North Morrow
Volume XXVIIII Number 2
August 5, 2022
TIMES
FREE MONTHLY PUBLICATION
Park wraps up summer camps for Boardman and Irrigon youth
Boardman Park & Recre- on July, 26th as a fun way to ation District’s Summer pro- wrap up the end of the program. gram Funtastic Kidz had over 300 participants during the 5week program, including about 30 Irrigon kids who had their summer camp paid by Oregon Community Summer Grant program. Some of the favorite activities included making slime and bracelets, tie-dye, crafting clay sculptures, collecting feathers and leaves for framing in nature suncatchers, and balancing on the slackline. The kids especially loved playing poison ball this summer as well as splashing around on water days. Boardman fire fighters and Boardman police of- Arts and crafts time brings out the smiles! ficers made appearances as well as weekly visits from the local library for story (Photo top right) These kids really got into their painting! (photo above time. The Morrow County right) the teens enjoyed Red Dot for all the games they could play. School District and staff at Sam (Photo below) hot summer days meant the Funtastic Kidz could enjoy Boardman elementary provided several “water days” using the park’s water toys. lunches each day and a delicious BBQ on the last day. We would like to thank all the people and organizations that helped support this year's Funtastic Kidz and Teen Summer. Teen Summer had over 65 participants during the program, with three teens from Irrigon participating. Stand Up Paddle boarding, swimming at the pool, and hanging out with friends were among some favorite activities. Everyone had a great time while bowling at Desert Lanes, and battling it out in epic paintball and Laser Tag matches at Red Dot. Teens went adventuring to Silverwood
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August 5, 2022
Little Libraries sprout about town An Eagle Scout project for Nathan Booher will benefit many in the Boardman community. He built Little Libraries and placed them about town. He says he chose the project because of his love of reading! The little libraries are at the food bank, the city annex building, the trailer park by the food truck pod and the trailer park on Paul Smith Road. Nathan would like to thank the generous donations from Boardman Ace Hardware, Greg Jones, DDS, Dave Hendricks, the Brandon Hammond family, Atrayu Corpus and Joyce Dye.
Photo Above (L-R) Brycen Jones, Cameron Jones, Jaxon Rogers, Nate Graham and Nathan Booher placed this Little Library near the City Annex. Photo Left: (L-R) Jaxon Rogers, Nathan Booher, Cameron Jones and Brycen Jones erected the Little Library near the Boardman Food Pantry.
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
On the Web:http://issuu.com/northmorrowtimes 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 Monday of each month.
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August 5, 2022
Where are the volunteers?
Reminder: As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to dump out standing water every 3 days! Mosquitoes only need as little as 1/4 inch of water to lay their eggs!
Stop Biting Mosquitoes! Call North Morrow Vector Control District at 481-6082 http://nmvcdmosquito.org Like us on Facebook!
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For those who have asked what our editorial policy is at The North Morrow Times, we responded that we don’t write editorials. Hardly ever. We’ve written a couple of editorials in the past about conditions near and dear to our hearts. Prepare yourself: the following is an editorial! Where have all our volunteers gone? Oh, there is a smattering of volunteerism left in our community; this edition of the North Morrow Times has an article about some kids erecting new Little Libraries in Boardman, some for credit towards a Boy Scout Eagle badge, some kids doing it just to be nice. Thank you! There are some adults who have volunteered to serve on local budget committees, local councils, boards and as coaches for kids’ teams; some of these volunteers are being castigated for their “positions”. There is a meanness of spirit in some of the negativity about these volunteers that is unwarranted. No wonder many jobs and tasks that need those volunteers go unfilled! Who wants to be criti-
cized so harshly when you’re just trying to do something nice? The other day I was visiting with a friend about the lack of volunteers and she told me a funny (sad) story. It seems she was tired of seeing the rubbish along Boardman’s Main Street, so she donned her work clothes,
grabbed a garbage sack and proceeded to pick up trash. A lady friend of hers stopped to visit, and asked “What were you charged with?” It’s a good thing my friend has a wonderful sense of humor! The only people picking up rubbish in Boardman the lady had seen in the past were those sentenced to community service by the law! They had a good, shared laugh over this circumstance! Did you know that July was named “Clean Up Boardman” month? With free vouchers for disposal of trash at the local transfer station, thanks to the
City of Boardman? How many volunteers have you seen cleaning up Boardman this month? I did see some City employees cleaning up fireworks rubbish on July 5th, but no volunteers at all! We recently attended a memorial service in honor of Ed Glenn. Now he was a volunteer! We’ll never know the depth of service he participated in for Boardman. Did you know he volunteered to be the director of Riverside High School’s student musical plays? More than once! And served on untold boards of directors, budget committees, unnamed gatherings of like minded citizens. He also had no problem picking up the telephone to share his thoughts on a subject even if he wasn’t officially “involved”. Not everyone agreed with his opinion, but he always wanted what is best for his community, Boardman. Have any of you ever contacted the City, Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce, Health Clinic, Boardman Marina, Columbia Little League, the schools to ask if they have any tasks that volunteers could tackle?
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U.S. Senate advances $1 million for Irrigon Business Incubator Irrigon, OR – The City of Irrigon is positioned to receive $1,000,000 for a Business Incubator facility thanks to a provision secured by Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in annual spending legislation introduced in the Senate on Thursday. If signed into law, the bill would direct funding to Irrigon to construct a new facility that would meet area business needs with space for startups and growth of local businesses. Once complete, the Business Opportunity Incubator building would provide a well-maintained facility that can efficiently accommodate multiple use types, including distribution, manufacturing, and warehousing to meet the needs of the region. With an estimated available space of 10,000 square feet, the building would allow a variety of small size spaces, with flexibility to accommodate specific business needs within the interior, including office space and restrooms. “Irrigon is very excited about this funding,” said Irrigon City Manager Aaron Palmquist. “This grant brings opportunities for sustainable growth in
our community and our region. The incubator development project will help entrepreneurs take that first big step toward launching their own business.” Funding would address a longstanding need for economic development in Irrigon. Cur-
$1,000,000 !!! A million! rently, Irrigon has limited locations for small businesses to start-up, which restrains economic development, particularly for disadvantaged populations. The new facility would serve small to medium sized businesses with a focus on enhancing opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBE) and low-income populations. The project represents a partnership between the City of Irrigon and the Port of Morrow, which will provide additional funding to complete the project. “The City of Irrigon is grateful to the Port of Morrow for their
generous financial and staff support for this project,” noted Palmquist. “The project fits hand and glove with the current business developments happening in our community”. “The Port is proud to partner with Irrigon on this initiative, which will support new and emerging businesses with the space and opportunity they need to succeed,” said Lisa Mittelsdorf, Executive Director of the Port of Morrow. “This facility will be particularly effective in creating opportunities for minority and low-income individuals in our community that need it most. We greatly appreciate Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden’s work to secure this provision.” Funding was included as a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) provision within annual government funding legislation introduced by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate legislation will still need to be reconciled with proposals from the House of Representatives as part of negotiations to finalize a bicameral, bipartisan agreement. Final legislation is expected later this year.
Eastern Oregon Veterans Benefit Fair La Grande Armory Conference Center 404 S 12th St La Grande OR Friday 8-12-2022 9am-3pm .
Other Eastern Oregon VSOs will be participating also Resources available: Health Care enrollment, Education, Claims assistance, VA Home Loan, Long Term Care, Mental Health, Business & Recreation. Lunch provided Hosted by Union County Veterans Services For more information contact 541-962-8842 Or Morrow County Veterans Services 541-922-6420
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Bank of Eastern Oregon collects school supplies Heppner, OR (July 11, 2022). Bank of Eastern Oregon is collecting school supplies for local elementary students at its Oregon branches. These supplies will be distributed to local schools in August. “If you would like to help, please drop your school supply donations at any branch of Bank of Eastern Oregon,” says Becky Kindle, Chief Operating Officer. Each branch will feature a drawing for several backpacks filled with supplies for a local student. Community members with a grade school student are encouraged to stop in and fill out a ticket You do not have to be a Bank of Eastern Oregon customer to donate supplies or enter the drawing and no purchase is necessary. BEO branches in Oregon are located in Arlington, Athena, Boardman, Burns, Condon, Enterprise, Fossil, Heppner, Hermiston, Ione, Irrigon, John Day, La Grande, Moro, and Prairie City. About BEO Bancorp BEO Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of Eastern Oregon. It operates 20 branches and four loan production offices in 11 eastern Oregon and four eastern Washington counties, and one western Idaho county. Branches are located in Arlington, Ione, Heppner, Condon, Irrigon, Boardman, Burns, John Day, Prairie City, Fossil, Moro, Enterprise, Athena, Hermiston, and La Grande, OR; and Colfax, Dayton, LaCrosse, Pasco, and Pomeroy WA; loan production offices are located in Ontario, Pendleton, and Madras, OR, and Caldwell, ID. Bank of Eastern Oregon also operates a mortgage division and operates the Washington locations under the name of Bank of Eastern Washington. The bank’s website is www.beobank.com.
The First Baptist Church has an update on the funds raised at the Chili Cookoff at the marina on July 4th. A big thanks to Theresa Hartman for running the event this year. She did a terrific job! She worked hard to make the event fun and to have great judges and prizes. After expenses and prizes, we brought in $332 to add to our church Outreach Fund. This fund helps people in need in our community. Thank you to those who entered and to those who came by to taste test. We appreciate our community!
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Oregon Senators secure funding for Morrow & Umatilla nitrate problems Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today funding they have secured that will go to Morrow County and Umatilla County to help with the nitrate contamination in rural domestic well drinking water. The congressional direct spending allocation will be used to test wells and to study longer term solutions and options for rural residents who rely on individual wells for their drinking water. “This federal funding will help Morrow County move beyond the short-term nitrate emergency and help us work towards longer term solutions. The Senators support during the nitrate emergency has been so valuable. This new source of significant funding will allow Morrow County to develop a standardized data and testing program to monitor rural wells and also study long term solutions to clean drinking water for rural residents. I appreciate the collaboration with our Umatilla County Commissioners and look forward to working together” said Morrow County Commissioner Melissa Lindsay. Commissioner Lindsay and Commissioner Dorran of Umatilla County worked with a staff of individuals from both Counties to make the request of federal dollars. This is welcomed support,”
said Morrow County Commission Chair Jim Doherty, who, in consort with staff, has spent countless hours over the past few months directly involved in the emergency efforts to test water in households and provide them with clean drinking water. However, according to Commissioner Doherty, “Morrow County will continue to vigilantly push the State of Oregon for long-term, permanent support to remedy the negative health effects of high nitrate levels in rural domestic wells.” Since the Emergency Declaration we are finally receiving attention and resources from state agencies. The Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA) has been in place for almost 40 years and not until the declaration have we had support from the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.” Morrow and Umatilla County have participated in the LUBGWMA volunteer committee since 1990 when the state declared the area due to high levels of nitrates. The LUBGWMA committee is currently in the process of implementing the Second Action Plan, designed to reduce nitrate contamination from a number of sources, septic systems, fer-
tilizer, land application of waste water, washout from the Umatilla Army Depot and feedlots. Funding for the LUBGWMA was been almost non-existent over the years, primarily in the form of a part time employee to test a small sample of wells. In addition to the LUBGWMA committee Umatilla and Morrow County, together with help from stakeholders, were able to secure direct legislative funding to more scientifically study the source of nitrate contamination. Known as the LUBGWMA Subcommittee, the bi-county effort will soon have an OSU scientist working on a study of historical data. “Commissioner Lindsay has advocated tirelessly for the research and has been actively involved in the Subcommittee efforts,” said Chair Doherty. “We are getting closer to where we need to be to address the short term and long-term groundwater problems. Our immediate priority is public health and ensuring rural residents have clean, safe, potable water. We remain vigilant however, in our commitment to study the sources of pollution and to seek long term remedies. We sincerely appreciate the support of Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley and their staff.”
Hope everyone is enjoying the summer! Come see me for your Home and Auto Insurance needs!
Agent Orange Awareness Day Veterans who served in Vietnam, Brown Water Navy, Blue Water Navy to include those stationed on ships off the coast of Vietnam during the conflict, Thailand military bases, Korean Demilitarized Zone Currently, the following conditions are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange. Qualifying veterans may receive service connected benefits • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AL Amyloidosis Chronic B-cell Leukemias Chloracne Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Hodgkin’s Disease Ischemic Heart Disease Multiple Myeloma Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Parkinson’s Disease Peripheral Neuropathy, Early Onset Porphyria Cutanea Tarda ] Prostate Cancer Respiratory Cancers (bronchus, larynx , lung cancer, trachea) Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Call Morrow County Veterans Services today! 541-922-6420
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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.
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August 5, 2022
Irrigon Boardman Emergency Assistance Center 290 NE Main Street Irrigon, OR 97844
NOW OPEN Thursday evenings from 5-7pm Also, Tuesday 9-12 & 1-3 We hope this will better serve our community needs. Drop in and see how we can help, or call 541-922-4563
You are cordially invited to join us for a great day of golfing, raffles, 1st,2nd and 3rd prizes, lunch and fun. We hope that you will join us on September 17, 2022. This is our major fundraiser which supports our scholarships to Irrigon and Boardman High School graduates as well as our other community service projects. Community Women’s Club of Irrigon & Boardman
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August 5, 2022
Morrow County Extension and Oregon Wheat Growers League host tour South Morrow County- Morrow County Extension and Oregon Wheat Growers League hosted a crop tour and dinner on June 16th. The tour started at Proudfoot Ranches, worked its way through several grower cooperators ending at Keith Morters and culminating with dinner at the Ione City Park. Larry Lutcher, crop specialist for OSU Extension in Morrow County, said that he was very appreciative of the support and cooperation local producers have with Extension. “I would really like to thank Proudfoot Ranches, Keith Morter Farms, Dick Snyder, Snow-McElligott Farm and Ashley & Adam McCabe for working with me this year. The opportunity to work together really help propel our county agriculture forward.”
Local wheat growers, beginning and experienced, revel in the opportunity to learn about the results of research completed by OSU Extension in Morrow County. “Larry is outstanding in his field,” said Morrow County Wheat Grower President, Erin Heideman. “His ability to coordinate growers and complete research that is relevant to our needs and growth as farmers is such an asset to our county.” Wheat League and Extension would like to extend a special thank you to the Bank of Eastern Oregon for BBQing for the group, John Wambeke & Friends for providing musical entertainment, Ione Rural Fire Department for the use of their chairs and tables and the City of Ione for being able to use the park. “It was so nice to be able to get together as growers, something we haven’t done in two years,” said Heideman. If you would like to become a member of the Oregon Wheat Growers League, information can be found at www.owgl.org or by calling the League office at 541-2782551.
Above: Local farmers and OSU Extension faculty tour south Morrow County evaluating grain varieties and input applications options during the OSU Extension and Oregon Wheat Growers League annual crop tour on June 16. Right: The annual OSU Extension and Oregon Wheat Growers League Morrow County Crop Tour, ended with dinner in the Ione City Park. The event saw 75 growers and their families attend.
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Boardman Kiwanis place tree in memory of Ryan Neal The Kiwanis Club of Boardman recently placed a plaque and tree near the Port of Morrow’s Riverfront Center. Ryan had been a member of Kiwanis Club of Boardman for many years, chairing the Halloween Party at the school for a couple of years and was always willing to help with other club functions. Bryan, the Port of Morrow landscaper planted the tree and placed the plaque nearby
in Ryan’s honor. “The spot chosen for planting the tree was fitting, since when Ryan and Sonja were married at Riverfront Center, a tree in that very spot had to be removed for a large ceremony tent,” said Joe Taylor, charter member and past president of Kiwanis of Boardman. This honor was one of the final acts for Kiwanis Club of Boardman, which has now been disbanded.
August 5, 2022
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August 5, 2022
First Baptist Church thankful for collected food items On July 29th, the 1st Baptist Church finished a wonderful week of VBS (Vacation Bible School) at the First Baptist Church. We are working on a slideshow to share with you. The kids had a mission project all week - to bring items for the Boardman Food Pantry (food and toiletries). We also had some food items donated to us by local businesses for dinner that was served each night. We will be giving some of those items to the pantry as well, because of an abundance. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped out! What a blessing. Andy Cemore at Columbia River Pharmacy - is continuing to collect additional items for the pantry so if you have something to give, please stop by! The Pharmacy team will gladly accept your donations and we'll get them to the pantry soon. Thank you, Community!
Pirate FC will be holding a fundraiser yard sale August 12th -14th for our new scholarship program. The yardsale will be across from the Sunrise Cafe, Cafe Cultura and Sinclair gas. There will be no fall season due to our Director’s concussion so we do apologize for that. Drop off donations will be accepted during the yardsale.
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Another Little Library appears
You’ll find another new Little Library at 316 SW Kinkade, Boardman, thanks to Paola and Alberto Porras. They built and erected this Little Library just because of their love of reading. Thank you!
Oregon Trail Library Boardman New Book List:
Fiction: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel – Kim Michele Richardson Dead Man’s Hand – David Nix Drop Dead Gorgeous: A Novel – Rachel Gibson The Ex-Husband – Karen Hamilton Fevered Star – Rebecca Roanhorse Map of the Heart – Susan Wiggs The Paris Showroom – Juliet Blackwell Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel – Shelby Van Pelt Shadows Reel – C.J Box The Summer Place – Jennifer Weiner Targeted – Stephen Hunter Taylor Callahan, Circuit Rider – William W. Johnstone Audio Book: The Anxiety Healer’s Guide: Coping Strategies and Mindfulness Techniques to Calm the Mind and Body – Alison Seponara Armored – Mark Greaney Escape – James Patterson Library Hours Sunday Closed The German Wife – Kelly Rimmer Monday Closed The Hidden One – Linda Castillo I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Mary Higgins Clark Tuesday 10-6 Wednesday 10-6 Learning to Talk: Stories – Hilary Mantel Thursday10-6 Listen to Me: A Novel – Tess Gerritsen Friday 10-6 Local Gone Missing – Fiona Barton Saturday Closed Movieland – Lee Goldberg
Summer Reading 2022 is off to a great start! Visit your local branch and our website for Page Turner’s Ocean Adventures, storywalks, crafts, and reading challenges at Camp Iread! Get your official OTLD tags at your local branch and join this year’s Library Road Trip. Check out the map on our website and collect tags from Morrow and Umatilla counties’ participating libraries during your Summer travels! Crafty Night @ the Library is on Wednesday, August 10 at 6:00 pm. Heppner will have Take & Make kits available. Register on our website to reserve your spot: www.otld.org
August 5, 2022
EOU Board of Trustees to hold annual retreat in Boardman LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University’s board of trustees will hold their 2022 annual retreat in Boardman, Oregon. The meetings planned for Aug. 8-9 will include engagement with area and regional business leaders, local representatives and regional stakeholders to discuss EOU’s role in business, industry and education in the area. On Monday, Aug. 8, trustees will host a public reception from 5-6:30 p.m. in the SAGE Center Gallery. The public is encouraged to attend the reception and share their EOU stories and hear comments from President Tom Insko and Board Chair Richard Chaves “The board of trustees intentionally holds its retreat in different locations to better understand the regions EOU serves,” Tim Seydel, Vice President of University Advancement said. “This is a great opportunity for community members, alumni and friends to meet with trustees and the president and hear about what we are doing, and for EOU to learn more about
the needs of the area.” During the retreat, the board also plans to host panels on economic development and education and conduct regular business. A full agenda will be made available in early August. To learn more about EOU’s Board of Trustees, visit eou.edu/ governance/. Prepare for the world beyond college with Eastern Oregon University’s high-quality liberal
Boardman Pool Schedule
arts and professional programs. Classes are available when and where you need them – at our main campus in La Grande, online almost anywhere in the world or onsite at our centers across the state. Educational, cultural and economic growth is important to our region, state and nation. That’s why we are committed to providing a personal, student-centered experience in all that we do. Visit eou.edu for more information.
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Letters to the Editor To the Editor: When it comes to emergency medical services in Morrow County, Details and Facts Matter This letter is in response to the anonymous letter published in the July issue of the North Morrow Times, which by the way was rejected by the East Oregonian and Heppner Gazette Times because the writers hid behind the title “Morrow County first responders” and did not list their names. Those of us in local health care recall activities similar to these in the form of the past CEO of Columbia River Health, Seth Whitmer. His tactics were very similar to the ones being used in the current emergency medical services situation by Boardman Fire Rescue District (BFRD) Chief Michael Hughes and the BFRD board of directors. Divide and conquer until they get what they want, no matter the costs. I counter, however, that the county and the region is bigger than just what Hughes, the BFRD board and the anonymous writers consider and care for. All parts of the region’s health care are important to the locals who live and work here. I am speaking as only one board member of the Morrow County Health District (MCHD) and as an owner of a growing local business in Boardman serving north Morrow, north Gilliam and north Umatilla counties. People should know more about this current emergency medical services situation than they are being fed. Transparency and facts matter. About two years ago, Michael Hughes approached the MCHD with the idea of taking over all of north Morrow County EMS services. Later, that proposal was modified to partnering with MCHD for service to Boardman only. Many conversations occurred over the past two years; ultimately, the MCHD board voted 5-0 to decline this partnership. Here’s why I voted against it: · Hughes stated he needed EMS personnel so that he could add staff and thus gain firefighters in case of a catastrophic fire. Who is supposed
to staff the ambulances if all of them are fighting fire? · Who looks after the well-being of the fire crew and casualties if all are engaged in firefighting? · This proposal was unnecessary also because mutual aid still exists between cities. Should the need arise, firefighting help for large fires would still be available. When it appeared that MCHD would not give BFRD all of north Morrow County, Hughes attempted to take it at the county level by carving up the Ambulance Service Area and the funding for it from MCHD’s operating levy. He claimed it was legal to remove the funding from the MCHD budget, when in fact it very much is not. When asked for his written plan to provide services for his proposed ASA, he actually presented the MCHD’s paperwork (plan), not his own, with the comment that “the rest of the county can stay the same.” I disagreed with his actions that day, especially his cutting loose the rest of the county, and concluded that everything he says must be questioned. Hughes was also asked how he was going to financially support EMS services, a question that still stands to this day. He still has not explained his funding sources and billing mechanisms. You might want to ask him and his board about this if you are a city of Boardman taxpayer. What does everyone think of BFRD’s request for contributions to make up the difference in funding between the new fire hall levy and the currently increased building costs? How does an additional $500,000 for two new ambulances and staffing fit into the budget when they are short on funds already? A public records request was made to BFRD for this information but has not been fulfilled, nor have minutes from recent BFRD board meetings been posted to their website. Why not? The straw that broke my camel’s back about voting to turn over MCHD staff to Chief Hughes’ supervision came when we began to see information about EMS patient runs showing up in public meetings and on social media from BFRD’s
employees. According to Oregon Administrative Rule 333-265-0083(1), the law that specifically governs EMS, it is contrary to the recognized standards of ethics for an EMS provider to “knowingly and willfully violate a patient’s privacy or confidentiality by releasing information to persons not directly involved in the care or treatment of the patient.” This rule is even more stringent than federal rules and is meant to protect your confidentiality. Shouldn’t an EMS provider with years of experience know this? Shouldn’t the leader of EMS services know the laws he is supposed to lead by? My only conclusion was that he and his board were either ignorant of the services they were trying to sell to the public or they felt it was more important to politically leverage it for their gain than to protect the patients they serve. Either was unacceptable to me. I have no regrets about voting no on Hughes’ proposal. Also, I did not and do not say “never” when it comes to possibly working together in the future. That’s not how I was taught to look to the future. I do insist on competent and knowledgeable leadership though before doing so. Which is why now is an appropriate time to thank MCHD CEO Emily Roberts for her competent, ethical, legal and transparent leadership. Lastly, I will totally own Murray’s pharmacy service to the MCHD for the past 40+ years (not 20, facts matter) and the wages our pharmacists have earned from their dedicated service to patients. Murray’s pharmacy also pays fair market rent on the space leased at MCHD’s Boardman Building. Fact and details do matter, more than emotions and rumors. Take the time to learn the real facts of this situation and consider both sides. John Murray, RPh Owner, Murray’s Drug An Open Letter to the Public Due to the ongoing confusion about the current situation, we are sharing this statement with media and concerned Morrow
County residents. Morrow County Health District is the designated ambulance service provider for all of Morrow County and has been providing these services for over 27 years. Morrow County Health District has requested that the EMS Advisory Committee enforce the Morrow County Ambulance Service Area Plan with respect to how Boardman Fire Rescue District is dispatched. Currently, BFRD is engaging in a practice known as call jumping, where multiple providers respond to a single incident. In Oregon, call jumping is illegal. The state of Oregon has determined that this practice presents risks to the public and patients that do not outweigh the benefits of that action. These concerns were cited in the Determination order prepared by the EMS Advisory Committee and MCHD in March 2022. Actions taken by MCHD and the EMS Advisory Committee are undertaken for the sole purpose of ensuring emergency resources are efficiently and appropriately regulated in an effort to ensure community safety. MCHD has made no requests involving Boardman Police Department. Boardman Police Department has never been a party to the ongoing dispatch issues. MCHD has made many attempts to resolve this issue and develop a partnership with BFRD to enhance EMS services. Those attempts have not been successful. At this point, due to the continued public safety risk, MCHD is following the legal process outlined in the ASA Plan as we constructively work toward a reasonable, community-based resolution. Boardman Fire Rescue District is very good at what they do, and we are beyond grateful for their firefighting services. MCHD’s EMS first responders are also very skilled at what they do and have been saving lives in our communities for 27 years. Changing the way emergency medical services are deployed in Morrow County does not make sense. Not when there is already a system in place that is safe, effective, efficient and proven to save lives
MCHD appreciates community feedback and inquiries. Questions and comments can be sent to community@mocohd.org. More information about MCHD’s EMS services is available at h t t p s : / / www.morrowcountyhealthdistrict.org/ emergency-medical-services. To whom it may concern: On the evening of July 6 my husband was on our roof trimming a branch off a tree. While doing so he lost his balance and fell off our roof. Thank God I was home and found him right away, he was unresponsive. I immediatly dialed 911 and shortly after our local Boardman fire fighters, police officers and ambulance arrived. Due to the fall Josh broke all his left ribs, punctured his left lung, was bleeding internally, hurt his neck, back, broke the bone under both eyes and his brain was bleeding on both sides, and he had major wounds on his head and ear. Immediately the MTS and fire department worked together to stabilize him. kept him breathing and transported him to the nearby soccer field to be life flighted. If it weren’t for the local services here in Boardman working together to save my husband’s life he would no longer be here. Their quick response, knowledge and team work has a lot to do with Josh still being alive. If the fire department wasn’t present on the day to help, assist and then help transfer my husband to the ambulance I don’t think he would have survived. Boardman needs the fire department to be able to assist and be present when there is a EMS call. I am concerned that if that is no longer an option we are going to loose many lives when there is an emergency like the one we had on July 6. I can’t even put into words how grateful and thankful I am for our local fire department, police department and MTS being present on that horrific day. Thanks to them all I still have my husband and my children still have their father. Rocio Macias, Josh Koertje Boardman
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Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Michael Hughes, BFRD fire chief stated soon after being hired “BFRD does not want to take over EMS services in Boardman.” (MCHD public record, 11/9/20). A few months later Michael Hughes revealed a different agenda to the MCHD (Morrow County Health District) “to split the County into two ASA’s with BFRD taking the BoardmanIrrigon area.” (MCHD, 2/24/21) The MCHD Board of Directors has attempted to work with Boardman Fire Chief Hughes since then to “resolve this issue and develop a partnership with BRFD to enhance EMS service” (Hermiston Herald, (H.H.) 7/ 27/22) however those efforts have not been successful. The MCHD continues to work “toward a reasonable, communitybased resolution.” (Hermiston Herald, 7/27/22) however according to MCHD, Fire Chief Hughes “is not looking to partner with the health district but instead take it over and the funding that goes with it.” (H.H, 7/27/22) The Morrow County public are caught in the middle of this manure storm. Is MCHD correct in its position to have “shot down Hughes request because of the ‘over riding reasons’ for the request was about funding rather than public safety.” (H.H. 7/27/22). Has Boardman Fire Chief Hughes sincerely worked with MCHD to find a solution to a political battle that threatens to irreconcilably divide our county? Oregon Public Records of official board meetings and other correspondence reveal consistent evidence Chief Hughes never intended to work for a partnership with MCHD from the get-go. “Chief Hughes indicated he had artificially inflated the payment rates he requested in order to ‘sting’ to force MCHD to agree to his partnership plan.” (MCHD 9/1/ 21) The MCHD reached out to BFRD regarding “deteriorating relationship…no response received.” (MCHD 9/27/21) BFRD Chief Hughes revealed why there was no response: “Currently the Fire District (BFRD) is not interested in having a contractual agreement with the Health District.” (MCHD 1/
20/22) Presently Hughes Boardman Fire Department is “engaging in a practice known as call jumping, where multiple providers respond to single accident.” (H.H. 7/27/22) Call jumping is illegal in Oregon because it puts the public and patients at risk. Fire Chief Hughes is one of the prime instigators of a recall petition to remove two County Commissioners that oppose his plan. Hughes advocated for this recall using his public office, on public time, on public payroll, in violation of ORS 260.432 at a meeting in Heppner June 30, 22. If you attended a recent EMS (Emergency Medical Service) meeting July 20, 22 in Heppner you would be led to believe it has been the MCHD that is the stumbling block by being “stubborn…I don’t get the conflict…Get over it…make the best service possible” (Boardman Mayor Paul Keefer) (Gazette Times, 7/20/22). At the present time MCHD is the “ambulance service provider for all of Morrow County and Boardman has been ignoring that.” (H.H. 7/27/22). In fact, BFRD has purchased three new ambulances that they have no license to operate. Who paid for these ambulances? Veteran Morrow County Paramedic Del Turner urged the MCHD to allow the BFRD to operate these ambulances stating there would consequences if denied. “Simply put any agency trying to stop a highly respected fire department from serving its community will embolden and polarize the voters to a degree of anger that will simply not be good outcome for the MCHD.” (G.T. 7/20/22) I applaud Del Turner and fellow EMT’s for their life saving commitment to our county and country. Nevertheless, it should grieve all Morrow County citizens that this battle rages on with no end in sight and the true motives have been hidden from the public. Boardman Fire Chief Hughes in consult with Commissioner Don Russell has violated multiple Oregon State statutes in fostering enmity and division in our County. Commissioner Don Russell has worked behind the back of fellow County Commissioners
with Fire Chief Hughes in an attempt to obtain an ambulance license from the Oregon Health Authority to operate ambulances the BRFD has already purchased. Russell sent a letter of verification of need to the Oregon Health Authority claiming, “the County does not have an adopted ASA (Ambulance Service Area) Plan at this time.” (Letter from Commissioner Don Russell to Oregon Health Authority, June 27. 22) Russell knew full well the Morrow County Commissioners “unanimously adopted the ASA Plan on April 28, 21.” ( MCBOC, 4/ 28/21) Fire Chief Hughes signed a notarized statement he full well knew was not truthful: “I certify that there has been no attempt to knowingly and willingly falsify, conceal or omit material fact…for the purpose of obtaining or attempting to obtain an ambulance service license.” (Notarized June 1, 22 Krista Anna Price) In the old days County Judges like Paul Jones, Oscar Peterson, Louis Carlson would have put this fire out before it started. Business and civic leaders like Dewey West, Howard Bryant, Cliff Green, Glen Ward, Larry Mills would have separated the truth from the subterfuge. Sheriff Clarence Bauman would have discerned this political manure storm from the get go and put an end to the dangerous and illegal practice of ‘call jumping.’ These true fathers of Morrow County are gone. Will our heritage and integrity of public office go with them? “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Stuart Dick, Irrigon Note from North Morrow Times Editors: One of the above letters to the editor refers to an “anonymous letter published in the July edition of the North Morrow Times”. We do NOT publish anonymous letters in the North Morrow Times. We were fully aware of who wrote theletter referenced; we simply honored their request to a different signature. We welcome letters to the editor, and with space permitting, will print them.
August 5, 2022
A little Heppner news “Get the Scoop” ice cream social fundraising event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The event is being organized by the Morrow County Republicans and will feature the 2022 Republican candidates: Oregon District 2 U.S. Congress, Cliff Bentz; U.S. Senate, Jo Rae Perkins; Oregon Governor, Christine Drazan; Oregon Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Cheri Helt; Oregon State Representative District 57, Greg Smith. “The event will be an opportunity for individuals to enjoy a Tillamook ice cream sundae while personally meeting and talking with the candidates,” said Morrow County Republican Chairman, Clint Carlson. The social will be held at the Heppner Christian Life Center
from 3:30-5:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $20 in Boardman at Murrays Drugs. Funds raised will support the work of the Morrow County Republicans. For more information on “Get the Scoop” or the Morrow County Republicans email mocoreps@gmail.com. August 9th from 9:00am 12:00pm Secretary of State Small Business Ombudsman, Trevor Leahey will be back in Heppner at Breaking Grounds/ Murray’s Drugstore to talk with the public about any Small Business issues. He will also be bringing with him more information about Paid Leave Oregon and information about psilocybin businesses in Oregon and what those businesses would look like.
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August 5, 2022
HERE’S MY CARD
HERE’S MY CARD
FTTG (FREDI THE TREE GUY 541-656-7288 Español: 541.413.0965 (René) FREDI AND JILL - Owners Licensed - Bonded - Insured FTTGCONTRACTING@GMAIL.COM Free yard analysis-For all your tree needs Trimming and Removal Find us on Facebook-FTTG-Fredi The Tree Guy CCB#236030 Irrigon, Oregon
Saul Llamas, Agent 455 E Main St * PO Box 1349 * Hermiston, OR 97838 Office (541)567-8834 * Cell (541)969-2147 Fax(541) 276-7688 * 1-800-243-8919 Email: saul@wici.net * wheatlandins.com
HERE’S MY CARD The Farmer’s Cup The Farmer’s Cup is now serving LUNCH Panini Sandwiches 450 Laurel Rd. Boardman 541/514-1601
Coffee Drinks, Blendeds, Fresh Eggs, Sunshine Sandwiches, and much more! M-F 5 am - 5 pm Sat. 6 am - 12 noon Sunday Closed
Your Business Card HERE $40 Boardman Senior Center August Menu Open for Dine-in Lunch Breakfast: Saturday, August 6, 7:30 - 10:30 am
Tuesday August 9 Spaghetti Green Beans Garlic Bread Pea & Cheese Salad Rice Krispie Treats Tuesday August 16 Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Corn Pasta Salad Rolls Berry Cobbler Tuesday August 23 Lasagna Vegetable Normandy Green Salad Garlic Bread Pudding Tuesday August 30 Ground Beef Stroganoff Broccoli Green Salad Rolls Banana Split Bars
Thursday August 11 Chicken Alfredo Peas Green Salad Rolls Cookies Thursday August 18 Hamburgers & Hot Dogs Pita Chips w/ Spinach Dip Fruit Salad Yellow Cake Thursday August 25 Birthday Lunch Herb Roasted Chicken Roasted Red Potatoes Roasted Baby Carrots Green Salad Rolls Cake & Ice Cream Lunch is $4 for Seniors 55 & Above; $5 for Adults 54 & Under * All are Welcome! Take-Out Lunches Available. Catering Available. Call 481-3257
Boardman Community Church Pastor Andy Hermanns Boardman Community Church is a non-denominational Bible believing church. We are excited to see God move in our community. Join us as we worship God. Sunday 300 2nd Street NW worship Boardman, OR 97818 11:00 am Phone 541-656-6918 Bible Study Tuedsays 6:30 pm Hispanic Church Spanish - Sat. & Sun. evenings 6 pm Youth Group meets Sunday 5 to 6:30 pm
Boardman Food Pantry
Boardman Senior Breakfast
$5.00
Saturday, August 6th 7:30 - 10:30 am
Sausage/Ham; Eggs/Pancakes, Hash Browns; Biscuits & Gravy; Coffee/Juice/Milk Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman
We are open for anyone in need of food each Monday 9:30-11:00 am Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm 314 Locust Rd., Boardman
KRP Management Come to our Community Night Out at Boardman Marina Park
541-481-2571
541.481.2911 Boardman Office 541.676.9161 Heppner Office
Boardman, OR
Providing Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug, Gambling, Developmental Disabilities, and 24-Hr. Crisis Services
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
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HERE’S MY CARD Mobil Veterinarian serving Morrow County Offering ranch/house calls for patients small and large! Call today to see how I can help your furry friends
Dan Hansen, DVM Call: 541-561-2941 The end of your search for a friendly, family church Sunday services 9:45 & 11:00 am Thursdays 7 pm
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Boardman Pastor Rick Weiss http://www.boardmanchurch.org/ 200 Willowfork Dr. Church 541-481-9437 P.O. Box 638 rick@boardmanchurch.org Boardman, OR 97818 Cell: 928-978-6293
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North Morrow Times
August 5, 2022
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Community news
MISCELLANEOUS THE NEXT EDITION OF THE
NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: September 2, 2022. Deadline is Friday, August 26, 2022. Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times,
PO Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818 NEW E-mail NorthMTimes@gmail.com
Times Change... People Change… Laws Change.... Now is the time to check into your VA benefitsCALL NOW Morrow County Veterans Services 541-922-6420
Classified Ads 5 Lines $7.50 + $0.20/word thereafter
Stokes Landing Senior Center meal program
BURNS MORTUARY 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
Stokes Landing Senior Center is now providing an option of dining in or pick up at their drive through meal program in Irrigon. All meals will be served at noon each Monday. Please call 541-922-3334 anytime before Friday at 3:00 PM of each week to reserve your meal(s), leaving your phone number, number of meals you are ordering, and if you plan to dine inside or drive through to pick up your meal. These meals are available for everyone.
If you are age 60 or over, meals price is $4 and if you are under 60 years of age it will cost $5.
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August 5, 2022