I recently overheard a couple of older men discussing problems employers were having to fill employment openings. One guy was adamant that the unemployed were all a bunch of "slackers." He claimed they were choosing not to work because they were "on the dole" of the government.
On behalf of all of us at Threemile Canyon Farms, we’d like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Oregon State Legislature for passing Senate Concurrent Resolution 16, commemorating the life o…
Many, many thanks to Larry Fetter (director of Hermiston Parks and Recreation) and his staff for the marvelous job they did in building Funland Playground. This engineering marvel required exc…
It's raw animal instinct to protect the self first. By preserving the self — survival of the fittest — a being preserves its species by allowing the traits most suited to survival to be passed…
It's amazing to me the depths to which society has sunk in recent decades. Discourse, humanity, civility, respect ... all societal traits that are withering and dying, victims of the eliminati…
This is a very belated letter written to express my appreciation for the wonderful job Jade McDowell did covering the Dream Team last spring. She was so kind and supportive and did a great job…
Hats off to the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation for hosting their annual Drive for Scholarships event on June 11. It was so refreshing to see so many people that I haven't had the op…
At EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), we celebrate Oregon’s progress in becoming a leading state for renewable energy. To reach our environmental and economic goals, we must build a susta…
I have a couple of questions for the Hermiston City Council.
I'm writing concerning the article on senior housing. What we need is affordable housing.
After living in Hermiston for 20 years, I have noticed how much our small town has grown in multiple aspects. I have seen Hermiston better their schools, open new businesses and create a commu…
On May 12, while at the Hermiston Bottle Drop, I had the misfortune of tripping over a parking curb and falling onto the very rough blacktop, suffering a multitude of lacerations — some requi…
It is great to see so much interest in our Hermiston School Board. In the 12 years that I have served on the board, I have never seen so many candidates run to serve the students and families …
I am writing this letter in support of Lili Gomez for Hermiston School Board Position 3.
As a candidate for the Blue Mountain Community College Board of Trustees, I participated in a candidate forum sponsored by the BMCC Faculty Association. Carrie Sampson-Samuels is also a candid…
I am pleased to see Karen Sherman is again running for the Hermiston School Board.
Over the past 4 years I always spoke up as a school board member on matters the public held. I thank you for the chance to serve. It has been an honor. I support Gain Gardner for the school bo…
I’m proud to be part of an area that cares about our first responders. And now is a time we can show our gratitude for what they do as we create a safer community.
Take a look around and you’ll notice western Umatilla County is growing fast. It’s important that our emergency response capability is able to keep up.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Lili Gomez and her family for the past two decades and it is because of this connection that I know Lili is an exceptional choice for Hermiston School Board …
I am supporting Dain Gardner for the Hermiston School Board. I have known Dain for over 20 years, both personally and professionally. Dain steps up whenever there is a need, so it was no surpr…
I’m writing in support of Measure 30-148 to fund critical equipment, vehicles, and facilities in Umatilla County Fire District #1. These will keep firefighters and EMTs safe in line of duty an…
When there’s a fire, a wreck, a medical emergency, a hazardous spill, or any number of other potentially disastrous situations, local firefighters and EMTs are the first ones on the scene. The…
The fact that COVID-19 cases in the county have rapidly increased since businesses were allowed to open up and the fact that vaccinations are now available to everyone over 16, I am suggesting…
This letter is to support Measure 30-148, the bond to increase funding for our fire district, Umatilla County Fire District #1. As a proud Hermistonian, I gladly point out a few reasons why ou…
This letter is to introduce Mrs. Sally Anderson Hansell, who is running for a position on the Hermiston School Board.
Serving on the Umatilla Electric Co-Op Board of Directors is not a glamorous job. But it’s an important one.
Bryan Wolfe has his priorities straight when it comes to Umatilla Electric’s role in our community. He also has the long-term vision and track record of strong leadership to earn re-election t…
Umatilla Electric members have the opportunity to vote for a true leader and champion for local development in Bryan Wolfe.
The Center for Biological Diversity is absolutely aiming to reshape how Oregon treats animals by seeking to end beaver trapping and hunting last year and this year improve how mink farms are r…
This year, the selection committee for the Hermiston Distinguished Citizens Banquet hit a home run with the persons/entities that were recognized and honored. At previous banquets, the Woman o…
When it comes to tax money there is no level of government that doesn't slobber over getting more, even at the loss of land and freedoms to enjoy it by the owners. Such is the case with the vi…
We are back on Mars with NASA's newest rover, Perseverance. This mission is tasked with answering the age-old question of whether Mars has ever harbored life. We should remember that all the p…
It is disappointing when our side loses. Because of this, we tend to believe it when people say we’ve been cheated. This is called confirmation bias, and politicians on both sides of the aisle…
I was disturbed by a recent letter to the editor suggesting we should be refunded our tax dollars designated for education. I do not currently have school-aged children, but am providing "Nana…
It's past time to put the teachers back to work and open the schools for in-person learning. Roughly 63% of my property taxes are in support of public education. Our government school systems …
A few days ago, I was in a meeting that included elected officials, public employees, business owners, and private residents.
I urge local businesses to consider their customers when they choose to make political statements on their reader boards critical of Governor Brown’s response to the pandemic. Not every custom…
January 22 marked the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal in all nine months of pregnancy. This decision led to over 60 million preborn babies l…
All across Oregon we have seen the suffering of our local industries, especially our arts and culture sector, who are most vulnerable to the effects of this pandemic. Performing arts organizat…
Oregon’s energy landscape is rapidly changing. Here among Columbia River communities, where most of Oregon’s wind farms are located, we’re fortunate to not just be a witness to our state’s inc…
As you are aware, we are living in unprecedented times with the pandemic. Our children have had to resort to online learning. I am not faulting the teachers, as I know they are working tirelessly.
This is Captain Butterball of the Governor's Party Team. Citizens should be aware that we have microchipped random turkeys and hams at local markets. This allows us to track the destination of…
Another letter blaming the dams on the Snake River for the demise of the salmon. I have to call BS on that. The Corps of Engineers has run tests on the Snake and Columbia rivers. They know wha…
I read with interest the Democrat comments about holding onto their "power" after the last election and the disappointment expressed that they still aren't able to muster a quorum to overcome …
This is a very important election, which may affect the well-being of our country for many years. With Trump we achieved an economy with employment and prosperity at greater heights than previ…
It is not about a person, it is about policy. It is not about a party, it is about a platform. It is time to be an informed voter!
Here we are nearing Election Day and we have new developments in our county commissioner race. When Pat Maier told me she is doing a write-in campaign I was excited for Umatilla County, as I k…
Dear voters,
Our election ballots are on their way to our mailbox and we are waiting for our opportunity to cast our votes for Rep. Greg Smith. Greg has been a personal friend for many years but more impor…
I am strongly supporting the candidacy and election of Dan Dorran for Umatilla County commissioner Position #3. Dan is a proven leader with a “can do” attitude with regard to many of the issue…
I confidently endorse Jim Doherty for reelection as Morrow County Commissioner. During his first term serving Morrow County, Commissioner Doherty has proven his leadership ability not only for…
Greg Smith is my friend.
It is time to reflect on what is important. A wise man once told me, “Sometimes the right thing, and the hardest thing, are the same thing.” Over the last decade District 57, serving Umatilla,…
Two weeks ago, I put a Biden Harris 2020 sign in my yard. Today, it is gone. Stolen. Someone decided my right to free speech wasn't important since it appeared to offend that someone's sensibilities.
