Blue Mountain Community College at the Workforce Training Center in Boardman has scheduled a series of free computer workshops with financial assistance from the Boardman Chamber and the Port of Morrow. The classes will kick off with Computer Basics in mid-January and be followed by a series on Excel. The final session will cover Google Docs, an increasingly popular way to share and collaborate on documents that can sometimes be challenging to work on for the uninitiated. Please call the Workforce Training Center at 541-481-2099 or email bmccmorrowcounty@bluecc.edu to receive a full schedule of workshops and the save yourself a seat.
Winter Term begins January 6, 2025. Students are still able to register for classes through the first week of class, space permitting. Students wishing to speak with an advisor before changing their schedule, adding or dropping, may call or drop by the Workforce Training Center during regular business hours. The Workforce Training Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
BMCC is also working with Oregon OSHA to provide a set of free trainings on January 14 & 15 from 9-4 each day. Tuesday, January 14 will be in English and Wednesday, January 15 will be in Spanish. Topics include Safety Committee Best Practices, Fall Protection and Lock Out/Tag Out. Please call or email for more information or to reserve seats.
Finally, the BMCC Foundation scholarship application is available for all current and future students as of January 6. Students are encouraged to apply as this is the main application window for all the BMCC scholarships that will be awarded in the 25-26 academic year. This year, students will be required to fill out a FAFSA as part of the scholarship application. Assistance with the scholarship or the FAFSA is available by appointment at the Workforce Training Center. Give a call at 541-481-2099 to set up a meeting.
El Buen Sazon now located on Hwy 730
Photo & story by Jack Johns Irrigon, Or was excited to welcome a new Mexican restaurant on December 9th. An official ribbon cutting took place at 4:00 for El Buen Sazon, located at 390 SE Hwy 730 (next to the
Mexico. His wife, Araceli was raised in the city of San Juan, state of Nayarit, Mexico. Aureliano, the main cook, (locally known as Millo Hernandez) originated from the state of Oaxaca Mexico.
which are a local favorite. They were the first in the area to have Taco Tuesdays. Their popularity is growing, starting from 0 to 130 orders in one week. The grand opening featured music from a local band,
Shell station).
The restaurant is owned by Edgar Hernandez and his wife, Araceli Alatorre. It is a family establishment. His wife, Araceli along with their high school children Edgar Jr., daughters Natalie, and Valeria help run the restaurant.
The Hernandez family have an interesting history. Edgar is from the state of Zacatecas
Millo offers a unique menu to the area. He prepares a special breakfast with seasonings that are different from other restaurants in the local area. All dishes from chips to tortillas and salsas are handmade from fresh ingredients each day.
They offer a take-out menu (541-922-3711). One of their specialties is shrimp tacos,
Legion Legancia. Amazing Mariachi music filled the restaurant during the opening. Irrigon is proud to welcome new businesses in the area. If you are out and about, their winter hours are Monday-Friday 10am to 8pm , Saturday 8 am to 8pm, Sunday 8am to 6pm. Great food, great people. You will enjoy the experience.
Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071
Jane Pope (541) 377-6801
Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818
El Buen Sazon held a ribbon cutting ceremony December 9th to celebrate their opening on Hwy730 in Irrigon.
January Riverside Athletics
Jan. 3, 9:30am, Wrestling: G/V @ 9:30am, Wrestling: B/V@ 5:00pm, Basketball: G/V@Catlin Gabel High School
Jan. 4, 12:00pm, Basketball: G/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
1:30pm, Basketball: B/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
3:00pm, Basketball: G/V@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
4:30pm, Basketball: B/V@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Jan. 7, 4:00pm, Basketball: G/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
4:00pm, Basketball: B/JV@La Grande High School
5:30pm, Basketball: G/V@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
6:00pm, Baske tball: G/V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
7:30pm, Baske tball: B/V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Jan. 18, TBD, Wrestling: B/V @ Jan. 22, 4:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High Jan. 23, 5:00pm, Basketball: G/Junior High @Windy River Elementary
Jan. 24, 3:00pm, Basketball: G/JV, @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
4:30pm, Basketball: B/JV, @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
6:00pm, Basketball: G/V, @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
7:30pm, Baske tball: B/V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Jan. 25, 8:00am,Wrestling: B/V @Nyssa High School
9:00am, Basketball: G/Junior High @Irrigon Junior Senior High
10:00am, Wrestling: G/V@Hood River Valley High School
12:00pm, Basketball: G/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
1:30pm, Basketball: B/JV@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
3:00pm, Baske tball: G/V @Riverside Jr/Sr High School
4:30pm, Basketball: B/V@Riverside Jr/Sr High School
Jan. 29, 4:00pm, Wrestling: Junior High@The Dalles Middle School
Jan. 30, 5:00pm, Basketball: G/Junior High @Windy River Elementary
Families First Child Care Center story
Are you looking for economical, good childcare in the Boardman area? Many other families faced that problem and joined forces for a unique solution.
Families First Childcare was established in response to the pressing demand during the pandemic for reliable childcare services to support working parents who couldn't stay home with their children.
Boardman Foods, Inc., Lamb Weston, Amazon.com and 3Mile Canyon Farms. Families First Supporters include Tallamook, Port of Morrow, Bank of Eastern Oregon and Boardman Community Development Corporation (BCDA).
In September 2020, Boardman Foods decided to reimagine and expand its existing after-school program, which had been successfully running for 18 years.
Debbie Radie, the COO at Boardman Foods, played a pivotal role in spearheading the creation of Families First Childcare and continues to provide ongoing support and leadership. Her dedication ensured that Boardman families had access to a safe and nurturing professional daycare option they desperately needed. Initially, the childcare center began in a single schoolroom borrowed from the Morrow County School District, catering to 15 school-age children requiring support with remote learning. Over time, the center expanded, and by 2022, Families First Childcare opened its second preschool classroom. It has since grown to encompass five classrooms, serving children across four different age groups: infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Today, Families First Childcare provides care and support to more than 80 children whose parents work at over 40 local businesses, including: Boardman Foods, Inc.; Tillamook Creamery Association; Lamb Weston; Three Mile Canyon Farms; Beef Northwest; Amazon Web Services; Port of Morrow; City of Boardman; Windemeir Real Estate; Morrow County; Hermiston School District; Pendleton School District; Midco Bus Company; Intermountain Educational Service District; Independent Trans-
Potato; Banner Bank; Department of Human Services; Columbia River Community Health Services; Boardman Fire; Morrow County Community Counseling Solutions; Calbee North America; Union Pacific Railroad; Good Shepherd Hospital; Umatilla Electric Company; Walmart DC; Phillipi Ranch; CCS
Families First Childcare is a nonprofit organization, 501(c)3 and indeed could not stay open without generous donations from companies and individuals. Premier Sponsors are
For childcare, there are no income restrictions, and yet the cost to parents is very reasonable. The center is open MondayFriday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Infants ages 0-2 cost $850/month; Toddlers ages 2 - 3 cost $750/month; Preschool ages 34 cost $500/month, School age ages 5 - 12 cost $350/month.
A big “Thank You!” to Brenda Profitt, Lead Teacher at Families First Childcare Center for sharing this important message with Boardman Senior Center on December 17th. For more information, visit their website: www.FamiliesFirstChildcareCenter.com, stop by to visit in the Neal Early Learning Center, or contact Brenda Profitt for more information, 541/771-1554, Email brendapffcc@gmail.com.
Representative Greg Smith selected to serve on Joint Special Session Committee
SALEM, Ore. – Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) was selected by the Speaker of the Oregon House to serve on the Joint Special Session Committee.
Partially due to the harsh and costly wildfire season last summer, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) was recently announced insolvent. Which left ODF unable to pay wages to Oregon’s dedicated firefighters. Governor Kotek called on the legislature to meet on December 12th to send $218 million to state agencies contending with the cost of the 2024 fire season.
“I am honored to be selected by the Speaker of the House for this role. I will use this position of leadership to ensure that every firefighter who protected Oregon homes, property, and people will be fully compensated for their hard work last summer” stated Representative Smith.
Representative Greg Smith was recently elected to serve his thirteenth term as a State Representative, making him the longest-serving member in the Oregon Legislature, as well as the 4th longest-serving State Representative in Oregon history. He holds a gavel as the Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government. Representative Smith also serves as the Co-Vice Chair of the full Joint Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, he is the ranking member of the House Revenue Committee.
To reach out, please visit Rep Smith’s Facebook Page or send him an email at rep.gregsmith@oregonlegislature.gov.
Representative Greg Smith is a Republican who represents the entirety of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, and Wasco counties, and portions of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Umatilla Counties
'Tis the season for fire safety! With colder temperatures settling in, be sure to use portable heaters properly.
Opportunity for local students to explore leadership in Washington, D.C.
Imagine walking through the halls of Congress, visiting iconic historical landmarks, and meeting peers from across the nation—all while learning about leadership and the critical issues shaping our energy future. For high school juniors in Umatilla, Morrow, or Union Counties, this dream can become a reality through the 2025 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour, sponsored by Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Each year, the Youth Tour brings together more than 1,500 students from across the United States for an unforgettable experience in the nation’s capital. Delegates selected to represent Oregon and the Northwest will have the chance to visit historical landmarks, engage with Oregon’s congressional leaders, and gain insights into the legislative process. Beyond sightseeing, participants will develop valuable leadership skills and dive into pressing topics such as energy policy and climate change.
In addition to these unique experiences, students will explore how electric cooperatives impact their communities and contribute to a sustainable fu-
ture. The program is designed to inspire the next generation of leaders by offering them a deeper understanding of civic engagement and the challenges facing rural America. Who Can Apply?
The Youth Tour is open to high school juniors whose parent or guardian is a current member of Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Applicants must attend school in Umatilla, Morrow, or Union Counties. Selected participants will have their travel expenses fully covered by UEC, with the exception of personal spending money.
How to Apply
Interested students are encouraged to submit their online applications by January 9 on the cooperative’s website, UmatillaElectric.com. Applications must include a photo, which may be featured in Ruralite magazine if the student is selected. To apply or get more details, contact Amy Callan at (541) 567-6414. This program is a chance for young leaders to gain new perspectives, build connections, and represent their community on a national stage. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a life-changing journey!
The Port of Morrow recognizes employees who reached milestone work anniversaries
The Port of Morrow would like to recognize employees who reached milestone work anniversaries in 2024. Celebrating 5 years of service are Frankie, Pedro, Billy, Renato, Walter*, Zach*, and Rene*. Tom is celebrating 15 years of service and Carmen is celebrating 25 years! Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Morrow County Fair 2025 and rodeo queen applications now available!
After a ten-year lapse, the Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Queen application is now open to Morrow County Residents and neighboring counties.
This prestigious position is open to students between the ages of 14 and 19.
Applications are available at the Fair Office, on the Morrow County, Oregon Web site, Sage Center, Green Feed and Morrow County High Schools.
Completed applications can be mailed to Morrow County fair at P.O. Box 464, Heppner, OR 97836 or emailed to: mcfair@morrowcountyor.gov
This is a great opportunity for a young person to represent
Morrow County not only during the week of fair in August and at various other events throughout the year. These events include parades, rodeos, County functions and other festivities throughout Oregon in 2025. Fair and Rodeo and Queen applications must be post marked by December 31, 2024 or due to the Fair Office no later than 12:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2025 Please make sure applications are complete with required documentation and delivered by this date. Fair staff will contact all accepted applicants to schedule interviews in January.
· 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.
Bald Eagle declared our national bird
Check out the treetops around the Columbia River in winter -- many bald eagles spend their winter in our area!
The White House announced on Christmas Eve President Joe Biden signed a bill officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird.
The bill, signed Monday after being passed unanimously by Congress, amends Title 36 of the United States Code, officially appointing the predator one of the country's national symbols.
Congress passed the bill unanimously.
SAGE Saturday: Salt Painting
SAGE Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 10-1pm Students ages 3 and up are invited to the SAGE Center for free family arts and crafts with themed slime! January's activity will be salt painting!
For more information, call 541-481-7243.
*Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 10-1pm
SAGE Saturday: Painted Flower Pots
SAGE Saturday, February 1 from 10-1pm Students ages 3 and up are invited to the SAGE Center for free family arts and crafts with themed slime! February's activity will be painted flower pots!
For more information, call 541-481-7243.
*Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 10:00am
Senior Spotlight * Dave & Maria Richards
When Dave and Maria Richards moved to Boardman in 1983 they quickly immersed themselves in activities of the area as their three children Richard, Emerald and Bryon did as they were old enough. Today the Richards have 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. All following Dave and Maria’s footsteps.
Dave was raised in Irrigon and graduated Riverside High School in the 1970s and Maria was raised in the Granger, Washington area. They met while working for Gourmet Foods, now Lamb-Weston. Both are now retired from the potato processing company.
The athletic programs in the area have grown and developed because of both of their work and commitment. Dave has spent over 45 years officiating football, basketball, baseball, soccer and softball. Last year he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for officiating for the Blue Mountain Officials Association for 45 years. Not only an official but he has coached Girls’ Softball and Basketball. And he is still officiating.
Maria has done her share in developing the athletic programs in Boardman. She helped form the Little League programs here, has coached Little League softball and Youth Soccer. She has served on the Little League Board of Directors. She continues to teach Low Impact Aerobic Classes at the local Rec. Center. She has since it opened its doors.
Maria, Karen Kegler, Roz Pedro and Karen Purcell were instrumental in getting the bond passed that created the Rec. Center. They spent hours going door to door spreading the word about the need. Others were also dedicated proponents.
She has served on the Boardman Chamber of Commerce board of directors and has, and continues to do so, help with the programs the chamber runs. She is a fantastic volunteer.
Twelve years ago she bought the local hardware store when Ray Michael retired. In 2020 she sold the business to Ace Hardware. She so enjoyed the experience.
A Youth Center for local children is something she would like to see happen in Boardman. A place for activities that are not necessarily athletic but also
board games, dancing, pool, and so on.
Boardman is so blessed to have both Dave and Maria involved in life here in Boardman.
Domestic Violence seeks volunteers
UMATILLA COUNTY —
While many look forward to the holiday season, according to Domestic Violence Services, it can be an unsettling time for victims and survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Executive Director Robbin Ferguison
The nonprofit organization has been serving Umatilla and Morrow counties since 1977. In its December newsletter, people are invited to assist DVS in continuing its mission by making a financial donation, providing
Happy New Year
Did you getting something new that needs to be insured? House, vehicle, toy or hauler?
Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
items on its wish list or considering volunteer opportunities.
The wish list includes paper products, personal hygiene supplies, dish soap, trash bags and canned fruit. Also, a variety of cell phone chargers are needed. Pick-up service can be arranged for donations. In addition to operating emergency shelters in Pendleton and Hermiston, Domestic Violence Service has advocacy centers in several area towns. It offers support groups,
classes and training workshops.
Volunteer opportunities include answering the crisis line, community outreach, yard or maintenance projects, assisting with children’s activities, coordinating a supply drive, office cleaning or leading a life skills class. Volunteers need to submit an application, complete a background check and participate in free orientation and training.
For more information, visit www.dvs-or.org or search Facebook via bit.ly/4fnoYU5. For questions, call 541-2763322. The 24-hour crisis line is 800-833-1161.
Maria & Dave Richards
Oregon Trail Library Boardman
Adult F iction:
New Book List:
Alternate Endings - Ali Rosen
A New Lease on Death - Olivia Blacke
An Insignificant Case: A Thriller - Phillip Margolin
Ashes Never Lie - Lee Goldberg
Aventurine on the Border - Anne Britting Oleson
Bloodguard - Cecy Robson
Blue Christmas Bones - Carolyn Haines
Christmas in Bethel - Richard Paul Evans
Devil’s Tower - Wayne D. Dundee
I Think I Was Murdered - Colleen Coble
Midnight Harbor - T. Davis Bunn
Murder Takes the Stage - Colleen Cambridge
Night of the Living Rez: Stories - Morgan Talty
Pictures of You: A Novel - Emma Grey
Pony Confidential - Christina Lynch
Raised By Wolves - James Patterson
That Prince is Mine: A Novel - Jayci Lee
Tooth And Claw - Craig Johnson
The Burning - Linda Castillo
The Christmas Gathering
The Edge of Nowhere - William W. Johnstone
The Grey Wolf - Louise Penny
The House of Cross - James Patterson
The Little Lost Library – Ellery Adams
This Motherless Land - Nikki May
Time of the Child - Niall Williams
To Die For - David Baldacci
Boardman City News...
Library Hours
SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday Closed
Death by Chocolate Raspberry Scone - Sarah Graves
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel - Alexander McCall Smith
Adult Non-F iction:
Bake Club: 101 Must-Have Moves for Your Kitchen - Christina Tosi
Bridgerton: The Official Cookbook - Regula Ysewijn
Fodor’s Montana & Wyoming
Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021 - Angela Merkel
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days - Kari Leibowitz
Milk Street Bakes - Christopher Kimball
Merlin’s Tour of the Universe: A Traveler’s Guide to Blue Moons and Black Holes, Mars, Stars & Everything Far - Neil deGrasse Tyson
OTLD is a proud supporter of The Parenting Connection! Visit our website to register for FREE online classes from now through June 2025. OTLD now provides access to the STEM nonprofit dedicated to building the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers: Inspire Curiosity - Run by students, for students. FREE Classes run every Sunday from 10:00 - 11:00 am (PST) through Zoom. On Saturdays, students will have access to self-guided lessons and other special events.
January’s Crafty Nights @ the Library will be on Wednesday the 8th at 6:00 pm in Irrigon and Boardman.. Register online or call your local branch to reserve your spot.
Toddler Storytime is Tuesdays at 11:00 am in Boardman, and at 11:00 am on Fridays in Irrigon.
Irrigon Library will be hosting the 4-5-6 Club on the 2nd and last Fridays of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Visit our website calendar to see the projects planned for 4th to 6th graders on January 10th! Irrigon Teen Night is on Fridays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and is open to all teens, 7th thru 12th grade. Teens can also participate in the online Low-Key Teen Book Club - check out the website to learn more and request your copy of this month’s book.
Boardman Teen Night is on Thursdays from 5 to 7:00 pm.
All branches will be closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day on Friday, January 17th.
The City of Boardman and Boardman Park & Recreation District are working together on the Boardman Park Plan 2035, a master plan that will guide the future of parks and recreation in our community. Your input is vital to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and desires of our residents. Join us for this free, familyfriendly event to help shape the future of parks and recreation in Boardman. With a flexible open house format, you can drop in at your convenience and explore multiple ways to share your feedback. Children can enjoy fun, kid-friendly activities designed to inspire their creativity and capture their big ideas too! Light refreshments will be available, and as a thank-you for participating, you’ll have the chance to enter a drawing for exciting prizes, such as a Pool & Recreation Center pass. For more information: https:/ /www.cityofboardman.com/community-development/page/ parks-master-…
The City of Boardman would like to invite you to join us on January 14th at 6:00 PM at City Hall for a meeting regarding the upcoming project on South Main Street. Citizens will have the opportunity to review and provide input on some of the decorative pieces of the design. We look forward to seeing you!
The Morrow County Board of Commissioners along with Morrow County Public Works Department and the Morrow County Compliance Planner are excited to announce an opportunity to dispose of waste and nuisance items for FREE!
The County is offering one free voucher for every Non City Morrow County resident house hold. This voucher will be good for one free 4ft X 6ft X 2ft($15.00 value) load of waste at one of the two Morrow County transfer stations. City residence please contact your city for next free dumping opportunity.
These vouchers will be offered at a first come first serve basis, be sure to check in and pick up your voucher at The Planning office located at 215 NE Main Ave. Irrigon, OR 97844, hours of operation are Mon - Fri 9AM-5PM - Or the Public Works office, 365 West Highway 74, Lexington, OR 97839. hours of operation are Mon.-Thurs. 6:30AM-5PM
The Voucher is good for one 4ft X 6ft X 2 FT ($15.00 value) and will begin January 4, 2025 to June 29, 2025. So don’t stress over times, don’t stress over days, tackle these pesky to-dos on your time. Voucher expires June 29, 2025. Only requirement is to present proof of County residence at the time of voucher pickup
Information regarding 2025 City clean up initiatives or other projects be sure to contact your local City Hall. Please also remember to Take advantage of disposing of large items (mattress, couch, refrigerators, Freezers) for free all the time, Paint, Oil based and Latex Based, Electronics.
THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: Friday, February 7, 2025. Deadline is Friday, January 31, 2025
Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Baoardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
Thursday Jan. 2
Thursday Jan. 9
Shepherds Pie Rolls
Harv ard Beets
Green Salad
Pudding
Thursday Jan. 16
Birthday Dinner
Beef Stew Bisquits
Green Salad
Cake & Ice Cream
Thursday Jan. 23
Baked Fish
Rice Piloff
Green Salad
Peas
Garlic Bread
Thursday Jan. 30
Polish sausage/Roll
Tater Tots
Corn Coleslaw Pina
Happy Canyon Board of directors announces 2025 Princesses
PENDLETON, Ore. – The Happy Canyon Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Avery Quaempts and Korie Spencer as the 2025 Happy Canyon Princesses. These two exceptional women will serve as the official ambassadors for the Happy Canyon Night Show, Oregon’s premier outdoor night pageant, held every evening during the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up.
Happy Canyon Princesses,” said Happy Canyon President Kipp Curtis. “They both have strong ties to Happy Canyon, and we are proud to have them as our representatives for this historic tradition.”
Princess Avery Quaempts Princess Avery, whose Indian name is Hánnit wa tumult (Cayuse, meaning “Generous Heart”), is a 17-year-old enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
A formal introduction of Princess Avery and Princess Korie will take place at the annual Princess Brunch on Sunday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center. The event is open to the public and all are invited to celebrate the new princesses.
“We’re excited to welcome Avery and Korie as the 2025
Atwaí (the late) Curtis and Trisha Sampson. Her greatgrandfather is Atwaí Chief Carl Sampson of the Walla Walla tribe, her great-grandmother is Atwaí Carrie Sampson, a 1932 Pendleton Round-Up Princess, and uncle Donald Sampson is a hereditary chief of the Walúulapam (‘Walla Walla people’). Princess Avery is also a direct descendant of Walla Walla Chief Peo-Peo-Mox-Mox “Yellow Bird,” a signer of the Treaty of 1855, and of Chief Yellowhawk and Anna Minthorn Wannassay, who coauthored the original Happy Canyon script with Roy Raley in 1917, a script still used today.
Princess Avery’s family history includes many relatives who have served as Happy Canyon royalty, such as Patty Crane (1965), Sis Moses (1968), Eloise Baptiste (1969), Cathy Sampson (1970), Tito Moses (1971), Michelle Spencer (1987), Anna Minthorn (1992), Jamie and RaeAnn Crane (1995), Sydelle Harrison (2001), Talia Minthorn (2003), Shanna Treloar (2009), and Jory Spencer (2014). Her auntie, Iona Quaempts, was the first winner of the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant in 1962, and Princess Avery herself won the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant in 2021. Both her grandfather, Curtis Sampson, and great- grandfather, Chief Carl Sampson, had long-standing roles in the Happy Canyon show, and many other family members have participated throughout the years.
tion to give back to my community.”
Princess Korie Spencer
Princess Korie is a 23-year-old
Indian Reservation (CTUIR). A junior at Pendleton High School, she is the daughter of Justin Quaempts and Carrie Sampson, and the sister of Fallyn and Hayden Plume, and Symone Samuels. Her paternal grandparents are Bill Quaempts and Stevie Minthorn-Quaempts, while her maternal grandparents are
In addition to her academic pursuits, Princess Avery is a dedicated softball player, competing with Pendleton High School and the Northwest Bullets, a nationally recognized travel team. She is passionate about outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and boating, and enjoys spending time with her family at their property in Joseph, Ore.
Princess Avery plans to pursue a nursing career with a focus on pediatric care and looks forward to continuing her education and playing softball at the collegiate level.
“My roots are here in the Umatilla Reservation,” Princess Avery said. “I plan to return home after finishing my educa-
and carrying a travois. The horse she will ride is generously provided by Kayla Fossek (Happy Canyon Princess in
enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and a graduate of Pendleton High School and Treasure Valley Community College. She is the daughter of Atwaí (the late)
Brandon Spencer and Rochelle and Trevor Helfrecht, and the sister of Aubry Booth-Spencer, Katlyn Spencer, Chaynne Spencer, Janie Helfrecht, Jillian Helfrecht, and Tiydan Moore. Her paternal grandparents are Ruth (Nilchee) Spencer and Atwaí Chester “Sparky” Spencer. Her great-grandfather was Atwaí John Lester Spencer and her great-grandmother was Matilda Sampson-Spencer, who won the American Indian Beauty Pageant in 1933. Princess Korie is a direct descendant of Tah pa Shah Spencer, also known as “Sharp Shooter,” who was Yakama Chief of the Klickitats. Her maternal lineage is from the Chief Big Bow family of the Kiowa Tribe in Oklahoma, with her grandfather Garrell Moore and grandmother Kevin (Tartsah) Moore.
Princess Korie’s family has deep ties to Happy Canyon, with her relatives Michelle Spencer (1987) and Jory Spencer (2014) both having served as Happy Canyon royalty. Recently, Korie has participated in the Happy Canyon Show, riding in both the traveling and mourning scenes
2019, Round-Up Princess in 2020-21, and Round-Up Queen in 2024).
A passionate advocate for the outdoors, Princess Korie enjoys horseback riding, hunting, and berry picking. She also plays recreational softball and even tried out rugby during her time at Pendleton High School. In recent years, Princess Korie has dedicated her time to volunteering with Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon, helping wherever needed.
Princess Korie is currently employed at Lil Turtle Retreat Daycare and plans to further her education in early childhood education at Oregon State University. She is committed to returning to Eastern Oregon to work with children and support families in her community.
“I’m excited about setting both simple and ambitious goals for myself in the coming years,” Princess Korie said. “I’m passionate about helping children and am excited to continue working towards a future where I can make a positive impact on my community.”
The 2025 Happy Canyon Night Show will take place from September 10-13, 2025, and both Princess Avery and Princess Korie are looking forward to representing the tradition and history of Happy Canyon with pride.
Princess Avery Quaempts, is a 17-year-old enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
Princess Korie Spencer, is a 23-year-oldgraduate of Pendleton High School and Treasure Valley Community College
