Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 10, 1999)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 10, 1999 - THREE County Court The Morrow County Court, at its Nov. 3 meeting, approved reappointment of John Wenholz, Mike Armato, and Charles Butch Smith to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. They also approved lowering funds for the OSU Extension budget to reflect OSU's picking up the cost of a cereals agent position. Public Works Director, Guy Van Arsdale, submitted, and the court approved, a purchasing request for a backhoe sander attachment. Van Arsdale said the shop is working on cattle guards; blading continues; rocking at Rhea Creek has stopped because snow made the road soft; the crusher is in for repairs; large trees blown over at Cutsforth Park have been cut up; a lower price for asphalt might allow hot mix on some north end roads; a fax on federal forest receipts was sent; the assistant road master will attend the OACES meeting next week. The court and Van Arsdale discussed setting a date for moving the Clarks Canyon gravel, the fill dirt at Wilkinson Arena, and the concern about speeding near Cutsforth Park. Morrow County Health District Administrator Victor Vander Does shared the district's long term goals. He explained that the district has hired a doctor who plans to begin in the spring in Irrigon and Heppner. Patient numbers in Irrigon should increase significantly when another doctor is added. Another doctor is expected after the first of the year. Vander Does also reported that "critical access" designation for the hospital is being investigated. Such designation would mean additional payments for providing that service. He reaffirmed that he believes the rural hospital can and will be successful. Application has been made to the USD A for the improvement funds. Tax revenues will be used to pay the present bank loan, creating a cash flow crunch, but, Vander Does explained, the "really ugly stuff' has already occurred. In response to a question, the administrator answered that he is always looking for ways the county and the district can collaborate to save money. Marc Rgelstad, of the Boardman Rural Fire Protection District, appeared for the public hearing on annexation of territory into that district. Discussion ensued of small bits of property not included in annexation and of concern over having such exclusions. The court agreed to send a letter to landowners to see if they forgot to send in the request for inclusion, with a clear "yes" or "no" response to the question of being included. The recessed public hearing will reconvene on November 24 at 11:30 a.m. The CRP status of property by the airport was briefly discussed. The court addressed a concern over lack of restroom facilities at the fairgrounds for a disabled person whose care giver is of the opposite sex. They agreed to provide a handicapped-accessible portable bathroom. Judge Tallman reported a call from Senator Gordon Smith, who said he insisted to James Lee Mustang volleyball players named to all star team team-Lindsey Gibbs, Stanfield; Five Heppner Mustang Renee Robertson, Weston- Volleyball players have been McEwen, Turquoise Towne, selected for the Columbia Basin Drake; Jessica Caldwell, Conference All Star team at the Wahtonka; Honorable district tournament held Mention-Meliss, a Easy, Saturday, Nov. 6, at Weston- Wahtonka, Ropp, Heppner; McEwen. Leora Shoemaker, W-M; Megan Casey Ingraham and Kim Macy, Culver, Adams. Pointer were chosen for the first team. Amy Drake was named to the second team and Ashley Ropp and Trisha Adams, f -**■ honorable mention. Complete picks are as follows; First team; Amy Richelderfer, Sherman Co., Ingraham, Talia Sanderson, Sherman Co., Denise Baumann, Westen McEwen, Denise Baumann, W-M; Pointer, Second Casey Ingraham Amy Drake Sherman County sR Kim Pointer Trisha Adams Ashley Ropp Witt, Director of FEMA, that payments due to the counties be made to them and Witt said such payments could be expected soon. The court approved the museum's laser maintenance agreement. The court agreed to draft a policy prohibiting employees from using cell phones while driving on county business. District Attorney David Allen, updated the court on the status of the federal domestic violence grant, for which Finance Director, Lisanne Curnn, has prepared a supplemental budget hearing on November 24. Allen and the court also discussed the procedure for hiring an assistant district attorney. Currin presented and the court approved transference of enough funds from Behavioral Health Department budget to capitol outlay for the down payment on the Docken Building. County Counsel Bill Hanlon, reported that the Bureau of Labor and Industries has requested information on any additional contractors who worked, are working, or may work in the future on the Wilkinson Arena. He also reported that at this evening's meeting, the Livestock Growers Board will discuss the county's livestock district questions and issues. County Clerk, Barbara Bloodsworth, presented and the court approved the establishment of a County Clerk Records Fund, in keeping with legislation, permitting the clerk's office to deposit five percent of any fee collected for another entity into a trust fund. Tom McElligott of Morrow County Abstract and Title, and John Moffit, of the Inland Empire Bank, presented closing papers on the purchase of the Docken Building and explained the closing procedures. The court approved signing the documents. Two citizens presented to the court their concerns over the court's not hiring an economic development coordinator. They stressed the importance of implementing the diversification study and cited strategic planning and regional strategies grants and a Forest Service grant as benefits from a previous coordinator position. The court noted that the county had earlier offered the job to someone who did not accept, that the position had been contingent upon continued outside funding and that the county’s economic condition does not allow indeoendent funding of the position. Rural Investment and Regional Investment funding was discussed, and the two citizens asked about the county's possible partnership with Baker County, through which the partnership could receive monies from those funds. They were told that the governor seems to be changing his view from earlier objections to the partnership. Sf#*' tfe m > / j / m * & / / / ' L //- Morrow County Fair Board Chair, Sam Bellamy, advised the court of having gone out for bid again on the doors for the Wilkinson Arena and having received one offer, for which ( urrin said there is funding in the bam reserve. Bellamy also reported that this year's rodeo gate was slightly up and the fair gate was about average, for a fairly normal year. He explained that, rather than building a new shower building, they can add shower stalls to the bathrooms in the dormitory building. Bellamy, whose term expires at the end of the year, announced that a fee schedule for the use of the arena now exists and that eventually a fair manager position for promoting and scheduling events might be needed. Heppner High School news By Trisha Adams With the closing of the first nine weeks, everything seems to be going well at Heppner High School. The volleyball team is moving on to the state tournament beginning Thursday, November 11, at Lane Community College, and the football team will begin state playoffs with a home game on November 13. The majority of the student body seems to be in favor of the road closure and changes near the high school. The changes seem to be working well with the opening of the upper road after 4 p.m. each day. The two- way road below the school seems to be a positive change also, with better access to student and staff parking. Recently, the student council was approached about the changing of the Heppner High School Song. The school song was changed about two years ago by a vote of the student body. This change was made to make the song more politically correct and versatile for multiple sports. Some community members believe they should have been notified and allowed an opinion in the matter and asked the council to revisit the issue. After discussing the issue, the'' student council decided to holjTJ another Vote by the student body, to either keep the new song as it is or change back to the old version with some slight revisions for versatility. The songs are now being publicized to the student body and will be voted on soon. Any community members with strong opinions on the matter are asked to voice it to a student body member or call: Casey Ingraham, student body president, or Manssa McCabe, student body secretary, at the high school at 676-9138. New HHS school song: On for Heppner, On for Heppner; Fight on Blue and Gold; We’ve got Spirit, Lots of Heart; and Victory is Our Goal, Rah! Rah! Rah!; On for Heppner, On for Heppner; Fight on for her Fame; Fight Mustangs, Fight, Fight Fight; We'll Win This Gaaame... . • w . lone Cardinal Booster Club meets Cardinal Booster Club President Debbie Radie, at the club's meeting Nov.l, announced that the new district basketball boards are finished and ready to be put up. It was suggested the flag be moved to allow room for the boards. Getting a new trophy case was discussed. The only space available is under the track records board. Athletic Director Dean Robinson will look into the matter. The state volleyball tournament will be in Eugene November 12 and 13, The club voted to provide an additional $200 to the team to pay for meal expenses. Members also agreed to provide food packs for the girls for the district and state tournaments, to include power drinks and healthy snacks. The club will sponsor a gym clean up day Saturday, November 20. Some touch up painting will be done and the trophy cases will be cleaned and reorganized. Members hope to begin the task of identifying individuals on the championship teams. The work day will begin at 9 a.m. and help from the community is encouraged, said a spokesperson. Two basketball tournaments will be held in lone in December. The lone Basketball Bonanza will be December 10- 11 and the South Morrow County Tournament will be December 17-18. Teams participating in the Morrow County Tournament are Heppner, Klickitat, Huntington and lone. The next meeting of the Cardinal Booster Club will be Monday, December 6, at 7 p.m. at the lone High School library Chamber Chatter By Claudi« Hugh««. Chamber Manager Seems like yesterday when I took a moment to absorb the sun rising on the hills down the creek, touching first the top of one hill, then another, as it crept down to reach the pasture, making shadows through the green leaves. I looked again today to see a brand new scene. Fog was blanketing the pasture, covering the scenery like a quilt while the hills and leafless trees peeked out above. Time, it moves so swiftly. And so times moves along for Heppner. 1900 to 2000. The Town & Country committee is looking for photos to use during the January 13 banquet, from the turn of the century to today. A variety is needed such as early Heppner in the 1900's, agriculture through the years, rodeo, winning sports teams, changes on Main Street, celebrations, the flood, fire, humor. Pictures will be returned. Anyone having some to share is asked to bring them by the Chamber office with identification and owner's name on the back of each. Volunteers are welcome to help with this project. The committee is open for ideas and looks forward to giving one and all a memorable evening. Get ready to "romp with the reindeer" during Heppner’s third light parade on Thursday, December 2. Gather up those lights and string them around something that runs or walks. You might just win $$$ for your creativity. Merchants will have open houses; there will be a live Nativity, and it will be a day to join with friends and neighbors in the local Christmas festivities. Congratulations to Heppner's football and volleyball teams. That's the spirit. Thought for the week; "A pat on the back helps the chin go up and the shoulders go back." I t ’s Time To ■'*' rioiio*jT!03 lo o rr • tJ -t<'ir ib iiu i ni m urr; -WIMTIRtli Your Home Si Auto COAST TO COAST Heppner WE CAN HELP YOU 676-9961 continuad page 8 m - Bank of Eastern Oregon ■m i l l . 1 Burned By a Broken Oven? Let Farmers Take the Heat! When your furnace won't function or your plumbing pipes burst Farmers Homeowners Plus keeps your home running smoothly It provides coverage for the repair or replacement of things like your refrigerator,oven,electrical systems, built-in dishwasher, plumbing and more One toll-free call connects you to customer service from Sears National Network repair specialists 2-i hours a day,7 days a week. No matter how okl your appliance or home system is,you're covered.Call today to find out more about covering the comforts of your home BOB PLOYHAR 676-5818 FARMERS Gets you back where you belong. w w w t irm c rsin su r.iiK « ii i n i Leading The m m ________ Odd Fellows Grand Master of Oregon Edward Tlllis and his wife Dolores were in the Heppner area Friday visiting the local Odd Fellow and Rebekah lodges. Dolores is the ambassador of good will for the Rebekahs POOL CALCUTTA BENEFIT for FA IT H H EALY THE D A T E HAS B E E N C H A N G E D TO: Sunday, November 14th a t B u c k n u m ’s T a v e r n s t a r t i n g a t 1 p . m . 16-2 person teams total Single Elimination, $ 5 .0 0 per stick Pays first, secon d, & tliira pi ace Players Auction Will Be Held: Saturday, November 13th a t B u c k n u m ’s T a v e r n s t a r t i n g a t 7 p .m . C o m o b u y y o u r fav o rite te a m ! ( N e « l n o t b f p r e s e n t S u n d a y to w in ) Call to sign u p at B u ck n u m s Tavern, 6 7 6 -5 2 7 4 o r Toni C arter, 9 8 9 -8 3 4 9 ( D o n a t io n s if la d ly a c c o p ta d -ja r a t th o l>ar!) W To invites you to attend a Y2K Community Conversation IONE: Monday, Nov. 15, 7-9 p.m. lone City Hall, lone HEPPNER: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7-9 p.m. BEO Operations Center, Heppner Featuring: Featuring: City of lone Morrow County Bank of Eastern Oregon Columbia Basin Electric Co-Op City of Heppner Morrow County Bank of Eastern Oregon Columbia Basin Electric Co-Op It is important for residents of our community to learn how local service providers have been working to solve the Year 2000 (“Y2K”) computer problem. By participating in our Y2K Community Conversation, you will hear about local Y2K readiness efforts and get tips from service providers about what to expect as we move into the Year 2000. This is also an opportunity to raise any concerns you might have about the Y2K problem and have your questions answered by area experts. For more information, contact Linda LaRue at Bank of Eastern Oregon, 676-9125 m ^ fwc V
