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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (March 26, 2025)
SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, March 26, 2025 Heppner MS Walk -Continued from PAGE ONE ting the word out” was fun. There were notices for the Heppner MS Walk on social media and three stories for the local paper, including an article thanking the com- munity on the success of the walk—with pictures of par- ticipants and events. I spoke of the walk and the disease at the weekly senior lunch, a couple of churches, and at city council meetings in the area. During the last month before the walk, I wore an MS t-shirt everyday as a reminder to people. Advice to others Next year I hope to make more contacts and use more volunteers. The article for the local newspaper will also be sent to the regional paper. Hopefully, we can speak to more churches and other civic groups. Lastly, we can send letters to the churches to include in their newsletters. The Heppner MS Walk has gone quite well in the years since COVID-19. We started out small but are growing each year. The first year we had only a dozen or so walkers. This year, we had about 45 walkers. This group fluctuated throughout the morning. Some started with everyone, some met up along the way as the morning went on. Some may have just taken the short route to brunch. Re- gardless of the route choice, everyone had a good time. People saw friends they hadn’t seen for a while, and some made new friends along the way. I would like help in get- ting the Heppner MS Walk to reach more people; more social media posts, more ideas and help for after the walk, which I am hoping results in more contribu- tions. It is difficult to do this myself, as you know, warriors have limited time. Are there others you’d like to thank? I have many to thank. I want to thank everyone who showed up, donated, or gave encouragement. I would also like to thank Merilee McDowell for starting the Heppner MS Walk 27 years ago. Others I’d like to specifically call out who helped this year include Bucknam’s Tavern for brunch and a nice place to cool down, Steve and Tia Egbers for displaying information and “swag,” Dale Bates for the photog- raphy, and Dan for being the rescue driver for the people who were unable to finish the walk. If you live in a small, rural area, you can make a difference. Around $5,000 was collected from this small population, which is amazing! This may be a small walk, but it made a difference in many lives. I don’t host the Hep- pner MS Walk for myself. When a cure is discovered, I might be too old for it to do me any good. I host this walk for younger people with MS. Warriors need hope that there may be something to make their lives easier. Heppner Chamber to Hold Quarterly Luncheon The Heppner Chamber of Commerce quarterly chamber luncheon will take place April 10 at 12 p.m. at the Willow Street Innova- tion Hub. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Broken Spoke. Those planning on at- tending are asked to reg- ister at https://heppner- chamber.jagsuitesite.com/ events/136/136-april-10th- quarterly-member-lun- cheon Morrow County School District will be sharing a bond presentation on ballot measure 25-104. MCSD Superintendent Matt Combe, Business Manager Gabe Hansen and Maintenance Coordinator/ HR Assistant Brandi Swee- ney will share facts about the bond, including the issues within their facilities, the cost for taxpayers, who will pay for the bond and the selected projects that will be addressed if the bond passes. They say they are excit- ed to share this information and answer questions or concerns. Their website is a great source of information, so please visit mcsdbond. org for more information. Anyone with questions, please email heppnercham- ber@gmail.com. Assistance programs visit Heppner Area residents will get some much-needed help navigating assistance pro- grams at the monthly se- niors’ luncheon April 1. The state of Oregon, through the Oregon Depart- ment of Human Services (ODHS) and the Com- munity Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO), offers various programs aimed at assisting residents with food, hous- ing, employment, energy, long-term care, Medicare and more. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to find the right program or navigate the process. To help address this, ODHS and CAPECO have teamed up with South Mor- row County Seniors Matter to bring program represen- tatives directly to Heppner. They will be at the Tuesday, April 1, senior lunch. Afterward, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., rep- resentatives will be in the lobby of St. Patrick’s Apartments (190 N Main St., Heppner) to provide answers to questions and help residents access the resources they need. This service is for all residents, not just older adults. While eligibility re- quirements do apply and individuals may not be able to sign up for programs on the spot, the representa- tives will assist in guiding people through the process and help them understand what programs they may qualify for. Upcoming Events Ladies Night - April 3rd, ER Donald Matthews and Shelby will be preparing Teriyaki Chicken and Pork Fried Rice Fisherman’s Night - April 17th - Oysters and Catfish Dinner starting at 6pm Lodge 8pm Easter Egg Hunt - April 19th at the Fairgrounds Lodge Hours: Wed 4pm to close with dinner at 6pm Thurs 4pm to close (Lodge at 8pm) Fri & Sat 4pm to close with dinner from 5pm to 8pm off the menu Members and their Guest May 20, 2025 candidate list Morrow SWCD to meet Morrow Soil and Wa- conference call, please con- Park District ter Conservation District tact the SWCD beforehand At Large Julie Proctor Irrigon Rural Fire (SWCD) will meet Tues- at 541-676-5452. Baker District day, April 1, at 6 p.m. at Meetings of the Mor- Position #1 Tom Arbuckle At Large Meghan Golden the Ag Service Center in row SWCD are open to the Morrow County Unified Heppner. public. Position #1 Evan Purves Recreation District To join via Zoom or Position #3 Joey Munkers Position #3 Bob Vandecar Zone 1 Robert Byrd Zone 2 Rick Stokoe Position #4 Scott Ezell Void Stan Chaffin Position #5 Stephen Boardman Cemetery Henthorn District Position #5 Paul Martin At Large Karen Pettigrew The Heppner Cham- Family Heppner Rural Fire At Large Brenda Connell Antique & Custom Ve- ber of Commerce has an- Protection District Oregon Trail Library hicle: Alex Brogoitti – 1955 nounced the winners of this At Large Michael Mahoney District Chevy Pickup year’s Great Green Parade, At Large Eric Orem Individual Participant: recognizing the creativity Position #3 Stephanie Case At Large Brian Thompson Dr. Michael Desjardin and spirit of the community. Position #4 Monica Boardman Fire & The Heppner Chamber The event, which celebrated Coleman Rescue District of Commerce extends their Irish culture and local pride, Position #5 William Kuhn At Large Lisa Pratt congratulations to all the saw a fantastic turnout and Morrow County Health At Large James Ratzlaff an array of impressive en- winners and participants District At Large Stan Chaffin who made the parade a tries. Position #1 Scott Ezell Irrigon Cemetery The winners in the memorable success. Their Position #1 Annetta Spicer various categories are as dedication and enthusiasm Maintenance District Position #2 Diane brought the community follows: At Large David Cooley Kilkenny together in celebration of Irish Themed Business: Heppner Cemetery Position #2 Russ Nichols Irish heritage and local Element Dance District Position #2 Molly Rhea talent. I r i s h T h e m e d At Large Janet Greenup Non-Business: Greenup Position #3 Janet Greenup At Large Gerry Arnson Position #3 Donna Port of Morrow Rietmann Position #1 Rick Stokoe Position #4 Laura Torres Position #1 J. Fletcher Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Position #4 Jason Hanna Hobbs Letters To The Editor Position #4 Raymond Position #1 Heather Send Us Photos Seastone Bishop Start A New Subscription Position #2 Danny Kerns Position #2 Raymond Seastone Position #3 Joel R. Peterson March 28th marks Kandy’s Boyd’s 20-year anniversary working in Position #3 Abe McNamee the Morrow County’s Clerk’s Office. Ione Library District At Large Debra Campbell I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity At Large Margo Sherer to work with you over the last two decades. You At Large Elizabeth continue to review all the legislative changes and Peterson updates that seem to happen much too often, in At Large Ann Clabaugh elections, you make the Clerk’s office run so well, Boardman Park & you are a great team player. Kandy is that per- son that will go the extra mile to help anyone that Recreation District calls or comes into the office. At Large Norma Ayala The patience and thoughtfulness she has At Large John Michael with everyone has made her so very valuable to Christy Morrow County, and my office! Elections are At Large Rick Weiss not always easy to understand, but Kandy will Irrigon Park & try to make it as painless as possible. Thank you, Recreation District Kandy, for the last 20 years! I couldn’t run the Position #4 Glenn Maret office without your continued support and help all Position #5 Kent Heidt these years. Willow Creek Park If you see Kandy be sure to tell her congratu- District lations on her milestone. I wish there were more At Large Mekayla Kandy’s in this world! Thank you for being the best coworker ever! Haguewood Bobbi Childers Morrow County Clerk Willow Creek Water -Continued from PAGE ONE Great Green Parade Winners Announced WWW.HEPPNER.NET Kandy Boyd, Thank You for 20 years of outstanding service!