Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 4, 1998)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 4 ,1 9 9 8 - FIVE Former city administrator Marks in middle of controversy By LARRY BACON The (Eugene) Register-Guard After hearing an hour of testimony Tuesday night from citizens-many outraged but some supportive-about North Bend City Manager Gary Marks' decision to fire the longtime police chief, the City Council gave Marks a vote of confidence. The council supported Marks, hired only months ago, in a packed council chamber during tense proceedings frequently interrupted by jeers, catcalls and shouts from the crowd for a recall of councilors. Because of fire codes, only 86 spectators could squeeze into the council chamber while least 100 others stood outside and listened to a radio station that broadcast the proceedings. Some people spoke up for Marks, but most of the crowd clearly supported former police Chief Gil Zaccaro, fired after 11 years on the job. The testimony came after six of the seven council members- Councilor Clair Jones was absent-reiterated that Marks had full authority to fire the chief without their direction or consent. Some councilors said they knew Marks was having problems with a department head, but they all denied knowing of the firing in advance. In explaining the firing, Marks has said only that he and Zaccaro had differences in management . style. Tuesday night, Mark^f read a prepared statement that provided little additional information about the matter. "The decision to terminate came about through at least six situations over the past five months," he said. But Marks declined to elaborate, other than to say he was forced to take the action he did. Councilors said personnel laws prevent them from knowing the reasons for the firing. But they said they have no reason not to trust Marks, and they emphasized that to reverse his decision would mean losing the city manager rather than the police chief. Councilor Doug Inman compared the city of North Bend to an airliner with 10,000 people aboard. Marks is the pilot, Inman said. "He's got to have total authority over the crew or something catastrophic is going to happen," Inman said. Councilor Lee Golder, who is running for mayor, told the crowd, however, that Marks' handling of the situation will be the subject of council scrutiny during a job evaluation in the near future. Most of the citizens testifying praised Zaccaro's performance as chief and noted that he had Holy Name Society plans dinner meeting the support of his department. Some questioned whether so much power should be granted to the city manager. Former Councilor Jack Goll said he has proof that two unnamed council members knew about the firing in advance. Goll and others advised Marks not to unpack his suitcase. "Mr. Marks is a liability the city can no longer afford to keep," Charles Graham told the council. Members of the audience were already passing around a sign-up sheet seeking volunteers to help with a recall of councilors. The girl subsequently won a monetary judgement against the city of North Bend, which is being appealed. Family members complained that Zaccaro mishandled the situation and broke a promise that the sergeant would not be allowed to have young female riders while the charges were under review. The sergeant eventually resigned. "I have no respect for Gilbert Zaccaro," said the girl's mother, Lisa Barrington. Zaccaro was not at the meeting. Supporters said he stayed away on the advice of his OSU to honor Dick and Virginia Wilkinson Dick and Virginia Wilkinson of Heppner are among the 28 men and women who were recently honored as 1998 Diamond Pioneers by the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences. The Diamond Pioneer Registry, started when the college observed its 75th anniversary, honors those 75 and older for their contributions to agriculture and natural resources. The Wilkinsons, operating the ranch started by his parents about 1920, were cited both for their ranching operations and their work in preserving the natural environment. The diversified operation is primarily a cow-calf business but also includes haying, wildlife management and logging. They have implemented several conservation strategies over the years that include a major program in 1993 to install a watering system on the Justice place on Hinton Creek. A well supplies water to 17 strategically located water troughs that disperse grazing and protect the riparian zone. They have also cross-fenced the ranch to better control grazing levels, and the carrying capacity of the rangeland has increased by a third because short duration grazing allows range to recover * By Til Tullis, Daniel Nolan and Cayle Krebs The lone volleyball team took second at the Dufur Tournament with a 3-1 record at the 12 team event on Saturday, Oct. 10 lone also gave Condon its first loss of the season, 15-13 and 15- 7. In pool play, lone won against Cascade Locks, 15-1, 15-6, Prairie City, 15-6. 15-5, and split with Klickitat, WA, 15-9 14-16. lone was manhandled by Stevenson, 16-14 and 15-0, in the championship match. Coach Charity McEUigott commented, "Going into the tournament, the girls were very motivated, and they played up to that motivation all day. We had a good time." Chanssa Gates contributed 24 points and 29 set assists Infant set to be auctioned "Heirloom quality" describes the hand-crocheted infant set that the St. Patrick's Day Auction committee will be raffling off on Dec. 3. This blue-ribbon winner at the Morrow County Fair was donated to Heppner's fund raiser by Helen Floumoy of lrrigon. The dress, booties, bonnet and shawl blanket are crocheted in soft, white and shimmering yam and are one of two blue ribbon sets that Floumoy entered into the fair and then donated. Floumoy said that she wanted to "help with a charity." Revenues from the auction committee are used to perpetuate the weekend celebration and to support local projects. Last year, donations were made to the St. Patrick's Senior Center, the Heppner Water Park and the South Morrow Scholarship fund. The auction committee has chosen the holiday season for a raffle of the one set because the committee members are im pressed . with the workmanship. "This ensemble will make a fantastic gift and will become a prized family possession to be handed down from generation to generation. This seems like the perfect time of year to offer it." said a committee spokesperson. Everyone is invited to view the baby set in the window of the Heppner TV office. It will then be on display in lone this week at the lone Market. Tickets cost $1 each, or six for $5. The drawing will be held at the "Parade of Lights" in Heppner on December 3. (The winner need not be present to win.) Committee members selling tickets are John and Ann Murray, Tom and Jerri Sly, Diana Ball, Pam Wunderlich, Delanne Ferguson, Ann Spicer, Charlene Gentry, Cara Osrnm and Ruby Shear. Tickets are also available at Twice upon a time... by Heppner City Hall, and lone Market. Oths elected pres of NOBC Oregon at Eugene; in 1979 he received an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton at Dayton, Ohio; and in 1975 he graduated from Wellston High School, Wellston, Ohio. Oths is a member of the Idaho State Bar (1986) and the Oregon State Bar (1982). Prior to serving as Idaho's bar counsel, Oths practiced law. He served as Morrow County Counsel/Deputy District Attorney in Heppner, from 1983-1986. Michaal J. Oths Michael J. Oths of Boise, Idaho, was elected president of the National Organization of Bar Counsel (NOBC) at its 1998 annual meeting which was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 29-August 1. Oths is bar counsel for the Idaho State Bar. having served in that role since 1986. In 1982 he received a law degree from the University of The National Association of Bar Counsel (NOBC) is the professional association for lawyers who investigate and p ro secu te d iscip lin ary complaints against lawyers and who also provide ethics advice to lawyers. Founded in 1965, NOBC is an international association, including members from the U.S., Canada and Australia. Prior to his election as president, Oths served in many elected and appointed roles with NOBC, including director-at- large, treasurer and president elect. attorney. Gerald James Brian Allen, president of the pro-Zaccaro North Bend Police ’’Jerry” Coxen Officers Association, said the Gerald James "Jerry"’ Coxen. charges by the young woman's 73, died at Good Shepherd family against Zaccaro are Hospital in Hermiston on simply a rehash of allegations October 27, 1998. already aired. He said Zaccaro's A graveside service was handling of the situation was held on Saturday, October 31, proper and had the full support 1998 at the Hermiston Cemetery of the former city manager and in Hermiston. the city attorney. Mr. Coxen was bom on Allen said his organization February 18, 1925, in Heppner would meet Thursday with to Albert "Roy" and Ruby Ayers North Bend volunteer Coxen. He was raised and firefighters and others to discuss attended schools in Hermiston. the possible recall of council After school he joined the members who are not up for re- United States Navy, serving on election. an aircraft carrier dunng WWII He returned to Hermiston and worked on the McNary Dam and then owned Jerry's Auto Parts. He built a home in 1953 where the family lived for many years. He worked as a security guard at the Umatilla Army Depot until The Oregon East Symphony his retirement in 1970 due to his (OES) and Chorale will present health. a concert in the Heppner He married Bonnie J. Morgan Elementary School Auditorium on December 2, 1992 in on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 Hermiston.. p.m. and in Pendleton's Vert He was a member of the Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 15, Hermiston Elks Lodge and a at 3:15 p.m. former member of the Eagles The program for the concert Lodge. He enjoyed camping, will include "Magnificat" by hunting, fishing, writing poetry Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and his children. "Magnificat" by Antonio Mr. Coxen is survived by his Vivaldi, and the "Fall" and wife, Bonnie Coxen, Hermiston: "Winter" movements from "The son, James Coxen, La Grande; Four Seasons" by Vivaldi. daughters, Sandra Nolte, Walla Vocal soloists in the Walla, WA, and Sue Orem, "Magnificats" have been Vancouver, WA.; step selected from the OES Chorale, daughters Sheila Damm and and Alice Massey is the violin Shelly Fnsbee, both of Big soloist in "The Four Seasons." Piney Wyoming; brother, Ellis Massey is the concertmaster for Coxen, Richland, WA; six OES and has performed with grandchildren, three step orchestras from throughout the grandchildren, three great region as both concertmaster and grandchildren and one step- section violinist. A graduate of great- grandson. Walla Walla College, she is He was preceded in death by currently employed as executive director for Bethphage, a non his parents and brother Floyd profit agency serving adults with Coxen. developmental disabilities. Those who wish may make Oregon East Symphony and contributions to the Elks Sight Chorale are regional ensembles Foundation c/o Bums Mortuary with representatives from of Hermiston at P.O. Box 289 throughout Eastern Oregon and Hermiston, Oregon 97838. Washington. Bums Mortuary of Hermiston The Heppner performance of was in care of arrangements. this concert is sponsored by the following businesses and individuals: Bank of Eastern r Oregon, Morrow County Grain rf w\ r - O Growers, Delanne Ferguson, Van Marter & Kahl insurance, Twice. . . . Upon a Time Bookstore, Mayor and Mrs. Robert Jepsen, Gerald Breazeale, Murray Drug and the Columbia Basin Electric South Morrow County Cooperative. Support for this Scholarship Trust announces performance also comes from recipients of the 1998-1999 $500 Outreach Project funds which scholarships for the Lexington have been donated by the Meyer voter precinct and the Elizabeth Memorial trust, The Collins Slottee Scholarship. Foundation and the Rose E. The Elizabeth Slottee Tucker Charitable Trust. Memorial Scholarship is Admission to the Heppner awarded annually to a junior, performance is free. senior or graduate student at an The Nov. 15 concert in accredited four year college or Pendleton has been sponsored by university. It is given in order of an anonymous donor in memory priority to: first-a student o f Elizabeth Moulton. majoring or minoring in music; Admission for the Pendleton second-a student who has been performance is $10 for adults, $8 accepted into a school of for seniors and $5 for students. cdu?~*;— Criteria used in Tickets are available at the awarding these scholarships Pendleton Chamber of include leadership, citizenship, Commerce, Armchair Books, the financial need, suitability of Great Pacific, or at the OES course of study, scholarship, and office, 276-0320. probability of success in the student's chosen Field. Winner of the Elizabeth Slottee Scholarship is Melissa McEUigott, a graduate of lone High School. Melissa is the daughter of Joseph and Jeri An integrated pest McEUigott of lone. Melissa is management workshop has currently in the college of been planned for Friday, Dec. 4, education at the University of Nevada. She is majoring in at the Hermiston Community elementary education and plans Center from 8 a.m. to noon. The agenda includes: IPM to graduate in December 2000. Melissa is on the Reno track concepts, David Spink, Oregon State University, 8 a.m.; IPM in team and is active on the Reno- potatoes, Gary Reed, OSU, 8:30 Gazette Journal Jog. Winner of the Lexington Voter a.m.; IPM in pease, Dale Precinct Scholarship award is Wilkins and Tom Darnell, Toni Kemp, a graduate of USDA and OSU, 9 a.m.; IPM in Heppner High School. Toni is carrots, Erik Sorensen, the daughter of Gary and Marcia Washington State University, Kemp of Lexington. She is a 10:15; IPM in grass seed crops. sophomore at the University of Bill Pfender. OSU, 10:45 a.m.; Idaho, majoring in agribusiness. control disease and insects with She is secretary of the mineral oil. Jack Simons, JSFF. Agribusiness Group, a member of CFFA, American Ag. Econ. 11:15 a.m. Four pesticide recertification Association and a team member credits and four certified crop in intramural sports. The board of directors of the advisor credits are available. scholarship trust includes: Bill There is no charge for the Rietmann, president, George workshop and no pre- KofTler, vice-president, Bob registration is required. Kahl, treasurer, Sharon Harrison, Call the OSU Extension secretary, Del LaRue and Missy Office for more information. Cutsforth. Symphony to present concert 9 quickly and prevents overuse. Working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Wilkinsons installed a fish screen to keep fish out of an irrigation canal. Also in cooperation with the state agency, they allow controlled hunting on their ranch while restricting vehicle traffic to prevent the spread of weeds, reduce fire hazard and prevent gates from being left open. The couple's work earned them the Fish and Wildlife Department's "Landowner of the Year" award in 1994. In 1997, they won the Conservation Farm of the Year award. lone takes second at Dufur Tournament Men of the Holy Name Society of both St. William's and St. Patrick's churches will meet in the parish hall for a dinner meeting and an evening of prayer on Thursday, Nov. 12. The devotions will be conducted by Fr. Joe Reinig of Pendleton. Fr. Reinig was ordained to the priesthood in May of this year, one day after his 66th birthday. A machinist and industrial engineer, he married in 1953. He is the father of nine children. In 1993 his wife, Helen, died, and the following year he decided to study for the priesthood. His topic will be spirituality in daily life. Co-chairmen for the evening will be Ken Turner and Joe McEUigott. COPIES lOf EACH HEPPNER GAZETTE TIMES Sprinkled throughout the crowd were signs supporting both Zaccaro and Marks, along with some promoting a former North Bend police officer, Dave Knapp, as a write-in candidate for mayor against the unopposed Golder. The most emotional testimony against Zaccaro came from 19- year-old Teresa Bamngton-Mast and members of her family. They were critical of the way Zaccaro handled complaints that a North Bend police sergeant molested her when she was a 15- year old Explorer Scout doing volunteer work with the department. Obituary throughout the games. Katie Tworek served 46 points, had 51 diving digs, seven spikes and three kills throughout the tournament. while Nikki McEUigott contributed 41 spikes, 32 stuff blocks, and 13 kills. Niki Sullivan had 31 spikes, 16 blocks, and eight kills, while Camie Burright added a team high 18 kills, 12 blocks and 46 spikes. SWCD to hold annual meeting The Morrow SWCD/Weed Advisory Board will hold its fiscal year 97-98 annual meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at St. Patrick's Parish Hall in Heppner. A potluck will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meat dish will be provided; those attending are asked to bring a salad or dessert. The meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. The evening's agenda includes introductions of board and staff, financial report. Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Programs and an update on the Weed District's Weed Control Policy. JDR Farms will be honored as the 1998 Cooperator of the Year. Dick and Virginia Wilkinson will also receive the 1998 Cooperator of the Year from the John Day-Umatilia Basin presented by the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts. The focus of the evening will be on weeds, the importance of control and responsibilities. A representative from the Bureau of Land Management will present an informative view' of the speed at which weeds will take over an area. Dan Sharratt, supervisor agronomist. Weed Control with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, will also have a presentation on weed infestations and efforts of control. The public is invited to attend. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP at 676-5452. The regular monthly board meeting will also be held November 17, beginning at 5 p.m. The agenda will include an update on the current CRP sign up, weed district report and SWCD manager report. W eb P ages H eppner G azette 676-9228 Sch olarsh ip. trust winners announced Pest management workshop planned N e w s d e a d lin e 5 p .m . M o n d a y The board is available to speak to individuals or groups about the program and how to invest money at tax saving in the future. :
