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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (July 10, 2024)
SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Maryan L. McElligott Memorial Scholarship program announces 2024-25 recipients Five exceptional Ione High School alumni have been honored as the recipi- ents of the 2023-24 Maryan L. McElligott Memori- al Scholarship. Annabella McDaniel, a psychology student at Eastern Ore- gon University, and Grace Ogden, studying agricul- ture communications and journalism at Oklahoma State University, have each been awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Eva Martin, an Agriculture Business student at Eastern Oregon University, and Madison Orem, currently pursuing Animal Sciences and Ag- ricultural Business at the University of Idaho, have been granted $2,000 schol- arships. Kelly Doherty, an Elementary Education student at Eastern Oregon University, has received a $1,000 scholarship. The Maryan L. McElligott Me- morial Scholarship Fund, a beacon of hope for Ione High School alumni, has been granting scholarships annually since 1997. This scholarship, open to all col- lege undergraduates with a preference for students in their sophomore year and above, was established in memory of Maryan L. McElligott, a beloved com- munity member who lost her battle with cancer. The scholarship continues to make a significant differ- ence in the lives of these students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their chosen fields. As a community pillar, Maryan McElligott was an enthusi- astic community volunteer and was honored as the Morrow County Woman of the Year in 1992. She highly valued community involvement and dedicated her time to volunteering at the American Legion Auxiliary Ione Post 95 schools and as a 4-H lead- er for 20 years. Known for her exceptional bak- ing skills, she was famous for her cakes and taught cake decorating classes at Blue Mountain Commu- nity College. Education held great importance for her. Maryan and her late husband, L.J. McElligott, who passed away in March 2020, raised eight chil- dren, all of whom graduated from Ione High School and college, with five earning graduate degrees. Her leg- acy of community service, dedication to education, and love for her family contin- ues to inspire the Maryan L. McElligott Memori- al Scholarship program. “Preference is given to students in their sopho- more through senior years of college. However, we encourage students to apply every year of their college experience,” said Vince McElligott, the commit- tee chair. The scholarship committee comprises Ione residents Monica Swanson, Linda LaRue, Anne Morter, and Matthew McElligott of North Powder, Oregon, along with Vince McEl- ligott of Houston, Texas, one of Maryan’s sons.” Scholarships are award- ed to students who share and demonstrate Maryan’s values but may lack the fi- Former County Commissioner Jim Doherty settles Ethics case Doherty failed to disclose conflict of interest in Covid funds to his own business The Oregon Govern- ment Ethics Commission has announced the reso- lution of an ethics case against former Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty. The case involved violations of conflict-of-in- terest laws that occurred while Doherty was a com- missioner in 2020 dis- bursing Covid-19 funds. The charges revolve around Doherty’s involve- ment in the county’s award- ing of Covid-19 relief funds to two businesses owned by himself and his son. As a Morrow County Com- missioner, Doherty was part of the grant applica- tion committee to establish guidelines for distributing these funds. The conflict of interest involved Doherty and his son, Bryce Doherty, who both applied for and re- ceived Covid grant funds for their respective businesses, O’Doherty Cattle Company and O’Doherty Outfitters. Doherty’s cattle company ultimately received $9,896 in Covid relief funds and his son’s outfitting business got $14,493 in grant money. Details of the Case: In 2020, Doherty par- ticipated in several Board of Commissioner meetings discussing the distribution of Covid-19 relief funds the Ethics Commission said. On December 9 and December 16, Doherty was involved in discussions regarding the grant applica- tion process but did not dis- close his conflict of interest in that both he and his son owned businesses applying for the funds. On December 23, Doherty abstained from voting after participating in discussions but did not adequately announce his conflict of interest. The Eth- Former County Commis- sioner Jim Doherty. -Photo contributed ics Commission said that on December 30, Doherty made a complete conflict of interest announcement and abstained from discus- sions related to the CARES grant application process. According to Oregon law public officials must announce conflicts of in- terest and abstain from related discussions and votes if the conflict is ac- tual. Doherty’s actions at the December 9 and 16 meetings, as well as his insufficient disclosure on December 23, constituted a violation of these statutes. Outcome and Settlement: In settling the complaint Doherty acknowledged his failure to properly dis- close conflicts of interest at three of the four BOC meetings. Although no ev- idence suggested Doherty used his position to se- cure financial benefits un- lawfully, the Commission found his actions violated Oregon law. The resolu- tion involved the following key points: Doherty re- ceived a Letter of Education in lieu of a civil penalty. The Ethics Commission agreed to release, settle, and compromise any claims against Doherty within the scope of the proceedings. Furthermore, Doherty agreed not to initiate any Construction Traffic Notice Starting the week of 22 July, wind turbine com- ponents will commence delivery to the Wheatridge East Wind Project. The haul route will include transiting South on HWY 207 to Sand Hollow Rd, turning East on to Baseline Ln and being delivered to the project’s laydown area on Myers Ln. If you have any ques- tions, concerns, or need to deconflict other traffic in the area, please reach out to Ryan Hill, ryan.hill@ NextEraEnergy.com. Print & Mailing Services *Design *Print Sykes Publishing *Mail 541-676-9228 claims or litigation against the Commission as a re- sult of these proceedings. The agreement was made without completing the investigative phase, demon- strating Doherty’s willing- ness to resolve the matter. Final Stipulated Order: The stipulated final order, signed by all parties includes acknowledgment by Doherty of the viola- tions, agreement to waive the right to a contested case hearing and judicial review, and binding ef- fect upon approval by the Commission. “This case underscores the impor- tance of transparency and adherence to ethical guide- lines by public officials in their official capacities,” the Ethics Commission said. “The resolution serves as a reminder of the respon- sibilities and standards ex- pected of elected officials in managing public resources and funds” The agreement between Doherty and the Ethics Commission was accepted on June 28, 2024. Doherty was a Morrow County Commissioner a total of six years but was recalled by voters’ mid-way through his second term in 2022. Since then, he has run for election to the Or- egon State Senate but was defeated in that effort. nancial resources to pursue their college education. The following criteria are used to select scholarship recipients: high academic achievement; demonstrat- ed character; community, family, and school involve- ment. The L.J. McElligott family initially set up the endowment fund in 1994, and the Oregon Community Foundation administers it. The Maryan L. McElligott Memorial Scholarship fund makes annual awards to graduates of Ione High School enrolled or will be enrolled in a full-time un- dergraduate course at any accredited post-secondary institution, including out- of-state institutions. Appli- cants, including McElligott scholarship recipients, may reapply yearly if they meet the eligibility requirements. All Ione Community Char- ter School graduates are encouraged to apply. Ap- plications are available through the Oregon Stu- dent Access Commission at https://www.oregonstu- dentaid.gov/. BEO among top Ag Lenders of 2024 Heppner, Oregon, (July 9, 2024) Bank of Eastern Oregon (BEO) has been named one of the country’s top agricultural lenders in 2024 by the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA). BEO ranks 18 th on the list of community banks with $300 million to $1 billion in assets and is the only Pacific Northwest Bank based agricultural lender on this list. The article in Independent Banker magazine includes photos of BEO personnel visiting Painted Hills Natural Beef in Fossil, Oregon; a customer who has been with BEO for over 15 years. “Community institutions like the Bank of Eastern Oregon are in the agricultural space for the long haul,” said Jeff Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer of BEO. “Agricultural lending isn’t just a sideline opportunity that we’re going to get in and out of. In fact, the community bank takes its responsibility to support rural communities-of which agriculture is a large part very seriously. It’s not just a line of business; it is our business,” Bailey added. For further information on the Company or to access internet banking, please visit our website at https://www.beobank.com. Morrow County Republican Party July Meeting The Morrow County Republicans will meet at 6:30 pm, Thursday, July 18th at the Bellamy House (Lexington School), Lex- ington, Oregon. The group will be planning for up- coming community events in Irrigon and Heppner and activities leading up to the general election on November 5, 2024. Ranked Choice Voting is on the bal- lot in November. The ORP encourages all counties to submit opposition state- ments to the Oregon Voter’s Pamphlet. The MCRP will be working on its opposi- tion statement. PCPs and anyone interested in the county Republican Party are encouraged to come and join the discussions. Precinct Committee Person, PCP, positions are open for Lexington, Hep- pner, Boardman, and Irri- gon. Individuals interested in one of these positions are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn about the positions. PCP appoint- ments can be made during MCRP meetings. The Republican Par- ty is open to individuals interested in conservative ideals and values. The Re- publican Party platform can be found at https:// oregon.gop/. For more in- formation on the Morrow County Republican Party, contact mocoreps@gmail. com. Ruckus and the Boonies comes to Heppner July 26th and 27th Ruckus in the Boonies is coming back to Heppner, OR July 26 th and 27 th . Ruck- us in the Boonies is a music festival that was put on between the years of 2014 and 2018. The small music festival is back to celebrate it’s 10-year anniversary. The festival took a break after it’s 2018 festival, in an attempt to rebuild and rebrand, and that is exactly what it has done. Aiming its musical sound more to- wards Americana and Out- law Country, some acts for this years festival include: The Pine Box Boys, Ugly Valley Boys, The Cheating’ Hearts, Johnny Bourbon, and James Hunnicutt. In addition, they have set the start time to 5pm on both Friday and Saturday to try to beat the heat. In past Deadline: Monday 5pm years the festival would kick off as early as noon. This year’s festival will take place in the parking lot behind Bunkum’s Tavern with Camping at Willow Creek Campground and RV Park. The festival is free on Friday with donations being excepted at the gate, and tickets are $25 on Sat- urday. This years sponsors are Liquid Death, Varietal Beer CO, Sykes Brothers Printing, Browne House Coffee, Broken Spoke, Rough Grind Forge, Martin A-1 Towing, Corey Miller Farming/Miller Wheat, One Eyed Bank Photography, Dan and Diana Sharp, and Savage Bear. Tickets can be purchased day of at the gate, in advance at Buck- num’s Tavern, and online at www.twowolvesmedia- group.com. WWW.HEPPNER.NET 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 New Listing Reduced price $465,000 Experience luxury living in this stunning home located in Heppner, Oregon. Built in 2016, this beautiful property boasts luxurious features such as heated bathroom floors, a central vacuum system, a water softener, and central air for ultimate comfort. Enjoy the convenience of being close to the high school, Heppner pool, baseball park, elementary school, fishing spots, and downtown, all within walking distance. With an expansive lot, this is the perfect opportunity to own your dream home in an ideal location. 480 W Morgan St Heppner New Listing Pending! $145,000 350 S Gilmore St, Heppner For Sale: Charming bungalow with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, nestled in a tranquil neighborhood. Spacious backyard ideal for memorable family gatherings. Recent renovations include upgraded floors, kitchen improvements, fresh paint. Home has a mini split for efficient heating and cooling. Conveniently situated near Hagar Park, just a short stroll away from downtown, the hospital, and the elementary school. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity. MLS#: 24241555
