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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 13, 2024)
SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Board of Commissioners meeting Heppner -Continued from PAGE ONE quite receptive to engaging leads people to the wrong done an excellent job; he’s jumped in with both feet.” Grogan further explained the reason they are asking for this retroactively and not proactively is due to us not receiving the letter of resignation until after the deadline of the last BOC meeting. The commission ex- pressed their gratitude to Keely for his dedication and the motion to grant him the temporary assignment pay. An update on the Great- er-Idaho Movement was given by GIM executive di- rector Matt McCaw. Justin Nelson provided context for this discussion, mentioning that the citizens of Morrow County had previously vot- ed for the Board of Com- missioners to revisit this topic a few times a year. McCaw explains that over the past four years, thirteen Oregon counties have participated in votes expressing interest in mov- ing the border to join Idaho if both state legislatures consent. McCaw mentioned an upcoming legislative session in 2025 that will specifically address this topic. Although the 2024 election did not result in any new votes support- ing the cause, momentum remains strong. McCaw relayed a positive sentiment from both sides, stating, “There is a lot of momen- tum among the people of Oregon to see this move forward, and there is a lot of interest from the people of Idaho to see this move forward.” Additionally, he confirmed that Idaho’s Governor, Brad Little, is in discussions about the border. McCaw highlighted the importance of continuing to engage with legislators to maintain progress in discus- sions and potentially move the border between Oregon and Idaho. County Administrator Matthew Jensen provided an update on the Circuit Court Annex Project. He reported that the Geotech test results are still pend- ing and that the design team is considering a one or two-story building de- pending on the site’s re- quirements for parking. He mentioned that moving the Justice Court to Boardman to be part of the annex is under consideration, which would consolidate work operations and reduce secu- rity needs, though it would increase costs due to ex- panded space. Jensen stated that the design team would present a comprehensive update on December 4th, including revised budgetary estimates and a layout of the proj- ect process. He sought the commissioners’ input on the possibility of relocating the Justice Court to the annex. Commissioner Sykes expressed his preference for keeping the Justice Court in Irrigon, stating, “We fixed this as a circuit court annex building, we didn’t say anything about expand- ing it into counties deal or adding other things. This is what we told the public it was going to be. I think it’s kinda disingenuous now-” Commissioner Wen- holz pointed out that con- fusion between justice and circuit court hearings often courthouse, which supports the idea of consolidation. Commissioner Drago noted that relocating the Justice Court to Boardman would free up space at the Irrigon courthouse. While acknowledging the advantages Sykes re- mained concerned about the public’s expectations, emphasizing, “it’s a sensi- tive time moving the county offices around even if it is from Irrigon.” Wenholz added, “As we’ve discussed before this is at least a 50-year building – as the county continues to grow, we add positions, providing services where the population is I see it as a benefit.” Jensen explained the implications of the deci- sion, noting, “if they don’t move forward with moving the Justice court it could be seen as a cost-cutting mea- sure, and if they do move it can be looked at as planning forward.” Sykes countered, stating that maintaining the original plan would not be perceived as cost-cutting but rather adhering to the initial budget and plan. Commissioner Drago, recalling his deciding vote on the circuit court, reiterat- ed, “I will make the motion to direct staff to look at the annex building in Board- man with the addition of the Justice court.” Wenholz seconded the motion, and the motion was carried, indicating that the Board favored exploring the inclusion of the Justice Court in the Circuit Court Annex Project in Board- man. addition to our community underscores the commit- ment to fostering a skilled workforce and promoting lifelong learning opportu- nities for all residents. The construction of the SAGE Event Center is made possible by signifi- cant state funding, with the Oregon Legislature approv- ing House Bill 5006 during the 2021 session. The Port of Morrow has been award- ed $4.3 million to bring this vision to life, enhancing Morrow County’s capacity to host impactful events and training sessions. We would like to invite Heppner falls to Salem Academy Loses State 2A Tournament Title Hallee Hisler #11 blocking the Pioneers advances with Ava Gerry #10. - Photo by Susan Hisler In a competitive bout, Heppner’s Volleyball team faced off against Salem Academy, ultimately drop- ping the match with scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-14. Isa Payne demonstrated a strong performance, lead- ing the team with the high- est number of kills. Salem Academy showcased their prowess and subsequently clinched the State 2A Tour- nament title. Not letting their previ- ous loss dishearten them, Heppner continued their competitive play and faced Western Christian the fol- lowing Saturday morning. Despite a valiant effort, Heppner fell short, losing with scores of 25-17, 28-26, and 25-12. Hallee Hisler notably contributed with 12 kills, 5 blocks, 9 digs, and 4 aces, showcasing her versatile skills on the court. Ava Gerry also played im- pressively, tallying 6 kills, 6 digs, and 12 assists in the match. you to the dedication cere- mony that will take place on November 15th at 5:30 PM at the SAGE Center, located at 101 Olson Rd NE Boardman, OR 97818. Celebrate this mile- stone with us! The event will include guest speakers, facility tours, and network- ing with local leaders. To R S V P, p l e a s e click this link: https:// f o r m . j o t f o r m . com/242885429372063 For more information, visit our Facebook event page, www.visitsage.com, or call (541) 945-2244. YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! Call 541-676- 9228 Or Email graphics@rapidserve.net ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAY 5:00 P.M. The Heppner Gazette Times would like to see pictures of your trophy animals from this hunting season. Please send a photo along with your name, age, town you live in, location of the hunt and a description of the animal to editor@ rapidserve.net, upload to Heppner.net or text to 541-215-2274. Heppner Drama Club will be performing Dra- ma Shorts November 13 th and 14 th at Heppner High School Cafetorium at 7pm. Admission is by donation. Refreshments at intermission. Drama Shorts is comprised of jokes, short skits and musical numbers. SMCSC Scholarships Awarded The South Morrow County Scholarship Com- mittee has awarded $15,500 Aidan Wright (R) bagged this nice buck with muzzloader. in scholarships through their Secondary/Gradu- ate scholarship and Trade WWW.HEPPNER.NET School scholarship. The Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Letters To The Editor committee awarded 10 Send Us Photos scholarships at $500 each Start A New Subscription to Kason Cimmiyotti, Ca- sey Fletcher, Hunter Gree- nup, Cody Fletcher, Kylie Boor, Madelyn Nichols, THE Daralynn Teeman, Me- gan Doherty, Eva Martin & Brooklyn Wilson. We awarded an additional 10 scholarships at $1000 each to Madison Orem, Paul BREAKING THE BONDAGE OF ADDICTION Lindsay, Zachary Orem, AND FINDING FREEDOM IN CHRIST Trevor Nichols, Hannah WE MEET Friday NIGHTS at 7 PM Finch, Jessica Kempken, Fellowship Hall at the Katherine Wilson, Ian Heppner SDA Church Murray, Kevin Murray & ALL WELCOME Madison Palmer. Hunter Greenup was awarded $500 for the trade school schol- arship. ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: Sage Center dedication ceremony Nov. 15 th Dear Guest, The Port of Morrow is thrilled to announce the dedication of the SAGE Event Center, an exciting expansion of the SAGE Center, set to provide 15,000 square feet of versatile meeting space designed to foster com- munity development and educational initiatives. The SAGE Event Cen- ter will serve as a hub for regional education and in- dustry partners, offering a venue for programs and events that support continu- ing education, workforce initiatives, and cultural youth programs. 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