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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 8, 2024)
+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQ Wednesday, May 8, 2024 7+5(( Spiritually Speaking ~ Letters to the Editor ~ Father Thankachan Joseph 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 UHDFKHG7KHDGGUHVVDQGSKRQHQXPEHUZLOORQO\EHXVHGIRUYHUL¿FDWLRQDQGZLOOQRWEHSULQWHGLQWKHQHZVSDSHU/HWWHUVPD\QRWEHOLEHORXV 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 LQWKHFODVVL¿HGVXQGHU³&DUGRI7KDQNV´DWDFRVWRI(PDLOWRHGLWRU#UDSLGVHUYHQHWRUXSORDGWR+HSSQHUQHW Nash for Senate We are grateful to have known and worked with Todd Nash for a number of years, and we are proud to voice our strong support for Todd as our next State Senator. Todd’s dedication to our community, his un- matched leadership experi- ence, and his commitment to representing our values make him the clear choice for this important position. Todd is trustworthy and makes decisions in the best interest of people around him and for the populations he serves. Whether it’s ad- vocating for rural economic development, supporting our farmers and ranchers, RU¿JKWLQJIRUSROLFLHVWKDW benefit working families, Todd has a proven track re- cord of getting things done. He understands the history and culture of our communities, and the chal- lenges facing our district, and he has the vision and experience to address them head-on. His leadership is grounded in common sense and practical solutions. He listens to the concerns of his constituents and works WLUHOHVVO\ WR ¿QG VROXWLRQV WKDWEHQH¿WXVDOO :HDUHFRQ¿GHQW7RGG Nash will be a strong voice for us in the Oregon Sen- ate, and we encourage our fellow voters and neighbors to join us in supporting him in the upcoming election. Let’s elect a leader who ZLOO¿JKWIRURXUYDOXHVDQG work tirelessly to build a brighter future for all of us. Vote Todd this May. Sincerely, Bryan and Lou Ann Wolfe Hermiston, OR. Dear Protesters Dear Protester, I’m tempted to be a little snarky and call you and all your friends Village Idiots who aren’t capable of making a moral judgment, but since I realize I’m dealing with students, I’ll keep it civ- il………and at a third- grade level. Listen, Honey, you need to understand that, even though it’s fun to be in the limelight and get lots of attention, it’s not always a good idea. You see, people will lie to you and tell you things that aren’t true just to get you to go along with them. They will even show you fake maps and tell you that Israel stole land from the state of Palestine (which isn’t really a state and never has been). They won’t tell you that the land has belonged to Israel for thousands of years because then they would have to ¿QGDQRWKHUUHDVRQWRPHHW up, shout obscenities, and destroy colleges. Just a note: lying in the middle of a road and stopping cars only makes you look like you aren’t very smart….and it could get you injured or put in jail. (Remember, The Pok- ey isn’t very fun and there aren’t any video games, cell phones, or Skittles for you there). I know the posters they handed you say, “Free Palestine” and your slogan is “From the river to the sea,” (which means the peo- ple of Israel shouldn’t have a place to live and should all just die). But what you’re really doing is supporting bad people (also known as Terrorists). You see, Israel is not keeping the Pales- tinians from being free…. their own leaders are. Did you know these terror- ists killed the Palestinians who tried to leave and get to a safe place? And did you know that these “lead- ers” (they call themselves “Hamas”) hid behind their own people and used them for shields…like you would when you have a bully after you and you hide behind your teacher? Only Hamas hid behind children, mom- mies, grandmas, and sick people. This is NOT what good people do. So, the Palestinians need new leaders that care about them. Destroying Is- UDHOZRQ¶W¿[WKHLUSUREOHP But remember, people have what’s called a “right” to defend themselves against bad people. If a bully start- ed punching your little brother, he would need to be stopped, and stopping him is the right thing. So, ,VUDHOQHHGVWR¿JKWEDFNWR protect their families. See, the people you’re defending have done very horrible things. Some things even involve little babies, ovens, and big, sharp knives. These are things only the worst peo- ple in the world would do. This is what happens when people listen to the Devil. You need to be careful and stay away from people like this. You don’t want to end up where they will. And another thing…. your friends might tell you that the Bible is just a fairy- tale. I’m going to give you an assignment. I want you to read the Bible and decide for yourself….because do- ing your own research and coming to your own conclu- sions is all a part of growing up. Meanwhile, stay out of the street. “You will seek me and ¿QGPHZKHQ\RXVHHNPH with all your heart.” Jere- miah 29:13 By Susie Crosby from Prineville, Or. Commissioner Roy Drago, a positive force in county government Dear Editor, As a fellow member of the Morrow County Com- mission, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving alongside Commissioner Roy Drago for the past year. It is with great enthusiasm that I write to express my unwavering support for his election. Commissioner Drago’s dedication to our communi- ties is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees. His work with the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), Blues Intergovernmental Council, and the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, among oth- ers, has been instrumental in fostering regional col- laboration and economic development. His commitment to the Boardman Communi- ty Development Associ- ation and the Boardman Food Pantry showcases his compassion and drive to en- sure that all residents have access to essential services and support. Furthermore, his leadership on the CREZ III Board and the East- ern Oregon Association of Counties (EOCA) has been pivotal in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region. Commissioner Drago’s proactive approach to pro- tecting and using our natural UHVRXUFHVLVUHÀHFWHGLQKLV participation in the Forest Collaborative and the Low- er Umatilla Basin Ground Water Management Area (LUBGWMA). He is also a member of the Wolf Dep- redation Advisory Council GHDOLQJZLWKWKHH൵HFWVRI the wolf population on our local ranchers. %H\RQGKLVR൶FLDOGX- ties, Commissioner Dra- go’s involvement in local sports as a coach for ASA Softball, Little League, and Columbia Youth Bas- ketball demonstrates his personal investment in the well-being and develop- ment of our youth. In every capacity, whether it be serving on the Morrow County Budget Committee or his extensive study and involvement with development of the Ambu- lance Service Area (ASA) plan, Commissioner Drago has shown an unwavering commitment to fiscal re- sponsibility, community en- gagement, and transparent governance. Commissioner Drago does his homework, is honest and hardworking, and he knows the issues. His election would en- sure the continuation of this valuable knowledge and contributions to our county. I urge my fellow citizens to cast their vote for a leader who has proven time and again that he is dedicated to the prosperity and bet- terment of all of Morrow County. Sincerely, David Sykes, Chairman Morrow County Board of Commissioners Todd Nash is built to be OUR Senator! Growing up in a small rural community gave me an appreciation for heart felt handshakes, ingrained in me the value of integrity, and showed me the impor- tance of local neighbors working together. Through the years Todd Nash has always stood out to me. He is a man to look up to, and the kind of rare leader who is passionate and steady without needing to be the loudest voice in the room. He is unlike many of the /28' DQG VHO¿VK SHRSOH who somehow become ca- reer politicians, and sets himself apart with his gen- uine care for the betterment of our personal lives and communities. I have been so inspired with his willingness to step XS DQG OHDG H൵HFWLYHO\ LQ many community roles! He brings an air of thoughtful UHVSRQVHTXLHWFRQ¿GHQFH and willingness to work with others to any challenge he is presented. Todd is great about seeing potential in people, and encouraging them to grow and accom- plish as much as they can. People who get the chance to work with Todd will sim- ply get more done! Todd’s values and pri- orities for our state give me personal hope and confi- dence for the future of my family here. Todd knows we want to live and raise our children in safe com- munities, where our law enforcement professionals have the support they need! He sees we are tired of the continuing cycle of crim- inals who get regurgitated back onto our streets, and wishes to see meaningful SHQDOWLHVIRUYLROHQWR൵HQG- ers. Like us, he strongly holds to our constitutional rights, and the heritage that has helped build our great state. He also believes that children are precious and should be supported in their right to life, as well as the chance to grow up in a thriving community! Todd isn’t one to brag, but I am here to tell you he is strongly supported by retiring senator Bill Hansel, the NRA, several dozen County Commissioners, The Right to Life Pact, and many other’s! Todd Nash is the man for this job, and will work hard for us. Please join me in support- ing him with your vote! Clayton Lowe La Grande, Oregon The Morrow County Republican Party May Meeting The Morrow County Republicans will meet at 6:30 pm, Thursday, May 16th at the Lexington School, Lexington, Oregon. PCPs and anyone interested in the county Republican Party are encouraged to come and join the discus- sions. Ballots were mailed out to registered Morrow Coun- ty voters on May 1st. Bal- lots need to be returned on Tuesday, May 21st. Four- teen candidates running for the various positions pre- sented their pitches at the MCRP Candidates’ Forum held last Saturday in Lex- ington. This was recorded. The recording is available on the “Dale Bates Produc- tions” Facebook page and also the “Morrow County Republicans” Facebook page. Ranked Choice Voting will be on the November ballot. Chairman, Clint Carlson will report on Ranked Choice Voting and the efforts underway to DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5PM educate the voting public. Tickets are still avail- able for the MCRP Rifle Raffle. Individuals who would like to purchase tick- ets can contact their local PCP or Chairman, Clint Carlson. Precinct Committee Person, PCP, positions are open for Lexington, Hep- pner, Boardman, and Irri- gon. Individuals interested in one of these positions are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn about the positions. PCP appoint- ments can be made during MCRP meetings. The Republican Party is open to individuals inter- ested in conservative ideals and values. The Republican Party platform can be found at https://oregon.gop/. For more information on the Morrow County Republican Party, contact mocoreps@ gmail.com. Submitted online to Heppner Gazette-Times 5/6/24 Ascension – an invitation to mount the throne of God On this Seventh Sunday of Easter, the Catholic Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord into heav- en after having completed His earthly life. The feast of Ascension is a day for renewing our hope in the goal toward which the Lord is leading us, namely, a place in His Kingdom. This event was preceded by the com- missioning of the apostles with a mission – to preach the Gospel to the whole world. We are so busy doing, achieving, and making progress that we can forget what life is truly about, preparing to meet God in heaven. The Ascension of Jesus reminds us that we are “only pass- ing through” here, as we say. We are pilgrims on a jour- ney. Just as Jesus’s earthly life was temporary and He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father, so also our lives here are temporary, will come to an end, and we will meet God in the next life. The Ascension of Jesus reminds us in all of our busyness not to forget what life is all about. We are mere pilgrims here. We need to seek the things that are above. What is Ascension of Jesus? Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven, reaching back to His destination. It was a moment of prodigious celebration. All the angels gathered around Him and asked about His life and mission on earth. Jesus was glad to share His wonderful experience of living with mankind, His life struggle with priests and rulers on earth, and how they condemned Him to die on a cross because He stood for the cause of the subalterns and the marginalized of the society. How He failed to impart the love of the Father to the priestly clan and their refusal to EHOLHYHLQ*RGDQG¿QDOO\G\LQJRQWKHFURVVIRUWKHLU salvation. The Lord has already built a bridge between heaven and Earth. He has come and lived with us and set connectivity to God and human beings. Why did Jesus Ascended to the father? The letter of Paul to the Philippians says, “Our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to receive the glory due to Him as the victor over sin and death” (2:8-9). Jesus in the Gospel of John reminds us in several places that He needs to ascend to the Father for the Advocate to come to us. Jesus reminds us that He is ascending to the Father to prepare rooms for us, to welcome us all back to heaven, etc., (14:2). How to make Ascension Possible in our Life? Paul in his letter to the Colossians, gives us this intact message: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Paul reminds us that ascension is possible for everyone. He suggests three ways to ascend to the Father: 1) Material Ascension: With the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are being led to our material freedom. Poverty is converted to riches, lack is convert- ed to abundance. The works of our hands are blessed. (Deut. 28:12; Psalm 90:17). From a tendency of amass- ing wealth for oneself, we need to have an option for the poor, like Francis of Assisi who was born in a noble business family, but the love of Christ made him leave aside everything and follow Christ, who was poor and chaste. 2) Mind Ascension: An old proverb goes like this: “A sound mind dwells in a sound body.” When our minds are engaged in material things and things of this world, we can say that we are in mental slavery, which leads to acute depression, worry, anxiety, fear, etc. 6HQVXDO$VFHQVLRQ ,Q WKLV WZHQW\¿UVW FHQWXU\ HYHU\WKLQJVHHPVDYDLODEOHDWRXU¿QJHUWLSV7KHUHLVD tendency in this present world to waste time in front of social media, enjoying and taking pleasure in that which stimulates our sense organs. Our eyes and ears need to be controlled to ascend above this world of sensual plea- sures. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came down to empower the followers of Jesus to be- FRPHWKHH൵HFWLYHZLWQHVVHVRI-HVXV7KH+RO\6SLULWLV always with us to ascend from this present way/style of life to a life worthy of His disciples through our words and actions. ($562) (;3(5,(1&( 5HDG\WRKHOSZLWK\RXU KHDULQJKHDOWKFDUHQHHGV 1:WK6WUHHW 6XLWH( +HUPLVWRQ25 36$VNXVDERXWRXUILQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV &DOO9HUQD 2൵HULQJFRPSOLPHQWDU\KHDULQJ HYDOXDWLRQDQGRUWRKDYH\RXUFXUUHQW KHDULQJDLGVFOHDQHG FKHFNHG VFKHGXOHWRGD\
