Heppner Gazette-Times Heppner, Oregon Wednesday Ione officials attend Oregon Cities conference lone Mayor Betty Gray and Cindi Doherty, lone City Clerk; Recorder attended the l eague of Oregon Cities' 75th Anniversary Conference in Portland Nov. 10-12. Approximately 1.000 Oregon city officials attended work sessions and training seminars designed to help officials run their municipalities more effectively and to share common concerns and problem-solving ideas. Over 40 sessions were offered, covering such topics as innovative financing for city services; technology and information systems; ethics and conflicts of interest: telecommunications; supporting our youth: transportation funding and policy; cutting employee health insurance costs; and many more. City officials attending the conference discussed significant statew ide issues and determined the league's policies on legislation for the legislative session which begins in January. Special guest speakers included: • Dr. Guion "Guy" Blutord. NASA mission specialist and payload commander astronaut on tour space shuttle missions and the first African American to fly in space tin 1983. aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger). Dr. Bluford shared his experiences in space, presenting a glance into the incredible world of space travel and demonstrating how technology has and will affect the future of our communities. • Caryn Tilton, management consultant, facilitated a councilor training workshop, providing insight on the topics of recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees, managing performance and taking corrective action. • Michael Rogers, editor and general manager of Newsweek.com and a contributing editor for Newsweek, shared his expertise in a session entitled "Technology and the Future of Cities." • Several panelists were on hand for a forum entitled "Ballot Measure Mama", a topic in the forefront of the minds of city officials. An exchange between panelists and audience members took place on the topic of Oregon's initiative process and the ballot measures which passed the election ana their possible effects on cities in Oregon During this year's conference, high school juniors and seniors gathered from across the state as the league formed its first-ever Youth Advisory Council. This new council will meet several times each year to help guide the league's endeavors as it "strives to meet the unique needs of today's youth and to mold our youth into strong future leaders." This year's conference again included the presentation of several awards. Safety Awards were presented to cities with the lowest injury frequency rates in 1999-2000 The James C.- Richards Award and Herman Kehrli Award were presented to deserving city individuals who demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions to the league and to cities in Oregon. Awards for excellence were given to cities which have developed innovative programs to reduce costs, improve the quality of life and increase the quality of municipal services. The Civic Journalism Award was presented to a "deserving journalist for efforts in engaging citizens and encouraging the development of good public policy in Oregon " For the third year, the league and Oregon Public Broadcasting a middle school poster contest and high school essay contest. Students from around the state were awarded for their insight and creativity on the 75th Anniversary theme. "Reflections; My City Then and Now" Winners received $500 savings bonds. Miranda Hunt of lone received the award lor this year's poster contest for middle school students. She ts a sixth grade student at lone Middle School. Fellowship dinner planned The 12th annual Hermiston- area Community Fellowship Christmas Dinner is seeking volunteers to help cook, serve, deliver and clean up. Individuals, churches, schools, clubs and organizations are invited to v oiunteer. For more information or to sign up, call 541-567-8600. ALIG N M EN TS lone Elementary enjoys program bv Native American Hasa Brown Hasa Brown recently spoke to the lone Elementary School about ins native culture. He is a descen­ dent of the Onondaga tribe w nich is one of the six tribes in the Inquots nation. He told legend stories, drummed and sang songs for stu­ dents in grades K-3. Students re­ sponded w ith great enthusiasm to his presentation, said teacher Bettv Rietmann. b ja ; .rn Heppner Gazette Times PASSENDER Every car should at least have a thrust alignm ent. It relates all 4 wheels to a common center line to insure maximum tire life and a centered steering w heel. S TA N D A R D A L IG N M E N T WE PRINT LETTERHEAD ENVELOPES SHOCKS & STRUTS fo r B etter Handling and Tire M ileage Over 9 0 % of all cars built today should have a 4 wheel alignm ent. M ost front wheel drives and some rear wheel drives have rear wheel adjustm ents. ,W