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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 5, 2020)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, August 5, 2020 -- THREE Farmers market closed during Phase 1 The Willow Creek Farmers Market is closed due to Gov. Kate Brown’s decision to take Morrow County back to Phase 1 last week. According to market co-managers Andrea Nelson and An- drea Di Salvo, they hope to reopen the market if Morrow County returns to Phase 2 before the end of the farmers market season. However, that de- pends on where Morrow County stands at the end of the governor’s mini- mum of 21 days. “It was a difficult de- cision to make,” said Di Salvo, “especially since the farmers market was doing so well this season.” The farmers market, which had been on Fridays since it began in 2009, switched to Thursday eve- nings this year in response to community feedback. Even during last week’s heat wave, the market has been thriving as both a shopping venue and a place for community members to mingle with friends—from six feet away, of course. Nelson and Di Salvo cited the inability to meet Phase 1 restrictions as the cause of the closure. “People tell us other farmers markets are staying open around the state and wonder why we’re not,” said Di Salvo. “But, staffed entirely by volunteers, we didn’t feel we could ad- equately enforce masks, social distancing, and es- pecially the maximum of 25 people.” High school asks for public cooperation in use of track facility Heppner high school ad- ministration is requesting that public use of the new- ly repaired and repainted track follow guidelines that will be posted. Please no pets. “we have to use a shovel before PE classes and practice and spend significant amounts of time removing dog fe- ces” said HHS PE teacher and football coach Greg Grant. We don’t always find it all and it is not healthy in any way. Bicy- cles, skateboards, tri-cy- cles, wheeled toys all damage the new painting and groove the track. “We would appreciate coop- eration in not using these on our track or the inside practice field either. “stat- ed Matt Combe principal. The long jump pits are not a sandbox for children to play in while the par- ent walks. We have had to sweep sand back into the pits and remove rocks several times this spring and summer. We recently spent a large percentage of our annual maintenance fund to repair the track and re-paint it. We are obligat- ed to protect that invest- ment. We will be posting new signs soon that clear- ly define what is allowed and what is not. “I hope to see many peo- ple walking and running on our track as it is avail- able for these activities. We thank the public for re- specting the guidelines for the proper use of the track facility. For any questions please contact Greg Grant at 541- 676-9138. BEO collects school supplies Bank of Eastern Oregon is collecting school supplies for local elementa- ry students at its 15 Oregon branches. These supplies will be distributed to local schools. “Students need supplies, whether they are at school or studying from home. We welcome you to join with your local branch and celebrate the spirit of your hometown: bring your school supply donations to any branch of Bank of Eastern Oregon,” says Becky Kindle, chief banking officer. Each branch will feature a drawing for sev- eral backpacks filled with supplies for a local student. Community members with a grade school student are encouraged to stop in and fill out a ticket. If your branch lobby is temporarily closed, you will be able to access the drawing through the drive-through window. You do not have to be a Bank of Eastern Oregon customer to do- nate supplies or enter the drawing and no purchase is necessary. BEO branches in Oregon are located in Ar- lington, Athena, Boardman, Burns, Condon, Enterprise, Fossil, Heppner, Herm- iston, Ione, Irrigon, John Day, La Grande, Moro, and Prairie City. Take Charge of Your Health “We could have chosen not to try,” she added, “but A message from the Community Health that would have landed us improvement Partnership of Morrow in hot water, too.” County Questions about the Willow Creek Farmers By Andrea Fletcher market can be directed August is National Immunization Awareness to 541-720-4399, willow- Month and a good time to make sure you have the vac- creekfm@gmail.com, or cinations you need. Are you and your family up to date? the market Facebook page. Schedule a wellness visit with your local health clinic today, as vaccinations may be available at low or no cost to you, if you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance plans. We all want to be healthier and live longer. That’s why regular wellness visits, blood pressure checks, screenings and vaccines, are so important. These preven- tive visits help you catch problems before they become serious, manage chronic diseases and lower health risks. Your local health care providers - Morrow County Health Department, Morrow County Health District Co- lumbia River Health, Advantage Dental and Community Counseling Solutions collaborate with all human service organizations in Morrow County to form the Community Health Improvement Partnership to ensure access to a robust health system and help you maintain good health. For more information, contact Andrea Fletcher, 541-989-8232, afruralvoice@hotmail.com. We’re Here To Help! In these trying times, if you feel at risk, remember that we offer delivery and mail service. Our goal is to help you stay healthy. Call us! 217 North Main St., Heppner, OR Phone 676-9158 Floral 676-9426 murraysdrug.com www.murraysdrug.com District Announces New Principals At Two Schools Jill Ledbetter Stephanie Ewing The Morrow County School District is pleased to announce the hiring of two new principals at elementary schools in Boardman and Irrigon for the 20-21 school year. Jill Ledbetter has been selected as the next prin- cipal of Sam Boardman Elementary (SBE) in Boardman. Ledbetter has been the head teacher at Sam Boardman for the past four years. She has 23 years of teaching ex- perience in several differ- ent grade levels, as well as work as an interven- tionist and instructional coach. Erin Stocker, Executive Director of Human Re- sources, said the selection committee was impressed with Ledbetter’s under- standing of the needs of SBE and her willingness to continue the great work happening there. “Her work with the building and district safety commit- tee and data team meeting structures, as well as adept- ly responding to needs of a very diverse student popu- lation have prepared Led- better for this position. We are excited to have Jill join our administrative team, as she brings a wealth of knowledge about Morrow County School District to the table,” Stocker said. Stephanie Ewing was cho- sen as the next principal of Valby Lutheran Church Valby Road Church Services 1st & 3rd Sundays 10:00 AM Available for: Weddings • Funerals Family Events 541-422-7300 Old Country Church All Are Welcome A.C. Houghton Elemen- tary in Irrigon. Ewing has 20 years of experience in education, including nine years of administrative ex- perience in Dayton, OR, which included working as a Special Services Di- rector and elementary principal. Ewing grew up in Touchet, WA, and is eager to move back to the area with her family to be closer to her parents. Stocker said the selection committee was impressed not only with Ewing’s experience, but also with how personable and en- gaging she is. “We are ex- cited for Stephanie to join our team. Her knowledge of school improvement, data-driven decision mak- ing and working with stu- dents with emotional and behavioral challenges are just a few of the reasons she was selected,” Stocker said. Stocker said the MCSD administration is excited that both new adminis- trators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in different ways and they each have passion, leader- ship and a work ethic that are rivaled by few. Due to Governor Brown requiring Morrow County to return to Phase 1, Wheatland Insurance offices in Ione and Heppner are open for business but will be closed to the public until further notice. Thank you and stay safe!