Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 2018)
REGION Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Hermiston council raises senior taxi ticket prices By JADE MCDOWELL East Oregonian Hermiston’s taxi tickets for senior and disabled res- idents will be more expen- sive in January. The city council voted Monday to raise the tick- ets from $2 to $2.50. It also raised its subsidy to Uma- tilla Cab Company, pay- ing the company $6.75 instead of $6.60 per ticket redeemed for a ride. The program, which started in 2007, subsidizes rides for Hermiston resi- dents over age 62 or with a documented disability. Qualifying residents can visit city hall and purchase tickets, which they can use for a one-way taxi ride. The city subsidizes the ride by paying qualifying cab com- panies an additional $6.60 (now $6.75) for each ticket used. Assistant city manager Mark Morgan said ridership has gone up significantly this year, jumping from 17,500 in 2017 to 18,000 from January through the end of October so far this year. Morgan said that puts the city on pace to subsi- dize about 23,000 rides by the end of the year, which would put the city over budget by about $27,000. The city had expected ticket sales to decrease after it implemented the HART, a free public bus system, at the beginning of 2017. While ridership of the HART rose from 2,700 rides in 2017 to more than 8,000 so far this year, Mor- gan said bus riders seem to mostly be residents who don’t qualify for the taxi program. Morgan said Kayak Public Transit, which oper- ates the bus system under contract with the city, is planning to expand the HART’s hours of service at the beginning of the year, likely running from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In order to handle the budget shortfall for the taxi ticket program and accom- modate future growth, Mor- gan recommended raising the taxi ticket price from $2, where it has been since 2009, to $2.50. While the increase will cost residents, Morgan also pointed out that the HART remains a free alternative to a taxi ride for those who can’t afford the service. ——— Contact Jade McDowell at jmcdowell@eastorego- nian.com or 541-564-4536. East Oregonian Page 3A ECHO-HERMISTON Bikers rev up holiday cheer with annual toy run By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian A group of leather-clad stand-ins for Santa Claus are gearing up for the 15th annual Echo Toy Run. The United States Postal Service doesn’t have a cor- ner on the market when it comes to making deliveries in inclement weather. Nei- ther snow nor rain or sleet and freezing fog has pre- vented a group of motor- cycle enthusiasts from rid- ing their bikes to take toys to Good Shepherd Medical File photo Center each holiday season. People are invited to Participants place gifts in bins at Good Shepherd Medical Center during a past Echo bring new, unwrapped toys Toy Run. In its 15th year, the group will gather Saturday, Dec. 1 in downtown Echo and gather Saturday on to deliver toys to the hospital in Hermiston. Echo’s Main Street for a noon departure. With toys Kelly Sanders, vice presi- amount has increased three- iston Police Department’s strapped to his 2004 Harley dent of human resources at fold over the years, Sand- Christmas Express program Wide Glide and an Ameri- Good Shepherd Health Care ers said, as well as filling the and other needy children in can flag waving in the wind, System, said Sells and the back of a pickup truck with the community. Hospital employees will Al Sells will lead the way rest of the bikers that partic- larger items like bicycles. to the hospital, 610 N.W. ipate annually have hearts of The generosity of the bik- greet the group when they ers lasts well beyond the hol- arrive and offer coffee, hot 11th St., Hermiston. Those gold. “They are such giving iday season. In addition to chocolate and pastries. For who don’t ride motorcycles can follow at the rear of the people,” Sanders said. “It’s a providing gifts to kids in the more information, call Sells wonderful thing they do for hospital during Christmas, at 541-571-1820 or Nick pack. Sells has carried on the the children at the hospital toys are available for staff to Bejarano at 541-667-3460. ——— give to children who might tradition started by the for- and in the community.” mer owners of the Echo Contact Community Edi- The bikers filled one of benefit from having their Saloon. While the Stan- the hospital’s large laun- spirits lifted throughout the tor Tammy Malgesini at field man might look a lit- dry bins with toys during year. Also, Sanders said they tmalgesini@eastoregonian. tle rough around the edges, the event’s first year. That share some with the Herm- com or 541-564-4539 BRIEFLY Elf Run races into the holidays IRRIGON — The Irri- gon High School boys bas- ketball team is bouncing into the holiday season with a 5K fundraiser. The Elf Run is Saturday, Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. at Irrigon Marina Park. If registered by Saturday, Dec. 15, the fee is $25, which includes a T-shirt. After that date, the fee increases to $30. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the finish line. In addition, medals will be given for the most creative costumes. Also, Santa Claus will be on hand for pictures and will give away candy canes. For more informa- tion or to register, contact Tiffany Locey at tiffany. locey@morrow.k12.or.us or 541-922-5551. Rudolph fun run in Umatilla UMATILLA — A cos- tume-themed fun run is set to provide nonperishable food donations for the Uma- tilla Volunteer Firefighters Association’s annual Christ- mas basket program. In its second year, the Rudolph Fun Run is also coordinated by the Umatilla High School National Honor Society. The 5K event is Sat- urday, Dec. 8 from 9-10 a.m. at the McNary Fire Station, 305 Willamette Ave, Uma- tilla. The entry is five non- perishable food items. Par- ticipants will receive water and hot chocolate at the end of the race. For more information, search Facebook. Hermiston community choir rings in holiday season HERMISTON — Area adults and youths have been warming up their voices in preparation for Hermiston’s annual holiday concert. “Peace and Good Will,” the Hermiston Community Christmas Concert, is Fri- day, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Hermiston High School, 600 S. First St. Admission is free. How- ever, representatives from Eastern Oregon Mission will be on hand to accept donations for the nonprofit. The parent organization for Agape House and Martha’s House, they serve individu- als and families in need. In its third year, the community choir pro- gram is coordinated by Hermiston Parks & Recre- ation. For more informa- tion, call 541-667-5018 or visit www.hermiston.or.us/ parks-recreation/home. Hermiston library friends announce annual meeting HERMISTON — The annual meeting of the Friends of the Hermiston Public Library will include an awards presentation for the “friend” and volunteer of the year. In addition, they will elect new officers and dis- cuss results of the recent book sale. The meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 6-7 p.m. in the library’s Lanham Room, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermis- ton. Light refreshments will be served. The pub- lic is welcome to attend and learn more about the organization. The group holds events and provides support to projects and programs at the library. For more infor- mation, call the library at 541-567-2882. Agape House announces more ways to give HERMISTON — East- ern Oregon Mission, the par- ent organization of Agape House and Martha’s House, is excited about additional ways to give as the holidays approach — through Bottle- Drop Give and the Amazon Smile Foundation. A special recyclable bot- tle and can drive running through Dec. 5 will provide an extra boost to the non- profit organization. Bottle- Drop Give will provide a percentage match depend- ing on the amount of funds raised. Dave Hughes, East- ern Oregon Mission execu- tive director, said their goal is to recycle $1,000 worth of cans and bottles. If that amount is met, they will receive a 30 percent match through the program, which is coordinated through the Bottle Drop Oregon Redemption Center. For the special Bottle- Drop Give campaign, peo- ple are asked to drop off can and bottle donations by DEQ Public Notice Portland General Electric - Coyote Springs Plant Boardman, Oregon Has applied for an Oregon Title V Operating Permit Renewal The Department of Environmental Quality is providing an opportunity for public comment. For a copy of the draft permit and review report call Nancy Swofford at 541-633-2021 or call toll free in Oregon at 866-863-6668. CREED II (PG13) 4:00 7:00 10:00 RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) 7:20 4:50 9:50 FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (PG13) 6:40 3:40* 9:40 INSTANT FAMILY (PG13) 4:10 6:50 9:30 DR. SEUSS' THE GRINCH (PG) 4:40 7:10 9:20 * Matinee Pricing wildhorseresort.com • 541-966-1850 Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216 the Amazon Smile Founda- tion will donate 0.5 percent of the purchase price of eli- gible purchases to the non- profit chosen. When logged into smile.amazon.com, be sure to select “Eastern Ore- gon Mission” before you begin shopping. For more information about the BottleGive pro- gram or to make arrange- ments for large can and bot- tle donations, call Hughes at 541-567-8774. 6OHHS&HQWHU +HUPLVWRQ %/$&. 0217+ )5,'$< /RRNIRUWKH%ODFN7DJV 6DYHDQ$GGLWLRQDO 0DULDQD 0HPRU\)RDP 1RZ <RXU 4XHHQ 6OHHS6SHFLDOLVWV $GMXVWDEOH%HGV :H$UH %/$&. ..&,756#$.''&5 ^ 3ODWLQXP )5,'$< %HDXW\UHVW 0DWWUHVV6HWV 2)) 1RZ #8'+)^ 6WDFN3DFNRI&RPIRUW www.oregon.gov/deq/Get-Involved/Pages/Public-Notices.aspx 6WDUWLQJDW McKay Creek Estates 4XHHQ6HW 6OHHS,QF0DWWUHVVHV FREE Cognitive Screening 11/28 DAVE *UHJ·V You can also access the draft documents from DEQ’s “Public Notices” page at: )LW]JHUDOG3OXVK 4XHHQ6HW $VKOH\0RWLRQ 5HFOLQHUV 3RZHU 0RWLRQ 6WDUWLQJDW Cineplex Show Times $5 Classic Movie Today • 12pm Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Agape House, 500 Harper Road, Hermiston. Also, people can contact Hughes to make arrangements for pick-up service for large amounts. While doing online shop- ping at Amazon, people are encouraged to go through https://smile.amazon.com. Customers will find the same products, prices and shopping features as the regular Amazon shopping site. The added benefit is 6RID 2Q6DOH /LIW&KDLUV ..&,756#$.''&5 ^ Is Mom a little more forgetful lately? 3XUFKDVH$6LPPRQV0DWWUHVV There are many early warning signs of a potential memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why we’re offering a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL cognitive screening. We encourage anyone who is concerned about DQG6LPPRQV 1741901/(146^ $GMXVWDEOH &RPIRUW cognitive decline to take this short, in-person )5(()XUQLWXUH screening. The screening is administered by a qualified health care professional. To schedule your cognitive screening today, please call (541) 704-7146. :HHNGD\V$3 6DWXUGD\$3 6XQGD\13 McKay Creek Estates 7607 Southgate Pl. Pendleton, OR 97807 3RZHU%DVH 5HFHLYH www.PrestigeCare.com 6KHHWV 3LOORZV 0DWWUHVV3DGV %ODQNHW7KURZV 2Q6DOH *UHJ·V 6OHHS&HQWHU '4'6*'5614';174.11-+0)(14T 6RIDV¶Q0RUH
