by News Director Jennifer Colton
541.567.6500 or 541.289.NEWS or KOHUnews@gmail.com
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High winds cause power outages Feb. 24, 2020
Reports of winds more than 70 miles per hour through Umatilla County yesterday causing
multiple power outages, downed trees, and car crashes across the region.
National Weather Service reporting gusts up to 63 mph in the lower Columbia basin, 55 at
the Hermiston Municipal Airport and 44 in Boardman and 74 in Helix.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative reporting 800 people out of power in Hermiston yesterday and
300 in Irrigon with wind gusts up to 50 mph
Pacific Power dealing with more than 3,000 people out of power from Bend to Pendleton.
Highway 11 between Pendleton and Milton-Freewater was closed for a time as was Interstate
84 between Pendleton and La Grande because of downed trees and powerlines near Meacham.
Pacific Power still reporting a handful of outages this morning.
City Hall decision vote tonight Feb. 24, 2020
Tonight, the Hermiston City Council expected to make a decision about moving forward with
Hermiston City Hall. City staff is recommending demolishing the current city hall, damaged
in a fire in December, and building a new city hall on the site, about a $9 million
project. The council could decide on that option or on using insurance proceeds to
complete the restoration of the current city hall.
Documents say that decision is after an online survey, public presentations and soliciting
feedback from the community and also states the city council has periodically discussed
the need for a new city hall over the past four years.
That decision is about halfway through the city council meeting tonight. Council members
will meet for a tour of City Hall at 6 tonight, and then the regular meeting begins at 7.
It will open with a presentation on the new capital improvement plan website,
Hermistonprojects.com , a time for public comment, a public hearing on annexing 20 acres
of property for a new subdivsion and a closed door executive session about property
negotiations. The executive session expected to last about 20 minutes.
After the city hall decision, ratification of utility rate increases. The city says this
is an automatic increase that will cost water and sewer users an average of $1.78 extra
per month. Click
here for the full agenda
School Board starts budget Feb. 24, 2020
The Hermiston School Board also meeting tonight. They’ll starting the budget process
during a work session tonight at the district offices.
Board member Josh Gollar says once the board finalizes the framework for the budget, then
the district’s budget committee will begin work in May to finalize the document.
Stanfield talks floods, Umatilla has full agenda Feb. 18, 2020
Also happening tonight, flood updates from the Stanfield City Council. That presentation
on the agenda during tonight’s city council meeting. They’ll also have committee
reports, bills, and an update from the city manager. That meeting begins at 6 tonight in
the Council chambers on Coe Avenue.
The Umatilla City Council is also meeting at 6 p.m., and they have a full agenda.
They’ll have a public hearing about grant applications and the final design of the
water and sewer extension projects to the Power City and Brownell areas. They’ll also
have the audit review and a presentation from OpenGov as well as a vote on a resolution to
amend an agreement about the city’s wastewater recycling project, a discussion city
utility rates, and discussion on creating a new livestock residential zone.
Find the full
agenda here.
City Hall forums today and tonight Feb. 18, 2020
Today and Tonight the city of Hermiston’s public hearing and update presentation
about the City Hall proposals.
The first session is at 12:30 today at the Harkenrider Senior Center. The second tonight
at 6 p.m. in the Lanham Room in the basement of the library. The forums will include a
presentation by City manager Byron Smith and information about the five researched
options:
1. Renovate/Expand the current City Hall.
2. Rebuild a larger replacement building on the current City Hall site.
3. Repurpose/expand on the current library.
4. Sell the current City Hall and renovate the Hermiston Community
Center.
5. Sell the current City Hall and build a replacement building on vacant
land.
A release saying the city has been working with architects since 2016, and that the design
on the recommended plan – a $9 million new city hall project that would be building
on the existing City Hall site – was presented to city council last Monday. Documents
from the city say they expect to pay for the project through a combination of tenant lease
revenue and dedicated fee payments from the Greater Hermiston Enterprise Zone. Anyone
interested in the project or providing feedback can attend the informational sessions
today. Those are, again, at 12:30 today at the Harkenrider Senior Center and a 6 tonight
at the Hermiston Public Library.
Lyons, Meyers, Medelez and Made to Thrive honored at DCA Feb. 13, 2020
Hundreds came out last night for the 50th annual Distinguished Citizen Awards banquet last
night at the Hermiston Community Center.
Man of the year Lou Lyons, of Elmer's Irrigation, honored for his work with foster
children and FFA students making a focus on young people in the community. When accepting
the award, he began by saying it was about the kids and ending with thanking his employees
and the community.
"We're not the out-of-towners," he said. "We are proud to support the
community. It's what we intend to do, so thank you everyone."
The woman of the year, Cindy Meyers, recognized for her focus on nonprofits and as a
longtime business woman in the community. Both received standing ovations, as did the Bob
Severson Rotary business of the year, Medelez Incorporated and the Merit of Honor Award
winner - Kriss Dammeyer and Made to Thrive.
"This is a community organization," she said. "I'm proud to be from here,
born here, raised here, and to be able to give back here as well."
The organization has served more than 1500 kids since its creation.
Also recognized were Jessica Marcum, who received the Fire Service Award, and Tammy
Fisher, who was named the Hermiston School District's 2020 educator of the year. Each
educator from each school building was also recognized and Victor Vasquez was announced as
this years distinguished alumnus.
County opens damage survey Feb. 10, 2010
Search and rescue operations transitioning into assessment to determine the extend of the
damage from last week’s flooding.
The county has set up a web survey for homeowners, renters and businesses to report damage
to their property: https://tinyurl.com/w4838tq.
This information will be used by the county to capture impacts of the flood to request
support from the state and federal government.
Emergency declaration for flood Feb. 10, 2020
Oregon Governor Kate Brown declaring an emergency on Friday afternoon for Umatilla, Union
and Wallowa counties. The declaration means the Office of Emergency Management can
coordinate deployment of state agencies, including the national guard, which did use a
helicopter to rescue people trapped on the other side of the county. The state of
emergency will remain in effect for 30 days.
Multiple city councils and the Umatilla County Commissioners also declaring disasters.
On the west side of the county, evacuations in the Echo and Stanfield meadows areas,
damage to property including Riverfront Park in Hermiston and the athletic fields and
complex at Umatilla High School.
One fatality reported from the flooding. 62-year-old Janet Cooley first reported missing
from the Bar M Ranch area near Adams. Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office saying her
body was located over the weekend and she appeared to have been swept away by the flood
waters.
More on the effect of flooding on the other side of the county later this hour.
Freeway re-opens, with restrictions Feb. 10, 2020
From ODOT: One westbound and one eastbound lane of Interstate 84 reopened Sunday evening
east of Interstate 82 after the route was closed because of high water and road damage.
I-84 travelers can now continue on the freeway between Exits 182 and 188 (no detour off
I-84).
All lanes were closed since early Friday between exits 182 and 188, with a detour around
the damaged section. ODOT first reopened one westbound lane, then one eastbound lane. The
speed limit is set at 45 mph because of remaining road damage and because crews continue
to work on emergency repairs.
No time limit has been set for opening the second westbound and eastbound lanes. Motorists
are reminded to slow down and watch for work crews.
Check TripCheck.com for updates or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon call
503-588-2941.
Council has city hall report, school board has calendar on agenda Feb. 10, 2020
Tonight, the Hermiston City Council has its update and City Hall Information Report. This
report to cover costs and details for the proposals to both renovate and repair or to
replace Hermiston City Hall after the fire late last year.
could appoint an additional municipal judge pro-tem, Documents from the city saying Due to
conflicts of interest and availability the Hermiston Municipal Court needs an additional
Municipal Court Judge Pro-tem to hear a particular case.
Samuel E. Tucker is available to hear this particular case and is qualified based on his
35 years of service on the Milton-Freewater Municipal Court bench.
Follow this
link for the full agenda.
Also tonight, the Hermiston School Board looks at approving the 2020-2021 school calendar.
If approved, the first day of school is Aug. 24, and the final day June 8. Also on the
agenda, reports on enrollment and licensed staff employment timelines as well as financial
reports. That meeting begins at 6:30 tonight at the Hermiston School District Offices.
Find the school
board agenda here.
Floods hit Umatilla County Feb. 7, 2020
Evacuations, flood warnings, flooding, and closures today across the region. The National
Weather Service flood warning in effect until 5:45 p.m. Friday.
Interstate 84 is closed in both directions from Exit 182 to the Idaho border. The closures
because of flooding high water and inspections of the highway after the water has receded.
Highways 204 – that’s Tollgate – 11 and 244 all closed. ODOT saying other
routes may be impacted by high water.
Closures in Hermiston at Riverfront Park, which is flooded, the Orchard Extension, Seymour
Street, Hoosier Street, and 23rd Street. Echo Meadows, Stanfield Meadows, Reith Road and
other roads heading to and from Echo currently closed because of the high water, that
includes Highway 207.
Evacuations in Echo and Stanfield due to flooding from the Umatilla River, and a boil
water notice for residents in Stanfield an d Echo who use private wells. City services are
still clean and ok to use, but local wells may have been contaminated by the overflow of
the Umatilla River. You can contact Stanfield Public Works at 561-4587 for more
information or updates.
Displaced families meeting at the Fire Hall in Stanfield and the Echo schools campus.
The Echo City Council had a special meeting at 10 this morning and declared a state of
emergency for the city.
Umatilla County Fire District #1 assisting with the evacuations in the area of Coe and
Stanfield Meadows Roads as well as the rescue of stranded motorists, including an
overturned semi.
Today the Umatilla Reservation River Residents evacuated, and Evacuations in Pendleton,
Mission, and Weston last night as well. The Red Cross has opened a shelter in the
Pendleton Convention Center. Shelters also available at the CTUIR Warming Station and the
Mission Gym.
School cancelled today in Athena-Weston and Milton-Freewater and at BMCC’s
Milton-Freewater campus Pendleton School District saying schools are open at regular
times, but some areas will not have busing services because of area flooding. Students
will be excused if they cannot attend school because of lack of transportation or
conditions that are not safe for them to travel.
Umatilla, Stanfield, Boardman councils meet tonight Feb. 4, 2020 Umatilla
The Umatilla City Council will vote on an agreements bringing in about $3 million during
its council meeting tonight. The first agreement with the state of Oregon and ODOT to
complete the Lind road and Union Street Improvement Project. The vote is on the formal
agreement from ODOT for the project the city received a grant for half of the $1.9 million
project.
Another resolutions authorizes the mayor to sign an agreement with Umatilla County for
distribution of funds from Amazon Data Services. The city, the county, and Amazon have an
agreement with the company pays about $4 million annually. Last month, city and county
representatives finalized an agreement for distributing that money equally between the
city and county, and they’ll be voting on the agreement tonight.
Also on the agenda, discussion of a parks and recreation logo and tagline discussion based
on the community competition. The council has resolutions extending the contract with
Barnett & Moro for audit services through June 30 of 2022 and accepting supplemental
budget. .
The meeting begins at 7 tonight at Umatilla City Hall. Click
here for the full agenda. Stanfield
The Stanfield City Council has the second reading of two ordinances on its agenda. One
would vacate Lucy Street, and the other would regulate mobile food units and vendors. That
meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Boardman
The Boardman City Council also meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at Boardman City Hall.
On the agenda, an ordinance adopting a building code and a resolution about the water and
waste water general obligation bond.
The council also expected to elect a council president, approve the budget calendar and
appoint residents to five city positions on the budget committee and planning commission.
Find the full agenda on the
city's website.
City opens City Hall survey Feb. 3, 2020
The Hermiston City Council is discussing demolishing and rebuilding Hermiston City Hall
– and they’re ready for community input on the decision. The city launching a
community survey Friday afternoon for feedback on whether the city should replace, repair,
or renovate Hermiston City Hall, which was damaged by a fire in late 2019. Mark Morgan
says the city has discussed replacing City Hall even before the fire
"It's been pretty obvious that probably sometime in the next five years we probably
would move forward on a new city hall," Morgan said. "That's where the question
comes in: Do we put $100,000 into an existing city hall that we know isn't going to be
sufficient for us?"
The council will have cost estimates and facts during its next meeting, Feb. 10, and they
hope to have a public information meeting later in February. The Hermiston City Council
expected to vote on the issue of repairing or replacing city hall during its Feb. 24
meeting. Click
here for the survey.
Funland Fundraising hits halfway point Feb. 3, 2020
Fundraising and planning continues for the rebuild of Funland Playground, destroyed by a
fire last year. Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Larry Fetter saying they’re
planning fundraising events, continuing to recruit and recognize donors and selling fence
pickets, and they've hit the halfway point in fundraising.
The 1.5 million playground concept incorporating multiple zones and fire resistant
materials as well as new restroom facilities, concessions, and security systems. Fetter
says they’re hoping to have it built and open Labor Day this year.
You can see the concept drawings of the the playground by clicking here.
Legislative videoconferences set Jan. 31, 2020
Blue Mountain Community College and local chambers in Hermiston, Boardman, Heppner, and
Pendleton working together for weekly videoconferences with Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena),
Rep. Greg Smith, and Rep. Greg Barreto (R-Cove)
throughout the 2020 Oregon Legislative “short” Session that begins Monday.
BMCC is hosting the videoconferences, which will take place each
Tuesday from 7-8 a.m. from Feb. 4 through March 3 in the BMCC Boardroom in Pioneer Hall on
the Pendleton campus, at the BMCC center locations in Baker City, Boardman, Hermiston and
Milton-Freewater, and Morrow County Bartholomew Building Upper Conference Room.
The legislators will join the videoconference from Salem, where they’re representing
the region in the Legislative Session. This is the fourth year that BMCC has hosted the
videoconferences, which are open to the public and have opportunities to provide feedback
and ask questions from the legislators.
The videoconferences are typically held weekly during the short sessions in even numbered
years, which run for just 35 days, and bi-weekly during regular sessions in odd numbered
years.
Hermiston opens education survey Jan. 28, 2019
We’ve told you about a few surveys and opportunities to get involved, and here’s
another one: The Hermiston School District is asking parents, students, staff, and the
community to providing input on education priorities. The survey part of the Student
Success Act for funding from the Oregon legislature. Follow this link to take the
Success Act Survey for the Hermiston School District.
Special meetings tonight in Boardman, Umatilla Jan. 28, 2019
The Boardman City Council does also have a workshop tonight at 5:30 in the council
chambers at Boardman City Hall. This is described as a Planning Session about council
goals and direction. No deliberations planned and no decisions will be made regarding any
specific subject. Because this is a workshop session, there may not be opportunity for
public comment.
A special meeting of the Umatilla City Council tonight. That’s at 5:15 at Umatilla
City Hall. The only item on the agenda is an executive session to consult with counsel
concerning current or potential litigation.
Hermiston council eyes property, road change Jan. 27, 2020
Hermiston City Council to consider taking over two pieces property for the re-alignment of
Geer and Harper roads.
That resolution on the agenda for tonight’s Hermiston City Council meeting. The
intersection of Geer and Harper, as well as the railroad tracks and stop sign at First
Place/Old River Road has been in the city’s strategic plan for three years. The
current recommendation would reformat that area so instead of having a Y-shape connecting
the three roads, it would be closer to a triangle with traffic from Geer Road not having
would not having to stop at Harper and would instead have its first stop sign at River
Road.
A committee selected the reconfiguration recommendation for the intersection
from multiple options.
To complete that realignment, however, the city could have to acquire about ¾ of an acre
of property, and that’s the action the council will consider tonight. The land is
valued at about $65,000.
The council to also consider a liquor license application for the new Hermiston Grocery
Outlet and two ordinance changes to Hermiston city codes. Click
here for the full agenda.
A work session for the Hermiston School Board tonight. It begins at 6:30 tonight at
Hermiston High School. A presentation from Hermiston High School principal Tom Spoo on the
agenda as is a report on graduation rates. Board members are expected to meet in a
closed-door executive session about personnel evaluation or review.
That full agenda is available here.
PIT count next week January 24, 2020
Next week, an annual tally of homeless – and they’re looking for volunteers,
especially in Hermiston. Glenda McDaniel, with CAPECO, says the Point-in-Time count is
about figuring out how many people are homeless within a community – even those
people don’t think about.
To be included in the point-in-time count, someone would be either sheltered or
unsheltered homeless, which includes people who are camping or living outside, but also
someone who is couch surfing, or someone living somewhere without access to heat and/or
running water, such living out of a vehicle or in a garage or out-building where they must
enter someone else’s home to use a bathroom or kitchen.
The PIT count this year will be Wednesday, January 29, and they need more volunteers,
especially in Hermiston.
Anyone interested needs to sign up to volunteer at this
link and then complete training. There is a training TODAY from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
today in the Hermiston CAPECO Conference Room and another on Monday at the same time at
the Pendleton CAPECO facility. They are offering drop-in trainings as well.
Last year’s point-in-time count recorded 422 homeless in Umatilla County – the
bulk in Pendleton and Hermiston; although volunteers reported 39 homeless in Athena,14 in
Milton-Freewater, and 4 in Stanfield. The Morrow County PIT count tallied 182 homeless
including 129 in Boardman, 33 in Irrigon, and 19 in Heppner.
Organizers have said they believe the count in Hermiston is not bringing in an accurate
number and, again, they’re looking for more volunteers, especially in Hermiston. Last
year, they identified 77 people in Hermiston.
You can find more information by contacting CAPECO.
Healthy Communities talk census Jan. 21, 2020
There’s a presentation about the 2020 census and its impact on health and community
tomorrow during the Healthy Communities Coalition meeting at Good Shepherd Medical Center.
Health Educator Jessica Reker says the census has a direct impact on health services.
"Depending on the results of the census is how we get money for healthcare and
Medicaid per state. That's how they know how many homeless individuals we have so that we
know how many resources we need. That's money for infrastructure, for state programs, for
everything like that, so it is really important," she said.
Reker says there’s also a concern about skewing services toward or away from
populations if they don’t get an accurate count.
The presentation will cover questions that will and will not be asked during the census
and the impacts of the census on community and health programs.
Stanfield, Umatilla councils meet tonight Jan. 21, 2020
Tonight the Stanfield City Council will have a presentation from Sanitary Disposal and
discussion of new waste disposal rates during its regular city council meeting tonight at
the council chambers on Coe Avenue. Also on the agenda, the first reading of ordinances
regulating mobile food units and vendors, vacating Lucy street and designating an
enterprise zone in Stanfield and Echo. That meeting begins at 6 tonight.
Also meeting tonight, and, strangely, also at 6 p.m., the Umatilla City Council has a
meeting and workshop. They’ll be discussing an agreement with the Umatilla School
District to partner on a program for disabled students to gain work-based learning
experiences in the community. According to agenda documents, the Umatilla Library has
partnered with the program in the past and would like to again. Also on the agenda, a
resolution authorizing the city manager to accept and sign a bid forma nd sales agreement
for a piece of property. The parcel is a remnant from the realignment of River Road and
city staff say the property could be improved with landscaping and signage as part of the
City's beautification effort. The city will also discussed city-owned property off Bud
Draper Drive and the water management and conservation plan draft.
Find the full agenda here.
Hermiston council considers replacing City Hall Jan. 15, 2019
The Hermiston City Council is considering replacing Hermiston City Hall.
Council members setting a self-imposed deadline of one month to make the decision on
whether they will repair damages to city hall after a December fire or replace the
building on the same site.
Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan saying the city has some repairs it must make –
including cleaning records – but could leverage some insurance money into a new
building instead of making repairs to the current facility.
Morgan says in question is about $100,000 that would be needed to replace of the HVAC
system, carpets and equipment that was flooded or could be put toward a new building.
The current city hall building was built as a bank in 1965 and expanded when it became
city hall in the mid 1980s.
Morgan saying replacing City Hall would allow to city to correct the city hall issues with
mobility and ADA accessibility. They are looking for feedback from the community and
Hermiston residents can contact city council members to provide input. The council will
likely discuss the city hall issue during its next meeting on Jan 27 and could make a
decision at that meeting or the first meeting in February.
Christianson wins Dancing with the Stars Jan. 13, 2019
A cha cha, a tango, a bit of fundraising, and a mirror ball trophy was awarded Saturday
night in Hermiston.
At the end of the night, a combination of judge scores, audience votes, and fundraising
dollars crowned Bennett Christianson as the champion.
The event raising more than $10,000. Christianson’s portion of the fundraising for
Campus Life. He says he did not expect to win – and that some of the other dancers
deserved it more.
"I'm shocked. I'm literally shocked. I had no idea. My expectations were pretty low,
and there are some awesome, awesome dancers," he said.
Christianson line danced a country two-step. Five points separating Christianson and the
runner up for the event, Shawn Lockwood. Lockwood brought in the highest amount of
fundraising for her charity, Made to Thrive. The event was organized by the Hermiston
Education Foundation.
Garbage rates, food pod on tonight's agenda Jan. 13, 2019
A proposed garbage rate increase on the agena tonight for the Hermiston City Council along
with a work session covering the food pod review and a final decision on the Eastern
Oregon Development Rezone Request. The city council will be voting on accepting the
findings of fact.
Tonight’s meeting is in the Lanham room at the Hermiston Public Library because of
ongoing clean up and repair work at Hermiston City Hall, the site of a fire late last
month. Also on the agenda, update and possible action on City Hall Status.
The work session begins at 6 tonight, followed by the regular council meeting at 7. Click
here for the full agenda.
School board hosts award reception Jan. 13, 2019
The Hermiston School Board is meeting tonight at 6:30 at the Hermiston School district
Offices.
During the meeting, recognition of the educators of the year, the administrator of the
year, and the board of education. As part of the recognition, the board will have a
reception that lasts until 7:30. The board meeting will resume at 7:35 with time for
public comment, reports, and discussion on Division 22 Assurances.
The school board will meet in a closed-door, exectuve session over property transactions
Find the full agenda here.
Umatilla annexes, Boardman council plans Jan. 7, 2020
The City of Umatilla council could grow by another eight properties tonight. The Umatilla
City Council voting on an ordinance to annex Union Street and 44 acres at the south east
intersection of Highway 730 and Highway 394, west of Bud Draper Road. That ordinance one
of only two on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.
The second ordinance is the second reading of an ordinance update the city’s sewer
and water code. Also on the agenda, a closed-door executive session to consult with
counsel on legal matters. Click
here for the Umatilla Council agenda.
The Boardman City Council meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at Boardman City Hall.
On the agenda, the broadband strategic plan, temporary suspension of water and sewer
system development charges, and amending the city fee schedule.
The full agenda available at
the city's website.
Stanfield City Council will not be meeting tonight. Their next meeting is Jan. 21.
2020 Fair Court announced Jan. 7, 2020
Yesterday, the 2020 Umatilla County Fair Court announced.
The princesses are juniors Keeva Hoston, and Kyleigh Supulveda, of Hermiston, sophomore
Brielle Youncs, of Pendleton, and junior Baylee Marshall, also of Pendleton.
The new fair court chaperone is Rebecca Manning, of Pendleton.
Read more about the court here.
HHS student killed in crash Jan. 6, 2019
Still limited details released in a fatal car crash New Year’s day.
A crisis support team will be at Hermiston High School today, the first day after the
winter break, providing support for students and staff after the announcement over the
weekend that 16-year-old Brett Jewett, a sophomore, was killed in a two-car crash on New
Year’s Day on Buttercreek Highway.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office saying the motor vehicle crash happened on
Highway 207 near milepost 21, south of Hermiston, at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The
crash involved two vehicles, traveling in opposite directions.
Jewett was a passenger.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Port of Morrow gets $1.6 million Jan. 6, 2019
On Friday, news the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $1,623,000 in federal
funding to the Port of Morrow to assist with improving equipment and infrastructure in
order to meet the needs of the Port’s marine terminals. The funding will help extend
the Port’s barge service and lead to reduced transportation costs and decreased road
and rail traffic.
The Port was able to apply for the grant due to DOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD)
designating the Port of Morrow for Marine Highway Project Designation and thus expand
additional funding opportunities for the Port and simultaneously increase economic
opportunity for the region.
Ryan Neal, Port of Morrow Executive Director thanking Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden,
and Rep.Greg Walden for going above and beyond with their support at every step of the
process. Neal says, the expanded barge service under this project will help create family
wage jobs in the region, reduce transportation costs, and alleviate highway and rail
congestion,
Deadline this week for Boardman nominations Jan. 6, 2019
The deadline this week for nominations for the Boardman Distinguished Citizen Awards
Banquet. The Boardman Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for citizen of the
year, educator of the year, business person of the year, first responder, youth citizen,
and Boardman Pioneer. The deadline for nominations is 2 p.m. on Friday. for The nomination
form is available online. For more information, call the chamber at 541-481-3014 or email
info@boardmanchamber.org.
The banquet is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14.
Fire District launches survey Jan. 2, 2019
Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 is asking for feedback from the community. Fire chief
Scott Stanton says it’s for people who live or work in the district boundary:
"It's going to ask questions: Do they have smoke alarms in their home? Do they have
an escape plan? Demographic questions. Stuff like that to help us guide our future,"
he said.
That survey is live now and will be open for the next few weeks. The survey link posted on
the fire district’s website and facebook pages. Stanton saying the stakeholder group
and district board will meet at the end of this month to talk about strengths, weaknesses,
and set goals for the next five years.
Speaking of the past year, Umatilla county Fire District 1 saying yesterday in their
non-certified numbers, they responded to 4,868 calls for service in 2019 –
that’s 115 more than in 2018.
Take the survey here.
City Hall closure extended Dec. 24, 2019
Hermiston City Hall will NOT be re-opening on January 6.
Damaged by a fire on Dec. 17, Hermiston City Hall has been closed for clean-up and repair,
and now city staff expects the closure to last through the end of January.
Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan saying it has become clear the cleanup and repairs will
not be as simple as originally planned.
The fire is believed to have started in the gas-fired furnace. Although the fire itself
was contained, extensive smoke damage caused to the entire building. The city says
consultants are determining how much of the HVAC system can be salvaged – or if it
must e replaced entirely.
Extra patrols on the road this holiday Dec. 24, 2019
Law enforcement have extra patrols out this holiday season watching for dangerous,
distracted and under the influence drivers.
Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan saying they will have extra deputies on duty through
Jan. 2 as part of a grant-funded DUI/High Visibility patrol for the holidays. It’s
funded through grants from Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State
Sheriff’s Association.
They’re also asking people to report suspected intoxicated drivers by calling
541-966-3651, or 911 if it appears to be an emergency.
HHS team wins app challenge Dec. 17, 2019
A team from Hermiston High School selected as winners of the 2019 Congressional App
Challenge for Oregon’s District 2. Students
Rogelio Lemus, JJ Fitzgerald, Laine Whelan and Adamaryz Lopez Navarrete created an
application called FINANA (Finances Incorporated Nationally Allowing Non-profit
Automation).
The app was created to assist non-profit organizations in managing their fundraising
activities. The team created a video to explain their application:
This is the fourth year that Hermiston High School participated in the
Congressional App Challenge competition and the second time a team has won.
The winning team has been invited to attend the House of Code in Washington, D.C., next
spring, to show and explain their app to members of Congress.
Umatilla council talks codes, pipes, property Dec. 17, 2019
The City of Umatilla is talking codes, pipes, and property during its city council meeting
tonight.
There is a public hearing on the agenda about the changes to the water and sewer code, and
City Manager David Stockdale says it’s an update involving providing water
"It's really a house cleaning effort," he said. "The last time we updated
that code was 1979, so it's been a little while and we're going to clean that up."
The council would have the first reading of the ordinance tonight and could take action in
January. The council will also vote on a resolution changing the way the city receives
gifts or donations and an agreement with Amazon Data Services about improvements to Lind
Road. The city also has a library appointment, changes to city policy on harassment, and a
land use agreement with Bonneville power administration to allow the city to use a portion
of BPA easements for its industrial waste water pipeline.
Find the link to the full
agenda here.
The meeting is at 6 tonight – not the typical 7 – at Umatilla City Hall.
UCSO welcomes K9 Dec. 16, 2019
Last month we told you the Umatilla County sheriff’s office was bringing back its K-9
program through a $20,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation.
Yesterday, the sheriff’s office saying Deputy Cody Marcum has selected K-9
“Skoty”, an 18 month old Belgian Malinois as his new partner,
They will begin their training together in late December, and should be ready for duty in
early March 2020
Weekend holiday events Dec. 12, 2019
A holiday tradition continues this weekend for its 27th annual Living Nativity at
Hermiston’s First United Methodist. Tim Turner says visitors can take their time with
the experience:
"It's a walk through kind of an event where we have reader boards, six or seven
stations where people can see living actors, animals," he said. "You can take
all the time you want, then we recommend you come inside our church for cookies, hot
chocolate, fellowship."
The living nativity takes place at the First United Methodist Church on Gladys Avenue in
Hermiston from 6 to 8 in the evening on Saturday and 4 to 6 in the evening on Sunday. For
more information, call 541-567-3002.
This weekend is also a SAGE Saturday. That means free admission to the SAGE Center
facility and free children's crafts and activities.
The SAGE Saturday activities are from 10 to 1 on Saturday and they’ll also have
photos with Santa from 12 until 4.
The holiday light show also still going on at the SAGE Center starting at 5 p.m. each
evening.
Tonight and tomorrow the youth theater Christmas performances at the Hermiston Community
Center.
The Hermiston Community Theater youth productions include local performers in kindergarten
through 12the grade. The performances of A Christmas Carol, How Santa Got his Treet and
the Holiday Chorus also scheduled for 6 p.m. December 13th at the Hermiston Community
Center and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. December 14th at the Hermiston Community Center.
Report looks at problem gambling in Umatilla County Dec. 10, 2019
In Umatilla County, people recognize problem gambling can be an issue - but they don't
think it happens here. Kary Tuers, with Umatilla County Public Health, says that’s
the message from a problem gambling community readiness assessment.
"There's an interview quote that sums up the theme of all the interviews. Someone
said, 'I think people kind of close their eyes to it and act like it's not happening.'
That was one of the most impactful statements that I heard when conducting the
interviews," Tuers said.
Tuers says it takes on average seven years before problem gambling is recognized by
someone other than the person dealing with it.
All health departments in the state are performing problem gambling community readiness
assessments, and Umatilla County's was released last week. Tuers says the focus was to
interview people in leadership positions.
Multiple respondents said problem gambling may be a problem, but that other issues,
including drugs and alcohol, were more pressing issues.
They'll reassess in two years. Between now and then, they're carrying out a awareness
campaign. The county has received a grant to run the Reflect, Resource, Renew campaign
within Umatilla County.
Tuers says anyone struggling with problem gambling can find resources at opgr.org.
Funland design released tonight Dec. 9, 2019
Hermiston City Council will take a look at the designs for the $1.2 million FunLand
Playground rebuild.
The city council will have a presentation on the FunLand playground design and fundraising
during a worksession at 6 tonight at Hermiston City Hall. Parks and Recreation Director
Larry Fetter says after tonight’s presentation and feedback from the council,
they’ll release details to the community.
"Plans and designs and elements will start showing up all over town because we want
people to see it and get excited about it," Fetter said.
The council does have a vote about the proposal on their regular agenda.
They’ll have the regular meeting at 7. On that agenda, the city’s financial
audit report, changed to the city ordinance code relating to curfews and a discussion on a
reduced utility rate application form and policy. Click
here for the full link.
Hermiston School board talks bonds, audit Dec. 9, 2019
The Hermiston School Board also meeting tonight, and they also have the financial audit
report on the agenda.
Other reports include enrollment and district finances, and the board will vote on its
general obligation bond resolution.
That meeting at 6:30 tonight in the boardroom at the Hermiston School District Offices.
Find the full
agenda here.
Small City Councils meet tonight Dec. 3, 2019
Housing, streets, and mediation on tap for the Stanfield City Council tonight.
On the council agenda, a resolution supporting the Eastern Oregon Housing Alliance, the
foll0w-up report for mediation with the 3D Idapro plant , and a verification of a petition
about Lucy Street.
City Manager Benjamin Berg-en-er saying a resident has requested the city vacate all of NE
Lucy Street and 30 feet of NE Wayne to make way for future development. The city
doesn’t have a road in that area – just the right-of-way.
Tonight the council will be verify the petition and setting a date for the public hearing
on the proposal.
During the meeting, the council will also take comments form the audience and have the
city manager’s update.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers on Coe Avenue.
Click here for the full
agenda.
The Stanfield City Council meeting begins at 6 tonight in the council chambers on Coe
Avenue.
Boardman City Council is also meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Boardman City Hall
That council voting on on tax lots, granting an easement to Umatilla Electric Co-Operative
and updating signers on city bank accounts.
A quick note that the Umatilla City Council is not meeting tonight. Their meeting has been
rescheduled for the 17th
Fellowship Dinner looking for volunteers, offering rides Nov. 26, 2019
Forty-eight turkeys are thawing in a cooler today in preparation for this week’s
Community Fellowship Dinner. Coordinator Tom Marks says they’re expecting 900 people
for the free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday – and they’re looking for people to
help make that happen.
"This is an entirely volunteer effort. Everyone from the kitchen staff up and down is
volunteer, and we do not have enough volunteers yet for what we need," Marks said.
Marks says they need additional kitchen help – both for prep work on Wednesday and
for the meal on Thursday – as well as people to help serve and deliver food during
the meal on Thanksgiving. They do ask anyone interested in volunteering either email
CFDhermiston@gmail.com for call 371-9772 if possible beforehand to help with scheduling.
Those are also the same contact points to schedule a ride to the meal or a to-go order.
This year, The Community Fellowship Dinner is from 11 to 2 this Thursday at Hermiston High
School.
Whisky Fest bringing Eric Church, Macklemore Nov. 26, 2019
The Pendleton Whisky Fest yesterday announcing its 2020 concert lineup. The fifth music
festival will feature Eric Church and Macklemore. That’s scheduled for Saturday, July
11, at the Pendleton Round Up Grounds.
Subdivision on council agenda Nov. 25, 2019
A potential new subdivision on the agenda tonight for the Hermiston City Council.
Council members will vote on annexing 36 acres on the corner of Elm and Diagonal intended
for a subdivision with a combination of single family homes and duplexes with a market and
other services. The developers are Lloyd and Lois Piercy.
The council also voting tonight on a proposed supplemental budget and airport minimum
standards.
The council does have a work session before the meeting. They’ll be talking
legislative update with Senator Bill Hansell. The work session begins at 6 p.m. tonight,
and the regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Follow
this link for the full agenda.
The Hermiston School Board is also meeting tonight. They’ll be meeting at Sunset
Elementary, and the agenda includes a presentation from the school, multiple reports, and
survey discussion.
Find the full agenda at this
link.
12 Days of Giving starts Monday Nov. 22, 2019
The 12 Days of Giving at Good Shepherd Medical Center returns Monday. This is the third
year Good Shepherd has hosted the holiday-themed drive.
"It follows the 12 Days of Christmas Carol, and we've re-written the lyrics so that
it fits with the specific needs of the charity we're emphasizing on each of the 12
days," said Nazario Rivera, community health worker with Good Shepherd.
The The nonprofits that will benefit from the 12 Days of Giving include Agape House,
Domestic Violence Services, the Warming Station, the Christmas Express and others. The
items include food, diapers, pet supplies, mittens, and books. Although each day has a
“theme,” all items can be dropped off at the hospital any day of the drive.
The 12 Days of Giving runs from Nov. 25 through Dec. 6.
Heppner flood test successful Nov. 22, 2019
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Morrow County Emergency Management had a live siren
test of the Heppner flood evacuation warning system at noon yesterday. The Morrow County
Sheriff’s Office saying the test was successful and the sirens are in working order.
This test was to ensure the sirens are functional at the two locations in Heppner. The
sirens are a part of a basin-wide flood early warning system, and they say the test will
be an annual event.
HEF awards grants Nov. 20, 2019
The Hermiston Ed Foundation handing out eight grants in its fall session, totaling more
than $16,000. Karen Sherman says Armand Larive Middle School teacher Christian Mata was
one of the big winners
"Instruments are expensive, and Christian was in need of new timpani," Sherman
said. "We were able, through the generous donations of our community, to get him all
three timpani."
The $7,000 was the largest awarded this cycle. Here is the full list:
HEF Fall 2019 Grant Proposals for Funding
1. Beth Anderson HHS “Theater Students Attend
Professional Theatrical Production”
Funds will provide tickets for 50 students to attend a professional theater
production in Yakima in the fall of 2020 and 50 student tickets for the spring
production in 2021.
Amount: $2440.00
2. Megan James RH “Every Student Reads”
Scholastic books will be purchased for each 1st grader to have 1 book a month
to take home to read.
Amount: $865.00
3. Cristian Mata ALMS “A Touch of Timpani”
Funds will be used to purchase 2 timpani for Armand Larive Middle School
band program.
Amount: $7070.00
4. Stacy Cooley HHES “Elementary Choral Festival “
Funding will be used to bring a choral clinician to work with a group of 4th
and 5th graders from each elementary school. There will be an evening
performance .
Amount: $1000.00
5. Sarah Gonzalez SMS “Sandstone Drama Program
(Beauty and the Beast: Spring Musical)
Materials, microphones and costumes will be funded for this project.
Amount: $2,000.00
6. Robert Theriault HHS “Making Computer Science Green”
A filament extruder and a grinder will be purchased so that 3 D printing
material can be recycled.
Amount: $1700.00
7. Ipolito Maloy WP “OMSI Science Festival”
OMSI will host six hours of science learning labs for all West Park students.
Funding will be used to provide the materials for the labs.
Amount: 625.00
8. Next Steps Staff HHS “Bulldog Treats”
Funding will be used to purchase equipment and cooking supplies to support
the making and selling of dog treats.
Amount: $900.00
Total Amount Requested: $16,600.00
ODOT has I-84 open house Nov. 20, 2019
ODOT has an open house tonight in Pendleton to talk about the future of Interstate 84 and
its Pendleton. It’s from 6 to 8 tonight at ODOTS’ district 12 office, 1327 SE
3rd in Pendleton. Here is the press release:
The Oregon Department of Transportation and City of Pendleton will host a public open
house on November 20 to help plan for the future of the Interstate 84 Exit 207 (Airport
area) and Exit 210 (OR 11/Nye Avenue) interchanges and surrounding areas. The open house
will be held at ODOT’s District 12 office, 1327 SE 3rd St, Pendleton, from 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m.
The purpose of the open house is to give you an opportunity to tell us what the important
transportation issues in and around these areas are, and what could be done to make them
better places to walk, bike, and drive. You’ll also learn more about the interchange
area management plans (IAMP) for these two exits, plus the project process and schedule.
Can’t make it to the open house? Visit our virtual open house at pendletonIAMPs.com.
For more information on the November 20th open house or the interchange area management
plans, please contact ODOT Planning Manager Teresa Penninger at 541-963-1344, or by email
at teresa.b.penninger@odot.state.or.us.
Council re-considers storage units Nov. 12, 2019
The issue of storage units on five acres between Northeast 4th Street and Highway 395 back
on the Hermiston City Council agenda tonight. The city’s planning department had
recommended not approving the change because they hoped a retail business might locate on
the property since part of it is on Highway 395. The city asking city staff for more
information at its last meeting.
The Ordinance states: "The city council directed staff to prepare findings of fact in
support and prepare an ordinance for adoption at the November 12th city council meeting.
These documents have been prepared and are ready for council approval."
The council will also vote on ordinances regarding having addresses and phone numbers on
signs for garage sales and relating to complaints about ADA compliance.
The council will also meet in a work session at 6 p.m. tonight. That session will focus on
legislative updates from Representative Greg Smith. The work session is at 6 p.m., and the
regular meeting begins at 7 p.m..
Find a link to the full agenda here.
Also meeting tonight, the Hermiston School Board of Education.
Along with multiple student recognition and financial reports, the school board will
discuss enrollment and federal grant reviews as well as committee positions for the OSBA
board of directions and OSBA legislative policy committee. The board also expected to
approve the superintendent evaluation. The formal evaluation document says the board has
been extremely pleased with Superintendent Tricia Mooney's exceptional leadership and
focus on creating a positive school culture. That meeting again begins at 6:30 p.m.
at the Hermiston School District Offices.
HSD bond passes Nov. 6, 2019
Good news for the Hermiston School district this morning – just barely.
In the unofficial results from last night's election, 52 percent of voters approving with
the district’s $82.7 million bond project that will replace Rocky Heights Elementary,
build a new elementary school on Theater Lane, adding a multi-classroom annex to Hermiston
High School and purchasing property for long-term demands.
The bond came down to the vote last night. 2,446 Hermiston voters cast ballots in favor of
the bond; 2,220 voted against it.
A release last night from the Hermiston School District saying they’ll create a
website to provide updates on construction. Once the projects are completed, school
boundaries will be realigned.
Voter turnout last night just over 25 percent. 11,282 ballots turned in before the
election deadline. Of those ballots, 4,666 people voting on the Hermiston School
District’s bond.
Voters also approved both updates to the Umatilla County Charter.
Find the official results here.
Umatilla road, council meeting tonight Nov. 5, 2019
An open house on the Sixth Street Rehabilitation Project in Umatilla tonight, and after
the open house, the city council has its regular meeting at 7 p.m.
Tonight, the council focusing on research, if the agenda is any indication.
The city manager will report on research about Lind Road, they’llvote on a
feasibility grant application for water resources, and they’ll have a resolution on
researching a construction excise tax. The resolution tongith is an agreement with the
Umatilla School District to hiring FCS group to complete the analysis and implementation
of the plan.
The agenda states: “The City of Umatilla is experiencing tremendous residential
growth which directly impacts the Umatilla School District and their plans for future
development. The City and District wish to partner on the analysis and possible
implementation of a construction excise tax that would be dedicated towards future capital
improvements of the District. As the City is already under contract with FCS Group for a
comprehensive rate study, amending the scope to include the construction excise tax
analysis is cost ef ective for all parties.” Suggested action from city staff is
approval of the resolution.
Find the full
agenda here.
Girls in Tech is Saturday in Boardman
Nov
Coming up this weekend in Boardman, Girls’ Tech Day, a one-day event designed to
inspire and empower girls and young women to pursue interests and careers in technology.
It’s a seris of workships focued on science, technology, engineering, arts, and
mathematics
The free event, hosted by Amazon Web Services, is this Saturday at the Sage Center.
Registration is free, but pre-registration is required. Find more information and
registration here.
Hermiston wins development award Oct. 29, 2019
The City of Hermiston being awarded the Urban Renewal Project of the Year this week from
the Oregon Economic Development Association. Hermiston highlighting its recruitment and
development of the Holiday Inn Express, development of Festival Street, and support of
additional downtown business expansion.
Find the full press release and photos here
Pedestrian vs. Car crash kills Echo man Oct. 28, 2019
A fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash over the weekend killing an Echo man in Stanfield.
30-year-old Steven Adam Gallegos, of Echo, struck and killed just before 1 a.m. on
Saturday on South Highway 395 in Stanfield. That was near the S Edwards Road intersection.
Stanfield Police saying Gallegos was walking south in the lane of travel when he was
struck by a vehicle also traveling southbound.
The driver identified as 44-year-old Gregory Ayling, from Granger Washington. He was
driving a Chrysler Sebring , stopped at the scene and made the initial 911 call. He
provided first aid until paramedics arrived. Gallegos was pronounced deceased at the
scene.
No injuries for Ayling and his passengers
SPD saying The driver involved has been cooperative with investigators. Based on the
preliminary investigation, drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the driver’s
actions.
The southbound lanes of the highway were closed until about 4:30 Saturday Stanfield PD was
assisted at the scene by Oregon State Police, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office,
Oregon Department of Transportation, the Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Umatilla
County District Attorney’s Office
Council tackles storage, hearings tonight Oct. 28, 2019
Three public hearings, four ordinances and five consent items on the agenda for tonight's
Hermiston City Council. meeting.. The council will have public hearings on the
continuation of the local improvement district 322, a rezone for Eastern Oregon
Development LLC and a right-of-way issue on SE 10th Street.
The rezone would impact five acres of land between Highway 395 and NE Fourth Street. The
property developer plans to build a storage unit business there, and the planning
commission and city staff has recommended the council deny the request because there other
properties available for storage unit development.
During the meeting, the council they'll review ordinances on alarm citizens, trials, and
dealing with referendums, as well as one about vacating property on 10th street - that's
the right-of-way issue. A report on EOTEC will round out the meeting. That begins at 7
p.m. tonight at Hermiston City Hall. Click
here for the full agenda. Hermiston School Board
A light agenda tonight for the Hermiston School Board. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at
Desert View Elementary School. They'll have a presentation from school staff, reports, and
discussion about the district's continuous improvement plan and mandatory reporting
training. Find the full agenda here.
OSP releases images in fatal hit-and-run Oct. 25, 2019
Photos released of the vehicle suspected in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash from
August. Find the photos here
and here.
Oregon State Police (OSP) continuing the investigation into the death of 41-year-old
Antonia M. Cobarubias, who was pushing a shopping cart on the side of Highway 395. She was
struck from behind by a red car that left the scene at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 31. OSP
obtaining still video surveillance images of the vehicle when it was in the parking lot of
Rocket Mart.
OSP saying the vehicle is likely a 1994-2001 model Acura Integra that will be missing a
passenger side mirror.
OSP is requesting anyone that can identify the vehicle from the photographs or was in the
area of Rocket Mart on August 31, 2019 at about 2:30 AM, to please call OSP at *OSP.
Callers can reference case number SP19-313012.
Community Center could be for sale Oct. 23, 2019
A private business has made offer on the Hermiston Community Center – and the city
could be selling.
"Yes, we've been approached; no a final decision has not been made," said
Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith. "When the final details are available, those will
be brought to the council."
Smith saying the business approached the city about purchasing the Hermiston Community
Center, but until a formal proposal is made, the city is not at liberty to discuss
negotiation details.
If a formal purchase offer is made to the city, it would have to be approved in a city
council meeting. That’s when they could release additional information about the
developer and the plans for the site.
The city purchased the Hermiston Community Center in the early 1990s and renovated it
through a combination of private fundraising dollars and city funds. Originally a Safeway,
the facility It is the former location of the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and currently
the main office of the Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department.
Stanfield, Umatilla councils meet tonight Oct. 15, 2019
Both the Stanfield and Umatilla city councils meet tonight,and both face full agendas in
their special meetings.
Tonight, the Stanfield City Council has a discussion regarding a water rate study, the
council chamber design study, and a closed-door session on legal matters relating to the
3D-Idapro Lawsuit.
The meeting also a meeting led by new Stanfield City manager Benjamin Burgener.
He is the former city administrator and clerk of the city of Ada, Minn.
That meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the council chambers on Coe Avenue.
Umatilla’s City Council also meting tonight, and it’s another full agenda.
One of the items is a donation from the Hermiston-Umatilla Kiwanis Club for Kiwanis Falls.
The $1,500 donation would be used for future design and development of landscaping around
Kiwanis Falls.
Also on the agenda, the police quarterly report, a grant from Pacific Power for a mural
project and a vote on an agreement for park concessionaire services at the Umatilla
Marina. They’ll discuss the emergency operations plan and a potential rate increase
for garbage fees at the request of Sanitary Disposal and changing the nightly rates for RV
spaces at the Umatilla Marina and RV park up to $40 a night. All changes, if approved at
the Nov 5 meeting would take effect Jan. 1, 2020.
During the meeting, the council will adjourn to executive session for the city manager
evaluation. That evaluation will be presented by the mayor in open session
That meeting begins at 6 tonight at Umatilla City Hall. Find the full agenda here.
Closed-door sessions on agendas tonight Oct. 14, 2019
A new enterprise zone and a closed door session about negotiation and property
transactions on tap for the Hermiston City Council meeting tonight.
The meeting opens tonight at 7 p.m., but the council will have an executive session,
closed to the public - at about 7:05.
During the closed-door session, the council to talk preliminary negotiation involving
matters of trade or commerce where the city is competing with other government groups
– and they’ll talk about negotiation property transactions.
One of the items expected to be on a tax abatement agreement with Amazon, which also
appears later on the agenda in the open session of the meeting.
The agreement would allow Amazon to not pay property taxes for a number of years if the
company agrees to a $200 million investment. That long-term enterprise zone abatement
agreement with Amazon Data Services is scheduled for a vote during the meeting tonight.
The meeting expected to re-enter public session right around 7:35. Other items on the
agenda are a housing incentive report and a presentation from the Hermiston school
district.
Find the full agenda by clicking
here.
Speaking of the school district… they also have a closed-door session scheduled
tonight, the school board will discuss property transactions and the employee performance
review during their executive session, which is scheduled for the end of the school board
meeting. No action is listed for after the meeting. Also on the school board agenda
tonight, reports on enrollment and finances and the athletics and activities department.
That meeting begins at 6:30 tonight in the boardroom. Click
here for the full agenda.
Morrow County bond group meets tomorrow Oct. 8, 2019
Officials with the Morrow County School District moving forward with planning for a bond
to help with aging infrastructure, and superintendent Dirk Dirkson saying they have the
first of their community workshops this week.
"We'll begin having the discussions: where are the buildings at, what are people
looking for, what will people support," Dirkson said. "We'll go through that
process this year."
Dirkson says the district’s current bond expires in 2021, and they’re looking
for feedback from morrow county residents and will have additional meetings in Heppner and
Irrigon. After gathering feedback this year, the bond advisory committee will make
decisions about where the money would go and inform the community next year – that
bond is expected to appear on morrow county ballots in May of 2021.
Umatilla River Trails meetings this week Oct. 7, 2019
Tonight is the first of the Umatilla River Trail community meetings.
The goal is to build a non-motorized trail from Echo to Umatilla connecting Stanfield,
Hermiston, Echo, and Umatilla trail systems.
Meetings are scheduled in each of the four cities this week: tonight the meeting is at
Umatilla City Hall; tomorrow is at Echo City Hall; Wednesday is at the Stanfield School
District; and Thursday at the Hermiston Community Center.
Doors open for all meetings at 5 p.m., and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.
Anyone is welcome to attend any of the open houses, regardless of which community you live
in.
Morgan receives credentials Oct. 7, 2019
Hermiston’s assistant city manager recently receiving the Credentialed Manager
designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Mark Morgan
is one of 24 active city administrators in Oregon credentialed through the program. The
ICMA credential reflects Morgan’s experience as a senior management executive in
local government, and his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Morgan has served as the assistant city manager in Hermiston since 2012.
Umatilla, Boardman councils meet Oct. 1, 2019
The City of Umatilla is voting on an amendment to a contract with the Oregon Department of
Transportation about the sixth street project, increasing the project cost from $5.9
million – to $6.8.
They’ll also accept a resignation and declare a vacancy on the Umatilla Library Board
and recognize CRIS INC with service recognition. They’ll then meet in a closed-door
executive session over property transactions.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Umatilla City Hall. Click here for the agenda.
The Boardman City Council also meeting tonight.
According to the agenda, council members will discuss city councilor training as well as
receiving reports from police and city committees as well as time for public comment
It begins at 7 p.m. at Boardman City Hall
In other Boardman news, today is the deadline for quilters to enter their quilts in the
15th annual Boardman Quilt Show. That’ll be at the Boardman Senior Center Oct. 11-12.
Emergency Drill tomorrow in Hermiston Oct. 1, 2019
Tomorrow, Oct. 2, local responders have an emergency drill scheduling in the evening.
Good Shepherd Medical Center, local police, fire and ambulance departments will
participate. The emergency drill will help local agencies practice their emergency
response plans, communications between
agencies, and the ability to handle a mass casualty incident.
The drill will take place near Hermiston and will start around 6 p.m. Local residents may
see emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances.
Please do not call 911 unless you need assistance from emergency services. 911 should only
be called for n emergencies requiring immediate attention. In the event of an actual
emergency, the public should listen to local radio and television broadcasts for
information and instructions.
Woman gets $2,575 speeding ticket in Morrow County Sept. 27, 2019
A Salem woman clocked at 128 mph in a work zone in Morrow County receiving a more than
$2,500 fine in Morrow County.
The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office saying a deputy traveling eastbound on Interstate
84 in Boardman earlier this month saw a dark-colored sedan traveling at 128 miles per hour
in the 70-mile per hour zone.
Deputy Thomas Way stopped the vehicle and issued a ticket to the driver, 20-year-old Skyla
Sue Ziglinksi, from Salem. The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office saying traveling at
more than 100 miles per hour in Oregon is a fine of $1,155. Because fines are doubled in
work zones – especially when there’s only one travel lane – the fine was
doubled to $2,310. And because of the excessive speed she was also cited for careless
driving at $265… leaving her with a total fine of $2,575.
The Sheriff's Office saying their goal is safety - not about generating income from
citations. The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office averaging three warnings for every
citation – and asking people to slow down and pay extra attention in road
construction zones.
