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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 4, 2025)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, June 4, 2025 -- 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 $16 Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net. Free Palestine I will probably never be an expert on the Middle East, but I had questions. So I’ve done some research. What I found is pretty con- trary to the popular opinion of those holding signs on the street and yelling “free Palestine.” So here’s the truth: The Jews are not “occupiers.” They are the indigenous people. God deeded that land to them thousands of years ago. If you don’t believe the Bible (Genesis 15:18), ask an archeolo- gist. He has proof. So yes, they were there first. But everybody and their dog has tried to boot them off. The Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Ottoman Turks, Brits, etc., have all had a go at it. But God had other plans. Since then, they’ve been picked on, dispersed and persecuted world- wide…had their borders disputed and their land carved up…the last piece by Winston Churchill, who got tired of listening to an Arab leader complain that the “Jews have too much land.” So he drew a line on a map and carved off another chunk. So why all the fuss over a teeny country? It started with a promise…one con- cerning Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. But Abraham blew it and lis- tened to his wife, resulting in Ishmael, an illegitimate son who was not part of the promise. Abraham’s indiscretion caused years of jealousy and battles between the descendants of Ishmael (Arabs) and Isaac (Jews). But there’s more to it than that. It was through the de- scendants of Isaac that God brought about His redemp- tive plan to bring salvation to the world through Jesus. Satan has been trying to wreak havoc on God’s plan ever since, and is currently using Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, as a vehicle for evil. For more informa- tion on Muslim plans for non-Muslims, you can read the Quran. For more infor- mation on God’s plans for Israel and the rest of the world, you can read the Bible. So, how did the Jews become the bad guys? Did 3,000 of them rape, tor- ture and murder 1,200 in- nocent civilians, taking 250 hostages? Did they behead children and burn babies alive? Did they use their own people as hu- man shields, placing rocket launchers under schools, hospitals, and apartment buildings? Did they refuse to let their people (170,000 of them) leave the city of Gaza, even as “the enemy” dropped leaflets warning them where they would be bombing, giving them escape routes? No…That would be Hamas…the ones whose own 1988 charter calls for the obliteration of Israel. While Israel was providing food, water and electricity to people who hate them, Hamas was planning their attack. They’ve never wanted peace. They just want dead Jews. And when you hear of the “two-state solution,” please ask yourself if you’d like to share an apartment with someone who wants you dead. Pray for those who are suffering, yes, but if you want to blame someone for the starvation and suf- fering of little children, and the condition of the Palestinians, blame Hamas. Free Palestine, yes…from Hamas. And do your re- search before you paint your signs. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). Susie Crosby Prineville, OR Greenup heads to junior high finals rodeo Ride into summer freedom Morrow County Public Transit kicks off ‘A Summer of Independence’ This summer, leave the car keys at home and hop aboard for a season full of fun, freedom and fare-free travel. Morrow County Public Transit (MCPT) has officially launched its highly anticipated seasonal campaign, “A Summer of Independence.” Whether you’re head- ing to the pool with the kids, browsing a local market, stocking up on groceries or simply enjoying some sun- shine by the water, MCPT is making it easier—and more affordable—than ever to get where you need to go. “This campaign is about more than just get- ting from point A to point B,” said Morrow County Transit Manager Steven Davis. “It’s about creat- ing freedom—freedom for teens to hang out with friends at the skate park, for seniors to shop and so- cialize, and for families to connect with the resources that make Morrow County such a special place. We’re building a stronger, more connected community, one ride at a time.” Wi t h c o m f o r t a b l e , air-conditioned buses, w h e e l c h a i r- a c c e s s i b l e ramps, and friendly, trained staff, MCPT is prioritizing safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation all summer long. And this summer, the list of destinations is more exciting than ever: For youth and others looking for summer fun, stops will include Don Dax- ter Skate Park in Irrigon, splash pads in Boardman and Hermiston, the Board- man Pool and Recreation Center, Funland Park / Hermiston Aquatic Center and the Heppner pool. For those who need to shop or run a few errands, stops will give access to Harvest Foods (Board- man), Columbia Harvest Foods (Umatilla), Heppner Market Fresh, Hermiston Walmart, Oregon Trail Li- brary branches, post offices, community food pantries, senior centers, local shop- ping and eateries, Good Shepherd and Pioneer Me- morial hospitals, and local pharmacies and health care providers. Riders can travel to the great outdoors or experi- ence natural beauty with stops at the Boardman Ma- rina and Recreation Area, fishing spots along the Co- lumbia River in Irrigon and Boardman, Willow Creek Reservoir in Heppner, and even the Morrow County Museum. “Public transportation should be simple, safe and stress-free—and that’s ex- actly what we’re offer- ing,” said Morrow County Transit Supervisor Patrick Keely. “We want people to explore their county, recon- nect with their neighbors, and reclaim their summer without worrying about the cost of gas or having access to a vehicle.” Better yet, MCPT of- fers free ride training to help residents navigate the system. “If someone needs help learning the routes or planning a trip, we will send someone out to their home and show them how it works,” said Keely. “We’re serious about helping peo- ple find independence through transit.” “We want people to feel confident using pub- lic transit, not just to get somewhere but to expand their independence,” added Davis. To schedule a training or get help with planning your route, contact MCPT at 541-676-5667 or email mcpt@morrowcountyor. gov. Buschke obtains MBA, steps into marketing field Amanda Buschke. –Contrib- uted photo by Mario Gallucci Amanda Buschke, the granddaughter of long- time Heppner residents Delmer and Judy Buschke, is continuing a proud fam- ily legacy of hard work and achievement. A 2023 graduate of Willamette Uni- versity and a member of the MBA Class of 2025, Aman- da has recently accepted a position as a marketing coordinator at the Oregon Restoration Company. Amanda is the daughter of Scott and Lori Buschke of Estacada, both born and raised in Heppner and grad- uates of Heppner High School. As a first-genera- tion college student, Aman- da’s accomplishments mark a significant milestone for her family. While at Willamette, Amanda earned her bach- elor’s degree in economics before continuing into the university’s MBA program, where she gained hands-on experience in marketing, leadership and project man- agement. She also served as a project manager in Hood River through a consulting program focused on afford- able housing initiatives. Sunday Men’s Play Eighteen participated in men’s play on Sunday, June 1, at Willow Creek Coun- try Club. Results are as follows: KP #4-13: Quinn Peck, 15’8”. Net—1 st , Scott Dougherty, 55; 2 nd , Rick Britt, 58; 3 rd , Dennis Peck, 59. Gross—1 st , Jerry Gentry, 65; 2 nd ,/3 rd , Dave Prang- er-Charlie Ferguson, 66. The next organized play will be June 8. It will be hosted by Rick Johnston, Jerry Gentry and Willy Gentry. Local, Experienced Mortgage Specialists READY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME? Raymond Seastone 541-922-2828 Heppner eighth-grader Savanna Greenup is headed to Des Moines, IA to the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. This is the third year she has qualified for this event but the first time she has been able to go. She is competing in barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, and ribbon roping with partner Wyatt Risken. To qualify for the NJHFR, competitors must be the top four in their events and be in the fifth through eighth grades. -Contributed photo Local in-house inspections. Permanent financing available. Serving Multiple Oregon/Washington Construction Areas READY TO PURCHASE A HOME? Arletta Arnspiger May 27 - BBQ Beef Sandwich, Jojo potatoes, Coleslaw and Dessert June 17 - Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, Garden Salad Dessert June 24 - Sloppy Joes, Chips, Pickle Spears, Dessert Ad sponsored by Bank of Eastern Oregon Owner Builders Welcome! Seniors Matter May/June Menu June 3 - Chicken Pot Pie, Garden Salad, Dessert June 10 - Breakfast Casserole, Coffee Cake, Peaches Local in-house draw process for your builder. Borrow money as needed throughout term of the loan. 509-546-7262 Anywhere in the USA Investment Properties Second Residence Manufactured Homes NMLS # 937744/508276. RATES & TERMS MAY VARY. ALL LOANS SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL Member FDIC
