in town with my friends and associates (which I am doing). When you see me on the street the next time, say Hello. Right now I really need it. My sincerity has been doubted, and that really hurts. Most Sincerely, Jim Ackley Editor's Note: We are sorry Mr. Ackley was upset by the article on his reasons for resigning his position as music instructor. There were no intentions of embarassing Mr. Ackley. As a journalist with years of experience in interviews, we feel the story communicated what was expressed during the interview. The object of the interview was to gain insight into why he was resigning the position. twice ; once through our taxes and once to the providers. It seems reasonable to me that the hospital will need some tax monies to function, but I think we should try to keep them in check. We can't fix the antiquation of 20 years in 12 short months. Must we have it all at once? Let's start in the most critical areas and modernize at a pace we can afford. I approve of budgeting monies to hire a doctor to cover emergencies in the absence of our local doctors, but I cannot sanction hiring a doctor with the anticipation that his practice will materialize. I want the hospital to continue functioning, but refuse to be blackmailed into passing a budget which I consider inappropriate. I have been told I cannot serve on the board because of conflict of interest. Nevertheless, I am interested in where my tax dollar goes and would like some representation. Pat Wright Lexington, Oregon in. none of us would be subjected to the written obscenities that some kids feel they need to create to get a little attention. I am sure that only a few kids would applaud them for their actions. Some of my students have removed the abusive language on the wall near the tennis courts. I hope that your newspaper statement and the action of a few destructive children may help us to become more deeply aware of our need to stamp out such unnecessary vandalism. Ron Forrar Heppner Reader irked Editor: As a nominee for the commissioner's office, I was invited to sit in on meetings concerning the budgets for both Morrow County and Pioneer Memorial Hospital. I was handed a pencil and given the opportunity to suggest cuts anywhere I felt they were needed. I looked both budgets over carefully but frankly I could not find anyplace to cut expenses that would help lower taxes. True, money could be withheld in some places but it would result in more harm than good. I am as interested as anyone else in holding taxes to a minimum. It really irks me to shell out more and more tax dollars every year. But, let's face the truth. Inflation is the culprit and not the crew of employees and volunteers that put these budgets together. I feel confident each one of them is doing everything possible to keep costs as low as reasonably possible. I would like to urge you to vote "yes" on both the county and the hospital budgets at the next election. In my opinion, they are both as fair as they can be. Dorothy Krebs Rep, says 'Table Bill' Editor: HB 3037 was created to amend O.R.S. 440.140 and 440.150 thus changing the Morrow County Hospital Board from an appointed to an elected board. I originally introduced this bill at the request of some county residents who indicated there was a need for a change. Since the introduction of the bill, I have . received numerous letters and phone calls. I have concluded that the general consensus of the people of Morrow County seems to insist that the bill be tabled in committee. I am at all times ready to assist the people in Morrow County anyway I can and have attempted to do so by introduction of this bill. However, I also have attempted, in my position as your representative, to reflect the general consensus of the people. Thus, I feel this bill should be tabled. Thank you for your interest and participation in our legisla tive process. Sincerely, Billy C. Bellamy State Representative District 55 Several rumors Editor: I have heard several rumors in the past few days as to why the Hospital Budget was voted down. Some of the things I have heard are.. .Statements both for and against the current hospital administration. ..Taxes are too high, the cost of living is out of sight and we can't afford to vote for something that may raise our taxes again... The County will see to it that we always have a hopital no matter what (which makes me wonder since the County Budget failed also). Some of these things may be true and some may not. I don't know. I do know that I have a 4'i year-old daughter, her name is Erika and she is a severe diabetic. The hospital has saved her life, literally, in the past and I'm begging you to please see to it that they will be there to save her life again. I don't care about politics, taxes or the cost of living. I care about Erika. Her disease is of such a nature that we never know when or if there will be a crisis, but we do know that when there is a crisis we have to have the hospital. Please vote for the budget and for Erika's life. Thank you, Mrs. Rudy (Jackie) Bergstrom lone, Oregon Something to do? Editor: Have you noticed that lately there has been an increase in the number of kids getting into trouble? Things like this are becoming quite a problem. I think if the kids had something to do, like a skateboard park or a skating rink like they used to have at the Morrow County Fairgrounds or more movies, they would be busy and out of trouble.' Robert McMillan Lexington
