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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 2024)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 18, 2024 -- THREE ~ 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 $15 Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net. Respect boundaries of belief Do not quarrel with someone’s “self-identi- ty.” I do have a problem with anyone imposing their “self-identity” on me in any way, though. Agreed? This means that you don’t expect, yeh demand, that I respect your “pre- ferred pronouns,” etc. This means don’t expect, yeh demand, that I “celebrate” your “pride” in self, etc. Let’s leave what should be private matters private— between you, your loved ones, perhaps your pets and social media accounts too. For my part, I think privacy matters and is under assault from the culture of self-invention. I also hold that pride, contrasted with humility, is harmful; it is up to you if you agree or respect that. I simply ask that you respect boundaries; if you don’t, I get irritated. I’m not alone. If you are guided, nay ruled by, your worship of self, your choice, please don’t impose that on me or the world. Some of us have transcendent guides we reach toward for virtue. We call Him (yes, “Him”) a loving moral authority, which we all fall short of following in goosestep. That’s quite at odds with the self-identity approach where, the creed proclaims, “anything goes.” Again, it is up to you to respect that. In the words of John Milton, “Thy self not free, but to thyself enthrall’d” (Paradise Lost, Book 6, Line 181). Keith Gallagher Condon, Oregon Hero? I read something re- cently that almost made me wanna leave the planet. It’s ok though. I decided to stay. But I am ready to move back to that cabin I wish I hadn’t sold. Looks like we’ve finally gotten to the point where insanity is “normal.” How do I know this? Because we’re now making folk heroes out of cold-blooded killers. So here it is folks… if a company doesn’t treat you right, you have the option (and apparently the obligation) to take out the CEO. And, if you play your cards right, you’ll even have folks raising money for your legal fees. Did anybody see that coming? We might have…if we had looked a little closer at the “Don’t Offend Me” mantra. Seems it’s grown a new set of horns. Better get those pronouns right folks…and whatever you do, don’t give someone the wrong flavor latte. You may be the next target. Brian Thompson was the 50-year-old CEO of United Healthcare. His Marxist (alleged) killer, who has “grievances” with the health care system, is being hailed a hero. One woman who donated to the killer’s fundraising site told the story of how her mother died without the treatment she needed because her in- surance company wouldn’t cover the cost. While I’m sorry for her loss, I fail to see how that warrants supporting a murderer. Did I miss some- thing? Are we at war with United Healthcare? Mean- while, the media is virtually silent on the devastation of the family of Brian Thomp- son. I guess bashing Daniel Penny (a real hero) is more important. I know our healthcare system is a wreck (this is my opinion, and I represent only myself). Costs are outrageous. There’s a ton of waste due to stupid reg- ulations. People don’t take responsibility for their own health and expect doctors to fix the problems they’re still creating. Doctors order a barrage of tests because they know they’ll get sued if they miss something. People who get free health- care abuse it…not to men- tion millions of illegals who also “qualify.” The folks at the top are so disconnected from the ground floor they haven’t a clue what needs to be fixed. And I wonder… when did we get the idea that healthcare should be free anyway. Maybe we should get back to paying Docs in chickens…and goats. Yes, it needs fixing… but not by assassination. So, is this the prece- dent we wanna set…where emotions justify murder? Let’s see…I mean…what about Dr. Fauci? Not too thrilled with him. Should I put him six feet under? No. Jail might be appropriate. Here’s the deal. There are plenty of people who see the insanity in all this. But if we say nothing, we’re helping the wrong side. We need to call evil what it is. Some things need to shock us…even make us angry. Remember the people who said they were disappointed that Trump’s assassin missed? Those people should have been shut down immediately. I believe our complacen- cy has contributed to the downhill slide. Let’s not be afraid to speak up. And let’s lift the Thompson family up in prayer. I’m sure they would appreciate it. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaish 5:20). Susie Crosby Prineville, OR Ione park bathrooms vandalized The City of Ione has announced that a security camera has been installed in Ione City Park due to recent vandalism at the city park restrooms. According to the city’s announcement, if vandal- ism occurs again, the city will be forced to lock the bathrooms at night, and possibly on weekends. Residents are asked to report any suspicious activities to Ione City Hall at 541-422-7414. Students share school news with Boardman councilors By Annalynn Black In the December meet- ing of the Boardman City Council, student represen- tatives from local schools presented updates on var- ious activities and initia- tives. The session kicked off with two students, Finley and Danny, from Sam Boardman Elementa- ry School. They reported that 23 veterans attended the recent Veterans Day celebration and noted the upcoming winter concert, scheduled for Dec. 12. “We hope you will have a great December, and we will see you in January,” Nichols remarked. Next, Fernanda and Hartford from Windy River Elementary School shared their school’s recent dress- up days and the election of student council represen- tatives. The students also mentioned that diagnostic testing has begun, with results leading to various prizes. Emma, eighth-grade president, and Westin, eighth-grade vice presi- dent from Riverside Mid- dle School, highlighted their anticipation for an upcoming game night. They reported that school dances held so far this year have been a “big success,” fos- tering connections outside the classroom. “We’re excited to keep this tradition going,” Perez expressed. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e y mentioned that fundraising efforts are underway, em- phasizing the importance of such events for school funding. Lucero, from Riverside High School, discussed the senior class’s dress-up week and door decoration contest, which promotes school spirit and healthy competition among stu- dents, according to Lucero, along with fundraising ini- tiatives. She noted that at a recent basketball game, they sold yearbooks rang- ing from the 1980s to the 2023 graduating class. The council also ad- dressed a request from Boardman residents, the Leightons, who have previ- ously sought permission to place a shipping container on their property. Mrs. Leighton ex- pressed her desire for a solution, stating, “I just really want to come up with a solution on how we can have one. I want to put in my work; obviously, it’s ugly, and it’s an eyesore.” She proposed painting and landscaping around the container to enhance its appearance. Mayor Keefer respond- ed, noting, “I mean we aren’t going to solve it 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net today, but if you had any questions that you would like to maybe have answers to, or thought processes to be able to get ready for our January work session.” Council member Ethan Salata raised concerns about the possibility of people living in the container and suggested that the council could look into codes to prevent this scenario. Council member Rich- ard Rockwell acknowl- edged initial concerns but expressed his understand- ing of the Leightons’ vision, proposing a review of past ordinances in Oregon to find a resolution. “This is not the first time discussion has come up even in the state of Or- egon, so there’s got to be somewhere we can draw from to come to some kind of resolution,” he stated. Council member Kar- en Pettigrew asked about the lot size. The Leightons confirmed they own two lots with more than enough space for a container. Next on the agenda was Resolution 27-2024, presented by City Financial Director Martha Barajas, regarding inclusion under the Oregon Deferred Com- pensation Plan. This resolution would provide city employees with an additional option to the existing 457 B retire- ment plan. “Is there a benefit to this?” Pettigrew inquired. Barajas responded that it offers employees more op- tions for retirement savings. Mayor Keefer supported the resolution, referencing his experiences in the school system, where employees had limited choices. Following the discus- sion, Council Member Brenda Profitt moved to approve the resolution, with Rockwell seconding. The motion passed unani- mously. In appointments, Sam Iron and David Jones were inducted into the planning committee, with Marcie Rodello, Richard Rosales, Bobby Barnes and Roy Drago Jr. being named to the Housing Investment Advisory Committee. Public comments in- cluded a brief introduction from Gus Peterson, the new Morrow County commis- sioner-elect, who expressed his intention to engage regularly with the council. “I will be a regular; it’s one of the things that I said I was going to do. Here I am and I’m going to continue to be here. I look forward to the opportunity of working with all of you,” Peterson said. Taylor Rightman re- ported on the Parks Mas- ter Plan Advisory Team’s Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 For Sale $220,000 This cozy 1950s home, located in a peaceful community, offers a blend of classic charm and modern comforts. The 3-bed, 2-bath property features a finished basement with two bedrooms and a bonus room, perfect for extra space or an office. The well-maintained yard, complete with mature fruit trees, provides a relaxing outdoor space. Essential appliances, including a fridge, range, washer, and dryer, are included, making it move-in ready. Sold as-is or with conventional financing, this charming home is ready for you to make it your own! 285 W ARCADE ST Lexington MLS# 24676541 recent meeting with city representatives and con- sultants to improve Board- man’s parks. Anticipated developments include ADA compliance enhancements, new play structures, bench- es and tables. “Two thousand twen- ty-six is going to be the year of the parks,” one council member said. Another remarked on Boardman’s rich history, mentioning that the first Park Director in Oregon was Sam Boardman him- self, and that would be a good thing to note moving forward in projects. An audience mem- ber provided information about state grant funding available for cities looking to enhance ADA structures, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts to improve community fa- cilities. Mark your calendar for the following events: New Year’ Eve – December 31st Prime Rib Dinner at 5pm with music by Joe & Andrew Lindsay Elk’s Annual - February 15th Annual hosted by ER Shane and Regi Lazinka HEPPNER ELKS 358 "WHERE FRIENDS MEET" 541-676-9181 142 N MAIN ST "EARS"OF EXPERIENCE Ready to help with your hearing healthcare needs 600 NW 11th Street Suite E-21 Hermiston, OR 97838 P.S. Ask us about our financing options! (541) 371-1900 Call Verna 541-371-1900 Offering complimentary hearing evaluation and/or to have your current hearing aids cleaned & checked, schedule today!
