REGION
Saturday, June 19, 2021
East Oregonian
B3
VOICES
ANYONE CAN WRITE
Nearly 40 years in the business have taught me that readers are bombarded and over-
whelmed with facts. What we long for, though, is meaning and a connection at a deeper and
more universal level.
And that’s why the East Oregonian will be running, from time to time, stories from students
who are in my writing class, which I’ve been teaching for the past 10 years in Portland.
I take great satisfaction in helping so-called nonwriters fi nd and write stories from their lives
and experiences. They walk into my room believing they don’t have what it takes to be a writer. I
remind them if they follow their hearts, they will discover they are storytellers.
As we all are at our core.
Some of these stories have nothing to do with Pendleton or Umatilla County. They do, how-
ever, have everything to do with life.
If you are interested in contacting me to tell me your story, I’d like to hear from you.
Tom Hallman Jr., tbhbook@aol.com
Tom Hallman Jr. is a Pulitzer Prize-winning feature writer for the Oregonian newspaper. He’s
also a writing coach and has an affi nity for Umatilla County.
A short stint as mayor of Pendleton
By ROLAND HAERTL
Special to the East
Oregonian
I have held a variety of
positions, most of them inter-
esting, but none as brief as
the “Mayor of Pendleton.”
In 1976, my company was
awarded the contract to build
McDonald’s fi rst French fry
plant in Hermiston. In the
spring of 1977, I was driv-
ing west to visit our project
offi ce.
As I passed the Pendle-
ton airport, the right lane
from the airport on-ramp to
Interstate 84 was blocked by
a state police car, fl ashing
its lights. I wondered, then
remembered: It was dedica-
tion day of the Union Pacifi c
Railroad’s new switchyard at
Hinkle, just south of Herm-
iston. The government and
corporate officials were
arriving.
I had time. I decided to
attend the dedication. I fell
in line behind the limou-
sines just ahead of the tail-
ing police cars.
After a short drive the
convoy swung into the park-
ing lot at the new switchyard.
I followed the last limousine
into the lot..
I got out of my car and
followed the hand motions
of the parking lot attendants
directing me to follow the
limousine passengers. Every-
body headed to the elevated
seating platform reserved for
the invited dignitaries. The
platform was built strad-
dling three of the switchyard
tracks. At intervals an engine
would come through.
I waved to a few acquain-
tances. Some waved in
return. Some did not recog-
nize me, and still waved in
return. Familiar faces in
unfamiliar settings present
mental connection problems.
One person who did not
recognize me was the senior
vice president of the Union
Pacifi c. He was offi ciating
the dedication function.
About 120 people were
attending, seated on the
elevated platform arranged
in about 10 rows. I opted to
sit, less conspicuously, in the
second row, off -center.
Since I had not received
an invitation, I did not know
what to expect.
The Union Pacific VP
started with the usual
welcoming speech, present-
ing corporate data, project
data, outlining the impor-
tance of this facility. To his
credit, he was quick and
compact. Then he switched
to the introduction of the
dignitaries and expressed
gratitude for their atten-
dance. From the top, the
gover nor, Bob Straub;
congressman from Burns,
Bob Smith; Umatilla County
commissioners, etc. He
always called out the name,
followed by the title and then
pointed with an open hand
towards the dignitary intro-
duced, who would get up,
turn to the crowd, smiling,
or just wave.
He said: “I want to thank
the mayor of Pendleton for
attending this function and
thank him for the hospital-
ity arranged for our employ-
ees and project staff in the
county and the towns around
us. Mayor Joe McLaughlin.”
With an outstretched arm
and open hand, he pointed
at me.
I got up, bowed to the
speaker, turned approxi-
mately 90 degrees toward the
seated invitees, waved and
sat down. Mayor McLaugh-
lin never was introduced. I
wondered how the Union
Pacific VP would resolve
this. Or if he needed to.
This story is longer than
my position as mayor of
Pendleton was.
Center for Whale Research/Contributed Photo, File
The Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama tribes announced the fi rst commercial
gillnet fi shery of 2021 opened Wednesday, June 16, according to a press release from the
tribes. The tribes will harvest summer chinook, sockeye and a small number of steelhead
that will be available for purchase by the general public through the summer and fall.
Tribes announce opening of fi rst
commercial gillnet fi shery of 2021
Summer chinook,
sockeye, steelhead
will be harvested
East Oregonian
PORTLAND — Nez
Perce, Umatilla, Warm
Springs and Yakama tribal
fi shers are making their way
to the Columbia River after
the tribes announced the
fi rst commercial gillnet fi sh-
ery of 2021 opened Wednes-
day, June 16, according to a
press release from the tribes.
The tribes will harvest
summer chinook, sockeye
and a small number of steel-
head that will be available
for purchase by the general
public through the summer
and fall.
“The tribal fishery on
the Columbia River is a
long-honored custom that
can be traced back to ancient
times when the rivers ran
wild,” said Aja DeCoteau,
interim executive direc-
tor for the Columbia River
Inter-Tribal Fish Commis-
sion. “Whether people come
to the river to enjoy fresh
Columbia River-caught
fi sh or engage tribal fi shers
directly, the commercial
fi shery allows the public to
enjoy a taste of history.”
Fisher ies managers
estimate 115,600 sock-
eye and 78,000 summer
chinook will return to the
Columbia River over the
next few weeks. The peak
runs will occur around the
end of June, and the abun-
dance may drop quickly, the
release said.
Due to the pandemic,
a number of guidelines
and recom mendations
have been made both to
the tribal fi shers as well as
those interested in buying
salmon directly in an eff ort
to prevent the spread of
the virus. Those planning
to visit the river to buy a
salmon are encouraged to
wear a mask and should
expect to see fi shers make
social distancing accom-
modations. Many fishers
now accept credit cards or
mobile payment to avoid
handling cash.
As a population that is
extremely at-risk for devel-
oping complications from
COVID-19, the tribes have
been particularly cautious,
and they encourage fish
buyers to help in this
effort to protect not only
themselves, but the tribal
community, as well.
Both t reat y and
non-treaty fi shery catches
have been agreed to as
part of the U.S. v. Oregon
M a n a ge m e nt Ag r e e -
ment and will be adjusted
throughout the season as
the run sizes are updated.
Besides chinook and sock-
eye, limited numbers
of steelhead are avail-
able during the summer
period. The tribal fi shery
is protected under trea-
ties the Yakama, Warm
Springs, Umatilla, and Nez
Perce tribes signed with the
federal government in 1855.
These treaties reserved their
rights to fi sh for ceremonial,
subsistence and commercial
uses at all usual and accus-
tomed fi shing places in the
Columbia Basin.
EASTERN OREGON
marketplace
Place classified ads online at www.easternoregonmarketplace.com or call 1-800-962-2819 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
After hours, leave a voicemail and we’ll confirm your ad the next business day. Email us at classifieds@ eastoregonian.com or fax: 541-278-2680
East Oregonian
Deadline is 3 p.m. the day before publication
211 S.E. Byers Ave.
333 E. Main St.
We accept:
Pendleton, OR 97801 Hermiston, OR 97838
See www.easternoregonmarketplace.com for classified ads from all over Eastern Oregon
EAST OREGONIAN • HERMISTON HERALD • BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE • WALLOWA COUNTY CHIEFTAIN
157 Events
OPENING SOON:
Black Cat Fireworks
June 23-July 3rd; 1875 N
1st St., Hermiston. In front of
Suds Yer Duds.
204 Automobiles
WRECKING YARD
We pay $200 and up
We buy All Cars and Trucks.
Damaged, Non-Running,
Unwanted.
509-370-1091/876-8777
UPSE AUTO
354 Auction Sales
AUCTION!
Thursday 6/17 and
Saturday 6/19
80824 Kik Lane, Hermiston
Auction starts at 6:30pm.
There will be multiple estates.
Lots of electronics, tools and
furniture. Must see items!
We accept cash, check, and
credit cards. 10% buyer’s pre-
mium in place. All items are
as is. Contact us for consign-
ments and estate sales.
Ford Bonney: 541-561-5798
Colby Alexander: 541-314-
3153
360 Garage Sales
502 Real Estate
651 Help Wanted
Yard Sale: Sat. June 19th;
8:00am. 1190 W. Sunland Ave.,
Hermiston. Tools, lotos of guy
items, linens, waterfall dresser,
lots of misc., kitchen containers,
plastic storage bins and lids, no
clothes or toys. No checks.
YARD SALE
Fri. June 18 & Sat. June 19,
8am-2pm.
505 NE 35th St.,
Riverside area in Pendleton .
Kitchen stuff, kids toys, clothes,
garden tools and much more.
Linda’s & Rita’s Garage Sale.
1700 SW 44th, Pendleton.
Friday, 10am-4pm,
Saturday, 8am-3pm.
Many years of treasures!
Antiques, housewares, home
decor, Women’s clothes/shoes,
lots of fun stuff and some toys.
How Much is your Home Worth?
Call Matt Vogler, The Weekend
and After Hours Agent, for a free
Market Analysis. 541.377.9470.
More Listings needed to meet
current buyer demand!
Matt Vogler
John J. Howard & Assoc.
(541) 377-9470
541-377-6855
A phone call Away! Help to find
the home for you with access to
all possible homes on your list.
Please call with your questions
for the answers to help you into
your new home.
305 SW Court Ave., Pendleton
TURN HERE
REALTY & TRAVEL
OFFICE NURSE, RN OR MA
Harrison Family Medicine
YARD SALE: 375 NE 5th St., Irri-
gon, Fri & Sat, 6/18 & 6/19, 8am-
4pm. Tube radio, toys, cars, Hot
Wheels, Books (western & kids),
gas lanterns, tow chain, metric &
standard tools, fish poles & nets,
sprinkler & rizer, wood burner, oil
lamps, canning pots, trap (live &
old), cast iron, receiver hitches,
food processor, barbie dolls,
bold sander, 2-30 gal water tank,
old flat irons, toolbox with tools.
ESTATE SALE &
Smoked BBQ Vendor!
360 Garage Sales
H OUSE , O UTBUILDINGS ,
1 A CRE Y ARD /F ARM
Yard/Estate Sale:
445 E. Jennie, space 60,
Hermiston. June 18th & 19th,
9am-3pm.
42397 Old Wingville Rd.,
Baker City, OR.
by Brenda Payton
Multi-Family Yard Sale, 307
NW Ingram Ln., Pendleton.
Tools, hunting supplies, kitchen
and household, children’s toys
and much more. Sat., 6/19, 8am-
2pm. NO EARLY SALES!
Looking for a new place to
live? The classified ads offer
a complete section of homes,
apartments, and mobile
homes to fit your needs.
Check daily for new listings!
ANTIQUES
Inside & Outside
and so much more!!
8:01 AM - 4:01 PM
F RIDAY , June 25
S ATURDAY , June 26
S UNDAY , June 27
CASH & CARDS Accepted!
HAVING storage problems? Why
not sell no-longer-used items with
a fastworking classifed ad?
32-40 hours/wk. Start date mid
August. Health insurance and
401(k) benefits. Job includes
direct patient care, assisting in
office procedures, phone triage,
and calling patients.
Please send resume to following
fax or email.
Fax: 541-215-1567
mcontor@harrisonmedicine.
com
GIVE your budget a break! Check
today’s classified ads for excellent
buys on the items you need.
Current MLS listings include
several 3 and 4 bedroom, 2
bath homes for sale in popu-
lar locations. Call Matt Vogler,
“The Weekend and After Hours
Agent” for addresses and pric-
ing.
Matt Vogler
John J. Howard & Assoc.
541.377.9470
651 Help Wanted
Wilbur-Ellis,
a stable Agriculture company
is looking for a Local Class-A
CDL driver at our Boardman
branch. HazMat, Tanker and
Doubles endorsements a
plus. Wilbur-Ellis provides a
competitive hourly wage and
comprehensive benefits pack-
age. Apply online at
WiblurEllis.com/careers.
651 Help Wanted
IMESD is currently seeking
qualified applicants
for:
JM Eagle of Umatilla, Or.
The world’s largest plastic
pipe company is seeking a
CLASS A CDL
TRUCK DRIVER
for our fast paced shipping
department. Full time hours
will vary daily Monday-Friday.
Must have a current medical
card and clean driving record.
Hourly wage DOE, excellent
benefits, paid holidays.
$500 signing bonus based
on NO ABSENCES,
NO TARDINESS and
NO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
New hires will receive $200
after 60 working days and
$300 at the end of 6 months.
Apply in person at 31240
Roxbury Rd, Umatilla, OR
97882 or send resume to:
branditurner@jmeagle.com
•Full time Custodial/
Maintenance Tech.
•Part-Time Print Shop
Specialist
For a full list of our current
openings please visit
our website
www.imesd.k12.or.us/careers
504 Homes for Sale
Prices are up! Now may be the
time to gain some equity and
move up to a larger home. Call
Matt Vogler for a free Market
Analysis.
Matt Vogler
John J. Howard & Assoc.
(541) 377-9470
651 Help Wanted
City Recorder/Human
Resources
The City of Boardman is
looking for a full time City
Recorder/Human Resourc-
es. The candidate will have
a minimum associate degree
in public administration, busi-
ness, organizational behav-
ior, social sciences, or other
related fields or equivalent
years of experience. Bach-
elor’s degree preferred. Sal-
ary range $51,500 - $53,500.
The deadline for applying is
Monday, June 28, 2021 at
5:00pm or until filled.
For details about the position
and how to apply, visit www.
cityofboardman.com
Applications can also be
picked up at Boardman City
Hall, 200 City Center Circle
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