GIIIIam County Long-Range PlannIng 1970 The Columbia River, railway and U. S. 80 North at Arlington provide a significant transportation resource to Gilliam CountyHighway Department photo CONTENTS

FOREWORD 1 GILLIAM COUNTY 2 History and Facts About Gilliam County 2 AGRICULTURE REPORT 3 Credit 3 Dryland Crops 4 Irrigation 5 Weeds 7 LIVESTOCK REPORT 9 Cow-and-Calf Operations 9 Cattle Feeding 10

Range Management 11 Swine 12 INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT 14 HUMAN RESOURCES REPORT 16 Home and Family 16 Youth 17 Senior Citizens 21 Health and Welfare 21 Adult Education 23 Communication 23 Home Extension 24 Libraries 25 Historical Records 25 Law Enforcement 26 TAXATION REPORT 27

ALBANY PRINTING COMPANY. ALBANY. OREGON GILLIAM COUNTY OREGON 11,011

I, Foreword

During 1969 and early 1970 more than 346 Gilliam operative Extension Service of Oregon State University. Countycitizensparticipatedinfive major planning Four earlier planning conferences in 1926, 1936, 1949 and committees to assemble a program, "Planning for the Fu- 1957 were primarily in the field of agriculture. ture." The purpose of this report is to provide factual This reportcovers four broad areas: agriculture, information about Gilliam County; to present findings industry and economic development, human resources, and recommendations of the four planning committees; and taxation. The committees have prepared their reports and to encourage all residents and groups in the county and recommendations with the purpose of stimulating to coordinate efforts to develop and improve the eco- further study and action by the citizens of the county nomic and social conditions in an orderly manner. concerning the problems of today and the opportunities This planning program was organized by the Gill- of tomorrow. Members of the 1970 Extension Advisory iam County Extension Advisory Council and the Co- Council who organized this planning program were:

Carrol Wilkins, chairman Arlington WilliamJaeger Condon June Mikkalo, secretary Mikkalo Jim Morris Arlington Ernie Barnett Condon Al Riney Condon Alma Campbell Condon Marge Weimar Condon Howard Eubanks Arlington Kathy West Olex Arnim Freeman Condon Morris Wilson Condon Jim Green Arlington

Gilliam County Court and Commissioners James 0. Burns, county judge Clarence Potter, county commissioner Lester Brooks, county commissioner

County Extension Staff Thomas G. Zinn, chairman agent, Gilliam County Ken Kilhingsworth, chairman agent, Wheeler County Ronald T. Mobley, Gilliam-Wheeler 4-H agent Kathleen J. Carnes, Gilliam-Wheeler extension agent

1 Gilliam County, Oregon

duction. Thus the economy of Gilliam County is based History on cereal and livestock production. About 93 percent of Gilliam County was organized out of Wasco County the county isin private ownership, and 7 percent is in1885.The name ofthe county originated from publicly owned. Cornelius Gilliam, who fought in the Cayuse War. Settle- Topography and Climate ment began in the early 1860's when the cattle ranchers progressed into an agricultural economy with the influx Gilliam County ranks 24th among counties in area, of homesteaders in the 1880's, which forced cattle grazing encompassing 2percent of the total area in Oregon. to poorer lands and made winter feeding necessary. Irri- It lies almost entirely within the John Day River Basin, gation systems developed this trend even further, agri- making up 12.9 percent of the total area within this basin. culture being the only major industry at present. The The land slopes toward the Columbia River and is part original county seat was located in Alkali, which is of the Umatilla plateau. The lands on the plateau are now Arlington. generally smooth and rolling. The drainage pattern is characterized by steep swales and narrow canyons with the abrupt hillsides limited to range use. Plateau soils FactsAbout GiHiam County are used for dryland wheat and barley under the summer fallow system of farming. The county seat is Condon, which is approximately 151 With elevations of 2,840 feet at Condon and 315 feet miles east of Portland and 103 miles west of Pendleton. at Arlington, the county has a variety of climates. Annual The present population of the county is 2,207, with the precipitation, which comes principallyin the winter major towns being Arlington (population 370) and Con- months, ranges from 8 inches at Arlington to over 15 inches don (population 916). at Lonerock in the southeast corner of the county. Condon, the county seat, receives 12 inches annually. The semiarid Location and size climate is characterized by low winter and high summer Gilliam County is located in the northern-central part temperatures. The rainfall comes principally in the fall of Oregon, extending south from the Columbia River 45 and winter months. Occasional torrential rainstorms which miles and east from the John Day River 30 miles. The occur in the spring and summer seasons cause severe county is bounded on the west by Sherman County; erosion and flood damage to soil and crops but add little on the south by Wheeler County; and on the east by moisture to the soil. The frost-free growing season varies Morrow County.Gilliam County has a total area of from 50 days at higher elevations to 200 days along the 773,120 acres, or 1,210 square miles, the average farm Columbia River. The growing season varies from 120 days being about 5,000 acres. Of this, about 1,500 to 2,000 to 170 days where dryland grains of wheat and barley acres are tillable and are used for wheat and barley pro- are grown.

2 Agriculture Report

Credit

At the present time, when the highest interest rates to an individual is based on the cash flow occuring in the in history are combined with the inflated costs of every- business during previous years and on whether or not thing a farmer purchases, credit assumes a greater impor- financial progress is being made. The only way a leader tance than ever before. Even with the high interest rates, can measure financial progress is by studying the required banks do not have sufficient money for both old and new record of past performance. Good records are essential for borrowers. Lending agency representatives state that the any farmer requiring borrowed money. day of 6 percent financing interest has gone. These factors It has been said that good records with enterprise make it especially important for farmers and ranchers to cost accounting will be necessary in the future for farmers use credit wisely if they are to survive the cost-price who want to borrow.This statement needs change; it squeeze. The farm business must be thoroughly analyzed should emphasize that good records with projected enter- and a definite repayment program established before prise income and expenses analysis are necessary nOw for credit is applied for. It should be borne in mind that the farmers who want to borrow. A banker today considers margins in certain types of agriculture are so low at the cash flow and financial progress more significant than net present time that the use of credit for expansion is not worth in deciding to whom they loan. Projected cash flow justified. can be intelligently forecast only by referring to the record of experience from previous years. This projected cash flow or budget is necessary for the banker to know Problems the total and timing of credit needs of his customers. It is Credit is short for agriculture because banks can loan necessary to plan the bank's cash flow so all commitments their limited supply of money to other segments of the can be taken care of. This budget must be worked out well economy at higher rates. The banks are short of money in advance of need. In general, banks prefer a ratio of for all borrowers because of generally greater credit needs customer debt to net worth of not over 50 percent. due to inflation. Depositors also have in many cases transferred their savings from bank savings accounts to Record Keeping the bond market where interest rates are higher. In order All lending institutions have some sort of computer- to control inflation, present governmentalpolicyrestricts ized system of record keeping available and recommend its the availability of money and imposes high interest rates. use. It is difficult for a rancher to accumulate the details Banks are not allowed to loan over about 70 percent of of information required for budgeting and cash flow by their deposits, and at this time most are loaned to this enterprises, and in many cases the use of computerized limit. records may be very helpful. The long-range outlook for greater credit availability, Any borrower must be able to provide a complete lower interest rates, and curtailment of inflation is not financial statement listing his assets and liabilities. This good as long as we are waging a war and have deficit would include inventories of livestock, feed and supplies government spending. With a balanced federal budget, on hand, depreciation schedules, and crop production government monetary restrictions could be eased without and land utilization information. The trend is more impor- adding to the inflationary trends. However, it is difficult tant in most cases than its size. The federal income tax to say when more money will be available for agriculture. retirn form is a good source of information concerning cash flow and is of interest to a lender. Credit Institutions In Gilliam County several institutions provide credit Recommendation to agriculture. Credit for short-and medium-term operat- The committee recommends that the commercial banks ing capital is supplied by two large state chain banks and remain in the agriculture loan and financing business. a local chain bank. This type of credit is also available Those banks have a responsibility to make loans in the area from Production Credit Association offices in The Dalles where the deposits are made. and Portland. The Portland PCA office restricts its loans to those who receive most of their income from livestock Finance Sub-committee sales and will be needing a commitment of over $30,000. Frank Monahan, chairman The farm implement companies also provide short-and Dick Wiley medium-termloansformachinerypurchases.Long- Dan McFarlane term credit used primarily for land purchases is available Van Reitmann from the Federal Land Bank system and certain insurance Edward Bates companies. Bill Rattray A bank's decision on whether or not to loan money Jack Reser

3 Robert Hulden Paul Marick Carrol Wilkins Earl Pryor Henry Wilkins Morris Wilson Leon Rondeau William Hardy William Jaeger Virgil Choate Donald Potter

Dryland Crops

Typical wheat-fallow farms in Gilliam County have this alternative impractical. A reduction of land values nearly 1350 acres of cropland. Crops harvested are mostly is now apparent. winter wheat and winter barley, with smaller amounts of The loss in community sales is causing loss of the spring wheat, hay, and other grains.Livestock, mainly town merchants. According to the Center for Population beef cattle production, provides about 40 percent of the Research and Census from information complied by annual cash farm gate receipts in the county. Portland State University, more than 100 people, or The wheat industry in Gilliam County currently faces approximately 4 percent of the county population, moved economic and price problems. Growers' concerns extend away in 1969. One of the most valuable assets, our farm beyond their current or short-run position and extend to youth, are migrating to the city.Since the picture of the uncertainty facing the industry in the future. There steady erosion in financial, spiritual, and material quali- is uncertainty about the future of present markets. For- ties evidenced in their parents' position does not present eignanddomesticgovernmentalprogramchanges an encouraging picture to the youth of this county, their threatentochangepatternsofmarketing.Exports plans for the future most often exclude the field of of white wheat hinge largely on both foreign and agricul- agriculture. tural policy. Losses of this export market would radically affect the wheat industry.Pressures toward wheat as a livestock feed is involved in the uncertainty. Recommendations A primary concern is, the current price and income It was the feeling of the Dryland Crops Committee situationof wheat producers.The wheat prices for the that a more diversified type of agriculture is becoming 1968 crop in Gilliam County as well as the Mid-Columbia important in the dryland areas of the Mid-Columbia Basin were at their 27-year lowest level and improved Basin, including Gilliam County.Evaluations of new only slightly for the 1969 crop.Farming costs have crops and livestock enterprises are more imperative than increased substantially along with inflation. Only through ever because of the increase in the number of required increased efficiency has farm incomes been prevented diverted acres. Finding new crops or adding a new farm from declining to the lowest level they have ever been. enterprise is most difficult since the new crop or enterprise Compounding marketing problems, interest rates for new must be adapted agronosnically and also must have a loans for operating capital and business expansion are potential market. higher than at any other time in recent history. Unfavor- * The committee recommends more and continued able world supply-and-demand situation for wheat has research to determine the feasibility of livestock and resulted in the reduction of wheat acreage allotments poultry feeding as a potential alternative or supplement by approximately 13 percent for three consecutive years. to the wheat and cereals program. Such research should The 1970 allotment is 12 percent below previous historic answer the following questions: lows of 1966 and 1969. Moreover, in this county, as well as What type of livestock production enterprise should others in the Mid-Columbia Basin, unfavorable weather be provided to add the best farm income? Should it in recent years has reduced yields and production. The be a cow-calf operation, a yearling operation, a beef- direct effect is not only on income, but it has also reduced feeding operation, a sow operation, a hog-feeding the yield history of the individual farm, which is one operation, or a combination of these? What about basis for determining the certificate and diversion payments fall calving? under the federal wheat program. Since the addition of livestock to the farm operation The best indicator of the significance of the present will involve a larger capital investment, how should situation is in the land market. The historic climb in land this be financed? prices has leveled off, at least temporarily. Many farms are Can livestock producers in Gifliam County and the being offered for sale at the present time. There are few Columbia Basin compete economically with producers sales. in other regions over the long run? How will in- The average wheat rancher in Gilliam County has creased production in the Columbia Basin affect the farm expenses that left a negative return to his labor profits of producers in other areas, and should this and management and gave only a small return to capital be continued? investment.If it were possible, he could sell his farm * The committee recommends an accelerated effort be and obtain more for his labor and capital in other business made in research for new or alternate crops that have a ventures. There is limited market for farmland making potential in this dryland area, including feed grains.

4 * Since recent premiums on hard red winter wheat in mation be provided concerning the soil fungus and disease Portland have prompted grower interest in these varieties, complex as it relates to grain production. the committee recommends continued and accelerated re- * The committee recommends that fertilizer research search in order to determine the feasibility of switching be updated in view of the fact that many recommenda- from soft white wheat to the hard red wheat varieties. In tions that come from Oregon State University do not cor- this regard, the following factors should be analyzed: relate with those from private laboratories. Sincesuch Can the use of present hard red winter varieties pro- circumstances exist, research should be implementedin duce quality and yield competitive with soft white order to standardize recommendations so that dollars in- club in Gilliam County and other soft white wheat- vested in fertilizers to increase wheat and barleyproduc- producing areas? tion are justified. Research emphasis should concentrate Are the environmental conditions necessary for high- in the following areas: protein production, such as physiological drought be- Soil testing procedures and moisture content need to fore maturity and additional uses of nitrogen fertili- be standardized and educational programs conducted zer, feasible in red winter wheat production? in the use of fertilizers and the results of fertilizer Will a limited production of hard red winter wheat research, as well as in interpreting soil test results. create storage and handling problems? Research on the need for sulfur fertilization should What effect does time of planting and rate and depth be undertaken. of seeding have on protein content of hard red winter Research and applied research should be initiated wheat? relative to micronutrients. * The committee recommends that more research be * The committee recommends that more information done to determine the effects of gasoline-alcohol fuels in be provided concerning the best use for diverted acres, abating automotive air pollution and the economic aspects since the number of diverted acres is increasing, withspe- of converting wheat to alcohol and its by-products. cific information on: * Since there has been relatively little research con- Whether switching of most marginal land to grass cerning cultural methods of wheat production during the is the most realistic adjustment last 10 years, the committee recommends more and con- What types of grasses or combination of grasses are tinued research on the effect agricultural equipment is best adapted to ow area conditions having on the soil and just what the wheat rancher is The return of investment on diverted acres that have unknowingly doing to the structure of the soil. Research been put into pasture should also be initiated to determine the effect of machin- Pasture management ery currently being used in regards to plow pan, root aera- Dryland pasture as opposed to dryland grass seed tion, soil conservation, etc., with the possibility of devel- production oping new cultural practices and new implements which The effect that these diverted acres should have on would improve production. There should be more infor- the individual's tax base mation available on the effects of the physical condition What effect the diversion of these acres to permanent of the soil on grain production. grass will have on the allotment program base and * The committee recommends that additional infor- whether such diversion should be encouraged

Crops Committee Bill Wise, Mikkalo Morris Wilson, Condon Dave Childs, chairman Arlington Bill West, Mikkalo Ernie Barnett, vice-chairman Mikkalo Frank Burns, Condon George Miller, Arlington Dryland Crops Sub-committee Leon Rondeau, Condon William Jaeger, Condon, chairman Jerry Camyn, Condon John A. Weimar, Arlington Richard Johnson, Condon Roland Simantel, Arlington George Eaton, Condon Ernie Barnett Mikkalo Bob Schomp, Condon Tom Greiner, Condon Clarence Potter, Condon Frank Dyer, Mayville Henry Wilkins, Mikkalo James Nelson, Condon Frank Bauman, Condon Len Haldorson, Condon Louis Rucker, Arlington Bernard Aamodt, Condon Tom Zinu, Condon

Irrigation

There are an estimated 500,000 acres of prime irriga- required to raise water from the Columbia River to the ble land located on the south side of the Columbia River thousands of acres of rich fertile soil lying within the between the Umatilla and Deschutes Rivers. With the Columbia Basin has been reduced. The availibility of construction of the John Day Dam, the amount of lift water from the Columbia River, the deep fertile soils,

5 and the long growing season have prompted a number of evaluations on potential crops in order for land owners to irrigation projects and feasibility studies. With approxi- make intelligent decisions about irrigating dryland areas. mately 80-90 percent of the acreages presently under dry- Such information is necessary whether the project is con- land farming and the distressed economic conditions in sidered private, corporate, or federal. cereal production, an intense interest in water develop- Presently a great deal of information is lacking; there ment for the Mid-Columbia Basin areas has been gen- is need for qualified personnel that can assist these irriga- erated. tion groups. The dryland cereal producer in the Mid-Columbia An irrigation project such as the Rock Creek"566" Basin has a very limited choice of crops that can be project, as well as individual wells and private irrigation produced. The present economic trend indicates that the projects, would have a tremendous impact on the economy cereal producer must increase production and acreage of the county. if he is going to stay in business. Irrigating these lands offers the possibility of not only increasing production but also affording a much larger variety of choice of Problems crops. The committee feels that fundamental to the success of Climatological data is important in the consideration the development and expansion of irrigation in Gilliam of feasibility of irrigation projects in the Mid-Columbia County and the Columbia Basin in Oregon are three Basin areas. The average annual precipitation in Gil- basic requirements: ham County is as follows: * An adequate and dependable source of water Arlington 8.96 * Financing available at reasonable interest rates Condon 12.91 * A market for the crops produced Mikkalo 9.95 The county has the physical climate. However, of The elevation at these three locations is Arlington 315 feet, even more importance is the mental climate or attitude of Condon 2,850 feet, and Mikkalo 1,550 feet. The average the people of Oregon, apart from those who will actively length of growing season ranges from 100 to 200 days, with engage in growing irrigated crops. The rate at which our the longest growing season to be found in the north end of natural resources are developed is directly related to the the county. Average growing seasons are as follows: interest of the citizens in those resources. Our sister state California, has a State Water Re- Arlington 190 days sources Department, which is well funded and engages in Condon 150 days developing water wherever it can be found in the state and Mikkalo 170 days by whatever means. It transports, by any means, water all Because of existing agricultural economic conditions, over the state and sells water at the lowest possible price it appears that it will probably be at least 10 to 15 years to municipalities, power companies, and landowners for before any sizable irrigation projects developed for pump- irrigation. It maintains a division whose sole responsibility ing water from the Columbia River will materialize. Per- is to assist farmers and ranchers in setting up irrigation haps if more information were available on aquafiers and districts, executing the proper forms through the proper geological formations, the possibility of well-irrigation de- agencies, helping to secure financing for sound economi- velopment would not seem such a gamble to those living cally feasible projects, and otherwise working full time to within this area. help develop the natural resources of the State of Califor- nia. Financing In contrast Oregon, with soil, water, and climate unex- celled anywhere either in quantity or quality, has only Financing storage and related irrigation project meas- a Water Resources Board with the power to do nothing ures is a serious problem. Federal financing, in part, is except act as a quasi-judicial body. Oregon has a State usually considered the only feasible way to develop many Department of Planning and Development devoted ex- projects.Projects involving federal fundsdevelop very clusively to the promotion and development of business slowly, and there is severe competition for such funds. The and industry.It has no agency, department, division, or necessary developmental steps are increasingly complex personnel for the sole purpose of assisting farmers and because of more multiple-use considerations. ranchers in developing the abundant natural resources of While many water storage sites have been identified soil and water. Oregon does, however, much in agricultural by various state and federal agencies, information about research and extension which greatly benefits the general these sites and possibilities for project development are not public. The general public is benefitted with a constant widely understood by potential users. Projects involving source of low cost food and fiber with additional benefits public funds require the continued, enthusiastic interest to farmers. It also has a helpful incidental benefit to and support. farmers and ranchers. Wells have been drilled, construction of reservoirs The greatest advantages from development of our planned, and a number of irrigation feasibility studies have natural resources will accrue to the people of the State of bcen contemplated, implemented, or completed. Inmany Oregon. Resulting benefits to farmers and ranchers will be such cases, the studies were for private groups interested incidental and significiant, but the real and meaningful in irrigating the most feasible acres from the standpoint advantages will benefit the entire state through more jobs, of cost and production.Since this area has been pre- more cultural advantages, more business, more profits and dominantly a dryland area, there has been a need for more tax base. research data on crops, soils classification, and economic Until people in Oregon quit asking farmers and ranch-

6 ers, "How are you coming with your proposed irrigation the soils classification and mapping program initiated project?" and start asking "What can I do to help you some 10 years ago. This information isvitaland necessary with your irrigation project?" the development of the and should be completed in order to be of value to any natural resources in Oregon will be a slow and tedious potentialirrigationdevelopment enterprise now being process to be carried out only by the hardiest of pioneers. considered in this area. Gilliam County has vast and tremendous potential * The committee is in full support of the Rock Creek for developing irrigation and consequently adding substan- "566" project which is in the planning stage at the present tially to the economy of the state for the benefit of all time, such planning having been initiated in 1962. the people. The water is rushing by our door and will be The completion of the work plan for this project by used by us if we recognize the potential, or by others if we the Soil Conservation Service should be given every do not priority The Oregon congressional delegation should make RecommeNdations every effort to support this project and see that it is completed * The State of Oregon should assist in the development of irrigated agriculture resource for the good of the econ- * The Oregoncongressionaldelegation andother omy of our state. influential public and private groups should develop new * The committee recognizes the lack of sufficient avail- procedures that will materially shorten the time required able information in the areas of marketing, source of to approve and implement public-supported water develop- water, and financing and development, three primary fac- ment projects. torsnecessary for irrigation development.Therefore, * Oregon State University should continue and enlarge Oregon State University, the Soil Conservation Service, and research on sprinider irrigation and related problems. Ad- the State of Oregon are urged to cooperate in developing ditional and more intense educational programs on the this type of information. The information is needed now. efficient use of irrigation water and systems and related * The many problems involved not only in finance but problems should be included in the programs of the Ex- in other aspects for the landowner who is converting a tension Service and the Soil Conservation Service in order portion of his dryland cropping area to irrigation deserves to use the limited water supplies currently available in attention. It was felt by the committee that although cereal the most effective way. The effectiveness of this recom- production would continue to be a part of the program mendation obviously is dependent upon the irrigators' tak- during the interim period of transition, eventually the ing advantage of the irrigation information which is made producer would phase out a majority of his cereal crops available. in lieu of other higher income crops and that cereal pro- * The Oregon congressional delegation should en- duction would be used as necessary in crop rotation. courage and support the development of thermal power * it is recommended that the federal cropland adjust- plants in the Mid-Columbia Basin located in or adjacent to ment programs and those who are responsible for adminis- Gilliam County. Such power plants could supply large tering and interpreting this policy make every effort to amounts of hot water which could be cooled for irrigation assist and cooperate with those in the transition period of and recreational use in the Columbia Basin counties bringing a portion of their lands into irrigation so that contiguous to the location of one or a cluster of thermal cropping adjustments made will encourage the producer to power plants. continue with irrigation development. * Development planning by local groups must include * Irrigated land should be taxed on the basis of com- consideration of multiuse water, including recreation, even parable land not under irrigation, and any increase in tax though the basic goal may be irrigation. should be on the basis of improvements, such as irrigation The committee recommends that the State of Oregon equipment. give every priority to providing assistance in development * The Soil Conservation Service is urged to complete of water resource projects in local areas.

Irrigation Sub-committee Tom Zinn, Condon L.,uis Rucker, Arlington, chairman Dave Childs, Arlington Walt Hulden, Arlington Jim Morris, Arlington Marion T. Weatherford, Arlington Ray Heimbigner, lone

Weeds Uncontrolled weeds cost Oregon farmers more than Weed control on state roads has always been at a $5 million a year through crop-yield losses, livestock minimum, and up until 1967 the Gilhiam County Weed deaths, and reduced quality of crops. Since the 1964 flood, Control budget consisted ofonly$500. Under the condi- Gihhiam County has experienced a continual increase in tions which existed until that time, weeds all over the weed infestation. Some of the weeds, such as sandbur county were on the increase to the point where they were and puncturevine, are spreading rapidly along the roadside causing alarm. in the farming areas. These are spread by automobiles, This emphasized the need for an accelerated roadside livestock, wind, and water. weed-control program, as well as for educational pro-

7 grams concerning the use of the newer types of herbicides property in the county, as weeds are a threat to the econ- now available on the market. omy and to the well-being of all those living within the In 1967 the Gilliam County Court established a weed- county. control program with an advisory committee comprised of seven Gilliam County ranchers locted insev'en specific areas of the county. Appointed as weed control Recommendations supervisor at that time was Len Haldorson, with the Gill- * Since a weed-control program should benefit both jam County extension agent serving as secretary of the agriculture and maintenance, the county should continue advisory board and assisting in organization of the new to have a weed advisory committee to keep the emphasis weed-control program. The present Weed Control District of the program on agricultural benefits. This committee is under the direction of the Weed Advisory Committee should be appointed by the County Court with specific and the Gilliam County Court. length of tenure for members so that new members could be Gilhiam County landowners have assumed the respon- appointed at designated intervals. sibility for weed control on their own land; however, the * The County Court should be asked to send a letter control efforts made by these individuals have seemed to the Union Pacific Railroad describing the present weed fruitless prior to the initiation of the roadside weed-con- problem along the railroad right-of-way and soliciting trol program. cooperation in solving this problem. Education and volunteer cooperation by the land- * The committee urges that the chemical companies, owners have thus far been the most effective means of as well as Oregon Experiment Station technicians, encour- applying good weed-control measures since the establish- age rainfall areas, such as Gilliam County, so that the ment of the weed-control program. test results would apply to these areas. Research should be The budget for the Gilliam County Weed Control continued on problem weeds, such as cheatgrass, purple- program, which began at approximately $6,000, for the mustard, knotweed, etc. fiscal year of 1966-67 and for 1969-70 was $11,600. The * More emphasis should be given to the eradication of major program is the spraying along county roadsides. puncturevine within the county. The Gilliam County Weed Control Committee is very * Applied research might be expanded whereby the much aware that weed control has become a highly sophis- farmers would use new chemicals under various conditions ticated procedure.Information indicates that some two on a limited scale, keeping notes on methods and times of hundred different materials are employed or are available application and the results. These observations could be for various weed-control problems. used at a later date if weed tours were organized within Securing qualified personnel to handle equipment and the county. materials has been a problem in the past. It appears to be * Additional education and further study are needed the feeling of the committee that since the county is pres- of any weed-control laws on a state level. ently engaged in a weed-control program, equipment and * In the matter of laws restricting the use of chemicals, personnel should be combined with the County Road it was the committee's conclusion that the best way to Department. The committee has obtained the services slow down burdensome restriction on the use of chemicals of a qualified applicator at the present time, and the pro- was to reed the label on the chemical and follow instruc- gram has progressed rapidly in the past few years. Some of tions on time, dosage, and usage. the problems arose due to a vacancy in the position of * The new highway shoulders and rights-of-way should weed control supervisor. be seeded to adapted perennial grasses to aid in the control The committee recognizes that an educational program of undesired highway weeds. concerning weed controlin dryland wheat production * Serious consideration should be given to initiating is necessary, particularly because of the many new chemi- immediate control measures by the County Court and cals that are being made available on the market today. County Weed Control Committee and by individual Workshops have been held in the past, and the newer ranchers to stop the spread of diffuse knapweed, dalma- chemicals have been discussed by technical representa- tion toadflax, and medusahead. The committee feels that tives from various chemical companies. Some of these these three weeds, at their present rate of infestation, are chemicals have not been very successful because most are creating a serious threat to the agricultural land in this too high priced for the rancher. county; it is the committee's recommendation that a con- The committee also recognizes a need for effective certed effort be made by the Extension office and the educational programs to assure that all of the people in County Court to publicize educational: information con- the county recognize that a serious weed problem exists. cerning the situation. This program should be initiated This problem is the concern of all who live in or own immediately.

WeedSub-committee Robert Maligren, Condon Henry Wilkins, Mikkalo, chairman Ryan Steinke, Arlington John A. Weimar, Arlington Don Linnell, Zone Vernon Mikkalo, Mikkalo Len Haldorson, Condon Mark Phillips, Condon Ray Brown, Condon Carrol Wilkins, Arlington Bill Wise, Mikkalo David Childs, Arlington Tom Zinn, Condon

8 Livestock Report

Cow-and-Calf Operations

The cow-and-calf unit is the basic form of livestock Heifers born in the spring and put in a fall calving production in Gilliam County. This is as it should be, herd can be grown out on more roughage. They will since there are 573,000 acres of rangeland and 135,000 acres need less pampering. Also, heifers calving at 2% of grain stubble available in the fall, which at the present years will breed back better than those calving at time can probably be best utilized by beef cows, with the 2 years. following exceptions: some of this forage could be har- Fall and spring calving.This practice has the advantage vested by sheep or by weaner calves before they reach of cutting bull requirements in half. Also, top producing feedlot size (600-700 pounds).Present price structure cows and heifers which fail to conceive get a second chance is more favorable than in the past for growing weaner with only a slight time delay, as they could be bred again calves out to feedlot size before selling. with the other half of the herd. It is recognized that there The need for each cow in a producer's herd to bring the are some disadvantages to fall calving, but there are highest possible dollar return was never more pressing than enough advantages to make such management practice at the present time. Cow-and-calf enterprises have not worth considering. been particularly profitable for most producers, but there is a strong possibility that weaner calf prices will average Performance testing.Most producers keep their better higher in the future. The ability to enlarge the nation's heifer calves for replacements. This selection can be re- beef-cow herd is more limited than the ability to construct fined to include numbering the cows and their offspring feed.lots and provide feed for fattening. Since feedlots have with an eartag or tattoo or by branding to identify the expanded very rapidly in the past ten years and conse- best producers. Birth weight seems to be the quickest way quently have provided more pounds of beef for consumers, of identifying the good producing cows. For every increase the next increase in beef production must come from an of 1 pound in birth weight, there is an increase of 3.1416 increase in the pounds of weaner calf produced. As demand pounds in weaning weight. for beef continues to rise, calf prices should reflect this Increasing fertility.The best way to improve fertility of demand. the cow herd is to sell all open cows after a 40 to 60-day The nearer a cow-and-calf producer can come to rais- breeding period. Two-year-old heifers should be fed by ing the ideal animal for the feedlot at minimum expense, themselves before calving and fed more generously than the nearer he can come to economic success. This feedlot cows. A high level of nutrition will raise call birth weights replacement should be of moderately large frame, weigh only 1 to 3 pounds. Cows should be fed well a month from 600 to 700 pounds, be of moderate fatness, and have before calving, since this will assure vigorous calves and at least choice conformation with the ability to finish with improved conception later in the subsequent breeding a carcass weighing under 700 pounds.It should have a season. high percent of lean, well-marbled meat and a minimum Crossbreeding.The hybrid rigor which results from of waste fat. mating two individuals from different breeds has in many Management practices which may be of value in Gill- instances resulted in increased weaning weights and better lam County herds in reaching the goal of producing more feedlot performance.It should be remembered that the desirable feedlot replacements are: backbone of any crossbreeding program is the availability Earlier Calving. Where practical, this should be done and of high quality straight-bred breeding stock. A herd which the calving period should be limited to 60 days. can provide replacements for crossbreeding foundation Fall Calving.Some of the advantages of fall calving are stock may be quite profitable. Hybrid vigor may also be as follows: gained by outcrossing blood lines within a breed. Fewer calfhood disease problems would exist. Implanting stilbestrol.Tests at Oregon State University Heavier weaner calves which might be of sufficient have shown that delaying castration until shortly before size for the feedlot would result. weaning, combined with the implantation of 12 mg. of Calves can utilize lush spring pasture more efficiently. DES both at birth and at 100 days, has given up to one- Sales would not be limited to the traditional October- fourth pound per day of added gain with little or no adverse November period. effects. These steers are far less susceptible to urinary Fall calving would make cattle vailable for local calculi problems in the feedlot due to increased size of the feedlots at a time when they are hard to find. urethra.The use of DES on bull calves will greatly Feeder calves can be growi out on stubble. reduce the size of the testicles, making castration some- Cows are dry in summer when feed is nutritionally what more difficult. lower. Artificial insemination would benefit, because cows Preconditioning.Mortality and excessive weight losses would be in for winter feeding at breeding time. occur from the stress of weaning calves and moving them

9 into market channels. Some plan that will relieve this stress is of definite value to the purchaser of these calves. Recommendations Preconditioning should also provide a monetary bonus to * Cattle ranchers should take every measure possible the cow-and-calf operator. to produce feedlot cattle that will have choice conforma- The inauguration of one particular program seems tion, carcass weight of under 700 pounds, a high percent- impossible, since each destination area appears to require age of lean well marbled meat and a minimum of waste different preconditioning; therefore, the group concluded fat. that a direct-selling procedure by the producers would Cattle ranchers should consider earlier and fall still be economically advantageous to the feeder. There calving. would be less sickness, less death loss, and less shrinkage. * Cattle ranchers should perforance test their herds. A portion of the negotiation for purchase of the calves * Cattle ranchers should pregnancy test their herds could include the preconditioning program to be followed and cull open cows. prior to the calves leaving the ranch where they were * Preconditioning of calves before weaning should be weaned. a standard practice of every cattleman.

Cattle Feeding

Less than half the beef consumed by Oregon residents utilization of local grain for beef-cattle finishing rations is supplied by feedlots in Oregon. The major portion if the following factors exist: comes from Idaho and areas outside the Pacific North- * Feed grain prices remain competitive with those west. At the same time, two-thirds of the 500,000 weaner in other areas. calves produced in Oregon are shipped out of state for * The feeder will be selling fat cattle more than once growing and finishing. About 300,000 of these are then a year. Whether or not these cattle are fed in Gilliam shipped back to Oregon for consumption in the form of County in small lots or in large lots is an individual fed cattle or finished carcasses. There also is now avail- operator's decision. However, it should be borne in mind able more than enough surplus grain production to fat- that once-a-year selling is hazardous. ten 300,000 calves at a feed-grain price competitive with * Specialized farm labor which can feed cattle success- that to be found anywhere in the nation. fully is available. Gilliam County has approximately 12,000 beef cows, which, with an 80 percent calf crop, produce about 9,600 calves. Like the state average, about two-thirds of these FeedlotFinishing are shipped out of the area for growing and finishing. The principal problem a cattle feeder will encounter When they are shipped out, they add considerably to the in trying to feed year-round is a shortage of cattle of the economy of the destination area by providing jobs and proper weight for feedlot finishing. markets for the input items of a stocker or feedlot opera- tion. Recommendations This very important problem can be solved by a combination of the following: Prices and Markets * Adoption of both spring and fall calving Gilliam County produces a surplus of grain and grain Weaning heavier calves by-products and is faced with declining prices as well as * Utilization of grain by-products to grow calves dimishing markets. The feed grains, wheat and barley, * Development of irrigation which will increase the are an excellent combination for fattening cattle. Straw roughage supply and enable local ranchers to grow weaner and chaff can be utilized profitably if properly supple- calves to the feedlot size mented for growing calves and starting cattle on feed. Other advantages in this county are farm grain storage FarmOperation capacity of 1,800,000 bushels, which farmers could utilize in conjunction with feed milling equipment. In addition, The matter of what type of farm operation can feed Condon Grain Growers and Cargillhave additional these cattle most efficiently in Gilliam County should be storage for feed grains if the feedlot operations do not considered. There is not a clear-cut answer to this question. have their own storage. This equipment may be individually owned if the Recommendations operation is large, but an installation doing custom work * Farmers who have been in a straight cereal-grain might be valuable. The county also has an abundance of operation with adequate latin storage who wish to diver- low-value marginal land with the proper slope and expos- sify may find it advantageous to use waste ground of suit- ure for feedlot pens. Because of the cheap land, suffi- able slope for a feedlot. The possibility of rather exten- cient space can be allotted to feedlot pens to minimize sive feedlots exists. winter mud problems. * The cow-calf operator who wishes to finish his own cattle can plan his operation to best use his available Recommendations facilities and feeds, but will probably be forced into a The cattle-feedingsubcommittee recommends the single or short-time marketing period.

10 * The operator who does not have the proper person- construction. In addition, there are smaller but important nel or facilities for the fattening process but still desires slaughter facilitiesin Pendleton and Long Creek, as to hold ownership through this process may find that well as small local units. custom feedingis the best solution. In this way, a yard wishing for greater volume may be able to use advanta- Recommendation geously these custom cattle to hold down the investment * The hauling rates presently in effect are controlled in cattle inventory. by the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Oregon * Many cattlemen who do not want to finish their Public Utilities Commission. Cattle in interstate transit cattle out should sell feeders, cattle to local feedlots or move at a lower rate than those in intrastate transit. This have them custom fed. inequity should be studied and vigorous efforts made to eliminate it. Marketing Marketing of agricultural products, no matter what AvailableInformation they may be, may spell the difference between profit and Information on carcass quality and feeding efficiency loss to the producer. Population centers generally will on the cow herd progeny is of value to a cow-and-calf attract slaughter facilities.Distances to these slaughter operator in selecting breeding stock. This type of informa- facilities are definite factors in competitive selling.It is tion is not always available when feeders are sold. an established fact that it is cheaper to haul cattle to and away from feed than to move the feed to the animal. Recommendation Gilliam County lies within a 150-mile radius of three * This feedback of information is readily available major slaughter areas, which is considered a practical when the owner fattens his own cattle or has them ens- hauling distance, so excessive shrink or excessive cost torn fed. If the cattle are sold, such information is more is not encountered. These facilities are located at Port- likely to be available if they are sold to someone who fat- land, Toppenish, and Pasco, where a new plant is under tens them locally.

Range Management

Gilliam County rangelands have,in mostcases, Brush control deteriorated over the past decades much the same as in Sagebrush spraying should be done on all sites where other neighboring counties. The sheep and horse popula- a sufficient understory of native grasses are present tions have been accused of overgrazing and have contrib- Time of application is a critical factor in this practice uted greatly to the deterioration. Poor management, fol- and recommendations should be followed closely. If rab- lowed by overgrazing, has done the greatest damage. bitbrush is present, timing and rates of spray should be Regardless of how it has occurred, the situation exists, adjusted for control of this weed, too. and the degree of damage has been in direct proportion to Range seeding the level of management that has been exercised. Range seeding should be accomplished where the Range improvement is a long-time investment. Costs siteissuitable. The controlling factorisgenerally a might well equal the land value. This necessitates owner- matter of getting machinery onto the site.The range- ship or long tenure in order for the operator to spread land drillwill function anywhere power can pullit. out his investment over a sufficient period of years to Additional research in seeding methods for sites too steep make it economically feasible. or too rocky should be continued. Because of the high cost in relation to land value, Crested wheatgrass is the most successful species in the exact practice or group of practices that are economi- dry sites of the county.Beardless wheatgrass may be cally justified vary with every situation. Although each desirable in certain areas.Intermediate wheatgrass or operator must make his own decision, much capable Sherman Big bluegrass may be successful in areas of assistance is available from the Cooperative Extension higher rainfall. The prime consideration is to "fit the Service and the Soil Conservation Service.The county grass to your livestock needs." ASC office may assist financially in the application of Water development many of these plans. Water availability is the key to proper distribution of livestock on a range, so considerable planning should be given to this phase of range improvement to include Recommendations the development and piping of springs, adequate storage, Solutions to range deterioration problems are based holding ponds, and drilling of wells. Plastic pipe is rela- primarily on range economics. Important practices rec- tively cheap and may be utilized in moving water from a ommended are(1) brush control,(2) range seeding, water source to a point of need. Sufficient slope for a (3) water development, (4) fencing, and (5)livestock gravity system is desired over pumping but a study of the management. situation may show that the latter is worth the cost.

11 Large track laying equipment is available for plastic their original use. Intensive grazing of these areas by pipe laying, but in some areas the cost of getting the livestock is imperative to reduce rodents and disease, and equipment to this area may be prohibitive. to stimulate the production of palatable forage. Fencing Burning has been used as an economical method of Fencing is an expensive range practice but often accomplishing the above, but ranchers should be cogni- becomes necessary to control the livestock grazing and to zant of the responsibility of damage from a fire that be- better utilize the available water supply. Fencing can be comes uncontrollable. The rancher should also acquaint the key to the proper deferment or rest-rotation plan for himself with burning regulations that might be applicable the proper management of the total range resource on a the time. a ranch. Adequate planning is a must in this phase of Abandoned cropland range management. Wheat farms should not allow cropland which is Grazing management diverted because of government programs or because The above-mentioned tools of range spraying, range of shallow depth to revert to cheatgrass and eventually seeding, water development, and fencing tools to accom- sagebrush. This land which has been farmed is in excellent plish proper range management. condition for establishing a stand of perennial grass. Livestock must be managed for the sustained high Also, the weeds that grow when a good perennial grass production of the range resources. Deferment of different stand is not established can spread to adjoining cropland. portions of the range are necessary for the longevity and Another reason for seeding these abandoned acres to high production of a total range. grass is that crested wheatgrass is not such a great fire Rest-rotationsystemsareadvisedinvery low hazard as cheatgrass.It has been observed that a fire production areas, but it was felt that the Gilliam County will burn up to crested wheatgrass and stop. tax structure makes this practice non-feasible. It is im- This committee would like to stress that the main job perative during the establishment year of a new seeding of the grass farmer is to convert grass to beef, with strong but judicious deferment will be adequate in subsequent emphasis on improvement of quality and quantity of years. grass. We have an abundance of range in Gilliam County, Many fields that have been seeded to such grasses as and any group considering the long-range planning in this Crested wheatgrass to qualify in various federal land area should include important steps for improvement. retirement plans, such as soil bank, are now released from

Swine

In recent years, Oregon has produced only one-fourth At the present grain price, as compared to the sale of of the pork consumed in the state. An additional 10 pci- live hogs, this enterprise appears to have promise in Gill- cent is shipped in live and slaughtered within the state. iam County. The remaining pork is shipped in from other areas of the If the local rancher wishes to turn to swine produc- United States. Idaho has been producing about 60 per- tion for purposes of diversification or to utilize the cent of its requirements, Washington 92/2percent, and grains he raises, he must decide upon the type of swine California only 3 percent. This shows that the pork com- operation that should be followed. ing into Oregon is moving here from areas beyond our neighboring states. ProductionAlternatives From the above data, one could also draw the con- A number of factors, including such items as existing clusion that a swine producer in Oregon would have the facilities, availability of labor, and financial position will freight differential on a rather long haul as an advantage determine the type of operation that the individual opera- in Oregon and a portion of the neighboring states' mar- tor may choose to follow. The three major types are list- kets. As reported in the cattle feeding section of this re- ed below. port, Gilliam County is in an area of surplus production Feeder of the cereal grains. At the present time approximately The advantages of this type of operation are low one-half of the cereal grain produced in Oregon must be labor requirement per unit; low investment in facilities either shipped out or utilized locally.This amount ap- per unit; very readily available market; adaptability to proaches 600,000 tons of potential feed. Certainly Gill- mechanization; and lower incidence of disease. iam County and the surrounding area has a large per- The disadvantages are larger operational investment centage of this "surplus" cereal grain. in livestock and a greater waste-disposal problem. On a rather practical conversion figure of 4 pounds Farrow to weaning of feed per pound of swine produced, this feed, if all fed The advantages of such an operation are low invest- to swine, could produce an additional 1 and a third mil- ment in livestock; the possibility of varying the size of lion head of hogs. Since the four northwest states men- operation without losing efficiency; adaptation of the tioned above have a production-consumption deficit of available labor supply to other farm operations by plan- about 9 million head, a marketing problem should not ning; less feed storage; and the possibility of developing a develop. local market.

12 The disadvantages are high labor requirement per lower disease incidence; more efficient quality control; unit; higher incidence of disease; and high initial cost of and guaranteed source of feeders. facilities per unit. The disadvantages are increased labor and manage- Farrow to finish ment and wider diversity of facilities. The advantages here are lower transportation costs;

Van Rietmann, Coadon 97823 Frank Monahan, Condon Over-All Livestock Committee Chairman Chairman, Financing (Credit) Sub-committee Dan McFarlane, Condon 97823 Ron Davis, Olex Chairman, Cow-Calf Sub-committee Chairman, Range Improvement Sub-committee Frank Bettencourt, Olex 97812 Ron Alford, Condon Chairman, Livestock Feeding Sub-committee Chairman, Swine Sub-committee Ed Bates, Condon 97823 Robert E. Hulden, Arlington Chuck Bolin, Condon Walt Hulden, Arlington Bob Byrd, Condon Alva Hunt, Fossil Loren Byrd, Condon Bill Jaeger, Condon Richard Camargo, Olex Henry J. Jaeger, Condon Jim Campbell, Condon Walter Jaeger, Condon John A. Campbell, Condon Larry Kennedy, Mayville Dave Childs, Arlington Ray Lantis, Condon Matt Cooney, Condon Ernest Lear, Condon Frank Dyer, Mayville Don Linnell, Arlington Gordon Eakin, Condon Paul N. Marick, Olex Pete Edwards, Condon Bill McCoin, Olex Russell Erickson, Condon Vernon Mikkalo, Mikkalo H. W. Eubanks, Arlington George Miller, Olex Jim Green, Arlington George Morris, Olex Jim Greiner, Mayvile Jim Morris, Olex Tom Greiner, Condon Bud Philippi, Arlington Gary Griffith, Condon Donald Potter, Olex Bill Hardie, Condon Lyle Potter, Condon Earl Hardie, Condon Earl Pryor, Condon Raymond Harrison, Condon WilliRm E. Rattray, Condon Earl P. Hong, Arlington Jack Reser, Condon Leon Rondeau, Condon Larry A. Wade, Condon Louis Rucker, Arlington Earl Weatherford, Olex Lester Schaefer, Mikkalo George E. Webb, Mayville Dan Schott, Condon John Weimar, Arlington Roland Simantel, Arlington J. Z. Weimar, Condon Leo J. Skinner, Spray Bill West, Olex Larry Snyder, Condon Henry Wilkins, Arlington Otto Steinke, Arlington Philip Wilson, Condon Tom Sumner, Arlington Morris Wilson, Condon Robert Taylor, Fossil Ken Killingsworth, Fossil

13 24,000 head of Gilliam County beef cattle comprise a large share of the agriculture industryExtension Serv- ice photo

140,000 acres of grainis harvested each year from 280,000 acres.The restis summer fallowed to conserve moisture for next year's harvest. Extension Service photo

Youth programs receive emphasis in Gilliam County.A three-county 4-H livestockfield day gives boys and girls leadership skills, self-confidence and technical 'know-how'. Snow cap identifier testifies to unsurpassed beauty of Gilliam County sceneryHighway Department photo Industry and Economic Development Report

A great deal of time and effort was put into question- housing situation should take care of itself. An excellent naires mailed to all voters and high school students of TV repairman has made his residence in Condon.In Gilliam County in order to find areas for improvement addition, a recreation and sports camp on a cooperative, in our economy and environment. The percentage of re- nonprofit basis is well on its way to becoming a new plies was very gratifying, and the answers for the most factor in the economy of Condon and the entire county. part were frankand helpful.Understandably, some people were offended by the criticism.The purpose, however, of the questionnaire was to find out what the Opportunities people of Gilliam County were thinking. Compiling the It is the opinion of this committee that encourage- statistics was phase one. Analyzing the results is phase ment of the location of any business or industrial activity two. Taking necessary action to improve the county is in Gilliam County without the assurance of economic phase three. stability would be neither wise nor helpful for the area A questionnaire similar to the one used for Gilliam or persons involved. For example, Arlington or Condon County had been conducted by the Pendleton East Ore- might not be the right answer for a young doctor or at- gonianfor Umatilla County.However,theGilliam torney, but it might be a suitable location for a qualified County questionnaire was set up on a much smaller older person desiring a good place to retire and build up scale with fewer questions. Although some criticism was a limited practice. Many people who have lived in crowd- received because all areas of business activity were not ed cities might find the simpler life of a small town de- mentioned, everyone was urged to make any suggestions sirable, and both Gilliam County towns can proudly or remarks believed appropriate, and many did.The and truthfully list the advantages of living in these rural whole idea behind the questionnaire was to try to find out communities. what people thought should and could be done to make Arlington is situated in and near a very desirable this county a better place in which to live. recreation area, with its natural harbor, the mouth of Since people differ in attitudes and opinions, and Willow Creek to the east, and the John Day River to resources differ from area to area responses from the the west, where the backwater of the John Day Dam has north county area were tabulated separately from the created a natural water-sports haven. With coordination south. The questionnaires were color coded so that an- of various interests and owners and with vision and per- swers from the north part of the county could be separat- sistence, this area would need very little change to make ed from those from the south part. recreation development economically profitable. Some facilities are reasonably satisfactory in ali areas Condon, when the air base is phased out, will have of the county.Food and clothing, churches, utilities, available at the base location perhaps 10 to 15 good schools,service stations, sanitary services,police and modern homes with adjacent buildings which might be fire protection, and county services rated good or ade- used to establish a small industry of some type. In Bend quate in all areas; i.e., the good and fair responses were a toy airplane factory constructs its products from balsa greater than the "need improvement" vote. wood from Ecuador and saws and packages the product The Condon area showed more favorable rating as a The National Trailways Bus Service was also started in whole than the Arlington area. For example, the Arling- Bend and has developed into a nationwide charter bus ton area, has no doctor, dentist, lawyer or drugstore, and service still headquartered in Bend. This could happen the people are understandably concerned about it. Con- in Gilliam County.There are opportunities of many don's shortcomings were pointed out as restaurants, TV kinds for the county. One possibility might be the manu- repair,streets and sidewalks,doctor-dentist shortage, facture of simple wooden toys from the soft pine lumber highways, housing, electricians, and lounges. produced by Kinzua Pine Mills. Since this questionnaire was distributed, however, The most logical field for development seems to be some changes have occurred in Condon. One of the most to supply our own community with the goods and service important projects advocated by this conference was a required locally. Too many of our citizens are buying out- travel-tourist package showing points of interest along of-town products and services that could and should be the John Day Highway from Arlington to John Day. obtained locally.If satisfactory goods and services are These travelpackets showingtheareasof Gilliam, not available at home, one must go away or send away. Wheeler, and Grant counties are very attractive.This Every merchant or craftsman owes it to his community commendable project was initiated primarily in the com- to give the best possible service in his field.If the mer- mittee. Efforts are being made to secure another doctor. chant or craftsman does not adequately provide service, An excellent restaurant has opened under new manage- he must expect his customers to go elsewhere. Conversely, ment. With the impending closing of the air base, the if services and merchandise are available locally, each nit-

14 izen has a duty to his community to trade at home. Serv- power supply.Prime consideration should be given to ices are still needed here that are not available. It would the protection of the natural qualities of the area in the se- seem, for instance, that a farm machinery dealer could lection of any type of new industry. Business enterprises, develop a paying business in Arlington, since it formerly with good management and adequate financing which supported two good ones. prove to be practical for this locality, should be welcomed Our first concern should be local and regional needs. to the county. Our second concern should be to look for new industry to * Top priority in industrial development should be stabilize and improve the economy. the processing of crops and livestock grown in the area. The development of cattle and hog feedlots should be encouraged as a means of using surplus grains and ob- Recommendations taining top dollar income. A feed-processing plant should The comprehensive survey made this year shows be established to further the use of local crops as feed. great need for the improvement of the economy of our A further study of the possibilityofestablishinga county, and the committee therefore makes the following slaughter plant facility in cooperation with these feedlots recommendations: should be made. * Foremost in importance should be an increase in the * Great potential exists in the increase of recreation agriculturaloutputoftheareathroughirrigation, and travel in the area. The cooperative effort of Gilliam, diversification, and improved varieties of crops. Irrigated Wheeler, and Grant counties will assist in advertising our farming is a definite possibility for the north part of the county as the gateway to some of the greatest scenic county. attractionsin Oregon. The improvement of Highway * The committee Would favor industrial development 19 and the encouragement of tourist travel should have through the Arlington Port Commission, which should be high priority. The development of more parks and rest expanded to include the entire county.Gilliam County areas should be given serious consideration in county has many possibilities for industry, being situated well planning. with ideal climate and adequate transportation and ample

Industry and Economic Development Committee George Jamieson, Condon Earl Butler, Mayville, co-chairman Vernon Boyer, Condon Ernest Fatland, Condon, co-chairman Lester Schaefer, Mikkalo Carrol Wilkins, Arlington Vernon Wilson, Condon Les Grant, Arlington Jack Harris, Condon Tom Sumner, Arlington Velma Fatland, Condon Jim Green, Arlington Tom Hassing, Condon David Childs, Arlington Donna Morgan, Condon Louis Rucker, Arlington Jim Mahaf fey, Condon Clarence Potter, Condon Ray Lantis, Condon Carl Myers, Condon D. E. Ashenfelter, Jr., Condon James 0. Bums, Condon Dick Wiley, Condon Lester Brooks, Arlington Frank Bauman, Condon Ken Killingsworth, Fossil Otto Steinke, Arlington Earl Pryor, Condon Bill West, Olex Vernon Mikkalo, Mikkalo George Morris, Olex Ron Davis, Olex Jim Morris, Olex Luren Maley, Condon Leon Rondeau, Condon John Madden, Hermiston Harold Pattee, Condon Earl Johnston, Hermiston Frank Monahan, Condon Bill McCoin, lone Van Rietmann, Condon George Miller, Arlington Melvin Pattee, Condon George Eaton, Condon Frank Bettencourt, Olex Chuck Bolin, Condon John A. Weimar, Arlington Paul Marick, Olex William Jaeger, Condon Earl Weatherford, Olex Larry Wade, Condon Carroll Hollen, Condon Jack Reser, Condon Al Riney, Condon Dave Peterson, Condon Fred Greiner, Condon Jack Jackson, Condon Darrell Blake, Condon Jack Fatland, Condon Ed Morgan, Condon Iris Mahaffey, Condon

15 Human Resources Report

Home and Family

The major concerns of the committee on home and Recommendations family were marriage and divorce; the economic picture; * Job opportunities to attract and keep young families recreation and entertainment; religion; and housing. in the area need to be developed. In general, family life in Gilliam County is oriented * Numerous responses in the questionnaire indicated to the rural community. Homes are fundamentally sta- that people felt guidance counseling in high school was of ble, consisting mainly of young-middle age through re- great importance. The committee agreed that even though tirement-age families.There are very few young mar- a full-time counselor in the local high school might be rieds because of the lack of job opportunities.School ideal, however, money available provides only for the concerns and activities and community organizations are current sharing program.The addition of a full-time well supported by most families in the county. counselor would, however, be desirable so that each of The following report has been complied fromques- the two county's high schools could be served by a guid- tionnaire form results, county statistics, and church re- ance counselor on a full-time basis. ports. * There is a need for a day-care center and reliable babysitters. Marriage and Divorce Little statistical information was available through Recreation and Entertainment county records to aid in examining the true picture of Gilliam County has many sources of inexpensive marriage and divorce in the county. It was quite evident recreation and entertainment.Clubs and organizations that the first three years of marriage prove to be the most provide many opportunities for those interested.The hazardous. One third of all divorces in Gilliam County county has thi-ee farm groups and one active grange. during the past 10 years were granted to couples mar- Condon has six fraternal and ten service organizations. ried less than three years. There are many youth groups, including those of the Families who desire assistance with personal prob- church, the Boy Scouts, and 4-H. Arlington has eight lems can receive counseling from the local ministers and service and two fraternal organizations. priest. A mental health counselor is available if referred There are four parks in the county, one with over- by the County Court. night camping facilities. Condon has a city park with a Recommendations full-time recreation program, including tennis, ping-pong, * swimming, crafts, and games.Three sessions of Red The local high school board should institute into the Cross swimming lessons for all ages are available. Arling- curriculum a required course in Family Relations. The ton hires supervisory personnel for the swimming area in course should be taught by a well-qualified, married the lagoon on the Columbia River. instructor and should include money management, budg- Other summer recreationalfacilities include golfing, eting, consumer education, sex education, the danger of fishing, and picnicking. Hunting for birds and deer is misuse of drugs and alcohol, and any other areas felt available each fall.Condon's Fourth of July celebra- important by the board, faculty, or students. * tion has become widely attended by people around the More social activities designed for young marrieds state. The Bit and Spur Club is responsible for at least are needed. one rodeo each year, and the Arlington Saddle Club sponsors the annual Arlington Rodeo and Parade. FamilyEconomicPicture Cultural environment includes the Masquers theat- rical group, the Reading Club, the county library, and Fifty percent of the women from the Condon area courses in art and ceramics by instructors from Blue and 30 percent of the women from the Arlington area Mountain Community College.Musical instruction in who responded to the survey indicated they would like guitar and piano is offered. to work outside the home if employment were available. Those interested can participate in tennis, bowling, Presently there are few job opportunities for women, with and basketball. Spectator sports of basketball, football, little likelihood of change in the situation. bowling, and tennis are also available. In the north part Most teenagers can find summertime employment on of the county, there are facilities for boating and water farms and in summer recreation programs, restaurants, skiing. and service stations.There are, however, few job op- portunities for young people on a full-time or career ba- Recommendations sis. * The committee recommends that the local newspaper

16 carry a weekly calendar of coming events. An activity Recommendation board shouid be provided and maintained by a local or- * Since many denominations meet in homes or build- ganization covering all coming events, weekly or monthly, ings rather than in churches, it would be helpful to new- located in a central place such as the post office.This comers or visitors if a weekly calendar of times and meet- would be of benefit to many people without school-age ing places were carried in the local paper. children informing them of coming events. * The drive-in restaurant should stay open after eve- Housing ning events and activities, especially local ball games. * In order to take advantage of cultural events, such Although no statistics are available, it appears that as concerts, stage plays, art exhibits, etc., which are being in the Condon area those who own their own homes live performed in nearby cities, a committee formed to arrange in more desirable houses than those who rent. Perhaps the car pools for interested people in the communities would poor quaflty of rental homes has led to the increased be desirable. number of mobile homes in the area. * Workable teenage centers are needed. The un-rented houses fall into a state of disrepair, * The committee recommends an increase in adult ed- being vacant eyesores to the community. Many of these ucation classes in woodworking and welding. older, unused homes lead to cluttered and littered lots * The Condon committee recommends that the juve- becoming community fire hazards. nile curfew be strictly enforced by parents and the city The relocation of Arlington, caused by the construc- marshal. tion of the John Day Dam, resulted in only 3 substantial dwellings out of the 140 available units. There are four trailer parks, but no apartments available for young mar- Religion rieds or limited-income persons. The churches appear to be holding their own, showing Recommendations about the same membership as 10 years ago. * Renewed community effort can help to upgrade the The following denominations are found within the quality of rental housing and clear vacant lots that are county: Episcopalian, Lutheran, Baptist, Mormon, 7th presently less desirable in appearance. Day Adventist, United Church of Christ, Catholic, Metho- * More apartments should be built to accommodate dist, Nazarene, and Jehovah's Witnesses. younger couples and people with limited incomes.

Human Resources Committee Marge Weimar, Arlington, Over-all co-chairman Kathy West, Olex, Over-all co-chairman

Home and Family Sub-committee Bunny Dyer, Mayville, co-chairman Aloha DeSpain, Arlington, co-chairman Laurel Butler, Mayville Rev. Robert Dowrey, Arlington Mabel Jaeger, Condon Yvonne Ei-icksen, Arlington Shirley McIntosh, Condon Carrie Wheelhouse, Arlington Rev. Richard Trotter, Condon Kathy West, Olex Father Patrick Lunham, Condon Sandy Curtis, Arlington Robert Gent, Condon Diane Marshall, Arlington

Youth

The Youth Committee held meetings in each arca population of 3,150. Of this population 1,198 or 39 per- of the county in the hope of involving more people and cent were under the age of 19. The number of young- thus obtaining opinions and recommendations of ways sters between the ages of 6 and 19 was 810, or 388 of pre- to solve the problems involving the youth of Gilliam school age. At this time it should be pointed out that County. the population of the county decreased to 2,695 in 1969 The committee also surveyed 168 students of the two and to 2,207 in 1970. high schools in the county. The purpose of this survey There arethree public school districts within the was to inquire about their attitudes and plans, inorder county, with two high schools and three grade schools. Lo have a more complete picture of their needs. Arlington and Condon each have grade schools and four- Using the survey as a guideline, the Youth Commit- year high schools, while Olex supports only an eight- tee concentrated its study in three major areas: educa- grade elementary school. tion (elementary, high school, and post high school), TherearenopublickindergartensinGilliam community involvement, and career guidance and training. County at the present time. There have been private Acording to the 1960 census, Gilliam County had a kindergartens; however, because of numbers, needs, and

17 costs these have not been in constant service. To date * To evaluate the present attitudes and programs Gilliam County has not become involved in any com- * To recommend programs that willassist in the munity college district, although nearly 30 percent of the developmentof responsible,participating citizens and graduating seniors do enroll in a comunity college.In parents 1968 over 50 percent of the graduating seniors in Gilliam * To recommend educational programs that can eco- County attended a four-year degree-granting institution. nomically provide our young people with the best possi- The greatest employment opportunities for youth in ble scholastic and vocational training this county are in the area of summer farm and ranch employment and in the unskilled, clerical, service, and Preschool Training. The feelings of the committee regard- sales occupations. ing preschool training or kindergartens can best be cx- pressed by quoting a paper prepared by the Oregon Ele- mentary School Principals' Association, "For many years, Problems and Recommendations parents, educators and pediatricians have recognized the General Education need for an extension below the primary grades. There is no doubt that the younger the human being, the more ef- The public of Gilliam County needs to become better fective and lasting will be any effort to teach him." acquainted with and more involved in the business of One recommendation was made by the committee our schools. The school system and facilities comprise regarding kindergarten: an investigation of the feasibility one rthe most important parts of our communities and of adopting a kindergarten should be conducted. This in- county.Administrators,educators, and citizens alike vestigation should include the number to be involved, need to be conscious of the changing needs of our youth teacher, facilities, transportation, and costs. and our communities and to be open-minded about these needs. Elementary Education. The elementary school system The necessity of expanding school services and cur- plays a very important role in the development of the at- riculums, greater use of facilities, and the growing ex- titudes, skills, and personalities of our young people. An penses for providing these programs place extreme de- evaluation of the elementary schools' curriculums and mands on school administrators and boards. The respon- activities indicated that they are satisfactory. sibility for meeting these needs must be shared by all. The committee's only recommendation is that the To share this responsibility with the public, it will elementary school program should be flexible to include become necessary for administrators and educators to the average learner and also the slow learner and fast enter the field of public relations. Public relations must learner. be an everyday project, not just something to become High School Education.Theestablishmentofeduca- involved with at budget and bond time. tional programs for all students is as necessary at the The committee felt that although our schools are high school levels as the elementary level. An adequate presently working in the field of public relations, with and meaningful vocational and scholastic training pro- our decreasing population and increasing demands for the gram to develop each individual to his fullest potential tax dollar even greater stress must be placed in this is of utmost importance. Due to the amount of operating field in the future. capital and the number of students, it may be impossible The Youth Committee made the following recom- to achieve the ideal program; however, our high schools mendationsregardingthetotal eduction program of are striving and must continue to strive to produce the Gilliam County: best possible educational program. Education must be concerned with the total develop- An evaluation of both high schools indicated that ment of each individual child: his attitude, personality, more vocational training is needed. The State Depart- mental ability, physical fitness, creativity, and responsi- ment of Vocational Agriculture estimated that to imple- bility. ment a vocational agricultural (Future Farmers of Ameri- * The public must become involved with and informed ca) course into a high school with a present woodworking about the business of our schools and must share in shop would cost between thirty and fifty thousand dollars this responsibility. per year. * The feasibility of adopting an adequate and mean- Because of coststhe only solution to providing ingfulvocationaltrainingprogramintoour schools iiore vocational training may be work study programs without weakening our present educational program for and encouraging individuals and local businesses to pro- college-bound youngsters should be studied. videopportunitiesforon-the-jobexperience.Career The survey indicated that of the high school-aged training is covered more completely in the Career Guid- youth, 49 percent of the youngsters living in the county ance and Training section of this report. worked away from home, and nearly 60 percent of those The student survey also indicated that 70 percent living in town worked away from home. of our students would welcome a program in sex educa- The survey also indicated that 90 percent of our tion.Presently some of our schools do provide some students participate in school activities and 74 percent in instruction insex and drugeducation; however,all out-of-school activities.The participation in activities schools agree that these subjects could be covered much was not influenced by whether the youth lived in town more adequately if knowledgeable professional teachers or in the country. were available,possibly through the Gilliam County The Youth Committee set the following guidelines Intermediate Education District. in studying the youth and youth programs ofGill- The Youth Committee made three recommendations jam County: regarding high school education:

18 * A thorough study of the feasibility of expanding working or becoming involved in school, church, and the vocational training programs of our high schools personal activities and that often these programs do not should be conducted by a committee composed of school offer enough challenge or responsibility for this age stu- administrator, teachers, school board members, and local dent. The committee's recommendations regarding youth business men and ranchers. activities follow: * A study should be conducted to find what percent- * A constant evaluation of our youth activities should age of the high school graduates complete college or be conducted to find if they are meeting the current needs vocational school and to find if there are areas in which of our youth. these students needed better training or preparation. A county youth council should be formed to pro- * A feasibility study should be conducted by the mote and coordinate all county activities involving youth. County Intermediate Education District on the possibility * 4-H, scouting, and other youth programs should be of instituting into our present program an educational encouraged to emphasize programs that have practical program which would aid in the development of attitudes carry-over values for youth. about drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, safety, and citizenship. Recreation programs. An evaluation of the summer Community Involvement recreation programs offered in Gilliam County indicates that the present programs are adequate; however, they Presently Gilliam County youth are not sufficiently could be improved to include such things as arts and involved in community and county affairs.If our youth crafts, nature studies, rock hounding, family outings, are going to become tomorrow's leaders and citizens, camping, and boating. Our schools are presently made they need to be involved now in making plans and de- availableforrecreation and culturalactivities,after cisions by which they will have to live. Possible means school hours and during summer vacation. of involving youth more deeply might lie in the follow- The biggest deterrent in expanding the present recrea- ing: Know Your City and County Government Field tion program is the lack of funds to hire at least a sum- Days; inviting students to meetings of the Chamber of mer recreation director.At the present this problem Commerce, the Community Club, the School Board, the is being partially solved by Work Study programs and County Planning Commissions, and the 4-H Leaders' and the Neighborhood Youth Corps programs. Association.They could also be offered more respon- The committee's only recommendation is to study sibility in making decisions and in setting laws and regu- the feasibility of employing a summer recreation direc- lations that involve them. Sixty-eight percent of the stu- tor, who would work in conjunction with the city councils, dents surveyed indicated that they would like to take an County Court, and County Youth Council. active part in community affairs and improvements. The committee made only two recommendations or Laws and regulations.Young people as well as old need challenges regarding youth in community involvement: to obey the laws and regulations and in most cases will * Clubs, board, and committtees could make a concert- do so if they know what the laws are. An educational ed effort to involve the youth of Gilliam County in mak- program to publicize and explain why we have laws and ing plans and decisions that will affect them and their what the laws are must be initiated.Also, the adults county in the future. who administer these laws must be consistent in enforce- * The youth also must make an effort to become in- ment. formed about community affairs and to live by the The committee offers these recommendations: plans and decisions that they assist in making. * More publicity and more consistency in enforce- The survey showed that 90 percent of ment of laws affecting youth are needed. Youth activities. * Most adults need to be better examples in their the students participate in school activities, and 74 per- respect of laws, regulations, and law enforcement person- centparticipateinout-of-schoolactivities.In-school activities include athletics, band, chorus, student govern- nel. ment, paper and annual staffs, pep clubs,drill team, Churches, The role of churches as part of the commun- GAA, etc. Out-of-schoolactivitiesincludechurch ity effort to meet the needs of children and youth in groups, scouts, 4-H, Rainbow Girls, CAP, and art and the next 10 years is extremely important for youth, for the music lessons. The small percentage which do not parti- community,andforthechurchesthemselves.The cipate have to work or are not interested. churches should be adaptable to the needs of youth and Activities that high school students indicated that make an effort to meet these needs. they would like to participate in that are not currently The Youth Committee does not wish to suggest the offered are 4-H Empire Builders, Rifle Club, Campfire content of church action in youth work, but does sug- Girls, Ski Club, Drama Club, and summer baseball. gest two areas of action: The committee felt that although the present 4-H * Congregations should review their present structure program was sufficient, it could be encouraged to put and attitude in meeting the needs of young people. more emphasis on natural science, woodworking, electri- * In our area of decreasing population, the churches city, and mechanics projects.Also,activities such as should study the possibility of not only joint program- tours, exchanges, and leadership training should be insti- ming youth activities with other congregations, but also tuted to broaden the experiences of our young people. with other agencies or programs, such as scouting, 4-H, Both scouting and 4-H programs indicate that there school, and summer recreation programs. is a decrease in participation of high school students, Career Guidance and Training especially boys, in these programs. The reasons for this decrease in participation are that there are students Mr. Arnim Freeman, Gilliam County Intermediate

19 EducationDistrictGuidanceCounselor,iscurrently of more vocational training, it has not forgotten that spe- counseling our young people in career and education cial emphasis and improvement of the educational pro- guidance. The present counseling program begins with gram for the college-bound youngster is also necessary. eighth grade students. These students are tested to deter- Programs toprepare,stimulate, and challenge these mine their aptitude and high-interest areas. youth are also necessary. The committee agreed that our guidance counseling Presently some of our students are receiving voca- program is very beneficial to our young people, but that tional training through work study programs, Neighbor- it should be expanded to include more counseling and hood Youth Corps (NYC), 4-H programs, schools, and guidance for those students wishing to go directly into a summer employment. With greater community under- vocation instead of on to college. Vocational materials standing and support, all of these programs could be are available to the students in the high school libraries. expanded to better meet the needs of our youth. It was the feeling of the Youth Committee that our After high school graduation a growing percentage young people are not being sufficiently prepared for of our youth are going to community colleges for either future careers.Possibly we could better prepare our vocational training or to meet partially the requirements young people if we initiate career clusters, on-the-job of a four-year college or university. The committee fcels training, and more practical experience such as that pro- that for community colleges to best meet the needs of vided by shop, commercial studies through the high our youth, they need to provide vocational training and schools, work study, and other on-the-job training oppor- scholastic training programs. tunities. As indicated in the High School Education sec.. In regards to career guidance and training, the com- tion of this report, the cost of incorporating a vocational mittee made seven recommendations: agricultural training program into our school system * Ourpresentcounselingandguidance program may be prohibitive. should be expanded to include those students wishing To provide our young people with more practical to go directly into a vocation. experience and vocational training it may be necessary * Job counseling and vocational training should be- to develop a "resource pool" of local individuals and gin at least in the eighth grade. business men. The members of this "resource pool" would * An adequate and meaningful vocational training provide students an opportunity for on-the-job training program should be developed, local individuals and busi- experience.Ifthis type of on-the-job training is co- ness men as a ("resource pool") to include job attitudes, ordinated through the schools, possibly the student would on-the-job training, and job counseling. receive school credit and work for little or no pay. * Work-study programs, NYC, 4-H Programs, and An example of another possible means for students summer employment programs can be expanded by to receive practical vocational training is that with the involving more local business men and individuals. cooperation and assistance of ranchers and farmers, farm * A Teen Job Shop to assist youth in finding summer equipment handling could be instructed through the 4-H employment could be established. program.All on-the-job training programs should be * The educational program for the college-bound organized with the assistance of the guidance counselor, youth must be evaluated. so that the training will meet the student's aptitude and * Community colleges should be encouraged to offer areas of high interest. both vocational training and scholastic training programs. While the committee has stressed the importance

Youth Education Sub-committee Harry Hartley, Condon, co-chairman Alfred B. dough, Jr., Arlington, co-chairman Gloria Davis, Arlington Shirley Harris, Condon Ed Masters, Condon Betsy Pattee, Condon Clarence Bare, Condon Alma Jean Tipley, Condon Ferman Warnock, Condon Ginger Van Houtin, Condon Mart Cooney, Condon Jean Galle, Condon Ellen Cooney, Condon Mary Ellen Reser, Condon Ron Mobley, Fossil Lorraine Morgan, Condon Adrin Carnine, Condon Dewey Kennedy, Mayville Vic Miller, Condon Peggy Kennedy, Mayville Ann Greiner, Condon Clarence Langer, Arlington Geb Galle, Condon Ken Burdick, Arlington Tom Greiner, Condon George Fletcher, Arlington Rev. P. J. Lunham, Condon Barbara Hoover, Arlington Carolyn Fatland, Condon Ted Hoover, Arlington Jack Fatland, Condon Jean Mikkalo, Mikkalo Jim Carlson, Arlington Ellen Caudle, Arlington

20 Senior Citizens

Approximately 360 people in Gilliam County are re- * No opportunity exists to study handicrafts tired and an ever increasing number are approaching * There are no study groups for reading and discus- retirement. There are no organizations or planned acti- sion, travelogues, or garden and flower clubs vities to meet the rise in our senior citizen population. The two major sources of income for the elderly are Recommendations Social Security or retirement fund. These payments must meet their basic needs of food, lodging, medical care and The committee recommends the foUowing: transportation. * Bus service to The Dalles available to senior citi- With only one doctor and no hospital in the county zens the medical services are extremely limited for older adults. * A place to show and sell handicrafts and handwork A privately owned nursing home with a capacity of 30 * Special invitations to Extension classes and other patients is located in Condon. local events, with transportation provided * Sponsors for cards and games in the afternoon for the elderly Problems * Special interest meetings for adults explaining eat- In a survey of senior citizens the following problems ing habits, ways to save energy, cooking for one or two, were identified. the benefits of Medicare, Social Security,etc.,safety * Medical help is too limited practices, and budget planning and management * Handyman help * A coordinating group who will assist senior citizens * Homemaking assistance requesting help * Lack of transportation * Establishing a senior citizens' organization in the * Loneliness county

Senior Citizens Sub-committee Marge Steinke, Arlington, co-chairman Rose Nelson, Condon, co-chairman Virginia Cooney, Condon Nell Anderson, Condon Richard Rende, Arlington Crystal Burlingame, Mikkalo Ruth Lantis, Condon Elmer Knighten, Condon

Health and Welfare

Gilliam County is faced with a serious shortage of patients.This further points out the seriousness of the manpower in the medical, health, and welfare fields. Part county's lack of medical service. of this is due to the distance one must travel in order to A rabies clinic for animals is needed as a public serve the people in our area.Gilliam County isone health measure for the county.This could be a joint of the smaller counties, having 2,207 people in an area Gilliam-Wheeler County program. of 1,218 miles. Our nearest hospital is around 45 to 50 Recommendations miles; east to Hermiston or Heppner or west to The * The population of both Gilliam and Wheeler coun- Dalles. In addition, what medical and health personnel we ties warrant the needs of two doctors and dentists. do have, serves neighboring Wheeler County. A joint county rabies clinic should be formulated. The facts about existing facilities in Gilliam County and the recommendations of the committee follow. Mental Health One school guidance counselor serves all of Gilliam County. He is able to refer a person to the out-patient PublicHealth clinic in Pendleton, which in turn provides a doctor to Doctors and Dentists make a diagnosis and give treatment if necessary. Pay- ment is on an "ability-to-pay" basis.Facilities in The At the presnt time Gilliam County has one doctor Dalles are also available on a fee basis. and one dentist, while Arlington has none. Both have No mental health facilities or counseling are avail- their own offices and are living and practicing in the town able to the general populus in Gilliam County. of Condon. A building is for sale that could accommodate both a doctor and a dentist. This building has adequate Recommendations facilities, as it has been used in the past as an emergency- * The county should budget funds for diagnosis and type clinic with two or three beds for patients. A large treatmentat mental health institutions.These funds percentage of the county's population is composed of would also assist those who could not afford such referral senior citizens. A nursing home in Condon facilitates 30 service.

21 * A qualified commuting psychiatrist should be made by the city and county and operated by volunteers. The available through theState Mental Health Division, vehicles are reasonably new, and Condon recently pur- working two weeks at a time in cooperation with the chased new equipment for their ambulance. Cost of the schools, families and welfare cases. ambulance to the patient is 75 cents a mile, helping to * We feel that at the state level there is a great need maintain these services. forreferralfacilitiesfor emotionally disturbedcliii- dren and adolescents and unwed mothers. We have no Fire Protection facility in eastern Oregon and only a few in the valley Both cities operate with volunteer fire deartments, that can take a limited number of unwed pregnant girls. having new fire trucks which are well equipped. The cities offer rural fire protection, with other equipment School Health available, and will go to points within a 25-mile radius. There are three school systems in Gilliam County; Many farmers have fire fighting equiment available and Arlington, with grades 1 through 12, Condon with grades can be called to rural protection concerns such as grain 1 through 12, and Olex, grades 1 through 8. or grass fires. The only doctor in the county is also the county Recommendations health doctor operating out of Condon. We have only * The equipment in both cities for fires and ambu- one county health nurse availableonlypart-time, living lance service should be maintained and up-dated. in Arlington.Her duties as health nurse concern the * Volunteers and attendants should be adequately school children. trained to man fire trucks and ambulances reliably. Due to the lack of a public health nurse, there is no immunization program available to school children. There is an excellent school lunch program in both of Welfare the county's schools. The tn-county welfare administrative unit of Mor- Recommendations row, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties is the most under- * The county needs a public health nurse which could staffed in the State of Oregon, according to Lowell Chally, perhaps be shared with another county. This would help welfare administrator, quoted in the East Oregonian, doctors, counselors, and the welfare program with referral March 7, 1970. The welfare caseload is 27.2 cases state- cases for mental health and clinics for immunization of wide, while our tn-county cash caseload average is 47.3. polio, flu, etc., should be continued. Judge Paul Jones pointed out that administration is * The state should have facilitiesfor emotionally exceptionally difficult in the three counties, since Chally disturbed children and adults toservice the county's serves as the only social worker in the area. His covers needs. some 5,000 square miles consisting mostly of secondary * The schools need an educational program on mental roads. There are two assistance workers now for the health and an instructor for the mentally retarded young- three counties. sters. The Gilliam County office is located in the court- * A qualified instructor to conduct a thorough pro- house, where one assistance worker is employed 5 days gram on family life. a week, spending one day a week in Wheeler County. A local Welfare Advisory Board is comprised of two mem- Nursing Home bers from Arlington and five from the Condon area. The There is one nursing home in the county located in acting board, is greatly limited, since almost everything Condon and privately owned. It is equipped for about is closely regulated from state and federal sources. 30 patients and is filled to capacity most of the time. The abundant foods program for both Gilliam and Patients must rely on their own finances or welfare Wheeler counties is serviced out of Condon. There is assistance, since this nursing home is not equipped to an active participation by both low income and public supply Medicare assistance. assistance families. Recommendations Ambulance The program should be more flexible so that the Both Condon and Arlington have a very well-equip- local administrators can make evaluations and exceptions ped ambulance with qualified attendants in each com- in special cases. Then those people who earn extra money munity. Arlington's ambulance is owned by Veterans of will not lose the welfare check completely. Foreign Wars. The calls received concerning the freeway * We definitely need more personnel for our large accidents defray perhaps 90 percent of the cost of main- tn-county area in addition to the present case worker- tenance of the ambulance. Condon's ambulance is owned administrator and two assistance workers.

Health and Welfare Sub-committee June Mikkalo, Mikkalo, co-chairman Chuck Hickerson, Arlington, co-chairman Marian Humphrey, Condon Marge Anderson, Condon Velma Fatland, Condon Janet Phillips, Condon Carol Camyn, Condon Nancy Miller, Olex Donna Hardie, Condon Ruth Magee, Mayville Lou Ann Wilkins, Mikkaio Joan Wade, Condon Kay Austin, Condon

22 Adult Education

During the years 1967-69, eleven courses carrying The following local agencies have within their scope four-year college credit, community college credit, or no potential to fulfill most of the above needs: the Oregon credit were available to adults. Two hundred and four- State Cooperative Extension Service; the Division of teen adults were enrolled in the instructional systems at Continuing Education (College courses can be arranged Condon High School. through this agency if there is enough interest in a given In the present year, both college algebra and English area); School District #25; and the Intermediate Edu- Composition are being offered, with English Literature cation District. to be offered in the spring term. Typing, bookkeeping, Many Gilliam County citizens are well qualified as and ceramics and art are anticipated this year. instructors for adult education courses.The following Adult education needs in Gilliain County as indicated areas have local resource personnel readily available: by a recent survey are listed below. In order of preference, commercialcourses,women's physicaleducation,art they are: and college courses, a division of continuing education Commercial courses (typing, bookkeeping, shorthand) which furnishes its own teachers if local instructors can- Physical education for women not be found. Many knowledgeable and experiencedpeo- Crafts ple can be contacted to lead crafts such as leather, ceram- Art ics, clear cast plastics, and woodworking. Various college courses G.E.D. courses (high school equivalency) Recommendations Special interest classes, such as geology, welding, fur- * The majority of adult education needs should be niture refinishing, upholstery, mechanics and woodwork- met by the educational agencies available. ing for women, knitting, cake decorating, sewing, ceram- * Local personnel who are very qualified in their ics, etc. particular subject matter should be utilized as resource Limited selection of high school courses personnel.

Adult Education Sub-committee Home Economics Extension Sub-committee Arnim Freeman, Condon, co-chairman Ted Hoover, Arlington, co-chairman Florence Jaeger, Condon Ann Greiner, Condon Marianne Jamieson, Condon

Communications

Recommendation TravelConditions * A small station-wagon type bus be used two to Highways into Condon are narrow and winding, add- three times per week to provide transportation service. ing to the isolation of the area. The condition of the roads This vehicle could provide taxi service in emergency con- is not as good as it should be. This contributes to the dif- ditions. ficulty of bringing attractions to the immediate area such as speakers, special classes, entertainment and assemblies. Traveling between Arlington and Condon is not con- Publications ducive to intra-county activities. The Local Paper Travel time and road conditions required are possible factors in polarization in the county. A small weekly newspaper is currently printing two separate publications per week. Uniting the two papers Recommendation would have a unifying effect on the communities.It * Roads into Condon should be widened, straightened would reduce the cost of printing and speed delivery of and resurfaced. the papers. Recommendations Transportation * Recommend uniting the Condon Globe-Times and There is not public transportation such a buses or the Fossil Journal. The publication should be renamed trains into Condon. The non-driver or unsure driver has to include both areas. difficulty finding transportation to The Dalles, Pendleton * Recommend publishingthe paperearlyenough or Portland to secure medical and special services. Some to better serve merchants and local citizens. teachers, agents and others with specific skills do not * Recommend the use of High School Journalism choose to live in this area because of transportation staffs in the various phases of the paper where they would difficulties. gain valuable experience.

23 * Recommend the scope of the local paper be expand- units that have sufficient range to enhance communi- ed to fulfill more potential as the best medium for news cations. in the area. * We recommend that local news be included to the Recommendations maximum extent possible. * The telephone company should be petitioned for * Editorials should apply to this area as much as toll-free service within the county. possible. Controversial issues should be presented which * The Sheriff radio and the civil defense radio should will improve citizens' understanding of them. be available for assistance in emergencies. Editorials can be used to create awareness, enhance understanding and bridge communication gaps. Town Meetings Lack of a public meeting place or structure for VocalCommunication various factions of the community to air problems and Communication within the area is inadequate. Tele- grievances. Misunderstanding exists between age groups, phone calls within the county are expensive thereby re- occupations and taxes vs. taxpayers. ducing itsuse.Toll-free telephone service within the county would enhance communications. Recommendation Wireless radio service in the county is limited. The A series of town forums should be arranged to dis- Sheriff's radio and the civil defense radio are the only two cuss current problems and public affairs as they arise.

Communications Sub-committee Narita Hayes, Condon, co-chairman Joyce Hickerson, Arlington, co-chairman Lucille Schreiner, Condon Pauline Smith, Condon Peetie Pryor, Condon Loris Haldorson, Condon lone Furniss, Condon Marilyn Froman, Condon Lily Wilson, Condon

Home Extension The Home Extension program in Gilliam County is and could be used in developing and carrying out pro- the result of insistent demands on the part of a deter- grams. Timeliness of programs is of particular impor- mined group of women to participate in a program of tance. Too long a time-lag between identification of a homemaker education lessons. They felt that there was a need and the offering tends to reduce the effectiveness of continuing development of domestic arts and that they the program. were entitled to know what was "going on" and they Itis also important that communication channels needed a resource center to keep them in touch with the operate at peak efficiency between the county and Home latest in ideas and skills. Extension administration in order to be more imme- The Extension Service has the program and the grass diately aware of problems and opportunities. roots organization that can be valuable to Gilliam County. Extended absence of home economics agents has As a resource center, it can be of great value to the area, pointed up the need for some centralized programming but it cannot hope to define needs or control usage. in extension work. These programs could be offered to Program needs are identified by the county Home cover vacancies and maintain continuity in a county Extension Advisory groups.Appropriate programs are program. selected by the group in conjunction withresources available from OSU Home Extension administration. Recommendations It is important that all areas of the county be includ- * Rapidly changing needs and opportunities of Gill- ed in the Program Planning process.In the past it has iam County's women make it imperative that Home been difficult to get groups of homemakers involved. It Extension offerings be prompt and flexible. is imperative that the Home Extension program keep in * Local resource people be used to the maximum touch with the needs of all different groups within the degree where appropriate. county. This can be done through increased publicity and * That centralized programming be used to enable through flexibility in the program offerings of Home continuation of Home Extension offerings in the absence Extension administration. Many local resource people of a home agent. with great expertise in subject matter areas are available

Home Economics Extension Sub-committee Arnim Freeman, Condon, co-chairman Ted Hoover, Arlington, co-chairman Florence Jaeger, Condon Ann Greiner, Condon Marianne Jamieson, Condon

24 Libraries

There are two public libraries in Gilliam County; cataloguing, clerical help, more open hours, and a better the Gilliam County Public Library, located at Condon, book collection and the Arlington City Library, located in that city. * Encouragement should be made for broader use of Both are located in the city halls of their respective towns. the library facilities Bothcitiesdonate the room,light,heat,etc.The Arlington City Library is well located and appears to Recommendations be adequate at this time for the size of the community served. The Gilliam County Library has an excellent * Additional room in Condon, with the library area location, but it is in extreme need of more room to ex- large enough for a study center, tables, chairs, etc. pand. It does not even have room for a table and chairs. * More books about history in the libraries Both libraries have good collections for their size and * Summer library hours for children at the Arling- circulation. The Arlington City Library is open three ton library evenings a week for a total of six hours and three morn- * Up-to-date scientific information ings a week for a total of six hours. The Gilliam County * More new books for juvenile readers Library is open six afternoons a week for a total of 18 * The possibility of a traveling library to Rock Creek, hours. Olex, Mikkalo, Lonerock, and Mayville Statistical Data * The possibility of housing library facilities of the *Operat high school, the county library, and I.E.D. in the same ing funds building as a total resource center Hours exclusive * A possible change of library hours in Arlington. Circu- Vol- open of salaries The Gilliam County Library open evenings on a trial Library lation umes weekly& insurance basis, with the possibility it might be permanent. Addi- Arlington 2,508 3,780 12 $565.61 tional funds for extra help Gilliam Co. 8,145 5,506 18 547.00 * Effortstoestablish a composite subject matter catalog of all library holdings in the county, a copy to The Gilliam County Court budgets approximately $4,000 per year for library services in the county. Of this amount, be kept in each library $900 is delivered to the Arlington City Library. The Arling- * Cooperation with the area newspapers in publi- ton Library also receives $500 from the City of Arlington. cizing the new boks available at the libraries Insurance for the contents of both libraries comes from * Mobile services for senior citizens, shut-ins, and the oounty budget. The operating funds figures shown others unable to come to the library above are the actual amounts used to operate the libraries The Gilliam County Court should define and support exclusive of salaries and insurance. the County Library according to Oregon Law. Condon Committee supports the proposal for development of the Problems Oregon Regional Library Proposal Plan submitted by the * Cond6n requires expanded libraryfacilities Library Development Committee of the Oregon Library * There is a perennial need for additional funds for Association. The Arlington Committee does not.

Libraries Sub-committee Roberta Greiner, Condon, co-chairman Joyce Hickerson, Arlington, co-chairman Mary Campbell, Condon Carol Ann Clough, Arlington Karen Dyer, Mayville Sally Green, Arlington Marianne Jamieson, Condon Cathy Dowrey, Arlington Pauline Smith, Condon Barbara Hoover, Arlington Mary Bare, Condon Carol Burns, Condon Lucille Schreiner, Condon Jaunita Shearer, Condon

Historical Records

Thereisno officialhistoryof Gilliam County. that accompanied this progress, it is especially appro- Various individuals, over the years, have compiled and priate and vital that a history of the county be assembled. set down a number of brief histories and incidentsthat Many people who have lived our history are now deceased elaborated on the times, but none of these works have been or aged. If we do not obtain the information still avail- combined and placed in a central repository for reference. able, ir will soon be lost to time. The county has neither Considering the great progress made since the beginning an officially designated county museum nor a county of the county and wealth of significant historical data historian.

25 * Tape recordings be made of conversations with Recommendations persons who have reliable knowledge of important inci- The committee recommends that: dents and events in the county's history. * Ifeitherlarger library quarters or a historical * Papers, tape recordings, photographs (labeled and building were acquired, the two boards consider the pos- described), and memorabilia be collected and consoli- sibility of joint quarters. dated at one location for reference. * A Gilliam County Historical Society be formed as * The county give full support toward the establish- soon as possible. ment of a commercial-type tourist attraction museum * In the immediate future the county court find safe to be located in either or both Condon and Arlington. storage space for items of county historical value. This would prevent items being lost that people may wish to donate during the time there are no museum quarters.

Historical Sub-committee Colleen Selby, Condon, co-chairman Joyce Hickerson, Arlington, co-chairman Georgia Martin, Condon Neva West, Arlington Jan Vasecka, Condon Leona Weatherford, Arlington Margaret Bennett, Condon Joyce Thompson, Arlington Dave Peterson, Condon Earl Butler, Mayville

Law Enforcement

Gilliam County has a land area of 1,210 square miles of Gilhiam County in all aspects of public safety and law and an approximate population of 2,200 (1970 census). enforcement. *Population estimates: Recommendations July 1, 1966 2600 U.S. Department of Com- * A means be found to increase police protection merce in our widespread rural areas. July 1,1969 2695 Oregon State Center of * A study be made of the feasibility of the cities of Population Research (see attached) Arlington and Condon developing a working agreement July 1,1970 2209 U.S. Bureau of Census with a county law enforcement agency for police protec- Prel. 7/31/70 tion within their city limits. * The public be provided with more information Law enforcement at county and city levels is a concerning all aspects of law enforcement. The schools minimal operation because of the large area to be covered, in this county should invite law enforcement agencies time involved in routine work, lack of manpower, lack to conduct seminars to educate students in a coordinated of equipment, undefined job standards, and absence of program of local government, law enforcement, and pub.. a lucrative pay scale.These problems should be areas lic safety. of immediate concern to the taxpayers and citizens who * Home rule be studied as a possible solution for more are interested in having better and more efficient law efficient law enforcement and police protection in Gilliam enforcement. County. The Law Enforcement committee after discussions This committee concluded that the above recom- with the general public, law enforcement bodies, and local mendations should be considered by the general public government officials, have established some recommenda- and the agencies involved in public safety and law enforce- tions that we feel will benefit, aid, and assist the people ment.

Law Enforcement Sub-committee George Jamieson, Condon, chairman Fostor Odoin, Arlington Jean Gilliam, Condon Rube Wetherell, Arlington James 0. Burns, Condon Volney Thomas, Condon Ed Vasecka, Condon Harold Hartfield, Olex

26 Taxation Report

The Taxation Committee is an ongoing group of nine primarily to assist land owners around urban areas whose members appointed in 1964 to act in an advisory capacity assessments were forcing them out of agriculture. It was County, to the Gilliam County Court. at first thought to have no application in Gilliam The committee was asked to assist with the reap- except in relation to rangelands. praisal program being done in the county under contract However, the law has proved in subsequent applica- with the State Tax Commission. tion to be the answer to requests by most owners of ag- * To acquaint itself with statutes and regulations ricultural lands that they be taxed and assessed on regarding property valuations. the basis of productivity, as indicated by capitalization * To review the work of state appraisers and advise of annual rents. them of factors having a bearing on land valuations. County zoning in 1969 put allagricultural lands * To provide local knowledge and historical data that automatically in Gilliam County under provisions of the affect sales computations, production studies, landclassi- Farm Use Law. This has reduced 1970 assessments on fications, access problems, and operational functions. tillable lands by about 20 percent. This indicates that * To act as a liason and information committee, both land market prices are high in relation to present earn- ings and capitalization rates.Coupled with the closing to the court and to our neighbors. values The committee held several meetings, in part, summa- of the Air Force Station, this adjustment in land is resulting in a redistribution of local property taxlevies. rizing the work that has been done in the past seven years work in an attempt to report this is our neighboringcounties The Assessor's Office assisted by the appraiser will at this conference. to correct inequities, if any.

LandClassification Reappraisal Land was carefully classified and the values put on Legislation passed in 1955 made it mandatory for the 1967 tax rolls. The committee got the stateappraiser each county to reappraise each parcel of propertyat to modify and correct many valuations, especially on un- least once every six years. This requires theservices of tilled land. Pasture lands were reviewed on the animal- a trained appraiser in GilliamCounty to assist the asses- unit carrying capacity and assessed accordingly. The re- sor. Valuation of Property at 100percent has come slowly suiting land classification reflected rainfall, soil types and but is an improvement moving toward bettercommunica- depths, together with grain, hay, or pasture yields. tions and understanding of our local property taxstruc- ture. Sales Computations Recapitulation and Recommendations Oregon laws and regulations require assessmentand * The committee commends the Gilliam County Court taxation of property, unless otherwise provided at its mar- keeping "willing forits continuing and persistent emphasis on ket value as indicated by sales and purchases of taxes and well-informed" buyers and sellers.This concept county costs down, resulting in savings in property prompted committees members to do considerable re- to county residents.The committee recommends that search to determine if this formula reallyapplied to prop- this practice be continued. * The committee recommends that all landand im- erty sales within the county. provements be reappraised immediately, thereappraisal It was found that the proximity of the property, roll, and that family transactions, the impact of governmentagricultur- to be completed in time for the 1972 tax be weighed the program be kept on schedule with thesix-year cycle. al programs, and many other factors must The committee urges the continuance of hiring of a com- in most land purchases. Challenging the State TaxCom- petent certified appraiser. missiOn representatives on many of their accounting pro- experi- cedures and ideas has brought about a carefulweighing * The committee pledges to continue to share ences in planning, executing, andmaintaining an equit- of sales information. able, progressive tax climate in Gilliam County. * The committee feels that there is a need for pro- Farm Use Alternatives fessional personnel and computer equipment for efficient Legislation and regulations developed during the tax assessment and tax collection. Astudy should be value" assess- made to determine if it is desirable for thesefunctions 1960's provide an alternative to "market in county business to be reorganized; and perhaps astudy ment of farmland.Itis commonly referred to as the greenbelt, greenspot, farmland tax deferral and exemption, should be made of the home rule type of county govern- or farm use assessment law. Itapplies only to land de- ment in the future. voted to farm use.It was passed by the state legislature

27 Taxation Committee Morris Wilson, Condon, chairman Melvin Pattee, Condon Dave Childs, Arlington, vice-chairman Otto Steinke, Arlington Jim Campbell, Condon Bill Hardie, Condon Jack Reser, Condon Grant Wade, Condon

Ben Flippen has operated the ferry between Arlington and Roosevelt, Washington for 27 years. This is one of the last ferries on the Columbia River.Highway Department photo

28 Gililam County Fairground at Condon provide cultural and recreational resource for allcounty citizens. Highway Department photo CONDONHeart of Gilliam Countys wheat and cat- tle country.Highway Department photo

ARLINGTONOregons newest and most modern old cities relocated to make way for the waters of the Columbia River behind the John Day DamHighway Department photo