North Morrow Times May, 2024

City lists Building permits issued

Beautiful dogwood trees on Columbia Avenue on a spring day in Boardman.

Park selects new logo, mission statement

Boardman, OR – April 24, 2024

The Boardman Park & Recreation District proudly unveils its refreshed logo and mission statement.

The Boardman Park & Recreation District was established in 1967 as an Oregon Special District. Today, BPRD is leasing approximately 143 acres from the US Corps of Engineers for the purpose of maintaining a marina and community park with camping sites. BPRD is committed to organizing a variety of events and programs aimed at creating inviting and enjoyable experiences for members of the community.

In the new logo, the focal point is a silhouette of Marina Park’s iconic Sunset Gazebo which is a beloved spot used by many residents in Boardman. Surrounding the gazebo, is a silhouette of trees and children engaged in sports symbolizing the harmony between nature and recreational activities offered by BPRD. While preserv-

ing elements of the former logo, BPRD decides to keep the sun and river to further establish its representation of its location. BPRD has added a walleye fish to pay homage to the historic catch from the Columbia River, proudly displayed in the BPRD’s main office.

BPRD’s updated mission statement reflects our dedication to “enrich our community by fostering safe and enjoyable recreational experiences within well maintained parks and facilities.”

The rebranding of our logo and mission statement aims to better capture BPRD’s mission. BPRD staff are enthusiastic about the new chapter and are eager to implement new ideas to further enhance our community.

While the former BPRD logo will still be visible in the coming months, BPRD staff is diligently working to update all materials to reflect the renewed identity.

Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071

Jane Pope (541) 377-6801

Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818

Have you tried Boardman Senior Center for a yummy lunch?

If you are looking for a healthy lunch at a decent price, check out the Boardman Senior Center. They serve lunch on Tuesday and Thursday each week at Noon. The North Morrow Times publishes the Senior Center monthly menu each month; look for it on page 10 this issue. Cost for lunch is $5 for seniors, $6 for those younger than age 55. Check out the Boardman Senior Center FaceBook page for regular information and photos of the lunches. If you are still working and have little time for lunch, you can be in and out of there in 20-30 minutes.

On the first Saturday morning each month, the Senior Center cooks a breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 am, which includes eggs (as you like them) pancakes, ham or bacon, hash browns, toast, biscuits with gravy, and coffee, tea, milk or juice ---all for just $7.00! The next breakfast will be Saturday, May 4th -- be there!

The Center is run by a seven member board of directors who meet monthly. Office Manager Teresa Parsons runs the day to day operations and can answer any questions you might have, 541/481-3257. The board of directors is looking to add activities that everyone might be interested in such as day trips, game nights, etc. Call if you have any ideas for new things to enjoy! The Center is always looking for volunteers to help our, either on a onetime basis or weekly. If you’re interested, stop by and enjoy lunch, too!

morials, anniversary parties, etc. Boardman Park & Recreation District is holding a Loteria Night (similar to Bingo) gathering at the Senior Center on May 9th. Loteria has become a monthly outing for many residents who look forward to the various prizes and socialization. If you’re not familiar with Loteria, it’s easy! One of the staff or friends attending will help you get started!. Catering is another specialty the professional staff does to raise money for the Center. Interested? Give Teresa a call for pricing, depending on your choice of menu.

The Senior Center can be rented out (by room or the entire facility) for a very reasonable price. Call Teresa for pricing. Many residents use the facilities for birthday parties, me-

The Boardman Senior Center is located beside City Hall at 100 Tatone Street. If you are new to the area it is a great way to meet new friends. If you are a long time resident you can go eat lunch with friends. Everyone is welcome!

Boardman Arbor Day doings

In celebration of Arbor Day, Boardman Park & Recreation District crew organized volunteers to plant 52 trees around Boardman. The Arbor Day Foundation, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the City Public Works staff planted the trees at Marina Day Use Park, Boardman RV Park and in the green spaces along Front Streets across from Sunrise Cafe and Subway. Another eight trees were donated to Windy River Elementary School for their staff to plant at the school.

The goal is to plant 600 trees around the Boardman area, George Shimer CEO at Boardman Park states. The trees planted were 11- 15 feet tall, so will be very noticeable additions to beautify our community. Most were varieties of Maple trees, with some Lindens, Elms and one Tulip tree.

Riverside Jr/Sr April Athletics

May 3, 10:00am, Golf: V Union@Buffalo Peak Golf Course

12:00pm, Baseball: V Nyssa

12:00pm, Baseball: V Nyssa

12:00pm, Softball: V Nyssa

2:00pm, Softball: V Nyssa

May 4, 11:00am, Track: V TBA

May 6, 9:00am, Golf: V Baker @ @Quail Ridge Golf Course Baker City

May 7, 9:00am, Golf: V @Quail Ridge Golf Course Baker City

4:00pm, Baseball: V McLoughlin

4:00pm, Softball: V McLoughlin

May 10, 9:00 am, Tennis: V, Umatilla @ Columbia Basin Racket Club

11:00am, Softball: V Heppner

1:00pm, Softball: V Heppner

3:00pm, Track: V Burns, McLoughlin, Nyssa, Umatilla, Vale

May 11, 9:00 am, Tennis: V Umatilla @ Columbia Basin Racket Club

10:00am, Track: V Burns, McLoughlin, Nyssa, Umatilla, Vale

May 13, TBD, Golf: V TBA@Emerald Valley Golf Club

4:00pm, Baseball: V Umatilla

4:00pm, Softball: V Umatilla

May 14, TBD, Golf: V, TBD@Emerald Valley Golf Club

May 16, TBD, Track Varsity Finals @ Eugene

May 17, TBD, Tennis: V, @Tri-City Court Club

TBD, Track Varsity Finals @ Eugene

May 18, TBD, Tennis: Varsity District @ Prineville

Bank of Eastern Oregon names

Chairman and Vice Chairman

Heppner, Oregon, (April 26, 2024) BEO Bancorp (OTCBB:BEOB) and its subsidiary, Bank of Eastern Oregon, upon completion of the annual shareholders meeting in Heppner, elected Bob Armstrong as Chair of the Board and Gabrielle Homer as Vice Chair.

Armstrong joined the Board in 2004. He is a CPA and is an owner of Loop Ranch LLC, a family owned, purebred Angus cattle operation. Bob and his wife Lauri, who is employed by Solutions CPA’s, live near John Day.

Homer joined the Board in 2020. She is Chief Financial Officer for Painted Hills Natural Beef. She is also quite active in local, state, and national cattle organizations. Gabrielle and husband Will, who is Chief Operations Officer for Painted Hills Natural Beef, live near Fossil, OR.

“Bob and Gabrielle have proven themselves as dynamic leaders on our Board. Each have long histories with the Bank, both as customers and board members. We look forward to their continued leadership roles on the board of directors. Bob currently chairs our Audit Committee, and Gabrielle is chair of the Compensation Committee”, said President and CEO, Jeff Bailey.

About BEO Bancorp

BEO Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of Eastern Oregon. It operates 21 branches and three 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; Colfax, Dayton, LaCrosse, Pasco, and Pomeroy, WA; and Caldwell, ID. Loan production offices are located in Ontario, Pendleton, and Madras, OR.. 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 https:// www.beobank.com.

UEC Annual Meeting draws over 650 attendees

HERMISTON - The Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston buzzed with energy as more than 650 members and guests gathered for Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 20.

The event was a resounding success, highlighted by engaging presentations, exciting door prizes, and unforgettable entertainment.

Kicking off the evening, Weston Putman, Manager of Public Relations served as the event’s emcee and set the stage with a video introduction showcasing the UEC Board of Directors, followed by a presentation of highlights from 2023 by Board President Bryan Wolfe and an update on the cooperative by General Manager/CEO Robert Echenrode.

Attendees eagerly awaited the announcement of the Board election results, which saw Bryan Wolfe re-elected in District 3 and Phil Hamm secur-

ing another term in District 4.

Throughout the event, attendees were treated to a meal prepared by Castle Event Catering of Richland, Wash. Door prizes, including the coveted grand prize of a full year of free electricity, kept the excitement high, with over 40 additional prizes adding to the festivities.

The evening concluded with a fun performance by Rock Dee House Dueling Pianos, leaving attendees with lasting memories. As a token of appreciation, each household departed with the gift of a power tower, a portable multi-port charging station, symbolizing the theme for the year, “Creating Powerful Connections.” “We are thrilled to have record attendance at this year’s event and look forward to seeing our members throughout the year across our service territory,” Putman stated.

For more about UEC’s Annual Meeting, visit UmatillaElectric.com.

CULTURA FEST 2024 UNDERWAY

Get ready for Cultura Fest 2024! The third consecutive year of the much anticipated party of the year, this free community event will take place Saturday, May 25th at the Sunrise parking lot, 101 Front St NE in Boardman from 4pm to 9pm. Join us for a Street Dance Edition, hosted by local businesses, Café Cultura and Casa Gracia. This year we can expect over 25 local vendors, Macario’s bar on site serving delicious Mexican cocktails and beers, raffle prizes, and entertainment by local DJ El Muñeko. Interested vendors apply at https://forms. gle/pLvW8BacfaPJNdRL8.

Looking to sponsor or event? Email cafe.cultura.18@gmai l.com for more info.

UEC Board President Bryan Wolfe delivers a free year of electricity to the grand prize winner at the 87th Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 20.”

Umatilla Electric GM/CEO honored

with Excellence in Engineering or Operations Award

HERMISTON - Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) announced today that General Manager/CEO, Robert Echenrode, has been honored with the prestigious Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) Excellence in Engineering or Operations Award for 2024.

The NWPPA Excellence in Engineering or Operations Award, also known as the Milton Hunt McGuire Award, is the most prestigious award for a utility employee to receive in the areas of engineering or operations, given by NWPPA. Because of the high caliber of requirements to receive the award, it is not given out every year. The award honors an NWPPA member utility employee that has made a contribution to the industry as a whole. Examples of award-winning industry contributions include engineering or operational innovations; participation in and/ or leadership on industry standards or issues; and rising up to the myriad of opportunities presented by the issues and challenges the industry has faced.

“We are honored to present Robert Echenrode with this award for his visionary approach, success in managing growth, and forward-thinking mindset in agricultural and industrial development,” says Kurt Miller, executive director of NWPPA. “These qualities have positioned Robert as a luminary in the Northwest and beyond.”

Echenrode was formally presented with the NWPPA Excellence in Engineering or Operations Award during the NWPPA Engineering & Operations Conference, on April 11 in Tacoma, Wash.

Louis Toth, director emeritus of Toth & Associates, Inc. nominated Echenrode for the award and shared the following, “With a remarkable career spanning

2024ExcellenceEO_RobertEchenrode: “Robert Echenrode

receives the Excellence in Engineering or Operations

36 years across four electric cooperatives, Robert has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the engineering and operations sector of the electric utility industry.”

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand Robert’s exceptional contributions to our organization and the utility industry.” Says Josh Lankford, vice president of engineering and operations at UEC. “His technical expertise and strategic insights have played a pivotal role in advancing UEC’s capabilities and fostering significant economic growth in our region.”

Through Robert’s diligent efforts, UEC has implemented innovative solutions to serve members of the cooperative. Since Echenrode took the helm in 2016, the cooperative has increased power sales by nearly 300%, added over 20 perma-

nent substations and switchyards and five mobile substations. The cooperative contributes its significant growth and investments in infrastructure to the leadership of Echenrode through the agricultural and industrial growth in eastern Oregon.

“Receiving the NWPPA Excellence in Engineering or Operations Award is a special honor,” says Echenrode. “I’m grateful for the foundation laid by those before me and the dedication of our full team as we continue to innovate and serve our communities.”

Umatilla Electric Cooperative extends its heartfelt congratulations to Robert Echenrode for this well-deserved recognition.

For more information about Echenrode’s accomplishments and the NWPPA Excellence in Engineering and Operations Award, please visit UmatillaElectric.com.

(center)

Award from Jimmy Scarborough of Jefferson County PUD (left) and Rob Ferrera of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (right). PHOTO CREDIT: northwest Public Power Association

Paid for by Committee to Elect Roy Drago

Rep. Smith selected to lead apprenticeship pathways panel at dorchester conference

HEPPNER, OR — Representative Greg Smith has been selected to lead a centerpiece panel on workforce development and apprenticeships at the Dorchester Conference on Saturday, April 27 at Mt. Hood Resort in Welches, Oregon. Rep. Smith is the longest-serving member of the Oregon House of Representatives and will facilitate the discussion focused on enhancing apprenticeship opportunities to strengthen Oregon’s workforce.

This panel selection underscores Representative Smith’s extensive background and dedicated advocacy for apprenticeship utilization requirements on public projects, alongside his efforts to secure investments in apprenticeship centers. His leadership aims to bridge the gap between educational institutions and the workforce needs of today’s industries, ensuring a robust and skilled labor force.

Rep. Smith will lead a discussion with esteemed experts, including:

· Tricia Mooney, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Hermiston School District

· Jimbo Anderson, Business Manager, Operating Engineers Local 701

· Todd Mustard, Chapter Manager, National Electrical Contractors Association

· Michelle Fussell, State/Local Government Relations, Ironworkers Local 29

· Jed Hartley, MBA, Director of Training and Development.

Dr. Mooney is currently spearheading the development of the Columbia Basin Apprenticeship Center.

The discussion will delve into successful strategies for integrating apprenticeship programs within public and private sectors, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in fostering a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of

the economy.

“It is an honor to lead this important discussion at the Dorchester Conference,” Rep. Smith said. “Apprenticeships are crucial for building a skilled workforce and supporting sustainable economic growth. I look forward to sharing insights and strategies that can help expand these opportunities statewide.”

The invite-only Dorchester Conference is the oldest annual political conference in the U.S. and provides a unique platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to collaborate and discuss pressing issues facing our communities today. This panel is expected to offer valuable perspectives and actionable solutions to enhance workforce development initiatives across the country.

For more information about the 2024 Dorchester Conference, please visit https:// dorchester.org/

BOARDMAN PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT

Oregon Trail Library Boardman

New Book List:

Adult F iction:

Dirty Thirty - Janet Evanovich

Bless Your Heart - Lindy Ryan

Meadow Falls - Brown Carolyn

Nightwatching: A Novel - Tracy Sierra

Technically Yours - Denise Williams

Lone Oaks Crossing - Janet Dailey

The First Day of Eternity - Charles West

The General and Julia: A Novel - Jon Clinch

Li brary Hours

SundayClosed

MondayClosed

Tuesday10-6

Spring Bash, Earth Day, Cemetery cleanup and now Summer Rec

The Other Mothers: A Novel - Katherine Faulkner, The Reaper Follows - Heather Graham

The Twilight Garden: A Novel - Sara Nisha Adams

Better Hate than Never: A Novel - Chloe Liese

The Angel of Indian Lake - Stephen Graham Jones

The Women: A Novel - Kristin Hannah

Daughter of Mine: A Novel - Megan Miranda

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead - Elle Cosimano

Expiration Dates: A Novel - Rebecca Serle

The Book that Broke the World - Mark Lawrence

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun - Elle Cosimano

The Expectant Detectives: A Mystery - Kat Ailes

The Sweet Blue Distance - Sara Donati

The Husbands: A Novel - Holly Gramazio

The Princess of Las Vegas: A Novel - Chris Bohjalian

Wednesday 10-6

Thursday10-6

Friday10-6

Saturday Closed

The Songbird of Hope Hill: A Novel - Kim Vogel Sawyer

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers: A Novel - Samuel Burr

The Silence in Her Eyes: A Novel - Armando Lucas Correa

The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West: A Novel - Sara Ackerman

You Only Call When You’re in Trouble: A Novel - Stephen McCauley

Adult Non-F iction:

We Loved it All: A Memory of Life - Lydia Millet Somehow: Thoughts on Love - Anne Lamott

You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir - Maggie Smith

Friends of Dorothy: A Celebration Of LGBTQ+ Icons - Anthony Uzarowski

Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks - Vicky Bennison

Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share - Valerie Bertinelli

Butter Boards: 50+ Inventive Spreads for Entertaining - Alejandra Diaz-Imlah

Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks - Vicky Bennison

The Tried & True Cookbook: 150 Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Families - Alyssa Rivers

Effortlessly Elevated Eats: Unique, Flavorful Recipes for Everyday Cooking - Jenny Hurley

Nourish: Simple Recipes to Empower Your Body and Feed Your SoulGisele Bündchen

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook: 700+ Recipes for Kitten and the Bear Cookbook: Recipes for Small Batch Preserves, Scones, and Sweets from the Beloved Shop - Sophia Kaftal

Crafty Nights @ the Library is on Wednesday, May 8th at all 3 branches - visit our website to register. Spots are limited. Did you know CreativeBug has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists? Visit our website to access CreativeBug with your library card and see the new May projects and printables!

We offer pre-school Storytimes on Tuesdays @ 11 am in Boardman and Heppner and at 11 am on Fridays in Irrigon.

By Gregg Cheney Boardman Park & Recreation District (BPRD) has had a busy start to the Spring Season. On April 20th BPRD hosted the Spring Bash where there were multiple events that went on during the day such as a 5k race, a car show, a bouncy house, and free boat rides from the Boardman Fire District’s new fire boat. There were also food vendors, artisan vendors and yard sale vendors. April was “Minority Health Awareness Month.” BPRD wanted to support the cause so the proceeds from this event will start a scholarship with the pharmacies. Those in need will have some resources to help pay for prescriptions.

As you visit the parks around the city, you will notice some new trees have been planted. Amazon Web Services (AWS)launched a Cloud Canopy Program in the region. Their Goal was to plant 600 trees in the region. AWS was able to connect with the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) to help in this promotion. BPRD was approached to facilitate an event in Boardman. CEO George Shimer set the goal of planting 400 trees within the city.

The connection was then tied into the City ‘s Cleanup Day on April 22, 2024, which was Earth Day. AWS and ADF provided

the funds to purchase trees, supplies for the trees and supplies for the day’s event. Approximately 35 AWS workers, a representative from ADF, and 11 BPRD workers showed up at 8:30 in the morning. 60 trees showed up in the back of a semitruck that morning along with more headed to Hermiston and Pendleton with other stops on the way to Salt Lake City. All these trees were in 15-gallon containers. The trees averaged 11-13 feet in height with some reaching 15 feet. Most were varieties of Maple trees, with some Lindens, Elms and one Tulip tree.

After a few dignitary speeches, a safety briefing, and a demonstration on how to plant the trees, the AWS/ADF/ and BPRD crews went to work. The crews planted 39 trees within two hours. Six more trees were finished after lunch. Another seven trees were planted by the City of Boardman public works department and eight trees were donated to Windy River and Sam Boardman Elementary Schools. Around 300 more trees will be planted soon. Shimer stated, “This project was done in such a short time span. We ordered the trees through Kopacz Nursery., who had to order the 60 trees from the west side of the state to fulfill our request. Now

we can order more specific trees for specific needs due to not having a rush.”

The summer recreation program is finishing up the planning process. Morrow County School District has been helpful in procuring the funds for this year’s program. Funtastic Kidz will run in the same pattern as in the past with Riverside Jr. High and Senior High School students acting as counselors. Students from outgoing kindergarteners through outgoing 6th graders will rotate stations within each day to experience art, sport, science, and social growth, This will take place between 8am and noon Monday through Thursday, starting June 17 through July 25 with the 4th of July week off. Signups are opened now online.

A big change this year will be for the Teen Summer program. Students from incoming 7th grade to incoming seniors will get a chance to choose from a variety of camps: cooking and baking camp, wilderness survival camp, robotics and model rockets camp, reality show challenge course camp, and sports camp. Check in with the Boardman Park & Recreation District web site or social media pages for more information on this as well as other upcoming events.

· Full Service pump installation and repair from well to pressure tank for both agriculture and domestic applications.

Box 626, Lexington , OR 97839

· 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.

BMCC Update

Spring Term rolls on at Blue Mountain Community College but students and staff are looking forward to wrapping up the academic year in early June and celebrating Commencement with the graduates. Commencement is set for Wednesday, June 12 starting at 6 pm at the Pendleton Convention Center.

In the meantime, however, there is lots to do in preparation for summer and fall term. Incoming and continuing students will be registering for Summer classes starting May 7 and for Fall classes starting May 20. Staff at the BMCC Workforce Training Center in Boardman are ready to assist. Students can take placement tests, receive assistance with financial aid and meet with a Navigator as they prepare for upcoming terms.

Tuesday May 7

Meatloaf & Salisbury

Steak

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Green Beans

Rolls

Cake

Tuesday May 14

Hearty Vegetable Beef

Soup

GArlic Bread

Green Salad

Ambrosia

Tuesday May 21

Tater Tot Casserole

Green Beans

Green Salad

Rice Krispy Treats

Tuesday May 28

Green Chili Beef

Enchiladas

Rice & Beans

Chop Salad

Pudding

Summer Term classes begin July 1 and Fall Term begins September 23. Call 541-481-2099 to set up an appointment or for more information.

Forklift Operator for Spanish Speakers is on the calendar for the week of May 13. This course features classroom instruction on safety and operational details, a written exam and is followed by a skills test. Cost of the class is $179 per person. Students should call the office at 541-481-2099 for registration details.

The BMCC Workforce Training Center is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday until switching to summer hours on June 16. After that date, all BMCC locations will be closed on Friday through Labor Day.

Boardman Community Church

Thursday May 3

Fullo Salad Bar

Chicken Noodle or Lasagna Soup Rolls

Jello

Thursday May 9

White Chicken Chili

Corn Bread

Green Salad

Banana Split Bars

Thursday May 16

Birthday Meal

Spaghetti & Lasagna

Garlic Bread Green Salad

Brownies

Thursday May 23

BBQ Chicken

Melon & Veggie Tray

Potto Salad

Chips & Dip

Cake & Ice Cream

Thursday May 30

Ham & Beans

Corn Bread

Pea & Cheese Salad

Cupcakes

Lunch is $5 for Seniors 55 & Above; $6 for Adults 54 & Under All are Welcome!

Take-Out Lunches and Catering Available. Call 481-3257

Boardman Senior Center 100 Tatone Street * Boardman

Pastor Andy Hermanns Sunday worship 11:00 am

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.

300 2nd Street NWBoardman, OR 97818 Phone 541-656-6918

Bible Study Wednesday 6:30 pm

Ladies Bible Study Friday 10:30 am

Hispanic Church Spanish - Sat. & Sun. evenings 6 pm Youth Group meets Sunday 5 to 6:30 pm

TnT Storage

HERE’S MY CARD

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: June 7, 2024.

requirements, and details on how the proposal evaluation criteria are weighted is included in the Request for Proposals solicitation document.

* Experienced pharmacists

* Bilingual staff

* Medication delivery

* Coordinated care w/CRH Boardman Office 541.481.2911 Heppner Office 541.676.9161

Deadline is Friday, May 31, 2024

Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Boardman, OR 97818,or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com

Morrow County, Oregon, a local county government seeks Requests for Proposals for a Trail Master Plan for the Columbia River Heritage Trail. Proposals will be considered based upon the following general evaluation criteria: Fee Schedule; Qualifications; Experience; Work Samples; References; Method of Approach; and Timeline and Milestones. Additional information, including a project description, the scope of work, submission

Copies of the Request for Proposals solicitation document may be obtained from the Morrow County Planning Department, Morrow County Government Center 215 NE Main Ave., Irrigon, OR 97844, or online at www.co.morrow.or.us/ rfpstmabbott@co.morrow.or.us . Complete proposals will be accepted via email at: no later than 2:00 p.m., May 30, 2024. Questions or concerns may be addressed to Tamra Mabbott, Planning Director, at (541) 6762529.

Congratulations to Riverside High School Sophomore

NATHEN HAMMOND for breaking the 1984 Riverside 3000m record with a time of 9:25.14

H2OEO hires Executive Director

Justin B. Green

www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

For the months of June and July the North Morrow Times will be out a week early. The June issue will be in your mailbox on May 31st. And the July issue will be out on June 28th.

Water for Eastern Oregon (H2OEO) has hired Justin B. Green as executive director, leading the organization’s efforts to provide safe drinking water and curb groundwater nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin.

Green is an environmental policy and regulatory consultant whose firm, Justin B. Green Consulting, is based in North Portland.

Prior to 2022, he spent four years with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as Water Quality Administrator, where he approved the Second Action Plan to address nitrate concentrations in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA).

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

Boardman resident finds nitrate solution through filtration system, regular testing

In 1984, Luis Monge bought an acre of property just southwest of Boardman. It was a place to build a home to raise his family in the small community.

At the time, the city’s population was just over 1,200 and a new freeway interchange had been built at Exit 165 to accommodate expanding business at the Boardman Industrial Park. Monge worked on nearby farms and later at Boardman Foods, growing and producing vegetables and other crops.

In all the years he lived and worked in Boardman, he doesn’t remember hearing anything about nitrates in the groundwater, even when the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area was established in 1990.

drinking water had nitrates,” said Monge, who drilled a 130foot well and installed a septic system when the house was built in 1984. “Two years ago people started talking about it and getting together to have meetings. And we got tested right away.”

The test in 2023 showed that Monge’s nitrate level was 29 mg/L, nearly triple the level recommended by the EPA. He was concerned about the health effects it may be having on him and his wife and immediately began looking for a someone to install a filtration system.

— directly on the well line in the pump house near his home. All the water for his home passes through these filters, while irrigation water bypasses the system and goes directly to his yard. Monge still tests the well water every month — both before and after it is filtered. He sends the tests to the Kuo Testing Lab in Umatilla to track the nitrate level in the groundwater and ensure his filter is working properly. On his most recent test, the unfiltered water had a nitrate level of 22.8 mg/L and the filtered water tested at 1.8 mg/L.

The filtration system cost $3,400 and has an effective lifespan of 3-5 years, depending on use, Monge said. But because of the regular well tests, he knows the system is keeping nitrates at a safe level in his home drinking water.

“We didn’t know until a couple of years ago that our

He contacted Rob Merriman Plumbing in Pendleton, who installed two stand-up filters — one for nitrates and one for iron

Direct tap filters are also available, which remove nitrates directly from sources of drinking water like the kitchen faucet. The Oregon Health Authority has teamed up with the Morrow and Umatilla county health departments to offer free testing and vouchers for filtration systems. For wells that test higher than 40 mg/L, bottled water deliveries are available.

Information provided by Water for Eastern Oregon (H2OEO)

Luis Monge had two stand-up filters installed on his well line: one filter for nitrates and one for iron. He still tests his home water each month to make sure his water is safe to drink. Rob Merriman Plumbing from Pendleton installed his system.