T W O - Heppner Gazette-Tim es, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 28, 2004 letters to the Editor The Official Newspaper o f the City o f Heppner and the County of Morrow Heppner GAZETTE-TIMES U.S.PS. 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. Ore gon Office at 147 W Willow Street Telephone (541) 676-9228. Fax (541) 676- 9211. E-mail: gt@heppner.net orgt@rapidserve.net. Web site www.heppner.net. Postmaster send address changes to the Heppner Gazette-Times. P.O. Box 337, Heppner. Oregon 97836. Subscriptions; $24 in Morrow County; $18 senior rate (in Morrow County only; 62 years or older); $30 elsewhere. David Sykes ................................................................................................ Publisher Katie W all......................................................................................................... Editor News and Advertising Deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. For Advertising advertising deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. Cost for a display ad is $4.75 per column inch Cost for classified ad is 50« per word. Cost for Card of Thanks is $7 up to 100 words. Cost for a classified display ad is $5.35 per column inch. For Public/Legal Notices publtc/legal notices deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. Dates for publi cation must be specified Affidavits must be required at the time of submission. Affidavits require three weeks to process after last date of publication (a sooner return dale must be specified if required). On the HEPPNER WEBSITE: www.heppner.net • Start or C hange a Subscription • Place a C lassified Ad • Subm it a N ew s Story • View Real Estate for Sale • City Council & Planning Minutes • Local Businesses • County Park • Willow Creek Park Reservations • Free Digital Postcards • Senior Housing • and more! Health district levy continued from page one C oquille Valley Hospital D is tric t-S i .52; Curry General Hospital District-74 c en ts; L ow er U m pqua H ospital D istrict-$ 3 .9 7 ; W allow a H ealth Care District-$ 1.79. Board members plan to nom inate one or two people from each com m unity to serve on a co m m ittee to w ork for passage of the levy and to raise funds. The board also plans to inquire as to what im pact a successful levy would have on other taxing entities within the county. MCHDCEO Nicole Mahoney told the board that the district lost only $5,285 in June, partially due to increased patient revenue and a large co n tractu al adjustment check (for the now-defunct nursing home). The d istric t has lost $373,956 for the year, an average loss of $31,163 per m onth, generally due to increased expenses, lower M edicare and M edicaid reimbursements than it cost the district to care for those patients and a too small patient base. In other business, the board: -heard from Vander Does that MCHD will begin providing nursing services for Summit Springs Nursing Home in Condon. Summit S prin g s had previously contracted with MCHD for nu rsin g serv ices, but subsequently contracted with Asher Clinic in Fossil and then hired its own nurse ad m in istrato r. Sum m it Springs will pay MCHD a fee for service-$ 150 for the first hour per visit and $40 per hour thereafter. -re-e le cted Larry M ills chairm an o f the M CHD board and Linda LaRue, secretary-treasurer. -learn ed that the W illow Creek Terrace is now full and has a waiting list. Vander Does said that WCT generated more than $4,000 over expenses this past month. Vander Does said that WCT’s increase in incom e resulted from an unusual month, however, the assisted living facility could now expect to ; g enerate around $2,000 above expenses monthly. He said that this could ultimately increase WCT’s reim b u rsem en t to the d istric t. W illow C reek Terrace is a separate entity from MCHD and pays the district for administrative services. -learned that Vander Does has been appointed to the board of the Area Health Education Center, which plans a September meeting in Heppner. -learned that Pioneer Memorial Clinic had 364 patients in June with 19 new patients and an additional 43 seen by a nurse; Irrigon Clinic had 190 patients, with 27 new p a tien ts and an additional 59 seen by a nurse. -learned that Pioneer Memorial Hospital had 18 adm ission s and 419 outpatients, and completed 1,204 lab tests, 117 x-ray procedures, 22 CT scans and 12 re sp irato ry therapy procedures. -learned that Pioneer Memorial Home Health had 212 total visits. -learn ed that the B oardm an H ealth C are Center had 494 patient visits w ith charges to talin g $67,456.55. -learn ed that the Heppner Ambulance had 18 total runs with 18 transports; Boardman Ambulance had 19 total runs w ith nine tran sp o rts; Irrigon Ambulance had 14 total runs with 11 transports; with two flights. Marriage Licenses Editor's note Letters to th e Editor m ust b e signed. The Gazette-Times w ill n ot p u b lis h unsigned letters. Please in c lu d e yo ur address a n d p h o n e n u m ber o n a ll letters for use b y the G-7 office. The C -T reserves th e right to ed it. The C -T is n ot responsible for accuracy o f statem ents m a d e in letters. (A n y letters expressing thanks w ill be p la c e d in th e classifieds u n d e r “C a rd o f Th an ks“ a t a cost o f $7 .) Don’t just gripe, get active To the Editor: Every tow n has someone who contributes little to the com m unity except to gripe and stir up tro u b le w ith co n stan t criticism s. N othing suits them and seldom is there a good word ex p ressed ack n o w led g in g or appreciating efforts of the people involved in and doing their best in many projects in progress for the b etterm en t of the community. My dad (who lived in this town all of his life) once told me “If I didn’t have anything good to say about som eone or som ething, to not say anything at all.” This good advice is still applicable to those who do not involve themselves in attending meetings where information is presented and letting their ideas be known to those making decisions instead of moaning after the fact in the newspaper. (s) A rch and Jean ette Padberg Heppner Stop criticizing and file for open city position To the Editor: Last week’s Gazette Tim es carried a le tte r criticizing the city council and the mayor. I think the writer’s time would be far better spent volunteering for any one of the many community o rg an izatio n s that are working to make this a better place. The city council members are our friends and neighbors. They are people who are willing to donate their tim e and energy to improve the community and to make decisions that are sometimes pretty tough. I feel the council has always strived to make decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the community. T here are three council positions and the m ayor that are up for election this fall. I would encourage the writer to go to the city hall and file for one of these positions. If we are so unhappy about city government and we won’t step up and offer to serve on the council, then I would suggest you call a moving van. (s) Larry Mills Heppner July 20: Lewis Lee Maker, 56, U m atilla and Sherry A gness Carr, 37, Umatilla. July 23: K evin Eugene M cClenahen, 46, Umatilla and Nancy Ruth HLL to hold Tincher, 26, Umatilla; Tyson Robert Palmateer, 25, Echo wrap up meeting H eppner L ittle and Melissa Ann Anderson, League Committee will be 25, Echo. holding a wrap-up meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m., CUSTOM BANNERS at the H eppner Heppner Gazette-Times Neighborhood Center. “The C ?a5ierole K itc h e n JVOW O PE N FO R B U SIN E SS! H o u rs: M o n d a y -F rid a y 11 a.m . to 5 :3 0 p.m . C all 6 7 6 -5 0 2 9 to o rd e r (w e a ls o ta k e w a lk -in o rd e rs ) Casserole Menu includes: Chicken with Wild Rice • Beef Pot Pie Chicken Tetrazlnl • Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Chicken Pot Pie • Cashew Chicken • Chicken Enchilada Seafood Enchilada • Stuffed Green Peppers All meals are homemade with the finest ingredients. The Casserole Kitchen does not use M SGs or artifical flavor enhancers. 10% Senior Citizen Discount and free delivery to seniors in city limits! "The (?anttoU Kitchen • 294 North Main Street, Heppner • 676 5029 All orders due by 3 p.m. Correction of figures used in letter To the Editor: My le tte r in last week’s GT used the figures “ 1 of every 2000.” Of course it should have read “ 1 of every 200,” and that’s bad enough. This was an error on my part, and not an attempt to deceive anyone, or increase the Heppner census by 12,600. I made an effort to co rrect th is p rio r to publication, but was unable to beat the presses. If this m iscalcu latio n caused anyone, other than myself, any pain, anguish or ire, I apologize. I deserve all the flak I know I’m going to get over this. (s) Gene Sonstegard Heppner Justice Court report Follow ing is a sum m ary rep o rt for the M orrow C ounty Ju stice Court (combined Heppner and Irrigon) for June 2004. The report gives a highlight of the cases filed and the finances received. The totals are calculated by offense date. Cases Filed: Traffic C itatio n s- 194; M isdem eanors- 14; Civil Claims- 4; Small Claims-1; and DUII- 9. Miscellaneous Activities: Pre-Trials- 15; Warrants Issued- 46; and DUII Diversions Filed- 4. T r ia ls /H e a r in g s : Minor Hearings (Traffic)- 2; and Jury Trials- 1. Fines, fees and restitution received totaled $31,505.13. The am ount turned over to the county was $22,065.13 and the amount turned over to the state was $9315. Restitution was paid out in the amount o f $125. Shenanigans send update on trip to Ireland acco rd io n , c o n ce rtin a , To the Editor: Shenanigans attended their last fiddle class in Drumshanbo this morning, Saturday, July 24, and then traveled by bus to G alw ay w here we are staying in a youth hostel. It’s been a wonderful trip so far. W hile based in D ublin, we toured Newgrange and Castle Trim (the c astle used in the filming of Braveheart). We also spent many hours and walked many miles seeing the w onderful sig h ts in Dublin. W hile in D rum shanbo for m usic school, we stayed at three private homes. It rained on us (a “soft” Irish rain) about half the time we were there, but we didn’t let it slow us dow n. We w alked everywhere in and around town, and ate absolutely tons of food (to give us energy for all the walking). We met lots of people from Ireland and all over the world. O ver 650 m usic students were enrolled in the Joe M ooney Sum m er School- named for one of County Leitrim’s renowned musicians. In addition to the students o f fiddle, flute, harp, tin w h istle, pipes, m andolin and banjo, a number of students attended classes in several styles of dancing and singing. The tiny tow n (m ore like a village) was overflowing. We a rriv ed in Galway this evening around suppertime and did a bit of shopping around after grabbing a quick bite to eat. Tomorrow we will take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. W e’ve a rran g ed for a gentleman with a mini-bus to give us a tour o f the island. Monday we will tour north C lare and see the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Aillwee Cave. Tuesday will be our last day in Ireland. After spending the night at a farmhouse between Doolin (the “ m usic cap ital of Ireland”) and Lisdoonvama we will travel to Bunratty Castle where we’ll have a medieval banquet Tuesday evening. We fly out o f Shannon Airport Wednesday morning. We’re thinking of all of you- well, a little bit at least. (s) Peg Willis, Shenanigans Instructor Pendleton Births Hannah Elizabeth Green- a daughter, Hannah Elizabeth, was bom July 14, 2004, at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston to Candace and David Green of Heppner. Hannah was weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 21 inches long. Grandparents are Brenda and Joe S nyder o f C um berland, M D, W illiam M iller o f Cumberland, MD and Clifford Green of Heppner and the late Cindy Green. Jackson Robert Lavender- a son, Jackson Robert, was bom June 15,2004, at Seton Medical Center in Austin, TX to Jason and Tina Lavender, of Pflugerville, TX. Jackson weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 21 Vi inches long. Grandparents are Robert Antone (Tony) and Verina Schiller of Pflugerville and Ronnie and Sandra Lavender of Austin. Great-grandparents are Raymond and Norma French of Heppner and Marilyn Schiller of Echo and the late Robert Schiller and Gladys Hall of Waco, TX and the late Lloyd D. Hall Sr. and Wallace C. and Mamie Lavender of Hewitt, TX. Cyann Saige Pettyjohn- a daughter, Cyann Saige, was bom July 20, 2004, at Conrad Hospital in Conrad, MT to Laura DeBoo and Ryan Pettyjohn of Valier, MT. Cyann was bom at 7:47 p.m., weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and was 2014 inches long. She joins sibling, Daynon Bear, WCVEDG needs 2. Grandparents are Jenny DeBoo of Cutbank, MT and Smiley DeBoo of Missoula, MT and Jeanneine Miller of volunteer Jasper and Rick Pettyjohn of Pendleton. Aaliyah Cerina Norton- a daughter, Aaliyah envelope stuffers Cerina, was bom July 21,2004, at Good Shepherd Medical The Willow Creek Center in Hermiston, to Jamie M. Barnett and Kevin L. Valley E conom ic D evelopm ent G roup is Norton of Heppner. sending out 10,000 business Walden to visit Heppner recruitment flyers and needs v o lu n teers to stu ff U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Sandy envelopes. Baruah, Chief of Staff of the Economic Development Volunteers will meet Administration in Washington D.C., will visit Heppner to at the F orest S ervice visit with local civic and business leaders on Tuesday, Aug. b u ild in g in H eppner on 3. This event occurs after spending the morning in Condon M onday, Aug. 2 and and on the first of an extensive five-day trip through Eastern Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 5-9 Oregon. p.m. Volunteers will stuff Mayor Bob Jepsen will take Walden and Baruah flyers, put on label and help on a tour of Heppner’s downtown area and the new city in the effort to bring new plaza. Following the tour, they will join Chamber of businesses to the Willow Commerce members for a lunch at John’s Place (164 N. Creek Valley. Volunteers can Main). The public is also invited to attend lunch, during work for as long as they like which Walden will update attendees on issues in Congress and bring a spouse, friend or affecting Eastern Oregon. both. Following his visit to Heppner, Walden will spend Pizza and beverages the remainder of the week in numerous forums visiting will be provided for with people in Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker v o lu nteers. For m ore City, Ontario, John Day, Bums and Frenchglen. information, contact David C ongressm an Walden represents the Second Sykes at 676-9228. District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a deputy whip in the Order Magnetic Door Signs House leadership structure and a member of the House HERF Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Heppner Gazette-Times Committee on Resources. Vacation Bible School Grades K - 6th August 2nd - 6th from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at tbe Heppner city Park For more Information, ca ll Deana Price, 676-5552 A ministry of Willow Creek Baptist Clmrrli Join us for an exotic Far East Race like no otberl We ll be dasbtng tbrougb tbe streets of Tokyo, climbing Mt. Fuji, and diving Into tbe Sea of Japan as we run to complete tbe race. on tbts challenging rally course, you will experience exciting Bible stories, amazing crafts, music wltb an Aslan flair, fun, recreation and snacks tool