Music in the Parks concert series continues every Monday through July in Boardman and Irrigon, featuring a variety of regional and local talent.
The July lineup begins July 6th in Irrigon with The Ashes, a high-energy rock band from the Tri-Cities known for its mix of hard rock, classic rock, pop favorites, and original music.
On July 13th in Boardman, Musically Unstable will perform an acoustic Irish set. Featuring Cory Cooley and Joe Lindsay, the group is known for blending Irish, folk, country, rock, and humorous songs into an entertaining show.
On July 20th, the series returns to Irrigon with Badlanza, a regional favorite that has been performing since 2013. While rooted in classic rock, the
band offers a wide variety of music designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Closing out the July schedule on July 27 in Boardman is CLECTIVOS , a group made up of local musicians from Boardman, Irrigon, and Hermiston. The band performs traditional norteño music featuring accordion, bass guitar, and bajo quinto, showcasing the area’s diverse musical talent.
Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and friends to enjoy an evening of free live music as the
Parks
pm.
your
and friends
summer series continues. Each concert begins promptly at 7:00
Rock band From The Ashes entertains in Irrigon July 6; Musically Unstable will be at Boardman July 13.
The 5-member band Badlanz will entertain in Irrigon Marina Park July 20; C-Lectivos entertains in Boardman Marina Park July 27. Bring
lawn chairs, blankets
to enjoy the FREE concerts!
4th of July in Boardman!!
Boardman Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, at Boardman Marina Park.
The day begins with the Riverside FFA Pancake Breakfast from 7–10 a.m., followed by the Community 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. and Coed Kickball Tournament with games beginning at 8 a.m.
The Fourth of July Parade starts at 1 p.m. Participants must check in from 12–12:45 p.m. Roads along the parade route will close at 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy afternoon family activities, food and local vendors, the King’s Garden Church Chili Cook-Off, live music, and entertainment throughout the day. Performers include Estilo Diferente, Cory Peterson, and Scotty Wilson and the Music Medicine, with DJ Kora providing music throughout the event. The celebration concludes with fireworks at dusk.
North Morrow Times
Co-Editors:
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/
Music at Boardman 4th of July Celebration
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of live music as Scotty Wilson & Music Medicine take the stage at the 2026 Boardman 4th of July Celebration!
Hailing from Pendleton, Oregon, Scotty Wilson brings more than 20 years of songwriting and performing experience to every show. Known for his distinctive raspy tenor voice and authentic blend of Alt-Country, Americana, and Red Dirt music, Scotty has built a loyal following throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Scotty first made his mark as a founding member of the Little McKay Creek Band, performing throughout the region for nearly a decade and releasing two albums. In 2022, he launched his solo career and formed Music Medicine, releasing original music that reflects the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his life. Influenced by artists such as No Justice, Casey Donahew Band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Alabama, Scotty delivers highenergy performances filled with heartfelt originals, crowd favorites, and genuine storytelling.
Whether he's singing about family, friendship, or life in the West, Scotty's passion for music shines through every song. His shows are packed with energy, fun, and authenticity that leave audiences smiling lon g after the final note.
**Saturday, July 4, 2026
**8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
**Boardman Marina
Chamber awards scholarships
The Boardman Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its Scholarship Breakfast on June 1, 2026, celebrating the accomplishments of graduating seniors from Riverside High School and awarding $18,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education, career training, and future professional opportunities.
The annual Scholarship Breakfast brings together students, families, educators, community leaders, and local supporters to recognize academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and dedication to future success. Through Chamber fundraising events, local businesses, community partners, donors, and scholarship sponsors, the Chamber continues to
invest directly in the future of Boardman’s youth.
“Supporting local students is one of the most important investments we can make as a community,” said the Boardman Chamber of Commerce.
“These students represent the future workforce, leaders, and innovators of our region. We are honored to help them take the next step toward achieving their dreams.”
The Boardman Chamber congratulates the following 2026 scholarship recipients: Kaylee Christy, Maddyn Morton, Eleazar Salas, Abrianna Lomeli, Alondra Cortes-Madrigal, Kambree Gomez, Elaina Salgado, America Garcia, Ethan Beaty, Adalia Chavez, Alajandra
Lopez-Corona, Jessica Afanador, Miley Chavez, Analy Franco, Valeria Madrigal, Ingrid Adrianna Amaya, Milagros Regalado, and Giselle Pacheco.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, fundraising participants, and community partners whose support makes these scholarships possible each year.
The Scholarship Breakfast reflects the Boardman Chamber of Commerce’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities, supporting workforce development, and empowering the next generation of leaders in Boardman and the surrounding region.
Here’s another reason to attend Boardman 4th of July Celebra-
tion:
Artist Cory Peterson
performs July 4th,
5:15 - 7:15 pm
Boardman Marina stage
Authentic. Honest. Country.
Join us at the Boardman Marina as award-winning country artist Cory Peterson takes the stage during the 2026 Boardman 4th of July Celebration!
Raised in Eastern Oregon, Cory Peterson is more than a talented singersongwriter—he's a dryland wheat farmer, family man, and man of faith whose music reflects the life he truly lives. His heartfelt lyrics and genuine country sound have earned him recognition across the Pacific Northwest.
Fresh off the release of his debut EP, Where the West Winds Blow , and winner of the Northwest CMA Best Performance Award, Cory is quickly becoming one of the regi
**Saturday, July 4, 2026
**5:15 PM – 7:15 PM
**Boardman Marina
Launch your career in tech with BMCC’s Data Center Technician Program
Ready to step into one of the fastest-growing industries in the region? The Data Center Technician Program at Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) is your direct pathway into high-demand careers in IT, help desk support, and data center operations.
This nine-month, accelerated program runs from September through June, allowing you to gain real-world, job-ready skills in less than a year. Delivered in person at the BMCC Workforce Training Center in Boardman, the program combines hands-on learning with industry-informed instruction—giving you the experience employers are looking for.
Designed with working adults and career changers in mind, the schedule offers a balanced, consistent format:
·Mondays & Wednesdays: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
·Fridays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
You’ll build a strong foundation in IT systems, troubleshooting, and data center environments while developing the practical skills needed to succeed in entry-level tech roles. Similar BMCC workforce programs emphasize hands-on training and strong job placement outcomes, helping students transition confidently into technical careers.
Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to upskill, the BMCC Data Center Technician Program offers:
·Focused, accelerated training that gets you workforce-ready quickly
·In-person instruction and support at a dedicated training center
·Clear career pathways into IT helpdesks, server environments, and data centers
·A proven local program connected to industry
demand and regional employers Your future in IT starts here— right in Boardman. Get your
name on our Interested List by emailing amorter@bluecc.edu with your name, phone and email. We will have an orientation session in August or early September for interested students. Students are also welcome to apply at bluecc.edu.
Saturday July 18, 2026 7:00-10:30 am
Good Shepherd Health Care
welcomes
region’s first Rheu-
matologist Dr. Kent Blakely
HERMISTON, OR – Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is pleased to announce the addition of BoardCertified Rheumatologist Dr. Kent Blakely to its expanding specialty care, further strengthening local access to advanced diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune disease, and osteoporosis.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Blakely to Good Shepherd,” shared Art Mathisen, GSHCS President & CEO. “His expertise in rheumatology is a much-needed specialty to bring to our region, ensuring our patients receive the high-quality care they deserve close to home.”
through better diagnosis and treatment options.”
Dr. Blakely completed his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, KS, and went on to complete his internal medicine residency and rheumatology training at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, a rural health system that shaped his commitment to accessible specialty care. He notes that his decision to join Good Shepherd was driven by the organization’s ability to support comprehensive rheumatology services, including infusion therapy, injectable treatments, and coordinated specialty care.
Dr. Blakely brings more than 30 years of experience in rheumatology and a strong commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in rural communities. He specializes in the evaluation and management of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
A key focus of Dr. Blakely’s practice is the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, where advances in biologic therapies and disease-modifying medications have significantly improved outcomes for patients. He also has a strong clinical interest in osteoporosis care and fragility fracture prevention, supporting patients at risk for bone loss and fractures through early identification, risk assessment, and evidence-based treatment strategies.
“Rheumatology is like medical detective work,” Dr. Blakely said. “We often help solve complex conditions when answers are not immediately clear. What makes this field so rewarding is the ability to work closely with patients and other physicians to improve quality of life
“I was drawn to Good Shepherd because it offers the full range of services needed to care for rheumatology patients close to home,” stated Dr. Blakely. “That includes advanced therapies and strong collaboration with other specialties.”
At Good Shepherd Rheumatology, Dr. Blakely will focus on treating patients with inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune rheumatic diseases, as well as expanding access to osteoporosis management for patients at high risk of fragility fractures. His approach emphasizes early intervention, individualized treatment plans, and long-term disease management aimed at preserving mobility and function.
Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Blakely and his family are excited to call the Pacific Northwest home. Outside of medicine, he enjoys fly fishing, spending time outdoors, and being with his family and granddaughter.
Dr. Blakely is accepting new patients at Good Shepherd Rheumatology located in the Good Shepherd Medical Plaza at 620 NW 11th Street, Suite M-013 in Hermiston. To request an appointment, call 541.667.3887 or visit https://www.gshealth.org/ good-shepherd-medical-group/ rheumatology.
Dr. Kent Blakely
Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute receives $9,000 grant from Wildhorse
Foundation
High school students in Eastern Oregon gained a one-of-a-kind field learning experience last week, made possible in part by a $9,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation awarded to the Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute (CCSI).
The program, organized by the Rural Engagement & Vitality Center in La Grande, immersed students for a week in Cottonwood Canyon State Park along the John Day River, where they explored science and storytelling in the field while earning college credit. Students were led by Eastern Oregon University faculty.
The grant supported program costs including food, education supplies, materials, and transportation, allowing program fees to stay affordable for students. By connecting young people to the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region, CCSI provided an educational experience bridging classroom learning with real-world exploration in the field.
“CCSI is built around curiosity,” said Eric Carlson, CCSI coordinator. “Students ask questions, test ideas, and discover answers for themselves.”
Students conducted
stream surveys, identified macroinvertebrates and studied plant ecosystems in the field, applying concepts in real time. Courses also included visual storytelling, where students use photography and narrative to document and interpret their surroundings. CCSI is coordinated by the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center in partnership with Eastern Oregon University and regional partners.
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.
The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $20 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.
You’re Invited!
Join the Boardman Chamber of Commerce on July 4th at Boardman Marina Park as they celebrate America’s 250th Birthday and the community that makes Boardman a great place to live, work, and do business. Enjoy a day of patriotic fun featuring the community parade, live music, food, artisan vendors, family-friendly activities, and more.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and help them celebrate Boardman’s community spirit and pride. “We look forward to celebrating with you and your families on July 4th!”
Join us at the Boardman Marina as Estilo Diferente (Different Style) takes the stage from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm during the 2026 Boardman 4th of July Celebration! Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your patriotic spirit for an afternoon of great music and fun!
More Library information:
The Oregon Trail Library District has launched their Summer Reading program! During the next two months, the library will host a range of exciting, free activities that celebrate this year’s theme, Plant A Seed, Read.
Special events include a spell-binding bubble show and hands-on slime making. Plus, the library will still host regular adult and teen programming- like Adult Craft Night, Teen Night, Jam Session (Irrigon Branch Only), and more! For more information on events, visit www.otld.org/upcoming-events.
Register for Summer Reading online at www.otld.org and stop by your local branch for a free t-shirt and other swag (limited sizes, while supplies last).
During your visits, keep an eye out for mascots Timmy and Thimble! Successful finders will earn a sticker and choose their next hiding spot.
You can participate in Summer Reading from home, too. Earn badges by logging your reading time and completing challenges on the Beanstack platform. Kiddos in grades K-5 can also count their reading towards a Panda Express Coupon! There’s also a serious side to Summer Reading. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss. “We hope students get inspired by Plant A Seed, Read to keep learning and growing throughout the summer,” said Library Director, Kathy Street. “We know students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.”
To learn more about the Summer Reading adventure at the library, please call Boardman Branch at 541-4813365 or visit www.otld.org.
Summer Reading 2026 is in full swing, but there is still time to sign up and join the fun! Login to your Beanstack account, or visit our website to create your new account and start counting those reading minutes! SRP 2026 will be over August 7th, so don’t miss out. Please call or email your local branch with any questions. Summer Reading Storytimes will be held on Fridays at 11 am at all 3 libraries.
How are your summer travel plans shaping up? The Oregon Trail Library District offers free passes to cultural attractions, state parks, and heritage museums across Oregon. Thanks to LEO (Libraries of Eastern Oregon), exploring the state is easier—and more affordable—than ever. Visit our website to discover your next adventure!
Road trips pair perfectly with Mango Languages! Visiting Portland’s Japanese Garden? Try learning places and directions in Japanese. Staying closer to home? Explore languages from around the world—no passport required. Just use your library card and let your curiosity travel.
For weekly updates on new items available at OTLD, sign up for Wowbrary - a weekly email showcasing our new titles for the week!
Adult Crafting: Crafty Nights @ the Library in July is on Wednesday the 8th @ 6 pm at all locations. This month’s craft will be Decoupage Art. Call your branch or visit our website to reserve your spot now - space is limited.
No time for Craft Night? Check out our Take-Home Craft Kits by Creativebug! Full instructions and all the supplies included for a quiet night of crafting at home.
Irrigon Jam Sessions are on the 4 th Tuesday of every month! Open to all ages and musical skill levels, bring your instrument of choice to the Irrigon Meeting room at 6 pm on Tuesday, July 28th to make some music!
Irrigon Open Sew: 5:00-7:00 pm, July 9th and 23rd. Bring your sewing projects and ideas to the Irrigon Library Meeting Room the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. All ages and interests are welcome! Irrigon has 4-5-6 Club every Friday from 2 to 3 pm.
Teen Nights are in Boardman on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm, and in Irrigon on Fridays from 5 to 7 pm. All branches will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Happy Independence Day!
Please visit the calendar page on OTLD’s website for more event and program information.
Adult F iction:
New Book List
Headlights — CJ Leede
Vice and Virtue — Libby Klein
Blue Beach — Karyn Parsons
The Traveler — Joseph Eckert
The Midnight Train — Matt Haig
The Lake House — Lori Foster
The Divorce — Freida McFadden
Her Cold Justice — Robert Dugoni
Whistler: A Novel — Ann Patchett
The Night We Met — Abby Jimenez
The Forty-year Grudge — Liza Tully
Harvest Season — Brynne Weaver
Love on the Shelf — Sheila Roberts
The Sapphire Sea — T. Davis Bunn
The Waste Lands — Stephen King
We Burned So Bright — TJ Klune
Booking for Trouble — Jenn McKinlay
Three Hitmen and a Baby — Rob Hart
A Murder in Springtime — Martin Walker
The Daffodil Days: A Novel — Helen Bain
The Brothers McKay — Craig Johnson
Murder at the Spirit Lounge — Jess Kidd
Stuart Woods’ Deep Water — Brett Battles
The Diva Hosts a Murderer — Krista Davis
Dolly All the Time — Annabel Monaghan
Somebody Worth Killing — Jessica Payne
A Fortune of Sand: A Novel — Ruta Sepetys
Li
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday10-2
The Break-up Retreat: A Novel — Camilla Sten
Westward Women: A Novel — Alice Martin
The Animal Room: Stories — Lauren Acampor
The Body in the Kitchen Garden — Paula Sutton
Based on a True Story: A Novel — Sarah Vaughan
Bumblebee Season: A Novel — Eileen Garvin
Summer with My Cowboy — Linda Lael Miller
The Lark and the Wren — Mercedes Lackey
The Boleyn Secret: A Novel — Alison Weir
The Music of Bees: A Novel — Eileen Garvin
Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers — Sarah Graves
Villa Coco: A Novel — Andrew Sean Greer
The Library of Fates: A Novel — Margot Harrison
Self-Help for Serial Killers: A Novel — Asia Mackay
Someone Else’s Husband: A Novel — Kimberly McCreight
Adult Non-F iction:
Register — Ann Larson
Knitted Safari Friends — Sarah Keen
Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children — Mac Barnett
Annetarsia Knits: A New Link to Intarsia — Anne Berk
Trudeau & Doonesbury: A Biography: The Cartoonist Who Turned the News into Art — Joshua C. Kendall
How to Start Knitting: All the Tips, Tricks, and Techniques New Knitters Need to Know — Brenda Lam
A Child Called “It”: One Child’s Courage to Survive — David J. Pelzer
Ohana Style: Food from Hawai’i, For Your Family — Sheldon Simeon
Lightning Beneath the Sea: The Race to Wire the World and the Dawn of the Information Age — James M. Tabor
Knitting Cowlettes: Clever Techniques for Making Custom MiniCowls to Elevate Any Outfit —Safiyyah Talley
Playaway:
Remember That Day — Mary Balogh
Heated Rivalry — Rachel Reid
·
The Duke: A Novel — Anna Cowan
Dark Joy — Christine Feehan
The Last Voice You Hear — Mick Herron
Best Boy — Deborah Goodrich Royce
The Color of Hope — Danielle Steel
Fallen Gods — Rachel Van Dyken
Six Little Words — Sally Page
Whispers at Painswick Court — Julie Klassen
The Shop on Hidden Lane — Jayne Ann Krentz
1st major tournament at Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex draws 30 teams
HERMISTON — Thirty teams from across the region competed at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex in Hermiston for medals and bragging rights at the inaugural Watermelon Slam Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, June 27.
The tournament featured women’s and men’s doubles competition across three skill divisions, starting with pool play and culminating in a championship bracket.
On the women’s side, Debbie Ross and Jasmine Joy DeLong from Walla Walla defeated Kim Malcom and Jessica Macias 114, 11-7 in the top-tier gold medal match for players ranked under 4.0. On the men’s side, George Bastian and Sergio Adan of Hermiston defeated Paxton Hall and Teigen Goodeill 11-2, 11-2 for the under-4.0 gold.
Women’s Doubles Winners
· Under 4.0: Debbie Ross and Jasmine Joy DeLong
· Under 3.5: Phyllis Danielson and Janice Gibbs
· Under 3.0: Shannon Ternes and Jaime Marvin
Men’s Doubles Winners
· Under 4.0: Gage Bastian and Sergio Adan
· Under 3.5: George Blalack and Andrew Cox
· Under 3.0: James Whittum and Jason Torres
“The competition on the courts was fierce, but the best part of the day was seeing players from throughout the region experience everything our Hermiston community has to offer,” said Daniel Wattenburger, President-Elect of the Hermiston Rotary Club. “This tournament would not have been possible without the incredible support of our participants, volunteers, and more than twenty
local sponsors. Their generosity will make a difference not only for families in the Hermiston area but around the world through ShelterBox.”
ShelterBox, a global disaster relief organization founded and supported by Rotarians, provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families displaced by natural disasters and conflict. Funds raised through the Watermelon Slam will help support those national and international relief efforts through the annual Cascadia SAFE Training held near Echo in September.
Funds will also support the Hermiston Rotary Club’s ongoing investment in local community projects like scholarships, food programs, Christmas Express, and more.
The Watermelon Slam’s major sponsor is Good Shepherd
Health Care System. Other sponsors include Umatilla Electric Cooperative, Specks Printing, Spectrum, and Rogers Toyota. Special thanks also go
to the 541 Pickleball Club and the City of Hermiston for helping make the inaugural tournament a resounding success.
and
ShelterBox USA.
Dave Hanson, Gene Merwin, Libby Faus, and Eric Reise stand in front of a ShelterBox emergency tent displayed at the Watermelon Slam Pickleball Tournament at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex in Hermiston on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Hanson, Merwin and Reise are Hermiston Rotarians and the planning team for the Cascadia SAFE Training,
Faus is the Volunteer & Partnership Manager for
InterMountain Education Service District awarded Oregon Department of Education Summer Learning Grant
(Pendleton, OR) —
InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) has been awarded a Summer Learning Grant from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to expand targeted educational opportunities for students across the region. Through this funding, IMESD will partner with the Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Program to deliver specialized summer programming focused on language and literacy development. Meadowood Springs is located 34 miles Northeast of Pendleton. The grant award is $107,000 per year for three years and will allow the program to be tailored to meet individual student needs through highly specialized staffing.
According to Tonya Smith, Director of Speech and Language Services at IMESD, this collaborative effort is designed to provide high-quality, individualized instruction for students who benefit from additional support in communication, speech, and literacy skills. By aligning summer learning opportunities with existing individualized educational goals, the program ensures continu-
ity of services and meaningful progress for participating students.
IMESD will also work closely with its component school districts to identify and enroll students who will benefit most from the program. This coordinated approach will help ensure equitable access and strong representation of students from across the region.
“This grant allows us to extend critical learning opportunities beyond the traditional school year,” said Smith.“By partnering with Meadowood Springs, we are able to provide highly specialized support that directly aligns with student needs and strengthens outcomes in language and literacy.”
The summer program is expected to serve students from multiple districts within the IMESD region, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting student success through collaboration and targeted intervention.
For more information about the program or enrollment details, please contact: Tonya Smith, Director of Speech and Language Services InterMountain Education Service District 541-966-3145 tonya.smith@imesd.k12.or.us
Friday: August 7, 2026 Deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026 Mail your entries to: North Morrow Times PO Box 907, Boardman, OR 97818, or E-mail:
PSA BOARD VACANCY
The Boardman Park & Recreation District Board has a vacancy. Krista Price resigned from her position after serving since 2007. This position is designated to run for election in 2027. All parties interested in becoming a board member please send a letter of interest by 5pm on July 17, 2026 to the care of the Board Clerk, Madisyn Cadek. The letter can be dropped off at 1 W Marine Drive or mailed to PO Box 8, Boardman OR 97818. If mailed it must be received by 5:00 pm on July 17, 2026, not just postmarked by that date.
Current board members are: John Christy,David Boor, Rick Weis, Ricardo Rosales. Please feel free to contact George Shimer at the Park’s office if you have any questions pertaining to the duties of a board member for the Park & Recreation District.
Morrow County Health District appoints new Chief Executive Officer
MCHD is pleased to announce the appointment of Shiloh Erven as the new Chief Executive Officer beginning July 1, 2026.
Shiloh comes to Morrow County from Corvallis, where he has worked for Samaritan Health for the past 17 years, most recently as a
healthcare executive. His expertise includes both physician practice management and financial management.
Shiloh is no stranger to small-town living. He grew up in rural northern Minnesota, where he developed a passion for ice hockey. He then moved to John Day and
graduated from Grant Union High School. He furthered his education at Oregon State University, earning his Bachelor of Science, and then received his Master of Healthcare Administration from Pacific University.
When asked about moving to Morrow County, Shiloh
says, “My family and I are excited to move to a smaller community; Morrow County has been welcoming and is family-oriented, which aligns with our needs. I am ready to lead with a shared vision and want to hear from community members, employees, and physicians to create a plan that continues to strengthen Morrow County Health District. I understand rural healthcare- I have lived in rural communities, overseen rural primary clinics in smaller towns, and am familiar with the strengths and challenges of rural living. I view this opportunity as both a real privilege and a great responsibility to honor MCHD’s mission of ‘bringing essential health services to our rural communities that
meet the unique needs of the people we serve,’ while protecting and growing access to rural healthcare.”
Bob Houser, Interim CEO, says, “Shiloh is an excellent choice, and I am excited for the District under his
direction. He brings the skills and innovative means to identify new revenue streams, and I feel strongly employees will benefit under his leadership.”
In his free time, Shiloh enjoys spending time with his family and is ready to become familiar with the region. “We are excited to explore the local areas and learn about each community.” He also enjoys golfing and playing ice hockey, with plans to play in the Tri-Cities area.
Shiloh Erven appointed as new Chief Executive Officer
