7:2+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQWednesday, January 3, 2024
7KH2൶FLDO1HZVSDSHU
of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow
Heppner
GAZETTE-TIMES
U.S.P.S. 240-420
Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly Newspaper
SEARCH OLD COPIES OF THE HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES ON-LINE:
KWWSRUHJRQQHZVXRUHJRQHGX
Published weekly by Sykes Publishing and entered as periodical matter at the Post
2൶FHDW+HSSQHU2UHJRQXQGHUWKH$FWRI0DUFK3HULRGLFDOSRVWDJHSDLG
DW+HSSQHU2UHJRQ2൶FHDW10DLQ6W7HOHSKRQH )D[
676-9211. E-mail: editor@rapidserve.net or sykeschris@hotmail.com Web site:
www.heppner.net. Postmaster send address changes to the Heppner Gazette-Times,
P.O. Box 337, Heppner, Oregon 97836. Subscriptions: In Morrow County $35/year.
Outside Morrow County $40/year. In County Senior Rate (65 years or older) $30/
year. 9 month Student student subscriptions $35/year.
Chris Sykes ...............................................................................................Publisher
Annalynn Black ............................................................................................ Editor
Cindi Doherty.........................................................................................Advertising
All 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 $5.50 per
FROXPQLQFK&RVWIRUFODVVL¿HGDGLVSHUZRUG&RVWIRU&DUGRI7KDQNVLVXSWR
ZRUGV&RVWIRUDFODVVL¿HGGLVSOD\DGLVSHUFROXPQLQFK
For Public/Legal Notices: public/legal notices deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. Dates for publi-
FDWLRQPXVWEHVSHFL¿HG$I¿GDYLWVPXVWEHUHTXHVWHGDWWKHWLPHRIVXEPLVVLRQ$I¿GDYLWV
UHTXLUHWKUHHZHHNVWRSURFHVVDIWHUODVWGDWHRISXEOLFDWLRQ DVRRQHUUHWXUQGDWHPXVWEH
VSHFL¿HGLIUHTXLUHG
)RU2ELWXDULHV2ELWXDULHVDUHSXEOLVKHGLQWKH+HSSQHU*7DWQRFKDUJHDQGDUHHGLWHGWR
meet news guidelines. Families wishing to include information not included in the guidelines
or who wish to have the obituary written in a certain way must purchase advertising space
for the obituary.
)RU/HWWHUVWRWKH(GLWRU/HWWHUVWRWKH(GLWRU0867EHVLJQHGE\WKHDXWKRU7KH+HSSQHU
*7ZLOOQRWSXEOLVKXQVLJQHGOHWWHUV$OOOHWWHUV0867LQFOXGHWKHDXWKRU¶VDGGUHVVDQGSKRQH
QXPEHUIRUXVHE\WKH*7RI¿FH7KH*7UHVHUYHVWKHULJKWWRHGLWOHWWHUV7KH*7LVQRW
UHVSRQVLEOHIRUDFFXUDF\RIVWDWHPHQWVPDGHLQOHWWHUV$Q\OHWWHUVH[SUHVVLQJWKDQNVZLOOEH
SODFHGLQWKHFODVVL¿HGVXQGHU³&DUGRI7KDQNV´DWDFRVWRI
Spiritually Speaking
Father Thankachan Joseph
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wasco
EPIPHANY REMINDS US
2))(52856(/9(672*2'
On the second Sunday after Christmas, the Catholic
Church usually celebrates the Epiphany. Every culture,
tradition, region has its own understanding of the of
Epiphany. The feast of Epiphany is also called “The
Adoration of the Magi” or “The Manifestation of God.”
(SLSKDQ\FHOHEUDWHV-HVXV¶V¿UVWDSSHDUDQFHWRWKH*HQ-
tiles, as represented by the Magi - Caspar, Melchior, and
Balthasar. The First reading from the Old Testament
prophet Isaiah, 60:1-6, is chosen partly because it men-
tions non-Jews bringing gifts in reverence to the God of
Israel. Isaiah, consoling the people in exile, speaks of the
restoration of New Jerusalem from which the glory of
Yahweh becomes visible even to the pagan nations. Thus,
the prophet in this passage celebrates the Divine Light
emanating from Jerusalem and foresees all the nations
acknowledging and enjoying that Light and walking by
it. As a sign of gratitude for the priceless lessons of faith
R൵HUHGE\-HUXVDOHPWKHQDWLRQVZLOOEULQJZHDOWKE\ODQG
and sea, especially gold for the Temple and frankincense
IRUWKHVDFUL¿FH6LPLODUO\WKHUHVSRQVRULDO3VDOP 3V
declares that all the kings of the earth will pay homage to
and serve the God of Israel and their Messiah. The Gospel
of Matthew (2:1-12teaches us how Christ enhances those
who carry Him in their hearts. Since the Magi came with
joy in their hearts to visit the Baby Jesus, God allowed
them to see wondrous things. At the same time, today’s
*RVSHOKLQWVDWGL൵HUHQWUHDFWLRQVWRWKHQHZVRI-HVXV¶V
birth, foreshadowing His passion and death, as well as
the risen Jesus’s mandate to make disciples of all nations
(Mt 28:19). The Gospel also tells us the story of the
encounter of the Magi with the evil King Herod. This
encounter demonstrates three reactions to Jesus’s birth:
KDWUHGLQGL൵HUHQFHDQGDGRUDWLRQD +DWUHG$JURXS
of people headed by Herod planned to destroy Jesus. b)
,QGL൵HUHQFH$QRWKHU JURXS FRPSRVHG RI SULHVWV DQG
scribes, ignored Jesus. c) Adoration: The members of a
third group -- shepherds and the magi -- adored Jesus and
R൵HUHGWKHPVHOYHVWR+LP7KHGHVWUXFWLYHJURXS.LQJ
Herod considered Jesus a potential threat to his kingship.
+HURG ZDV D FUXHO DQG VHO¿VK NLQJ ZKR PXUGHUHG KLV
mother-in-law, wife, two brothers-in-law and three chil-
dren on suspicion that they had plotted against him. In
today’s Gospel, Herod asks the chief priests and scribes
where the Messiah is to be born. The group that ignored
Christ: The scribes, the Pharisees, and the Jewish priests
knew that there were nearly 500 prophecies in the Hebrew
Scriptures concerning the promised Messiah. Unfor-
WXQDWHO\WKH\ZHUHPRUHLQWHUHVWHGLQWKHLURZQVHO¿VK
gains than in discovering the truth. Hence, they refused to
go and see the child Jesus -- even though Bethlehem was
quite close to Jerusalem. The group that adored Jesus and
R൵HUHG+LPJLIWV7KHVKHSKHUGVR൵HUHGWKHRQO\JLIWV
they had: love, tears of joy, and probably woolen clothes
and milk from their sheep. The Magi, probably Persian
astrologers, were following the star that Balaam had
SUHGLFWHGZRXOGULVHDORQJZLWKWKHUXOHU¶VVWD൵RYHUWKH
KRXVHRI-DFRE 1XPEHUV 7KH0DJLR൵HUHGJROG
in recognition of Jesus as the King of the Jews; frankin-
cense, in acknowledgment that He was God, and myrrh as
a symbol of His human nature. On the feast of Epipha-
Q\OHWXVSOHGJHDQGR൵HURXUJLIWVRXUZKROHVHOYHV
OLNHWKH0DJLWRWKHQHZERUQ%DE\-HVXV D 7KH¿UVW
gift might be friendship with God. After all, the whole
point of Christmas is that God’s Son became one of us to
redeem us and call us friends. God wants our friendship
in the form of wholehearted love and devotion. (b) The
second gift might be the gift of reconciliation. This gift
repairs damaged relationships. It requires honesty, humil-
ity, understanding, forgiveness, and patience. (c) The
third gift is the gift of peace: seeking God’s peace in
our own lives through prayer, the Sacramental life, and
daily meditation on the Word of God. It is out of humble
gratitude that we give Him from the heart our gifts of
worship, prayer, singing, possessions, and time. As we
JLYHRXULQVLJQL¿FDQWOLWWOHJLIWVWKHJRRGQHZVLVWKDW
*RGDFFHSWVWKHP/LNHWKH0DJLR൵HULQJWKHLUJLIWVZH
R൵HUZKDWZHKDYHIURPWKHKHDUWLQUHVSRQVHWRZKDW
that Child has given us - Himself.
$//1(:6$1'$'9(57,6(0(17'($'/,1(
)5,'$<$730
Town of Lexington
December report
2QHVLJQL¿FDQWDFFRP-
plishment during the main-
tenance report involved
the successful relocation
of rocks surrounding May
Day Park. The objective of
this was to facilitate easier
DFFHVVIRU¿UHWUXFNVWRHQ-
WHU WKH DGMDFHQW ¿UHKRXVH
The removal of these ob-
structions has now ensured
D PRUH H൶FLHQW UHVSRQVH
time during emergencies,
ultimately enhancing the
safety of the community.
Moreover, a commend-
able initiative was under-
taken to beautify the picnic
tables in May Day Park.
The aim of this project
was to enhance the overall
ambiance and attractiveness
of the park, providing resi-
dents with a more pleasant
environment for gatherings
and relaxation. The refur-
bished picnic tables now
offer a visually pleasing
space for visitors to enjoy.
0RYLQJ RQ WR WKH ¿UH
department report, it was
noted that several members
RIWKH¿UHGHSDUWPHQWKDYH
been unavailable due to
medical issues within their
families. Josie Miles, who
is currently 7 ½ months
pregnant, has been on bench
duty since she was 5 months
pregnant. This unfortunate
situation has resulted in a
shortage of available per-
VRQQHOIRU¿UHPHHWLQJVDQG
operations.
On December 5, 2023,
Veronica Ferguson held a
meeting with Josie where
she submitted the annual
summary of calls responded
WR E\ WKH ¿UH GHSDUWPHQW
This was done to conduct
FKHFNV IRU WKH ¿UH GHSDUW-
ment members. Additional-
ly, Josie handed in a check
amounting to $1,100.00
from the 9/11 fundraiser.
The funds from this check
are to be deposited into
WKH ¿UH IXQG VLJQL¿FDQWO\
FRQWULEXWLQJWRLWV¿QDQFLDO
resources.
In terms of infrastruc-
ture, Larry Hess has been
actively engaged in obtain-
ing estimates from contrac-
tors for the installation of a
new garage door at the front
RI WKH ¿UH KDOO +RZHYHU
as of now, no proposals
have been received. It has
come to our attention that
this project may require
more work than initially
anticipated, which may po-
WHQWLDOO\D൵HFWWKHWLPHOLQH
and budget.
Overall, the Town of
Lexington has made note-
ZRUWK\H൵RUWVLQLPSURYLQJ
the community’s safety and
recreational spaces. How-
HYHUWKH¿UHGHSDUWPHQWLV
currently facing challenges
due to a personnel short-
age, which needs to be
addressed promptly.
Town & Country
Awards Banquet
The Heppner Chamber
of Commerce is currently
accepting nominations for
the upcoming Town and
Country Awards Banquet.
This annual event cele-
brates outstanding individ-
uals and businesses within
our community. The catego-
ries for nomination include
Man, Woman, Educator,
Student, and Business, with
an additional recognition
for Lifetime Achievement.
The deadline for nomina-
tions is January 12th. To
submit a nomination, please
YLVLWWKHR൶FLDOZHEVLWHRI
the Heppner Chamber of
Commerce at https://hep-
pnerchamber.com/.../town-
country-awards-banquet/
and access the nomination
forms. Fill out the required
information and provide
details about the nominee’s
accomplishments and con-
tributions. This is a great
opportunity to acknowl-
edge those who positively
impact our community.
The awards banquet will
take place at the Gilliam &
Bisbee event center, located
at 106 E Main St. Heppner.
The dinner will feature a
Tri Tip Dinner prepared
by Alvin Liu. If you wish
to attend the banquet and
indulge in this delicious
meal, dinner tickets can be
purchased for $28. You can
secure your tickets from
WKH &KDPEHU 2൶FH &LW\
Hall, or Murrays Drug.
Alongside nominations
and attending the event,
the Heppner Chamber of
Commerce is also seeking
sponsorships for the Town
and Country Awards Ban-
quet. There are various
sponsorship levels avail-
able. Gold Sponsorship,
priced at $1,000, includes 8
event tickets. Silver Spon-
sorship, priced at $750,
includes 6 event tickets, and
the Bronze Sponsorship,
valued at $500, includes 4
event tickets. In addition to
these sponsorship options,
there is an opportunity to
contribute a gift basket for
the silent auction, with a
minimum value of $200.
If you have any questions
or require further informa-
tion, please do not hesitate
to contact the Heppner
Chamber of Commerce at
541-676-5536 or send an
email to heppnerchamber@
gmail.com.
Bowles announces
FDQGLGDF\IRUVKHUL൵
6KHUL൵-RKQ%RZOHV
6KHUL൵-RKQ%RZOHVLV
announcing his candidacy
for Morrow County Sher-
iff in the 2024 election.
John and his wife live in
Heppner and have raised
three children who have
graduated from Morrow
County School District.
John, in the past, has served
as a Reserve Deputy, 911
Dispatcher, Marine Deputy,
Patrol Deputy, Search and
rescue Coordinator, Pro-
bation Deputy, Emergency
0DQDJHU8QGHUVKHUL൵DQG
Sheriff. He was the un-
dersheriff to Matlack for
6 years and the Morrow
&RXQW\ 6KHUL൵ VLQFH 1R-
vember 2022. He also held
an executive level position
with Morrow County Sher-
L൵VR൶FHVLQFH
Corrections
The Heppner Gazette last weeks paper. Nick Berg
would like to apologize, the was on the right and Ryan
new Deputies for Morrow Freeland was on the left.
County were switched on
Outdated ADA ramps
in Boardman lead to
crosswalk safety
conversation
%ODLVH([RQIURP-DFREV(QJLQHHULQJJLYLQJKLVSUHVHQWDWLRQ
WR%RDUGPDQ&LW\&RXQFLOYLD]RRP - Contributed photo
A google map view of the intersection S Main st and Front
6W- Contributed Photo
The Boardman City
Council meeting in Decem-
ber involved a lengthy dis-
cussion with Blaise Exon
from Jacob Engineering,
who is working with the
ODOT project manager,
Erin Winterton, regard-
ing ramp improvements in
Boardman. The schedule
for these improvements
LVLQLWV¿QDOGHVLJQVWDJH
and construction is set to be
carried out next year.
The current ramps
along I84 do not meet the
standards outlined by the
Americans with Disabilities
Act. Blaise Exon mentioned
that the impact on traffic
will be minimal, and pe-
destrians will be directed
around the construction
sites. The plan involves re-
placing nonstandard ramps
and constructing new ones
where necessary. It was
emphasized that every in-
tersection should provide
an opportunity to cross
the street, unless there is a
legally documented closure
of a crossing.
During the debate,
there was discussion about
whether adding crosswalks
along the bridge would
make crossing more dan-
gerous. The city council
questioned the need for
east-west stripes on the
bridge and mentioned that
the crossing was discontin-
ued due to safety concerns.
There was a suggestion that
Jacobs Engineering should
not mark the crossing from
east to west if the city of
Boardman does not want
LW %ODLVH ([RQ FRQ¿UPHG
that they will not mark the
crossing.
It was brought to atten-
tion that children frequently
cross the intersection on the
north end at 3 o’clock. A
councilmember stated that
people can legally cross the
street anywhere, and it is
the responsibility of drivers
to be vigilant.
In terms of action
items, Brandon Hammon
was nominated as the re-
placement for Karen Petti-
grew on the voting board of
the North East Area Com-
mission of Transportation
(NEACT). NEACT con-
sists of 20 voting members
and serves as a platform for
local government agencies
and the private sector to dis-
cuss and coordinate long-
range transportation issues
in the northeast Oregon re-
gion. The commission also
makes recommendations
to ODOT regarding special
funding opportunities and
programs.
It was noted that Board-
man does not have a state
highway.
The report provided
by Chief of Police Rick
Stokoe highlighted a sig-
nificant increase in DUII
cases in Boardman, which
has resulted in the need for
overtime to address this
issue effectively. During
a previous discussion on
crosswalks, it was brought
up that the Oregon De-
partment of Transportation
(ODOT) is currently replac-
ing them and constructing
ramps. This action is being
taken because of an ADA
compliance lawsuit against
the state. When questioned
about the compliance of
other sidewalks in Board-
man, the council admitted
that they are not currently
ADA compliant. However,
they assured attendees that
these sidewalks would be
addressed and made com-
pliant during the ongoing
sidewalk improvements.
A separate topic of dis-
cussion arose regarding the
placement of mailboxes
and who is responsible for
setting the rules associated
with them. It was noted
that some mailboxes in the
community are not even
being used. Currently, the
only rule in place is that
mailboxes cannot be in
the right of way. A com-
munity member suggested
the implementation of a
GH¿QHGVHWRIJXLGHOLQHVIRU
mailbox placement to avoid
confusion. Furthermore,
it was highlighted that the
postmaster holds the re-
sponsibility of determining
WKH ORFDWLRQ RI SRVW R൶FH
boxes.
'RQ¶WIRUJHW\RXUÀXVKRW
:HKDYH3À]HU
COVID vaccine
in stock also
Started your taxes yet?
Get a print out of
SUHVFULSWLRQVIURPXV
217 North Main St.,
Heppner, OR
Phone 676-9158 Floral 676-9426
murraysdrug.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm • Sat 8am-6pm •
Pharmacy- Mon-Fri 9am-6pm