Growth in Boardman pays for new City Hall addition
Although Boardman City Hall is still “new” to some of us who have lived in Boardman a number of years, they ran out
The State of Oregon is unique in that it requires any building and planning fees collected to only be spent on things for building or planning purposes. With all the new housing and commercial buildings that have been constructed around Boardman, there was quite a fund that had built up.
of room! In particular, the planning and building departments ran out of office space within City Hall.
Fourteen months ago, the City began an addition to the original building, which was completed in 2002. This addition was for 4,000 square feet on the south end of City Hall, with an entrance for those seeking to utilize the building and planning depart-
ments. The addition, which cost $3.7 million, was entirely funded by building and inspection fees, and not a dime of taxpayer money!
Boardman is the planning and building center for the City
of Boardman, City of Irrigon and Morrow County. They also handle those jobs for Gilliam County. Boardman Planning Department keeps all Boardman fees and one-half of Morrow and Gilliam County fees.
Building Official Glenn McIntire and City Manager Brandon Hammond gave the North Morrow Times a tour of the new addition and provided photos. All decorative photographs in the addition have been taken by Boardman residents, and are lovely!
McIntire stated that the addition now provides offices for him, Building Inspector Jose Fernandez, Planning Official Carla McLane, Principal Planner Stephanie Case, Assistant Planning Official Arely Cambero and Code Enforcement Chief Corpus. The departments had been severely understaffed previ-
ous to the new construction. McIntire pointed out the 35 kw solar installation on the addition, of which the city is proud. City Counselors: Mayor Paul Keefer, Heather Baumgartner, Brenda Profitt, Cristina Cuevas, Karen Pettigrew, Richard Rockwell and Ethan Salata were all involved in the planning of the addition.
City Manager Brandon Hammond invites anyone who is interested in the new addition to contact him and he’d be happy to give a short tour!
Building Official Glenn McIntire conducts most of his business at his stand-up desk
New entrance to Building and Planning
Photo of the rooftop showing the solar installation
Morrow County to celebrate the dedication of the new SAGE Event Center
Morrow County, OR – The Port of Morrow is thrilled to announce the grand dedication of the SAGE Event Center, an exciting expansion of the SAGE Center, set to provide 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting space designed to foster community development and educational initiatives. The dedication ceremony will take place on November 15th at 5:30 PM at the SAGE Center, located at 101 Olson Rd NE Boardman, OR 97818.
The SAGE Event Center will serve as a hub for regional education and industry partners, offering a venue for programs and events that support continuing education, workforce initiatives, and youth programs. This vital addition to our community underscores the commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all residents.
The construction of the SAGE Event Center is made possible by significant state funding, with the Oregon Legislature approving House Bill 5006 during the 2021 session. The Port of Morrow has been awarded $4.3 million to bring this vision to life, enhancing
Morrow County’s capacity to host impactful events and training sessions. The dedication ceremony will feature guest speakers, tours of the new facility, and opportunities to engage with local community leaders and partners. Community members are invited to join in celebrating this important milestone for Morrow County.
We look forward to seeing you!
For more information about the event, please visit the SAGE Event Center Dedication event page on Facebook, go to www.visitsage.com or call the SAGE Event Center at (541) 945-2244.
Lynn Prag (541) 571- 3071
Jane Pope (541) 377-6801
Email: NorthMTimes@gmail.com or mail to P. O. Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818
Check us out on the Web: http://issuu.com/northmorrowtimes Or on FaceBook: https://w ww.facebook.com/northmorrowtimes/
Country & Sequins Benefit
Dinner/Auction for Angie Davis Flores
Saturday November 16th at the Port of Morrow from 6 pm to 11 pm
Angie was born and raised in Boardman. She has volunteered her time in many organizations and events in Boardman for many years.
A sold-out fundraiser is happening to help Angie and her family cover medical costs from her long battle with stage 4 melanoma.
The tickets for the Dinner/Auction are sold out, but you can still buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 13 month old, intact, male French Bulldog, and or a 12 gauge Waterfowl Woodland shotgun. There are 150 tickets of each, $50 a ticket. Need not be present to win. You can purchase tickets at Country and Sequins Benefit on Facebook, or check out Angie’s page at https:// www.facebook.com/angie.davis.77
November Riverside Athletics
November 1, 12:30pm, District Cross Country: V @Pendleton Community Park
7:00pm, Football: V @Milton Freewater
Nov. 7, 5:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Windy River Elementary School
Nov. 9, 9:00am, Basketball: B/Junior High @Irrigon Junior Senior High School
Nov. 14, 5:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Windy River Elementary School
Nov. 16, 9:00am, Basketball: B/Junior H igh, @Riverside/Windy River
Nov. 21, 5:00pm, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Windy River Elementary School
Nov. 23, 9:00am, Basketball: B/Junior High, @Weston Middle School
SAGE Center Winter Market: Ladies Night and Family Day
Morrow County, OR –
Get ready for a festive kick-off to the holiday season with the upcoming Morrow County Winter Market at the SAGE Center! Join us for two exciting days of shopping, fun, and community connection.
We will begin the festivities with Ladies Night on Friday, November 1 st from 6pm8pm. Ladies, treat yourself to an evening of relaxation and retail therapy! We will offer a lovely selection of wine tastings throughout the evening alongside delicious charcuterie catered by Rustic Charcuterie Co. Sip on delightful beverages while browsing a fantastic selection of local vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal goodies.
Bring the whole family on Saturday from 10am-3pm for a day filled with fun activities and shopping! Enjoy your favorite local vendors and the quality products they provide. The line-
up includes Bebidas Locas, Cecilia’s arts and crafts, T&D LASER Engraving, Sherry’s Hand Sewn Bags, Free Rein Designs, Nightowl Creations, Red Truck Soap Co., Three Arrows, Teena’s Treasures, CWC
The SAGE Center will also be hosting our SAGE Saturday craft day for kids alongside Winter Market from 10am-12pm in our AWS Think Big Space classroom upstairs. We welcome all kids ages 3-12 to join us in creating seasonal crafts to take home, including a slime making activity. Don’t miss the fun!
About the SAGE Center: The SAGE Center – Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Center – is an interactive visitor center in Boardman, Oregon. The center is operated by the Port of Morrow and showcases the industries at the Port, sustainable agriculture, and energy production in Morrow County. Facebook: @SAGE Center
Morrow County Transfer Stations open on weekends
Both transfer stations are open every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Or until they are full, please follow the Facebook page County of Morrow, Oregon for the latest updates.
Our transfer stations offer FREE of charge disposal for recycling of newspaper, cardboard, small steel cans, small glass and aluminum, latex and/or oil based paint (no more than 5-gallon containers), electronics including computer towers, computer screens, key boards, printers, handheld radios, fax machines, tablets, telephones, cell phones, stereo and copiers. In addition, the disposal of large household items is FREE of charge. Examples of these are sofa/ couch, love seat, chair/large chair, mattresses, box springs, toilets, sinks kitchen/bath, bathtubs, refrigerator, freezer, water heaters, Stove, washer/ dryers.
We appreciate your continued efforts in helping to keep our county garbage free! You can also be an active member in the solid waste solutions of the county by becoming a member of our Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). SWAC meets four times a year and meetings are open to the public. The Terms of the appointment are for four years. By becoming a member or attending the meetings, it allows you to participate in different issues such as rates, services offered and/or how the transfer systems operate. Positions available.
Position Two (Residing adjacent or near Finley Buttes)
Position Four (Port of Morrow or Incorporated City)
Position Seven (Alternate for County at Large)
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please let us know by emailing spointer@co.morrow.or.us or calling 541-989-8166.
16th Annual Boardman Quilt show was held in October
After 4 years the Boardman Quilt Club decided to bring back their quilt show.
The 16th Annual Quilt Show was held at the Boardman Senior Center, October 11 & 12th. Over 150 people attended the two day show. 64 quilts were hung for viewing made by 18 quilters.
Choice ribbon for adults were, Lila Killingbeck with her Double Wedding Ring quilt, and Sandy Moroney with her ‘What a Doll ‘ quilt. The youth winners this year were Ade Birt who showed off her Pink quilt and her Sister Esther Birt who displayed her Amish Barn quilt.
The Boardman Quilt Club served lunch which included a
Quilters come from all over, Happy Valley, Hermiston, Irrigon, Pendleton, Portland, and Vancouver WA. With the Boardman Quilt club contributing the majority of quilts.
This years’ featured Quilter of the Year was Myrtle Thompson. Myrtle began quilting in the 80’s when she lived in Alaska. That is where she got her inspiration for the animal quilts she had on display. Myrtle does all of her own quilting with a special machine.
Winners of the Viewer’s
baked potato bar with all the goodies including homemade chili, and lots of yummy desserts to purchase.
Door prizes were drawn throughout the day. Many vendors attended to sell their quilting supplies. Each year the club raffles off a quilt to raise money for expenses. This year’s quilt was made by several of the ladies in the club, and quilted by Carley Schriever.
Congratulations to this year’ winner, Kathy Street.
Myrtle Thompson displayed a few of her many quilts. Myrtle was the featured Quilter of the year.
Youth ribbon, Ade Birt age 14. (Pink quilt)
Sandy Moroney won a viewer’s choice ribbon with her ‘What a Doll’ Quilt
Youth ribbon Esther Birt age 16. (Amish barn quilt)
Kathy Street of Boardman was this year’s winner of the raffle quilt.
Pictured Right: Lila Killingbeck won a viewer’s choice ribbon with her double wedding ring quilt.
2024 Funshine Open Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Fourteen teams gathered to support Community Women’s Club of Irrigon and Boardman at Marker 40 in Boardman on September 21st . First place was Matthew Kreitzer’s team. Winning second place was Charlie Cimmiyotti’s team and 3rd place was taken by Scott McDaniel’s golf team.
hole sponsors as well as those who donated raffle gifts. The Funshine Open 7th Annual Golf Tournament was a great success! With these funds, Community Women’s Club strives to help members of our communities in times of need and to
All players were entered to win a Pendleton Blanket and a quilt by Cheryl Hobbs. Zach Barresse won Cheryl’s quilt and Ryan Hussy took home the Pendleton blanket donated by Rob and Judy Brown.
Community Women’s Club wishes to thank all players and
provide scholarships to graduating seniors at Irrigon High and Riverside. If you are interested in learning more about Community Women’s Club, you may reach them by email: commwomen534@gmail.com
Zach Barresse was the winner of the quilt donated by Cheryl Hobbs
A Pendleton blanket donated by Rob and Judy Brown was won by Ryan Hussy
Morrow County Harvest Festival celebrates the 11th Annual event at the SAGE Center
Date: October 15, 2024
Morrow County, OR –
The Morrow County Harvest Festival wrapped up its 11th annual celebration on October 5 th , attracting over 2,000 attendees to the SAGE Center for a vibrant day filled with community spirit, local vendors, and engaging activities for all ages.
This year’s festival featured a successful Kids Corner sponsored by Lamb Weston, complete with around twenty local businesses offering a range of free and fun activities and crafts. New additions this year included Northwest Beef Express who provided a great petting zoo area inside one of their cattle trailers. Eastern Oregon University’s GO STEM Mobile Maker Lab also set up and drew large numbers of participation. The festival showcased an im-
pressive variety of products, with local artisan vendors displaying high-quality goods that emphasized Morrow County’s agricultural heritage. We welcomed back many regular vendors, as well as met many new faces.
Our main stage was buzzing with activities throughout the day, including story time segments hosted by Oregon Trail Library District, an innovative smoothie bike presentation by Oregon Dairy Women, and a successful dog adoption event organized by Pet Rescue Hermiston. Six adorable dogs intro-
duced on stage found loving homes, making the day even more memorable. Celebrity pumpkin carving artist Roger Pope was the main highlight of our stage as he showcased the live carving and assembly of a scarecrow sculpture. While on stage he also entertained the crowd with tales of his experiences on Food Network’s popular TV show Halloween Wars.
“We are so pleased with the turnout to the Harvest Festival by the community and would like to thank all our sponsors for making this possible. We hope to continue growing the event to offer a little something for everyone” said Ariana Andrews, SAGE Center Coordinator. “Next year’s 2025 Morrow County Harvest Festival will likely partner with another regular community event that typically happens the week after Harvest Festival. This will benefit both events as they support each other and make it our biggest Harvest Festival yet!”
Boardman Seniors plan speakers twice each month during lunch
Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Boardman Senior Center each Tuesday and Thursday (see their menu on page 11 of this newspaper). Lunch costs $5 for seniors and $6 for those under age 55. Each lunch includes entree, salad, vegetables, rolls, desserts and beverages. You can eat lunch at the Center or pick up lunch to go.
Beginning in October, the Center has speakers during lunch who will talk about different subjects of interest.
Thanks to City Manager Brandon Hammond, who kicked off the speaker tour in October with an update on City of Boardman projects under
way and planned. Each speaker will talk while the others enjoy lunch, approximately 20-30 minutes, so you won’t be late getting back to work!
Speakers for November are Thursday, November 7th, The Food Pantry. Where is the Food Pantry? Who qualifies for free food? Who is involved in the Pantry? Where does the food come from?
On Tuesday, November 19th, John Murray, Murray Drugs and Andy Cemore from Columbia River Pharmacy will speak about changes in the Medicare Program, especially as it pertains to prescription drugs. Bring your list of questions!
UEC donates to Haywood EMC in wake of hurricane Helene
Kyle Heyne, warehouseman, loads equipment to be shipped to Haywood Electric Membership Corporation located in Waynesville, North Carolina, on Oct. 9.
Umatilla Electric recently completed our meter replacement project, replacing our previous TWACS metering system with a new system that communicates through radio frequency. After decommissioning the previous system, UEC posted the equipment for sale through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) website with the intent to sell to another cooperative using that type of metering system. However, when Hurricane Helene struck in the southeastern United States, the equipment was no longer for sale – it would end up being donated.
Haywood Electric Membership Corporation is located in Waynesville, North Carolina and was majorly impacted by Hurricane Helene. During the hurricane, some of the metering equipment on Haywood’s system was inundated with water and failed. They explored getting new equipment from the manufacturer, but the lead time was up to 12 weeks and very costly. The cooperative serves 29,000 members and af-
ter the storm hit, nearly 25,000 were without power.
Haywood found Umatilla Electric’s metering equipment for sale on the NRECA website and reached out to the cooperative to purchase and ship the equipment as soon as possible as their teams worked to recover their electric system from the disaster. Rather than sell the equipment to Haywood, Umatilla Electric opted to donate the equipment free of charge to the membership of Haywood EMC.
UEC Meter Department and Warehouse employees sprang into action and quickly gathered and organized the equipment. It was loaded on a truck Oct. 9 and is headed to North Carolina, where it will be a small piece of repairing the electric system in the area. Americans in the southeast have been through a lot in the last few weeks. Umatilla Electric hopes that this equipment will help in a small way to help the Haywood EMC membership and their community recover from this natural disaster.
Keep Boardman Clean Garbage Vouchers for Boardman Residents, available starting on Wednesday, October 9, valid October 12 through November 17.
Oregon Trail Library Boardman
New Book List:
Adult F iction:
Sandwich - Catherine Newman
Burn: A Novel - Peter Heller
Someone Like Us - Dinaw Mengestu
Here One Moment: A Novel - Liane Moriarty
Adult Non-F iction:
Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide
The Propagation Handbook: A Guide to Propagating HouseplantsHilton Carter
Living Wild: How to Plant Style Your Home and Cultivate HappinessHilton Carter
Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s - B. Dylan Hollis
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement - Sharon McMahon
Happy November!
November Crafty Nights @ the Library will be on Wednesday the 13th at 6:00 pm. Register online or call your branch to reserve your spot.
Boardman Library Teen Nights are on Thursdays from 5:00-7:00 pm for 7th thru 12th graders.
Irrigon Library Teen Nights are on Fridays from 5:00-7:00 pm for 7th thru 12th graders.
Preschool Storytimes are at 11:00 am in Boardman, 11:00 am in Irrigon, and at 10:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays in Heppner.
Irrigon Low-Key Teen Book Club is up and running - visit our website or call the Irrigon Library to learn how to join and participate. Need legal forms or access to legal resources in Oregon? OTLD has printable forms and resources available on our website through Gale Legal Forms. Gale offers a variety of resources for education, lifelong learning, and academic research. Whether you are looking for peer-reviewed articles; full-text magazines, newspapers, and eBooks; primary source documents; and videos or podcasts, Gale puts the right vetted content and tools at your fingertips!
Li brary Hours
SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday Closed
OTLD will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday the 28th and Friday the 29th. Happy Thanksgiving!
Senior Spotlight Gary & JoAnn Olsen
Innovation, creativity and volunteerism are only three of the principles Gary and JoAnn Olsen bring to education. Enthusiasm, encouragement and support help round out their approach to giving each student an opportunity to be their best selves.
Having both grown up in Umatilla County, (Gary in Pendleton and JoAnn in Umapine), they were familiar enough with the Boardman/Irrigon area when they moved here to teach in 1978 that there were no surprises. While they would like to see [more] opportunities for local shops in Boardman, and perhaps an expanse in family dining options, they have enjoyed making Boardman their home, the spirit of community involvement and look forward to the economic progress in the area. “Boardman is a great place to live and raise a family.”
and JoAnn Olson are long time community members. Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834 Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
JoAnn and Gary taught 4 th and 6th grades respectively at A.C. Houghton Elementary in Irrigon. JoAnn enjoyed her time with her 4th graders and worked hard to encourage learning and
fun activities to help with social behavior. After 10 years Gary was given the opportunity to create an Alternative School program (the Learning Center was located in the back of the City Post Office) through Riverside and he remained there until retirement. Additionally, he helped coach high school golf and junior high track and field. They have both received heart-felt appreciation for their tireless efforts in creating positive learning environments from former students.
Following their retirement from Morrow County School District, Gary and JoAnn went on a mission to North Carolina which proved to be an excellent opportunity to expand their knowledge of the eastern United States. They still remain in contact with friends they met during their commission and were relieved to hear from them ‘they were safe and had survived’ following Hurricane Helene’s unprecedent destruction.
Subsequent to their return to Eastern Oregon, the Olsen’s worked for Two Rivers Correctional Institution, an immeasurably rewarding experience for Gary and JoAnn, they so enjoyed their involvement with the inmates and made friends with several. One of the inmates pencil-drew a portrait of the two, it is one of their favorite possessions.
When Gary and JoAnn aren’t otherwise volunteering with their church or the community, they can likely be found spending time with friends and family or maintaining their home, full-time retirement doesn’t appear to be on the horizon any time soon.
· 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.
Community Focus
Winter
Term registration begins November 12 at Blue Mountain Community College. Students are encouraged to make an advising appointment with their faculty advisor in preparation for opening day. Students with questions may call the BMCC Workforce Training Center at 541-481-2099 for assistance.
Forklift Train-theTrainer will be presented by D2000 Safety at the BMCC workforce Training Center November 5. This one-day course provides experienced forklift operators with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to deliver initial and refresher training to their employees. Cost is $395 per person and students will register directly with D2000 Safety at www.d2000safety.com.
Oregon OSHA safety training in English and Spanish has been scheduled for January 13 and 14. These free sessions are designed for employers and employees and are targeted to effective safety committees and other necessary safety topics. Watch for more details to come.
An in-person HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Response) is set for December 3-5 with the possibility of a limited number of 8-hr refresher seats being available on the final day. The course is being presented by iWorkWise, a company known for high quality trainings. Limited seats are available at an estimated cost of $695. Please call the Workforce Training Center at 541481-2099 to reserve a seat or for more information.
All BMCC locations will be closed on Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day and November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving. Regular hours at the Workforce Training Center are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Pirate F.C. will be having indoor sessions again this year sponsored by Boardman Park and Rec District. Registration will be through the Rec center website. We are partnering with Our lady of Guadalupe to raise funds for the construction of a new church. The schedule is as follows, (see page 11 for the schedule) with a possible tournament in February. For more information Please text (541)314-5446 or message us on our Facebook page.
THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: Friday, December 6, 2024. Deadline is Friday, November 29, 2024 Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907 Baoardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
HERE’S MY CARD
Boardman Community Church
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
Quinton has served as Legislative Director for State Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) for 3.5 years, playing a crucial role in shaping legislative priorities and working on key initiatives for District 57. His leadership, keen strategic insights, and strong relationships across the district and in Salem made him an invaluable asset to the office. October 23rd is his last day, as he has decided to move on, taking a position with the Bank of Eastern Oregon.
“Over the years, Dawson has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to public service and a deep understanding of the legislative process,” said Rep. Smith, “His expertise and ability to navigate complex issues have been critical to our success, and I know he will bring the same level of excellence to the Bank of Eastern Oregon. While we are sad to see him go, I’m incredibly proud of all he has accomplished, and wish him the very best in this exciting new chapter.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside Greg. The experience has deeply shaped me both professionally and personally. I’m excited to take the lessons I’ve learned in the public sector into the financial industry,” said Quinton, “Taking this new job is definitely bittersweet, it’s hard to leave behind such an incredible team and the work we’ve accomplished together. However, it was impossible to pass-up the opportunity to join an amazing organization that holds so much personal and family history for me.”
Quinton’s father has worked at the Bank of Eastern Oregon as a commercial loan officer for over 20 years and his great-great-grandfather was one of the original founders.
