North Morrow
Volume XXXI
Number 6
December 1, 2023
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Boardman Pool & Recreation Center makes major renovations Can you believe it’s been over 6 1/2 years since Boardman Pool & Recreation Center opened their doors? Like all facilities, especially ones that have heavy usage, things wear out and things need to be changed. The Rec Center announced last month it was closing their doors beginning November 12th to revamp some issues. The staff removed the finish and applied new varnish to the gymnasium and aerobics rooms -- you’ll notice how shiny and clean they look now. Staff also undertook a deep clean and rearranged the weight room, along with a deep clean on the rest rooms and locker areas. Meanwhile, the Park had hired Concrete Coatings, Inc. from Moses Lake to replace the slippery and worn pool deck and also replace the slippery floor in the Multpurpose Room, which is utilized for birthday parties and meetings. The pool deck was sanded down, then two coats of special paint, silica applied (for non-slip) and a clear coat topped it off. You’ll notice bright colors now adorn the deck. Two weeks after the onset, the Multipurpose Room now has bright blue and white nonslip flooring. These renovations were accomplished with a small grant from Good Shepherd Foundation, but most of the dollars
came from the already tight budget for the Park. The cost is upwards of $120,000! Staff is still working with locals for additional funding for this much needed project. Other changes at the Rec Center include hiring a new Recreation Coordinator, Sariah Thomas, who will handle all the Summer Recreation Programs as well as Kidscape and other ongoing recreation programs. Also new to the District is Matt Russell as Sports Coordinator. He will handle administration while working with local groups such as Columbia Little League to handle youth football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball and T-ball and other sports activities. Ongoing at the Rec. Center now is the Boys Youth Basketball grades 3 through 5, November and December. Girls Youth Basketball for grades 3 through 6 will be January and February, with Boys grade 6 Youth Basketball also for January and February. Games for the first Boys Basketball group will be December 2nd and Dec. 16th. Registration fees are paid by BCDA. Beginning Friday, December 1st and also the next Friday, December 8th is Kidscape. It’s a camp-like environment for your kids ages six through 12 years old. Activities include Christ-
mas crafts, games, movies, snacks and lunch provided. 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. American Red Cross is holding a blood drive December 26th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. December 4th the District is holding a community meeting at 6:30 pm at Port of Morrow to discuss our recreation needs in Boardman -- be there and voice your opinions!
(Photo above, L-R) Teiko Villegas, Manager of the Rec Center and George Shimer, District CEO show off the colorful, new pool deck that was installed during the two week shut down. The new decking is finished in a non-slip surface, which is a big safety issue around a swimming pool.
Photo above: The gymnasium floor shines with the several coats of new varnish recently applied by Park staff. Photo Left: The Aerobics Room also needed a new application of finish, which Park staff accomplished during the shut down. The popular Pelatrons are lined up and ready for your use.
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December 1, 2023
SAGE Center, Threemile Canyon Farms announce plans for new playground in Boardman BOARDMAN, OR – The SAGE Center today announced plans for a new all-ages playground adjacent to their facility on Olson Road NE. With agricultural-themed equipment and a focus on accessibility for young people of all abilities and ages – from toddlers to teenagers – the new and improved playground will better serve local families, tourists and the nearly 4,000 students that visit the Center with school groups each year. “This new project continues the SAGE Center’s focus on providing a safe place for kids to come learn and explore,” said Torrie Griggs, Operations Manager for the Center and Executive Director of the Boardman Chamber of Commerce. The facility will be renamed Threemile Canyon Farms Park, in recognition of a leadership donation from the local business which will cover about half of the project’s $100,000 price tag. The SAGE Center, which is owned by the Port of Morrow, is actively raising funds for the
remainder of the park’s cost, Griggs said. “We’re proud to be part of this community, and to support Eastern Oregon with this donation. The SAGE Center does an incredible job explaining the importance of agriculture to our region, and this park will be a great continuation of that work,” said Jeff Wendler, General Manager of Livestock Operations at Threemile Canyon Farms. “I hope other local businesses can join us in supporting this project.” “We’ll be able to triple the size of the park, bring it up to the accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and add new features including toddler swings and shade structures,” said Griggs, explaining that the final details are still being settled. Playground equipment that’s on the site now was installed in 2013 with a limited budget and is showing its age. New equipment will be sensory friendly, and wheelchairs will be able to better traverse the new sur-
faces. Work on the new playground is expected to begin in the spring, and the equipment that’s being phased out will be removed during the summer school break. Griggs hopes to be celebrating the park’s reopening by the start of the 2024-25 school year. Threemile Canyon Farms in northeast Oregon is a leader in sustainable agriculture, combining its dairies with conventional and organic crop production to create a closed-loop farming system. Follow on Facebook and Instagram to learn more. The SAGE Center is an interactive visitor center that highlights sustainable agriculture and energy and an official Oregon Welcome Center. Developed by the Port of Morrow, the SAGE Center gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn about local industries and the technology used at the Port of Morrow and surrounding area. Follow on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
North Morrow Times Co-Editors: Welcome to Lexington Pump LLC
Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071 Jane Pope (541) 377-6801
Sales Service Installation Trenching Available & Solar Pumping Systems
Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818 Check us out on the Web: http://issuu.com/northmorrowtimes Or on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/northmorrowtimes/ A monthly free publication for the promotion of community news and service in Boardman and Irrigon. Published on the first Friday of each month; ad and copy deadlines are the previous Friday of each month.
www.lexingtonpump.com 541-989-8448 P.O. Box 626, Lexington , OR 97839 CCB# 199519
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December 1, 2023
Morrow County Grain Growers receives the first 8,500-foot unit train in the U.S BOARDMAN, OR - The first 8,500-foot unit train of grain to arrive in the United Stated is scheduled to unload at the Morrow County Grain Growers facility at the Port of Morrow on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The Boardman facility is the only location on the west coast able to unload a unit train of this size in one pass. It’s a milestone in the next generation of grain transportation. Canadian Pacific, now Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), began investing in a new high-capacity hopper car for grain in 2018. The High Efficiency Product (HEP) hopper cars are shorter, wider, and lighter. The design improvement increases weight capacity by 10% and cubic volume by 15%. Current unit trains are 7,000 feet in length, with 112 cars and haul approximately 10,400 tons of wheat. At a minimum of 134 cars per train, the HEP train model length is 8,500 feet and carries 12,000 tons of wheat. The ability to seamlessly offload the longer unit trains is limited by available sidings at receiving facilities. Although now common in Canada, these trains are new
to the U.S. Two years ago this November, Farmers Elevator Co., a locally owned cooperative in Honeyford, North Dakota, began loading these trains. They
were forced to ship them to Canada because no U.S. facility was large enough to handle unloading units of this size. Employees at Morrow County Grain Growers started studying the opportunity and began asking “Why can’t we do something like this?” Two years to the month later, Honeyford is again shipping another big train of corn from their elevator. However, instead of the train going to Canada, this time it’s coming to Morrow County Grain Growers’ Boardman, Oregon elevator. The massive 142car train is carrying over 550,000 bushels of corn and will be used to feed local livestock. “All of us at Morrow County Grain Growers are ecstatic to have our Boardman shuttle facility be the first in the United States to unload a CPKC unit train of this size. It’s been truly transformational seeing our
The massive 142-car train is carrying over 550,000 bushels of corn and will be used to feed local livestock. Photo Contributed
Morrow County Grain Growers facility at the Port of Morrow in Boardman, Oregon. Photos contributed. employees and the grain facility develop to the point where we can handle a major feat like this. As interesting as this story is, we would’ve never been in a position to take advantage of this opportunity had it not been for the foresight and strategic planning by the Port of Morrow in developing the loop
track space we needed to get this done,” said Kevin Gray, general manager of Morrow County Grain Growers. Connect Oregon grants, one for $6.55 million to the Port of Morrow in 2019, and the second for $2.1 million to Morrow County Grain Growers in 2022, helped make it possible to ex-
pand the Boardman facility to receive the HEP unit train in a single pass. Improvements include adding two 600,000bushel grain bins, a 60,000 bushel per hour bottom-dump rail unloading facility and conveyor system, additional safety improvements, and expanding the East Beach rail loop system.
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100 best Nonprofits to work for in Oregon for 2023 are announced
October 9, 2023 Community Counseling Solutions was named #23 on the list of the 100 Best Nonproûts to Work for in Oregon 2023 by Oregon Business Magazine. This is the ûrst year Community Counseling Solutions has appeared on the list. The 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon list, which appears in the October issue of Oregon Business, showcases organizations across the state that have committed to best-inclass workplace practices, based on surveys sent to employees themselves. Scores are out of a total of 700. Employees rate their satisfaction with five features of the workplace: work environment; management and communications; mission and goals; career development and learning; and benefits and compensation. Participating nonprofits are also independently scored on their employee benefits. “The labor market is the tightest it’s been in a generation, and employers in all sectors are still struggling to find and retain talented staff amid COVID fatigue and spiraling inflation. Nonprofit employers face additional challenges in this environment, because they’re competing with their for-profit counterparts for talent but often have much tighter budgets,” said Christen McCurdy, editor of Oregon Business. “All of the organizations that made this list should be commended for their commitment to rewarding their employees’ devotion to serving their communities.” To see the full list, and to learn more about the survey and its methodology, visit oregonbusiness.com. About Us: Oregon Business magazine produces the popular 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon as well as the 100 Best Nonprofits and 100 Best Green Companies award events. MEDIAmerica also produces Travel Oregon Visitors Guide, Oregon Coast Visitor Guide and many other regional and local Oregon visitor guides, websites and enewsletters along with Oregon Home magazine, the leading statewide shelter magazine in Oregon.
December 1, 2023
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Oregon Trail Library Boardman New Book List: Adult Fiction: The Gun Wolves - Wayne D. Dundee Watching Over You - Lori Foster One Night Rancher - Maisey Yates One Last Kill - Robert Dugoni Right Behind Her - Melinda Leigh Code Red - Kyle Mills The Caretaker: A Novel - Ron Rash The Scavengers - William W. Johnstone The Viper - J.R Ward The Summer of Songbirds - Kristy Woodson Harvey Bright Young Women: A Novel - Jessica Knoll The Invisible Hour: A Novel - Alice Hoffman Adult Non-Fiction: Unicorns, Dragons and More Fantasy Amigurumi. Bring 14 Wondrous Characters to Life 3 Audio Playaways Adult Fiction: Immortal Longings - Chloe Gong 3 Days to Live - James Patterson The Whispers - Ashley Audrain The Raging Storm - Anne Cleeves Happiness - Danielle Steel Forever hold your peace - Liz Fenton None of This Is True - Lisa Jewell The Bone Hacker - Kathy Reichs The Invisible Hour: A Novel - Alice Hoffman Library Hours The Wind Knows My Name - Isabel Allende Sunday Closed Audio Playaways Adult Non-Fiction: Monday Closed Tuesday 10-6 Distance: Music for Mindfulness and Relaxation Wednesday 10-6 - Wav Lab Thursday10-6 If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir - John Friday 10-6 Stamos Saturday Closed Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual Jocko Willink Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune - Anderson Cooper Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts - Bill O’Reilly Worthy - Jada Pinkett Smith
Pre-school Storytimes in Heppner and Boardman are on Tuesdays @ 11:00 am; Fridays @ 11:00 am in Irrigon. Crafty Nights @ the Library will be on Wednesday, December 13th at 6:00 pm in all three branches. Register online or call your branch, space is limited. December’s craft is Reindeer Punch Needle Wall Art. All library branches will be closed for Christmas: Friday, December 22nd and Saturday, the 23rd; and on Friday, December 29th for New Year’s.
December 1, 2023
Study examines transportation needs in Morrow County, Oregon Eastern Oregon University, Euvalcree, Morrow County and Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation & Development collaborate on transportation information. Underserved residents and employees in Morrow County face daily transportation challenges, as a recently published report titled “Rural Transportation Equity in Morrow County” highlights. This comprehensive report focuses on Morrow County residents’ transportation needs and obstacles, specifically highlighting the elderly, individuals under 18, and those for whom English is a second language. Its primary objective is to improve access and utilization of both existing and future transportation services for the local population. Eastern Oregon University, Euvalcree, Morrow County, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) collaborated on the study, and the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center in La Grande facilitated it. The study’s findings reveal residents in Morrow County frequently face transportation challenges when commuting to workplaces, attending medical appointments, and visiting shopping centers. These
hurdles emphasize the critical need for improvements in the transportation infrastructure and services within the county, as the report identifies. Routes and schedules offered by Kayak Public Transit and The Loop, along with on-demand services - taxis, school buses, ride-sharing services were included in the report. In addition to providing important insight into transit planning, the process provided new aids for other planning projects. “We learned new tools and techniques we will use in the future for other planning projects. We’ve already put some of those ideas into action,” said Tamra Mabbott, Morrow County Planning Director. Euvalcree, a communitybased organization dedicated to improving Latino representation and leadership in eastern Oregon, distributed surveys to residents and employees in Morrow County in Spanish and English. Survey responses were analyzed by an EOU research team consisting of faculty and students who found residents desired more information about
transportation services and more consistent and reliable modes of transportation. “In the area there are many people who do not have a driver’s license or a car and this will be a great help,” said a resident of Morrow County. “Also for safety, since many people still do not have knowledge of the traffic rules and public transport, (it) helps protect both those people from having an accident or a traffic violation and those who are on foot.” The DLCD launched a statewide rural transportation equity program at the recommendation of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council. The program aims to support underserved communities in rural areas to gain access to critical services and destinations by identifying and pursuing transportation options like biking, walking, and public transportation. The full report, including the executive summary, a review of existing services, findings, recommendations, methods, and survey responses, is available at www.revcenter.org/transportation.
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December 1, 2023
Irrigation members attend Bi-Annual breakfast at Umatilla Electric Umatilla Electric Cooperative has established a tradition with its biannual irrigation breakfasts, a gathering that brings together the cooperative’s irrigation members to receive project updates from the co-op and celebrate advances in agriculture. These events serve as a testament to the cooperative’s commitment to supporting the region’s farmers and irrigators. Held every spring and fall, the irrigation breakfasts offer a unique opportunity for growers to connect with the cooperative’s experts, sharing knowledge, insights, and the latest news in the electric industry. Attendees not only enjoy a delicious breakfast but also gain valuable insights into energy efficiency projects to reduce energy costs on their farms and opportunities for the cooperative to better support the region’s farming industry. These biannual gatherings have become much more than just breakfast meetings; they
Storytime Tuesdays in Boardman and Heppner! Fridays in Irrigon!
Umatilla Electric leadership visit with a member at the Fall Irrigator’s Photo contributed Breakfast on Nov. 1 at the cooperative’s headquarters. are a symbol of Umatilla Electric’s dedication to the agricultural community and its mission to empower farmers with innovative solutions. With discussions on the latest capital projects, emerging technologies, and energy conservation
efforts, Umatilla Electric’s irrigation breakfasts continue to play a vital role in fostering collaboration, sustainability, and progress in the field of agriculture, while ensuring a prosperous future for the cooperative’s members.
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December 1, 2023
BMCC Sam Boardman Elementary celebrated Veterans Day with a special concert to honor local veterans Precision
Agriculture receives $30,000 grant
“Continuing its yearly tradition, Sam Boardman Elementary hosted a beautiful Veterans Day concert on Thursday, November 9th. The students demonstrated their hard work in learning the patriotic songs they shared with some of our community’s veterans who were in attendance. After the concert, the third grade classes received those veterans in the library for refreshments and a word from the mayor, Paul Keefer. It was clear to see the care and effort the students put into their performance by the decorations and displays in the hallways and library. The music teacher, Mr. Fuss, showcased a lovely performance that was sure to warm hearts while we celebrate this special holiday.” Photos contributed.
SBE third grade students lined up to welcome the veterans into the library for refreshments after the concert.
(Pendleton, OR) – The Blue Mountain Community College Precision Agriculture Program has received $30,000 from the Roundhouse Foundation to support the program’s “Training Tomorrow’s Precision Agriculture Technicians” project. Oregon State University’s Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center (CBARC) has also contributed $1,000 towards the project. The project is a collaboration with CBARC to collect multispectral data to support their researchers, providing BMCC students real-world, hands-on experience collecting data and giving students access to the latest in drone and multispectral technology. “This experience will help students develop marketable skills with drones, remote sensing, data analysis, and agronomy,” says BMCC Precision Agriculture Instructor Andrew Leggett, “Research collected can provide sciencebased recommendations to farmers to help them achieve long term economic success and environmental sustainability.” The grant will allow the Precision Agriculture program to purchase a DJI M350 RTK drone and a MicaSense RedEdge-P Dual multispectral sensor by AgEagle. This sensor collects the same data as the Landsat 8 and Sentien-2 satellite brands at a higher resolution. To learn more about the BMCC Precision Agriculture Program, go to www.bluecc.edu/agriculture The Roundhouse Foundation is a private family foundation based in Sisters, Oregon that supports creative solutions to the unique challenges associated with rural culture and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. For more information call 541-904-0700 or visit their website at www.RoundhouseFoundation.org.
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November 3, 2023
10th Morrow County Harvest Festival Registration now celebrated October 7, 2023 available for BMCC Winter Term classes
BOARDMAN, Ore. (October 31, 2023) – The SAGE Center proudly celebrated the 10th Annual Morrow County aHarvest Festival on Saturday, October 7th, 2023. Visitors enjoyed shopping from 34 artisan craft, food, and drink vendors. More than 1,500 people were in attendance, taking in the beautiful weather, music, mule-drawn wagon rides, and more! Hundreds of children took part in the free Kid’s Corner activities which showcased 13 vendor
crafts and games. Youth participants submitted their passport for a chance to win the SAGE Center ’s grand prize of a STEAM Education and Activities basket. A special thanks to our sponsors: Columbia River Health, AWS, Threemile Canyon Farms, Lamb Weston, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Pacific Ag, Tillamook, Umatilla Electric Cooperative, Inland Development, Rogers Toyota, Family Health Associates, Mor-
row County Health District, Boardman Foods, Morrow County Grain Growers, and Community Counseling Solutions. About the SAGE Center: The SAGE Center – Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Center – is an interactive learning museum and visitor center in Boardman, Oregon. The center is operated by the Port of Morrow and showcases the industries at the Port, sustainable agriculture, and energy production in Morrow County.
A mule drawn wagon ride was provided for everyone to enjoy. Photos contributed.
Now is the time to register for Blue Mountain Community College Winter Term classes. Registration assistance is available by stopping by or calling the BMCC Workforce Training Center in Boardman. Featured classes this term include a slate of Industrial Systems Technology courses such as Preventative Maintenance, Electrical Motor Control and Troubleshooting and a new course, Electrical Machines. All of these courses work into the Industrial Maintenance world that is in high demand in our area. Preventative Maintenance is focused on the theory behind preventative and predictive maintenance techniques. The hands-on part of this class is the students will develop PM plans for a piece of equipment or system as part of their learning. They are graded on their performance. The major benefit to employers is that employees who have the knowledge and skills gained from this class will help the company improve reliability and efficiency leading to improved profitability. They are also introduced to lean and six
sigma manufacturing techniques. Electrical Motor Controls is offered as a once-a-week course on Tuesday nights or in a more condensed fashion, in an allday class, once a week for five weeks. Electrical Machines is only offered in the condensed version. Both classes offer valuable hands-on training in their subject area. BMCC also offers Real Estate Broker: Pre-License Course and Property Management Pre-License Course Winter Term. These courses meet the state requirements for the necessary hours needed to qualify to take the respective state exams. Both courses offer a zoom class weekly in addition to the online portion of the class. Please call the BMCC Workforce Training Center at 541-481-2099 for more information. All BMCC locations will be closed from December 22, 2023 to January 2, 2024 for Winter break. The Workforce Training Center will maintain regular hours, 8 am to 5 pm, until the Winter Break.
During the Kid’s Corner activities children picked out a pumpkin and then painted a face on it. This has always been a big hit.
Page 9 North Morrow Times Boardman is invited to the Annual Boardman Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony across from the SAGE Center. Hot Chocolate and Cookies (sponsored by Mid Columbia Bus Company Morrow County) with Santa Claus Christmas concert performed by Learning Adventure Pre-School, and a Nativity Pageant by Boardman AWANA group (in the SAGE Center theatre). Free for the whole family. See you all here! Organized by the Boardman Chamber of Commerce
December 2nd at 6:00 pm
December 1, 2023
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Jumpstart Java celebrates 10 years! Boardman Jumpstart Java was established in September 2013.
Heather Baumgartner, owner of Boardman Jumpstart Java stands by their shop at 103 SE Front St.
Tom and Heather Baumgartner just celebrated 10 years of ownership. They were originally located at 101 SE Front Street, however they built a new building in 2020 and moved it to 103 SE Front Street. Jumpstart Java uses a traditional hand pull espresso machine, which is custom built in Battleground, Washington. The machine was patented in 1898, with parts coming directly from Italy. All coffee beans are purchased locally from Hometown Coffee Roasters in Arlington, Oregon. The coffee is hand delivered, and fresh each week. The ten employees make Jumpstart Java hum seven days each week. Monday through Friday 5 am to 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 6 am to 6 pm. They serve cream cheese bagels and ham & cheese bagels. They also have a variety of muffins. Besides the large variety of cof-
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive December 26
Where: Boardman Pool & Recreation Center
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Where: 311 N Olson Road Boardman, OR 97818 Choose the time you wish to donate at https:// www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time or Call 541-616-1050 or email recinfo@boardmanparkandrec.com
fee drinks, they serve hot chocolate, Infused Red Bull, blended drinks, smoothies, Hot Chocolate, and Lotus, a plant based energy drink. “We are very thankful for our loyal customers during the past ten years,” says Heather Baumgartner. “We wouldn’t be here without you!” Stop by Boardman’s own Jumpstart Java and have your favorite drink, or try something new! Photo above: Jumpstart Java’s custom built, traditional hand pull espresso machine. Left: Jumpstart Java’s coffee house stands out with vibrant colors which makes it easy to spot.
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Pendleton cattle barons increases scholarship offering to $20,000 in 2024
Happy Holidays For all your insurance needs Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
(Pendleton, OR) – For over 15 years, Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend has dedicated their mission to supporting future western agriculture leaders and makers through scholarships. The event tips their hat to western heritage with a series of events, including a horse and dog sale, ranch rodeo, western artistry show, competitive BBQ, and artistry classes, all of which raise funds for scholarships awarded to area college students who are furthering their education in agriculture-related fields, and more recently, aspiring makers in western trades including leather, silver, and rawhide. Held in the Pendleton Convention Center and Round-Up Pavilion, Pendleton Cattle Barons boasts a western-packed weekend that brings in thousands of visitors each year and has donated over $100,000 in scholarships since its founding. The nonprofit organization awards five scholarships to degreeseeking students and, since 2022, one scholarship has been awarded to an up-ancoming maker who is looking to take their craftsmanship to the next level, dedicated in memory of Pendleton’s Randy Severe, legendary saddle maker of Severe Brothers Saddlery. Past scholarship recipients include agricultural business owners, large animal veterinarians, agricultural lawyers, and an up-and-coming saddle maker and
Aaron Burnell, 2023 Pendleton Cattle Barons Randy Severe Memorial Scholarship Recipient, stands next to his first Wade Saddle. Photo Contributed.
leather craftsman. Aaron Burnell was the 2023 Pendleton Cattle Barons Randy Severe Memorial Scholarship Recipient and currently works in the Hamley and Co. leather shop, where he recently finished his first Wade Saddle. “The Randy Severe Memorial Scholarship has helped me reach a couple different goals. The main goal was to get my first saddle made” says Burnell. “The (Randy
Severe Memorial) Scholarship allowed me to acquire certain tools that aided in the construction of my first saddle.” Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend will kick off for its 16th year on May 3rd, 2024, at the Pendleton Convention Center. Scholarship applications open in early 2024, where you can apply at cattlebarons.net/scholarships.
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Boardman appoints planning commissioners At their November 7, 2023 council meeting, Boardman City Councilors appointed Jami Carbray and David Landstrom to fill vacancies on the Boardman Planning Commission. Jami Carbray will finish the vacant three year term ending December 31, 2025. In her letter of interest, Ms. Carbray stated she is hoping Boardman will be a long term home for her and her family so she would like to be involved in the community. David Landstrom will finish the vacant three year term ending December 31, 2024. In his letter of interest Mr. Landstrom says livability, community, and safety are impor-
tant. Planning Commission can advise the City Council with well thought out recommendations to ensure these values are always considered. The Planning Commission is comprised of seven members appointed by the city council and is a permanent advisory body to the council on matters related to planning and development. The commission holds monthly public meetings to consider land use and zoning matters presented by staff, such as plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and tentative subdivision projects. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each
month at 7pm at Boardman City Hall and are open to the public. In other city business, the council declared surplus real property of approximately 307 acres located on Tower Road for future development. The council also heard from a Windy River Elementary student about ways they have participated in Red Ribbon Week, and the upcoming World Kindness Day on November 13. The next Boardman City Council meeting will be Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 7pm at the Boardman City Hall Council Chambers.
BEO Bancorp Announces Dividend for 2023 Heppner, Oregon, (November 20, 2023) “I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of BEO Bancorp has voted to declare a $1.15 per share dividend for 2023. The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record as of December 5, 2023; payable on or before December 15, 2023,” said President and CEO Jeff Bailey. According to Board Chair Brad Anderson, “BEO Bancorp has paid a dividend 37 of the past 38 years. Dividends reflect the financial stability and profitability of the bank. We are incredibly happy to be able to provide this dividend to our shareholders.” “The dividend of $1.15 per share is up 15 percent compared to the dividend paid in 2022. In addition, the $1.15 per share is the highest dividend ever paid by BEO Bancorp. The board of directors and employees work hard to improve the overall strength of the bank, add value to our shareholders, as well as provide the brand of banking that our customers appreciate and expect from Bank of Eastern Oregon,” said Bailey. He concluded by saying, “The support of our shareholders, communities and employees have made it possible for us to continue to be successful.” For further information on the Company or to access internet banking, please visit our website at https:// www.beobank.com. About BEO Bancorp BEO Bancorp is the holding
company for Bank of Eastern Oregon, which operates 21 branches and three loan production offices in twelve eastern Oregon, five eastern Washington, and one western Idaho counties. Branch locations include Arlington, Ione, Heppner, Condon, Irrigon, Boardman, Burns, John Day, Prairie City, Fossil, Moro, Enterprise, Athena, Hermiston, and
LaGrande, OR; Colfax, Dayton, LaCrosse, Pasco, and Pomeroy WA; and Caldwell, ID; loan production offices are located in Ontario, Pendleton, and Madras, OR. Bank of Eastern Oregon also operates a mortgage division and operates the Washington locations under the name of Bank of Eastern Washington. The bank’s website is https://www.beobank.com.
Riverside Jr/Sr November Athletics Dec. 1, 5:30pm, Basketball: G/V, @Touchet 7:00pm, Basketball: B/V, @Touchet Dec. 2, 9:00am, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Umatilla High School 10:00am, Wrestling: G/V, @Estacada High School 10:00am, Wrestling: B/V, @Estacada High School Dec. 5, 6:00pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School Dec. 6, 4:30pm, Basketball: B/Junior High vs. Pendleton@Windy River Dec. 7, 3:30pm, Basketball: B/V vs. Irrigon@Umatilla High School 2:00pm, Basketball: G/V vs. Trout Lake@Clara Brownell Mid. 5:00pm, Basketball: G/JV vs. Um.High&Clara Brownell@ RHS 5:30pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @The Dalles Wahtonka High 6:00pm, Wrestling: G/V, @Irrigon 6:00pm, Wrestling: B/V, @Irrigon 6:30pm, Basketball: B/JV vs. Um High&Clara Brown.@Irrigon Dec. 8, TBD, Basketball: G/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School TBD, Basketball: B/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School 5:00pm, Basketball: G/JV vs. Stanfield@ RHS 6:30pm, Basketball: B/JV vs. Stanfield@ RHS Dec. 9, TBD, Basketball: G/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School TBD, Basketball: B/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School TBD, Wrestling: B/V, @Othello 10:00am, Wrestling: G/V, @Royal 9:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Riverside High School Dec. 12, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV vs. White Salmon@ RHS 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV vs White Salmon@ RHS 5:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High vs. Stanfield @Windy River 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V vs. Stanfield@RHS 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V vs. Stanfield@RHS Dec. 13, TBD, Wrestling: G/V, @ Echo TBD, Wrestling: B/V, @Echo Dec. 14, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV vs. Irrigon@RHS 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV vs. Irrigon@RHS 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V vs. Irrigon@RHS 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V vs. Irrigon@RHS Dec. 15, 2:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Irrigon High School Dec. 16, 10:00am, Wrestling: B/V, @McLoughlin Dec. 18, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Heppner 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Heppner 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Heppner 6:00pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @Riverside Jr/Sr High School 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Heppner Dec. 19, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV vs. Rainier@RHS 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV2 vs. Pendleton@Sam Boardman 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV vs. Rainier@RHS 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V vs. Rainier@RHS 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V vs. Rainier@RHS Dec. 21, 10:00am, Wrestling: G/V vs. various@RHS 10:00am, Wrestling: B/V vs. various@RHS Dec. 27, TBD, Basketball: B/V vs.Heppner @Pendleton Conv. Center Dec. 28, TBD, Basketball: G/JV, @North Marion High School TBD, Basketball: B/V vs.Heppner @Pendleton Conv. Center 1:00pm, Basketball: G/V vs.Yamhill@North Marion High Sch. 10:00am, Wrestling: G/V vs. Hanford @Hanford Dec. 29, TBD, Basketball: G/V, @North Marion High School TBD, Basketball: G/JV, @North Marion High School TBD, Basketball: B/V vs.Heppner@Pendleton Conv. Center 10:00am, Wrestling: B/V vs. Hanford@Hanford
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 20233
Win a trip of a lifetime! Applications open now for Washington D.C. Youth Tour
Let’s Build it Tuesday! Have you noticed the large crane at the SAGE Center recently? Girders are being set in place for the new expansion! This expansion project at the SAGE Center is adding 15,150 square feet of much-needed convention space for our region. The project is paid for in part by State funding to support cultural arts and workforce training events. House Bill 2006, which was passed at the end of the 2021 Oregon Legislative session, appropriates $4.3 million for the construction of the facility. Check it out at https://youtu.be/fuOtlVWSqGI Photo contributed.
Youth Tour delegates will represent Oregon and the Northwest, joining more than 1,500 other students from across the United States for the once-in-a-lifetime trip. During the course of the trip, students will visit famous historical sites, meet with Oregon’s congressional leaders, and learn valuable leadership skills. The students will also create podcasts and digital photo projects as they learn about electric cooperatives and current issues in energy and climate change legislation that face their communities and the United States. The tour is open to qualified high school juniors attending school in Umatilla, Morrow, or
Union Counties, whose parent or guardian is a current member of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC). UEC will pay all of the expenses involved with the trip except for spending money that the finalist may want to take. Applications can be submitted online at UmatillaElectric.com. Interested applicants can contact Amy Callan at (541) 567-6414 with questions before applying. Applicants need to include a photo of themselves with their completed application for use in Ruralite magazine should they be the winning entrant. Ready to Apply? Applications are due Jan. 15.
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Letter to Editor North Morrow Times, Thank you for the opportunity to share the fun we had while preparing our 15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration. We were sponsored by our generous community businesses and churches. We served almost 208 meals this year. Many, many amazing volunteers helped prepare, serve, and clean up. We couldn’t do this without them! It is always amazing to see how much our volunteers love reaching out and caring for our residents in Boardman and surrounding areas. We would like to recognize the Port of Morrow who graciously allowed us to use their Riverfront Center facility. We also appreciate the advertisements and articles published in the North Morrow Times. We are very thankful for our bighearted community. We received donations from the following businesses and individuals: Mt. Valley Land Co., Marty Broadbent, Boardman Senior Center, Community Counseling Solutions, Umatilla Electric Coop., Esterbloom Charitable Fund, Doherty & Russell, Kerns Bros. LLC, AWS,
Andrea Sutherland, Ray & Carol Michael, Murray’s Drugs, Maria Richards, Lamb Weston, Watt Brother’s Cold Storage, Boardman Foods, Vern’s, Safeway, Two Barrels Taps + Grill, Boardman Chamber of Commerce, and Boardman City Hall. Area churches supporting the event are: First Baptist Church of Boardman, Boardman Community Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Getsemani Centro de Adoracion Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the success of this venture. We know He is our joy, strength, hope, and wisdom. We give Him praise and glory for keeping us safe and for keeping things running smoothly. We will continue to lift our community before Him that He may grant it His greatest blessing. Thank you, Boardman! We appreciate you! Teresa Parsons, Bonnie Wagner, and the Community Thanksgiving Celebration 2023 Board
Boardman Senior Center will be having Breakfast with Santa again this year. Drop by with your kids on Saturday, December 2nd from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and have a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, have fun making Christmas ornaments, going on a Hayride, and taking a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Boardman Senior Breakfast Saturday, December 2nd 7:30 - 10:30 am Hash Browns, Eggs, Pancakes, Ham, Sausage, Pancakes Biscuits & Gravy, Coffee/Juice/Milk Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman
HERE’S MY CARD
HERE’S MY CARD
Boardman Community Church Pastor Andy Hermanns Boardman Community Church is a non-denominational Bible believing church. We are excited to see God move in our community. Join us as we worship God. Sunday 300 2nd Street NW worship Boardman, OR 97818 11:00 am Phone 541-656-6918 Bible Study Wednesday 6:30 pm Hispanic Church Spanish - Sat. & Sun. evenings 6 pm Youth Group meets Sunday 5 to 6:30 pm
FTTG (FREDI THE TREE GUY) 541-656-7288 FREDI AND JILL - Owners Licensed - Bonded - Insured
CCB#236030
FTTGCONTRACTING@GMAIL.COM Free yard analysis-For all your tree needs Trimming and Removal Find us on Facebook-FTTG-Fredi The Tree Guy Irrigon, Oregon
KRP Management Merry Christmas to all our Friends and Neighbors! 541-481-2571
Boardman, OR
Providing Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug, Gambling, Developmental 541.481.2911 Disabilities, and Boardman Office 541.676.9161 24-Hr. Crisis Services Heppner Office We are open for anyone in need of food each:
Boardman Food Pantry Monday 9:30-11:00 am Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm 314 Locust Rd., Boardman,OR
Greenfield Grange Breakfast Saturday, December 16th * 7 to 10 am Adults - $7.00 * Under 10 - $3.00 Veterans eat FREE Call Mike for carry out * 541-490-6628 209 NW 1st Street Boardman, OR
Greenfield Grange Potluck/Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm
TnT Storage 335 Yates Lane / P.O. Box 669 Boardman, OR 97818 Office 541-481-2700 * Cell 541-371-4909 tnt-storage.com * tntstorage2@gmail.com 5X10, 10X10, & 10X20 Units, and RV/Vehicle
Send your Community Focus to NorthMTimes@gmail.com Classified Ad rates are: 5 lines for $7.50 plus $0.20/word thereafter
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HERE’S MY CARD
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
BURNS MORTUARY
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE
THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: January 5, 2024. Deadline is Friday, December 29, 2023 Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Boardman, OR 97818 or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
THE CITY OF BOARDMAN has a 2010 Dodge Charger to sell as surplus. Sealed bids are due November 17th at 5pm at the City hall in Boardman. The Charger has 66,743 miles. Call the City hall for questions 541481-9252 and ask for T oni to Toni submit a bid bid.
OF HERMISTON Ken Huber
email: burnsmortuary@eotnet.net website: www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com (541) 567-6474) 685 W. Hermiston Ave. * PO Box 289 Hermiston, Oregon 97838
Elf Run 5k family fun run/walk
Bring your family for a 5k family fun run/walk. Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 9 am. Irrigon Marina. With Christmas music along the trail, free cookies & hot chocolate at the finish line and Santa waiting for you to finish for pictures & candy canes! $28 w/shirt Register here: http://elfrunirrigon.itsyourrace.com/ All proceeds go to Irrigon Class of 2024
North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Boardman Senior Center December Menu Tuesday Dec. 5 Goulash Green Beans Green Salad Garlic Bread Brownies Tuesday Dec. 12 Creamy Tomato & Sausage Pasta Broccoli Green Salad Garlic Bread Jello Mold Tuesday Dec. 19 Cheesy Pasta w/ Ham Cauliflower Green Salad Garlic Bread Cookies Tuesday Dec. 26 Beef Stew w/ Potatoes & Veggies Dinner Rolls Green Salad Dessert
Thursday Dec. 7 Clam Chowder Green salad Bread Sticks Ambrosia Thursday Dec. 14 Fish Tacos Rice & Beans Green Salad Flan Thursday Dec. 21 Birthday Meal BBQ Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes Baked Beans Coleslaw Cake & Ice Cream Thursday Dec. 28 Broccoli Cheddar Soup Bread Sticks Italian Chop Salad Pudding
Lunch is $5 for Seniors 55 & Above; $6 for Adults 54 & Under All are Welcome! Take-Out Lunches and Catering Available. Call 481-3257 Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman
Head over to Columbia River Pharmacy Hours Pharmacy today! Mon-Fri 9:00 am-7:00 pm * Experienced pharmacists Sat 10:00 am-3:00 pm * Bilingual staff * Medication delivery Located inside Harvest * Coordinated care w/CRH Town Foods
Call 541-481-5444 with questions
Your Business Card
HERE $40
As we get close to theholiday deals, consider adding a child in need to your shopping list. There are over 70 of them on the list this year!! Sign up to sponsor a Boardman child - use the QR code or go to this link:
https://bit.ly/3QFFCDJ Thank you for being a part of the Boardman Giving Tree! Please drop off all presents (wrapped with child's information on it) at the Boardman Pool and Recreation Center by December 11, 2023.
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North Morrow Times
December 1, 2023
Building plans submitted during 2023