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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2019)
FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, April 24, 2019 ~ Letters to the Editor ~ The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $10. Clarifying points for Dam Right!! To the editor: Thank you for the large article published this week; however, I would like to clarify a couple points that were somewhat misinterpreted. First it is “Dam Right!!” commit- tee. Our Facebook group is not a page, but rather a group. You can search Dam Right!! on your Facebook page to find it. Everyone is welcome to join, and we welcome people to ask questions, comment and to list concerns. This will give our committee a chance to know what is on the minds of those in the community. Here are a few things that were mentioned in the article that need clarifica- tion: 1. “The Jar Test” is a test that was given to me by Joel Bleth. He is the co-founder of the Madora Corporation. The test is to determine if the algae in the lake is good or bad algae. It is not to determine how much algae there is. You can find this test at Search Jar Test to find the details. 2. The lake water has been contaminated with blue-green algae for longer than 2007, but that is as far as the history has it record- ed online by the Oregon Health Authority. 3. The green-blue algae is not necessarily what is weakening the dam, it is the acids in the water that we feel affect the health of the dam. The blue-green algae, after using all the nutrients on the surface will die, fall to the bottom, and use up the oxygen-making the wa- ter anoxic. This condition is what causes hydrogen sulfide to form. As stated, I am not a biologist, but have been told by a limnologist, who once worked for the USACE in the 80s, that these acids found in the wa- ters: sulfuric, nitric and car- bonic acids, could in fact be at levels that could possibly cause the corrosion to the dam. That is something we will be looking into and is something that the USACE will deny. 4. I was surprised to read that the USACE said that “when those rapid test (algae tests) exceed certain levels then the lake is posted with warning not to swim, fish or otherwise use the lake.” This would be nice to see. It is my understanding that the OHA is the agency that posts those notices, but they told me that they no longer post those signs, but instead have on their web- site that, “When in doubt, stay out,” which is not MY saying. It is the warning now given by the OHA. That is the reason I believe anyone who plans to go to the lake should sign up on the OHA page to receive an email notification when there is an algae warning. It is a service they offer. I will be looking for that warning sign that the USACE says they post. I thought that ended around 2008. 5. As for the “increased nutrient inputs” being the main cause of the algae in the lake according to the USACE. That would be politically correct. I spoke to Mr. Wilhelm myself. He is the man who performs the tests of the waters in lake. He agreed that farming/ ranching above the dam may be part of the cause, but did say that even more than that, it is from the ero- sion of the stream banks. That is why I suggested one idea might be to plant vegetation near the banks. Not barley hay, but there is Riparian vegetation, of which I have yet to study up on. My suggestion was also to have the farmers and ranchers place bails of barley straw in the streams at the entrance and exits of their property. This is a known help in the break- down of the high nutrients that are found in the agri- cultural runoff. 6. Lastly, I would like to comment on the cost of the aeration system for $90,000, and of the solar- bee for $346,000. I am not sure what the USACE paid for the aeration system, the price I came up with was an estimate given in the Pre-construction analysis of the Willow Creek Proj- ect. As for the solarbees, I spoke with Joel Bleth at the Madora Corporation, and the Madora Corp. placed those in the lake as a trial to try and sell their product. For three years they did free testing of the solarbees. I do not believe that the US- ACE paid for any of that. The dorpa had them pulled because they said that they did not work, according to Bleth. I would suggest that if anyone has questions about the causes of pollution to the lake that they read the “Long-term Release of Ad- ditional 1,000 Acre-feet (Totaling 3,500 Acre-feet) Supplemental Environ- mental Assessment to the Long-term Withdrawal of Irrigation Water Willow Creek Lake, Morrow Coun- ty, Oregon Environmental Assessment, March 2008.” Written by US Army Corps of Engineering Portland District. Pages 21 through 25 talks about the water quality. Sincerely, (s) Theresa Jones Heppner Allegation without validation To the editor: This is in response to the article titled “Lexington struggles for firefighters” in the April 17 edition of the Gazette-Times. First, it should be said that I do not personally know Marcia Kemp or Cur- tis Thompson. That being said, I do know injustice when I see it. The article stated that Ms. Kemp “refused to con- sider” one candidate who applied for appointment to a vacant town council po- sition. Tim Shulte and Cur- tis Thompson both turned in letters of interest to be appointed to the spot, how- ever Kemp said she would not allow Thompson to be considered or even voted on for the council. For her “ex- planation”, Kemp alleges that Thompson “harassed” a city employee and that disqualifies him from being on the council. It should be noted as relevant that the only ref- erence in the Town of Lex- ington Charter referring to disqualifying “crimes” is under Section 15: Vacan- cies: occurrences, Sec. 2d: which states a person’s seat becomes vacated if they are convicted of a felony while in office. When councilmember Bill Beard asked the very astute and valid question of the nature of the alleged “harassment”, Kemp re- fused to elaborate, citing the possibility of the city being open to “liability” if the situation were discussed in an open meeting. In my opinion, far greater liability lies in not discussing it as it would MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. To the editor: The Port of Morrow is the county’s greatest busi- ness asset, generating over 3 billion dollars in business every year and making the Port the second largest Port in Oregon. Larry Lindsay, whom many credit as the visionary father of the Port and the commissioner that brought Gary Neal who Lindsay called “the greatest Port manager in America,” has retired after 54 years of Port leadership. Lindsay and Neal’s stewardship of the Port, with the diligent assistance of fellow Port commissioners and Port ad- ministrators, have fostered the employment of over 8,000, directly or indirectly, affording Morrow County one of the highest average household incomes in the state. With both Lindsay and Neal now retired it is im- perative to select the right person to continue their vi- sion for the Port of Morrow. Fortunately Larry Lindsay’s son by marriage, John Mur- ray, has made a commit- ment to take his place on the commissioner’s board of directors. The Lindsay and Murray families have exercised leadership, vi- sion, integrity and steward- ship in Eastern Oregon and Morrow County for half a century. The Port of Mor- row is a business and John Murray is a business owner that knows how to balance a budget, create and expand his business and gain the confidence of the public by his astute management of the pharmacological regu- latory process. The Murray family has been a great blessing to Morrow County since they arrived in Heppner in 1959. It was John’s mother Meg Murray that authored the restoration of the old di- lapidated Heppner Hotel into the successful Heppner Senior Center. Expect the same vision, leadership and integrity from John Murray and vote for him to succeed and continue the work of his father-in-law Larry Lindsay. Stuart Dick, Irrigon Vote Murray for Port commissioner To the editor: commissions. He is well- We urge all to join versed in Oregon Legisla- with us in supporting John tive politics and respected Murray for Port of Mor- throughout the state for his row commissioner. John business and public service Murray is a hardworking, roles. respected, ethical leader in We believe John Mur- our communities, who we ray will serve as commis- believe will make good and sioner in a totally indepen- impartial decisions as a Port dent role, whether acting on of Morrow commissioner. specific contracts or while John Murray has busi- setting Port policy in gener- ness interests in all parts al. John’s business interests of the county and is a sec- are independent of the Port, ond-generation Morrow which we believe is so very County resident, having important. been raised here himself, We encourage every- and chosen Morrow Coun- one to vote and to join in ty to raise his own family. our support of John Murray graphics. John Murray is a John has proven his abilities for Port commissioner. member of a county-wide while serving on many Thomas and Karen board. He has displayed county-wide boards and Wolff, Heppner an equal approach to the needs of the citizens that ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: the Morrow County Health District serves. John Murray is a busi- ness owner and has made substantial investments in both the north and the south ends of Morrow County. This shows that he will understand and support all of Morrow County. It is im- portant to the residents that we support an experienced and dedicated communi- ty member, that will give Saturday, April 27, 55th Centennial Invitational attention to all our needs. Saturday, May 4, Dick Horyna Invite That person is John Murray. Friday, May 10, 2A-SD5 Special District 5 District Sincerely, Track Meet Kim Cutsforth Friday, May 17- Saturday, May 18, OSAA 2A State Championships Murray will support both ends of county To the editor: I am writing this letter in support of John Murray for the Port of Morrow commissioner. It has been my great privilege to participate in many different organiza- tions throughout our coun- ty. These experiences have shown me what a valuable asset the Port of Morrow (POM) is to our commu- nities. I appreciate that even though the POM is located at the north end of our county, they continually reach out to us in the south. It is important that the POM commissioners understand the needs of all communi- ties in the county. This is a difficult task as we are all very diverse in our demo- MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. High School Spring Sports Schedules Heppner track schedule Heppner/Ione softball/baseball schedules Varsity Baseball Varsity Softball Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. vs. Dufur / South Was- co County Lincoln Scott Ward- Saturday, April 27, law Noon vs. Dufur / South Lincoln Scott Wasco County Wardlaw was born Saturday, May 04, 11 August 4, 2018, at Ann a.m. @ Sherman / Arlington Arbor, Michigan to / Condon Jennifer and Malcom Saturday, May 04, 1 Wardlaw. p.m. @ Sherman / Arling- Grandparents ton / Condon are Scott and Mick- Tuesday, May 07, 4 ey Madison of But- p.m. @ Grant Union / Prai- tercreek and Peggy rie City and Malcom Ward- Saturday, May 11, 11 law of Austin, TX. a.m. @ Union / Cove Great-grandparents Saturday, May 11, 1 are Nellie Madison of Portland, OR and Darlene Hoskins, p.m. @ Union / Cove Heppner Tuesday, May 14, 2 p.m. vs. Stanfield / Echo Tuesday, May 14, 4 ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: p.m. @ Stanfield / Echo Births seem Mr. Thompson would have a legitimate discrim- ination complaint. If Mr. Thompson had been cited and/or charged/convicted of harassment, it would be public knowledge and no need to limit/withhold discussion would exist. The same reasoning would ap- ply if the city employee had obtained a restraining order against Mr. Thompson. Since neither were cited in Kemp’s refusal, one can only assume it is because neither is the case. F u r t h e r m o r e , M r. Thompson is entitled to the opportunity to defend himself against allegations, a right divined to each of us. For instance, does the “incident” Kemp alludes to even meet the criteria of “harassment”? The circumstances of trial by public (and worse, personal) opinion has reached epidemic propor- tions in our country and is a dangerous practice to keep. Allegation without valida- tion has all but replaced in- nocent until proven guilty. It is highly disappointing to see this practice so blatantly applied in our local commu- nities, Small Town, USA. Were I the judge of this particular court of public opinion, I would have to rule in favor of Mr. Thomp- son and further rule that Marcia Kemp is not fit to be mayor of any commu- nity due to her rather large inability to set personal feelings aside in order to effectively lead and help further the best interests of that community. (s) Cheyenne M. Rog- ers, Heppner Port is county’s greatest asset Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. @ Echo / Stanfield Saturday, April 27, 1 p.m. @ Echo / Stanfield Saturday, May 04, 1 p.m. @ Grant Union / Prai- rie City Print & Mailing Services *Design *Print *Mail Sykes Publishing 541-676-9228 Saturday, May 04, 2:30 p.m. @ Grant Union / Prai- rie City Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. vs. Weston-McEw- en (Athena) Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. @ Weston-McEw- en (Athena) Tuesday, May 14, 3 p.m. vs. Pilot Rock / Nixy- aawii Tuesday, May 14, 5 p.m. vs. Pilot Rock / Nixy- aawii Valby Lutheran Church Valby Road Ione Oregon. 97843 Church Services 1st & 3rd Sundays Available for: Weddings Funerals Family Events Old Country Church All Are Welcome
