North Morrow
Volume XXXI
Number 7
January 5, 2024
TIMES
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Got a problem? Call Mike Connell! Mike Connell, a local handy- own company took hold, and man with strong ties to the com- Mike began advertising his munity who looks forward to handyman skills. He studied problems. “When people have and passed the state test for a broken pipes, a water leak, a Contractor’s License, and bebathroom that needs remod- came licensed and bonded. eled, those are the sorts of prob- Since then, every day is different for Mike. Some days he is lems I like to solve,” he says. C o n n e l l moved to Boardman in 1977 with his parents, Don and B o n n i e Beckstead. Don had taken a job with Sabre Farms, located on Bombing Range Road. Bonnie, a hair dresser, went to work for Phyllis Mike Connell is easily spotted in his truck! Gilbertson, who owned the local hair styling sa- mowing lawns, others he is lon. Bonnie later purchased the crawling under a house to fix a salon from Gilbertson, and be- broken pipe, or knocking out a tween she and her daughter, wall to remodel a bathroom, or Brenda Connell, they ran the brush hogging a pasture full of salon until 2009, serving both weeds, or building a new deck, or painting the exterior of a men and women clients. Mike went to school at AC house or winterizing irrigation Houghton, and then the River- lines. “I love the diversity of this side Junior High School, before transferring to Hermiston High business,” he laughs. “I get to School when his family moved do all those jobs nobody else to Hermiston. After graduation, wants to do!” He calls on his he enlisted and served a hitch brother, Gabe, to work with him in the Navy at Concord Califor- when he needs another set of nia with duty on a weapon sup- hands. Other jobs they have ply ship. Missing the northwest, tackled include interior paintMike and family (he was mar- ing, replacement of sheetrock, ried with children by then) landscaping projects, replacing moved back and he worked for bathtubs with walkin showers Koppl Company, a specialist and big this time of year is snow pipe wrap company for 25 years, removal from driveways and ending up running their branch parking lots. “I’ve got to be one office in Sandy Utah. During of the few people around who that time, Mike sold and in- is praying for snow,” he laughs. Between Mike and his wife, stalled specialist pipe wrap to PGE Coal Fired Plant and the Toni, they share a real tribe: Port of Morrow, where he re- Mike’s kids include Jason, Jusnewed friendships from his tin, Jordan, Maxx and Logan, while Toni’s kids are Dakota school years. Mike moved back to and Jared. Just to make life inBoardman in 2008, worked a teresting, they are raising their short stint at Windwave, before five year old grandson, Jaxxon, becoming Cargill’s Maintenance since their kids are grown! Toni works at the City of Boardman Manager for seven years. In 2017, the itch to have his as Utility Clerk.
Mike volunteers as Commissioner on the City of Boardman Planning Commission, so he usually knows all the new construction jobs that are coming to town. “I love this town,” he says. “This is home!” You’ll see his Connell Company LLC pickup around town with his phone number: 801/708-3404. He says although he prefers to work locally, he has done jobs in Irrigon, Hermiston, Umatilla and Pendleton. He likes to solve problems!
City of Boardman releases building permit statistics for 2023
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January 5, 2024
34th Annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Banquet nominations Annually at the Boardman Chamber of Commerce's Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet, we recognize outstanding individuals from our community. Complete the nomination form on the Chamber’s website. All nominee and award recipient details remain confidential until the banquet. Feel free to submit nominations for one or multiple categories. The Chamber will notify you if your nominee is selected and might request a short video explaining your nomination. Video participation is optional, and you can nominate someone even if you prefer not to be on camera. If you have any questions please contact Boardman Chamber of Commerce at (541) 481-3014 or email info@boardmanchamber.org.
day, 4:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Exciting News! Kayak has a new APP that can track your bus in real-time. Download the app on your mobile device to get real-time bus information on all our bus routes. Search “Kayak Transit” on the app or play store. For additional information please contact our Dispatch line at 541-429-7519 Monday-Fri-
The Boardman Chamber of Commerce is a business and professional membership organization that supports the interests of its members and promotes the building of a strong community in Boardman, Oregon. As the region’s leading business advocate, the Boardman Chamber is an organization as ambitious and diverse as the
Vo l u n t e e r s Needed Need volunteers for Senior Breakfast on the First Saturday of the Month. We also need someone to Volunteer for Supervising Events and for Luncheons. (541) 481-3257 or (503)7248823
Job Search The Boardman Chamber members offer job opportunities in the community. If you are interested in applying click on the link below and apply. www.boardmanchamber.org/ jobs/
Chamber News Did you know?
North Morrow Times Co-Editors: Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071 Jane Pope (541) 377-6801 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.
nearly 180 members it represents. The Boardman Chamber of Commerce speaks for hundreds of local business people. For many years, the Chamber has been one of the authoritative voices in all business matters throughout Eastern Oregon. Our staff has the experience, knowledge, and influence necessary to help your company accomplish its goals. Although every company is unique, they all share one goal - to succeed! In order to succeed, a company must get its name in front of potential customers, keep an eye on the bottom line, and become involved in political issues which affect business. The Chamber’s special events, publications, and programs are valuable tools that help you manage these factors and succeed. At the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, we measure the success of our programs by the success of our members. Boardman Chamber members have expressed a high level of satisfaction with the Chamber. Working with the Chamber’s staff and participating in Chamber programs and events has a positive impact on every company that joins the Boardman Chamber. You can count on our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors to help you achieve your goals.
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Riverside Jr/Sr January Athletics Jan. 5, 1:00pm, Wrestling: G/V, @Joseph High School 1:00pm, Wrestling: B/V, @Joseph High School Jan. 6, 10:00am, Wrestling: G/V, @Joseph High School 10:00am, Wrestling: B/V, @Joseph High School 12:00pm, Basketball: G/JV 1:30pm, Basketball: B/JV 3:00pm, Basketball: G/V 4:30pm, Basketball: B/V Jan. 8, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Columbia (White Salmon) 4:00pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @McLoughlin 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Columbia (White Salmon) 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Columbia (White Salmon) 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Columbia (White Salmon) Jan. 9, 4:30pm, Basketball: G/Junior High, Windy River Jan. 10, 4:30pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Pendleton High School 6:00pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @Pendleton High School Jan. 11, 4:30pm, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Windy River Jan. 12, TBD, Wrestling: G/V, @Redmond Fairgrounds TBD, Wrestling: B/V, @Redmond Fairgrounds 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @McLoughlin 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @McLoughlin 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @McLoughlin 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @McLoughlin Jan. 13, TBD, Wrestling: G/V, @Redmond Fairgrounds TBD, Wrestling: B/V, @Redmond Fairgrounds 9:00am, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Umatilla High School Jan. 16, 4:30pm, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Heppner 5:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Griswold 6:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Griswold Jan. 18, 2:00pm, Wrestling: G/V 2:00pm, Wrestling: B/V, Riverside High School 4:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV2 Jan. 19, TBD, Wrestling: G/V, @Othello 2:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Vale 3:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Vale 5:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Vale 6:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Vale Jan. 20, TBD, Wrestling: G/V, @Othello 9:00am, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Central Middle High School 12:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Burns 1:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Burns 3:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Burns 4:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Burns Jan. 23, 4:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High, @Pendleton 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV2, @Sam Boardman Elementary Jan. 24, 4:00pm, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Pendleton Middle School 4:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High, @The Dalles Middle Jan. 25, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School 4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell 6:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell 7:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Jan. 26, 2:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High Jan. 27, 9:00am, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Riverside/WRE 12:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Nyssa 1:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Nyssa 3:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Nyssa 4:30pm, Basketball: B/V, @Nyssa 10:00pm, Wrestling: G/V, @Heppner High School 10:00pm, Wrestling: B/V, @Heppner High School Jan. 30, 4:30pm, Basketball: G/Junior High, @Windy River 6:00pm, Wrestling: G/V, 6:00pm, Wrestling: B/V
January 5, 2024
MA YOR P AUL KEEFER’S MESSAGE MAYOR PAUL Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad to the City of Boardman. I would like everyone to know that we as a city have awesome and great employees who are committed to your community. They are hard working, caring, and helpful individuals. These employees are dedicated to making Boardman a great place to live. If you ever need help, feel free to give the city a call so we can help you as best we can. A shout out to the Boardman Police Department on their everyday efforts to make our community a safe place to live. We are truly lucky to have these men and women protecting our great city. Don’t hesitate in helping these officers when needed to create a safe and friendly environment for us to live in. They work extremely hard to keep us safe. Don’t forget to thank them for putting their
lives in harms way to keep us safe 24 hours a day. The mayor would like to give a report on our new city manager, Mr. Hammond. He has hit the ground running since starting in July 2023. There are a lot of projects that are coming. It is really exciting. He has done an amazing job following the stage set by Mrs. Pettigrew and the city council. Mr. Hammond is now working on taking it to the next level. I personally would like to thank our city council members who really are working hard to make Boardman a better place to live. It can be a thankless position at times but knowing that we as a council are striving to make Boardman the best place to live brings the rewards. We all have a desire to work together with the community so Boardman can reach her full potential. Happy Holidays, Merry
Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and however you may celebrate these times, this mayor hopes it will bring happiness to you and your family. These times may be hard, stressful, sad, happy, or whatever the feeling might be, but remember to take the time to be grateful and thankful for whatever it may be. We in Boardman are really blessed for what we have and around us. Take time to hug a loved one, open the door for a stranger, or even just smile. It’s amazing what kindless can bring. Lastly, I am proud to be your mayor. I may be loud, speak off the cuff, be offensive, and even have little or no filter, but I always want and have the best intentions for the city and citizens of Boardman. Being your mayor is just awesome and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. Paul Keefer - Mayor, City of Boardman
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January 5, 2024
Morrow and Umatilla County drinking water investigation Proposals due 2:00 PM (PST), February 2, 2024 Request for Proposals On behalf of Umatilla and Morrow Counties, Morrow County is seeking proposals from qualified professional engineering or related firms to prepare a Drinking Water Investigation Study to include: Work Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan; Outreach and Communications; Field Data Collection and Laboratory Coordination; Data Management and Processing; Data Evaluation and Characterization; Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations and Action Plan. Morrow County is the fiscal agent for this federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA grant was awarded according to a Congressionally Direct Spending allocation in 2022. The purpose of the grant is to address nitrate contamination in drinking water wells in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA), which covers approximately 550 square miles in northern Morrow and western Umatilla Counties. Link to full RFP can be found here: https://www.co.morrow.or.us/planning/page/morrow-and-umatillacounty-drinking-water- investigation0 Interested bidders should submit their proposals to Morrow County /co Tamra Mabbott at PO Box 40/ 215 NE Main Ave., Irrigon, OR 97844 no later than 2:00 p.m., February 2, 2024, via hand delivery, email, U.S. Postal Service, FedEx or UPS. Contact Tamra Mabbott, Planning Director, for information regarding this process by email at tmabbott@co.morrow.or.us or by phone at (541) 922-4624. If proposers have questions regarding this solicitation, questions shall be submitted in writing to Tamra Mabbott. Responses will be shared during a voluntary pre-proposal meeting scheduled for January 4, 2024, from 10 am to 11 am.
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January 5, 2024
Boardman announces city motto winners At their December meeting, the City Council announced the four finalists in the City Motto Contest. In an effort to promote community interest in activities happening in the city, the Council chose to ask for involvement in creating a new motto that will aid in a new logo. A total of 70 submissions and 47 participants were collected. Each winner was awarded prizes from various businesses around town. * Community winner – Noah Reaves – “Where potential comes to grow” * Riverside Jr/Sr High winner – Seth Hammond – “Beauty around the bend” * Windy River winner – Mikayla Mickles – “Where river meets opportunity” * Sam Boardman Winner – Hadley Coleman – “Small town, big dreams” The City Manager will be
Pictured (left to right): Mayor Keefer, Mikayla Mickles, Hadley Coleman, Seth Hammond, Noah Reaves working with the finalists to compile additional ideas for the public to vote on in the coming months. In other city news, Council-
ors heard from ODOT regarding an upcoming project to update sidewalk ramps to meet ADA requirements at both freeway intersections.
John Wenholz Obituary John Edward Wenholz, Jr. of trucks and in the late 1990's he munity of Irrigon and supIrrigon was born May 6, 1942 built Irrigon Mini storage. In ported the community in many in Portland, Oregon the son of 1996 he was elected Morrow ways. John and Barbara (Kendig) County Commissioner and John married Jeanette Wenholz. He passed away in served in that capacity from Hurlburt in Portland, Oregon Irrigon on December 1, 2023 at 1997 until 2009. on October 6, 1967. She preceded him in death on the age of 81 years. John grew up in December 9, 2020. He was also preceded in Portland where he atdeath by a daughter, tended schools, Jennifer; his parents; graduating from and a brother, David. Madison High School He is survived in the class of 1960. by a son, Jeff (Melanie) After high school, he served in the US Wenholz. Four grandchildren and six great Army for two years in grandchildren from Special forces Airborne division. After his daughter Jennifer. A sister, Barbara his honorable discharge, he returned Woodman. A private famto Portland where he worked as an iron ily burial will be in Desert Lawn Memoworker for several years. rial Cemetery in In 1973, John Irrigon. Burns Mortumoved to Boardman, ary of Hermiston is in Oregon and then to Former Morrow County Commissioner John Wenholz care of arrangements. Irrigon in 1974 where passed away December 1, 2023. He will be missed by those To leave an he has resided for the who enjoyed his many letters to the editor over the years. online condolence for past forty nine years. the family please go to As a small business www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com owner he bought, sold and John was very fond of horses, Family suggest memorial transported hay for several hot rods and drag racing and donations be made to OHSU years. In 1995 he started was a lifelong fan of baseball. Casey Eye Institute OHSU Irrigon Motors where he sold He was dedicated to the com- Foundation P.O. Box 29017 Portland, Oregon 97296
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January 5, 2024
BMCC and Oregon Community Foundation partner to expand the Early Childhood Education kickstart program PENDELTON, OR – Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) has announced that it has been awarded a total of $50,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation and its donors to support the expansion of BMCC’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Kickstart Program. The ECE Kickstart program is a three-day event to promote and recruit individuals into the field of Early Childhood Education in an effort to increase childcare availability in rural Oregon. The event is free to participants and completing the three-day program will earn them three free credits to BMCC. “According to the Administration for Children & Families, early childcare is down more than 10 percent of pre-pandemic levels,” says Tammy Short, Director of Instructional Operations. “A strong, stable, highly qualified Early Childhood Workforce is essential to child learning and development.” Three separate funds of the Oregon Community Foundation contributed toward the $50,000 awarded to BMCC, including the Betty Gray Endow-
ment, Latino Partnership Program, and the Byron and Cynthia Grant through the WRG Foundation Fund. Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) was founded in 1973 with a big mission: to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. In 2022, OCF distributed more than $180 million, supporting 3,500 grantees and awarding more than 3,000 scholarships. With OCF, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds that meet the needs of diverse communities statewide. 2023 marks OCF’s 50th anniversary. Since its founding, OCF has distributed more than $2.2 billion in community investments, including grants to 10,850 nonprofits and 53,375 scholarships to students. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit: oregoncf.org.
MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS CARD IS INCLUDED IN THE NORTH MORROW TIMES - $40
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Community Women’s Club holds membership drive Community Women’s Club of Irrigon and Boardman would like to personally invite you to a membership meeting in Irrigon at 7:00 PM on February 20 at the Irrigon Fire Department. Our organization has been active in both communities for over 30 years. We provide help to individuals and families
through our Christmas donations, scholarships to graduating seniors at both Riverside and Irrigon Highschool, funds for school supplies at Sam Boardman and A.C. Houghton Elementary, monies for victims of fire, and help with expenses for families facing emergency medical needs.
If you would like more information about Community Women’s Club, please email us at commwomen534@gmail.com. Please don’t be shy! We’d love to hear from you! Looking forward to meeting you on February 20 th at 7:00 PM at the Irrigon Fire Department.
January 5, 2024
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January 5, 2024
City of Boardman snow & ice control Willow Creek Symphony begins rehearsal for January 27th concert program for 2024 spelled out We all know how unpredictable the weather can be in our area. We have experienced winters (normally December, January and February) with no snow accumulation, to winters such as we’ve had in the past that deposited heavy snow accumulation. With a population of over 3500 and 80 plus lane-miles of streets, the City is continually striving to provide an acceptable level of snow and ice control. NORMAL SNOW CONDITIONS Our fleet of snow removal equipment is readied before the ice and snow seasons each year. One, five-yard dump truck with sanding box and plow, 2.5-ton dump truck with sanding box and plow, and a 1-ton pickup with sanding box and plow, combined with a crew of trained equipment operators, will keep major streets passable. The City has established procedures and policies for addressing snow plowing and sanding of the streets. The procedures and policies are set on a priority basis, which set predetermined routes as follows: First Priority: All main streets and main intersections considered to be the highest priorities to keep open the main streets and roadway systems connecting the fire station, police station, emergency medical ser-
vices, and schools. Second Priority: Other streets and selected areas such as steep hills and other problem areas identified by the public works department and/or police department. Third Priority: Residential Streets CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITIES Snow can be beautiful, but it also can create hazards. When residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the result can be a treacherous ice patch. We need your help in protecting pedestrians from possible injury. Residents are responsible to maintain their sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their property. Please pile snow on your yard, not in the street. If your sidewalk is icy, you may correct the hazard by applying a heavy coat of sand. Handicapped, elderly or other individuals unable to clean snow from their sidewalks may choose to contact someone to do this job for them. The following may provide this service to you: RHS Football Team – Athletic Director Boor via text or call: 503-910-1940 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SNOW REMOVAL Q: Can’t the City remove the snow they put in my driveway and sidewalks? A: Our primary duty is to open and keep open the main road-
way system. Considering the large number of driveways and amount of sidewalks in the City, it is too costly and time consuming, and would require additional City staff and equipment to perform this service. Q: Why not plow to the center? A: Plowing snow and piling it to the center of a street causes a hazardous situation. Traffic flow is restricted by eliminating a portion of a lane and this practice can also create sight obstructions for low vehicles. The freeze-thaw cycle creates daily problems when the melting snow freezes on the road surface every evening. Q: Can I park my car on the street? A: Yes, on those streets where parking is normally allowed. However, having to maneuver a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles can not only be dangerous, but also nervewracking for our drivers and is not an efficient way to plow the snow. One must be aware that if a car is parked on the side of the street, we could plow your car in with a snow bank. Q: Why are residential streets seldom plowed? A: With over 80 lane miles of streets to maintain, with limited equipment and staff, it is usually not possible to plow all of the streets. We make every effort to get to the lower priority streets when conditions allow.
Welcome to Lexington Pump LLC Sales Service Installation Trenching Available & Solar Pumping Systems www.lexingtonpump.com 541-989-8448 P.O. Box 626, Lexington , OR 97839 CCB# 199519
Who we are: · 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. · We do well rehabilitation for increased water supply and bacterial growth problems.
Willow Creek Symphony is excited to be able to rehearse again in preparation for a special concert to be presented at the Port of Morrow in Boardman on Saturday, January 27th. This is an open invitation for musicians to join us for 4 rehearsals at Armand Larive Middle School beginning on Tuesday, January 2nd at 6:30pm. We especially need more winds and percussion! Willow Creek Symphony is a preparatory orchestra, provid-
ing less advanced musicians of all ages an opportunity to advance their skills and perform. Adults and students play and learn together, sometimes several generations within families. The Willow Creek Symphony performs concerts for the community, as well as annual Young People’s Concerts in Hermiston for students in grades 4-6 from throughout the region. Willow Creek Symphony rehearses in Hermiston.
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Oregon Trail Library Boardman New Book List:
Adult Fiction: Abandoned in Death - J. D. Robb An Evil Heart - Linda Castillo Born to Hang - Terrence McCauley California Golden - Melanie Benjamin Let Us Descend: A Novel - Jesmyn Ward Longhorns East - Johnny D. Boggs Malibu Burning - Lee Goldberg On the Oregon Trail - Robert Vaughan The Breakaway - Jennifer Weiner The Hidden One - Linda Castillo The Lucky Shamrock - Carolyn Brown The Wishing Bridge: A Novel - Viola Shipman Sisters Under the Rising Sun - Heather Morris Crown Jewel: A Simon Riske Novel - Christopher Reich Playaway Adult Fiction: After That Night - Karin Slaughter Alchemy of a Blackbird - Claire McMillan All About Love: New Visions - Bell Hooks Library Hours Sunday Closed Enchanted to Meet You - Meg Cabot Monday Closed Flags on the Bayou - Mary Kay Andrews Tuesday 10-6 Happiness Falls - Angie Kim Wednesday 10-6 Holly - Stephen King Thursday10-6 Land of Milk and Honey - Pam C. Zhang Friday 10-6 Payback in Death - J. D. Robb Saturday Closed Such Kindness - Andre III Dubus The Bitter Past - Bruce Borgos The Little Liar - Mitch Albom The Vaster Wilds - Lauren Groff Wellness - Nathan Hill Wreck the Halls - Tessa Bailey Blessing of the Lost Girls - Judith A. Jance One Christmas Morning - Rachel Greenlaw Mother-Daughter Murder Night - Nina Simon Bright Lights, Big Christmas - Mary Kay Andrews The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store - James McBride Playaway Adult Non-Fiction: Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell Sy Montgomery Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life - Arnold Schwarzenegger Being Henry: The Fonz ... and Beyond - Henry Winkler Pre-school Storytimes in Heppner and Boardman are on Tuesdays @ 11:00 am; Fridays @ 11:00 am in Irrigon.
Happy New Years! It’s a new year. Make sure you are covered! Give us a call or stop by for all your insurance needs! Wishing you a safe & fun year Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
January 5, 2024
New Stepping Stones Center opens, expanding services for Umatilla and Morrow Counties’ unhoused December 7, 2023 - The Stepping Stones Alliance, along with local officials and community partners gathered today to celebrate the opening of the Stepping Stones Center on roughly two acres of land in West Umatilla County. The new center is the realized vision of Project PATH (Practical Assistance through Transitional Housing), which aims to reduce homelessness by expanding housing capacity and support services for those in need. “We embarked on this effort inspired by many projects that have been developed to support the unhoused in other communities, while tailoring our efforts to the unique needs of eastern Oregon. We’re thrilled the new Stepping Stones Center reflects our vision of providing a multi-dimensional and multi-layered approach to helping those that may need a hand, all in a supportive and welcoming environment. We’re tremendously thankful to the counties, the cities of Hermiston, Umatilla, Echo, Stanfield, Irrigon, and Boardman; our major donors such as Amazon Web Services, Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and countless community organizations and community members who have each pitched in to bring this project to life,” said Jesalyn Cole, Executive Director from the Stepping Stones Alliance, the organization spearheading this initiative as part of Project PATH. Project PATH, a collaborative effort, was established in 2021, initially funded through the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. Additional funding sources have come to Stepping Stones Alliance from Amazon Web Services (AWS) InCommunities, Good Shepherd Community Foundation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the American Recovery Plan, Fair Housing, EOCCO, Wildhorse Foundation and numerous individual donations. The new Stepping Stones Center will transform eastern Oregon’s approach to supporting the unhoused – offering a variety of facilities and re-
sources depending on the level of need. The new center features a Sleep Center that will serve as a nighttime emergency low-barrier shelter for individuals and families that need a safe place to sleep for a night, along with basic food and hygiene supplies. It has a Navigation Center to provide support services such as counseling, recovery services, technology resources, and ongoing education opportunities. It also has a Housing Center with small individual shelter units for those community members seeking housing on their own and engaged in a personal action plan utilizing Navigation Center resources. The long-term vision is for the facilities and resources offered to continue to expand and evolve – including adding more individual shelter units to support more individuals and families in need. Stepping Stones Center, which broke ground in November of last year, reflects an extraordinary level of cooperation across public and private sectors, community organizations, and community members who have contributed in meaningful ways to bring the project to life. More than 150 community volunteers through numerous events helped build the 20+ Individual Shelter Units with which the center is opening. AWS and Umatilla High School collaborated to supply chairs for the shelter units, created by students working in the AWS Think Big Space. Aside from being a donor for the Stepping Stones Center, and ahead of the grand opening, AWS also purchased the en-
tirety of the Stepping Stones Center Amazon Wish List to provide the necessary supplies for the center to be launch ready. Local organizations such as Community Counseling Solutions, Community Action Program of East Central Oregon, Euvalcree - Northeast Oregon, Good Shepherd Connexions, Fair Housing Council of Oregon, Community Partner Outreach Program (CPOP), WorkSource Hermiston, Goodwill Industries, Department of Health and Social Services State of Oregon, EOCCO, GOBHI, Blue Mountain Community College - Hermiston, Umatilla County Veteran’s Service, Domestic Violence Services, Inc., Umatilla County Housing Authority and so many more will work in collaboration with the Stepping Stones Center, as part of the resources that will be provided. Community volunteers and staff will help with the center’s day to day operations. “Having been both a believer and supporter of Stepping Stones since its founding, I was proud to secure the original $1,000,000 of funding they needed to get operations started,” said Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), “This organization and its dedicated volunteers have truly stepped up to assist those in desperate need of a helping hand.” The Stepping Stones Center is located at 81535 Lind Road, Hermiston. More information on the Stepping Stones Center, including how to support is available at stepping-stonesalliance.org.
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North Morrow Times
January 5, 2024
Community Focus
M
erry Christmas and Happy New Year. As a young man, my political ideology was molded in the 1980’s when President Ronald Reagan (Republican) and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neal (Democrat) would joust with their words and thoughts for America. Every day it would play out on the evening news…conviction with civility. History later told how these two leaders, after work hours, would sit down and just plain talk. They grew to become friends. While their political visions could not have been more different, they shared a common love: America. For way too many folks, 2023 has been a year of anxiety, tension and dissension. Neighbor upset with neighbor. ”Us verses them.” For those who perceive that they have been wronged, wrath cannot come quickly enough. Recall, ethics complaints, gossip and unseemly social media posts unfortunately will be part of our collective history.
Let’s change this in 2024. Let’s be slow to accept gossip. Let’s seek to understand, then to be understood. Let’s commit ourselves to sitting down and having a conversation with those with different views. A good joust with words and thoughts is healthy. Let’s do it with conviction and civility.
Representative Greg Smith District 57 rafty Nights @ the Library will be Wednesday, January 10th @ 6:00 pm at all three branches. Register online or call your local branch, spaces are limited. The January 2024 Beanstack Reading Challenge begins January 1st – register or login to your Beanstack account to participate. Pre-school Storytimes are on Tuesdays at 11:00 am in Boardman and Heppner, and on Fridays at 11:00 am in Irrigon.
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Notary services are available at the Library Notary service is now available at all three branches, during most business hours Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 6pm. Not all staff are licensed notaries public, and notary services are not available during all operating hours. Contact the library before your visit to ensure a notary is present.
Boardman Senior Breakfast Saturday, January 6th 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
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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 NWBoardman, OR 97818 worship Phone 541-656-6918 Bible Study Wednesday 6:30 pm 11:00 am Ladies Bible Study Friday 8:30 am 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 Happy New Year! 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, January 20th * 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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CLASSIFIEDS
BURNS MORTUARY
MISCELLANEOUS
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
THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: February 2, 2024. Deadline is Friday, January 26, 2024 Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Boardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
North Morrow Times
January 5, 2024
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS 5 lines $7.50 + $0.20/word thereafter
FREE Christmas T ree Pick Up Tree
The Boardman Public Works Department will be picking up Christmas trees daily Monday through Friday until January 31st. Please place your tree along the curb in front of your home for pick up. If it's a Monday, be sure to place your tree away from your garbage container so the garbage company does not pick it up and charge you extra.
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
Boardman Senior Center January Menu Tuesday Jan. 2 Thursday Jan. 4 No Lunch Baked Chicken Tuesday Jan. 9 Rice & Gravy Chicken Fajitas Rolls Rice & Beans Green Salad Mexican Chop Salad Cookies Puddingf Thursday Jan. 11 Tuesday Jan. 16 Spaghetti Salisbury Steak Green Salad Mashed Potatoes & Garlic Bread Gravy Fresh Fruit, Assorted Green Beans Thursday Jan. 18 Green Salad Beef Enchiladas Rolls Rice & Beans Cupcakes Corn Tuesday Jan. 23 Carrot/Apple/Raisin BBQ Ribs Salad Mashed Potatoes & Cobbler Gravy Thursday Jan. 25 Green Beans Birthday Meal Coleslaw Beef Tri Tip Corn Bread Egg Noodles Fruit Crips Broccfoli Tuesday Jan. 30 Green Salad Ham Steaks Rolls Mashed Potatoes & Cake & Ice Cream Gravy Peas Lunch is $5 for Seniors 55 & Above; Rolls $6 for Adults 54 & Under Brownies All are Welcome! Take-Out Lunches and Catering Available. Call 481-3257 Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman
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North Morrow Times
January 5, 2024
Scholarship dinner auction honoring Barney Lindsay to benefit local graduating seniors
Heppner, Oregon – – The community of Heppner, Oregon, is set to gather at the GilliamBisbee Building on Saturday, January 27, for a heartfelt scholarship dinner auction in memory of Barney Lindsay, a local farmer and dedicated Morrow County School Board member. Doors will open at 5:00pm, with dinner scheduled to be served at 6:00pm. The highlight of the evening will be the live auction, commencing at 7:00pm, featuring an array of both live and silent auction items. Barney Lindsay, a prominent figure in the community, left a lasting impact through his contributions as a farmer and his commitment to education as a member of the Morrow County School Board. To honor his legacy and dedication to the community, the Lindsay family
is organizing this event to establish scholarships for graduating seniors in Irrigon, Boardman, Ione, and Heppner. The dinner, catered by Ashley Lindsay, promises to be a delightful experience for all attendees, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and support a worthy cause. All proceeds from the auction will go directly toward funding scholarships for deserving students in the aforementioned areas. Kim Lindsay, wife of Barney Lindsay, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received in organizing the scholarship dinner auction. "My children and I are dedicated to establishing a scholarship in Barney's name. Something he would be very pleased with. We're very appreciative of the help we have received in getting
this off the ground and we look forward to giving back to our community," said Kim Lindsay. The Lindsay family invites the entire community to join them in celebrating Barney Lindsay's legacy and contributing to the education of future leaders. Your attendance and support at the Gilliam-Bisbee Building on January 27 will help make a meaningful impact on the lives of local graduating seniors. Tickets are $40 each and a sponsors table, seating eight, is $500. Sponsors table includes preferred seating, dedicated servers and wine. Tickets offer you two drink chips and will be available starting January 2nd at Murray’s Drug in Heppner or by emailing kimbers97839@yahoo.com . For more information, please contact: Kimberly Lindsay
Local man missing since December 16 As of New Years Day, our Chance’ is still missing on the Columbia River, perhaps somewhere along the banks of Oregon or Washington shorelines. Chance’ was a veteran and he served time in Iraq. Upon his discharge, Chance’ sadly developed PTSD and struggled with major depression and anxiety. Late Saturday, December 16th, Chance’ stopped his car on the highest point of the Plymouth/ Umatilla Interstate 395 bridge, left the car door open, car running and jumped. Our family and his dear friends have been desperately searching day by day skimming the water with binoculars. We have only had one person able to search with a drone. The same person, Andrew, was able to ask his friend if he could fly his Cessna plane above the Columbia River. The pilot has only been able to fly three times due to foggy weather conditions. With the weather not cooperating (heavy fog), it’s been very difficult to locate Chance.’
Sadly, we have had little support from the Benton County Sheriffs Department. Lack of communication on whether they would or will make attempts to go out on the river with their Search and Rescue boats or possibly with divers has brought much disappointment to Chance’s mother and sister as so far. Chance’s car has already been identified sitting just barely on the Washington south side of the bridge by Washington State Patrol. Benton County Deputy Brian (not mentioning last name), stated to me at Plymouth State Park on Monday, December 18th, that “he was so sorry but no one from the Washington State Patrol office had notified Benton County Sheriff Department until mid-morning Monday, of the incident” and, had he “have known very early Sunday morning, he would have been searching much sooner.” Yet so far, ‘Search and Rescue’ boats, (all individuals on a volunteer basis), have only been out
searching three times in 15 days. Lack of communication from Benton County Sheriff Department to his mother Verna, or sister, Zshalie has been poor. One cannot begin to imagine what these two gals have been through so far? NOTE: There was absolutely no foul play involved, no drugs involved as Chance’ never indulged in any type of activity as such. He was struggling with PTSD. Please, we as his family and friends are asking: If any of you are fishing, duck hunting on or near the Columbia River, if you are walking the shoreline, please, scan the water and the shoreline for Chance’ Townsend in hopes and prayers that he is found very soon. Please, if Chance’ is found, call 911, or the Benton County Sheriff Department. Thank you so much for your assistance. Sincerely, we appreciate any help you can give us! Susie Payne (Aunt Susie, Verna, and Zshalie)