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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 1990)
■ M M M M H a M M M ia if l Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 28, 1990 - FIVE EASTERN OREGON OUTDOORS SDA church to ingather The Seventh Day Adventist Church will be out ingathering even ings except Friday (weather permit ting). Starting Dec. 1 members will be singing Christmas carols and will be asking for contributions to be used to help those less fortunate. Ruth Locust plans meeting Emergency Regs Change Reduces Steelhead Bag Wintertime Boat Use Calls fo r Special Maintenance Ruth Locust Chapter No. 32, Order of the Eastern Star will be at tending a district meeting Tuesday, December 4, at Umatilla. It will be hosted by Umatilla Chapter No. 107. A 6:30 p.m. potluck will precede the meeting and Ruth Locust Chapter has been asked to bring desserts. The regular stated meeting of Ruth Locust Chapter will be held Mon day, December 10, at Heppner Masonic Hall at 8 p.m. A social hour will follow the business meeting and members are asked to bring Christmas goodies to share for refreshments and gifts for exchange. Off the Wall ___ By Merlyn Robinson It’s the season for thankfulness as well as gift giving and receiving. But how often do we count our blessings or give from our hearts intangible presents that can’t be purchased? The manner in which communication is handled is one of our most valuable gifts to others and to society. Spoken language is often harsh and offensive. Public meeting proceedings are often misconstrued by poor com munication due to lack of articulation, projection or the manner of speak ing by those people conducting meetings. Television, an influencing tool, needs to clean up its act. Foul or harsh words used to be in poor taste. Today’s movie and television programs por- mote insensitivity, encouraging people to make a game out of insulting one another. A verbal pat on the back, speaking kindly to children from birth and con siderate speech might solve relationships in families, at school and work. Who knows the impact that kind words have when exchanged between peo ple of different countries. Sometimes well-intended words come out in a hurtful manner. Spoken words cost little but can do great damage. And the exchange of kinder words gives us the human edge that leads to respect and trust. Too bad that the first amendment of the Constitution that protects freedom of the speech, press and peaceful assembly can’t be amended to allow only kind words to be tossed out to the world and the people around us. For example, who can forget the hateful words bandied about before an election. Elected officials who toss out slanderous remarks get tom to shreds by the media. And those words that can’t be recalled often cost them their posi tions. Maybe we all need to be taken to task for improper verbal actions. Someone doing a mundane job could be inspired to greater ac complishments through praise rather than ridicule. Harsh words can pro voke violence or lead to reprise from gossip that is one of the most defiant forms of unkind words. We all need to be more precise with spoken words for they are like this season’s snowflakes; once they have fallen they cannot be retrieved. Like “ monkey see, monkey do” children and adults pattern their speech after the language that is cast about them in their everyday worlds. Parents send children to school hoping that they will grasp language skills as an aid in becoming responsible adults. Leadership abilities that help solve the problems of a chaotic world are facilitated by public speaking skills. As a former mumbler, I appreciate efforts made by others that enable them to put across their ideas in a pleasing manner. For at times, we are all guilty of speaking unwisely. We have alot of good people in this county, many of whom are willing to take on the task of serving on boards as unpaid volunteers who devote time and energy towards management decisions. But I feel that the Morrow County School District administrative staff and the school board need to set a better example towards communication that would support their efforts. It’s time those meetings were staged so that others in attendance can hear the proceedings. I thought it was my loss of hearing until others seated beside me expressed their difficult in hearing portions of these meetings. A cavernous meeting room and mumbled speech leads to misunderstan ding of the decision-making processes. I have also seen examples of avoidable agitation caused by lack of spoken diplomacy. And I feel it is rude to ignore others in attendance when presentations are targeted solely at the board. Such actions detract from public support that is necessary for this operation. Most schools have portable public address systems that could offer one avenue of improvement. And it’s never too late to work at improving "them there watcha-call-it” skills or whatever it is that I’ve been trying to do. A task force of Forest Service scientists and specialists will study the health of three national forest in eastern Oregon over the next six months to determine what measures are necessary to restore the forests to a healthy condition. Bill Gast, deputy forest supervisor of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, was appointed by Regional Forester John Butruille to chair the task force. “ Under Bill’s leadership, the five-person committee will analyze the condition o f the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa- Whitman National Forests and will recom m end procedures to rehabilitate and maintain these forests in a healthy condition.” Butruille said the impetus for the study comes from nearly a decade of epidemic levels of insect infestations and tree diseases, all aggravated by several years of drought. “ Forest health in the Blue Moun tains has been on a decline for sometime,” Gast said. “ The pro blems can’t be cured quickly.The task force will look at long-term means of restoring and maintaining healthy forest conditions.” “ We will work closely with the Blue Mountains Natural Resource Institute, and any actions we recom mend will be consistent with the forest plans of the three national forests,” Gast said. The Institute is a body of county, state and federal officials interested in overall forest health, headquartered in LaGrande. The study, which will focus on na tional forest lands only, is due for completion in March 1991. Other com m ittee m em bers are en tomologist Don Scott, pathologist Craig Schmitt, ecologist Charlie Johnson and silv’culturist Dave Clemens. BM CC student reps selected Twelve students from Blue Moun tain Community College have been selected by their peers to serve as student representatives for the 1990-91 school year. Members of the Associated Student Government will include: John Monagle, Jeanie Spilker, Michael Rohde, Pendleton; Joy H ellberg, Irrigon; Mark Shelton, Milton-Freewater; Marty Suter and Bonnie Guthrie, Board- man; Anna Reser, Condon; Hoss Hodges and Tammy Neil, Her- miston; and Shannon Anderson, Adams. BMCC students also elected Vic toria Zearfoss of Pendleton to the position of ASG R ecording Secretary. ASG representatives and officers serve on campus academic commit tees, help with activities including registration, and plan a variety of student oriented events throughout the school year. Events planned for fall term have included New Student O rientation and B arbecue, a “ Welcome Back Dance” , the Pum pkin Carving Contest and Freakers Ball. Future events will include Christmas decorating of the College Union, a Christmas dance, and the annual Christmas Eve dinner. Students also participate in the Community College’s of Oregon Association and Commissions, atten ding once a month meetings and several annual conferences aimed at developing student leadership. Just in Time for CHRISTMAS TWIN BOOM WRECKER only SJ995 Heppner Auto Parts Because there are no unimportant parts.™ 676 - 9123 148 E. Center Heppner Heavy duty steel construction. Twin Booms. INAPAI — CLIP & SAVE CUSTOM Leather Work and Repairs Schroth elected VP of Industry Council CHAIN SAWS Supplies and Repairs CA LL US for Seed Prices We Want Your Feed Business Feed Prices as of November 15, 1990 Call for Tonnage Prices Bob Schroth of Hermiston was recently elected vice president of The Oregon Private Industry Coun cil, Inc. whose 22 members oversee the administration of the federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs in 27 Oregon counties. Schroth, a salesman for Simmons In surance Agency, served as treasurer of the council for four years. For five consecutive years. The Oregon Consortium has been awarded the Governm ent Finance O fficers Association Certificate of Achieve ment for Excellence in Financial Reporting. As vice president, Schroth will be working with 27 county commis sioners who compose The Oregon Consortium Board of Directors, to manage a $12.5 million program that served over 5469 Oregonians last year Seven out of 10 of those leav ing the program were placed in jobs while others went on to further education and training. As a council member, Schroth represents East Central Oregon Association of Counties (ECOAC) which manages the federal job train ing program in Umatilla, Gilliam. Grant, Morrow and Wheeler Coun ties. Schroth is also chair of the Local A dvisory G roup for ECOAC’s job training program. ECOAC offers services to businesses including recruiting, screening and referral of applicants and on-the-job training along with an array of services to dislocated workers and at-risk youth. For more inform ation call ECOAC Program Director, Wilma Hanks at 276-6732 in Pendleton or Pat Newport, communications manager of The Oregon Consortium in Albany at 1-800-452^110. CLIP & SAVE An emergency regulations change Dy the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on many eastern Oregon rivers has drastically reduced both the daily and yearly bag limits of hatchery and wild steelhead for sport anglers this season. The department effected the sudden rules change November 15 in an effort to bolster spawning success among dangerously low returns of summer steelhead to several Snake and Colum bia River tributaries. Biologists hope that by reducing the harvest, an adequate number of fish will be allowed to complete their migration and create enough smolts to sustain future populations. “ The very low runs of steelhead in the Columbia (River) system is the main reason for implementing these changes,” said Mike Jenninigs, ODFW steelhead program leader. “ There’s a lot of potential that we may not get the eggs we need for continuing some of the hatchery pro grams.” Although there are no hatcheries on the John Day River, some hat chery fish destined for other streams do hold for a brief period in the lower reaches of the river. Jennings hopes the new rules will increase escapement for these fish, as well as help to rebuild suffering returns of wild, John Day River steelhead. “ I think it’s no surprise that the dam flows are the main culprit of what we’re seeing returning now,” Jennings said. “ We had some real low flows two years ago and those are the returning fish that we are seeing this year. We could also see a similar situation (happening) next year in our runs.” Emergency changes for Snake River tributaries include: Grand Ronde River (from Oregon border up to Rondowa)-Catch and release only for all steelhead, hatchery or wild. From Rondowa up to Meadow Creek (including Catherine Creek), rules remain unchanged: two hatchery fish per day, six in possession. Wallowa River (from the mouth to Lostine River)-Catch and release only for all steelhead. Both the Lostine River and the W'allowa River above their confluence are closed to angling. Imnaha River (up to Big Sheep Creek)-One hatchery fish per day, one in possession, two per year. Changes for Columbia River tributaries include: John Day River (above John Day Arm)~One steelhead, either hat chery or wild, per day, one in possession, two per year. These rules affect the main stem plus the legally fishable portions of the North and Middle forks of the John Day. They remain in effect until April 15, 1991, then revert back to current regulations (the main stem below the North Fork is open year round.) Umatillla River (Highway 730 bridge to Reservation boundary above Highway 11 bridge)-One hatchery or wild steelhead per day, one in possession, two per year. This season opens December 1. Walla Walla River (up to the North and South Forks)--One hatchery or wild steelhead per day, one in possession, two per year. Jennings said the department’s long-term goal is to rebuild stocks of returning steelhead to at least a normal capacity so restrictive bag limits are no longer needed. “ Next year we’ll be reviewing again what our populations are look ing like and what the dam counts are showing and be making a decision- -hopefully earlier than we did this year-to decide whether or not we need to have another strategy like this one. At this point I wouldn’t say that we are going to ilo it next year, but we are definitely going to con sider it if our runs are way down.” Some confusion has generated among many anglers regarding the new two-fish-per-year bag limit. This applies to fish taken per year, not per season. Anglers fishing streams with seasons extending into 1991 will, in effect, be allowed to keep a total of four steelhead. ___________ Earlier this month, this column featured repair-saving tips for prepar ing boats and their motors for long term, off-season storage. Ace marine mechanic Barry H offer, service manager of The Boat Shop in Richland. Washington, offered sound advice for fuel, battery, engine, lower unit and hull preparation prior to extended periods of unuse which, for most eastern Oregon boaters, mean the harsh winter months. But what about sportspersons who are not ready to “ hang it up” at the onset of cold weather? While relatively few boats get used after the beginning of the big game seasons, many anglers, as well as bird hunters, employ their watercraft throughout the winter to take advantages of the numerous opportunities wherever open water is found. “ You can run your boat all year round,” says Hoffer. “ That’s why that ‘winterization’ term is misleading But coldweather operations means you’ll have to take a few extra (maintenance) steps that you normally wouldn’t have to worry about during summer.” Many precautions for wintertime use resemble the same steps taken by those who put their boats in storage. For instance, Hoffer recom mends draining and refilling the lower unit with fresh oil. This allows the boater to inspect the old oil for water seepage and to have the pro blem corrected. Water in the lower unit could freeze and expand, cracking the gear case and wreaking havoc with its inner workings. “ Also, if you're going to use your boat at least once a month,” Hof fer advises, “ you shouldn’t need to fog the engine, but you should still treat your fuel. Many fuel stabilizer and conditioners (such as OMC’s 1 plus 2) have a storage ratio and also an operational ratio. So, go with the operational ratio. In fact, it's good to run that fuel conditioner all the time.” When you've loaded your boat onto the trailer after a day on the water, Hoffer suggests trimming the motor down to a vertical position to allow all water to drain completely. This should be done while still at the ramp (as you attach tie downs, etc.) as any trapped water can quickly freeze and cause expensive damage. “ A lot of people will fire up their outboards after they’ve taken them out of water to pump out excess water," Hoffer said. “ They don’t need to do that: all they’re going to do is ruin the water pump. Most all out boards have a drain hole in the water pump to let water run out of that area. Never run your motor out of the water.” Another precaution wintertime boaters should heed, says Hoffer, deals with loading and unloading your boat during freezing weather, a time when typical summertime launching procedures can lead to disaster. Carpeted trailer bunks, for example, often will still be frozen from the last time they got wet while the boat was being loaded. "Then the next time out. some people will go ahead and undo the tie downs and winch strap at the top of the ramp like they do during sum mer and just hang onto a (bow) rope so they don’t have to get back out, and whoosh. Off their boat goes because the bunks were still frozen." As far as this writer is concerned, the resulting rope bum would seem insignificant compared with watching your beautiful new boat sail off its trailer and crash onto the (gulp) pavement. Many fish species can be caught throughout the winter in many lowland reservoirs, as well as in the Columbia Snake rivers. Upland birds and waterfowl can be found on or near most impoundments which remain ice free. For many sportsmen (including this one), proper wintertime boat maintenance, warm clothes and lots of hot coffee means the difference between going hunting and fishing--or staying home and wishing you could. ____________________________ Scientists to study health of eastern Oregon forests > < & & y If You Don’t See It Listed, Call for More Info! GREEN FEED & SEED Mike and Kay Proctor Highway 207 • Heppner 676-9422 -------------------------------CLIP & SAVE----------------- ----------
