Boardman Community Development Association seeks your input on community survey!
We need YOUR input!
Take the BCDA Community Survey and help shape Boardman's future! It’s quick, easy, and open through January 2025.
Save the date: Join us on February 12, 2025 @ 6 pm, for a Community Meeting at the SAGE Event Center to discuss the results!
Take the survey in English: https://form.jotform.com/ 240178157788166
Take the survey in Spanish: https://form.jotform.com/ 250026338262147
Your voice matters!
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT * Darrell & Judy Scott
Both Judy and Darrell Scott arrived in Boardman over 40 years ago. They came looking for jobs and found them right away. Both worked at Gourmet Foods, now Lamb-Weston, for a number of years. Now retired they continue to help Boardman grow and expand.
They have 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Most scattered around the western part of the US. Daughter Jackie is still here in Boardman and she was Clerk of Boardman for a number of years.
Besides working at the potato plant Judy also did restaurant/bar work at Dodge City, Nomad, and Hitchin’ Post. She was excellent at her positions and so many long time residents of Boardman remember her as friendly, efficient, and competent.
She volunteered for the firefighters for nine and a half years, was a member of the City Council, was a reserve police officer and worked as dog catcher. For the three years she was dog catcher she rescued over a few hundred dogs. Most were taken to a Hermiston to the rescue site.
Darrell, born in the Baker City area, came to Boardman via Ontario. As a young man he lived the life of a rural coun-
try boy going fishing, hunting, foraging both for fun and helping the family with food. He has written some fantastic short stories about his outdoor adventures that are a delight to read. He is on Facebook and he posts several of his writings there. People should go on there and see them. You can smell the smoke from the camp fire, see the morning mountain mist, and hear the sounds from the forest when you read his writings.
The navy was his life for a few years as an adult. He served on the ocean-going ships and sailed in all the oceans. His favorite site of mooring was Hong Kong. He loved the culture there, the cost of goods, and there was so much to see and do there.
Like Judy he volunteered for both the fire department and the police department. They were part of the beginning base for the current systems.
Even though he is now a bit older he continues to both hunt and fish. His brother and family make sure he is included in the outdoor events. He is camp cook and taxi driver for the crew.
From 1990 until covid in 2020 the two operated a conces-
sion wagon traveling over the Northwest. They were such a strong support for events at the Boardman marina, always showing up. They developed a strong connection with many of the area towns. They so enjoyed their experiences with the wagon. They got to meet lots of people, got to see different “cultures”, and got to enjoy both their pleasure of cooking.
Both are now enjoying retirement. Both enjoy cooking and both so much enjoy their two dogs, Jellybean and Buttons. They also like to visit with family.
When you see them give them a big thank you for their service to Boardman.
Darrell and Judy Scott
MCSD continues trend of
high graduation rates
Morrow County, OR — On Thursday, January 30, the Oregon Department of Education released graduation rates for the 2023-24 graduating class.
Morrow County School District continues to achieve graduation rates above the state average across all demographics for the graduating class of 2024. The most recent rate of 96.7% continues the trend of MCSD graduation rates being well above state average at both the building and district levels. MCSD’s high graduation rates also cross focus groups that traditionally have lower graduation rates than the general population. These four-year cohort rates include: Hispanic/Latino students, economically disadvantaged, migrant, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
We are incredibly proud of the class of 2024; these students started their 9th grade
year in a blended learning scenario with COVID restrictions. Building administration in all four high schools attribute the continued success of their graduates to strong systems of student support including; individualized guidance counseling, staff relationships, and monitoring that begins at the junior high level. The CARE wraparound program that the district established in 2015 also has a tremendous impact for our families at all levels and is critical in supporting students through graduation.
Superintendent Matt Combe also notes that Morrow County Schools are very fortunate to be able to offer our families a wide variety of academic courses, cocurricular activities, workforce internships and early college credit that keep students challenged and engaged through graduation.
Graduation rates broken down by individual MCSD high schools:
Auditions coming up for Missoula
Children’s Theatre The Pied Piper
An audition will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of THE PIED PIPER Monday March 24th @ 10am Location is to be determined. Those auditioning should arrive at 9:45am and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.
Approximately 50-60 roles are available for local students. All students, grades K-12, are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Most students rehearse ap-
proximately 4 hours and 15 minutes each day, Monday through Friday. Performances are scheduled for Saturday March 29th.
For more information contact Angela 541-314-0166 northmorrowcommunityfoundation@ gmail.com.
THE PIED PIPER is part of Missoula Children’s Theatre’s unique international touring project and is presented in Boardman and Irrigon by North Morrow Community Foundation, MCURD and many local sponsors.
Spring Youth Baseball & Softball
Spring Youth Baseball and Softball registration is now open! Ages 4-14! Free registration is available for Boardman residents thanks to a generous donation from the Boardman Community Development Association! Discount automatically applies during registration process.
To register: http:// leagues.bluesombrero.com/ columbiaoregonll
· Full Service pump installation and repair from well to pressure tank for both agriculture and domestic applications.
· A local dealer and installer of the best solar pump package in the market today.
· Installation of pipe lines, cisterns and complete water systems for most applications.
· Full line of excavation equipment for your excavation needs. ·
and bacterial growth problems.
Feves Gallery presents meditative art by Sandra Westford
Exhibition Dates: January 16 –March 14, 2025
Reception: Thursday, February 27, 4:00-6:00 pm
PENDLETON, Ore. – The Betty Feves Art Gallery at Blue Mountain Community College is pleased to present Listening to Songs That Have No Sound, a solo exhibition by local mixed-media minimalist Sandra Westford. The show will be on display through March 14. The public is invited to the reception on Thursday, February 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the gallery.
Westford invites viewers to explore the intersection of silence and surface through a meditative lens in this exhibit. Drawing inspiration from organic forms and deeper truths, she seeks to explore the beauty and complexity in works that resonate with a quiet intensity. Her mixed-media compositions reflect a profound connection to the subtleties of everyday experiences and the unspoken emotions they evoke.
The gallery is open to the public Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am–1:30 pm, and is located in Pioneer Hall on the Pendleton Campus, 2411 NW Carden Avenue. Admission is free. For more information about the exhibition and the gallery, please visit https://bluecc.edu/feves-artgallery.
The Betty Feves Memorial Art Gallery at BMCC is a non-profit exhibition space connecting emerging and established artists and their work with students, staff, and the public in eastern Oregon. The gallery welcomes tours from schools, clubs, and other organizations during exhibits. Those interested should contact Feves Gallery Director Nika Blasser, nblasser@bluecc.edu or 541-278-5952.
KC Anderson chosen as Morrow County Fair and OTPR 2025 queen
The Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo is proud to announce KC (Kathryn) Anderson as the 2025 Morrow County Fair and
Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo Queen. KC Anderson is the daughter of Colin and Erin Anderson of Heppner, Oregon. The Anderson’s operate a family wheat farm in Morrow County. KC came with high recommendations and her public speaking abilities, skilled Horsemanship and knowledge of our county made her an ideal applicant for the position.
KC attends Heppner High School. She is an honor roll student and an active 4-H and FFA member. KC has also held officer positions in school as well as in FFA and 4-H. Through 4H, KC has raised a dairy heifer for the last five years and has also exhibited and shown her horse at the Morrow County Fair. She loves barrel racing and has been a contestant at the Morrow County jackpot rodeo. KC has also received the Threemile Canyon Farms Dairy Heifer Herdsmanship and Mentorship Awards.
KC is also very involved in
her community where she helps with the Heppner FFA backpack program, Heppner Elks Club, the Heppner Booster Club as well as our local MOCO rodeo and Western States Jr. Rodeo. Her future plans are to graduate and attend a four-year university with an Animal Science program. From there she would like to pursue vet school and focus on a career as a large animal vet.
For now, this talented young lady enjoys spending time with her horse Tonka, competing in Jr. rodeos, and playing volleyball. Her outgoing personality and natural ability to socialize and greet the public makes Anderson an excellent choice for Queen. She looks forward to representing the Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo Queen. Her coronation date will be during the Town and Country event in Heppner, Oregon on February 6th 2025.
The Morrow County Board of Commissioners along with Morrow County Public Works Department and the Morrow County Compliance Planner are excited to announce an opportunity to dispose of waste and nuisance items for FREE!
The County is offering one free voucher for every Non City Morrow County resident house hold. This voucher will be good for one free 4ft X 6ft X 2ft($15.00 value) load of waste at one of the two Morrow County transfer stations. City residence please contact your city for next free dumping opportunity.
These vouchers will be offered at a first come first serve basis, be sure to check in and pick up your voucher at The Planning office located at 215 NE Main Ave. Irrigon, OR 97844, hours of operation are Mon - Fri 9AM-5PM - Or the Public Works office, 365 West Highway 74, Lexington, OR 97839. hours of operation are Mon.-Thurs. 6:30AM-5PM
The Voucher is good for one 4ft X 6ft X 2 FT ($15.00 value) and will begin January 4, 2025 to June 29, 2025. So don’t stress over times, don’t stress over days, tackle these pesky todos on your time. Voucher expires June 29, 2025. Only requirement is to present proof of County residence at the time of voucher pickup
Information regarding 2025 City clean up initiatives or other projects be sure to contact your local City Hall. Please also remember to Take advantage of disposing of large items (mattress, couch, refrigerators, Freezers) for free all the time, Paint, Oil based and Latex Based, Electronics. Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo’s new Queen, KC Anderson
Local students headed to Washington D.C. representing Umatilla Electric for the Youth Tour Experience
Umatilla Electric is proud to announce that two local high school juniors have been chosen as the delegates for an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. this June. Catherine Doherty of Hermiston and Abrianna Lomeli of Boardman have been chosen to represent UEC on a weeklong trip to the nation’s capital to celebrate the 2025 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour.
UEC’s 2025 Youth Tour delegates will represent Oregon and the Northwest and will join more than 1,500 other students from across the United States for the once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Catherine Doherty attends school at Hermiston High School where she maintains a 4.29 GPA, serves as ASB President, Vice President of the FFA Chapter, and a member of the varsity tennis and slow-pitch softball teams. Catherine was also selected as one of eight students to represent the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) where she promotes leadership and teamwork among over 225,000 students across the state.
Doherty is also active in her community, volunteering as an assistant coach to Hermiston’s inaugural Unified Basketball Team supporting Special Olym-
pic athletes develop their basketball skills and play against other teams in the Mid-Columbia Conference. She has also volunteered at the Community Fellowship Dinner during holidays, serves as a member of the Hermiston Youth Advisory Board, and a Princess of the 2024 Umatilla County Fair Court.
She has been recognized amongst her peers and was awarded chapter and state recognitions in FFA, All-Conference honors in tennis and softball, and numerous other awards amongst her teammates across many athletic teams. After completing high school, Catherine hopes to attend school in California where she would like to study law or nursing.
“While I am torn between these two passions – nursing and law – I know that whichever path I choose, my ultimate goal is to dedicate my life to helping others,” says Doherty. “My high school experiences have laid a strong foundation for my future, and I am excited to see where my journey will take me.”
Abrianna Lomeli is a junior at Riverside High School in Boardman where she serves as President of the National Honor Society, President of Key Club, and President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. Abrianna also participates on the Varsity Volleyball and Basketball teams, representing both teams as Captain. Abrianna has also committed to her academic studies, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Lomeli has also completed her Associate of Arts (AA) degree during her time at Riverside, allowing her to start college at a junior level.
Outside of school, Lomeli served as a 2023 Oregon Business Academy (OBA) Student and was honored the role of OBA Intern in 2024, serving in a statewide leadership role. She has also worked as a server at Two Barrels Taps & Grill for nearly two years, learning skills of time management, professionalism, and adaptability.
Abrianna was previously selected by Umatilla Electric Cooperative to attend the Idaho
Youth Rally in 2024 where she strengthened her public speaking and collaboration skills and was recognized amongst the attendees with a scholarship.
Her post-high school plans
Abrianna Lomeli a junior at RHS will represent UEC on the all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
are to attend Oregon State University where she would like to study marketing and international business, combining her passion for creativity with a global perspective on business operations.
“During college, I want to join clubs and organizations that align with my academic interests and personal passions, such as business leadership and cultural exchange groups,” says Abrianna. “After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to deepen my expertise and enhance my career prospects.”
Says Robert Echenrode, CEO & GM at UEC, “We are excited to have this opportunity available to the youth in our communities. It’s a program that we hold in high regard at UEC. We are proud of all those who submitted applications and wish to thank all for being standout young adults across our region.”
For more information about the NRECA Youth Tour program, visit UmatillaElectric.com.
BMCC Update
Spring Term registration opens on February 24. Students may access advising at the BMCC Workforce Training Center by appointment or by contacting their assigned faculty advisor. As always, students are encouraged to register early for best class selection. We can also help students just getting started Spring Term. Call the Center at 541481-2099 to make an appointment or for more information.
The final free computer workshops offered at the Workforce Training Center are set for February. An Excel session featuring graphs, pie charts, formatting and formulas will be offered on Tuesday, February 11 and again on Friday, February 14. Google Docs is the topic on Friday, Febru-
ary 21. Call the Workforce Training Center at 541-4812099 to reserve a seat. These workshops are made possible by funding provided by the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Morrow and BMCC.
D2000 Safety will present Confined Space Train-theTrainer at the BMCC Workforce Training Center on February 11-12, 2025. Registration is done directly at d2000safety.com or by calling them at 1-800-551-8763. Contact the BMCC Center for more information.
The Blue Mountain Community College Board of Directors will meet in Boardman for their monthly meeting on February 19 at 6 pm. The public is welcome to attend.
Catherine Doherty of Hermiston was chosen as a delegate to go to Washington D. C. to represent UEC
RHS senior job shadows at North Morrow Times
RHS Senior Abc’dee Gutierrez job shadowed at The North Morrow Times recently.
Moving from one high school to another in the middle of your senior year can be difficult. Umatilla High School is a much larger school compared to Riverside High School; it was a major change, especially after attending Umatilla schools throughout elementary school, junior and senior high school. Abc’dee Gutierrez made that major
change recently. Abc’dee is interested in writing and journalism, and chose to job shadow with the North Morrow Times recently. All seniors are required to job shadow.
She has taken two journalism classes at BMCC even though she’s still in high school, and is looking to attend University of Oregon in Eugene this fall.
Four older brothers and two sisters complete Abc’dee’s family. She is currently finishing high school and will have five credits for each quarter she has attended Blue Mt. Community College.
Some of her hobbies include drawing, painting posters, fashion, including helping put together costumes for the schools plays, crocheting, reading and just “hanging out at home”.
She is anxious to explore all her options in college, especially photography, and history, too. She’s ready to learn more about life, including making more memories and traveling.
The North Morrow Times thoroughly enjoyed Abc’dee’s interest and enthusiasm!
First Baptist Church to change their name
First Baptist Church, on Willowfork Drive, founded in 1978, will soon undergo a name change. The members of the church voted on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to change the name to “The King’s Garden Church.” Earlier in the year a small committee had been formed and tasked with the job of coming up with options for new names. They presented church leadership with 9 options. “The King’s Garden” quickly became the name of choice because it best represents what the church is focused on: King Jesus. The church established a garden in 2023 in order to support the Boardman Food Pantry (the pantry was started in the fellowship room of the First Baptist Church in 2020 prior to moving over to the former Lutheran Church). In the Book of Genesis the story of
humanity begins in a garden. In the Book of Revelation God brings humanity back to “the garden” so that we can/will walk and talk with God once again. The new name, “The King’s Garden,” seems to fit perfectly with the heart mission of the people at First Baptist: To share the love of King Jesus as we walk and talk with him, following the lead of his spirit and living as people who long to return to ... The Garden.
The name was originally presented to the search committee by Seth’s Wheeler’s Stepfather, Stephen Boutwell . His participation, from afar, was greatly appreciated.
First Baptist Church, soon to be “The King’s Garden,” encourages all community members to seek a Bible teaching local church where they can root down, serve, and enjoy the fellowship of others. We are all a Family - the Family of God.
Rolf M. Prag Obituary February Riverside Athletics
Rolf made many friends during his school years, retaining those friendships throughout his life. Special longtime friends include Marty Broadbent, Everett Westmoreland, Earl Connell, Sal Erevia, and Joe Erevia. During their teenage years, the “pack” could be found in the Prag’s garage, dismantling old pickups and motorcycles. He married Susan in 1987 while living in Phoenix, Arizona. They later moved to Boardman and adopted Kode Lyle Prag. The couple later divorced.
He worked at the Port of Morrow for 26 years where he was supervisor of Utility, Maintenance, and Site. He enjoyed volunteering with the Boardman
Rolf Marshall Prag passed away at the age of 59 on January 18, 2025, at his home in Boardman, Oregon. He was born in Portland, Oregon on February 12, 1965, to John A. Prag and Anne E. Marshall Prag. He joined older sister Dana. The family moved to Joseph, Oregon when he was a toddler and remained there until 1974 when the family moved to Boardman. Rolf attended school in Morrow County, graduating from Riverside High School in 1983. He attended Mount Hood Community College for two years and graduated in 1987 from DeVry Institute of Technology in Phoenix, Arizona.
Artist in Residence,
Fire Department. In 2022 Rolf began work with the City of Boardman as Special Projects Coordinator and later became Public Works Director; he remained there until his passing. Earlier in his life, he was an avid hunter spending much of his time hunting deer and elk. He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Prag. He is survived by his mother, Anne Jay of Keizer, Oregon; stepmother Lynn Prag of Boardman; his sister, Dana Prag Burk (Alan) of Keizer; his sister, Jenny Aleta Gonzales (Brent) of Gilbert, Arizona; his wife, Kristin Elaine Prag, at their home in Boardman along with his son, Cooper John; his son, Kode L. Prag of Pendleton; his stepchildren, Devin Rea (Hannah) of Roundup, Montana, and Taylor Rea of Boardman; his grandchildren, Lakelynn Rea, Ryleigh Prag, along with many nieces and nephews. A private family burial will take place, a Celebration of life was held on Sunday, February 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at Riverfront Center at the Port of Morrow in Boardman.
Kelly Thibodeaux
works with music & rhythm at SBE
Kelly Thibodeaux is a working musician out of Louisiana. He holds over 40 years of experience playing the fiddle and over 15 years of experience teaching it to K-12 students across the United States.
FRIDAY, FEB 07,Basketball: Girls JVLeague2:00pmValeVale High School
Basketball: Boys JVLeague3:30pmValeVale High School
Basketball: GirlsVarsity League5:00pmValeVale High School
Basketball: BoysVarsity League6:30pmValeVale High School
SATURDAY, FEB 08, Basketball: GirlsJunior High League 9:00am Weston Middle, Riverside JR/SR HighSchool Pirates, Stanfield Middle vs.Weston MiddleWeston Middle School
Wrestling: JuniorHigh League10:00amCentral Middle School
Wrestling: GirlsVarsity Non-League10:00amLa Pine
Basketball: Girls JVLeague12:00pmBurnsBurns High School
Basketball: Boys JVLeague1:30pmBurnsBurns High
Basketball: GirlsVarsity League3:00pmBurnsBurns High School
Basketball: BoysVarsity League4:30pmBurnsBurns High School
Wrestling: BoysVarsity Non-League10:00pm La Pine
TUESDAY, FEB 11, Wrestling: JuniorHigh League 4:00pm Corbett
Basketball: GirlsJunior High League5:00pmIrrigonWindy RiverElementary School
WEDNESDAY, FEB 12, Wrestling: BoysVarsity Non-League 2:00pmIrrigonRiverside Jr/Sr HighSchool
Basketball: GirlsVarsity Non-League6:00pmNixyaawii Community
THURSDAY, FEB 13, Basketball: GirlsJunior High League, Central MiddleCentral Middle HighSchool
FRIDAY, FEB 14 , Wrestling: GirlsVarsity RegionalTBDLa Grande High SchoolLa Grande HighSchool
SATURDAY, FEB 15, Wrestling: GirlsVarsity RegionalTBD LaGrandeLa Grande HighSchool
Basketball: GirlsJunior High League9:00amHeppner Heppner High School
Basketball: Girls JVLeague12:00pmUmatilla High School & Clara BrownellMiddle SchoolUmatilla High School
Basketball: Boys JVLeague1:30pmUmatilla High School & Clara BrownellMiddle SchoolUmatilla High School
Students work with Mr. Thibodeaux for the first three days of their school week, usually for only 30-40 minutes a day. Thursday, the last day of our school week, is Performance Day. Half of SBE students in each grade level performed January 9th. The remaining half performed on January 16th.
Parents and families attended as students got the opportunity to show mastery over what they have learned through a short performance.
Thibodeaux was welcomed back to the halls of Sam Boardman Elementary this January to teach the new generation of Buccaneers that whether they know it or notwe all possess an innate sense of rhythm. His return is thanks to both the Eastern Oregon Arts Council, as well as the Morrow County Arts Council and North Morrow Community Foundation. In Thibodeaux’s mind, music is a universal language and rhythm plays a natural role in human physiology. Using this ideology makes learning and playing music accessible to even the most hesitant of young learners.
Basketball: GirlsVarsity League3:00pmUmatilla High School & Clara BrownellMiddle SchoolUmatilla High School
Basketball: BoysVarsity League4:30pmUmatilla High School & Clara BrownellMiddle SchoolUmatilla High School
WEDNESDAY, FEB 19 , Basketball: GirlsJunior High Non-League 4:00pmSunridge MiddleWindy RiverElementary School
Wrestling: JuniorHigh League4:00pmWyeast MS
TUESDAY, FEB 2 5, Wrestling: JuniorHigh League4:00pmHenkle Middle School
Photo Left: Artist in Residence Kelly Thibodeaux works with a young student on rhythm and music at Sam Boardman.
Oregon Trail Library Boardman
Adult F iction:
New Book List:
This Motherless Land - Nikki May
The Memory Library - Kate Storey
Deadly Betrayal - James Clay
Gingerbread Danger - Amanda Flower
Pony Confidential - Christina Lynch
The Grey Wolf - Louise Penny
North of Nowhere: A Thriller - Allison Brennan
The Only Saloon in Town - Reavis Z. Wortham
Fearless: A Novel - M. W. Craven
The Teller of Small Fortunes - Julie Leong
Better Left Unsent: A Novel - Lia Louis
Perfect Storm - Paige Shelton
Fire Exit: A Novel - Morgan Talty
Booked for Murder - P. J. Nelson
A Great Marriage: A Novel - Frances Mayes
Time Will Tell: A Novel - Rita Mae Brown
Definitely Better Now: A Novel - Ava Robinson
Librar y Hours
SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday Closed
Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run - Janet Evanovich
Blood Bounty of the Mountain Man - William W. Johnstone
1795: The Order of the Furies: A Novel - Niklas Natt och Dag
Is She Really Going Out With Him?: A Novel - Sophie Cousens
Adult Non-F iction:
Yoga of Yarn: A Knitter’s Handbook for Self-Discovery - Liza Laird
No One Gets to Fall Apart: A Memoir - Sarah LaBrie
Half-Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy - Tieghan Gerard
Garden Wonderland: Creating Gardens for Experience, Beauty, Connection, and Belonging - Leslie Bennett
A Year in Bloom: Flowering Bulbs for Every Season - Lucy Bellamy
The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking With All Kinds of Beans, From the Rancho Gordo Kitchen - Steve Sando
Playaway:
The JFK Conspiracy - Brad Meltzer
Tom Lake - Ann Patchett
Vantage Point - Sara Sligar
Beautiful Ugly - Alice Feeney
Camino Ghosts - John Grisham
The Blue Hour - Paula Hawkins
The Shutouts - Gabrielle Korn
An Insignificant Case: A Thriller - Phillip Margolin
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas - Susan Wiggs
OTLD website has two new databases in our Digital Collection! Peterson’s Test & Career Prep - Free Test & Career Prep software to help your job search or advance your career - and Miss Humblebee’s Academy for children ages 3 – 6. Use your library card to access both of these exciting new tools for education and discovery. Beanstack is Back! February’s Reading Challenge: For the Love of Reading begins February 1st. Login to or create your Beanstack account to read for points and prizes.
Crafty Nights @ the Library in February is on Wednesday the 12th at 6 pm. The craft will be Valentine’s Decor. Call your branch or visit our website to reserve your spot now - space is limited.
Toddler and Preschool Storytimes are Tuesdays in Boardman @ 11 am and in Heppner at 10:30 am. Irrigon’s Toddler and Preschool Storytime is on Fridays @ 11 am.
Teen Nights are in Heppner on Tuesdays and in Boardman on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm.
Irrigon has 4-5-6 Club on the 2nd and 4th Fridays from 2 to 4 pm and Teen Nights are every Friday from 5 to 7 pm.
Visit the calendar page on OTLD’s website for more event and program information.
We will be closed Friday, February 14 th in observance of President’s Day.
BMCC Library hosts Traveling Exhibit on Nez Perce
History: “The Nez Perce in Oregon: removal and
Pendleton, OR – Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) is honored to host The Nez Perce in Oregon: Removal and Return, a compelling traveling exhibit now on display in the BMCC Library through March 21.
This exhibit tells the powerful story of the Nez Perce people, highlighting their forced removal from their homelands in 1877 and their gradual return over generations. Created by staff at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture in collaboration with Nez Perce Tribal elders from across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, the display provides an in-depth look at this significant chapter in regional and national history.
“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to our campus and community,” said Kristin Williams, Director of Library and Learning Hub. “It’s an important opportunity to engage with the history of the Nez Perce people and their enduring resilience.”
After its time at BMCC, the exhibit will continue its journey, culminating in a display at the
Oregon State Capitol beginning in September 2025. Community members, students, and staff are encouraged to visit the BMCC Library to experience this impactful exhibit.
District & School Board prepare for next steps in bond process
(Morrow County) – Morrow County School District and its Board of Directors are maoving forward to complete the next steps toward the district’s General Obligation Bond.
The district’s Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) presented two bond draft recommendations to the board on January 13, 2025. The board will further discuss the recommendations and get a few more questions answered at a work session on January 29th
Matt Combe, MCSD Superintendent, said the district and the board appreciate all the hard work the CBAC members completed. The CBAC met for nine months to develop the bond draft recommendations. Comprehensive reviews of all MCSD schools and facilities were conducted by certified assessors from the Oregon Department of Education. CBAC members reviewed these facility assessments, toured buildings with school principals, reviewed bond financial options and prioritized projects. The facility assessments indicate that several MCSD schools need to be replaced and other
schools need important remodels or upgrades, including safety and security improvements. “Over many months, these community members attended meetings, discussed options, reviewed data, asked questions and developed detailed bond project recommendations and we are very grateful for their time, dedication and work,” Combe said.
The CBAC was comprised of 19 community members from Boardman, Irrigon, Heppner and Lexington who are volunteering to guide this process. The members are: Zac Acock, Doris Brosnan, Luis Campos, Andrew Cemore, Dave Cooley, Pamela Cutsforth, Jose Dueñas, Frances Glenn, Torrie Griggs, Brett Harrison, Jan Huddleston, Karla Jimenez, Angela Jones, Tia McNamee, Sue Oliver, Brandi Orem, Madison Rosenbalm, George Shimer and Gina Wilson. Combe said the district and the board also thank everyone who provided feedback about the bond draft recommendations, which the CBAC reviewed and used while creating the proposed bond projects.
After the board work session at the end of January, the district and board anticipate that the board will approve the bond resolution for the ballot in May 2025.
The district recently was notified that it has qualified for a matching grant of $6 million from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program (OSCIM). This grant would be provided if the proposed bond is approved by Morrow County voters in the spring.
Taxpayers in the Morrow County School District are not currently paying for a school district bond nor levy. The last general obligation bond was passed in 2001 and expired in 2021. The last operating levy (which was not for facility construction or upgrades) passed in 2012 and expired in 2016. More information will be coming about the MCSD proposed bond. To view bond draft recommendations or facility reports of MCSD schools, please visit mcsdbond.org for the latest information, email bondinfo@morrowsd.org or contact the District Office at 541676-5705.
Community Focus
FamiliesFirst Child Care Center correc tion on prices per their website:
Infant ages 0-2, $900/ month’ Toddler 2-3, $800/ month; Preschool 3-4, $600/month; School Age 512, $400/month. For more information, contact their webpage www.familiesfirstchild carecenter.com
Boardman
Food Pan
try Announces 2025 Board of Directors
The Boardman Food Pantry held annual elections at our January 21, 2025 meeting. Open executive board positions were president, food manager, and secretary. The new president is Mary Killion and Lisa Constantine was elected food manager. Emily Sandberg has been voted as secretary. Members at large for 2025 are Paul Beagle, Deb Imus, Tom Imus, Carl Perry, Scott Kemper, and Madi Hines. Remaining in their positions until the 2026 election are vice president Rick Weiss and treasurer Michele Daniels. There are two open positions for members at large. Meetings are open to the public and are scheduled at 7 PM on the third Tuesday of each month at the Boardman Food Pantry. We remain grateful for all the individuals, businesses, and industries who have generously donated to assist our efforts to serve the community by
providing access to food and support. We appreciate our faithful volunteers who come each week to help pack and distribute boxes and the volunteers from AWS and Tillamook who are instrumental in unloading our food delivery orders each month.
The Boardman Food Pantry is open for distribution on Mondays from 9:30-11AM and Thursdays from 6-7PM.
First
Baptist Church and The City of Boardman To Offer Free Garden Space
Would you like to plant fruits and vegetables in a community garden this year? First Baptist Church (soon to be named “The King’s Garden Church”), in partnership with the City of Boardman, is now offering free garden space. The garden at First Baptist Church is now entering year three, growing food for the Boardman Food Pantry. We have expanded our space to include the potential for numerous personal garden spots as an alternative to the spaces once provided on Columbia Avenue. The City has kindly offered to cover all water fees. If you would like to hold a space, please contact Shara Weiss at 971-804-3398. There are three people on the waiting list so far. Garden spaces will be approximately 20x20, depending on the number of requests.
THE FAMILY OF ROLF PRAG
would like to thank the Boardman community for all the support during this trying time. Thanks for the meal train, flowers, prayers, visits and to everyone who attended the Saturday night bonfire/S’more event and the Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 2nd. We appreciate everyone!
Each Tuesday and Thursday, Boardman Senior Center has a lunch that’s hard to beat. Check out the February menu on this
paper’s page 11. If you’re over 55, the cost of the meal is $5; for those youngsters under 55, you pay $6. You’ll enjoy a full meal: salad, beverages, entree and dessert!
Every first Thursday (February 6th) and third Tuesday (February 17th) speakers are lined up to talk about items of interest for the community.
Torrie Philippi-Griggs will speak February 6th with updates on Boardman Chamber and Boardman Community De-
velopment Association activities.
Brandon Hammond, Boardman City Manager, will speak February 17th about updating us on the City activities. You can’t beat the price, and you’ll be well informed when you attend.
