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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1991)
FOI R - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, May 1, 1991 j =------= g The Official Newspaper of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow M O N PA The Heppner GAZETTE-TIMES Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly Newspaper U S P S 240-420 Published ever> \\ ednrsda> 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. Office at 147 West Willow Street. Telephone (503) 676-9228. Address communications to the Heppner Gazette-Times, P.O. Bos 337, Hepp ner. Oregon 9783b. Subscriptions: $15 in Morrow. Wheeler, Gilliam and Grant Counties: $23 elsewhere. Joyce H u g h es............................................................Office Manager, Typesetting April Sykes ........................................................... ...............................Newts Editor Carol Atherlv ....................................................................... Graphics Department Becky Evans ......................................................................... Graphics Department Monique P a r r e l...................................................................................... Distribution Penni Keersemaker........................................................................................Bindery Bob S m ith ........................................................................................................Printer David and April Svkes. Publishers Letters to the Editor Urges yes vote for school tax base To the Editor: The Morrow County Budget Committee this year unanimously passed, by roll call vote, a current, up to date tax base for Morrow County Schools in the amount of $9,086,618. Additionally, the budget committee unanimously pass ed, by roll call vote, a next year's levy in the exact same amount. This tax base and levy are approx imately $11.36 per thousand for Morrow County schools. This base, together with approximately $2 per thousand levy of Blue Mountain Community College, brings the total assessment for all schools, including Blue Mountain Community College, to approximately $13.36 per thou sand. This is $2 under the ballot measure 5 maximum for 1991-92. Many people in the school district, including the editor of the Columbia Valley Chronicle and the school ad ministration, wanted the budget committee to assess the maximum allowable rate this year (13 mills for Morrow County schools) so that we could take care of a numbr of long range building maintenance pro blems and other items. Their con cern was the very real assumption that this would be the last opportuni ty the school district would have to raise thiskind of money with measure 5 restrictions in mind. These concerns are very real. Heppner Police Report The Heppner Police department reports handling the following business during the past week: April 15: 6:17 p.m .-A ssist Umatilla Tribal Police; 8:39 p.m.- Motorist Assist; 8:42 p.m.-Assist Ambulance. April 16: 4:07 p.m.-Worthless Document Case; 4:24 p.m.-Civil Matter. April 17: 12:37-citation issued for Violation of the Basic Rule, 41 mph in a 25 mph zone; 4:03 p.m.-Report of Theft; 5:33 p.m.-Report of Theft. April 18: 8:30 a.m.-request of ficer for Security Check; 12:21-Traffic Accident; 9:22 p.m - report of Suspicious Vehicles. April 19: 5:35 p.m.-Suspicious Smell; 8:41 p.m.-False Alarm. April 20: 11:40 a.m .-Assist By the same token, it is a concern of those on the school budget com mittee to not attempt to "load up" on this one year and lose faith with our taxpayers in an attempt to obtain these additional funds. A major and important point in volved in establishing a realistic tax base for Morrow County Schools is that, in the future, replacement funds from the state will be determined by the respective tax bases of the en tities (Morrow County Schools and Blue Mountain Community College) that are entitled to funding under the measure percentage limitation, which eventually drops to 5 mills. As thiings presently stand. Blue Mountain Community College has a higher approved tax base than Mor row County schools and would receive more dollars than Morrow County schools. In effect more than half the taxes paid by Morrow Coun ty taxpayers, designated for educa tion, would be paid to Blue Moun tain Community College rather than be used to support Morrow County schools. On behalf of the budget commit tee and myself, 1 urge everyone to vote in favor of a modem tax base for Morrow County schools. (s) John Prag, chairman by dmc Budget Committee Morrow County School District Oregon State Police: 5:45 p.m.- citation issued for Excessive Tire Noise; 11:05 p.m.-request officer for Security Check. April 21: 3:15 p.m.-Motorist Assist. April 23: 2:17 p.m.-citation issued for Dog Complaint; 6:54 p.m.- Motorist Assist. April 24: 8:11 p.m.-assist Her- miston Police department. April 25: 10:27 p.m.-assist Mor row County Sheriff s department; 10:37 p.m.-assist Morrow County Sheriffs department. April 27: 10:16 a m.-assist Mor row County Sheriffs department; 2.04-report of Vehicle Blocking Driveway; 11:26 p.m.-report of Fire. April 28: 1:03 a.m.-citation issued for Wrong Way on a One Way; 9:25 a m-Deliver Emergency Message; 8:11 p.m.-Warrant Arrest; 10:19 p.m.-request officer for Security Check. CROP INSURANCE It’s that time of year. Give us a call and Bob will come out. PLOYHAK INSURANCE 127 N. MAIN HEPPNER, OR. Ph. 676-5818 Sheriff’s Report Chamber Chatter The Morrow County Sheriffs department reports dispatching the following business during the past week: April 23: M orrow County S heriffs office dispatched the Boardman ambulance to Oregon Potato. One male was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital with an unknown illness; Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Irrigon area for a citizen’s complaint for careless driving; Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Boardman area for a neighborhood problem. Problem was resolved. April 24: M orrow County S heriffs office dispatched the Boardman ambulance to Lamb Weston. One male was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital with unknown injuries; Morrow County deputy made con tact with a Heppner residence regar ding a neighborhood disturbance. April 25: Morrow County deputy responded to Bombing Range Road in the Boardman area to investigate a report of a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Deputy was unable to locate vehicle; Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Irrigon area to take a report of a dog that had been killing chickens; Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Boardman area for an animal problem. Deputy was unable to locate animal problem; Morrow County Sheriff s office dispatched the Boardman ambulance to a residence on Malhuer. One female was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital with an unknown illness. April 26: M orrow County Sheriffs office dispatched the Arl ington ambulance to the Village Inn Motel. One male was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital with an unkown illness: Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Irrigon area for a report of vandalism . Investigations are continuing. April 27: M orrow County S heriffs office dispatched the Boardman Fire department to a brush fire on Cottonwood Loop; Morrow County deputy respond ed to the Boardman area for a suspicious car. Problem was resolved; Morrow County Sheriffs office dispatched the Boardman Fire department to the Union Pacific Rail Road tracks North of Lamb Weston for a coal car on fire; Morrow County deputy respond ed to a residence in Irrigon to begin an investigation on a stolen vehicle. Vehicle was recovered on April 28; Morrow County Sheriffs deputies responded to a business in Irrigon to assist with a medical emergency until the ambulance arrived. April 28: M orrow County S heriffs office dispatched the Boardman ambulance to a residence on Columbia for a one-year-old in fant with an injury. No transport was made; Morrow County Sheriffs office arrested Mark Sherill Garrett, 34, Fredericksburg, VA, on a Stafford County Sheriff s office Warrant for Probation Violation. Garrett was lodged at Benton Co. Jail. April 29: Morrow County deputy checked on a vehicle parked at a business parking lot in Irrigon since Friday. Vehicle was secured. During the week of April 22-29 Morrow County deputies assisted four disabled motorists. Morrow County deputy respond ed to Oregon St. in Irrigon to in vestigate a report of a male subject shooting a pellet gun towards residences. Deputies were unable to locate subject upon arrival; Morrow County Sheriff s office dispatched the Arlington ambulance to 1-84 westbuond exit 123 to meet a patient. One three-year-old was transported to Mid Columbia Hospital in The Dalles with an injury. By Claudia Hugh— , Chamber Manager What’s your definition of rural? It never ceases to amaze me that rural to some means ‘‘an area of 500 homes" close to a city of 100,000. At least this was the description from a Californian who wanted to move to Heppner. Webster defines rural as "characteristic of the country or people living in the country. One definition of country is "regions of woods and fields as opposed to towns.” Therein lies our problem. People who grew up in the city feel like they are in a rural area if there are a few clumps of trees, a small field, anti no sign of skyscrapers. No wonder many of the decisions that affect our lives have no correlation with the real problems we face. They are made by people who have never been east o f Hood River. The most successful way for peo ple to learn about our differences and likenesses is to show them. One way is to invite legislators east of the Cascades to visit, another is to hold events that bring people to Morrow County, another is to spend time communicating with them in their end of the state, and yet another is to continue participating in small scale education programs such as the opportunity to host a student from Centennial Middle School in Gresham. Sometimes this overflows to other willing host families. It’s a rewarding experience...the 5th year for my family. We’ve had some great young people in our home, ex cited to learn about a different way of life, asking intelligent questions, and experiencing a week that they will remember for life. Sharing and communication, that’s what it’s all about, at home, in meetings, at work, in our community. Next Chamber of Commerce meeting is May 7. The monthly business meeting will include presentation of the school budget: the Columbia Plateau Stage Race and other community business. May 14. Vision 2000 will be presented. Thought for the week: “ Giving up is not giving in, nor is it failing: it is no longer needing to be right." Justice Court ___ Report____ The Justice Court office at the courthouse annex building in Hepp ner reports handling the following business during the past week: Shawn Allen G ibson, 25. Heppner-Driving While Suspended, $110 fine; Rick Gerald Rea, 31, Heppner- Hunting Prohibited Method: turkey with shotgun capable of holding five shells, $33 fine; G arth Leroy W indom, 57, Bingen, Wash.-Open Container (beer) Driver, 43 fine; Drinking Alcoholic Liquor Within Four Hours of Driving, $95 fine; Danny R. M osteller, 33, Lexington-No Mud Flaps, $20 fine; Jimmy B. Matzen, 34. Deer Island-Violation of Road Closure, $58 fine; Possession of Less Than One Ounce of Marijuana, $565 fine; Jam es Houston Roach, 48, Lexington-Open Container (beer & schnapps) Driver, $37 fine; Robin Don Scott, 28, Heppner- Drivers License Expired, $9 fine; William Ralph Mackey, 37, Heppner-Violation of Road Closure, $58 fine; Elmer E. Matzen, 63, Deer Island-Violation of Vehicle Closure, ATV, $58 fine; Ken Maynard Gates, Lexington- Driving Under the Influence of In toxicants, Diversion Program. $369 diversion filing fee; Sherill Mark Garrett-Waiver of Extradition Proceedings. Judge Prior Has Tough Job Gilliam County Judge Laura Prior is pressing hard for an Eastern Oregon Alliance-as she puts it, an alliance of Eastern Oregon political, economic and social interests to better make those in terests heard in Salem. Judge Prior has her work cut out for her. The very principles of democracy are working against her. In a country where the majority rules. Eastern Oregon interests are doomed to run last. The majority in this state is urban, not rural, lives in the soggy western third of the state, not the arid eastern third, are consumers of everything from food to housing, not producers of anything, and seem to care for only themselves, not concerned about their neighbors no matter how close or distant. Molding even the minority view among Eastern Oregonians will be dif ficult. Judge Prior’s own Gilliam County is dependent on garbage, including out-of-state garbage. Morrow County is equally interested. Forces that real ly want to bar the importation of out-of-state garbage enacted a surcharge to protect the state from the adverse image of landfill for the Northwest. It would have been pretty hard to forge a unified position of Eastern Oregon opposed to the out-of-state garbage surcharge even though there are no regional landfills in Western Oregon. While most of Eastern Oregon voted against Measure #5, it would also be most difficult to claim that is the unified position of all of Eastern Oregon. Land use planning as directed by Salem is seen as a severe restriction on economic growth in most of Eastern Oregon. Yet a unified position will be hard to forge since there are whole communities that resist economic growth and substantial numbers of folks who really believe that farm land should be preserved as farm land (what a really hokey idea.) But in spite of the difficulties. Judge Prior seems to be on the right track. An Eastern Oregon Alliance, designed to develop a minority view, has the potential for some good. A stong, unified minority has a much better chance of forging some compromise, an exception, maybe even defeat of a narrowly supported position. More importantly, an Eastern Oregon Alliance will have a better chance of making an Eastern Oregon presence, felt on the west side of the mountains. To make the project a success. Judge Prior is doing more than enlist the governmental entities in Eastern Oregon. She is looking for the par ticipation of the agricultural, industrial and business interests too. That will make the alliance even more effective since those folks have the real political power. She needs to get some money into the project though. County and city governments cannot fully fund a lobby effort like this. Nor should they. The Eastern Oregon Alliance will lose much of its potential if it becomes just another layer of government. Organized as a Political Action Committee (PAC) would give the alliance the opportunity to raise the funds for an information center, a series of seminars to develop the Eastern Oregon position, and most importantly, a lobbyist to push that position with the politicians and bureaucrats in Salem. One of the very first issues the alliance should attack is the ‘secondary lands’ proposal seemingly bogged down somewhere between the legislature and the Land Conservation and Development Commission. Designation of secondary as opposed to primary farm and forest lands is of prime con cern to Eastern Oregonians. Folks in Western Oregon, concerned with the "Califomication” of Oregon, will so restrict secondary lands designa tion that the whole idea will be as useless to Eastern Oregon as the lush, green travel brochures Salem generates. With some immediate success on secondary lands the alliance could then turn to Measure #5 and prevent the inevitable flow of school control to Salem. It will be a tough job. Judge Prior, but it is worth doing._________ Middle East discussion set A discussion concerning America’s role in the Middle East will be held May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Patrick Senior Center. For more information call Pastor Stan Hoobing, 676-9940. Take Mom out to dinner fo r M O T H E R ’S D A Y at All Saints Episcopal Church Ita lia n N ight D in n er F r id a y , M ay 10 5 :3 0 and 7 :1 5 p .m . Spaghetti, lasagna, seafood fettuccini, bread, spumoni, beverage Strolling musicians Call 676-5182, 676-9850, or 676-9970 for reservations Births Klint Von Scherrer-a son Klint Von was bom to Kevin and Trinette Schemer of Boardman on April 15, 1991 at Good Shepherd Communi ty Hospital in Hermiston. The baby weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. Candice Rae Grider-a daughter Candice Rae was bom to Wayne and Tina Grider of Boardman on April 20. 1991 at Good Shepherd Com munity Hospital in Hermiston. The baby weighed 6 lbs. 3V4 oz. 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