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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2015)
Hermiston A4 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 B USINESS HERMISTONHERALD.COM U.F.O. Gaming Arena lands on Main Street Mike Engelbrecht joins Irrigation Specialists as general manager By JADE MCDOWELL Staff Writer Lindsay Corporation, maker of Zimmatic irrigation systems, an- nounces the addition of Mike En- gelbrecht as general manager of Irrigation Specialists, based in Pas- co, Washington. Irrigation Specialists was es- tablished in 1970 and is one of the largest agricultur- al irrigation sales and service providers in the Paci¿ c Northwest, with additional of¿ c- es in Grandview and Othello, Washington, and Hermiston. The Mike company, which has Engelbrecht nearly 100 full-time and seasonal employ- ees, sells center pivot and drip ir- rigation systems as well as residen- tial irrigation parts. Engelbrecht previously worked for RDO Equipment Co. where he held positions of increasing re- sponsibility since 1997, most re- cently as the division manager of ag exports in Hermiston. He has also held positions with Sire Power and the U.S. Department of Agri- culture. “I’m tremendously excited to join Irrigation Specialists and pro- vide unparalleled irrigation sales and service to the diversi¿ ed grow- ers in our region,” Engelbrecht said.“Water is the life-blood of the diversi¿ ed agriculture in our area and our job is to help growers con- tinue to produce abundant crops as ef¿ ciently as possible through great sales, service and product support.” Engelbrecht holds a bachelor of science degree from Iowa State University where he majored in dairy science with an emphasis in agricultural business. He and his wife, Christina, are originally from Iowa and have four children, ages 7 to 19. A new Main Street business is hoping to foster a more con- nected community of gamers in Hermiston. Robert Rivera, owner of U.F.O. Gaming Arena at 256 E. Main St., said he knows people can play video games in their own homes but U.F.O. Gaming offers the opportunity to get out of the house and meet other vid- eo game enthusiasts. He said his shop — com- plete with six high-de¿ nition televisions and Xbox Ones, new games, two top-of-the-line gaming computers, an array of couches and a supply of snacks for sale — is similar to the one he and his friends hung out in when he was growing up in California. He hopes U.F.O. Gaming becomes a go-to hang- out in Hermiston. “There’s not that much stuff for youth to do around here,” he said. In addition to regular pay-by- the-hour gaming, Rivera said he plans to host local tourna- ments with pri]es and is happy to rent out the store to anyone who wants to throw a birthday party or other event inside. He plans to put together a tournament to celebrate the re- lease of Halo 5 at the end of the month. He said one bene- ¿ t of coming down to U.F.O. Gaming is getting to try out new games, and also to be able to play friends online even if gamers don’t have their own Xbox Live account. “Not many kids can afford Xbox Ones and then fork out $60 for every new game they want to play,” he said. The concept of video games as sport is taking a long time to catch on in the United States, but in other countries the cham- pionships for various games ¿ ll 6TAFF 3H2T2 %< -AD( 0cD2W(// Owner Robert Rivera stands by a Thermaltake gaming computer at U.F.O. Gaming Arena. stadiums and draw major spon- sorships. The League of Leg- ends World Championship held in London this past weekend offered a $1 million pri]e to the winning team. Rivera said he would love to see a minor league or major league gaming team come out of Hermiston eventually. He plans to contact area schools to see if they are interested in hosting gaming clubs. After being open about six weeks, Rivera said word is ¿ - nally spreading and he is getting more regular customers. One group came in recently and spent the entire day at the store, not leaving until close to midnight. “Their parents were ¿ ne with it,” Rivera said. “They said, ‘At least they’re staying out of trouble.’” U.F.O. Gaming Arena is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday through Thursday the cost is $6 an hour per person, $8 for three hours or $12 for an all-day pass. On Fri- day through Sunday cost is $8 an hour, $12 for three hours or $20 for an all-day pass. Specta- tors are admitted free. BRIEFCASE 3rinted on recycled newsprint Boardman subdivision set for grand opening The city of Boardman has announced the grand opening of the new Tuscany subdivision. The public is invited to tour the houses constructed by Riverwood Homes of Boise. The open house is Friday from 3-6 p.m. The subdivision is located on Main Street south of Wilson Lane, Boardman. Refreshments will be served and guests will be entered into a drawing for a rafÀ e pri]e. Business luncheon highlights workplace morale Susan Bower will talk about how to boost morale and increase productivity in the workplace during the upcoming Hermiston Chamber of Commerce B2B Luncheon. Bower, a professional development specialist and human resource consultant, will summari]e key points outlined by best-selling au- thors Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. The pre- sentation is Tuesday, Oct. 27 with networking starting at 11:45 a.m. at the Herm- iston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395. The lunch, which is catered by Country Gentleman, cost $10 for members and $13 for non-members. In addition, the Hermis- ton Herald is interested in feedback about its recent enhancements. Bower will lead a focus group discus- sion following the main program. People are en- couraged to come and meet the Herald team and share their thoughts about the newspaper. For more information or to RSVP, contact 541-567- 6151 or kelly@hermiston- chamber.com. Sun Terrace celebrates 15 years In recognition of its 15th anniversary, Sun Terrace Hermiston is hosting an open house. The public is invited to celebrate the occasion Fri- day from 2-4 p.m. at 1550 N.W. 11th St., Hermiston. The event includes door pri]e drawings, refresh- ments, music and a tour of the model room. People are encouraged to stop by and share memories and make new friends. For more information, call 541-564-2595. will present information about free business resourc- es. For more information, contact MaryAnn Rhoads at 541-429-7188 or mary- annrhoads@ctuir.org. Wildhorse hosts employment fair The Hermiston Herald accepts news announce- ments about job changes and promotions, business ownership changes, reno- vations, remodels, changes in business hours, new business openings, busi- ness owner retirements and related items. Submit your business news and photos to newsroom@hermiston- herald.com. VOLUME 109 ɿ NUMBER 57 Gary L. West | Editor • gwest@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4532 Tammy Malgesini | Community Editor • tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4539 Sam Barbee | Sports Reporter • sbarbee@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4542 Kim La Plant | Multi-media consultant • klaplant@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4530 People seeking jobs are invited to the Employment & Training Career Fair. The event is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Cayuse Hall at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. It is free of charge. About 30 vendors will be present and some may conduct on-the-spot inter- views. People are encour- aged to bring a resume. Also, a workshop at 10 a.m. Join the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center for the 3rd annual Jade McDowell | Reporter • jmcdowell@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4536 Sean Hart | Reporter • smhart@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4534 Jeanne Jewett | Multi-Media Consultant • jjewett@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4531 To contact the Hermiston Herald for news, advertising or subscription information: • call 541-567-6457 • e-mail info@hermistonherald.com • stop b\ our of¿ ces at 333 (. 0ain 6t. • visit us online at: hermistonherald.com ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delivered by carrier and mail Wednesdays ,nside 8matilla0orrow counties .......... $42.65 2utside 8matilla0orrow counties ....... $53.90 The Hermiston Herald 8636 242220, ,661 8750-4782) is published weekly at Hermiston Herald, 333 (. 0ain 6t., Hermiston, 25 97838, (541) 567-6457, FAX (541) 567-1764. 3eriodical postage paid at Hermiston, 25. 3ostmaster, send address changes to Hermiston Herald, 333 (. 0ain 6t., Hermiston, 25 97838. 0ember of (2 0edia *roup &opyright 2015 McKay Creek Estates presents: SAFETY FIRST S Join us as we host a lecture series to increase safety awareness on fall prevention, common home injuries and provide solutions to keep you and your loved one safe! SafetyMan says “Always be Safe to Ensure an Active & Independent Lifestyle” The Truth Behind Senior Moments - C O N C L U D E D TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 3:30 PM Dog Costume Contest! Saturday, October 31 • 10 A.M. West McNary Park, Umatilla Prizes • Goodie Bags • Lots of Fun! $5 per dog (3 dog limit) Free for the dog’s family Each dog must be on a leash. Scariest • Funniest • Most Original Best Costume • Best Trick For more information, please call the Umatilla Chamber at 541-922-4825. Tickets be available at the chamber office. Learn what’s normal and what is not when it comes to short-term memory loss. Learn the early signs of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. We will discuss tips on brain health and keeping your memory sharp. Staying Active to Prevent Falls - C ONCLUDED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 3:30 PM Staying active reduces your risk of a fall and improves your overall health and wellbeing. Learn what activities are best, how to improve your strength and balance and simple exercises to implement at home today. Don’t Let the Blues Get You Down TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 3:30 PM Learn how to identify and manage depression. Life’s changes can have adverse effects. Proper planning and coping skills can help ease these stressors. Making simple lifestyle changes can boost your mood and help alleviate many of your symptoms. For more information or to RSVP, call us at (541) 276-1987 or visit us today! McKay Creek Estates 1601 Southgate Place Pendleton, Oregon 97801 www.PrestigeCare.com