North Morrow Times, October, 2023

North Morrow

Volume XXXI Number 4 October 6, 2023 FREE MONTHLY PUBLICATION

Boardman, Oregon Lamb Weston facility celebrates 50 year anniversary

The Boardman, Oregon

Lamb Weston potato processing plant celebrated 50 years of operation on Wednesday, September 13. The company celebrated with a luncheon for team members and community partners.

The Boardman West facility opened in 1973 and is currently one of the largest employers in the Columbia Basin with approximately 500 potato experts working from the location. The team includes long-standing employees who have spent dedicated careers working at the site. More than 64 employees have been part of the team for more than 20 years, and the average tenure for all team members is 9 years.

“The cornerstone of our success is the commitment of our team members and growers to work safely and produce quality french fries that people around the world love to eat.” said Brian Jackson, plant manager at Lamb Weston. “I am proud to lead this team, knowing that we are a staple in the Boardman community; Our team members contribute to many local community groups including schools, 4-H clubs, youth sports, and other nonprofit organizations to contribute positively to making Boardman a great place to live and work.”

The Boardman West facility makes French fries and formed products such as hashbrowns and potato puffs that are sold to restaurants and retailers around the world.

About

Lamb Weston

Lamb Weston is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable

products to restaurants and re-

tailers around the world. For more than 70 years, Lamb Weston has led the industry in innovation, introducing inventive products that simplify back-of-house management for our customers and make things more delicious for their customers. From the fields where Lamb Weston potatoes are grown to proactive customer partnerships, Lamb Weston always strives for more and never settles. Because, when we look at a potato, we see possibilities. Learn more about us at lambweston.com.

A Boardman West team member signs a commemorative 50-year banner to be displayed inside the plant.

Photo by: Tonita Britt

Senior leaders gather for a photo during the celebration. (Left to right): Brian Jackson, Plant Manager; Tonita Britt, Manager Plant Human Resources II; Mike Smith, Chief Operating Officer; Mark Schuster, SVP Supply Chain, North America; Wayne Claver, VP Manufacturing; Justice Wolcott, VP Finance Global Supply Chain & Capital Management; Branden Lynes, SVP Finance. (Photo credit: Kim Fetrow)

2023 Funshine Open Sponsors

MORROW COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES

There are new faces and new office hours to serve our Veterans and their families

Stop by the office at 215 NE Main Avenue in Irrigon, Monday-Thursday 8 am-12 pm and 1-5 pm, or call for inquiries and appointments at 541-922-6420. Heppner appointments are available. Please call to schedule.

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

Day of the Deployed is remembered on October 26

City of Boardman adopts new urban renewal plan

At their September 5, 2023 meeting, the Boardman City Council approved the ordinance to form the North Urban Renewal District on the north side of Boardman which will go into effect in thirty (30) days on October 5, 2023.

The North Urban Renewal District consists of approximately 181 total acres,145.55 acres of land in tax lots and 35.55 acres of public rights-ofway. The primary purpose of the North Urban Renewal Plan is to address infrastructure deficiencies and provide economic development tools to promote

future development. The funding mechanism for Urban Renewal does not increase taxes to property owners, instead receives its revenue by how taxes are disbursed to other taxing districts. With the tax revenue the district would create, much of the funds would be spent on transportation needs such as improvements on NE Front Street, and an extension on NE Boardman Avenue to Olson Road. The plan also included new roadways connecting NE Columbia Avenue to NE Boardman Avenue and connecting NE 2nd Street to NE Columbia Avenue.

Boardman Planning Commission has a vacancy

The City of Boardman has a vacancy on the Planning Commission. The city is seeking interested parties who live within the Boardman City Limits or in the 97818 Zip Code to fill the seat, with a term ending December 31, 2025. The position will be appointed at the November 7, 2023 city council meeting with the first planning commission meeting scheduled for November 15, 2023.

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 con-

10 th Annual Morrow County Harvest Festival

coming October 7 th

Free community event at the SAGE Center celebrates local artisans, produce, and family fun

BOARDMAN, Ore. (September 28th, 2023) – We are looking forward to seeing you at the 10th Annual Morrow County Harvest Festival, Saturday October 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 101 Olson Road in Boardman, Oregon, presented by the SAGE Center.

ally grown potatoes, carrots, and organic onions.

sider land use and zoning matters presented by staff, such as plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and tentative subdivision projects. Meetings are generally the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm at Boardman City Hall and are open to the public. More information about the planning commission can be found at: http:// www.cityofboardman.com/pc/ page/planning-commission .

Interested parties should send a letter of interest to Planning Official Carla McLane at mclanec@cityofboardman.com or via mail to: Boardman City Hall, P.O. Box 229, Boardman, Oregon 97818.

Cooler weather means it’s fall!

The Morrow County Harvest Festival is exclusively outdoors and will feature a large variety of local vendors with high-quality, regionally produced agricultural goods and handmade artisan crafts. Attendees will see a different layout than in previous years as construction is well underway for the SAGE Center’s Expansion.

Returning this year, Threemile Canyon Farms will provide an opportunity for attendees to “fill-a-bag” full of locally grown produce at the 7th Annual ‘Harvest Bounty for Youth in Agriculture’. In exchange for a small donation to a local youth program, you pack a grocery bag full of tradition-

The “Kid’s Corner” will be in the grassy area where Boardman’s Community Christmas Tree is planted at the SAGE Center. The area showcases free youth activities for the public and involves partnerships with organizations like FFA, Boardman Parks and Recreation District, Umatilla National Forest and more. Favorite activities returning this year are the mule-drawn wagon rides, face painting, and pumpkin painting. New activities include flour sifting, butter making, and more. We encourage all participants to pick up their own Kid’s Corner Passport from any booth and turn it in for your opportunity to win the grand prize!

Be sure to enjoy coffee and food from one of our vendors, like Farm Grounds Coffee, Polynesian Grill, and Upper Place Concessions. The Morrow County Harvest Festival will

include live music by Dallin Puzey on the Boardman Chamber of Commerce stage. Dallin Puzey, a Hermiston native, writes and performs his own music in addition to playing a variety of familiar folk, country, rock, and pop songs. Puzey will be performing from 11:00am to 2:00pm. We are excited to welcome DJ Kora, a local Boardman DJ, who will also be performing throughout the day. For more information about the event, please visit the Morrow County Harvest Festival event page on Facebook, go to www.visitsage.com or call the SAGE Center at (541) 481-7243. 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.

Morrow County Livestock Growers foster success for youth livestock producers with a remarkable auction

Heppner, August – The Morrow County Livestock Growers Association is pleased to announce the resounding success of the Morrow County Youth Livestock Auction, which brought in a staggering $791,000 for local young livestock producers. This exceptional achievement includes $108,000 in generous add-on contributions, with an additional $20,000 contribution from Amazon Web Services.

The annual youth livestock auction, organized by the Morrow County Livestock Growers and the Morrow County Extension Office, took place on August 19, 2023, drawing a vibrant crowd of bidders, supporters, and community members to celebrate the remarkable efforts of 134 of our young livestock producers.

This year’s auction surpassed all expectations, with an impressive total of $791,000 in sales, a testament to the dedication and hard work of Morrow County’s youth involved in agriculture. The auction featured a diverse range of livestock, including cattle, sheep, swine, and goats, each meticulously raised and cared for by these young farmers.

The generosity of the local community shone brightly during the event, as $108,000 in add-on contributions poured in from businesses, organizations,

and individuals who recognized the importance of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. Livestock Growers is profoundly grateful for this outpouring of support. Furthermore, a generous grant from Willow Creek Valley Economic Development (WCVED), with assistance from Morrow County Grain Growers, Livestock Growers and Behlen, facilitated by 4H Leaders Jennifer Wilson and Kaycee Lathrop, allowed for the purchase of new hog, sheep and goat pens during fair.

The funds raised during this auction will be directly invested in the future of Morrow County’s agriculture industry, helping young producers with their educational expenses, animal care costs, and future agricultural endeavors. The Morrow County Livestock Growers Association takes pride in nurturing the growth and development of local youth in agriculture, and this auction serves as a shining example of their dedication to this cause.

Livestock Growers Treasurer, Mark Rietmann, expressed their gratitude, stating, “The success of this year’s auction is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our youth livestock pro-

ducers and the unwavering support of our community. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed, and we look forward to continuing our mission of empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

The Morrow County Livestock Growers Association extends a heartfelt thanks to the Bank of Eastern Oregon and especially Christy Correa for taking care of invoicing all buyers and getting monies to our youth in order to make our auction an unqualified success. Additionally, a hearty thank you to our volunteer veterinarians that helped during weigh ins; Dr. Shana Sallee, Hermiston Vet Clinic on the beef scales and Dr. Cari Wade, Wade Vet Clinic in Condon on the hog, sheep & goat scales. Dr. Ryan Wedam, Threemile Canyon Farms, was also around during fair week for questions and concerns. Together, we are building a brighter future for agriculture in Morrow County Livestock Growers will host their annual meeting in November. For more information, contact any board member; President, Kyle Robison, Vice President, Matt Clarke, Secretary, Erin Heideman, Treasurer, Mark Rietmann, Wes Killion, Steve Puntenney, Jason Scheonfelder, Eric Orem, Montee Evans, Bill Van Schoiak or Jamie Helfrecht.

Special thank you to my FAMILY for giving me one of the best days I could have imagined and always supporting me. It was overwhelming the number of friends and family that sent cards, well wishes and attended my Retirement/Birthday party. Thank you all.

I have loved my life in Boardman and the many friends I have made. I never gave more than I received. Volunteer.

Karen Pettigrew

Funtastic Kidz

Summer Rec Program

Boardman Park & Recreation District’s Summer Recreation Program lasted five weeks in June and July. Funtastic Kidz (ages 5 to 12) averaged 280 kids each day and Teen Summer (ages 12 to 17) averaged 40 kids throughout the program

Below is a response from Emily Roberts, Morrow County Health District.

MCHD refuses to be transparent with Morrow County taxpayers, while holding their hands out asking for MORE money.

I will be voting NO on MCHD Levy 25-97 Theresa Rehak, Boardman

Oregon Trail Library Boardman

F iction:

New Book List:

A Month of Doomsdays - William W. Johnstone

Dead Man’s Wake - Paul Doiron

Everything’s Fine: A Novel - Cecilia Rabess

Famous in a Small Town - Viola Shipman

Love, Theoretically - Ali Hazelwood

Masters of Death - Olivie Blake

Terrace Story: A Novel - Hilary Leichter

The Café at Beach End - RaeAnne Thayne

The Coldest Trail - Wayne D. Dundee

The Double Life of Benson Yu: A Novel - Kevin Chong

The English Experience - Julie Schumacher

The Last Sinner - Lisa Jackson

The Naked Tree - Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

The Paris Assignment - Rhys Bowen

Thornhedge - T. Kingfisher

Crafty Nights @ the Library will be Wednesday, October 11th at 6:00 pm in all three branches –reserve your spot by visiting our website or calling your local branch.Join in the October Reading Challenge on Beanstack – HallowRead! Go to your Beanstack account or visit our website to get registered and be entered to win a reading challenge prize!

Umatilla Electric receives Excellence in Communications Award

Hermiston, Ore. –Umatilla Electric Cooperative was awarded the Northwest Public Power Association’s (NWPPA) Overall Excellence in Communications Award on Sept. 20 during the organizations 30th Annual Northwest Innovations in Communications (NIC) Conference in Santa Rosa, Calif. This award is given to an organization that judges determine had the best overall communications effort in the prior year, regardless of size and type of utility (PUD, Municipality or Cooperative). This is UEC’s second time receiving the award,

and the first utility to win the award back-to-back.In addition to that award, UEC received five first place awards out of eight total categories judged at the conference. UEC received five first-place awards, an average score of 44.2 out of 50 points, and two perfect scores in the contest.

The awards include: First Place Annual Report, First Place External Newsletter (Ruralite Magazine), First Place Special Publication (Solar Bill Insert), First Place Internal Communications, and First Place Social Media.Nine marketing and communications professionals from throughout the Northwest volunteered their time to judge each entry.Earlier in the year, UEC was also honored with two First Place Gold awards by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Spotlight on Excellence Awards.

Li brary Hours

SundayClosed

MondayClosed

Tuesday10-6

Wednesday 10-6

Thursday10-6

Friday10-6

Saturday Closed

Community Focus

Community

Women’s Club of Irrigon and Boardman is pleased to announce another successful Funshine Open Charity Golf Tournament. On September 16, 2023, 13 teams gathered at the Marker 40 Golf Course for a sunny day of golf, lunch, awards and prizes. Captain Tyler Carroll, Levi Branson, and Dustin Osborne were the First place winners. Second place went to the Lamb Weston team consisting of captain Matt Kreitzer, Travis Hyder, Gary Fisher and Clint Nevills.

Boardman Foods team of captain Armando Nunez, Natalie Nunez, Savannah Phillips and Debbie Radie took Third Place.

A special Golfer’s drawing produced winners John Bowles, Pendleton Blanket donated by Judy and Rob Brown and Greg McCarter, handmade quilt designed by CWC member, Cheryl Hobbs. Thanks to our golfers, hole sponsors, and donors for helping us to have another successful fundraiser.

Boardman Senior Center October Menu

Tuesday Oct. 3

Au Gratin Potatoes with ham

Brussel Sprouts

Green Salad

Fruit Crisp

Tuesday Oct. 10

Chili

Baked Potatoes

Green Salad

Cornbread Cookies

Tuesday Oct. 17

Tater Tot Casserole

Green Beans

Garlic Bread

Cottage Cheese Jello

Dessert

Tuesday Oct. 24

Shepherd’s Pie

Green Salad

Rolls

Bread Pudding

Oct. 31

Goulash

Squash

Garlic Bread

Green Salad

Vampire Donuts

Thursday Oct. 5

Spaghetti Broccoli

Green Salad

Garlic Bread

Brownies

Thursday Oct. 12

Polish Sausage w/

Sauerkraut

Potato Salad

Veggie Tray

Banana Pudding w/

Nilla Wafers

Thursday Oct. 19

Clam Chowder

Assorted Crackers

Green Salad

Rice Krispie Treats

Thursday Oct. 26

Birthday Meal

Chicken Gnocci Soup

Garlic Bread

Cake & Ice Cream

Boardman Community Church

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 Breakfast

Saturday October 7th

Hash Browns, Eggs, Pancakes, Ham, Sausage, Pancakes Biscuits & Gravy, Coffee/Juice/Milk

Banner Bank’s annual food drive focuses on feeding local families

(Boardman, Oregon.) Hunger is a very real issue in every community across the nation—including right here in Boardman —that’s why Banner Bank is hosting our annual food drive to gather food donations and cash donations throughout the month of October for the Boardman Food Pantry.

Our drive focuses on raising funds and goods to support local food banks and food assistance organizations that are helping those in need. In fact, all across our footprint, our teams are accepting donations to feed local families by asking our clients and the communities to join with us to donate food or cash at every branch. In Boardman, donations can be made at the branch: 204 N Main St. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Fall months can be especially challenging for families already struggling to make ends meet, that is why we are hosting our annual bank-wide food drive through October 30,” said Brenda Ortiz, Boardman Branch Manager. “We invite our clients and the community to join with us to give and 100 percent of what is donated will be passed along to the Boardman Food Pantry to feed local families.”

Located at 314 Locust Road, the Boardman Food Pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays. To find out more about this worthwhile charity and how to assist them, please call (541) 219-9535.

Fair & Rodeo thanks sponsors:

The two major gate sponsors were Lamb Weston and Watt Construction. They donated a large amount of funds and product. We also had multiple companies that donated to the fair as a Sponsor. These include the Bank of Eastern Oregon, Roger’s Toyota, Boardman Foods, Columbia River Technology (Tillamook) Umatilla Electric, Heppner Market Fresh, Morrow County Grain Growers and Pine Gate Renewables. We also had smaller but very nice donations from Community Counseling Solutions, D and B Supply, Pioneer Therapy Services and Wild Horse . Some companies donate product, equipment or expertise as well. They include Pacific Ag. Boardman Wood Chip Co. MCGG, Lamb Weston RDO Equipment, Three Mile Canyon Farms, Beef Northwest, Silver Creek and the Bank of Eastern Oregon. I would like to thank them for their generosity and commitment to our youth. A special thank you to open class and livestock superintendents who donate long hours to help with keeping the fair running. Without them we could not manage all the departments. Thank You, Sue Gibbs, Morrow Co. Fair