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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 2000)
TWO - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 13, 2000 The Official Newspaper , of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow Letters to the Editor E d ito r's note. Le tte rs to the E d ito r m u st be signed. Th e Gazette-Tim es w ill no t p u b lish Heppner unsigned le tte rs Please includ e y o u r address and phone num ber on a ll le tte rs fo r use by GAZETTE-TIMES o f statements made in letters. (Any le tters expressing thanks w ill be placed in the cla ssified s th e C -T office The C -T reserves the right to ed it The G -T is not re sp o nsib le lo r accuracy under "C ard o f Th a n k s'a t a cost o f t5 .) U S P S 240-420 Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly Newspaper Published weekly and entered as periodical matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon under the Act of March 3 , 1879 Periodical postage paid at Heppner, Oregon Office at 147 W Willow Street Telephone (541)676-9228 Fax ($41)676-9211 E-mail gt@heppner net or gttolrapidserve net. Web site www hcppner.net Postmaster send address changes to the Heppner Gazette-Times, P.O Box 337, Heppner, Oregon 97836. Subscnptions: $22 in Morrow County, $16 senior rate (in Morrow County only, 62 years or older), $29 else where David Sykes ...................................................................................................... Publisher April Hilton-Sykes...................................................................................................... Editor On the HEPPNER WEBSITE: www.heppner.net • Start or C hange a Subscription • Place a C lassified A d • Subm it a N e w s Story • V iew Real Estate for Sale • City Council & Planning Minutes . • Local Businesses • County Park • Willow Creek Park Reservations • Free Digital Postcards • Senior Housing • and more! Take a closer look at Harry Potter To the Editor: After reading the letter to the editor by Janie Allen, I was compelled to write this. I’m not ashamed to say that I do believe there is an evil side to the Harry Potter books which ought to be considered. Today, witchcraft and the occult are growing and many young people are being sucked into it. To some people, witchcraft has become acceptable and has even become considered a "religion." I'm sorry, but I believe this is a huge concern that should not be taken lightly. Things such as the Potter books are, as far as I'm concerned, a stumbling block to many, especially vulnerable young people. Through intriguing them with the possibility of possessing "magical powers," many are drawn into the dangerous world of the occult. Some say there is no harm, "magical powers" aren't real but are purely fantasy. That the power is only real if you believe in it, etc. But I believe that it is real and that it can be very dangerous. From the Bible, Ephesians 6 speaks of the reality of a spiritual battle that is being waged. The real question here, however, is riot "Is the power real?"; I believe the real question to ask here is "Is it right?" Right? That depends on what you believe. Right according to who? Well, right according to the Holy Bible, which is God's word. In Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 witchcraft is considered detestable to God. At least three places in the book of Revelation, the Bible speaks of God's judgement upon those who practice witchcraft and magic. So, though to some it may seem to be all fun and harmless now, the concern is much greater if you care to look at things eternal. In the fight of eternal values, what is being encouraged through the Harry Potter books is not so harmless. I am not saying that I think that if you read Harry Potter books you will go to hell. What I am saying is, do we really want to encourage our young people to fantasize about the occult practices encouraged in these books? To take so lightly the occult and witchcraft when really what we are doing is opening them up, directing them unto a path that could, in the end lead them into an eternity in hell? There is right and wrong, there is eternity to consider. There is absolute truth-the word of God. I feel really sad that the mere mention of God, prayer, or Biblical standards are so restricted, so unacceptable in school. Yet we can allow Harry Potter's "hogwash" to run rampant inside our schools. That without blinking an eye, these young people, some who may have never heard anything about God or the Bible, can be subject to the poisoning of their minds by the occult, yet not have a chance to hear the truth of God's word. We need to be directing our young people toward the knowledge of the power and hope that is found only in Christ Jesus our Lord by His saving grace. Toward the light of Christ, not the paths that lead to darkness. For those who do know that power of a victory in Christ, there is no fear of the occult. In Colossians 2, you can read that Jesus Christ disarmed the powers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. As Christians we live In victory over darkness through the power given us through Christ's death and resurrection. However, the concern is for those who are unaware of this ultimate truth of victory and power. Have I read the Harry Potter books? No, I really don't reed to. It's no secret that Potter portrays a wizard attending witchcraft school. That makes it pretty apparent that the books are saying okay to witchcraft, sorcery and magical powers. That's enough for me to know that these are not the books that I desire to read or should be promoted as harmless and even beneficial to young people. I find J.K. Rowling's deliberate influence upon young kids and the whole Harry Potter craze to be very sad and unfortunate. Not to mention the acceptance and promotion by many adults. I believe Christians need to take a stand about this kind of thing and that's why I felt I needed to write this letter. (s) Teri Lynch Heppner Local student accepted into WSU The Washington State University Honors College in Pullman, WA., has invited Katie Sherritt of Heppner to join. Sherritt graduated Heppner High School in June, 2000. Fur industry still trying to come up with humane trap To the Editor: The letter "Chamber opposes Measure 97" (Oct. 25) refers to the "most humane traps currently used in Oregon." I assume that would be the leg-hold trap? The fur industry has been trying to come up with a "humane trap" since the early '70s... and still trying. The leg-hold trap was introduced into North America in the heyday of the fur trade, originally called the gin-trap, used on M'Lords' estates to nab poachers. The leg-hold trap has proved to be very efficient from the fur industry's standpoint; it catches an animal where the least damage is done to the pelt. Live animals are able to fend off any passing predator who figures they have come upon a "free lunch." None of the little forest creatures are able to "take samples" to line their nests from a trapped animal awaiting arrival of a trapper to put it out of its misery. (s) Lee Davis Maple Ridge, B.C., Canada Compliments Morrow School Board To The Editor: I am writing this letter to compliment the Morrow County School Board on the actions taken during their work session and Board Meeting on Dec. 11. They were able to reach across their own differences of opinion and the differing opinions and priorities of the individual communities in our district to reach a unified consensus regarding the best way to meet the future needs of all of our students. Their unanimous decision on the scope of the facilities construction and improvement projects that will be covered by the bond levy to he presented to the voters in May was both long-sighted and far- reaching. They were able to sort through the complicated issues of trying to meet the needs of all of our communities and schools and reach a decision that should serve as an example to all of us when it comes time to vote an this bond levy. I think that we should all be proud of this volunteer beard and the process that they went through to reach the decision that they reached. They have each put a great deal of time and thought into this process and have also gone to great lengths to make sure that every member of the public who wished to be heard on this matter had ample opportunity to share their concerns with the board. I know that it can be very hard for this type of board to reach a unanimous decision on even minor issues, but this board has done so on what may well be the most important issue they will ever have to address as a board. This plan may not include everything that each of us would like to see happen in our schools and it may include same things that we aren't sure we should have to pay for in our individual communities. But I feel confident that each and every member of this board has made the decision that they feel is in the best interests of our students and the school district in the long run. And the fact that they did so unanimously should send a powerful message to each of us as voters about the importance of the decision that we will have to make when we vote in May. I hope that we can live up to the example that they have set and reach across our differences of opinion and priority to do what is best for our students throughout the entire district. I appreciate Gary Fredrickson, Keith Lewis, Julie Weikel, Pat McNamee, John Rietmann, Barney Lindsay and Dwayne Carroll for the work that the have done on this and the many other issues that face the School Board on a regular basis. I feel a great deal of confidence that you have and will continue to work for what is best for our schools. (s) Lisa Rietmann lone Heppner DayCare worthy contribution To the Editor: The holidays are often described as the season of giving. In this light, I would like you to consider a worthy recipient of your generosity. The Heppner DayCare has been serving our community for years. The day care provides not only the necessary service of caring for its charges, but it alsd educates our young children in preschool and helps our children to learn to adapt to social interaction. These benefits to our community cannot be overappreciated. The staff of Heppner DayCare is dedicated to providing our community's children with the healthiest environment possible. Continue to help them with your generous support. Your contributions will help to enhance the programs offered, including providing the day care's services to the less advantaged and special needs children of our community. Morrow County has shown that children truly hold a dear place in the hearts of its citizens. As a parent, volunteer and member of our community, I appreciate your help. I assure you that your tax- deductible gifts to Heppner DayCare will be used to enhance the day care program's ability to provide our children with the compassionate care they deserve. (s) Kim Cutsforth Heppner Not an equal educational opportunity To the Editor: To Members o f the Morrow County School Board Rl: • Enclosed please find the class schedules for the 2000-2001 school year for the three high schools in the county. It would appear there is not an equal educational opportunity for all the students. I do not believe this to be a fair disbursement of available funds. An immediate investment in a comprehensive long distance education could help with a partial solution. In South M orrow vocational/technical students have nothing. In North Morrow the students have more offered in their high school, but also have benefits of a Blue Mountain Community College satellite program in their area. Massive scheduling difficulties anse in South Morrow from staff reductions promoted by bad management decisions of current and past administrations. In lone, students who would like less advanced courses in their senior years are unable to get them. If these students are interested in a technical education and are not following the customary college preparatory schedule, there is nothing for them. In Heppner, they additionally do not get a thorough college preparatory program. How many Board members would actually vote to have their own children so limited educationally? (s) Meg Murray lone Cardinal Booster Club discusses painting gym Cardinal Booster Club met Cardinals" sign next to the tennis Monday, Dec. 4, at lone High courts. School. Thirteen members were Debbie Morgan gave an update present. on concessions for the Basketball Monica Swanson gave an Bonanza. Dave Radie donated update report on painting the cheesecake mixes to the club for high school gym. concessions. The lone Middle The custodians will remove School did the half time hoop items from the walls after the last shoot. Wheatland Insurance, home game. Painting will begin Beecher's Cafe and the Bank of on the Fnday school is out. Jan Eastern Oregon sponsored a and Bob's Signs will paint the hospitality room for coaches and graphics on the walls and the referees in the high school. scorers' table and above the Basketball schedule changes locker room doors. "Simply the were announced by athletic Best" will be printed in the red director Dean Robinson. The stripe on the wall in white letters lone "C" team played at Heppner with a black border. on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. There will Swanson has not been able to be JV games at Stanfield, find red mats to match the gym Thursday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. and and suggested buying black ones at lone with Stanfield, Tuesday, instead. The mats would go door Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. to door on both ends of the gym. The club approved the The club voted to send letters out purchase of four basketballs at to solicit money for the panels at $145.80 and paying "C" team $75 each. officials at $650. Dennis Stefani reported the It was announced Beecher's gym floor has been checked and Cafe donated all the lettuce and does not need to be replaced. It condiments for the fall does need to be repaired and hamburger feed. refinished. The club hopes to have a steak It was reported that due to the fire code there should not be % tables in the hallway during basketball games. Jàn. 8, at 7 p.rS. at the high The high school shop class will school library. refinish the "Home of the Christmas messages due Dec. 19 Each Christmas season the Gazette-Times invites local priests and pastors to submit an inspirational message for the G- T s Christmas issue. This year they will be published Wednesday, December 30. Messages may be typed or handwritten, but must be legible and double-spaced. Messages may be sent to the Gazette-Times by: mail-P.O. Box 337, Heppner 97836; fax-541-676-9211; e- mail-david@heppner.net; or dropped by the office at 147 W. Willow, Heppner. Those participating are asked to include their name, church and phone number. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, December 19, at noon. For more information, call editor April Sykes at 676-9228. "We enjoy publishing the messages," said Sykes. "They have always proven to be interesting and thought provoking, and very often touching." h ave yourself a m erry B IG christm as Qpn rGJie ÇÿColidop Q fbpirit (S > f çÇjivincj... Give Teleflora's Holiday Ornament Bouquet Imagine their delight when flowers arrive in a joyous, oversized Christmas ornament. They'll love the gift, and use the colorful jar for candy or as a decoration for many holidays to come. I* • To send anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, call or visit our shop. O l& e f lo K i <1U H Muwuj'j D«§-1 217 N orth Main • Heppner 678-9158 We are serving coffee, punch and cookies 233 North Main — * y - ^W H e p p n *. *7 *.a a m ? ----------- W\\ T 1 Q o**nb uf R od* 2 3 3 N ow th M ain H knpncm 0 7 0 -0 4 2 0 b t JU i
