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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2024)
Early G-T deadline for Christmas, New Year 50¢ VOL. 144 NO. 50 8 Pages Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Morrow County, Heppner, Oregon Veterans luncheon held at new Heppner Innovation Hub Twenty-five attend inaugural event This year, Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on a Wednesday. Since Wednesday is our normal publication day, the Hep- pner Gazette-Times will al- ter its schedule and publish on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 31. If you’d like to submit an advertisement or story for either issue, please en- sure it is sent in by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, or Friday, December 27. Heppner council hears update from WCVEDG By Andrea Di Salvo specifically, the Heppner Willow Creek Valley area. Economic Development “We are using the mon- Group has been quietly ey. We’re not sitting on it,” busy this year, keeping said Coil. “Hopefully we’re momentum in projects from making a difference to a lot housing to childcare. of people.” That was the update Coil said WCVEDG Kim Coil gave the Heppner has several priorities, in- City Council at its Dec. 9 cluding housing, business meeting. Coil told the Hep- enhancement, senior ser- pner councilors that Willow vices, childcare services Creek Valley Economic and community enhance- Development Group (WC- ment. VEDG) takes seriously the In response to the stewardship of the money chronic housing shortage it receives. in South Morrow, Coil said, “We believe that these the group is trying to im- funds have a large impact prove housing accessibility Twenty-five veterans attended the first veterans’ luncheon at the Heppner Innovation Hub last week. -Contributed photo on our community,” said and availability. On Wednesday, Dec. helped fund the event. contact Jerry Conklin at da Kendricks through Coil. One way they accom- “This event has been South Morrow County the Morrow County Vet- 11, veterans gathered at For example, Colum- plish that is through hous- the new Heppner Innova- a long time coming,” said Seniors Matter or Aman- erans Services Office. bia River Enterprise Zone ing rehabilitation grants, tion Hub for a special lun- Jerry Conklin, who has (CREZ) II awarded WC- which are open year-round. cheon organized to honor been working tirelessly for VEDG $579,357 this year, Last year they invested their service and provide the past year to establish a $575,00 of which the group $113,000 for improvements resources for their needs. regular veterans’ luncheon. has invested directly into Guests were treat- “Our goal is to create a space South Morrow County— -Continued to PAGE EIGHT ed to a delicious meal where veterans can connect of freshly-made hoagies with each other and ac- prepare by Jodi Segraves. cess important resources.” The event’s location, Morrow County Com- mission Chair David Sykes the new Heppner Innovation spoke and offered a wel- Hub, provided a welcoming coming message of care and accessible venue for to his fellow veterans. the gathering. Organizers The gathering also fea- hope to make the luncheon tured Amanda Kendricks, a recurring event to fur- the Morrow County Vet- ther serve the local veteran erans Service Officer, who community by providing was available to answer information and resources. The next luncheon is veterans’ questions and offer guidance on vari- set for Jan. 8 at 12 p.m. ous benefits and services. in the St. Patrick’s Senior The luncheon was made Center dining room. No possible thanks to grants reservation is required, from the Wildhorse Foun- and the luncheon is free. Dennis Waite checks the information available from Aman- Heppner Elks Hoop Shoot winners (L-R) Scout Matheny, For more information da Kendricks at the veterans’ luncheon. -Contributed photo dation and ChangeX, which Hoop Shoot winners advance to districts Santa’s breakfast visit to Holly Rebekah Lodge By Chris Sykes On Saturday, Dec. 14, Santa Claus made a detour from his North Pole prepa- rations to spend two jolly hours at the Holly Rebekah Lodge in Lexington. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Santa swapped toy-making and reindeer wrangling for pan- cakes and Christmas cheer, delighting kids and adults alike. The breakfast, fit for even Santa’s appetite, fea- tured pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages and cinna- mon rolls. While the kids enjoyed the meal, Santa himself seemed particular- ly enthusiastic about the cinnamon rolls—some say they saw him sneak an extra one or two for the road. The highlight of the event, of course, was the chance for kids to tell Santa their Christmas wishes in person. Children eagerly lined up, each taking their turn to share their hopes for gifts ranging from dolls to the latest gadgets. Santa, with his hearty laugh and knowing nods, made every child feel special. Parents and grand- parents joined in the fun, enjoying breakfast while watching the excitement unfold. Some even tried to sneak in a few wish-list hints of their own, though Santa’s focus remained firmly on the kids. To keep the holiday spirit alive, Santa handed out candy canes. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, creating a fes- tive atmosphere that made everyone feel a little more connected to the season. By the time Santa de- parted at 11 a.m., the lodge was filled with satisfied smiles, sticky fingers and full hearts. As he headed back to his sleigh, Santa left behind a community warmed by holiday cheer and ready for Christmas. Weston Christy, Emma Mullins, Sonny Matheny, Mikalie Duncan and Charlie Mullins. -Contributed photo Heppner Elks Lodge hosted its annual Hoop Shoot free-throw contest on Dec. 15. Thirty contestants ages eight to 13 competed within their age groups. Participants shot 10 free throws, then another 15 free throws, for a total of 25. Six local kids earned the chance to participate in the Elks East District Hoop Shoot contest on Jan. 12 in John Day. The East District consists of Condon, Hep- pner, Milton-Freewater, Enterprise, Baker, John Day, Burns, Bend, Madras, Prineville and Ontario lodg- es, and each lodge has an opportunity to send one par- ticipant from each of the six age groups. Winners from that competition advance to the state contest in Silverton in February. Heppner winners were Scout Matheny for the 8-9 girls, Weston Christy for the 8-9 boys, Emma Mullins for the 10-11 girls, Son- ny Matheny for the 10-11 boys, Mikalie Duncan for the 12-13 girls and Charlie Mullins for the 12-13 boys. Other participants were Dylan Turner, Zeb Wed- ding, Ladd Haak, Jaxon Wilson, Grady Mullins, Benham Haguewood, Berk- ley Hanna, Ella Mullins, Whitlie Duncan, Lillian Kenny, Cohen Botefuhr, Urijah Wedding, Preston Milligan, Mack Swee- ney, Walker Haak, Lucas Matheny, Kamryn Dicken- son, Hadlie Duncan, Kason Botefuhr, Jasper Hanna, Keller Sweeney, Joel Wil- son, Payton Matheny and Gage Rosenbalm. CALL 541-989-8221 ext 204 for more information
