Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon
lone School District
programs largely in tact
From Karl Ostheller,
lone S.D. Superintendent
The B u d g et
Committee of the lone
School District took a first
look at the school budget
for the 09-10 school year
at their meeting Mon
day, May 11. Earlier this
spring, the school board
requested Superintendent
O stheller to prepare a
list of budget reductions
amounting to $180,000.
With the im plem enta
tion o f those cuts and
additional paring in the
budget, the committee
worked through a budget
that maintains staffing at
the 2008-09 level minus
one retirement and one
Reduction in Force in the
classified ranks.
A caveat is that
the budget was not ap
proved at the May 11
meeting as the commit
tee awaits the May 15
State of Oregon Revenue
Forecast. The lone School
District Budget was built
on a $5.4 Billion dollar
statewide education bud
get, the low end of the
range suggested by Gov
ernor Ted Kulongoski. If
this is indeed the worse
case scenario, the lone
School District will ap
proach next year largely
intact. While preserving
starting was the number
one priority, this budget
did make significant cuts
in items such as library
books, field trips and
other items.
A huge factor in
making the 09-10 budget
work is the $100,000
com m itm ent from the
lone Education Founda
tion. However, everyone
should be know that the
District and the Founda
tion are both keenly aware
that the $ 100,000 funding
level from the Education
Foundation probably can
not be sustained from
year to year. With that
said though, the district
is extremely grateful that
the Foundation is willing
to step and be part of the
solution for the statewide
budget crisis.
The B u d g et
C om m ittee w ill m eet
again on Monday, June
1 at 6 p.m. Public com
ment is accepted at these
m eetings and citizens
are welcome to attend.
Questions or comments
in the meantime may be
directed to Karl Ostheller
at 422-7131 or by email
at karl.ostheller@ ione.
kl2.or.us.
Community Bank opens
Heppner branch
Pictured are new customers Don and .lean Bennett, Branch
Manager Meghan Bailey and Comniericial Loan Officer
John Hays. -Contributed Photo
Community
Bank opened its Heppner
branch opened on Mon
day at 127 North Main
Street. Personal Banker
Rosemary Bums opened
an account for Don and
Jean Bennett shortly af
ter the bank opened at 9
a.m. The Bennett’s were
the branches first official
depositor. Throughout
the day, the bank con
tinued to open several
new accounts for local
residents.
Chief Credit Of
ficer A.J. Tamasky, who
was raised in Heppner,
said in a statement that
“I’m very proud to open a
branch in my home town
- and by the warm wel
come we received from
the community. We’re ea
ger to provide the people
of Heppner with competi
tive products and what I
think is the best customer
service o f any bank in
Eastern Oregon’’.
The branch will
be open Monday-Thurs-
day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on
Fridays.
Development staff declares a tie
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - TH REE
A view from the hill
By Doris Brosnan
April showers struggled against unseasonably
cold temperatures to "bring May flowers” to Willow
Creek Terrace, but gradually plants leafing out and
blossoms unfolding are changing the landscape, and
the view is great. The view also oilers a new outdoor
feature on the Hill.
Chilly April was full o f celebrations and
significant days, including the National Wear-Your-
Pajamas-to-Work Day, but someone fell asleep at the
switch that day. and no one remembered to lounge
around in PJs. No one overlooked Karaoke Week,
however, and though no one ventured a karaoke debut,
Pictured left to right are Merilee McDowell and Darrin
some residents did enjoy dancing to favorite musical
Umbarger. -Contributed Photo
selections. Equally enjoyable was the coloring of
T he d e v e lo p Hamley’s. The restaurant Easter eggs with five young visitors, and residents
ment staff of the Oregon gave the coordinators a also enjoyed making birdbaths during National Bird-
Chapter-NMSS declared $50 gift certificate to pay Watching Week, as April became May.
both the Pendleton and for their meals.
May promises some good eatin’ because
Heppner MS Walk coor
There were many o f more obscure national designations: Pizza and
dinator’s winners. "The laughs and m em ories Chocolate Chip Day (15th), Strawberries and Cream
numbers were so close shared around the table Day (24lh). Blueberry Cheesecake Day (27th), and
that we decided that each about their perspective Hamburger Day (28,h). The month also carries some
coordinator deserved spe walks. With a smile, Dar serious commemorations: Cinco de Mayo, Mothers
cial recognition for their ren commented that he Day (on which several ladies went out with their fami
hard work,” commented could hardly wait un lies), Wear Purple for Peace Day, Memorial Day, and
one o f the staff mem til next year. McDowell Senior Health and Fitness Day. Food for the tummy
agreed but suggested that and food for thought are not uncommon ingredients
bers.
Darrin Umbarger they take a few weeks off in life on the Hill.
along with his wife Carol to rest.
May 14"' was especially significant for the
Everyone agreed Terrace. That was Mustang Mop-Up Day in Heppner,
and son Jeremy met with
Merilee McDowell, her that they couldn't have and 12 Heppner High School students and Jeannie
husband Bill and com done it without the gen Collins, teacher, spent the day helping residents and
m ittee m em bers John erous giving spirit from staff with some tasks. By the time they left, they had
and Pat Edmundson for each community.
planted flowers, washed windows, spread gravel (do
lunch on Friday, May 8 at
nated by Morrow County Road Department and City
of Heppner) in the parking lot behind the Terrace,
cleared some brush, moved rocks, and taken three
cookies-and-brownies breaks!
In addition to those jobs, they also completed
By Doris Brosnan
item or items to the ef what many residents had been looking forward to
"R ails, Riches, fort is encouraged to call' for several weeks: They built a trail to and planted
the garden planned for the space Dallas Craber had
and Rejection” is the title 676-5382.
o f the historical drama
Props required prepared with his equipment. Dallas, Bud Batty, Lois
to be presented in Hep include "old” or replicas Allyn (who had celebrated her 81s' birthday on May
pner on Saturday, June of suitcases made of card 9), Dorothy Odell, and Gloria Klimaschesky worked
13, by the Dinner-at-the- board; a baby-carrying side-by-side with students as the garden took shape.
Cemetery players.
basket, as used in the past When board member Diana Ball informed Manager
This fifth produc before more contempo George Nairns that she knew nothing about plant
tion by the thespian group rary means; small circu ing potatoes, Naims knew exactly who to send her
will be included as one of lar braided rug; wooden to. Bud was the resident potato expert. When some
the “Celebrate Heppner” tables, one large as would students noted how impressed they were by the work
attractions and is sched be used in a business the residents were accomplishing, Naims was sure the
uled to be performed be meeting and three small students were learning something useful.
The garden features several rows and four
side the murals on the as w ould be used by
a g ricu ltu ral m useum . participants in a court raised containers of vegetable seeds and plant starts
Through the action and room; business clothing (donated by Tom Camarillo, Gail Hughes, Floss Wat
dialogue of the play, the for men of 1890 and for kins, Terry Tallman. George and Myma Seiler, and the
history of the railroad in men of 1956; a dress for HHS FFA) that will eventually keep several gardeners
Willow Creek Valley will a woman of about 1900; busy and someday produce bounty for the Terracf’s
unfold.
everyday clothing for a menus. Residents will now be walking over for a look
More inform a young woman, an older at the garden, probably daily, watching for signs‘of
tion on "Rails, Riches, and a younger man o f success and the promise of produce. And they hope
and Rejection” and the 1934; outfits for children their teenage helpers come by for looks also: Lacey
dinner that will accom o f 1890; wigs for men. Davison. Afton Clark, Cory Silva, Natalie Rauch.
pany the event will be a gray-haired wig for a Matilda Hakansson. Julie Meyer. Christina Givens,
Nick Kempas, Eric Chick, Brett Harrison, Devin Ro
offered in the future. woman.
bison.
Donald Mathews. Everyone at Willow Creek
Presently, however, the
Readers are en
Terrace
really appreciate these students immensely,
theatre troop wishes to couraged to watch the
viewing
them as great positive examples of Willow
alert the public to the up media for more informa
coming presentation and tion about the play and to Creek Youth.
to put out a call for help contribute to the success
with the props needed in of the production by loan
the production. Anyone ing items used as props.
who can contribute an
Dinner-at-the-Cemetery
to be held June 13
Elementary school students
clean up Boardman
DA’s Report
Morrow County District Attorney Elizabeth
Ballard has released the following report:
-Ali Medhi Beheshti, 33, was convicted of
unlawful possession of marijuana, a Class B felony,
and was sentenced to 90/30 sanction units, 18 months
formal probation, complete a drug package, complete
The 2009 C el for the Chamber. Cash 80 hours of community service, other numerous condi
ebrate Heppner's dessert prize awards will be given tions, other conditions, and pay $1,423 in fines, fees
contest will be held Fri to the top three desserts and assessments.
-Robert James Amos, 49. was convicted of
day, June 12. The contest selected by our panel of
is open to the public and judges. (Adult and Junior theft in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and
was sentenced to 180 days incarceration, other condi
desserts should be taken Categories).
to the Senior Center din
Criteria for judg tions, and pay $458 in fines, fees and assessments.
-Robert James Amos, 49, was convicted of
ing room between noon-1 ing: A ppearance - 45
p.m. to be eligible for points; Taste/Flavor
forgery in the first degree, a Class C felony and was
judging. Judging will take 45 points; Texture - 10 sentenced to 13 months incarceration, one year post
points. Entry forms may prison supervision, other conditions, and pay $1,833
place at 2 p.m.
All entries be be picked up at the Cham in fines, fees and assessments.
-Robert James Amos, 49, was convicted of
come the property of the ber office.
Chamber of Commerce to
For more infor criminal mischief in the first degree, a Class C felony
be auctioned off, starting mation call the chamber and was sentenced to 13 months incarceration, one
year post-prison supervision, other conditions, and
at 6 p.m. as a fundraiser office at 676-5536.
pay $2,294 in fines, fees and assessments.
-Robert James Amos. 49, was convicted of
unauthorized use of a vehicle, a Class C felony and
Large newly remodeled
was sentenced to 13 months incarceration, one year
post-prison supervision, other conditions, and pay
home in Heppner
$570 in fines, fees and assessments.
-Robert James Amos, 49. was convicted of
burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony and
was sentenced to 13 months incarceration, one year
post-prison supervision, other conditions, and pay
$2,666 in fines, fees and assessments.
-Robert James Amos. 49. was convicted of
attempt to commit a Class B felony (robbery 2), a
Class C felony and was sentenced to 18 months in
carceration. three years post-prison supervision and
other conditions. He was convicted of assault in the
You have to see this home inside. Completely rem od
fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor and was sen
eled including new kitchen counters, carpeting and a
tenced
to 180 days incarceration and other conditions.
com pletely redone basement. Small bam and tots of
He
was
also conv icted of theft in the third degree, a
room out back for horses or other animals. 3 plus bed
Class
C
misdemeanor and was sentenced to 30 days
rooms and nice big living room. 1.5 acres m/l for your
incarceration
and other conditions. Total fines, fees
horses or animals. A total of 2856 Square/feet. Call 541 -
and assessments were $4,323.
Dessert contest to be held
during Celebrate Heppner
980-5045.
\
$ f 0 9
5 0 Q
\
Students from Windy River Elementary spent Thursday
cleaning up their community. -Contributed Photo
Windy River El
ementary School students
turned out Thursday to
make their community a
better place. Armed with
garbage bags and gloves,
over 230 students and
their teachers spent about
two hours picking up de
bris along S. Main Street,
and Wilson Lane. The
students filled 176 large
trash bags and picked up
numerous items too large
to fit into the bags.
This is the third
year the school has par
ticipated in the clean up.
It is organized each year
by Windy River staff and
the City o f Boardman’s
Code Compliance Offi
cial. The city provides the
gloves, garbage bags, and
picks up and disposes of
the garbage. The school
provides the eager vol
unteers. "The clean up
went very well and the
students all had fun.” said
John Russell, Boardman
Code C om pliance O f
ficial. Each student will
be receiving a certificate
from the City of Board-
man when Mayor Chet
Phillips visits their class
rooms on June 1.
Jepsen completes Freedom
Team Salute training
Jean Jepsen of lone has finished the required
training to become an ambassador for the Freedom
Team Salute. She has been a long time supporter of
the American Legion Post#95 and Auxiliary Unit in
lone.
The Freedom Team Salute was launched in
May 2005. The program is funded by the U.S. Army.
There have been more than 1.5 million commendation
recipients since the program began. There is ongoing
training to keep ambassadors up to date of any new
information for the Freedom Team. This is an ongoing
program to recognize military veterans.