Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 19, 1998)
f s ? JP'-* • "- , ^s~ • ■> ;' » * ù&s » v V j «-, . , ;• • . • «V M A piece of Eden among the canyons Record game animals on display It may be one o f the last places in Oregon you would expect to find fruit trees bearing apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and apneots. Heck, you might not even expect to find trees, period. Just a few miles from the John Day Fossil Beds, among the rim rock canyons o f the John Day River in the Grant County community o f Kimberly, surprised travelers unexpectedly find the 180-acre Thomas Orchards— a business that has been around now for over 50 years. Just another example o f Oregon's tremendous diversity o f agriculture-production taking place at locations one would never imagine. "When outsiders come in, they are surprised," says owner John Thomas. "The orchard has been here for 70 years. So all the local people know about it and think o f it as part o f the community. But when outsiders come, they are amazed to see any orchard in Grant County, as Hunters will have a once-in- a-lifetim e opportunity to see some o f the Northwest's biggest game animals at a display during the M orrow County Fair, August 20-23, across from the Heppner C ity Park. The display w ill feature 20 world record animals. Hunters Justice Court Report • >- ■ ■ * , V . « • • * * *'- • V • / • ' <\ ‘ Tm - , , * .. « *> '. , * T , * **».♦.•.'- ■ i . • ■ . ::V •' '■* • *. - , - v* - • > . I.- \.* > V ^ ! [ * * • * ' • ’• r » fer" -. V -> V ? * I * y : • ; • • /.• .«• • . * A j •: 1 '•.* •* V ; ^ -/ » • ? • % ; ' ■ ■* ** \f v •' . ;r. V • - t ' V •> \V; ;*..•• I lify. . ,f r • * ' . -.?■•••’ • . *• " f.'i'. v f l •. • v > FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, August 19, 1998 St £ ■ ••■■•* r 7 x* ¿v? # > í vV » r . { The Justice Court office at the courthouse annex bu ildin g in Heppner reports handling the fo l lowing business: Shri K ath ryn Estes, 53, Ashland-Illegal U-turn. S72 fine; Sabrina W ellm an, 26, Ione- D m ing While License Suspended infraction. D rivin g Uninsured, S214 fine; Cheryl McBride, 40, Heppner- N o Valid Operator’ s License, $72 fine; Gerald Smith, 57, Heppner-Vio- lation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 76 mph in a 55 mph zone, $127 fine; Michael Lynch, 40, Lexington- Dnving While License Suspended. $502 fine; Joseph P. McElligdtt,‘457 Tone- two'counts Animal Abuse, $302 fine; Phillip Tellechea, 19, Heppner- Minor In Possession, $302 fine; Barbara VanArsdale, 54. Lex- m gton -V iolation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 73 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; Kenneth Smith, 77, Heppner- Disobeying Traffic Control D e vice. $1 12 fine; Kay Proctor, 43, Heppner-Vio lation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 75 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; Randy Anderson, 44, Heppner- Violation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 77 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; John Murray, 34, Heppner-Vio lation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 73 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; Ryan Nevala, 21, lon e-V iola tion o f the Basic Speed Rule, 71 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; Robert Pepperling, 36, A rlin g ton-Driving Left on a Curv e, $142 fine; A n th o n y O rla n d o, 36, Boardman-Disobeymg a Traffic Control D evice (stop sign), $142 fine; Terri Palmateer, 41, Ione-Vio- lation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 74 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine; Janet Beamer, 63, Heppner- Violation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 75 mph in a 55 mph zone, $82 fine; Diana Paullus, 35, Hermiston- Violation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 49 mph in a 35 mph zone. Driving W hile License Suspended infrac tion, $224 fine; Paul Focht, 36, Im gon-Dnvm g W hile License Suspended. D riv ing Uninsured, $794 fine; Dale Seavey, 47, Eugene-Vio- lation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 76 mph in a 55 mph zone, $ 127 fine; T o n y Fox, 20, Heppner-Ex- ceeding Maximum Speed Limit, 80 mph in a 65 mph zone, $142 fine; Josephine Kindsfather, 57, Lex- m gton -V iolation o f the Basic Speed Rule, 72 mph in a 55 mph zone, $72 fine. • may also bring in their horns, heads or antlers to be measured for the record books. Admission is $3 for adults; children up to 15 years old w ill be admitted free. Show hours are as follows: August 20, 3-8 p.m.; August 21- 22. 10 a m.-9 p.m.; August 23, 10 a m.-3 p.m. Copy Paper Ream • Carton Gazette-Times Young people take time to volunteer by Scot Jacobson, C R C Who says kids don’t volunteer? Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home is the welcome recipient o f volunteer visits from young people within our community. For the past four years, during the school year Heppner Elementary teacher Lea Calvert and her second grade class visit the residents and staff each week. Once a week, the class walks up the hill to the nursing home, stops for cold drinks at the water fountain in the lobby, and heads down the hall to say hello and visit for an hour. "They are wonderful" says Tonya Jones, activities director for the nursing home. "W e can count on them each yyegk, to bring smiles to our folks." . Memories o f happy times and having fun as a youngster come back to many o f the residents who look forward to these visits. During the summer, several* young people volunteered their time to visit, play games, read books, or just listen. Sarah Jacobson, Mindy Wenburg and Tim Jacobson have spent many hours with the residents. Sarah, 11, Mindy, nine and Tim, 13 have gotten to know several o f the residents better through their interaction. "It’s kinda like having my grandma around all the time," said Sarah Jacobson. "She lives far away, and since I t can’t see her, I like to come here." Volunteers do many things They help the staff with passing snacks and ice water; they help with the weekly picnics on the outside patio; and they help make beds. For the past year Jayme Hansen, who graduated from Heppner High School this year, has come to the nursing home to play games. "Volunteers are a special part o f the patients and residents lives" says Scot Jacobson, human resource director for the health district, "their interaction with the residents allows them to see someone else besides staff members. Volunteers can be their family members, friends or neighbors. It is always nice to see someone you know." Tonia Adams o f Heppner, has brought her children, Trisha and Brad, to visit for several years. "Y o u can see it in their eyes how exicted the residents get when young people visit", says a staff member. "Some o f the residents seem to ’come to live’ when the young people come around." "The M orrow County Health District salutes these young volunteers for a job w ell done. Volunteers are always a welcome part o f the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Hom e." Anyone interested in helping out may contact Jacobson at 676-9133. Oregon." Tim ber has long been king in Grant County. Agriculture usually takes the form o f cattle ranching and some production o f alfalfa hay. But the climate, combined with the expertise and willingness o f a fam ily like the Thomases, can produce a com m odity not normally found in that geographic area. Thomas Orchards proves you can't necessarily tell a farmer what they can or cannot grow. "The fact that you can successfully grow tree fruit in Grant County says something about the diversity o f the state," says Thomas. There are advantages and disadvantages to the orchard's location. Pests seem to be less o f a problem than in areas o f more widespread and intensive tree fruit production. The soil and climate tend to give the Kim berly fruit more flavor than other orchards, especially those outside o f Oregon. On the downside, markets tend to be far away as are agricultural suppliers. "This happens to be where we live and we just make the best o f it," says Thomas. The orchard is no secret to its legion o f loyal customers. About 20 percent of its production is sold directly at the on-site fruit stand. Kim berly is $139 for 2 August 29 only Resort C A S I N O A tte n tio n Steak Lovers! K E S O M T Visit tire wildhorse Restaurant during J) C A TTLE BARON M O N TH Special Menu Rems AH Month T-Bone 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ? Guess the 9 o o o o o o o o o The King of Steaks, more than a pound of ten der, m outh-w atering pnme beef o 0 Top Sirloin Thick and tender, with garlic and onions for a real western style treat Plus, all our Regularly featured Cuts served with Tasty Vegetable Side Dishes o ^ In te rn e t M ystery Person A ~ win $251 ! 9 1 *) • Get your clues at 9 • 9 nrurur.AepiQnet.net Th e f irst correct entry wins! ^ ???????$ ? Who is the M ystery Person? ? ty New clues added every few days! • * 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 o o o o o o o o o o o o The O fficial Newspaper o f the City o f Heppner and the County o f M orrow Heppner G A Z E T T E -T IM E S New York Steak Los Hermanos Brothers t yon got the w in i m ate of too Hi Thick, juicy and smothered in mushrooms and onions Kg M ont Wildhorse Pow-Wow Grounds Picnic-style seating All seats General Admission Gates open 5:30 pm Concerts at 7:30 pm Thursday Session 6 30 pm Tickets Friday Session 6 30 pm Sunday Session 2 30 pm Don’t fo rp t, $15 Tickets available at W ildhorse Casino and TicketM aster locations, including G.l. Joe's and Meier & Frank, or Charge-By-Phone (503) 224-4400 N O W OPEN! OTHER LOCAL TICKET OUTLETS • Bridles N Britches LaGrande • Triangle L M ilton/Freewater • Roemark s Hermiston • Area PGG Locations TunastsUkt Cultural Institute • Book & Game w alla W alla < Arrowhead Truck Plaza Pendleton • Hot Poop Walla w alla History and vision from a unique perspective The on(y Indian-owned interpretive center along the entire route of the National Histone Oregon Trail Center includes permanent and temporary exhibits, multi-purpose theater, cafe and institute store featunng fine Native American art and crafts Play In A Place Like No Other. a M Í fc* y ^ v '•*'• ¿V . ^ I’ i» -j 1 >• ' ' We make Posters Gazette-Times ■t Bingo j J , Op«n Daffy 9 am to 5 p n Admission $6 for Adults, $4 For Children & Seniors U S P S 240-420 I : Ù '+ X 3 ; v v U / V .* The rodeo/fair band w ill rehearse on Thurs., August 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Heppner High School band room. The band w ill be playing the school song. Ralph W em er, HHS band leader, invites all band members sixth grade through seniors in high school to participate. Includes one nights lodging in King or Double Room, Tw o Concert Tickets, los Hermanos Brothers CD, Dinner for Tw o in the Wildhorse Restaurant and Casino Discount Package worth more than $20 W I L D M O B S E Heppner Gazette-Times o Rodeo/fair band plans rehearsal W ildhorse Hotel ‘Concert Escape Package’ (Our New Cop) Machine Makes Great Copies) o Kimberly's orchard after he died and gradually expanded. "Onn Kimberly gets the credit for starting an orchard, but my father gets credit for seeing a bigger potential and working to turn it into reality," says John Thomas. Thomas Orchards is beginning to transition some o f its fruit into certified organic production. Once again, niche marketing is part o f the plan. But the Thomases are also concerned with keeping the production sustainable under an increasingly environmental microscope. How does this orchard compare with those in the fruit bearing regions o f Jackson County, Hood River County, Milton-Freewater and the Willamette Valley? "The traditional areas have more o f a high tech philosophy perhaps," says Ron Peterson, field supervisor with O D A's Commodity Inspection Division, who inspects Thomas Orchards' controlled atmosphere storage facility. "But this location gives him easy access to a substantial number o f people in Central Oregon." Visitors offer familiar questions nearly every day: How come this orchard is out here? There aren't any other ones out here— how do you make this one work? "W e've managed to survive and make a living here," says Thomas. "I want to see this stay productive for another 100 years, maybe 500." In Oregon, a lot o f different kinds o f agriculture can take place in a lot o f different regions i f the producer has the expertise and desire to succeed. For more information, contact Bruce Pokamey at (503) 986- 4559. Look What’s Happening. COPIES I Of • Double-Sided Copies 17( V w ell o f f the beaten path— north o f U.S. Highway 26 and not really on the way to any popular destination. So drive-up customers are unlikely to stumble upon the orchard by accident. Still, they come to buy some o f the state's most flavorful and juicy fresh fruit. "The word has got out," says Thomas. "There are people in the Willamette Valley that know about us. There are people on the Oregon Coast. There are people in Nevada and Idaho who drive over to see us at times. People from Bend or Portland like to drive to the John Day V a lley— maybe to the fossil beds. They w ill stop by the orchard and pick up some fruit. It makes for a nice day trip." Thomas Orchards also supplies fresh fruit to many o f Central Oregon’s supermarkets. It is clearly marked in the produce section as locally grown. In fact, consumers in Bend, Pnneville, John Day and other Central and Eastern Oregon cities who want local fresh fruit are probably going to end up buying from Thomas. "W e are not that significant in the total economic production o f this area," says Thomas. "But we are a substantial part o f the local area's diet. I f we weren't here, there would not be a lot o f fresh fruits on the local scene." Most o f the fruit is trucked out to packers and brokers, eventually reaching other parts of the U.S. and some international markets. Fruit is also shipped specifically to Montana for local distribution— a niche that works w ell for Thomas Orchards. Thomas is modest about the business's impact on the county economy. Annual payroll is more than $200,000. Operating costs are more than a half m illion dollars each year. That has a ripple effect on local suppliers o f related goods and services. Orin Kim berly was the first to plant fruit-bearing trees in the area earlier this century. By the late 1930s, he sold about a thousand dollars worth o f fruit each year. That was a lot o f money at the time. By then W.B. Thomas, John's father, was growing berry plants near John Day while looking for other agricultural opportunities. He found the Kim berly orchard- small but full o f more potential- and decided to start an orchard o f his own. In the 1960s, the Thomases bought Mr. M orro w C o u n ty's H o m e -O w n ed W e e k ly N ew spaper Published weekly and entered as periodical matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon under the Act o f March 3.1879 Periodical postage paid at Heppner. Oregon O ffice at 147 W W i l l o w Street T eleph on e ( 5 4 1 ) 676-9228 Fax ( 541 ) 676-9211 E-mail: gt a rapidserve net Postmaster send address changes to the Heppner Gazette-Times, P O. Box 337, Heppner. Oregon 97836 Subscriptions $18 in Morrow, Wheeler, Gilliam and Grant counties, $25 elsewhere David Sykes .................................................................................................... Publisher April Hilton-Sykes............................................................................................. Editor l- 8 0 0 -6 5 4 -W IL D .« 4 s»> R I$ @ IR T http: wwwwildhorseresort.com I H i I v i i 21 (>. l o u r M ile « , l a v i o l P e n d l e t o n , O K Management rese»ves Mie n^ht to me* suspend or w rh d n w offers promotions nt any time i ‘ • • i * v. • . V .* v v- .. • 'V . . . » • - . .W v--,. _ . . - . - ;> v ■ ' : .
