Th» Ny»»a Gal» City Journal, Nyssa, Oregon
Pag» Two
The Gate City Journal
D1R1CK NEDRY, Editor 4 Publisher
RUBEN LOPEZ, Shop Foremar
Oregon
Newspaper
Publishers
Association
NATIONAL NEWSPAPER
-BgtlatiM
ranal im
rn.em.clNM SUSTAINING
MEMBER
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Single Copies................ 10?
In Malheur County, Ore
gon, and Payette and
Canyon Counties,
Idaho:
One
Year................$4.00
Six Months.............. $2.75
Elsewhere in the U. S. A.
Per
Year................ $5.00
Six Months.............. $3.00
Published Every Thursday at Nyssa, Malheur County,
Oregon 97913
Entered at the Post Office at Nyssa, Oregon, for Trans
mission through the United States Mails, as a Second
Class Matter under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Should Our Schools Consolidate?
For a long time, in fact since I came to Nyssa, I have been
intrigued with the idea that Nyssa and Adrian should be one
school district. I have heard it discussed by individual members
of both school boards. Educators in the area and county school
officials have consiflgred the merger ideal from many angles,
and almost everybody who has thought the plan through agrees
that the idea has much merit.
The late Warren Farmer, who served on the Nyssa school
board for many years was particularly sold on the idea. If he
had lived it is more than likely that the plan would have been
discussed at school board and community levels, and might
have been a reality by this time.
The facts are that while it has been conversationally bantered
around for a lot of years, nobody has ever really made the move
to get the two boards together to sit down, study and talk it
through, and see if the plan wouldn’t work to the best interests
of all, or most, of the people in the area. There is no doubt
in my mind that from an educational standpoint our students
would be much better off, and that we would have a much better
school system. That is the only point in bringing the subject up
and getting it out into the open where it can be discussed.
I have witnessed from pretty close quarters the undesirable
features of having both a senior and junior high school trying
to function from the same building. Scheduling two schools
into one gymnasium, one library, one band room, one cafeteria,
and one set of playgrounds and athletic fields is most unsatis
factory. It further is considered undesirable to have the two
student groups in close proximity for most of the obvious
reasons, and to my knowlege we have gotten by better than is
considered possible. I’m sure that the same conditions which
exist in Nyssa schools also exist in Adrian schools.
In short, what I am suggesting is that we explore the possi
bilities of the two districts getting together, all of the high
school students going to one high school (Nyssa), and all of
the junior high students going to one junior high (Adrian), and
all of the grade school students attending school pretty much as
they are today.
Let’s start first with the high school. Imagine, if you will,
what a fine school we could have if the present senior-junior
high school in Nyssa were a high school only. First, we would
be over that magic figure of 500 students which is deemed so
necessary for a full curriculum and full state support, parti
cularly in the vocational areas. We would have adequate class
room space, one gymnasium, one library, one cafeteria, one
band room, one Vo-ag building, one shop, one home ec depart
ment, and one of every other educational and vocational facility
that is now shared by two schools. The student enrollment would
be large enough to allow for a much wider curriculum, and
this would be important particularly in the language area, and in
the many vocational areas now being neglected or glossed over
very gently.
Let’s switch to the junior high school. Imagine, if you will,
what an exceptionally fine junior high we would have with the
present Adrian facilities. Much the same situation as in the
proposed high school, with the junior high students by them
selves and not under the influence, or intimidation, of high
school students. Again, one gym, cafeteria, band room, vo-ag
and other shop and vocational area; no scheduling difficulties,
and overall a very fine junior high school facility and atmosphere.
Before we go any further, let me hasten to say that this is not
in any way to be construed as finding fault with our Adrian and
Nyssa schools. We have been most pleased with the education
that our children have received, and we are delighted at the
end of every grading period to see the large numbers of Nyssa
and Adrian students who make the honor rolls and otherwise
distinguish themselves as they go on to higher education. We
would match their records against any like number anywhere.
We have also been impressed with the high quality of ad
ministrators, school board policy makers, and instructors of
both institutions; which again partly accounts for the good records’
of their students. However, they arealloperating under difficul
ties which 1 don’t think are necessary, and which I think would be
greatly improved through consolidation, or merger.
Consolidation, incidentally, is a subject which has torn some
communities apart.
It has made warring faction between
neighbors and friends, and has led to bitterness and wounds
which take years to heal. If 1 thought that could be the situation
here I would not bring the subject up. We have a different situa
tion than most, and we are not abandoning any schools or tearing
down any buildings. We are simply suggesting that we could
make better use of our buildings, offer our students a much
better learning situation, and quite possibly make better use of
our tax dollars.
Consolidation usually means that some locality gets a break
at the expense of the other.
That would not be true here,
because while about 125 or so high school students would come
to Nyssa High School from the Adrian area; about 250 junior
high students would go to Adrian Junior High School from the
Nyssa area. Grade school students would attend that grade
school which was closest, or which would lend itself best to the
program. There are many elementary students now attending
Nyssa who live much closer to Adrian, and who more than likely
would wind up there. The two districts are so close now that
it would make little difference which direction several hundred
students went, depending on the needs and classroom space
available.
We have discussed some of the pros; let’s consider some of
the cons.
First, about one class of high school students at
Adrian would not like to attend Nyssa; and about one class
of junior high students at Nyssa would not like to attend Adrian.
This is natural and as it should be, because of loyalties and
traditions built up through the years.
Second, some parents would not like the idea that their
children would have to ride those extra miles to school.
Again, this is a natural apprehension.
However, we are
basically a rural community, we are used to driving a few
miles for almost any function, and our districts are so com
pact that only those students at the outer edges of the district
would have even the normal riding time that students in most
districts experience.
Third, what about school district personnel? There are
Nyssa teachers who live in Adrian, Adrian teachers who live
in Nyssa, and they would soon get shifted where they could
funtion the best. Normal annual losses and replacements would
soon solve this problem.
We are talking only of secondary
teachers who require secondary certificates, so this should
not pose a problem.
For instance, one band leaiter would
teach senior high, one junior high band. One home economics
teaching senior, the other junior high. One Vo-ag instructor
for senior, the other junior. These are problems which should
be easily worked out by administrators depending on the
instructors wishes, residence, adaptability, seniority, and other
considerations.
Fourth, what about cost? We see not much difference in the
overall cost. 70% of school district costs are for instructional
salaries, and the two district salary scales are very close.
Some savings could be made in larger quantity purchases,
etc., but these would be small. It is quite possible that those of
us in the Nyssa district would have a slightly increased levy,
and there is little doubt that the levy in what is now the Adrian
district would be considerably lower. For the current year
Nyssa’s levy is $13.33 per $1,000 valuation while that of Adrian
is $18.80 per $1,000, including the I.E.D. levy. However,
the consolidation would level the assessed valuation out, and
the possibility of increased state aid is good. This is a matter
for considerable study, but the overriding benefits of con-
solidation are a better educational program, not money, al
though I’m sure economies could be made.
I have purposely timed this proposal for right now, because
it fits in a period when nothing can be done about it except to
meet and discuss it if the desire is evident, and if the pro
posal has merit. Both districts are working on their 1971-72
budgets, and this in no way can effect those. Both districts would
have 1972-73 budgets to prepare, because elections to con
solidate can only be held at general elections, and the next
general election would be the Primary Election in May, 1972.
I would suggest that the Nyssa and Adrian school boards
discuss this proposal, which as I have indicated before is not
mine, nor is it original. Then, if there is merit to the pro
posal it should be discussed jointly by the two boards. If it
still has merit, public meetings should be held, the public
should be informed, and finally it must be settled by a vote of
the people.
Some of you are not going to like this proposal at first, and
others are going to be enthusiastic about it before you really
know all about it. My purpose in this editorial is to get it out
in the open where it can be discussed, cussed, studied and
finally settled where it must be, at the polls. The columns of
this newspaper will be available to those who have constructive
thoughts on the subject, either for or against.
Most of us have a Nyssa address. We all have a common
background for making a living. We share the same churches,
lodges, fraternal and social groups. I’m sure we share the
same goals for progress and better livability in this community.
For this reason I propose the consolidation of the Nyssa-Adrian
schools into one school district for what I think will be for
the betterment of the community, and for the benefit of our
children.
Dirick Nedry
Oregon Blue Book Will
Be Available To Public
The 1971-72 edition of the
OREGON BLUE BOOK, featu
ring a night scene of the Capi
tol on the color cover, is now
coming off the presses, Sec
retary of State Clay Myers
said today.
The first 500 copies of the
20,000-copy edition will be dis
tributed free to state officials,
legislators, members of the
news media and various govern
ment agencies.
The remaining 19,500 copies
will be completed around the
first of February, They will
go on public sale for $1.50,
and will also be distributed
without charge to schools, li
braries and governmental agen
cies, boards and commissions.
“The revised format adopted
for the 1969-70 edition has been
retained,” Myers said, “though
extensive changes were made
in the text to reflect the govern
mental reorganization measures
passed in the 1969 legislative
session.”
The smythe-sewn binding was
also used again in this edition,
Myers said, because of its high
durability and because of the
favorable response from per
sons who use the book con
stantly.
The OREGON BLUE BOOK
is compiled and printed under a
legislative appropriation to pro
vide a reference aid to state and
local government.
Editor of the current edition
is Assistant Secretary of State
George Bell. Associate editor
is Billie Reynolds. The printer
is Sweeney, Krist & Dimm,
Portland, which won the con
tract by competitive bid.
Myers said quantities of the
OREGON BLUE BOOK will be
Journal Classifieds
Bring Results!
sent to the 36 county clerks
for local public sale.
Mail
orders will be filled by the
Elections Division, State Capi
tol, Salem.
OREGON CANCER
SOCIETY OFFICER
R. William Shafer Jr.,
formerly of Denver, is the new
executive vice-president of the
American Cancer Society’s
Oregon division, succeeding
Mrs. Wilbur Falloon who re
tired after 15 years with the
division.
’-.1^ ♦
OBITUARIES
^
Joseph Staples
,
£
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH NEWS
Jehovah Witnesses
Schedule Meeting
Jehovah’s Witnesses of Nyssa
The United Methodist Church who associate with the Payette
congregation will meet with 15
Services for E. L. (Curly) of Nyssa will observe National
McEwen, 60, Fruitland, who Boy Scout week on Sunday, Feb other congregations from south
died January 30 at Nyssa Me ruary 7, at the regular 11 a.m. west Idaho and eastern Oregon,
morial Hospital were conducted morning service. The boys of when they go to Boise for their
February 3 at the New Ply the various units in town will semi-annual convention at the
South Jr. HighSchool, February
mouth Ward, Church of Jesus go to the church of their choice,
Christ of Latter-day Saints by and are urged to wear their 19-21.
Bishop Charles Winegar. In uniforms.
In announcing the Bible train
*
*
V
terment was at Rosedale Me
ing convention, Charles Dodge,
Sunday Feb. 7, the United presiding minister, told the con
morial Garden in Payette under
the direction of the New Ply Methodist Church will have a gregation of various arrange-
mouth Shaffer-Jensen Memory Fellowship Dinner as soon as emnts being made to care for
possible after the morning ser the delegates needs. About 250
C hapel.
Everyone is invited to are expected to volunteer for the
He was born at Kimberly, vice,
Idaho on June 13, 1910wherehe attend, Please bring your pot, 18 departments to provide these
grew up and attended schools. you luck and your own table services.
He married Louise Blakeslee at service.
♦
♦
♦
“Implanting of the Word”
Elko, Nev., on June 9, 1935.
Sunday February 7, at 7:30 based on James 1:21 will be the
The marriage was later solem
theme of the gathering sche
nized at the Logan LDS Temple p.m. the Methodist Men of the
duled to begin at 6:45 p.m.,
Payette
United
Methodist
on July 31, 1940.
They farmed at Richfielduntil Church will conduct a special Friday, February 19.
1942 when they moved to Nampa service of Christian Witness
William
Young, district
for a year.
They moved to at the Nyssa United Methodist supervisor will be in charge of
Church.
Special
music,
inspir
Fruitland in 1943. They owned
the convention and serve as
and operated a grocery store in ing speakers, inspiring witness, principal speaker. This will be
Fruitland, farmed at the Nu- and great fellowship is pro Young’s first visit to Idaho in his
Acres community south of mised. Again everyone is in new assignment. He has re
vited to attend.
Fruitland.
presented Jehovah’s Witnesses
He was an active member of
in the full time ministry for 24
the LDS Church.
years,
the last 9 years as
Survivors besides his widow
CARD OF THANKS circuit supervisor. He will be
’"elude three sons, Milton, Re
assisted by Douglas Rogers,
dondo Beach, Calif.; Harold,
Idaho Circuit #3 supervisor.
New Meadows, Idaho and Roger
We take this opportunity to
Over 1,000 delegates are ex
of Boise; a daughter, Mrs. thank our friends and relatives
Orven (Orliene) Poston, Weiser; for the many acts of kindness pected to attend according to
a stepson, Gene Raymond, Mo expressed in word and deed, Dodge and the department per
desto, Calif; a brother, Arlo following the death of our loved sonnel and program will be an
McEwen, Kimberly; 11 grand one.
nounced soon he added. He also
children and a great grandson.
noted
that all sessions are open
The family of Jospeh F.
He was preceded in death by Staples.
to the public with no collections
an infant son, two brothers and
or admission charge.
three sisters.
E. L. McEwen
Joseph F. Staples, 76, a re
sident of Nyssa for the past
five years, died January 28.
He was born October 15,1894
in Coalville, Utah.
He married Nellie Mae Moore
August 14, 1917 at Salt Lake
City. Later the marriage was
solemnized in the LDS Temple
in Salt Lake. They moved to
Nyssa in 1965.
Mr. Staples was active in civic
and church affairs.
He was
President of the Town Board
South Weber, Utah for 15 years.
At the time of his death he was
a member of the High Priest
Quorum of the Nyssa First Ward,
He was employed at farming
and drove a truck for Weber
Central Dairy for many years
and was with the company until
his retirement.
Survivors include his wife,
Nellie Staples, Nyssa; two sis
ters, Mrs. Nellie Wright,Coal
ville, and Mrs. Cecilia Gunn,
California; and a nephew, Sam William Tyrrel
L. Moore, Nyssa.
William Henry Tyrrel, 60,
Services were conducted Nvssa, died January 24. He
February 1 at the Church of was born September 28, 1910
Jesus Christ of Latter-day in Oregon.
Saints Stake House with Bishop
Survivors include his wife;
Reed Ray officiating. Interment Minnie, Nyssa; and two sisters,
was at Nyssa under direction of Mrs. Alice Laughton, Reno, and
Lienkaemper Chapel.
another sister whose name is
not available.
Clyde J. Gilbert
Services and interment were
at Fallon, Nev., with local ar
Clyde J. Gilbert, 85, Nyssa,
rangements under direction of
died January 26 at Nyssa Me
Lienkaemper Chapel.
morial Hospital. He was a long
time resident of the Nyssa area
and a retired farmer.
CARD OF THANKS
Mr. Gilbert was bom Aug. 5,
1885, in Missouri.
We wish tothank everyone for
Survivors include one nephew, the many acts of kindness and
Frank Wood, Emmett, and one expressions of sympathy ex
niece, Mrs. Glen Nichols, Em tended to our family at the pass
mett.
ing of our father. A special
Services were conducted Jan thank you to the wives of the
uary 29 at Lienkaemper Chapel Adrian Volunteer Firemen and
by the Rev. Robert Manley of the Jolly Jane Club.
the Nyssa NazareneChurch. In
The family of Howard E.
terment was at Owyhee.
Hatch.
/
Shafer has been a representa
tive of the ACS for the past 31/2
years, covering 7 states—
Texas, Arizona, New Mexico,
Colorado, Utah, Oklahoma and
Wyoming.
Prior to joining the ACS as
a
national
representative,
Shafer spent 6 years with the
Texas division of the society
as a field representative and
campaign director.
He is a
graduate of the University of
Texas.
Thursday, February 4, 1971
PLACE YOUR
SEED CORN ORDERS
EARLY TO BE SURE YOU GET
LOCALLY GROWN SEED
* SEED GRAIN
* VALE BARLEY
♦ FEDERATION WHEAT
• LEMHI WHEAT
FARMERS FEED
AND SEED CO.
Phon® 372-2201
Nyssa, Oregon
Have you
heard
a computer
• •I talk?
*'»"THANK YOU
INTERIOR LATEX WALL PAINT
$3«
Choose Any Color - Gal.
SEMI GLOSS ENAMEL
Any Color - Ot...................................... 2^
LATEX LOW LUSTRE ENAMEL
Any Color - Ot.............................. $2«
7 in. Roller Cover. . . . 39‘
4 in. Wall Brush. . . . . . 99'
Roller & Tray Sets. . . . . .
CLEANER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. S|69
SHOWER i FIXTURE
W® Giv® & Redeem SRV Stamps
Don B. Moss
FIRESTONE DEALER
STORE
417 MAIN
NYSSA
PH. 372-2124
Ours does, and it's speaking for thousands of Oregonians who now enjoy the
convenience of First National’s ultramodern, streamlined savings system. We call it
First On-Line Statement Savings and it means that your savings are now instantly
processed by First National’s new computer system.
COME TO OCR OPEN HOUSE AND LISTEN TO AN ACTUAL
SAVINGS TRANSACTION BY OUR COMPUTER AS IT “TALKS” TO YOU.
(IT EVEN SAYS “THANK YOU”)
Find out why First On-Line Statement Savings is the most accurate, convenient
and easiest method for handling your savings transactions.
Open House At The Nyssa Braneh
Friday, February 5
Everyone's Invited
VCèUliketo
get to know
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OREGON
i
I