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