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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 2017)
Page 6A RECORDS East Oregonian Snow days push high school seniors under state minimum By ANTONIO SIERRA East Oregonian Mother Nature has an ironic streak. Following the Pendleton School Board’s Tuesday decision to extend the school year by five days to make up for several snow days, the district was forced to cancel school on Wednesday and Thursday because of inclement weather, bringing the running total of snow days to nine. In an interview Friday, superintendent Andy Kovach said they’re going to evaluate how to respond to the development in the spring, when the number of snow days becomes less of a moving target. “We just want to make it through this season,” he said. Kovach said grades K-11 are still on track to meet the minimum number of instruc- tional hours required by the state, but the two extra snow days have knocked high school seniors into the red by three hours. The board had previously taken extra measures to accommodate seniors, scheduling a special “seniors only” day on April 13 and applying for a waiver from the Oregon Department of Education to convert 14 inclement weather hours to instructional hours. Those moves allowed seniors to finish classes on June 2 instead of the new June 15 end date every other grade level was assigned. The process of creating a new calendar has been contentious. The district released the results of a public survey on snow to the East Oregonian Thursday, which showed a strong opposition to the five-day extension across multiple district constituen- cies. Survey takers were asked to rank seven options based on desirability. Based on their responses, each option was given a score between 1-10. At 5.14, moving Monday morning professional development hours to after school and turning them into instructional hours was narrowly the top choice. Doing away with both the late start and weekly profes- sional development came in second at 5.05. Interestingly, respondents who were teachers rated the latter option as the highest. Among parents, teachers, administrators, classified employees, students and members of the community, adding 3-5 days at the end of the school year was the least popular choice in each demographic. Of the more than 1,400 survey takers, 215 left written comments. While most of them used that space to elaborate their choices, others chided the district for not planning ahead. In accordance with the survey results, the union offered to move profes- sional development to the afternoon, but the school board said it wasn’t feasible and voted for the five-day extension. Several school board members said district offi- cials shouldn’t have offered as many options because many weren’t workable or would require the district to go over-budget. ——— Contact Antonio Sierra at asierra@eastoregonian. com or 541-966-0836. HEPPNER DEATH NOTICES Sweeney, Willey earn top honors at awards banquet William E. “Bill” Jones By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian With a theme of “An Evening with the Stars,” the spotlight shined on a handful of people and a business during Thursday night’s Heppner Chamber of Commerce Town & Country Community Awards. For the past two years, Pat Sweeney has jokingly launched into acceptance speeches while making presentations for the man of the year award. This year, however, when Sweeney figured out it wasn’t his son, Corey, but himself who was getting the award, the generally gregarious man was rendered speechless. “I was taken so off guard that I didn’t have any clever comeback,” Sweeney said Friday afternoon. The award, which was presented by Sweeney’s grandson, Kane Sweeney, isn’t the first time he’s been recognized at the banquet. In 1998, Sweeney, and his wife, Trish, owners of Sweeney Mortuary, received the business of the year. Sweeney said he often reads newspaper articles about people in Umatilla and Morrow counties who are recognized and receive awards in their communi- ties. “You just don’t expect your name to be one of them,” Sweeney said. Known for his gener- osity, Sweeney has partic- ipated in random acts of kindness — whether paying for a tank of gas, buying someone a meal at a restau- rant or giving a child extra money at the cash register. In addition, he gives of his time in many community organizations and projects. Sweeney set the stage for tearful gratitude during the awards banquet, said Sheryll Bates, chamber executive director. • “Well, at least I’m not the first to cry,” said Ryan Miller when he accepted the business of the year award. Owner of Miller & Sons — a business that includes excavating, garbage disposal, concrete services and rock crushing. And, if that’s not enough, Bates said Miller and those employed by him are often seen plowing streets and sidewalks for people. • An ordained minister, Carolyn Willey moved to Morrow County about 20 years ago. Recognized as the woman of the year, Willey has been active with hospice, The Willow Creek Service Club, the SMART program and many area fundraisers. • Honored with the life- time achievement award, Al and Donna Osmin have lived the majority of their lives in Heppner. Osmin Ranch, their family farm, was designated as a Century Ranch in 1988. Over the years, the couple has shared their bounty — often donating animals and feed to others. The rock quarry on their historic ranch provided blue basalt for the Morrow County Courthouse, as COMING EVENTS SATURDAY, FEB. 11 Cheese Days offer cheesy goodness BOARDMAN — Tillamook Cheese Days are returning to the SAGE Center. A hearty plate of lasagna, Caesar salad, bread, a cookie and beverage is $5 available Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The SAGE Center is located at 101 Olson Road, Boardman. In addition, squeaky cheese curds and other specialty cheeses will be available for purchase during the event. For more information call 541-481-7243 or go to www. visitsage.com. Irrigon celebrates 60 years SUNDAY, FEB. 12 MONDAY, FEB. 13 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541- 276-8100) TOT TIME, 10-11 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. For children ages 0-5. Costs $1 per child per session. (541-276-8100) PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30 a.m., Athena Public Library, 418 E. Main St., Athena. For ages birth to 6. (541-566- 2470) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puzzles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541-276-1926. (541-276-7101) ART STUDIO, 4-5:30 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pend- leton. Free class for ages 7-12 to develop skills and encourage art exploration. (Ro- berta Lavadour 541-278-9201) TUESDAY, FEB. 14 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, well as Murray Drug and the recently created “Talking Rocks” displays in town. In addition, Al and Donna have been active in many community organizations, including the Lions Club. They were active in committees that coordinated fundraising for a solar heating project at the old Heppner Pool, provided eyeglasses for local children and donated money to the Casey Eye Clinic and Vision Works. “Their years of knowledge about farming, working the land and life in general is irreplaceable,” said Shelli Britt during the award presentation. • Troy Morgan, a math teacher at Heppner High School, received the citizen-educator award. Co-worker Greg Grant said Morgan is passionate about teaching and working with students. During the presentation, HHS senior Kolby Currin said Morgan makes learning math inter- esting. “Math can be a boring subject at times, but let me tell you there was never a dull moment in (his) class,” Currin said. • Currin, along with fellow senior Logan Grieb, were recognized with youth awards. The two young men are said to be energetic, hard-working and thoughtful student-ath- letes. They received more than two dozen letters of recommendation, citing their honestly, leadership qualities and being positive role models. BRIEFLY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST, 6-10 a.m., White Eagle Grange, 43828 White Eagle Road (between Pendleton and Pilot Rock on Highway 395 South), Pend- leton. Suggested donation is $7 for ages 8 and up, $4 for ages 5-7 and free for age 4 and under. (Gail Wilson 541-276-3778) FREE FOR ALL, 9:30-10:15 a.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free art classes for children up to age 12. Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. (Roberta Lava- dour 541-278-9201) SATURDAY CRAFT TIME, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. Free craft projects for children in 5th grade and younger. (541- 567-2882) SAGE SATURDAY, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Board- man. Make farm animal valentine portraits. Free admission. (541-481-7243) HIP & HANDMADE, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Free drop-in project class for adults. (Roberta Lavadour 541-278- 9201) COUNTRY HOEDOWN, 1-4 p.m., Mil- ton-Freewater Neighborhood Senior Cen- ter, 311 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater. Live music, dancing and singing. Admission $2, refreshments available for purchase. (541- 938-3311) SPAGHETTI DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION, 5-7:30 p.m., Pendleton First Assembly of God, 1911 SE Court Ave, Pendleton. A fundraiser for Ryan Jokinen and his family. He was transported via air ambulance to OHSU after a sledding acci- dent. (Josh English 541-969-9989) FAMILY BREAKFAST, 8:30-9:15 a.m., First Christian Church, 516 S. Main St., Mil- ton-Freewater. Cost is by donation. Every- one welcome. (541-938-3854) SPECIAL NEEDS OPEN GYM, 12- 1:30 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Free for special needs children and families. (541- 276-8100) INLAND NORTHWEST ORCHESTRA CONCERT, 4 p.m., Columbia High School, 755 Maple St., Burbank. Featured selec- tions include “Western Suite” by Elie Sieg- meister, “Peer Gynt Suite1, Opus 46” by Edvard Grieg and “Funeral March of a Mar- rionette” by Charles Gounud. Local concert sponsor is Bob Bone. A reception will follow the concert. Donations gladly accepted. (Salli Ketchersid 541-289-4696) ADULT OPEN GYM, 6:30 p.m., Pend- leton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. Saturday, February 11, 2017 Photo contributed by Josh English A spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser, which is Saturday at the First Assembly of God Church, will benefit Ryan Jokinen and his family. The Pendleton man was injured while sledding with his kids. 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541- 276-8100) PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, 10:30-11 a.m., Stanfield Public Library, 180 W. Coe Ave., Stanfield. (541-449-1254) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puzzles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541-276-1926. (541-276-7101) BOARDMAN SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St., Boardman. Cost is $4 for seniors 55 and over or $5 for adults. (541- 481-3257) HERMISTON SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Hermiston Senior Center, 435 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. Cost is $4 for adults, free for children 10 and under, $4 for Meals on Wheels. Extra 50 cents for utensils/dishes. Bus service to Senior Cen- ter by donation. (541-567-3582) VALENTINE PARTY, 12 p.m., Pendle- ton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pend- leton. Prizes, food and fun are planned. In addition, pool, puzzles and a reading cor- ner are available. Free coffee and goodies. Second Time Around thrift shopping. (541- 276-5303) CRAFTERNOONS, 4:15 p.m., Pend- leton Public Library, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Drop in for a group or individual craft project. All ages. (541-966-0380) BINGO, 5 p.m., Hermiston Senior Cen- ter, 435 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome. (541-567-3582) INSIDE OUTSIDE THE LINES ADULT COLORING, 6-7:30 p.m., Irrigon Public Li- brary, 490 N.E. Main St., Irrigon. Materials provided. Bring snacks to share. (541-922- 0138) PENDLETON KNITTING GROUP, 6 p.m., Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub, 230 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton. (541-966- 0380) PENDLETON EAGLES TACOS AND BINGO, 6 p.m., Pendleton Eagles Lodge, 428 S. Main St., Pendleton. Regular packet $10, special packet $5. Proceeds donated to local charities. Public welcome. (541- 278-2828) STORY AND CRAFT TIME, 6:30 p.m., Milton-Freewater Public Library, 8 S.W. Eighth Ave., Milton-Freewater. For elemen- tary school-age children. (541-938-8247) WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 ADULT OPEN GYM, 6 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Half-court basketball. Adults only. WALKING FOR WELLNESS, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. (541- 276-8100) BABY BOOGIE & TAPPIN’ TOD- DLERS, 10-10:45 a.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E Gladys Ave, Hermiston. (541-567-2882) STORY TIME, 11:15 a.m., Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Herm- iston. (541-567-2882) STANFIELD SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Stanfield Community Cen- ter, 225 W. Roosevelt, Stanfield. Cost is $3.50 for seniors, $6 for others. (541-449- 1332) PENDLETON SENIOR MEAL SER- VICE, 12 p.m., Pendleton Senior Center, 510 S.W. 10th St., Pendleton. Costs $3.50 or $6 for those under 60. Pool, puzzles, crafts, snacks, Second Time Around thrift store 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For Meals On Wheels, call 541-276-1926. (541-276-7101) ADULT BEGINNERS’ COMPUTERS, 3-4 p.m., Pendleton Public Library meeting room, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. Registration is required. Classes tailored to the needs of the attendees. (541-966-0380) VEGAN/SUSTAINABLE LIVING POT- LUCK SUPPER, 7 p.m., location varies, location varies, Pendleton. Bring a vegan dish and recipe. Gluten-free friendly group. Call to RSVP and for driving directions. (541-969-3057) IRRIGON — A community event is planned in celebration of Irrigon’s 60 years of incorporation. People are invited to decorate their vehicles, honk their horns and bring noise-makers. The event begins with the Irrigon Proud Parade Saturday, Feb. 25, with line-up at 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot at A.C. Houghton. Other activities are planned at 3:30 p.m. at Irrigon City Hall/ Library. It includes a cake reception, special speakers, Irrigon ROCKS Rock Painting, a silent auction and balloon release. The fun continues from 5-7 p.m. with a bonfire at Irrigon Marina Park. Food will be available for purchase from Judy Scott’s Chuckwagon. For more information, contact the Irrigon Chamber of Commerce at irrigonchamber@ irrigonchamber.com or 541-922- 6259. Toastmasters offers six-week program PENDLETON — People interested in becoming better communicators are invited to attend a six-week workshop. The Toastmasters Speechcraft program will be offered Tuesdays from March 7 through April 11 from 6:30-7:40 a.m. in the Community Room at Pendleton City Hall, The cost is $99. Sponsored by the Pendleton Toastmasters Club, the workshop can assist people with customer service, provide employees with professional development or include another skill on your resume. The class offers people an opportunity to become a confident speaker in a friendly atmosphere. For more information, contact toastmastergary@gmail.com or visit www.154.toastmastersclubs. org. Hermiston Nov. 14, 1923- Feb. 9, 2017 William E. “Bill” Jones, 93, of Hermiston died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 at home in Hermiston. He was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Joes, Colorado. A service will be announced and held at a later date. Arrangements are with Burns Mortuary of Hermiston. Sign the online condolence book at www. burnsmortuaryhermiston.com Merlyn Floyd “Mike” Wirth La Grande Sept. 6, 1922-Feb. 7, 2017 Merlyn Floyd “MF” “Mike” Wirth, 94, of La Grande died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. He was born Sept. 6, 1922. A private family celebration will be held on the first day of salmon fishing on the Deschutes River. Arrange- ments are with Loveland Funeral Chapel in La Grande. To view the obituary or share condolences, visit www.love- landfuneralchapel.com SERVICES SATURDAY, FEB. 11 GRAY, GARY — Cele- bration of life at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston. TEWS, BILL — Cele- bration of life at 2 p.m. at the Ione American Legion Hall, 325 W. Second St. SUNDAY, FEB. 12 No services OBITUARY POLICY The East Oregonian publish- es paid obituaries. The obituary can include small photos and, for veterans, a flag symbol at no charge. Obituaries may be edit- ed for spelling, proper punctua- tion and style. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These include informa- tion about services. Obituaries and notices can be submitted online at www.eastoregonian. com/obituaryform, by email to obits@eastoregonian.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the East Oregonian office. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, ext. 221. MEETINGS MONDAY, FEB. 13 IRRIGON FIRE DISTRICT, 7 a.m., Irrigon Fire Department, 705 N.E. Main Ave., Irrigon. (541- 922-3133) PENDLETON SCHOOL DIS- TRICT, 6 p.m., Pendleton School District office, 107 N.W. 10th St., Pendleton. (541-276-6711) HERMISTON SCHOOL DIS- TRICT, 6:30 p.m., district office, 502 W. Standard Ave., Hermis- ton. (541-667-6000) M I LT O N - F R E E WAT E R SCHOOL DISTRICT, 6:30 p.m., Central Middle School, 306 S.W. Second St., Milton-Freewater. (541-938-3551) HEPPNER CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Heppner City Hall, 111 N. Main St., Heppner. (541-676- 9618) HERMISTON CITY COUN- CIL, 7 p.m., Hermiston City Hall council chambers, 180 N.E. Sec- ond St., Hermiston. (541-567- 5521) MILTON-FREEWATER CITY COUNCIL, 7 p.m., Milton-Free- water Public Library Albee Room, 8 S.W. Eighth Ave., Milton-Free- water. (541-938-5531) PILOT ROCK FIRE DIS- TRICT, 7 p.m., Pilot Rock Fire Department, 415 N.E. Elm St., Pilot Rock. (541-443-4522) ATHENA-WESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, 7 p.m., Ath- ena Elementary School library, 375 S. Fifth St., Athena. (541- 566-3551) TUESDAY, FEB. 14 PENDLETON PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, 12 p.m., Pendleton Parks & Rec- reation office, 685 Tutuilla Road, Pendleton. (541-276-8100) PORT OF UMATILLA COM- MISSION, 1 p.m., Port of Uma- tilla offices, 505 Willamette Ave., Umatilla. (541-922-3224) PENDLETON FARMERS MARKET BOARD, 5:30 p.m., Pendleton Early Learning Cen- ter, 455 S.W. 13th St., Pendleton. (541-969-9466) WESTON CEMETERY BOARD, 6 p.m., Memorial Hall, 210 E. Main St., Weston. (541- 566-3313) LOTTERY Thursday, Feb. 9 Lucky Lines 2-8-11-13-19-21-26-29 Estimated jackpot: $35,000 Pick 4 1 p.m.: 7-6-1-3 4 p.m.: 5-5-2-9 7 p.m.: 9-0-8-5 10 p.m.: 5-2-1-9 Friday, Feb. 10 Pick 4 1 p.m.: 1-5-9-1