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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2015)
REGION Thursday, May 21, 2015 BRIEFLY Public meeting kicks off Pendleton bridge project PENDLETON — Pendleton residents can ask questions Thursday night about the upcoming replacement of the Eighth Street Bridge. Pendleton public works director Bob Patterson said in an email the general public informational meeting will be Thursday at SPDWWKH.QLJKWVRI Pythias Lodge. The lodge is next to the Eighth Street Bridge near the intersection of Southeast Eighth Street and Byers Avenue. City staff, Oregon Department of Transportation staff and members of Oregon Bridge Engineers and Consultants will be on-hand to provide an overview of the project, including a concept of the replacement bridge and potential neighborhood problems and levee issues. The staff will also answer questions from the public. The state recently granted the project the “notice-to-proceed,” according to Patterson. The state’s Local Highway Bridge Program in May DZDUGHGWKHFLW\ $7.42 million to replace the 100-plus-years-old bridge as long as the city could come up with a local match of 10.27 percent, or The city and Umatilla County co-own the bridge and agreed to split that down the middle, about HDFK Patterson also said the city invited members of the affected neighborhood to an earlier meeting. Umatilla delays zone change vote UMATILLA — The Umatilla City Council delayed a vote on changes to the city’s commercial zoning codes for a second time at the regular meeting Tuesday. Among the issues the city is trying to address are where businesses, like strip clubs and marijuana dispensaries, can locate. Changes would only affect new businesses in the city. At the last meeting, the council opted to continue discussion about the proposal to provide more time to review the document. The councilors brought questions for city staff Tuesday, but, after about an hour, Mayor Dave Trott suggested the councilors submit their questions to receive written answers before taking up the matter again at a later meeting. “This is sort of a momentous occasion in terms of the changes and the idea here is to get it right,” he said. “It doesn’t make any difference whether it takes one week, two weeks, three weeks as long as we get it right. I think that’s the thing we ought to be shooting for.” The councilors agreed to submit their questions by Friday and to discuss the matter further on June 16. Councilman Melvin Ray brought a long list of questions to the meeting and said it was prudent to be thorough. “In my estimation, this ordinance is probably one of the most important pieces of work this council will take up for many years,” he said. “My intent is to ensure that we get it right, and hopefully we don’t overdo it.” 200 cyclists coming to Pendleton PENDLETON — Motorists will have some company on Umatilla County roads this Memorial Day weekend. More than 200 cyclists will ride the back roads on Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the Century Ride of the Centuries. The annual ride, named for the century ranches along WKHURXWHLVLQLWVWK year. The event attracts cyclists from all around the Northwest and Canada. On Saturday, cyclists will travel north along Mission Road. The wheat ¿HOGORRSLQFOXGHVRU 60-mile options that will takes the riders along stretches of Southeast Court Avenue, Westgate, +LJKZD\6RXWK&ROG Springs Road, Cold Springs Road, Helix Highway and +LJKZD\ Sunday’s century ride will take cyclists to College Place, Washington, via Athena, Weston, Milton- Freewater and Umapine. On Monday, cyclists will test their mettle by climbing Cabbage Hill in a 49-mile out-and-back ride. The route follows Mission Road/Old Emigrant Hill Road to Meacham. &\FOLVWVZLOO¿QG stops along the route with water and snacks. All rides will begin and end at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. Young children found after Amber Alert issued Two young children taken by their father from Nampa, Idaho were found in Cowlitz County, Washington, shortly after an Amber Alert was issued Wednesday afternoon. -RVKXD5HDYLVRI Nampa took his children 6OHYLQ5HDYLVDQG Estaleyn-Ophelia Reavis, 2, and left in a gold 2000 Honda Odyssey van. According to the Oregon State Police, Reavis is a non-custodial parent. The children were believed to be in danger of physical harm and an arrest warrant for felony custodial interference was issued. Reavis suffers from psychological issues, according to the Nampa Police Department, which is why a wide-ranging alert was issued. No further details about the location of the suspect or the children were immediately available. Wyden postpones three town halls U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, has postponed three town hall meetings originally set for May LQ:KHHOHU0RUURZ and Wallowa counties due WRDVFKHGXOLQJFRQÀLFW Town halls were to be held Friday, May 29 in Mitchell and Heppner, and Saturday, 0D\LQ(QWHUSULVH$ spokesman for Wyden said those meetings will be rescheduled. Bike rodeo pedals fun, prizes BOARDMAN — Area children and youths are invited to bring their bikes for the Boardman Bike Rodeo. The event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boardman Marina Park. Kids will have fun riding and learning new skills. The activities LQFOXGHELNHKHOPHW¿WWLQJ a riding course, a bike safety check, prizes and more. The event is sponsored by the Boardman Police Department. ——— Briefs are compiled from staff and wire reports, and press releases. Email press releases to news@ eastoregonian.com Got an hour? He lives alone and can no longer prepare his meals. He could use someone to deliver a warm meal. You could be that someone. It only takes an hour to give back to seniors. Call CAPECO today! 541-278-5682 East Oregonian Page 3A Settlement may be in the works in Wtechlink lawsuit for June 1-4. Umatilla County Circuit Court records show Monday the court removed the case from the schedule The owners of Wtechlink of Pend- pending the possibility of a settlement. Neither side appeared for a recent leton remain at odds, but for now are not headed to trial in circuit court. Whether trial readiness hearing in Hermiston a settlement is in the works, though, before Circuit Judge Dan Hill. Wysocki after the hearing said that was because remains a question. Wtechlink minority shareholder a settlement is in the works and could Jordan McDonald is suing majority EH ¿QLVKHG WKLV PRQWK %XW 0F'RQDOG shareholder and company president said Monday any talk of a settlement is Byron Wysocki for control of the speculative. Wysocki claimed the settlement company. McDonald accuses Wysocki of ignoring Wtechlink operations, would bring on a third, “super minority” taking company funds and siphoning partner to act as check and balance to revenue last year so he could open his him and McDonald. Majority owners Pendleton bar, 40 Taps, along with other of companies can outvote the minority ZURQJGRLQJV +H ¿OHG KLV FODLP LQ WKH owners, a system Wysocki said “inher- ently does not work.” But if two people Umatilla County Circuit Court. Wtechlink is an Internet service outvote a third, even a majority owner, provider for the Pendleton, Pilot Rock Wysocki said, that would be an indicator and Athena areas, and Wysocki said the of the way the company should go. Wysocki also said the agreement company completed a 45 kilowatt solar project three months ago on the compa- would address how he would pay back ny’s headquarters, 404 S.E. Dorion Ave., Wtechlink funds. McDonald said while there has Pendleton. The civil trial was on the docket been some talk of a settlement, he has By PHIL WRIGHT East Oregonian seen nothing in writing and word of a third partner was news to him. He also explained attorneys for both sides were expecting to call in for that pretrial hearing and not be there in person, but they could not reach anyone at the courthouse. Wysocki on Monday maintained the deal is in play, and his and McDonald’s lawyers are working out the details. McDonald’s attorney, Patrick Gregg of Pendleton, said he had no comment. Court documents from the case show McDonald and Wysocki agreed to a restraining order that prevents Wysocki IURPHQWHULQJ0F'RQDOG¶VSULYDWHRI¿FH And police records revealed Wysocki on April 10 accused McDonald of embez- zlement. Pendleton Police Chief Stuart Roberts reported in an email McDonald showed invoices in the amount Wysocki alleged was embezzled. “No crime was committed,” Roberts stated. ——— Contact Phil Wright at pwright@ eastoregonian.com or 541-966-0833. Local cemeteries host Memorial Day observances East Oregonian Originally called Deco- ration Day, Memorial Day ZDV ¿UVW REVHUYHG 0D\ 1868. The day was initially GHVLJQDWHG WR SODFH ÀRZHUV on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, according to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Now, as a federal holiday, it is observed the last Monday in May. Local observances include ceremonies at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton and the Hermiston Cemetery. In Pendleton, the Memorial Day program is coordinated by the Friends of Olney and VFW Post 922. It begins Monday at 11 a.m. at Olney Cemetery, 865 Tutuilla Road. It includes the posting of colors by the VFW Post 922. Music will be provided by the Pendleton Men’s Chorus. Griswold High School teacher Lorin Kubishta is the special speaker. Dave Chorazy will play “Taps.” The Avenue of Flags EO file photo Dave Chorazy of Pendleton plays “Taps” on a trumpet at the end of a Memorial Day ceremony in 2014 at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton. will start being erected Thursday and will remain until Tuesday. Led by VFW Post 4750 and American Legion 3RVW D 0HPRULDO 'D\ service begins Monday at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery, located off South +LJKZD\ Members of the Army National Guard will present a ÀDJFHUHPRQ\7KHSURJUDP also includes the reading of names of all area veterans who died in the past year and a Naval piping ceremony. The Avenue of Flags, IHDWXULQJÀDJVZLOO be erected Friday beginning about 5 p.m. Anyone inter- ested in assisting can meet at WKHFHPHWHU\7KHÀDJVZLOO remain through Tuesday. COMING EVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 21 FREE HEALTH FAIR BLOOD DRAW, 6:30-9:30 a.m., St. Antho- ny Hospital rooms 3&4, 2801 St. Anthony Way, Pendleton. Free Health Fair Panel and Prostate Panel (men only). Participants must fast beginning at midnight for accurate results. LEGISLATIVE TELECONFER- ENCE, 7 a.m., Blue Mountain Community College Pioneer Hall boardroom, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Sen. Bill Hansell and Rep. Greg Barreto will discuss recent happenings at the Capitol in Salem. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendleton Rec- reation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave. (541-276-8100). PRESCHOOL STORY AND CRAFT TIME, 10:30 a.m., Mil- ton-Freewater Public Library, 8 S.W. Eighth Ave. (Lili Schmidt 541- 938-8247). BOARDMAN SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 noon, Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St., Boardman. Cost is $4 for seniors 55 and older and $5 for adults. (541-481-3257). HERMISTON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 noon, Hermiston Se- nior Center, 435 W. Orchard Ave. Costs $3.50 for seniors 50 and over, $4 for adults under 50, $4 for Meals on Wheels home delivery. Extra 50 cents if center provides table service. Transportation can be arranged by donation. (541- 567-3582). PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12 noon, Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Cost is $$3.50 for seniors, $6 for those under 60. Meet new friends, enjoy pool, puz- zles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store and more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels call CAPECO at 541-276- 1926. (541-276-7101). SKILLS FOR LIFE, 3-5 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. The ¿UVW KRXU LQFOXGHV J\P DFWLYLWLHV Happy 60th Anniversary Doug & Margaret Green. Love, Your Family & Friends with the second hour focusing on life skills for middle and high school students. Free, but regis- tration requested. (Danny Bane 541-379-4250). MORROW COUNTY CHIL- DREN’S FAIR, 3:30-6 p.m., Port of Morrow, 2 Marine Drive, Board- man. Snacks, prizes, games and more. Free admission. THE ARC UMATILLA COUNTY BINGO, 6 p.m. doors open, bingo starts at 7 p.m. 215 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. (541-567-7615). FIDDLER’S NIGHT, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hermiston Terrace Assist- ed Living, 980 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston. Join jam session or just listen. Refreshments served. (541-567-3141). OREGON CONNECTIONS ACADEMY INFORMATION SES- SION, 6:30 p.m., Oxford Suites, 2400 S.W. Court Place, Pendle- ton. Parents and students interest- ed in exploring tuition-free online public school are encouraged to attend. Free. (800-382-6010 or www.OregonConnectionsAcade- my.com/events). FIRST DRAFT WRITERS’ SE- RIES, 7 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendle- ton. Gathering features a reading by Kathleen Flenniken; partici- pants can sign up for open mic time. (541-278-9201). EIGHTH STREET BRIDGE KICK- $300.00 REWARD MISSING DOG • Mini Aussie Please help us find our lost dog that comes to the name of Charlie Charlie! Charlie was lost on 5/16 on the old stock driveway outside of Pilot Rock. He could have made his way to Spring Creek road or out that way. Please call or text 541-969-7180 or 969-8502 - Brittany Doherty OFF PUBLIC MEETING, 7:30 p.m., Knights of Pythias Lodge, 11 S.E. Eighth Pendleton. Staff from the city of Pendleton, Oregon Bridge Engi- neers and consultants and the Ore- gon Dept. of Transportation will give discuss project, potential neighbor- hood impacts, levee issues and answer questions about the project. (Bob Patterson 541-966-0241). “THE ORPHANS,” 7:30 p.m., Blue Mountain Community Col- lege Bob Clapp Theatre, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. College Community Theatre pres- ents the James Prideaux comedy. Costs $10 for adults, $5 for stu- dents and children over 3. (541- 278-5953 or cct@bluecc.edu). FRIDAY, MAY 22 WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Pendleton Rec- reation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave. (541-276-8100). STORY TIME, 10:15-11 a.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. (541-567-2882). TODDLER STORY TIME, 10:15- 10:45 a.m., Pendleton Public Li- brary, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave. (541- 966-0380). STORY & CRAFT TIME, 2 p.m., Echo Public Library, 20 Bonanza St. AFTER SCHOOL STORY TIME, 4 p.m., Pendleton Public Library, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave. Older sib- lings welcome. (541-966-0380). PENDLETON FARMERS MAR- KET, 4 p.m. to dusk, 300 block South Main Street, Pendleton. Browse fresh produce, meats, baked goods and plants, locally crafted jewelry and items for the home. EBT, debit and credit cards welcome. (pendletonfarmersmar- ket.net). VFW BINGO, doors open at 6 p.m., games start at 7 p.m., Herm- iston VFW, 45 W. Cherry St. “THE ORPHANS,” 7:30 p.m., Blue Mountain Community Col- lege Bob Clapp Theatre, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. College Community Theatre pres- ents the James Prideaux comedy. Costs $10 for adults, $5 for stu- dents and children over 3. (541- 278-5953 or cct@bluecc.edu). ——— Coming events are posted weekly at www.eastoregonian. com. All items are assumed free, QRQSUR¿W DQG RSHQ WR WKH SXEOLF XQOHVV RWKHUZLVH QRWHG ,WHPV VKRXOG EH VXEPLWWHG ZHOO LQ DG- vance to calendar c/o East Orego- nian, 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pend- leton, OR 97801, 333 E. Main St., Hermiston, OR 97838 or commu- nity@eastoregonian.com.