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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 7, 2025)
FIVE- Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Port of Morrow candidates’ forum Danny Kearns Rick Stokoe Joel Peterson Abe McNamee Heather Bishop J. Fletcher Hobbs -Continued from PAGE ONE airport, promising to recuse himself if needed. Hobbs, whose crop har- vesting business indirect- ly supports Port-affiliated operations, saw no direct conflicts but vowed zero tolerance for corruption and dishonesty. Bishop cited her city council role as a poten- tial conflict, committing to recusal when necessary and vowing to do the right thing. Stokoe, serving on various statewide boards, confirmed with the state ethics commission that his roles, including as a police chief, posed no conflicts of interest. McNamee, with no di- rect Port ties, mentioned his water district role but saw no issues, promising recusal if required. Water safety, a critical issue due to nitrate contam- ination, was the focus of the third question. “How can you ensure the Port acts responsibly with issues like ground water and drinking water?” Rosenbalm asked. Kearns, living on a well with high nitrate levels, stressed transparency and solutions like better filtra- tion or deeper wells and says he believes there is a solution, but it may take some time. Hobbs acknowledged the Port’s contribution to nitrates but framed it as a broader human issue, advocating for communi- ty-driven solutions. Bishop proposed large- scale reverse osmosis and regular testing, drawing from her children’s access to clean well water in Echo and saying she would like to see that quality. Stokoe clarified that the Port contributes only 4.5 percent to nitrate issues and has invested millions in mitigation efforts, col- laborating with the county and water consortium. He acknowledged some prob- lems and past mistakes but emphasized there is more to the story. He noted that nitrate issues predated the Port’s existence and affirmed the Port’s com- mitment to resolving them. Stokoe stressed that shut- ting down the Port is not an option, as it would harm agriculture and other de- pendent sectors, stating the need to continue operations to sustain the economy. McNamee, from Ir- rigon, stressed the need for cost-effective cleanup methods for nitrate pol- lution before stricter state regulations are enforced. He noted that while the Port’s water requires clean- up, the Port isn’t solely responsible, as agricultural practices have long contrib- uted to nitrate issues. He emphasized the importance of clean water. Peterson highlighted his claim that the Port is committed to basically ze- ro-nitrate goals through storage facilities and on- going research and is re- searching the most cost-ef- fective ways to solve the problem. He said getting potable water to people is important. He also praised the clean water consortium. The final formal ques- tion compared enterprise zone agreements to stra- tegic investment program (SIP) agreements. Hobbs expressed mixed feelings, favoring small businesses over large cor- porations benefiting from tax breaks. He believes that small businesses pay into the community faster, better and more than when the enterprise zone program is used. Bishop, less familiar with SIPs, valued enterprise zone funds’ community benefits but committed to learning better and more ef- ficient ways to run the Port. Stokoe defended the enterprise zones, highlight- ing their nearly identical structure and essential role in attracting major busi- nesses like Amazon to the Port. He noted that large companies have historical- ly chosen the Port due to these enterprise zone agree- ments. He also mentioned that many agreements with these businesses include bonding provisions to sup- port local initiatives, such as the school bond currently on the ballot. McNamee acknowl- edges the economic benefits of large businesses but is concerned about their po- tential to strain housing and infrastructure. He warns that if these businesses leave for better opportuni- ties, the community could be left with unaffordable burdens. He advocates for sustainable growth to bal- ance these risks. Peterson saw both as beneficial, with SIPs offer- ing flexibility in fund allo- cation, citing infrastructure improvements across com- munities. Payments in lieu of taxes have turned out to be positive, he said. Kearns compared en- terprise zones to risky stock investments and advocated for supporting small busi- nesses as a safer long-term strategy, likening them to mutual funds. He expressed his desire to serve as an ambassador for small busi- nesses and all businesses relocating to the area. An online question asked about candidates’ attendance at Port meetings in the past six months. Bishop and McNamee admitted to attending none, citing recent decisions to run but pledging future engagement. Stokoe, with a decade on the commission, missed few meetings, always re- viewing minutes or videos. Peterson attended all but one since his appoint- ment to the Port. Kearns said he had nev- er been to a Port meeting but will change if elected. Hobbs remotely ob- served two board meetings to assess board dynamics and felt confident in the board’s good-faith efforts, which influenced his deci- sion to run. The forum ended with each candidate’s closing remarks and a final pitch to the voters. Stokoe reiterated his commitment to jobs and clean water, framing the Port as a model for rural success, and expressed his desire to run for re-election because there is more to do. McNamee positioned ricultural mechanic turned business owner, un- derscored the Port’s role as the “backbone of agricul- ture” and his intent to apply problem-solving skills to keep operations smooth. Heather Bishop, run- ning for position 1, is an Irrigon native and city council member in Irrigon. She says she is driven by a passion for uniting the county’s divided communi- ties and prioritizing youth. She noted, “The Port of Morrow doesn’t survive without Morrow County, and Morrow County would be really not in a great place without the Port.” Incumbent Rick Stokoe, running for re-elec- tion in position 1, leaned on his decades of service, emphasizing job creation, infrastructure investment, and sustainable resource management. Stokoe said “We have made meaningful progress at the Port, helping local industries grow and supporting career pathways for young people.” The forum proceeded with four predetermined questions, each candidate given two minutes to re- spond, followed by audi- ence and online questions. The first question chal- lenged candidates to recite the Port’s mission statement and explain how they would represent all of Morrow County, not just one com- munity. McNamee admitted unfamiliarity with the mis- sion statement but stressed that the Port serves the en- tire county, not individual towns. Peterson read part of the mission statement, fo- cusing on economic devel- opment, job creation and water issues, and highlight- ed the need for collabora- tion despite disagreements. Kearns simplified the mission as a bridge between industry and community, advocating for youth-fo- cused initiatives. One of his passions is entrepreneur- ship and he believes anyone can start up a business and succeed. Hobbs outlined the Port’s mission to build infrastructure and attract diverse businesses for eco- nomic stability. He empha- sized better communication to involve all communities and offered to visit Heppner and Irrigon to address local needs. Bishop echoed the im- portance of youth, propos- ing internships and edu- cation to connect commu- nities. Stokoe highlighted the Port’s role as a key driv- er of regional economic development, focusing on creating family-wage jobs. He promised to bring stabil- ity, drawing on his experi- ence in fostering teamwork among public leaders. The second question addressed potential con- flicts of interest. Peterson said he had none; he noted his Bank of Eastern Oregon role but pledged to recuse himself from financial decisions. Kearns disclosed his pump shop’s business with the Port and interest in a new venture at the Port’s himself as a community member invested in the county’s future, with no personal gain at stake. Peterson praised the Port’s staff and infrastruc- ture, offering his collabo- rative experience. Kearns focused on out- reach and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, vowing to champion small businesses. Hobbs emphasized his role as a public servant ac- countable to voters, promis- ing fresh perspectives. Bishop pledged passion and long-term thinking for future generations, espe- cially on water and com- munity unity. The forum, concluding around 7:30 p.m., show- cased a diverse group of candidates united by a com- mitment to Morrow Coun- ty’s economic vitality and environmental stewardship. ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 695-9265 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. 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All persons having claims against the estate are re- quired to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned co-per- sonal representatives in care of the law office of- Bendixsen Law, P. C., at- torneys for the co-personal representatives at 245 E. Main St. Suite E, Hermis- ton, OR 97838, within four months after the date of- first publication of this no- tice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may ob- tain additional informa- tion from the record of the court, the co-personal representatives, or the at- torneys for the co-personal representatives. Dated and first published on May 7, 2025. s/Lauren Lopez and Rocky Steagall Co-Per- sonal Representatives c/o Cameron Bendixsen, At- torney for Co-Personal Representatives Bendix- sen Law, P.C. 245 E. Main St. Suite E Hermiston, OR 97838 Tele: 541-567-5564 Published May 7, 2025 af- fid 1c PUBLIC NOTICE MORROW COUNTY LAND USE HEARING THE MORROW COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold the following hearings of public interest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bartholomew Building located at 110 N Court St, Heppner, OR 97836. For information on meeting participation via Zoom, please visit the Planning Department website https://www.co.morrow.or.us/pc and click on Agenda, and the Zoom link will be located within the agenda dated for this hearing. Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-389-25: Kimberly Renteria, Applicant, and Owner. Conditional Use Permit to allow the storage and operation of a commercial trucking business on a residential property. The property is described as Tax Lot 210 of Assessor’s Map 5N26E36. The subject parcel is zoned Rural Residential (RR) and is located outside the City of Irrigon’s urban growth boundary (UGB). Criteria for approval include Morrow County Zoning Ordinance (MCZO) Article 3 section 3.040, Rural Residential RR1, and Article 6 section 6.050. G, Standards Governing Conditional Uses, Home Occupations. Conditional Use Permit CUP-N-390-25: Juan Rodriguez, Applicant, and Owner. Conditional Use Permit to allow the storage and operation of a commercial trucking business on a residential property. The property is described as Tax Lot 202 of Assessor’s Map 4N25E14C. The subject parcel is zoned Farm Residential (FR) and is located outside the City of Boardman’s urban growth boundary (UGB). Criteria for approval include Morrow County Zoning Ordinance (MCZO) Article 3 section 3.041, Farm Residential FR2, and Article 6 section 6.050. G, Standards Governing Conditional Uses, Home Occupations. Land Use Decision LUD-S-083-25 and Variance V-S-057-25: Mary Kay Bellamy, Applicant, and John Flynn, Owner: The property is described as tax lot 3704 of Assessor’s Map 2S 26E. The property is zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) and located approximately ¼ mile east of the Heppner city limits. The request is to site an approximately 40-foot-tall radio transmission tower and 48 ft² support building. The request includes a variance to seek relief from the minimum side yard setback. Criteria for approval include Morrow County Zoning Ordnance (MCZO) Section 3.010 Exclusive Farm Use and Section 7.200(B) Major Variance. Copies of the staff reports and all relevant documents will be available on or before May 20, 2025. For more information, please contact Tamra Mabbott, Planning Director by email at tmabbott@morrowcountyor.gov or Kaitlin Kennedy, Code Compliance Planner at kkennedy@morrowcountyor.gov or by phone at (541) 922-4624. DATED this 1 st day of May 2025 MORROW COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Publish Date: EO – May 7 th , 2025; Gazette Times – May 7 th , 2025 FORM LB-1 Published May 7, 2025 affid 1c N O T I C E O F B U D G E T H E A R I N G A public meeting of the IRFPD 6-604 will be held on May 12th, 2025 at 7:230pm at the Ione Fire Hall in Ione, Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 as approved by the IRFPD Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at MCGG in Ione, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year. Contact: Sharon Camarillo T OT A L O F A L L F UN D S Telephone: 541-720-6096 Email: irfpd@outlook.com F I NA NC IA L S UM M A RY - R E S OU R C E S Actual Amount Adopted Budget 2023.2024 Beginning Fund Balance/Net Working Capital Fees, Licenses, Permits, Fines, Assessments & Other Service Charges Federal, State and all Other Grants, Gifts, Allocations and Donations Revenue from Bonds and Other Debt Interfund Transfers / Internal Service Reimbursements All Other Resources Except Current Year Property Taxes Current Year Property Taxes Estimated to be Received To t a l Re s o u r c e s Approved Budget 565,000 This Year 2024-2025 384,000 Next Year 2025-2026 672,052 292,984 8 5 7, 9 8 4 304,482 6 88 , 4 8 2 299,940 9 7 1 , 9 92 4,000 175,940 4,000 172,000 10,000 100,000 10,000 502,542 6 88 , 4 8 2 685,992 9 7 1 , 9 92 F I NA NC I A L S UM M A RY - R E QU I RE ME N TS B Y OB J E CT C L A S S IF IC A TI ON Personnel Services 4,300 166,940 Materials and Services Capital Outlay Debt Service 401,744 Interfund Transfers 10,000 Contingencies Special Payments 275,000 Unappropriated Ending Balance and Reserved for Future Expenditure 8 5 7, 9 8 4 T o t a l R eq u i r e m e n t s F I NA NC IA L S UM M A R Y - RE QU I RE M E N T S A ND F UL L -T I M E E QU I V A L E N T E MP L O YE E S ( F TE ) B Y OR G A NI Z AT IO NA L UN I T O R P RO GR A M * N a m e of Organizational Unit or Program FT E for that unit or program General Fund 565,000 458,482 FTE Equipment & Capitol Fund 292,984 230,000 FTE Not Allocated to Organizational Unit or Program FTE 8 5 7 , 9 8 4 To t a l Re q u i r e m en t s 6 8 8 , 4 8 2 T o t a l F TE 791,992 180,000 9 7 1 , 9 9 2 Published May 7, 2025 affid 1c The Town of Lexington is now accepting letters of interest for Lexington Town Council Position 4. Letters of interest can be emailed to lexington. oregon@gmail.com or turned into the Lexington Town Hall on Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm, any questions can be directed to Town Re- corder Autum Crumpton (541) 989-8515. February 5, 2025 utf Donate Your Car Imagine the Diff erence You Can Make Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE When you donate your car, you’ll receive: ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher & ✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations Call 1-844-533-9173 Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually
