Pickleball is a hybrid sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and pingpong. It was invented in 1965 by three guys in Washington who wanted a fun game for their kids to play. It is currently the fastest growing sport in the US. People of all ages can enjoy the sport. It’s easy to learn. Words associated with the game are pickle, kitchen, dink, drop, and slam.
Irrigon Pickleball:
Yvette and Don Hollis, long time Irrigon residents turned snowbirds, returned from a winter in Arizona and shared a new game they had learned to play called Pickleball. In 2013 a handful of their friends learned to play and they recruited others. The group of regular players established an Irrigon Pickleball Club in 2018.
Park Board asking if they would be willing to provide land for the development of pickleball courts.
Phyllis Danielson said “This was Janet’s baby, she was like a relentless bulldog, and she didn’t stop until she got what she wanted.” The park board
just under $157,000 was donated. The Port of Morrow donated all the excavation work needed and Rock Enterprises was selected to build the four court complex.
This process spanned three years. In addition, the Irrigon Pickleball Club collected bottles and cans, sold hotdogs, raffled items, and collected donations for building the courts. The courts were completed on November 8, 2024 with the Grand Opening on November 9th.
In the beginning the group played on the town’s tennis courts and in the gym at A.C. Houghton Elementary School. The club had to make adjustments to court size and net height. While this provided an acceptable place to play, the club dreamed of developing dedicated pickleball courts in Irrigon.
Janet Pace, the leader of the club, approached the Irrigon
via the Corp of Engineers approved the use of a section of land at the Marina Park for pickleball courts to be built.
Janet and the club members, with help from Phil Hamm developed a grant proposal for the building of the courts and were granted the money needed by the Morrow County Unified Recreation District. A total of
The Irrigon Pickleball Club now has 55 members from Irrigon, Umatilla, Hermiston, and Stanfield. All are welcome to use the courts at no cost and players are encouraged to join the club. They provide the balls, but players must have their own paddles. Eventually they hope to offer lessons to those who are interested in playing the sport. Anyone who is interested can follow Irrigon Pickleball Club on Facebook to learn their play schedule.
They would like to thank everyone who donated their time and money to Irrigon for their dream of having Pickleball courts.
Once the Pickleball courts were dedicated, the crowd didn’t waste any time starting up a friendly game or two with kids ages from 9 to 90
Janet Pace, leader of the Irrigon Pickleball Club cut the ribbon to dedicate the new field. She was so surprised when Phyllis Danielson and crew unveiled the new sign.
Umatilla Electric showcases careers at Riverside High’s 2024 Career Day
Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) was proud to participate in Riverside Jr./Sr. High School’s 2024 Career Day on Wednesday, Nov. 6. This event offered local students an up-close look at the exciting opportunities within the electric utility industry.
Three RHS seniors - Rigo, Bryan, and Axel – joined UEC’s line crews on a job site in
above:
High School students experience new heights in a UEC bucket truck at the cooperative’s Boardman Operations Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6th for Career Day.
Boardman, where they explored the day-to-day work of a lineworker. The students had hands-on experiences, including riding in a bucket truck, examining the tools of the trade, and learning about the responsibilities and lifestyle of electric utility professionals.
UEC linemen Josh Roy, Chris Wellington, Lane Bailey, and Evan Raines shared their expertise and enthusiasm for their work, giving the students real-world insights.
Denise Boltz, UEC’s manager of human resources, emphasized the importance of outreach initiatives like Career Day.
“At Umatilla Electric, we’re deeply committed to building the workforce of tomorrow,” Boltz said. “These experiences
not only spark interest in careers at UEC but also show students how their skills can contribute to powering our communities.”
UEC is proud to invest in the development of future talent and encourage students to explore rewarding careers in the energy sector. For more information about career opportunities at Umatilla Electric, visit UmatillaElectric.com.
Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071
Jane Pope (541) 377-6801
Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818
Photo
Riverside
From left, Riverside High School seniors Bryan, Rigo, and Axel stand with UEC linemen Chris Wellington and Josh Roy on Nov. 6 for the Riverside High School Career Day.
December Riverside Athletics
DEC 06, Basketball: Boys, Varsity Non-League, TBD Westside Christian Horizon
Basketball: Girls, JV Non-League 5:00pm Columbia (White Salmon), Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Basketball: Girls, Varsity Non- League 6:30pm Columbia (White Salmon) Riverside Jr/Sr High
DEC 07, Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League TBD Westside Christian Westside Christian
Wrestling: Boys Varsity Non- League 9:30am Kennewick High
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Non- League, 10:00am Chiawana, College Place, Enterprise, Grant Union Jr/Sr High School, Hanford, River View, Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School, Walla Walla
Basketball: Boys Junior High League 9:00pm Heppner, Riverside JR/SR High School Pirates, Weston Middle vs. HeppnerHigh School
DEC 10,
Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 3:00pm Irrigon, Riverside Jr/Sr High
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 4:30pm Irrigon, Riverside
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League 6:00pm Irrigon, Riverside Jr/ Sr Basketball: Boys Varsity Non-League 7:30pm Irrigon, Riverside Jr/Sr
DEC 11, Wrestling: Boys Varsity Non- League, 10:00am Echo High
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Invitational, 10:00am Echo High
Basketball: Boys Junior High League, 5:00pm Irrigon
Windy River Elementary School
DEC 12, Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League, 2:00pm Goldendale Umatilla High School
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League, 3:30pm Goldendale Umatilla High School
Basketball: Boys Junior High League, 4:00pm Central Middle High
Basketball: Girls JV League 5:30pm Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School, Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Basketball: Boys JV League 7:00pm Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School, Riverside Jr/Sr High School
DEC 13, Basketball: Girls Varsity Non-League, TBD Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School Umatilla High School
Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League, TBD Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School Umatilla High
Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 5:30pm Stanfield Secondary Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 7:00pm Stanfield Secondary Riverside Jr/Sr High School
DEC 14, Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League,TBD Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School Umatilla High School
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League, TBD Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School Umatilla High School
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Non- League, 9:30pm Kennewick DEC 17, Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 4:00pm Grant Union Jr/Sr High School
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 4:30pm Stanfield Secondary
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League, 5:30pm Grant Union Jr/Sr HS
Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League, 6:00pm Stanfield Secondary
DEC 18, Basketball: Boys Junior High Non- League,4:00pm Sunridge Middle School
DEC 19, Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 5:00pm Irrigon High
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 6:00pm Pendleton@RHS
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League,6:30pm Irrigon High
Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League, 7:30pm Pendleton@RHS
DEC 20, Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 1:00pm Enterprise Stanfield
December Riverside Athletics Continued
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 2:30pm Enterprise Stanfield Sec.
DEC 21, Wrestling: Boys Varsity Non-League,10:00am Columbia (White Salmon), Hermiston, Hood River Valley High School, Irrigon, Pendleton, River View, Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School, Riverside Jr/Sr High
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Non- League,10:00am Columbia (White Salmon), Hermiston, Hood River Valley High School, Irrigon, Pendleton, Umatilla High School & Clara Brownell Middle School
Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 1:00pm Stanfield Sec.
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 2:30pm Stanfield Secondary
DEC 26, Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League, 4:00pm Ontario, New Plymouth High School Idaho
DEC 27, Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League TBD New Plymouth High School Idaho
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League TBD North Marion High Basketball: Girls JV Non-League TBD North Marion High School
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Non- League 9:30am Hanford
DEC 28, Basketball: Girls JV Non-League TBD North Marion High
Basketball: Boys Varsity Non- League TBD New Plymouth
Basketball: Girls Varsity Non- League TBD North Marion
Wrestling: Boys Varsity Non-League, 9:30am Hanford
DEC 30, Basketball: Girls JV Non-League 3:00pm Rainier Jr/Sr
Basketball: Boys JV Non-League 4:30pm Rainier Jr/Sr
Basketball: Boys Varsity Non-League,7:30pm Rainier Jr/Sr
Boardman Senior Center Lunch Speakers:
Debbie Radie, Boardman Foods, will be the speaker on Thursday Dec 5th. She will be speaking about the plant and all of the things they process and expansions they have made in the years they have been in our community.
Brenda Profitt, Families First Daycare, will be the speaker on Tuesday Dec. 17th She will be speaking about the services they provide and the need for daycare in our community.
BMCC Update
Registration is open for Winter Term at Blue Mountain Community College. Students may access advising appointments at the BMCC Workforce Training Center by calling the Center at 541-481-2099. Registration is open until January 10 but classes are filling fast so sooner is better than later.
Local businesses and organizations are reminded that classroom and meeting space is available at the Workforce Training Center for a nominal fee. Three classrooms, each seating 20 comfortably at tables, are available with fully integrated teaching stations. The center also has a nicely appointed conference room that seats 14 around a conference table. Give us a call for more information. The December schedule for the Workforce Training Center remains Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm through December 23. All BMCC locations will be closed December 24 – January 1 for Winter Break.
Sam Boardman Elementary celebrates Veterans Day with heartfelt tribute
Contributed by: Xenia Velasco
Each year, Sam Boardman Elementary hosts a special Veterans Day celebration. This year, Veterans and their families were invited to enjoy a concert, a short reading by thirdgrade students, and a reception in the school cafeteria afterward. Veterans are also given challenge coins of appreciation from our students, making the day extra meaningful for all involved.
A Community Tradition
The event is an important part of the school’s community. It is a great experience for our local Veterans, who truly deserve to be recognized, and for the students as well.
Our celebration helps students understand the significance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by those who
Madrigal is in charge of organizing the concert, which includes selecting and arranging the songs and any choreography, or dancing. Around the same time, a committee of teachers meets weekly to plan every detail, from setting up the event to creating lessons about Veterans Day for each grade level. Students also get involved by helping decorate the school entrance and with their performances.
helping with baked goods and snacks.
In addition to the school’s activities, students in Mrs. Connell’s third-grade class were invited to create banners and flags to show appreciation for Veterans for a local restaurant. These were displayed inside Burntfield Brewery, in Boardman. When students see their own artwork in the same place that they live, it helps them feel connected to and proud of their town. Thank You to Our Community Partners
have served. Vice Principal Sarah Christy shares, “Educating students about why we honor Veterans is so important. By doing so, students can continue to carry that patriotic spirit with them throughout their lives.”
How the Event Comes Together
A lot of hard work goes into making this event happen each year. Music teacher Skylar
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support from our local partners and community members. Sam Boardman Elementary would like to extend a special thank you to:
·Brown House Coffee in Heppner, OR, for providing delicious coffee.
·The Riverside Junior/
·Marie Shimer at Morrow County School District for assistance with securing funds through a Community Engagement Grant
·Community Volunteers for displaying the Missing Man Table
How to Get Involved Sam Boardman Elementary’s Veterans Day celebration is a community effort, and the school invites others to join in next year. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to next year’s event, please contact Vice Principal Sarah Christy.
Senior High Key Club for
Christian Salas Corona shakes hands with a Veteran to honor their service
Missing Man Table or Fallen Comrade Table, is a memorial set up to honor military service members who are missing, imprisoned, or fallen.
L-R: Veterans Gordon Lienau and Doug Pope enjoyed the baked goods and snacks and the Riverside Key Club for helping serve them
Fun at the Fair receives grant from Morrow County Arts Coalition
Fall Fun at the Fair was a huge success! We had multiple artist come to the fair and thanks to the Morrow County Arts Coalition grant we were able to have three classes of different artist. Snacks were available all day because the Fair Superintendents all pitched in and supplied fall goodies. The classes were free to the participants thanks to the grant that was received this past spring. The day kicked off with the Boardman quilting group coming down to Heppner and spending four hours showing individuals how to make pillow cases. People of all ages attended. Then Michelle Hopper came in mid-day and she had a full class and she showed
her amazing talent with mixed media. Participants made posters with animals as their center theme. Michelle’s signed demonstration was gifted to the Morrow County Fair to be displayed. The class was enjoyed by all who attended. Our evening class was put on by Cynthia Wenberg. This full class learned about floral arrangement. The baskets were filled with many local flowers and foliage from our area. The day was full but well worth the knowledge the artist brought to us. The participants were encouraged to enter pieces next year in the fair. A special thanks goes out to the Morrow County Arts Coalition for making this event happen. It was well worth the efforts.
Pirate FC Indoor Soccer Winter 2024
K-4th Grade November 22-December 20th @ 6-7 pm
5th-7th Grade January 3rd-January 31at @ 6-7 pm
Women & Men’s (13 years and older) December 20th-February 7th @ 7-8:30 pm
Cost: $20 per Player - Cash or check need to be taken to Our Lady of Guadalupe. All funds raised will assist in the construction of the new church.
Michelle Hopper, a mixed media artist, attended to teach her class how to make posters with animals as their center theme.
Members from the Boardman quilt club kicked off the day teaching participants how to make pillow cases. All classes were free thanks to a grant from the Morrow County Arts Coalition
Remember our little libraries! Whether you are cleaning out books that you’ve read, or want to contribute new or gently used books, let’s encourage reading in our community. Many holidays are approachinag, which equals kids at home. Reading is a great way to pass the time! Borrow a book while your’re at it!
1. The corner of Columbia Avenue and NW 1st (on NW 1st in front of private residence)2. The corner of Front Street NE and 2nd Ave. NE (on 2nd Avenue in front of the Good Shepherd Occupational Health)3 In the mobile home park across from the car wash and laundromat (on Main Street) a little past the office.4. In front of a private residence on Kinkade, somewhere between Locust and Cottonwood Loop. 5. In front of the Food Pantry on Locust
May your house be filled with love
May your family be healthy
May your meal be blessed May your lights be tangle free And may your New Year be bright! Happy Holidays
Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
Senior Spotlight * Lisa Constantine
Raised in Portland’s metropolitan, teacher, traveler, and local volunteer Lisa Constantine earned her teaching degree from Western Oregon College (now university) and started her educating career in Pendleton.
Understandably a jolt of culture shock came with Lisa’s move from the valley, most notably less green, rain and trees with greater distances between communities. It wasn’t long however before she grew to love the neutral browns of the lower Columbia Basin juxtaposed against the blue greens of the Columbia River with the higher peaks of the Oregon-Washington cascades in the greater distance overlooking the inland Pacific Northwest.
Constantine embraced the slower pace of life surrounded by friendly, inclusive East Oregonians and has thankfully made Boardman home and Morrow County her teaching base for the last 41 years.
Lisa has taught a variety of different subjects in her tenure as a teacher. One of her former students said she was so creative in getting kids to learn, specifying that the Middle Ages Unit was of particular interest
because of the activities the students got to do.
At a class reunion this past summer many of the students were excited she came and thanked her for her support and encouragement.
Since retirement Constantine has enjoyed travelling, visiting a brother and nephew in Texas several times, she was impressed at how much warmer the Gulf of Mexico was than she anticipated (especially when compared to the chill of the Oregon Coast). Additional trips have included Hawaii and Georgia.
While living in Boardman Lisa helped create the local library, served on its board many times (and is currently still on the board), she is also on the Board of Directors for the Food Pantry, coming on Mondays to help out. Of particular gratification is her volunteerism as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Constantine anticipates continued growth and expansion in Boardman, with more stores and restaurants coming in to cater to its population needs, possibly even a separate Jun-
ior High/Middle School and hopes the town will remain true
to its support and improvement keeping Boardman the great community that it is. She especially appreciates seeing former students coming “home” to Boardman, involving themselves in the community whether it be help with sports, local government, community organizations or employment. She is enormously proud of them.
Morrow County Fair attends OFA convention
Over October 17-20 Sue Gibbs (Fair Manager), Keira Klein (Board Member) and Tony Clements (Maintenance Director) went to the Oregon Fair Association convention. The weekend was filled with activities and great classes to help us bring new ideas and improvements to the fair. Tony attended the “Dirt Class” He learned how different needs are required for some of the various equine events. These included events such as cow cutting, reining and barrel racing. He learned that having strict requirements of depth of soil to the size of the sand, to the amount of water needed can make a huge impact on the success of an event as well as the safety of the animals. K eira enjoyed the breakout sessions and keynote speakers. These supplied information about marketing, working with fellow volunteers, securing vendors and entertainment. There
were also many tips about how to have a successful event. “The conference gave me a lot to take away that I hope to incorporate in our community,” said Klein. Sue spent her time also learning about marketing, and the role of a board member. She learned more about bylaws that govern a board and was encouraged to have boards specialize in specific areas of the fair. Sue wants to focus on more digital marketing this coming year and updating the premium book. She wants to focus efforts into more ad sales for this book. She enjoyed listening to Pat Beard (Key note speaker) talk about hospitality and finding unique events to bring to our community. He encouraged partnerships and creating events that
Sue Gibbs (Fair Manager), Keira Klein (Board Member) and Tony Clements (Maintenance Director)
are simple, and genuine that pull people to our community. She also enjoyed spending time visiting with entertainers and companies that can bring entertainment to our fair.
City of Boardman seeks Planning Commission help
The City of Boardman is looking for interested individuals that live in the 97818 Zip Code or within the Boardman City Limits to fill an open spot on the Planning Commission. At the December 3rd City council meeting, the position will be appointed. The first Planning Commission meeting after appointment is scheduled for Thursday, January 16th of 2025. This position’s term would expire on December 31 of 2027. The City Council appoints seven members to the Planning Commission, which serves as the Council’s permanent advisory body on planning and topics related to development. Plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and preliminary subdivi-
sion proposals are among the land use and zoning issues that staff members bring before the commission at its monthly public hearings.
Meetings are open to the public and will generally take place at Boardman City Hall on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Additional details regarding the planning commission are available at: http://cityofboardman.com/community-development.
Interested parties should send a letter of interest before Noon, on Monday November 25th, to the Planning Official, Carla McLane at mclanec@cityofboardman.com or via mail to: Boardman City Hall, P.O. Box 229, Boardman, Oregon 97818.
Oregon Trail Library Boardman
Adult F iction:
New Book List:
A Christmas Duet: A Novel - Debbie Macomber
All Fours - Miranda July
A Very Bad Thing - J. T. Ellison
Counting Miracles: A Novel - Nicholas Sparks
Dogs and Monsters: Stories - Mark Haddon
Intermezzo: A Novel - Sally Rooney
James: A Novel - Percival Everett
Like Mother, Like Mother: A Novel - Susan Rieger
Masquerade - O. O. Sangoyomi
Mina’s Matchbox - YMko Ogawa
My Three Dogs - W. Bruce Cameron
Someone In the Attic - Andrea Mara
Tell Me Everything: A Novel - Elizabeth Strout
The Blue Hour: A Novel - Paula Hawkins
The Drowned: A Novel - John Banville
The Frozen River: A Novel - Ariel Lawhon
The Grey Wolf - Louise Penny
The Life Impossible - Matt Haig
The Man in Black: And Other Stories - Elly Griffiths
The Mighty Red: A Novel - Louise Erdrich
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year - Ally Carter
The Seventh Floor: A Novel - David McCloskey
The Treasure Hunters Club: A Mystery - Tom Ryan
The Wedding People: A Novel - Alison Espach
We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
Adult Non-F iction: Roam - Anna-Sofia Vintersol
Ottolenghi Comfort - Yotam Ottolenghi
Gender Queer: A Memoir - Maia Kobabe
I Love You: Recipes From the Heart - Pamela Anderson
Morrow County Chronicles - Morrow County Historical Society
What I Ate in One Year: (And Related Thoughts) - Stanley Tucci
English For Everyone: Course Book Level 1 Beginner - Rachel Harding
Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By: Easy, Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion - Al Roker
My Mexican Kitchen: 100 Recipes Rich with Tradition, Flavor, and Spice - Eva Longoria
Small Batch Bakes: Baking Cakes, Cookies, Bars and Buns for One to Six People - Edd Kimber
The World is Your Dumpling: Little Parcels, Big Flavours, 80 Gorgeous Recipes - Emily Roz
Knit Wild: 21 Sweaters with Nature-inspired Motifs in Insulating Yarns to Keep You Warm Wherever You May Roam - Anna-Sofia Vintersol
December’s Bundle Up with Books Reading Challenge on Beanstack is up and running! Visit our website or login to your Beanstack account to join in the fun! Crafty Nights @ the Library will be on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 pm. Reserve your spot now by visiting our website or calling your local branch. December’s craft will be Scandinavian Star Ornaments.
Library Hours
SundayClosed MondayClosed Tuesday10-6
Community Bond Advisory Committee seeks feedback on School Bond draft recommendations
(Morrow County) – Morrow County School District’s Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) wants to hear from the community about the Bond Draft Recommendations for the district.
The CBAC is comprised of 19 community members from Boardman, Irrigon, Heppner and Lexington who are volunteering to guide this process. The members are: Zac Acock, Doris Brosnan, Luis Campos, Andrew Cemore, Dave Cooley, Pamela Cutsforth, Jose Duenas, Frances Glenn, Torrie Griggs, Brett Harrison, Jan Huddleston, Karla Jimenez, Angela Jones, Tia McNamee, Sue Oliver, Brandi Orem, Madison Rosenbalm, George Shimer and Gina Wilson.
The CBAC met for nine months to develop these recommendations. Comprehensive reviews of all MCSD schools and facilities were conducted by certified assessors from the Oregon Department of Education. CBAC members reviewed these facility assessments, toured buildings with school principals, reviewed bond financial options and prioritized projects. The facility assessments indicate that several MCSD schools need to be replaced and other schools need important remodels or upgrades, including safety and security improvements. All of the facility reports
can be viewed at: https:// www.morrow.k12.or.us/o/mcsd/ page/facility-assessment
Taxpayers in the Morrow County School District are not currently paying for a school district bond nor levy. The last general obligation bond was passed in 2001 and expired in 2021. The last operating levy (which was not for facility construction or upgrades) passed in 2012 and expired in 2016.
The Community Feedback Period is now open through December 30, 2024. People can provide feedback on forms that are available in English and Spanish. Here are ways to access the forms: Visit the website at mcsdbond.org
Get printed forms at any school or district building
Email bondinfo@morrowsd.org to request a form be emailed to you · Call the District Office at 541-676-5705 to have a form mailed to your home
The CBAC wants the public to know that these are draft recommendations; bond projects are not yet decided, which is why they are seeking input.
“We strongly encourage our students, teachers, staff and community members to provide their honest feedback about the draft options now. We want to hear from you,” said Tia McNamee, CBAC member.
After the community feedback period, the CBAC will review input and create a final bond recommendation in early January, then present it to the district’s Board of Directors.
Here is a quick look at the two options in the Draft Recommendations:
Bond Option 1 totals $205.4 million and includes remodeling Riverside Jr/Sr High, remodeling Heppner Jr/Sr High into a K-12 facility, replacing Irrigon Jr/Sr High and safety and security improvements at other schools across the district.
Bond Option 2 totals $260.55 million and includes remodeling Riverside Jr/Sr High, remodeling Heppner Jr/Sr High into a K-12 facility, replacing Irrigon Jr/Sr High, traffic flow improvements at Sam Boardman Elementary, replacing A.C. Houghton Elementary, plus safety and security improvements at other schools across the district.
There are 20-year and 30year bond terms being considered. The district will apply for a matching grant of $6 million from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program (OSCIM).
For more information, visit the bond website page at mcsdbond.org or contact the Morrow County School District at 541-676-5705.
We will be closed on December 24 th and 25th, and again on January 1st. Be sure and get stocked up with all your reading necessities for the holiday season. Libby and Overdrive are available 24/7 throughout the year.
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday Closed
Have you heard of TumbleMath? It’s an exciting part of TumbleBooks that uses storybooks to teach kids math comprehension in a fun and encouraging learning style. Available with your library card. Visit our Kid’s Corner to Tumble and explore all of OTLD kid’s educational platforms.
, OR 97839
· 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.
Letter to Editor
North Morrow Times, Thank you for the opportunity to share the fun we had while preparing our 16th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration.
We were sponsored by our generous community businesses and churches. We served almost 200 meals this year. Many, many amazing volunteers helped prepare, serve, and clean up. We couldn’t do this without them! It is always amazing to see how much our volunteers love reaching out and caring for our residents in Boardman and surrounding areas.
We would like to recognize the Boardman Senior Center who graciously allowed us to use their facility. We also appreciate the advertisements and articles published in the North Morrow Times.
We are very thankful for our bighearted community. We received donations from the following businesses and individuals: Boardman Foods, Boardman Chamber of Commerce, Boardman City Hall, Boardman Senior Center, Community Counseling Solutions, Kerns Bros. LLC, Lamb Weston, Maria Richards,
Mt. Valley Land Co., Marty Broadbent, Murray’s Drugs, Ray & Carol Michael, Safeway, Two Barrels Taps + Grill, Umatilla Electric Coop., Vern’s, Watt Brother’s Cold Storage, Drain Raiders Pro Series, and Hattenhauer Distributing.
Area churches supporting the event are: First Baptist Church of Boardman, Boardman Community Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Getsemani Centro de Adoracion Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
We are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the success of this venture. We know He is our joy, strength, hope, and wisdom. We give Him praise and glory for keeping us safe and for keeping things running smoothly. We will continue to lift our community before Him that He may grant it His greatest blessing.
Thank you, Boardman! We appreciate you!
Teresa Parsons, Bonnie Wagner, and the Community Thanksgiving Celebration 2024 Board
NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: Friday, January 3, 2025. Deadline is December 27, 2024
Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Baoardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
25 FFA clubs from Oregon gather at Threemile Canyon Farms for State Soil competition
On Nov. 4, a record-breaking number of high schoolers –more than 180 – from 25 schools across the state, gathered for the 2024 Oregon Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Soil Competition. Hosted by the Riverside FFA chapter, the event was held at Threemile Canyon Farms near Boardman.
Madison Hynes, Riverside FFA Advisor, said “the purpose of the event is to provide students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in the accurate recognition, comparison and evaluation of soil characteristics as they apply to land use and management.”
Throughout the competition, students explored three different soil sites across Threemile,
examining soil horizons (layers) to evaluate various characteristics. They assessed elements such as erosion hazards, soil texture, and color. Each contestant had time to evaluate the soil and fill out a scorecard for each site.
Afterward, Threemile agronomists reviewed the scorecards, explaining the soil characteristics for each field. Scorecards were compared to a key created by Dr. Don Wysocki from the Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center.
Nick Benavides, Threemile Director of Agronomy, said it was an honor to host the competition.
“We always value engaging with the next generation of
farmers,” Benavides said. “Hosting the event allowed us to share our insights about soils and agronomy and to talk with students about sustainable farming practices.”
Following the competition, participants gathered for a welldeserved lunch while the scorecards were tallied. Awards were given to high-placing individuals and teams, with top honors going to Rogue River, Sutherlin, Lebanon and Crater. “Thank you to all who participated, this year’s event was incredibly successful,” Hynes said. “And thanks to the Threemile team for providing real-world soil analysis opportunities, as well as showcasing the farm to students interested in agriculture across the state.”
