Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 30, 1992 - THREE
the Editor
The Official Newspaper of the
City of Heppner and the
County of Morrow
Heppner
GAZETTE-TIMES
U.S.P.S. 240-420
Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly Newspaper
Published weekly and entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at Hepp
ner, Oregon under the \c\ of March 3, 1879. Second class postage paid at Hepp
ner, Oregon. Office at 147 West Willow Street. Telephone (503) 676-9228.
Postmaster send address changes to the Heppner Gazette-Times, P.O. Box 337,
Heppner. Oregon 97836. Subscriptions: $15 in Morrow, Wheeler, Gilliam and
Grant Counties; $23 elsewhere.
Joyce Hughes ........................................................... Office Manager, Typesetting
April Hilton-Sykes............................................................................... News Editor
Mary Van B ibber..................................................................Graphics Department
Monique Devin ............................................................................................ Bindery
Penni keersem ak er........................................................................................ Printer
Jean Ann T u rn er.................................................................................... Distribution
David and April Hilton-Svkes, Publishers
It Takes
Courage
Sometimes the simple little things
call for a disproportionate amount of
courage. Like the other night at a
school board meeting. When the vote
splits three to three and it’s your turn
to vote, it takes a lot of courage either
way.
The issue was whether the district
continue requiring board members to
live in any particular part of the coun
ty or not. The present system is a sort
of hybrid of the two: some board
members must live in a particular
zone, some are elected from the coun
ty at large.
It all started 25 or 30 years ago (certainly long enough ago for most
of us to have forgotten) when the five common school districts were
consolidated into one administrative district. The deal then was for at
least one board member to be elected from each of the former districts,
and there was one member from each district, except Heppner elected
three.
Ten years ago, after the 1980 census showed that the population had
shifted from south county to north county, two of the directors from
Heppner were changed to at-large positions. So today there are direc
tors who live in the former Heppner, Lexington, lone, Boardman and
Irrigon districts and two at-large (one incumbent lives in north coun
ty, the other in south county).
Over the years, state law and U.S. Supreme Court interpretation of
the 14th Amendment changed the law to require zones of nearly equal
population size. Then the 1990 census gave pretty precise information
about where they live. The present five zones simply will not meet
constitutional muster because some of them are much smaller than
others.
So at this month’s board meeting, the question arose as to whether
the seven school directors should be elected from zones of about equal
size or whether they should all be elected from the county at-large.
Before you understand the significance of that question, you should
know that there are about 7,500 people in Morrow County. That would
make a few less than 1,100 per zone.
The 1990 census shows about 4,100 folks live in Irrigon and Board-
man and surrounding areas. It takes relatively simple math to figure
out that four (a majority) of the seven zones, and thus directors, would
live in or around Irrigon or Boardman. That could be particularly signifi
cant in the immediate future with the growth committee recommen
ding 34 new classrooms, a new gymnasium and an auditorium among
other facilities, all for north county schools.
So when the board split three to three on zoned directors versus all
directors at-large, you can see that it must have taken lots of courage
to vote with the zoned director side. Especially when you live in the
area that will become the minority group.
Certainly it is not true that all issues will be decided by a north-south
split, the truth is that most decisions are unanimous. The others split
on some philosophical difference. But once in a great while, once or
twice a year, a decision of the board has provincial overtones. Cer
tainly this one did.
This month’s action was not the final word. Early in January the
board will look at a map showing the boundaries of the proposed seven
districts. They may gerrymander boundaries to soften the impact (one
of which is that it may turn out that three of the present directors would
live in a single zone). Or they may find the map so unsatisfactory that
they change their minds and adopt the at-large proposal. Certainly there
will be a lot of pressure on the one swing voter to do just that.
It took a lot of courage to cast that one swing vote in the first place.
It will take even more to continue on that course.
As I see it, it’s an even money bet.
COAST TO COAST
YOUR
SOURCE
SAVING S
Christmas Decorations
Quality Overstocked
lA to Vi Off
Items
lA Off
Cuts could drastically affect nursing
home care
To the Editor:
One of the areas being im
pacted by Ballot Measure 5 are
nursing homes. Here are the
facts: Governor Roberts budget
submitted to the 1993 legislature
proposed cuts of over $50 million
for nursing home residents, the
majority of who rely on state and
federal Medicaid funding for
care. If adopted, this budget
could drastically impact the quali
ty of care for the thousands of
Oregonians depending on nursing
homes for their care. How? By
cutting off the provider’s ability
to give care. A typical 100-bed
nursing home (with 60 percent of
the residents depending on
Medicaid) could lose $15,000 per
month or $180,000 per year to
run their facility. Pioneer
Memorial Nursing Home in
Heppner (with approximately 50
percent of the residents depending
on Medicaid) could lose almost
$45,000 per year. Such cuts
could force reductions in key staf
fing and other crucial necessities
which would directly impair the
quality of care in the facility.
The Oregon state legislature
has the power to adopt the Gover-
Chamber Chatter
By Claudia Hughes, chamber manager
Happy New Year. Out with the
old and in with the new was cer
tainly the theme for ‘92 on Main
Street, Heppner. Vision 2000 is
becoming a reality. Our many
businesses are to be commended
for the role they are taking in
revitalizing our town, as are the
many volunteers who have put in
long hours at round tables, at the
fairgrounds, and on the baseball
field. Progress is good and
healthy.
Remember to give lots of pats
on the back as the year rolls to
a close. It’s not too late to
nominate a person or business for
the annual Chamber awards to be
presented during Town and
Country Day, “ Rural Folks-
Working Together” , Wednes
day, January 13. Tickets for the
prime rib dinner are available at
the Bank of Eastern Oregon,
Heppner and lone branches,
Morrow County Grain Growers,
the Extension Service and the
Chamber office.
Looking ahead to ‘93, we hope
to see continued progress on
Main Street and hopefully, the
long-awaited trees in place. A
certainty for ‘93 is the Oregon
Trail Sesquicentennial. Not only
will the Wagon Train be spending
some time in Morrow County, so
will Cycle Oregon VI...more
about that later. This will be an
opportunity to show off our com
munities as visitors from all over
the world “ take the trail home” .
Heppner Chamber will install
the ‘93 officers at the Chamber
luncheon Wednesday, January 6
at the Elks. The year-end report
and annual “ Hats O f f ’ award
recipient will be announced for
‘92. Visitors are welcome.
The annual goal-setting session
for the board of directors and
com m ittee chairpersons is
scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Satur
day, January 23. Participants
commit their time to setting
achievable goals for the coming
year that best fulfill the mission
statement of being “ a non-profit
organization dedicated to creating
a positive environment where
people and business thrive.”
Thought for the week: “ The
best angle from which to ap
proach any problem is the
try-angle” .
nor’s proposed budget, or to
create an entirely new budget.
Their decision can be determin
ed by your involvement in the
process.
O regon’s nursing home
residents need your help. The
most effective thing you can do
is share your concerns with your
state senator and state represen
tative. Tell your legislator, either
by letter or a phone call, how this
dramatic measure is going to af
fect your friends and loved ones.
Together we can make a
difference.
Listed below are the addresses
and phone numbers for our state
legislators.
State Senator (28th District),
Wes Cooley, 27430 Willare
Road, Powell Butte, OR 97753,
(503) 382-5021.
State Representative (59th
District), Michael Payne, 1300
Walnut Street, Baker City, OR
97814, (503) 523-4360.
Sincerely,
(s) Kevin R. Erich
Pioneer Memorial Hospital
Administrator
Births
Kristine Elian Griffin-a
daughter Kristine Elian was born
to Brenda and Patrick Griffin of
Irrigon on December 10, 1992 at
Good Shepherd Community
Hospital in Hermiston. The baby
weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz.
Taighler Ann Dougherty-a
daughter Taighler Ann was born
to Dawna and Cliff Dougherty of
Heppner on December 12, 1992
at St. Anthony Hospital in
Pendleton. The baby weighed 6
lbs. 2 oz.
Grandparents are Maureen and
Kenneth Howard, Lexington and
Pat and Jerry Dougherty, and
Oliver and Monique Devin,
Heppner.
G reat grandparents are
Maurice Groves, Heppner and
Marie Steagall, Lexington.
Mathew Hal Warr-a son
Mathew Hal was bom to Annette
and Steven Warr of Irrigon on
December 12, 1992 at Good
Shepherd Community Hospital in
Hermiston. The baby weighed 7
lbs. 10lA oz.
The Trail News
The Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo
committee wishes everyone a
very happy holiday season.
For those looking for
something to do on New Year’s
Eve, the New Year’s Eve Benefit
Rodeo will be held in Walla
Walla, WA.
Heppner cowboys Mike
Mahoney and Steve Currin will
be competing at the Columbia
River Circuit Finals in Yakima,
WA January 8-10. The Wrangler
Pro Rodeo will be held in
Portland that same weekend.
The
committee
wishes
everyone a safe and happy new
year. Look for more rodeo news
in 1993.
s8 4 "
after rebate
Happy New Year!
Goast to Coast
Heppner
WE C A S H U P Y(H
residence in West Glenn Addi
tion. One female was transported
to Good Shepherd Hospital with
an unknown illness;
Morrow County deputy
responded to assist with an animal
problem in Irrigon;
Morrow County deputy
responded to a report of a distur
bance which upon further in
vestigation resulted in the arrest
of Gary Dayle Hecker, 37, Ir
rigon, for Assault II and Criminal
M ischief I. H ecker was
transported and lodged at Benton
County Jail.
December 26. Morrow Coun
ty deputy responded to investigate
a vandalism at a residence on
Paul Smith Road in Boardman;
Morrow County deputy
responded to investigate a traffic
problem on 1-84;
Morrow County deputy
responded to investigate a
juvenile problem in Irrigon.
December 27: Morrow Coun
ty Sheriff s office dispatched the
lone EMT’s and the Heppner am
bulance to a residence in lone;
Morrow County Sheriffs of
fice dispatched the Spray Fire
Dept to a fire alarm sounding at
the Spray High School. Page was
cancelled en route. A worker was
hanging a drywall;
Morrow County deputy began
investigation of hay stolen from
a ranch below Heppner.
December 28: Morrow Coun
ty deputy began an investigation
of two window panes broken out
of the double doors on the east
side of Columbia Junior High. It
was unknown at press time if en
try had occurred;
Morrow County deputy began
an investigation of vandalism
done to the Irrigon Marina
bathrooms. The bathrooms had
been spray painted.
Scratch Pads
various sizes
5 0 ' lb.
Gazette-Times
147 W . Willow
Heppner, Oregon
676-9228
GOOD OLD FASHIONED
CRAB CRACK BANQUET
(Cracked Crab, salads, baked beans
and garlic bread and beef.)
Heppner Elk’s Lodge #358
Happy Holidays!!
New Year Gala
Music and Favors. Courtesy Car Provided.
Come meet your friends and bring in the
New Year!
Heppner Elks 358'
? 676-9181
Where Friends Meet"
142 N. Main*
Court Street Market
Prices Good
111 N. Court Heppner 676-9643
GROCERIES - MEATS - PRODUCE
10 lb.
Bottom Round Roast
•I**»,.
Potatoes
$ l ’ *ea
Large
Top Round Steak
* * « * ib .
Green Peppers
Beef Rib Roast
•a***
Green Cabbage
- $*##
4,bSf0r$ l ° O
Western Family 2 lb. bag
Market Report
Quality Water Heater
The Morrow County Sheriffs
office at the courthouse in Hepp
ner reports dispatching the
following business during the past
week:
December 22: Morrow Coun
ty deputy began investigation of
theft of gasoline from the Port of
Morrow in Boardman;
Morrow County deputy at
tempted to locate a citizen for an
emergency medical message;
Morrow County Sheriffs of
fice dispatched the Arlington Fire
Dept to a vehicle on fire on 1-84.
mile post 147, west bound.
December 23: Morrow Coun
ty Sheriff s office dispatched the
Fossil ambulance to the clinic for
a patient transport to the hospital;
Morrow County deputy began
investigation of a report of
careless driving in the Irrigon
area;
Morrow County deputy began
investigation of a report of the
theft of a greeting card from an
Irrigon resident;
Morrow County deputy cited
and released Robert John Brehm,
22, Irrigon for Menacing, Theft
III and Assault IV;
Morrow County deputy began
investigation of suspicious
vehicles in lone. Vehicles were
driving slowly by a residence,
sometimes parking in the
driveway and sometimes stopping
in the street;
Morrow County Sheriffs of
fice dispatched the Boardman am
bulance to a Boardman residence.
One male with an injury was
transported to Good Shepherd
Community
Hospital
in
Hermiston.
December 24: Morrow Coun
ty Sheriff s office dispatched the
Heppner Fire Dept to a chimney
fire on N. Court St.;
Morrow County deputy began
investigation o f crim inal
mischief. A lock was cut at the
city of Irrigon pump station;
Morrow County deputy
assisted the Boardman Police
Dept on a noise complaint.
December 25: Morrow Coun
ty Sheriff s office dispatched the
Boardman ambulance to a
By Sandi Ford, OTPRC_____
Top Sirloin Steak
Compliments of the Morrow County Gram Growers
BEST DEAL OF THE DECADE
Sheriff’s Report
Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1992
Soft White
*4.20
Dec.
*4.22/*4.24
Jan.
*4.26/*4.27
Feb.
*4.28
March
New Crop
*3.75
July
Aug.
*3.66
Bariev
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
*94
*95/*96
*98/*99
* * * * ib .
89
V .
|j
La Victoria 22 oz.
Frozen hind quarters
Turkey
Tater Tots
55V.
•l**e. |j
Salsa
Western Family io - 1 oz pkgs.
Whole Fryers
78 V.
Hot Cocoa Mix
99* : c
. j
n
Western Family 16 oz.
Oranges
»
18V
1 lb . b ag
Mini Carrots
Snack Crackers
*!■* jj
Western Family 2 lb. Brick
99V
Med. Cheese
1 lb . b ag
Reg. Carrots
19V.
Closed New Year's Dav
« 76 - 996 /
-A .
1
:<