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.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
IN
THE
CIRCUIT
COURT
OF
THE
STATE OF OREGON
FOR THE COUNTY
OF MORROW PRO-
BATE DEPARTMENT
In the Matter of the Es-
tate of: CAROLE JEAN
STEAGALL, Deceased,
CASE No: 25PB02841
NOTICE TO INTEREST-
ED PERSONS NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that
the undersigned individ-
uals have been appointed
as co-personal representa-
tives of the estate of Carole
Jean Steagall, deceased.
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
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