Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 1992)
SIX- Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 1, 1992 Corps to release dam water 'Slf f .the )V. q IL Weekend thunderstorms brought a deluge in some areas that com pared to being caught by the full force o f a water from a fire hose opened to capacity. It was a case o f too much, too late, especially for harvesters. Maybe this erratic weather o f late has created a water on the brain condition. Certain errors could be blamed on my typewriter or a copy editor if it weren’t for the similarity through word association. In a recent story about the two horsewomen visiting the area, a sentence expressed their efforts to video tape testimonials promoting a less-expensive health care insurance plan. Somehow that turned into video “ tapping ” While I‘m sure there wasn't any line tapping involved, perhaps it was because w e’re all grateful that water still runs from a tap. A while back a story o f mine expounded on ‘’affluent’’ water from the city sewer system. My explanation is that as the utility costs rise, only the rich can affort to waste water. And if the proposed plan to put effluent water on the golf course is carried out, then the af fluent golf course will be $50,000 to the good, plus city consumers will help to pay for a sophisticated watering system that will automatically keep the greens green. Okay, so my story on seed weevils turned them into sea weevils. Well, they came from the Mediterranean Sea area, didn’t they? And though I’ve never been there. 1 understand that there’s enough wet salty stuff left in that body o f water to create a problem when it’s topdressed with oil spills. The concern with water shortages, affects not only my brain but the forests, the rivers and streams and all o f agriculture. So I ques tion the wisdom o f brains who think that the best solution to salmon recovery is to draw down the pools o f Columbia River dams despite the impact to the Northwest economy. While urban folks seem to think that all food is produced in a fac tory, the river system not only affects the food chain, but recrea tion, transportation and lots o f agribusiness workers. If preference is given to fish in that instance, then why is the Corps o f Engineers proposing to draw down the Willow Creek Dam reser voir to give water to a few farmers? That pool, that is already lower than normal, is just beginning to attract fishing, boating and other water recreation users. As a person with roots in the country, my empathy is with those W illow Creek farmers who could lose their crops. But how about all the other area farmers who don’t live along W illow Creek and have no means o f subsidizing nature? Ever since 1 can remember. Willow Creek becomes bone dry dur ing summers before it gets very far past Heppner. It would have taken some aforethought, but irrigation water from the lake should have been stored above the level needed to maintain water quality in the reservoir. Heppner lived down the reputation o f hav ing a leaky dam that might wash away and desltoy the town. Due to drought conditions in re cent years, hardly anyone got excited about a recent testing o f the flood warning system. If the lake is lowered by 1,000 feet for irrigation plus the normal amount o f evaporation perhaps Heppner will create new headlines for dying fish, stagnant water and the area boasting the most midges. I doubt that it would add to the scenic attraction o f the proposed lakeside overnight campground. But before it’s suggested that I stick to erroneous reporting and that a bucket brigade manned by reporters be used to carry water to dying crops, I best get on with my own water problem s-a leaky washing machine and the flattened flowers that have been carefully nurtured. One thousand acre-feet o f water stored in Willow Creek Lake outside Heppner will be released for local irrigators, ac cording to a U.S. Army Corps o f Engineers press release. The requested water would be used to irrigate 2,668 acres o f cropland along Willow Creek in the communities o f lone and Lex ington. Without this water, crops valued at $500,000 could be lost because o f drought conditions in Morrow County, said the Corps. The Corps determined that releasing the water would not significantly affect the quality o f the human environment. The Corps prepared the en vironmental assessment and a fin ding o f No Significant Impact, after eight Willow Creek farmers applied for 2,128 acre-feet o f water from the Willow Creek Lake. The Corps, operators o f W illow Creek Dam, determined that 1,000 acre-feet was the most that could be made available from the lake. Emergency drought conditions are being prepared by the U .S. Bureau o f Reclamation. Governor Barbara Roberts declared Morrow County in a state o f drought emergency on May 15. Removing 1,000 acre-feet o f water for irrigation could reduce the pool level by 7.5 feet, decreasing it to about 2,051 feet elevation by mid-August and ultimately down to 2,039.5 eleva tion during the late fall. It could also reduce populations o f large and small mouth bass, crappie, other panfish and brown bullheads. “ The reduced popula tions o f these fish would put them below fishable levels for several years,” said the Corps. “ Also, the entire population o f trout in the lake could potentially be eliminated. The Oregon Depart- mentof Fish and Wildlife stock rainbow trout in the lake. Fishing opportunities could be lost for several years,” they continued. “ Recreation could be reduced. The water surface o f 75 acres on the lake could be as much as 21 acres smaller than normally ex pected during the late summer.” Thanks to Teachers Like Joanne Miksis, The Future Is In Good Hands. Our future will soon be in the hands of our children, and US WEST is proud to recognize Joanne Miksis as a teacher preparing children lor the challenge Joanne is the recipient ol the 1992 US WEST Outstanding Teacher Award lor Oregon As a home Joanne Miksis Churchill High School economics teacher at Churchill High School in Eugene, Joanne developed a teen parenting education and day care program to enhance parenting skills and to assist students in com pleting their education. The US WEST Foundation created the Outstanding Teacher program to enhance the teaching profession This year 14 teachers from the US WEST region were selected to receive $15,000 over a two-year period to pursue an educational project or professional development It's just one- of the many investments US WEST is making as part of our Frxindation's Sheriffs Report The Sheriff s office at the cour thouse in Heppner reports dispat ching the following business dur ing the past week: June 23: Morrow County depu ty responded to the Irrigon area to in vestig a te a report o f telephone harassment. Investiga tion is continuing; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to a theft in Irrigon. In vestigation is continuing. June 24: Morrow County Sheriff s office dispatched the Boardman ambulance for a female in Boardman. Female was transported to the Boardman Clinic; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the Arlington Fire Dept, to a grass fire on 1-84, milepost 128-129; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the Condon Fire Dept, to a grass fire north o f the City Farm; Morrow County deputy ar rested Leanna M. Fennemore, 29, Portland on a Multnomah County Warrant for Probation Violation, Driving Under the In fluence o f Intoxicants. Fen nemore posted bail and was released with a court date. She was also arrested for Hunting in a Prohibited Area (to wit Road way). She was cited and releas ed with an appearance date; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the Arlington Fire Dept to a grass fire on Blalock Road; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the lone area to con tact a citizen regarding a juvenile driving problem; Morrow County deputy ar rested Robert Brehm, 21, Irrigon on a Benton County, Kennewick, WA. warrant for Theft II. Sub ject was transported and lodged. June 25: Morrow County depu ty responded to the Nugget Motel for a suspicious person report. Deputy was unable to locate anyone upon arrival; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon area for a report o f animal cruelty. In vestigation is continuing; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon area for a neighborhood dispute; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to 3rd. St., Irrigon, for a report o f animal abuse; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the Boardman am bulance to 308 Columbia, Board- man. One patient was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital; Morrow County S heriff s o f fice dispatched the Spray Fire Dept, to a grass fire on 2nd St., Spray. Fire was contained; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to West Extension Ir rigation in Irrigon for a report o f windows damaged at a pump sta tion. Investigation is continuing; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the Boardman am bulance to a semi-truck rollover near the TACX plant in Board- man. One male was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital by a U m a tilla am b u lan ce, with unknown injuries. Boardman am bulance was unable to respond. M orrow C ounty d ep u ties responded for traffic control June 26: Morrow County Sheriff s office dispatched the Boardman Fire Dept, to a vehi cle on fire on 1-84. milepost 161. There were no injuries, fire was contained; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the Heppner am bulance to 535 Elder St., Hepp ner, for an 80 year old female with stomach pains. Female was transported to Pioneer Memorial Hospital; Morrow County deputy receiv ed a report o f possible animal neglect on 8th St., Irrigon. Call was unfounded; Morrow County Sheriff s o f fice dispatched the Boardman Fire Dept, to a grass fire on the railroad tracks on 1-84, mile post 159. Fire was contained. June 27: Morrow County S h eriffs office dispatched the Boardman Fire Dept, to a hay fire near Wilson Road/Laurel Lane, Boardman. Fire was contained; Morrow County S heriff s of fice dispatched the Boardman am bulance to a two vehicle accident on 1-84 milepost 168 eastbound. Unable to locate; Morrow County S heriff s o f fice dispatched the Heppner Fire Dept to a grass fire on the top o f Heppner Hill; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to Olson Road for a report o f a deceased male. Homer Prichard, 68, Boardman, died o f natural causes; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon area for a report o f harassment. Investiga tions are continuing; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon area for a civil matter; Morrow County S heriff s of fice dispatched the lone Fire Dept, to a lightning caused fire at Cecil; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the lone Fire Dept to a fire caused by lightning at Morgan; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the Condon EMTs to the clinic for a male with injuries; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the lone Fire Dept to a fire caused by lightning at Cecil; Morrow County S heriff s of fice dispatched the Condon Fire Dept to a lightning caused fire on the Gilliam County side o f the John Day River; Morrow County S heriff s of fice dispatched the Boardman Fire Dept to a field fire near the Ready Mix on Columbia; Morrow County S heriff s o f fice dispatched the Arlington Fire Dept to a grass fire in Scotch Ca nyon S. Hwy 19; Morrow County S heriff s of fice advised the Army Depot o f a field fire on the Army Depot. June 28: Morrow County depu ty took a report o f vandalism from the Lexington area; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to take a report o f theft from Phil Ralston, Umatilla. Taken w ere tw o fire e x tinguishers from a boat at the Ir rigon Marina valued at $15 each; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Boardman area for a family disturbance; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon area for a report o f harassment; Morrow County S h eriffs of fice dispatched the Condon Fire Dept to a field fire at Sam Seale’s ranch; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the lone Fire Dept to a grass fire near the George M iller ranch on Emmigrant Road. Fire was contained; M orrow C ounty d ep uties responded to Lexington for a report o f flash flooding. Ex cessive rain on Black Horse Ca nyon caused minor flooding, deputies discovered one bridge out and some road washouts. No injuries were reported. Some local businesses experienced flooding, road crews were call ed out to block o ff Black Horse Canyon road and Bell Canyon; Morrow County S heriff s o f fice dispatched the S. Gilliam County Fire Dept to a grass fire south o f C ondon toward Lonerock. Fire was contained. June 29: Morrow County Sheriff s office marine deputies responded by boat to a report o f a beached boat on an island near Irrigon. Boat was found intact and towed into the Irrigon Marina; Morrow County S heriff s of fice dispatched the Boardman am bulance to 1-84, mile post 151, n Educational Initiative m Ssshhhhhhh!!! D A N N Y *B At U S WEST, we believe teachers who reach beyond classroom walls today will make a world of difference WILSON’S* (or future generations going to be fu i mkKm.UMi un US VVf s i - n * m (XilM jix Iin y U . k I m p fy t.im write In the US WI ST fu m d .* m i 7«i«• 1 jM O rth.ird Kn.nl Inylennni) COUnlll ¿ i 19 IIMMEST Making the most of your time I'wzuswrsr i J u ly 7 ftta ZMXX&MXXA * * * * east bound for a female having convulsions along the side o f the road. She was gone upon arrival; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to a residence in Ir rigon on 9th St. for a report o f a female being threatened; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to Morrow County Grain Growers, Lexington, for a report o f a burglary. Approx imately 20 large truck tires were taken, estimated value $6,000. Investigation is continuing; M orrow C ounty deputy responded to the Irrigon Trailer Court, Irrigon, for a report o f a possible theft o f a refrigerator. Call was unfounded; Morrow County Sheriff s of fice dispatched the Arlington am bulance to 125 Shane Dr., Arl ington, for a report o f a male with chest pains. Transport was made to Mid C olum bia M edical Center, The Dalles; Morrow County S heriff s o f fice dispatched the lone Fire Dept to a grass fire on Arcada St., Lexington; Morrow County deputy receiv ed a report o f a missing motor cycle from the Miller residence in lone. Value was undertermin- ed, investigation is continuing. P U B L IC N O TIC E Notice o f Election Council Members Town o f Lexington Official terms expiring for the Town o f Lexington are two C ouncil positions and City Recorder. All three are for four year terms. Nominating petitions are available at City Hall or by contacting Sue Baker for the elec tion to be held November 3, 1992. The petitions must be fil ed with the City Recorder no later than August 25, 1992 and contain signatures o f qualified electors only. Sue Baker Town o f Lexington Published: June 24; July 1, 8 and 15, 1992_____________________ P U B L IC N O TIC E The Council for the City o f Heppner, Oregon will conduct public hearings at 7:00 PM on Ju ly 13, 1992 at Heppner City Hall. 188 West W illow Street regar ding violations o f City Ordinance No. 474, an Ordinance Abating Nuisance for Accumulation o f Solid Waste and Fire Hazards. The following properties are in violation o f the ordinance because o f deposits o f solid wastes scat tered about the premises that create a fire hazard and harborage for rodents and insects and is in jurious to the health, safety and general welfare o f the people. 1. 220 West W illow Street, Map #2S 26 35BB. Tax Lot #6900. 2. 595 Jones Street. Map #2S 26 27D D , Tax Lot #1900. Published: July 1, 1992 P U B L IC N O TIC E ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS IONE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT 6-604 P.O. BOX B IONE, OREGON 97843 The lone Rural Fire District 6-604 invites bids for the con struction o f a metal building to house the equipment for the District in lone, Oregon. The work will consist o f grading, concrete floor and slab, a metal building, interior parti tions, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. The District in tends to hire one general contrac tor to complete and/or coordinate subcontractors for the completion o f all work. Sealed bids for the above described project will be receiv ed by the District Board until 8:00 P.M. PDT on July 13, 1992 and then publicly opened and read aloud. Each bid must be submit ted on the prescribed form. The bids can be mailed to: lone Rural Fire District 6-604 P.O. Box B lone, OR 97843 or hand delivered to the old Reitmann Hardware store on Main Street by the prescribed time. It is recommended that in terested contractors visit the site prior to the bid date. Call Bill Reitmann at 422-72% . The Con tract Documents can be obtained by contacting Mr. Reitmann or David H. Krumbein at 276-3244. Bids must contain a statement that the provisions o f ORS 279.350 are to be complied with. Published: July I. 1992
