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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (May 31, 2017)
REGION Wednesday, May 31, 2017 HERMISTON Airport Road will keep its name for now, but the Umatilla County Commission hasn’t ruled out changing the name some time in the future. The city of Hermiston petitioned the county to change the road’s name after hearing complaints that drivers looking for the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center were ending up on the neighboring Airport Way by mistake and having to turn around in the Herm- iston Municipal Airport’s parking lot. During their May 22 meeting, county commis- sioners tabled discussion on the name change indefinitely after commissioner George Murdock expressed concerns that changing the name of the road could derail efforts to get state funding to pave Ott Road and improve Airport Road around EOTEC. Murdock said state Senator Bill Hansell told him there was a good chance that funding for the roads could be found during the current legislative session. Murdock said he understood the EOTEC board and city’s frustration with the confusing road names, but he worried about changing the name of a road they were seeking funding for before the county had money in hand. “I’m very uncomfortable messing with it right now,” he said. Commissioner Larry Givens, who also sits on the EOTEC board, said he saw Murdock’s point, since the legislature can be “fickle” about things like that. All three commissioners voted unanimously to table the city’s application for a name change indefinitely. Residents and business owners along Airport Road had voiced their opposition to the name change with testimony against it and a petition signed by 34 people representing 17 addresses. They said they would be negatively impacted by lost mail, expenses to update legal documents and confu- sion caused by having their address changed. One of those neighbors, Chris Waine, said in an email to the East Oregonian over the weekend that the group was expecting to have the issue resolved at the May 22 meeting and he felt it was disrespectful to leave them hanging without a final deci- sion. He also said he did not feel it was right for Givens to be voting as a county commissioner on issues affecting EOTEC when he also sits on the EOTEC board. Givens sits on the EOTEC board as a representative of the county, which is a 50/50 partner on the EOTEC project with the city of Hermiston. ——— Contact Jade McDowell at jmcdowell@eastorego- nian.com or 541-564-4536. Page 3A HERMISTON Airport Road name change tabled indefinitely By JADE MCDOWELL East Oregonian East Oregonian Staff photo by Jayati Ramakrishnan Blaze near cemetery likely an unattended cooking fire Umatilla County Fire District 1 tackled a fire that started in a brushy area near Cemetery Road in Hermiston Tuesday afternoon. Smoke from the fire was visible from as far into town as Highland Avenue and Highway 395 as plumes billowed toward the highway. Several ODOT work- ers on the Highway 395 bridge adjacent to the fire said a homeless man was living in the brush and it appeared the fire started from his camp. Several shopping carts with some items in them were clustered in the brush, and burned as well. Fire Marshal Tom Bohm said the flames were likely started by someone cooking, or leaving an unattended campfire. ARLINGTON Seasonal campfire restrictions The early bird gets the worm ... begin Thursday in national forests and free goodie bags and lunch East Oregonian Seasonal campfire restrictions are slated to begin Thursday on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur national forests. The restrictions, which go into effect annually between June 1 and Oct. 31, require visitors to build campfires in pits surrounded by dirt, rock or commercial rings, away from low-hanging branches and clear of all flammable material within a three-foot radius. A shovel and one gallon of water are also required while building or tending camp- fires — including fires using charcoal briquettes. “The intent is to allow campfire use while promoting safe campfire building tech- niques that, in the long run, will protect lives, property and our natural landscape,” said Brett Thomas, fire management officer on the Umatilla National Forest. As fire danger increases throughout the summer, the forests may implement addi- tional public use restrictions Walapalooza celebrates final weeks of spring By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian Photo contributed by U.S. Forest Service Seasonal campfire restrictions will go into effect be- ginning Thursday on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur national forests. on campfires, chainsaws, smoking and off-road vehicle travel. Ron Simpson, deputy fire staff officer on the Malheur National Forest, said lightning-caused fires keep firefighters busy enough, and they hope to prevent as much as possible the additional burden of human-caused fires. “Even with the wet spring, we are experiencing a drier forecast in the coming weeks, which will increase the potential for human-caused fires in the tri-forest region,” Simpson said. Forest officials recom- mend campers always make sure their fires are dead out before leaving, and to never leave a campfire unattended. For more information on campfire safety, visit www. smokeybear.com. With summer just around the corner, the Arlington Community Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the final weeks of spring with a family-friendly event and fishing derby. Held in conjunction with Oregon’s Free Fishing Day, the Spring Walapalooza and Fishing Derby is Saturday beginning with registration from 8-11 a.m. in the parking lot at Earl Snell Park. The park is located at the base of Exit 137 off Interstate 84 along the Columbia River. The cost is $3 per fisherman and the first 50 participants will receive a goodie bag. Weigh-in will start at 10 a.m. and closes at noon. Prizes for the biggest fish will be awarded in five age groups, including 4- and-under, ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-17 years and adults. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. In addition, all Oregon Sport Fishing Regu- lations apply — although, no fishing license is required as part of the state’s designated “Free Fishing Weekend.” “This annual event is held specifically with the kids and community in mind,” said Marta Mikkalo, chamber president. A bouncy house and a kids’ casting contest will add to the fun for the younger crowd. In addition to a chance of winning prizes, participants can enjoy a wonderful day of fishing and family fun on the river, Mikkalo said. The event continues with lunch and entertainment at midday. For some toe-tappin’ music, be sure to catch the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers, who will be playing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the park’s gazebo. Performances by the asso- ciation are as varied as the members — who hail from all across the region. While most of the musicians reside in Eastern Oregon, some of the members are scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest. The first 200 attendees will enjoy a free lunch. Provided by the Arlington Masonic Lodge, serving begins at noon. The Arlington chamber encourages people to visit their little slice of paradise on the Columbia River. The park — which was named in memory of Earl Snell, Oregon’s 23rd governor — surrounds a sheltered lagoon with a sandy beach and swimming area. For more information about the Spring Walapa- looza, call chamber admin- istrator Leslee Hammer at 541-626-3426, go to www. VisitArlingtonOregon.com or search Facebook. ——— Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian. com or 541-564-4539 BRIEFLY Bicyclist hospitalized after crash during Century Ride of the Centuries PENDLETON — A bicyclist participating in the Century Ride of the Centuries was hospitalized Monday after crashing on Old Emigrant Hill Road during the Cabbage Hill Challenge. The victim, identified as Steven Baranski, was initially treated at St. Anthony Hospital before being flown by helicopter ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University. His condition was listed as serious as of Tuesday evening, according to an OHSU spokesperson. Fellow cyclist and Pendleton dentist Ed Dolan said he came across Baranski while riding up Old Emigrant Hill Road. According to Dolan, Baranski was heading downhill several miles outside of Mission when he hit a pothole in the road that was obscured by a tree shadow. Dolan said Baranski was sitting on the ground in pain and unable to move his right shoulder. He had road rash on his knees, fingers, hands and arms, but was conscious and alert. Baranski was wearing a helmet, Dolan said. Umatilla Tribal Ambulance responded to the scene and took Baranski to St. Anthony. Dolan said he did not know the extent of Baranski’s injuries, though hospital spokesman Larry Blanc said Baranski was in stable condition when he was sent to OHSU. Pendleton man gets five years probation for domestic violence crimes PENDLETON — A Pendleton man who faced kidnapping and attempted murder charges pleaded guilty Friday to lesser charges. John Paul Glidewell, 39, was in the Umatilla County Jail, Pendleton, pending the outcome of the case since his arrest Dec. 9. He faced 17 counts for harming and trying to harm his significant other, including of attempted murder and attempted rape. MORE HD CHANNELS FASTER INTERNET AND UNLIMITED PHONE. CALL TODAY AND PAY LESS 800-718-0153 • Speeds up to 100Mbps • Unlimited data – no data caps BEST INTERNET OFFER AS LOW AS 34 99 $ /per mo. for 12 mos FREE ACCESS TO WiFi HOTSPOTS * The MOST HD | SUPERFAST Internet | SUPERIOR Voice 125+ CHANNELS UP TO 100MBPS UNLIMITED CALLING Triple Play Select $ TV, INTERNET AND PHONE from 89 99 /mo each for 12 mos when bundled* The case came to a close Friday when Glidewell pleaded guilty in Umatilla County Circuit Court to the following: three counts of coercion and one each of unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, strangulation and fourth-degree assault. Coercion and the weapons charges are felonies, the others are misdemeanors. The district attorney’s office dropped the remaining charges. Circuit Judge Christopher Brauer sentenced Glidewell to five years probation based on the deal Glidewell made with the district attorney’s office. His probation includes completing a mental health evaluation and subsequent treatment, as well as treatment for domestic violence and alcohol abuse. Pendleton Woolen Mills reorganizes as company president retires PORTLAND — Pendleton Woolen Mills announced Tuesday that company president Mort Bishop III will retire June 30. Bishop has been the Pendleton Woolen Mills’ president since 1999. He joined the company in 1977 as a women’s product merchandiser, was promoted to women’s sales manager and 11 years later to women’s division manager. “I believe this is the right time for me to transition and assist in the reorganization of the company, helping to insure “Celebrating Small Town Heritage in a Big Way” that it is operationally sound and positioned for growth and success,” Bishop said in the statement. “We have a new generation of leaders willing and capable to assume greater responsibility.” Upon Bishop’s retirement, the company reported the following appointments in the reorganization of its leadership team: John Bishop takes on the roles of chief executive officer and president. Peter Bishop, executive vice president of design and merchandising, will oversee all product functions. Robert Christnacht, executive vice president of sales, will oversee all sales, marketing, retail, catalog/web, and trade responsibilities. Annetta Young steps into the position of executive vice president of operations and planning. Dennis Simmonds continues as chief financial officer. ——— Briefs are compiled from staff and wire reports, and press releases. Email press releases to news@eastoregonian.com STUDENT OF THE WEEK Kellie Zepeda Senior - Hermiston High School 125th ANNIVERSARY UMATILLA COUNTY PIONEER DAYS PICNIC HISTORIC WESTON, OR June 2nd & 3rd 2017 FRIDAY JUNE 2ND 6:30 P.M. - Memorial Hall • Queen’s Coronation • Grand Marshall Introduction 10:00 A.M. on Water St • Main Parade 11:00 A.M. at Elliott Park • BBQ Beef Lunch 6:30 P.M. Memorial Hall • Alumni Dinner ELLIOTT PARK EVENTS ؏Served until 1:30 P.M. or sold out) 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. SATURDAY JUNE 3RD • Queen & Grand Marshall 5:30-9:30 A.M. Presentation at Elliott Park (At the park pavilion) • Fireman’s Breakfast 11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. 9:45 A.M. on Water St • Car Show • Kid’s Parade (On Water St. in front of the park) • • • • Vendors & Concessions Live Entertainment on stage BBQ Cook Off Kid’s Games & Activities It has been an honor to have Kellie is my AP U.S. Government course this year. She has excelled in every way from achieving high scores on assessments to participating in class discussions that challenge the class. Kellie leaves Hermiston High School as one of the brightest and highest achieving students in recent memory. She has been an integral part of many clubs at Hermiston High School that have benefited the school and local community. We are going to miss Kellie here in Hermiston but are also so excited to see her move onto college and achieve amazing things. Proudly Sponsored By: ELMER’S IRRIGATION, INC. “Proudly serving and investing in the future of our communities” HWY 395 • HERMISTON 541-567-5572 • FAX: 541-567-8721 “Honor the past • Celebrate the present • Embrace the future” EMERGENCY SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE
