Fire devastates 5 houses and Food Pantry in Boardman 7/18
By: Chief Rick Stokoe
Date: 7/23/2025
Kinkade Fire Update
On the evening of July 18, 2 025, a series of devastating fires broke out in and around the City of Boardman, destroying five homes including one t wo-story residence and the f ormer church building that h oused the Boardman Food Pantry. In total, five separate f ires were reported over the course of an hour, creating one of the most significant emerg ency responses in recent memory.
One of the fires appears accidental, caused by mechanical equipment. However, the subs equent fires are considered s uspicious in nature, and an arson investigation is currently underway. A gray pickup truck seen fleeing the area has been identified as a vehicle of interest, and we urge the public to
jurisdictions came without hesitation, and their combined efforts prevented further loss.
Evacuation shelters were quickly opened, utilities re stored, and emergency services coordinated with efficiency and compassion. Local churches,
report any relevant information to the Boardman Police Department or Morrow County Sheriff’s Office.
A gray pickup truck previously identified as a vehicle of interest in connection with one of the fires has been located, and the occupant has been identified. Following further investigation, law enforcement has determined that neither the vehicle nor its occupant is believed to be connected to that particular incident.
At this time, no other individuals or causes have been ruled out, and the investigation into the remaining suspicious fires is ongoing.
From the very first moments of the crisis, neighbors stepped up. Local fire crews, public safety agencies, volunteers, and private citizens rushed to protect lives and property. Mutual aid partners from surrounding
sadness and heartbreak we feel for those who lost their homes and memories. But in the face of this devastation, I have never been prouder of the people of Boardman. The outpouring of support whether through donations, a helping hand, or simply showing up demonstrates the character of this community. We are stronger together. And we will move forward together.”
This is not just a response to tragedy. It is a testament to who we are. The Boardman community has always stood tall in the face of adversity and today it is no different.
Anyone with information re-
garding the suspicious fires or the vehicle of interest is urged to contact the Boardman Police Department at 541-481-6071 or the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office at 541-676-5317.
Temporary donation drop-off is available at The King’s Garden Church (200 SW Willow Fork Drive), and the Chamber can be reached at 541-481-3014 or info@boardmanchamber.org. Red Cross, Boardman Fire, city, and regional fire agencies are continuing to investigate, clean up, and support the recovery efforts. Monetary donations may be made at Banner Bank, Boardman Senior Center, Boardman Fire Relief Fund.
nonprofits, and families provided food, clothing, and emotional support to those in need. The Boardman Senior Center established the Boardman Fire Relief Fund, and donations began pouring in to support the displaced families and help rebuild our food pantry. Businesses offered supplies, volunteers provided transportation and housing, and our school and civic leaders checked in on affected children and elderly residents.
“Words cannot express the
The cross survived the Food Pantry Fire, and thanks to one of Boardman’s Firefighters, was removed from the ashes and given to the King’s Garden Church. Photos contributed.
King’s Garden Church hosts
event with churches from around the NW August 9th
By Pastor Rick and Shara Weiss
On August 9 th, the King’s Garden Church will be hosting an event sponsored by a group of Northwest churches (through the NW Baptist Convention which is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention). On this day from 10 a.m. until about 3 p.m. between 60 to 85 people from around the Northwest will be in Boardman to serve, converse, and feed people who come to the City Park (behind the Post Office). All activities and food are being offered at no charge.
Folks from the NW Baptist Convention began doing one-day mission trips in various cities last year. The first oneday mission trip was in Yakima. Our little church took 16 people to serve. They had about 60 people from various churches around the northwest serving the city of Yakima that day. We did prayer walking, enjoyed conversations with neighbors, did some community projects, had bounce houses and food for the families, and more.
Right after that event last summer, they decided to make Boardman the location of their second annual one-day mission adventure. They set the date for August 9 last Fall, long before we knew there would be fires here. Since the fire, it has become clear this is a significant date to allow us to take a breather from all the stress of these last few days and to celebrate who we are as a community.
If you happen to be around on August 9, you will see people from a number of Northwest churches in our community. We will have bounce houses set up, free hamburgers and hot dogs and more, free haircuts, we will be doing community service projects as a group, and so on. We have been working with the city and other local leaders to get things planned.
Everyone is invited to participate in the activities that will be happening and everything is free including the food (courtesy of the Northwest Baptist Disaster Relief Team and the Baptist Convention).
Official flyers are being posted around town and on community Facebook pages. We look forward to seeing you on August 9th !
Oregon Trail Library Summer reading program ending August 8
iRead Summer Reading 2025: Level Up at Your Library is winding down and will end August 8th.
Join us for our Summer Reading Celebrations!
Thursday, August 7 th at Boardman City Park @ 11 am. Thursday, August 7th at Irrigon Library @ 4 pm.
Friday, August 8 th at Heppner Library @ Noon.
iRead Lectura de Verano 2025: Mejora en tu Biblioteca está llegando a su fin y terminará el 8 de agosto.
Únete a nosotros para nuestras Celebraciones de Lectura de Verano!
Jueves, 7 de agosto en el Parque de la Ciudad de Boardman a las 11 am. Jueves, 7 de agosto en la Biblioteca de Irrigon a las 4 pm.
Viernes, 8 de agosto en la Biblioteca de Heppner a las 12 pm. The libraries will be closed on Thursday the 7th and Friday the 8 th for the Summer Reading Celebrations.
Las bibliotecas estarán cerradas el jueves 7 y el viernes 8 por las Celebraciones de Lectura de Verano.
Crafty Nights @ the Library in August is on Wednesday the 13th at 6 pm. Call your branch or visit our website to reserve
your spot nowspace is limited. This month’s craft will be Bedazzled Bookmarks.
Las Noches Ingeniosas en la Biblioteca en agosto serán el miércoles 13 a las 6 pm. Llama a tu sucursal o visita nuestro sitio web para reservar tu lugar ahora - el espacio es limitado. El arte de este mes serán los Marcadores Brillantes.
All Branches will be closed Friday, August 29 th and Saturday, August 30th for the Labor Day Holiday.
Todas las sucursales estarán cerradas el viernes 29 de agosto y el sábado 30 de agosto por el feriado del Día del Trabajo.
Sign up for Wowbrary-a weekly email showcasing our new titles for the week!
¡Regístrese para recibir Wowbrary, un correo electrónico semanal que muestra nuestros
nuevos títulos para la semana! Visit the calendar page on OTLD’s website for more event and program information. Visita la página del calendario en el sitio web de OTLD para obtener más información sobre eventos y programas.
Crush Mosquitoes
North Morrow Vector Control District wants you to:
“Protect Yourself and Your Family” from biting mosquitoes by:
Dumping and draining standing water
Wearing long sleeve shirts and pants
Keeping window and door screens repaired
Avoid dawn and dusk when skeeters are out
Wear insect repellant
2025 Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo welcomes Queen KC Anderson
KC Anderson is the first Queen in 10 years in Morrow County. Macy Gibbs was that last one in 2015. The Queen position is back and KC Anderson is doing an outstanding job representing her county. She is the daughter of Colin and Erin Anderson. They have a local what farm in Morrow County. She started with Coronation on Feb. 6th at Heppner’s Town and Country. She moved quickly into St. Patrick’s celebrations with a pee wee beef showman clinic and St. Patrick’s celebration in Heppner. She attended the Miss Rodeo OR clinic in April and learned many things about fair and rodeo royalty. She attended the Spray Rodeo, Helix Rodeo and the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show. She was a participant in the Mor-
row County Horse Show and attended the Crooked River Round – Up and Ukiah Rodeo. July was strong with a parade in Ione and then the Elgin Stamped. She was at the Western States. Jr. Rodeo and is looking forward to the Grant County Rodeo and of course the Umatilla Parade and Farm City Pro Rodeo.
The Morrow County fair Aug. 13-16 and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo is Aug. 15-16th where she invites everyone to enjoy the fun of her home County Fair. She will be in the Parade on Saturday, followed by a Queen Luncheon and of course the local Morrow County Rodeo on the 17 th. She is proud of her home town and invites everyone to enjoy the small-town hospitality of Morrow County.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT * Phyllis Gilbertson
By: Francis Glenn
One of Boardman’s most prolific volunteers for the last 50 years has been Phyllis Gilbertson. As soon as she moved to Boardman in 1974 she began helping out on so many projects.
The first Fourth of July celebration in Boardman was one of her first major volunteer successes. The fireworks were memorable with their timing between explosions but now fireworks are constant all time of display.
With 3 children going thru the local school system she was an active parent. She served as President of the PTA and lead several programs for the students. She was an active “athletic mom” holding fundraisers for the athletes.
Phyllis was also instrumental in creating the first Easter Egg hunt in Boardman. Way back then Tillicum Club members brought hard boiled eggs to a site, members and other volunteers colored the eggs
and then volunteers hid the eggs. Now at the egg hunt kids look for plastic, colored eggs that have some candy in them.
Tillicum Club, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, and the Lutheran church were all a big part of her efforts. If I were to post all her efforts the article would go on and on.
Phyllis is pleased to see how much Boardman has changed over the last 50 years. She likes that the town has kept its “small town attitude”. Friends helping friends like the citizens did July 18 with the fire.
Boardman Senior Center Spotlight
By Shara Weiss
Greetings, Community. It has been a very busy time following the fires and the loss of our town food pantry. The community outreach activities have kept us occupied and the coming coffee/ reading/game room has been put on hold for a short while. Room decor will be purchased soon and the plans will carry on. We hope to have that room completed and opened no later than the end of August (pending no further interruptions). We have not yet secured transportation for trips to the Wildhorse Casino. That is still ‘in the works.’
Boardman had about 500 people in 1975 but now is
approaching 5000. She is looking forward to seeing more happenings here and is still volunteering. I went to a Yard Sale a few weeks ago and who should be helping with the event—Phyllis. She is an amazing woman!!
The luncheon speakers have been booked for August. Please join us on Thursday, August 7 at Noon when Chief Stokoe will update us regarding Emergency Management following the recent fires. On August 19 our City Manager Brandon Hammond will be sharing updates related to our city and the future of Boardman.
Phyllis Gilbertson
KC Anderson proudly holds the position of 2025 Morrow County Fair and Oregon Pro Trail Rodeo Queen.
Exciting updates at Columbia River Health: New providers, community BBQ,
and back-to-school wellness visits!
We’re thrilled to welcome three new healthcare providers to our team! Stephanie Green, FNP-BC, Adrienne Hayford, FNP-C and Eva Jaime, FNP-C. Their expertise and dedication to patient care will help us continue to provide high-quality, compassionate service to our community. We are now accepting New Patients!
We’re hosting a Community BBQ on August 15th from 12 PM to 3 PM at Columbia River Health on 450 Tatone Street, Boardman, OR. Join us for delicious free food, fun activities, and a chance to connect with neighbors and staff. It’s a great opportunity to meet our new providers in a relaxed, familyfriendly setting.
Inland Development Corporation awards $54,000 in scholarships to Class of 2025
BOARDMAN, OR — Inland Development Corporation is proud to announce the award of twenty-seven scholarships to graduating seniors in the Class of 2025, totaling $54,000 in support of continuing education.
Founded in 2004 to expand broadband services to Morrow County schools, Inland Development has grown to serve much of Eastern Oregon. In 2011, the organization launched its scholarship program in memory of Inland’s founder, Nate Arbogast, who tragically passed away in a skiing accident. Nate was a strong advocate for education and had a
visionary goal of providing broadband access to schools across rural Oregon.
Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded over $750,000 to students from across the region. In 2020, Monument High School was added to the list of eligible schools, and in 2025, Inland significantly expanded the program—boosting the number of recipients to twenty-seven and doubling the scholarship amount to $2,000 per student. Scholarships have supported students pursuing a variety of post-secondary paths, including 2- and 4-year colleges, techni-
cal institutes, apprenticeships, vocational programs, and beauty schools.
The 2025 recipients include: Monument High School – 3 students
· Ione High School – 1 student
· Irrigon High School – 6 students
Heppner High School – 5 students
· Riverside High School – 12 students
Inland Development remains committed to investing in the future of rural communities by supporting the educational goals of local youth.
As summer winds down, don’t forget to schedule your child’s annual wellness visit. These check-ups are essential for tracking growth, updating vaccinations, and addressing any health or developmental concerns before the school year begins. A Sports Physical can be completed at no cost if done with a Child Wellness Visit. A wellness visit ensures your child is healthy, confident, and ready to learn. We look forward to seeing you at the BBQ and in the clinic!
Letter to the Editor
Dear Boardman Community (and surrounding areas),
We would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your generosity to the fire families and to our community. In the days following the fires, people donated clothing, shoes, toiletries, and more - to the point that our church was overflowing. People from all around the community came to help and serve, sort and sift. A CBS Affiliate came to feature the town and their generosity. We had the church open for the fire families and several people came ... and came again. From there, we opened up for the entire community. Hundreds of people came through during the 7 days that we remained open from morning until evening. On the 7th day we packed everything up. A special thanks to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for their help with this! It was greatly appreciated.
As it became clear that the amount of items being donated through the church was so great, we began to call around to see who would like to take the items after others had come through to get what they needed/wanted. We made special trips to the
Stepping Stones homeless shelter in order to donate pants, shirts, shorts, and more. We rang up another town to offer the clothing to them after they experienced a fire as well. They said they had enough help already (which is great). We then texted our friends at Sacred Roads Ministries in the Yakima Reservation asking if they could use the clothing and they agreed to accept it. On Monday, July 28, we drove a trailer load of clothing to the White Swan based church. They do phenomenal work there to help others.
Town: Your donations not only helped the fire families and our local community. They helped people beyond our community, as well. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and time. We love this little town and we love your caring hearts. We are all blessed to be a blessing to others!
Genesis 12:2 | “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
With much love, The King’s Garden Church, 200 WillowFork Drive, Boardman
Boardman
Farmer’s Market
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Each Monday at the Marina Park until September 8th
Boardman Marina Park, unless the weather is not cooperating. Then it will be held at the Boardman Senior Center located at 100 Tatone Street
Boardman Community Church
Pastor Andy Hermanns
Boardman
HERE’S MY CARD
THE NEXT EDITION of the NORTH MORROW TIMES will be in your mailbox: Friday, September 5, 2025. Deadline is Friday, August 29, 2025 Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times, PO Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818, or E-mail: NorthMTimes@gmail.com
Speakers at Senior Center Luncheons:
Thursday, Aubust 7th: Boardman Police Chief Rick Stokoe will update
Tuesday, August 19th: Boardman City Manager Brandon Hammond will update us with everythin going on in Boardman.
Lunch is available Tuesdays and Thursdays Noon to 12:30. Cost of the lunch is $5 for seniors and $6 for those age 54 and under. Take out lunches and catering are available. Contact Teresa Parson at 481-3257.
Tuesday Aug. 5
Cheesy Baked Burritos
Salsa & Sour Cream
Green Salad
Fresh Fruit
Jello
Tuesday Aug. 12
Baked Potato Bar Condiments & Chili Cookies
Tuesday Aug. 19
Baked Chicken Potato Salad
Tuesday Aug. 26
Ham & Cheese Sliders
Zucchini & Tomatoes
Roasted Red Potatoes
Peanut Butter Bars
Thursday Aug. 7
Saturday, August 2nd 7:30 - 10:30
Thursday Aug. 14
Peach Cobbler
Thursday Aug. 21
Birthday Dinner Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pasta Salad
Veggie Tray Chips
Cake & Ice Cream
Thursday Aug. 28
White
Coleslaw
Poke Cake
Morrow County Fair
"Back to our Roots in Cowboy Boots"
August 13 th - 17th
Little Rascals for our young kids along with a small local carnival with games for the younger kids. There will be prizes and fun entertainment.
Cale Moon will entertain you all during the Wednesday Night "Queen's Welcome Dinner" Dancing and entertainment will be available.
Cale Moon has been called “The Ed Sheeran of Country Music” for his rare ability to entertain alone with his guitar in a way that rivals bands! Cale’s approach to music has made him a fan favorite everywhere he goes.
Fair admission is FREE with the help from the Morrow County Fair Board. Lamb Weston, Watt Construction, Amazon, Pine Gate Renewables, Good Shepherd Hospital and Three Mile Canyon Farms are our Gate Sponsors this year! A huge thank you to these businesses for their generous support!
Wednesday, August 13th
Market Animal Weigh-in
6:00am-8:00am Swine
8:00am-10:00pm Sheep and Goat
8:00am-10:00pm Beef and Dairy Cattle
9:00am-5:00pm 4-H Live Food Contests @ Annex Building
10:00am-1:30pm Small Animal Show
1:30pm Livestock Exhibitor Meeting @ Wilkinson Arena
2:00pm Livestock Judging Contest
3:00-4:00pm Pedal Power Contest @ Main Stage Grass
4:00pm-5:00pm Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show
5:00pm-7:00pm 4-H Public Style Review *following the Magic Show
6:30pm-10:00pm “The Queen’s Welcome Dinner”; Live Music/entertainment– Cale Moon @ Football Field – Open to the public
Thursday, August 14th
8:15am Livestock Exhibitor Meeting @ Wilkinson Arena
9:00am-1:00pm Dairy Goat, followed by Sheep & Meat Goat Confirmation
9:00am-12:00pm Swine Confirmation
12:00pm-1:00pm Dairy Cattle Confirmation
1:00pm-3:00pm Beef Confirmation
11:am-3:00pm Ice-cream and Grilled Cheese trucks
4:00pm Grand Champion Market Animal Drive
5:30pm-6:30pm Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show
6:00pm-10:30pm M.C. Livestock Growers Dinner and Live Music – Musically Unstablewith Joe Lindsay, Murray’s Beer & Wine Tasting
6:00pm NPRA – Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo – Slack
Friday, August 15th
8:00am-6:00pm OPEN Class Premiums Paid Out – Fair Office
8:15am Livestock Exhibitor Meeting @ Wilkinson Arena
9:00am-1:00pm Dairy Goat, Followed by Meat Goat & Sheep Showmanship (4-H then FFA), Pack Goat to follow
9:00am-11:30pm Swine Showmanship (FFA then 4-H)
11:30am-12:30pm Dairy Cattle Showmanship (4-H then FFA)
1:00pm-3:00pm Live Music – Randy Woody - 11:00-3:00 Ice-Cream and Grilled Cheese
1:00pm-3:00pm Beef Showmanship (FFA then 4-H)
4:00pm Master Showmanship Drive (4-H then FFA)
5:30pm-6:30pm Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic Show
7:00pm NPRA – Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo – Performance
8:00pm-10:00pm Teen Dance
Saturday, August 16th
10:00am Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Parade @ Downtown
11:00am Buyers Registration Opens
12:00pm-1:30pm Buyer’s Appreciation Lunch – Live Music – Cory Peterson
1:15pm FFA Awards Program
2:00pm MCLG’s Youth Livestock Auction @ Wilkinson Arena Sale Order: Sheep, Market Goat, Beef, Swine
7:00pm NPRA – Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo – Performance
Sunday, August 17th
6:00am-7:00am FREE 4-H & FFA Breakfast
7:00am-10:00am ALL Fair Clean up, 4-H, FFA, Open Class, and Vendors Released 9:00am-10:30am 4-H State Fair Entry Check-in – DUE by 10:30am
10:30am Fair Office and Building Closed
1:00pm Morrow County Rodeo
There will be a hospitality/first aide room sponsored by Morrow County Health District and Community Counseling. This area will have a cooling station.
is one of the strongest 1-
shows around. His show features an ever popular mix of Magic, Comedy, Audience Participation & Family Fun.
will entertain you for hours
Peterson will help you relax during the Livestock Auction Lunch. They bring you the best, down to earth country music you've loved for decades.
SCOTT’S CRAZY COMEDY MAGIC SHOW
man
Cory
The Bubble Fairy