North Morrow
Volume XXXIII Number 4 September 5, 2025
TIMES
Donated FFA hog nets nearly $60,000 for Food Pantry/Backpacks
very special hog, donated by FFA member and 2025
Backpack Program for
A program that began in 2015, Backpacks for Students, and the Boardman Food Pantry are equal recipients of the proceeds from the sale of a market hog at the FFA/4-H Livestock Auction at the Morrow County Fair.
Irrigon High School 2025 graduate and former FFA Irrigon Chapter President Evan Purves raised the hog, which was farrowed by Lenn Greer, 18-year FFA Irrigon Advisor and Teacher, who unexpectedly passed away at age 52 last January. “I wanted to honor Mr. Greer, who also happened to be my great-uncle and a wonderful man,” said Purves. So Purves raised, fed, gentled and took care of the hog from the time it was born in early spring until it was sold at auction during the fair.
According to Beth Dickenson, FFA teacher and advisor in Heppner, the four Morrow County FFA groups, Boardman, Irrigon, Ione and Heppner alternate between the clubs as to which one provides the hog each year for donation. Proceeds of the hog sale have previously been donated to the Backpacks for Students Program each year, but due to the devastating fire that destroyed the Boardman Food Pantry, they wanted half the proceeds to go to the Pantry, and half to
the Backpacks. Final numbers are not yet available at press time, but the North Morrow Times plans to print the totals and thank all who participated in the auction in next month’s newspaper. Bank of Eastern Oregon personnel have traditionally been in charge of the billing and collecting of money from the marketing of the animals at each Morrow County Fair. The Backpacks for Students program began by providing school supplies to the students, but it was found that food was a more important issue.
Ag Science teacher Beth Dickenson said that providing a market hog allows the FFA groups to participate in their Learning to Serve Project which the national FFA encourages.
Nearly 300 Morrow County kindergarten through sixth grade students receive backpacks containing food items each Thursday, returning the backpack to school each Monday to be refilled
before the next Thursday.
“It’s important to have the ability to be prepared for school, including being properly fed,” said Dickenson. One backpack per family is provided, taking into account the number of children in the family, allergies and preferences. They also provide turkeys, hams, potatoes and other goodies at Thanksgiving and Christmas times to the families.
The FFA Ag Science instructors are Beth Dickenson, Heppner FFA; James Dursee, Irrigon FFA; Laura Estes, Ione FFA; and Madison Rodelo, Boardman FFA. Appproximately 315 Morrow County students are members of Morrow County FFA.
A
Irrigon High School graduate Evan Purves, brought in nearly $60,000 proceeds to be split between Boardman Food Pantry and the
Boardman, Irrigon, Ione and Heppner. Former Irrigon FFA Advisor Lenn Green, who unexpectedly passed away last January, farrowed the sow and piglets.
2015 Market Hog provided by Kolby Currin, Heppner FFA member. This was the first year donation to Backpacks.
Photo Contributed
Pirate Youth Soccer kicks off 2025 season with exciting opening ceremonies
Boardman, OR – August 25, 2025 – The Pirate Youth Soccer program kicked off its 2025 fall season on Saturday, August 23, with morning opening ceremonies that brought together players, coaches, and families. This year’s soccer program has grown to an impressive 27 teams with more than 250 kids enrolled, making it the largest sport program for Boardman Park and Recreation District.
The event began with a strong display of community pride from Boardman Fire Rescue who brought their fire truck and hoisted the American flag for a patriotic backdrop, with the National Anthem performed beautifully by Alaina Schranz of VIBE Music and Performing Arts.
Boardman Park and Recreation District extends a heartfelt thank you to Windy River Elementary and Sam Boardman Elementary for the use of their facilities, which make this growing program possible.
We’d like to give a big thank-you to all our incredible coaches and assistants for the time and energy they pour into our players. A special shoutout also goes to our parent soccer committee members Ashley Hendricks and Richard Schranz, whose behind-the-
scenes efforts in creating teams, schedules, and field maps helped make this season possible.
With the season officially underway, Pirate Youth Soccer looks forward to six weeks of teamwork, growth, and fun on the field.
Churches and City unite in Boardman
By The King’s Garden Church
On Saturday, August 9, 2025 community members were brought together through the M1 Mission Day Project and the City Cleanup Day. We combined efforts with a unified desire to bless our town.
The Northwest Baptist Convention and The Northwest Baptist Disaster Relief team came to help with projects around the city and to host a block party at City Park.
People from 16 churches arrived to serve and volunteer from Boardman, Spokane, Tri Cities, Post Falls, Gig Harbor, Gresham, Pullman, Wapato, Yakima, Olympia, and more.
Various work crews helped with projects including: Fire cleanup at the pantry Evangelism, Face painting , Balloon animals, Bounce house rotation, Cement pouring, Gazebo painting , Prayer walking Food/Cooking , Trash pickup Haircuts (57 given)
More than 100 volunteers
credits: Erika
Over
volunteers came together to serve Boardman to help clean up after the fire, and with projects around town. The also put on a block party, that served over 150 guests at the City Park.
joined together to serve. Around 150 guests came through City Park to enjoy the block party.
Zac Minton, Evangelism Specialist with the Northwest Baptist Convention, and the orchestrater of the M1 Mission Day Event shared:
“We had a lot of conversations in Boardman. People desperately need hope and his name is Jesus.”
John 3:17 | “For God did not
send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
*The block party was sponsored by The Northwest Baptist Convention, The Northwest Baptist Disaster Relief crew, and The King’s Garden Church.
*A special thanks to City Manager, Brandon Hammond, for suggesting that we combine M1 Mission Day with the City Cleanup Day.
27 teams with more than 250 players hit the field August 23rd at the opening ceremonies
Photo
Morton, Shara Weiss, Suzanne Gray.
100
Local construction company’s generosity transforms school wish lists into reality
Irrigon, Oregon — It felt like Christmas morning in August for five elementary schools in Morrow County School District as Suffolk Construction, a local construction company currently building data centers in the area, delivered an extraordinarily generous donation of school supplies and resources that went far beyond the basics.
Need a new pet? Want to walk/run 5k for a good cause?
Boardman Park and Recreation District is partnering with Pet Rescue Humane Society of Eastern Oregon and Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue for a 5k race and same-day adoption event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 6th at Boardman Marina Park.
“It’s a fun event for the community to come to, and another way for Boardman to utilize beautiful Marina Park,” said Ariana Andrews, the Adult Recreation Coordinator for Boardman Park and Recreation District.
Participants, both human and animal, can run or walk as much of the race as they want, although the top three competitors who finish with their furry friends will receive medals. Animals available for adoption will be at the race and will walk/run the course with volunteers.
“With this fun adoption event, we’re bringing awareness to these shelters,” said Andrews. “People will see the shelters, learn about their volunteers and the work they do, and hopefully we can get pets adopted.”
Registration for the Pet Run and Walk is $35 and includes lunch, an award, and a pet swag item. All proceeds benefit Pet Rescue Society of Eastern Oregon and Fuzz Ball. Registration is open online or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Prizes will also be awarded to pets in different categories, such as tiniest, fluffiest and largest, and all walkers/runners
will receive a pet swag item and participation medals.
“All pets are welcome to participate, the more outrageous the better,” said Andrews, who is aware of a chicken and possibly a tortoise that will be joining the race.
A free lunch will be provided, and a group photo will be taken of participants and their pets. Food trucks and a pet treat vendor will also be set up in Marina Park for the event.
Those who can’t register for the race are still welcome to attend and cheer on runners and walkers, while supporting local animal shelters. The Pet Rescue Humane Society of Eastern Oregon and Fuzz Ball are also still in need of volunteers for the event.
Those interested in helping should contact recinfo@boardmanorprd.gov.
For Andrews, the first annual Pet Run and Walk 5k is about community involvement and shining a spotlight on local animal shelters, but she’s already thinking of how to grow the event, including possibly adding a dog show or pet parade next year.
“Seeing people complete the race and have fun, having even one pet show up, or getting one animal adopted will be a success,” said Andrews.
All pets must be leashed or in pet containers during the race. Pets can be carried but may not be ridden during the race.
Information provided by Oregon NOW.
In a collaboration between Morrow County School District’s human resources director and Suffolk’s project manager, each school created a “wish list” of supplies and resources most needed by students and teachers. The response was overwhelming: four vehicles filled with everything from pencils, electric sharpeners, and paint supplies to student sit spots, headphones for testing, indoor recess games, and playground balls arrived at the district office for distribution.
“This area is close to my heart, and it’s important to work someplace with morals you can get behind,” said Misti Stefani, Suffolk’s project manager. “Reinforcing the core value of caring is at the top of our to-do list every day.”
The company ensures that its trade contractors are kept connected to opportunities for
connected to opportunities to give back to the community, with
focus on children, schools, food pantries and toy drives.
local giving, with a special focus on children, schools, food pantries, and toy drives. With local employees who know the community’s needs firsthand, the company continues its longstanding commitment to giving back to the places where they live and build.
The District’s Human Resources Director, Erin Stocker, expressed gratitude, saying, “Our district has been the beneficiary of Suffolk’s generosity for nearly two years now
BMCC News...
Fall Term at Blue Mountain Community College begins September 22 but there is still time to register. Call or stop by the Workforce Training Center during our regular business hours for assistance. We are resuming regular hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday in September.
Students waiting on a Navigator appointment are welcome to call for an appointment, either here in Boardman or by Zoom. Immediate appointments are available! Students can also do placement testing in Boardman by appointment. Please call 541-481-2099.
Incoming or returning students are encouraged to attend Welcome to the Pack, BMCC’s one day orientation, set for Sep-
tember 18 at the Pendleton campus. The fun, day long event gives students a chance to get familiar with the campus, enjoy a free lunch and music, meet other students and get ready for the school year ahead. Call with questions. There are a few seats remaining in this year’s cohort of the Data Center Technician program. DCT is based in Boardman with classes on Monday and Wednesday morning plus all day Friday. The program is complete in three terms, starting in the fall, and prepares students for entry level positions as data center operators. Amazon Web Services provides for very generous scholarship opportunities for students in the program. Please call with any
through school supply drives and holiday giving programs. But this year, we are simply in awe of the generosity and support that has been shown. Each of our schools will be preparing personal thank-yous, but as a district, we are deeply grateful.”
The company’s support reinforces the spirit of collaboration between business and education, reminding the community what makes this region a great place to live and work.
questions.
BMCC continues to look for community members interested in offering fun and informative community education workshops. All ideas are welcome. Let’s talk about the possibilities!
The BMCC Workforce Training Center will have a couple of closures in September starting with Friday, September 12 is a day off for the Pendleton Roundup and Tuesday, September 16, all campuses will be closed for PreService activities.
The Workforce Training Center staff is here to assist you with all things BMCC. Give us a call. Phone: 541-4812099
Suffolk Construction’s crew makes sure that the trade contractors are
special
Photo Contributed
Meet the newest members of Boardman Park & Recreation District’s summer maintenance crew! Photo Contributed
SAGE Event Center to host nationally recognized customer service
Gold Certification Training
Boardman, OR –The SAGE Event Center, in collaboration with the Port of Morrow, Boardman Chamber of Commerce, and the National Restaurant Association, is excited to announce it will host a Customer Service Gold Certification Training on October 21st and October 22nd, 2025, from 10:00 AM –3:00 PM each day.
This nationally recognized program, offered through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, will be led by David Faro, Senior Manager of Workforce and Business Development for the National Restaurant Association.While the certification was developed with hospitality and tourism in mind, its skills and principles apply to anyone working in customer service, whether in retail, healthcare, banking, utilities, manufacturing, government, or other customer-facing roles.
“Customer service is at the heart of every business and organization, no matter the industry,” said Angel Aguilar, Assistant Manager of the SAGE Center & Event Center. “This training equips employees and employers with the tools to provide exceptional service, benefiting customers, strengthening businesses, and elevating our entire region as a destination known for professionalism and care.”
Participants who complete the training will earn a Customer Service Gold Certification, a credential recognized nationwide for excellence in customer service practices.
To make this professional development opportunity accessible to as many individuals and organizations as possible, the SAGE Center & Event Center is currently seeking sponsorships from area businesses and industry partners. Sponsorship support will allow organizers to reduce ticket prices and maximize attendance. Registration will open soon, once sponsorships are finalized and ticket pricing is determined.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to be notified when registration opens, please contact Emilio Jaimez at 541-481-7243 or eventcenter@portofmorrow.com.
Boardman Senior Center Spotlight
By Shara Weiss
Hello Community! We’ve had some wonderful speakers at the Senior Center lunches over the last several months. It’s been great to see returning faces and new faces coming to enjoy the meals and the informative speakers. Everyone is invited to the community lunches every
Tuesday and Thursday starting at Noon. Doors open at 11:30am.
Local workers are welcome to stop by and purchase a home made lunch for $6. Carryouts are welcome. Seniors eat for $5. Veterans eat for free.
Upcoming speakers: The speaker for Thursday, September 4th will be the Morrow County
Emergency Manager Steve Freeland. Sheriff John Bowles might join him. The speaker for Tuesday, September 23rd will be Rod Harwood with Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc (GOBHI). Rod will once again speak on the topic of “The Healthy Brain.” See you there!
Veterans Benefit Awarness
August 27th the Morrow County Veterans Service officer, Amanda Kenderick and ODVA volunteer veteran Richard Schranz held a Meet & Greet with local veterans at Boardman City Hall..
Together they presented information available to veterans such as Home Improvements
Structural Assistance for those in need of making their home more accessible for every day living. Everything from ramps, showers, kitchens, to widening doors for access.
“Anything that is medically necessary, said Kendrick
They also spoke about auto allowance, adaptive equipment, clothing allowance, and grants for temporary housing.
Kendrick said “We are here to answer questions and give assistance and information to those in need.” Schranz stressed that they are available to help with any support needed.
To learn more about what is available in Morrow County visit the veterans website at www.morrowcountyor.gov/ veteransservices. Or call 541922-6420 to schedule an appointment. Or you can logon to Oregon.gov/odva for a full list of benefits available
L-R: Richard Schranz, ODVA volunteer and VSO Amanda Kendrick hold Meet & Greet for local veterans
Funshine Open Golf Tournament
Community Women’s Club of Irrigon and Boardman is excited to announce their 8th annual golf tournament at Marker 40 Golf Club in Boardman on September 20, 2025.
Community Women’s Club is a small non-profit 501c3 organization serving the rural communities of Irrigon and Boardman. Since 1987 their mission has been to promote a spirit of unity between these two communities by fundraising to award education scholarships, monetary support for children’s programs such as Trunk/Treat and Easter Egg Hunts, gift cards for families during natural disasters or catastrophic illness, monetary donations to two food pantries and two senior centers, as well as monies to 4 schools for school supplies. Community Women also administers the Flag Program at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon placing flags each Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day to commemorate local families and veterans.
Please support Community Women by entering their 8 th annual Funshine Open 4 person scramble on September 20. Teams may enter by emailing meltov@yahoo.com before September 15th . Registration fee is $65 per player or $260 per foursome. This fee does not include a cart. Golf carts must be reserved at Marker 40.
The day begins at 9:00 A.M. on September 20th with checkin and breakfast pastries. Lunch will be provided for all players and a special player only drawing for a homemade quilt and a Pendleton Blanket. Dust off your clubs and join Community Women at their annual fundraiser!
Volunteers give Sam Boardman’s
Well House gazebo a facelift
Morrow County School District hosts annual inservice at the Sage Event Center
BOARDMAN, OR — Morrow County School District kicked off the 2025–26 school year with its annual District Inservice, held for the first time at the
building strong, nurturing relationships to ensure student success.
The Sam Boardman well house in Boardman, Oregon, was a structure installed by Sam Boardman to house a water well at the Traveler Rest Area on the original Columbia River Highway. While Sam Boardman is historically associated with early development in the Boardman area, the well house itself is a historical artifact from a time when he was involved with installing infrastructure on the original highway. It is now sitting on SE Front Street near the off-ramp to I-84.
Back to school time
Do you have a new driver this year?
Add your young, permitted drivers so they can build an insurance score.
Set a good example for them and practice safe, non-distracted driving.
Contact our Hermiston office at * 541-567-8834
Or visit us at 455 E Main St, Hermiston www.wheatlandins.com
As part of the program, the district honored exceptional staff achievements from the past year. Recognitions included Educators of the Year, Crystal Apple Award recipients, and milestone service awards for employees who have dedicated five or more years to the district, with several staff members proudly celebrating over 31 years of service. These staff members are Cindy Turner (A.C. Houghton Secretary) 31 years, Tracy Gordanier (Riverside Jr/Sr
new, state-ofthe-art Sage Event Center.
The event brought together educators, staff, and leadership from across the district to celebrate collaboration, recognize excellence, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
The day began with a coffee meet-and-greet, giving colleagues a chance to reconnect after the summer break. Warm welcomes were delivered by Superintendent Combe, Rosie Delgado, a representative of the School Board, and the presidents of both employee associations. Each emphasized the importance of working together, supporting one another, and
distinguished district graduates. Reflecting on their 13 years of education in Morrow County School District schools, the graduates shared heartfelt stories about the impact of their teachers and staff, praising their enthusiasm, commitment to accountability, and willingness to give of their time—even during challenging moments.
High Education Assistant) 35 years, Dave Fowler (Heppner Jr/Sr High Teacher) 36 years, Karen Griffith-Lunders (Irrigon Junior Senior High Library Tech) 37 years, and Jody Marston (Riverside Jr/Sr High Registrar/Department Secretary) 38 years.
A highlight of the day was a keynote presentation by three
The MCSD Alumni were Adrian Romero (Irrigon Jr/Sr High class of 2015), , and .
The Inservice concluded with a catered lunch provided by Custom Cravings, giving staff one more opportunity to connect and celebrate the start of a new school year together.
“Our annual Inservice is always a celebration of the people who make this district what it is,” said Superintendent Combe. “Starting the year in such an inspiring environment, full of positive energy, recognition, and motivation, sets the tone for the meaningful work ahead.”
Adrian Romero (Irrigon Jr/ Sr High class of 2015
Stephanie Madrigal (Riverside Jr/Sr High class of 2015)
Weston Putman (Heppner Jr/Sr High class of 2016)
Photo credits: Erika Morton, Shara Weiss, Suzanne Gray. Story on page 2 By Shara Weiss of The King’s Garden Church.
Applications
for 2026
HEPPNER, OR- Are you the next Morrow County Fair and OTPR Queen? The Fair and Rodeo Boards are accepting applications for the 2026 Queen. This is an amazing opportunity for individuals with equine experience, ages 14-19, who live in or near Morrow County. The chosen queen will represent our community at parades, rodeos, and events throughout 2026.
Interested applicants can find more information and download the REVISED application at w ww.morrowcountyor.gov/fair/page/county-fair. Applications must be postmarked by October 20, 2025, or received at the Fair office by October 24, 2025.
Applications are available online at: ht tps://www.co.morrow.or.us/parks
Location: Morrow/Grant County OHV Park Phone: 541-922-6481
Applications Due OCTOBER 21, 2025 @ 4:00PM
Now Open
Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo Court
Oregon Trail Library
Adult F iction:
A Dead Draw - Robert Dugoni
A Catered Quilting Bee - Isis Crawford
Holding the Reins - Paisley Hope
The Bachelorette Party - Camilla Sten
The House by the Cemetery - Lisa Childs
Ruthless Valley - Wayne D. Dundee
Before Dorothy: A Novel - Hazel Gaynor
Cruel Summer: A Novel - Maisey Yates
Park Avenue: A Novel - Renée Ahdieh
Party of Liars: A Novel - Kelsey Cox
The Death of Us: A Novel - Abigail Dean
The Last Ferry Out: A Novel - Andrea Bartz
These Men Chose Hell - William W. Johnstone
Time Loops & Meet Cutes: A Novel - Jackie Lau
I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died - Amanda Flower
Library Hours SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday10-6
Friday10-6
Saturday Closed
Michael Without Apology: A Novel - Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau: A Novel - Kristin Harmel
Adult Non-F iction:
The Hobbit: A Journey into Maturity - William H. Green
How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir - Molly Jong-Fast Beverages of Oaxaca - Salvador Hernández Cueva
Steve Martin Writes the Written Word: Collected Written Word
Works by Steve Martin - Steve Martin
Playaways:
Summer Sisters - Judy Blume
Rage - Linda Castillo
Party of Liars - Kelsey Cox
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
Dorothy Must Die - Danielle Paige
The Wicked Will Rise - Danielle Paige
Yellow Brick War - Danielle Paige
An Inside Job - Daniel Silva
Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue - Spencer Quinn
Let Them Stare - Jonathan Van Ness
We Are All Guilty Here - Karin Slaughter
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Mean Moms - Emma Rosenblum
Full Tilt - Emma Scott
The Blonde Who Came in From the Cold - Ally Carter
Plays Well with Others: A Novel - Lauren Myracle
Put ‘getting back into the school-groove’ at your fingertips with Gale Databases. Besides research, Gale Databases offer test prep and career modules to make those school and job suitability choices easier. Access 52 databases dedicated to factual and reliable information for everything from school papers to career changes with your library card today.
Crafty Nights @ the Library in September is on Wednesday the 10th at 6 pm. Call your branch or visit our website to reserve your spot now - space is limited.
Storytimes will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am in Heppner; and Fridays at 11 am in Boardman and Irrigon. Come for the stories, stay for the fun!
Irrigon has 4-5-6 Club on the 2nd and 4th Fridays from 2 to 4 pm. Heppner will be doing Funday Fridays for 4-7th grade from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
Teen Nights are in Heppner and Irrigon on Fridays from 5 to 7 pm, and in Boardman on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm.
Sign up for Wowbrary-a weekly email showcasing our new titles for the week!¡
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT * John Prag
By: Francis Glenn
John Prag was one of those people who could see an undeveloped area and project in his mind how it will look developed. He was that way with the Boardman area.
Born and basically raised in the Portland metro area John moved to the Joseph, Oregon area where he honed his real estate skills as well as farming skills. Driving thru the Boardman area back home to Joseph he saw an abundance of opportunities for the area.
The I-84 freeway was being built, circle irrigation was being introduced, and Port of Morrow had recently been created. Seeing the opportunity John moved to Boardman in 1973 and set up his Mt. Valley Land Company. With the coal fired plant being built, farms expanding and people needing homes land was quick to sell and people began moving in droves into Boardman,
With John’s encouragement the Boardman Chamber of Commerce was started, the North Morrow Vector Control was created, the Lions’ club was charted.
As a former member of the National Guard John was very patriotic. He was a fervent supporter of creating the Fourth of July activities here in Boardman and honoring America.
This patriotism lead to a strong involvement with government both local and countywide. He took an active role in the ECOAC, GEODC, Morrow County School District budget committee, Morrow County budget committee, Boardman Planning Commission, and the Columbia Basin Board of Realtors.
John’s wife Lynn is as active as John was in Boardman’s development. Coming in from the Arlington area she immediately involved herself in a great number of social and governmental groups. She today is involved in so many like the Park and Recreation District dealings, serving in various committees for groups. She was active member of the Boardman-Irrigon communities women club. She and her friend Jane Pope are best known for their publication of the North Morrow County Times. It serves a purpose to
help keep people in the area notified of the area’s happenings.
With three Prag kids (Dana, Rolf, and Jenny) going
thru the schools here Lynn was very much a supporting mother of their activities. Both John and Lynn have been wonderful cheerleaders for the area. When traveling they always extolled the virtues of the area. It was John’s foresight and Lynn’s dedication that helped make the town grow.
Visit the calendar page on OTLD’s website for more event and program information. Who we are:
· Full Service pump installation and repair from well to pressure tank or 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.
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Administration, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we have recruited and signed two (2) medical providers to join our team.
Dr. Emily Jack has signed a three-year contract. She will join Amanda Roy, PA-C, at Pioneer Memorial Clinic in Heppner. Dr. Jack is a Family Medicine Physician and will join us no later than December 1st, 2025. She will also be assuming the role of Medical Director of Hospice, Medical Staff Director, and Chief of Staff after the first of the year. Dr. Jack is currently practicing in Pendleton, and we look forward to working
with her in the very near future.
Lori Ann Lammers, FNP, will be joining Jon Watson, PA-C, at Irrigon Medical Clinic beginning in the middle of October 2025. Lori was practicing in New Mexico and is currently applying for an Oregon license. She speaks fluent Spanish, loves the practice of women’s health, and is looking forward to caring for patients in Irrigon. She has also signed a three-year contract.
We welcome both new team members as we continue to stabilize and grow Morrow County Health District.
Bob Houser, Interim CEO, FACHE
Harold Jurney’s
Obituary
Harold Jurney passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early hours of August 1, 2025, at the age of 87.
Harold was a quiet, steady presence who rarely got rattled. He spent his life serving his church, family, and friends—always working hard, always showing up. He had a good sense of humor, a deep love for hymns, and a heart full of gratitude for the simple things: road trips, waterfalls, fishing, photography, and ice cream.
He believed in working hard and expected the same from his kids, praising them when they reached their goals and protecting them fiercely when needed. His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life, and he carried it with quiet strength from his teenage years to his final breath.
He was deeply proud of his five remarkable children, their families, and the life he built with his wife, Penny.
Harold ended his time here with peace and con-
Boardman Community Church
Pastor Andy Hermanns
Boardman
tentment, surrounded by song, Scripture, and love.
Harold’s Celebration of Life was held on his birthday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Kings Garden Church (formerly First Baptist Church), 200 SW Willow Fork Drive, Boardman, OR 97818.
Harold was Buried with military honors at Riverview Cemetery, Boardman, Oregon.
Please share memories of Harold for his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.
Harold Jurney
HERE’S MY CARD
Speakers at Senior Center Luncheons: Thursday, September 4: Morrow County Emergency Manager Steve Freeland and Sheriff John Bowles Tuesday, September 23: Rod Harwood with GOHBI will speak about the
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.
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 Entertainment! Food!
Tuesday Sept. 2
Potatoes & Gravy
Coleslaw
Tuesday Sept. 9
Baked
Potatoes & Gravy
Spicy Apple Cake
RHS Hall of Fame inducts three RHS alumni at SAGE Center celebration
Riverside High School inducted three alumni into their 2025 Hall of Fame. (L-R) Justyce Smith, Torrie PhilippiGriggs and Hans Rockwell. The ceremonies for induction were held at SAGE Center and were well attended.