100 years ago

In almost every case of child delinquency in Umatilla county, the family history reveals a broken home caused by the divorce or separation of parents, says Rev. George L. Clark, after one year’s service as probation officer of Umatilla county.

“I find that the children,” said Rev. Clark, “whether wanted or unwanted, become the unwilling victims of homeless influences. The parental affection, which is found in the mother’s kindness and love, and the father’s counsel and sympathy; the parental; training which every child has a right to demand, and the inspiration of home life and family association — all are gone, and the state becomes the conservator of this social waste.”

Despite the drug evil in the United States, not a drug addict was found among the boys and girls which were brought before Rev. Clark during the past year. His jurisdiction includes juvenile cases of boy and girls under 21. Here the officer co-operates with the State Industrial Commission and the Child Welfare Commission, to protect minors against illegal employment.

50 years ago

Susan McCorkel, Weston, who has completed her junior year at Oregon State University, Corvallis, is competing for the Miss Umatilla County title.

Miss Umatilla County, who will represent the county at the Miss Oregon pageant in 1974 at Seaside, will be chosen Saturday night at the pageant at 8 p.m. in the Hermiston Junior High School Auditorium. The pageant is sponsored by the Hermiston jaycees.

Miss McCorkell graduated from Weston High School in 1970. She is majoring in nutrition and dietetics at OSU and plans to pursue a career in dietetics upon graduation. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. McCorkell, Weston.

A novelty dance will be her entry in the talent competition section.

At Saturday’s pageant each girl will compete in evening gown, swim suit and talent competition.

Tickets for the pageant are available throughout the county or at the door the night of the pageant.

Scholarships of $350 for Miss Umatilla County, $250 for the first runner-up and $200 for the second runner-up have been donated by businesses in the county.

25 years ago

Jail has been a familiar home for Chris. The 28-year-old knows the routine and what to expect, but he was apprehensive about Umatilla County’s new Community Corrections Center.

“I didn’t think I’d like it,” Chris said.

Chris’ cellmates told him he’d like it. They said it was a better place than jail. They told him he’d be able to get the kind of help he needed.

Chris wasn’t at all sure he wanted any help. He enjoyed the notoriety his life of crime gave him.

“I had power,” he said. “I had nice things, girlfriends and guys three times my size asking me what I wanted them to do.”

Stealing and drugs have been a way of life for Chris.

“You name it, I did it,” he said.

He got caught for the first time at age 14. Prison bars, tattoos and gang signs have been symbols of his life. Chris refused to divulge which gangs he’s belonged to, but he will tell you why kids join gangs.

“They want to be thugs,” he said.