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