A2 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017
COMMUNITY
THREE MINUTES WITH ...
HERMISTON HISTORY
Simplot closes down fry production line, laying off more than 250
25 YEARS Ago
DARRYL JOHNSON
Hermiston Police
Department captain
When did you come to the area and what
brought you here?
I moved here August 1997 and began working with
the Hermiston Police Department in September
1997; I had family in the area and relocated from
working with another law enforcement agency in
Western Oregon.
What is your favorite local place to eat?
Ixtapa, or Taste of Thai
What is your favorite activity in your free
time?
Riding motorcycles.
What’s the last book you read? Would you
recommend it?
Louis L’Amour, The Haunted Mesa (If you like fic-
tion I would recommend it)
What is your favorite website or app (oth-
er than Facebook)?
I’m not a tech guy, so not really into those websites,
or social media.
What surprises you about Hermiston?
The growth and changes in the community I have
seen in the 20 years I have been here.
Describe your perfect travel destination.
Anywhere warm and sunny
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever hap-
pened to you?
(no answer provided)
What is one of your goals for the next 12
months?
To retire and go play for a while and relax before
finding my next niche in life.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Finishing my Staff and Command School through
Northwestern University.
IN BRIEF
VA town halls
in Morrow County
A pair of Veterans Ad-
ministration
HealthCare
Town Hall meetings are
planned in Morrow County.
Brian Westfield, the Wal-
la Walla VA’s medical di-
rector, will provide facility
updates along with informa-
tion on the Veterans Choice
Program. Linda Skendzel,
Morrow County’s veteran
service officer, also will be
in attendance for those who
may need assistance.
The gatherings are Tues-
day, March 7 from 10-11
a.m. at the Irrigon branch
of the Oregon Trail Library
District, 500 N.W. Main St.;
and from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
at the Port of Morrow, 2
Marine Drive, Boardman.
Veterans may also share
their thoughts and concerns
during the meetings.
For more information,
contact Skendzel at 541-
922-6420 or mcvets@
co.morrow.or.us.
EOU hosts student
writing seminar
A conference for young
writers brings students,
teachers and parents together
to participate in workshops.
The session provides an
opportunity for students
to build on their enthu-
siasm for creative writ-
ing, working alongside
students and teachers for
whom writing is a passion.
For more information or
to register, contact Nancy
Knowles at 541-962-3795,
nknowles@eou.edu or vis-
it www.eou.edu/engwrite/
student-writers-workshop.
MARCH 3, 1992
• More than 250 people
lost their $7- to $8-per-hour
jobs when the Hermiston
Simplot plant closed down
a french fry production
line Friday. “It caught a lot
of people on the short end
of the stick” said a Sim-
plot employee who asked
not to be identified. She
said employees were told
of the shutdown late last
week. Simplot spokesman
Fred Zerza, speaking from
Boise, Idaho, said the pro-
duction line had to be shut
down because potatoes
Simplot bought last fall do
not make french fries that
meet McDonald’s length
specifications. McDonald’s
fast food restaurants buy
almost 1 million pounds of
processed potatoes from the
southwest Hermiston Sim-
plot plant every day. One
of two fry production lines
was closed down and the
closure was expected to last
until fall that year..
• Hermiston firefighters
and police officers were
recognized for outstand-
ing performance during a
banquet at the Hermiston
Eagle’s Club. Firefighters
and emergency medical
technicians Chuck Led-
ford, Dale Ternes and Jeff
Adkins were given spe-
cial recognition for saving
a man’s life last August.
The three had responded
to a call from the home of
David Green, 44, who had
suffered a heart attack.
When they arrived, Green
was unconscious, was not
breathing and his heart was
not beating. Quick action
with intravenous drugs and
a defibrillator, the device
which shocks people and
sometimes re-starts their
heart, brought Green back.
Ledford has worked for the
fire department since 1985,
Ternes since 1986, and Ad-
kins since July 1991. Dan
Thompson, an employee of
Umatilla Electric who has
been a volunteer firefight-
er since 1974, was named
firefighter of the year. In
the police department, offi-
cer Poncho Rios, a former
police chief from Nyssa
who has extensive train-
ing including attending the
Federal Bureau of Inves-
tigation national academy,
was named officer of the
year. Dispatcher Molly Van
Cleave was named employ-
ee of the year.
50 YEARS AGO
MARCH 2, 1967
• Thursday February 23
was a full house for the
Oregon Highway Com-
mission’s hearing meeting
on the proposed routing of
Interstate highway 82-N.
Several people gave testi-
mony favoring the Pross-
er-Umatilla Bridge-Stan-
field
Junction
route
connecting I-80 in Oregon
and I-90 in Washington. A
HERALD ARCHIVES
An advertisement from 1917 promotes a new pop corn maker that was installed at a store
owned by H.E. Hitt.
MARCH 5, 1942
• Best way for young
men, 18 to 20 years of
age, who want to become
commissioned officers in
the United States Army, is
to enlist immediately, Lt.
Col. B.H. Hensley, district
recruiting officer for Or-
egon, revealed Tuesday.
Emphasizing the excellent
material turned up in this
age group, Hensley point-
ed out that “first come, first
served” will be the rule with
selections for the 75,000
additional
commissions
scheduled to be assigned as
rapidly as possible. All men
who have completed four
months of service, which
includes the 13 weeks’ ba-
sic training period, may
apply for appointment to
an officer candidate school.
Selections are made on the
basis of the applicant’s re-
cord in civil life and his
record during service in the
ranks.
• The question of driving
cars is becoming more se-
rious as time goes on. Tire
rationing begins to wor-
ry. For the first time this
week a report came in that
a motorist here had jacked
up his car for the duration.
Monday morning he had a
blowout ,which rendered
the tire useless. Tuesday
his spare gave way and
Wednesday he walked to
work. Although the case
was important enough to
warrant an item in the pa-
per, it is thought from now
on similar events will not
be news.
• A public demonstra-
tion of various types of
bombs and fire-fighting
equipment will be held
Sunday, March 15, at the
Hermiston park, accord-
ing to Sam Moore, head of
the civilian defense here,
and B.A. Doyle, fire chief,
who are making prepara-
tions. Different types of
bombs, including mag-
nesium and thermo, will
be shown and methods
of their control. A feature
“attraction” will be the
lighting of a large pool of
oil and gasoline and meth-
ods of extinguishing the
flames with a new type of
fire fighting apparatus.
open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7
p.m. Everyone welcome. (541-567-
6219)
due to increased financial support
needed for the drama program.
(Dana Mercer 541-667-6110)
“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”, 7 p.m.,
Hermiston High School, 600 S. First
St., Hermiston. Drama and music
students present the Tony Award-
winning musical. General admission
is $10 and students/senior citizens
are $6. Ticket prices have increased
due to increased financial support
needed for the drama program.
(Dana Mercer 541-667-6110)
HYMNSPIRATION, 5-6 p.m., Victory
Baptist Church, 103 E. Main St.,
Hermiston. Enjoy an evening of
singing the old hymns wit new and
old friends, fun and fellowship.
Everyone welcome. (Chris Finley
541-571-2516)
similar highway meeting
in Kennewick, Wash., Feb.
15, had supported the more
circuitous route (known as
route 9) through Tri-Cit-
ies. State Senator R.R.
“Ruff” Raymond of Helix
gave his complete support
of the Umatilla bridge route
and offered letters from fel-
low legislators Sens. Irvin
Mann, Anthony Yturri and
Reps. Stafford Hansell and
Don McKinni,s who were
unable to attend because of
legislative commitments in
Salem.
• An attempted burglary
at the residence of Frank
Wells, 716 E. Ridgeway,
was reported to Hermiston
police at 8:20 p.m., Mon-
day, Feb. 27. Wells reported
that he was resting in bed
at the time when he heard
a noise by the kitchen door,
then in the hallway. Then,
he related, someone opened
the bedroom door and star-
tled him with the light of a
flashlight in his face, only
to make a quick exit, leav-
ing the house in a hurry.
Apparently the intruder,
expecting to find nobody
at home, were frightened
away.
• Showing some of the
old form, Coach George
DeLap’s Hermiston High
hoopsters skinned the
“cats” of La Grande Sat-
urday for a reversal of the
previous night’s loss to
Baker. HHS left no doubt
about who was top gun by
twanging the twines for
shots from the field for a
sharpened .588 shooting
percentage. La Grande hit
only 21 buckets out of 57
tries for a .382 field goal
average. The final score
ended at Bulldogs 81, and
Tigers 56.
75 YEARS AGO
100 YEARS AGO
MARCH 3, 1917
• The first of the week
saw two Central Oregon
Settlers families arriving
to make their home on the
project. One was John Hoff-
man, who has purchased
the Zellar place, More gen-
erally known as Van Huyst-
ee. The other was J.L. Hoff-
man, son of John Hoffman,
he has purchased 40 acres
near the Hoisington place.
J.L. Hoffman came through
with the stock, farm equip-
ment and household goods.
Two cars were filled and the
two families are prepared to
take up active farm work at
once.
• One of the latest im-
proved machines for pop-
ping corn and roasting pea-
nuts has just been installed
by H.E. Hitt in his store. In
its line the machine is the
last word, especially on
popcorn. To watch its opera-
tion is very fascinating. The
machine is as near automat-
ic as is possible to make. A
hopper is filled with corn.
The gas jet lighted and an
electric motor started. Just
the right amount of corn is
fed to the hopper and after
it is popped is automatical-
ly buttered and delivered.
Even the unpopped kernels
of corn are sorted out.
• New street lights are
now in operation. The
new lights are all 100-watt
lamps, whereas formerly
there were some 60, some
80 and some 100. Nitrogen
lamps are now used exclu-
sively. All lights were left
in the same location except
for minor changes. By turn-
ing some slightly, better
light could be given. Oth-
ers were lowered to escape
being shaded by trees. An-
other feature that will be an
improvement is the lighting
at night and turning off in
the morning. The entire
west side is controlled by
one switch and the east side
by one and the company
will look after it.
COMING EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1
AARP DRIVER’S SAFETY CLASS,
8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Blue Mountain
Community College, 300 N.E. Front
St., Boardman. Learn valuable
defensive driving skills and get a
refresher on the rules of the road.
Geared toward ages 55+ but all
licensed drivers are welcome. Cost is
$15 for AARP members (bring card
to class) or $20 for non-members.
Pre-registration is required. Lunch is
on your own. (Anne Morter 541-481-
2099 or 541-422-7040)
OF ASHES, 7 p.m., St. John’s
Episcopal Church, 665 E. Gladys
Ave., Hermiston. Beginning of the
observation of Lent. Everyone
welcome. (Chuck Barnes 541-567-
6674)
Highland Ave., Hermiston. Enjoy
light refreshments, listen to some
favorite oldies or join in the jam
session. All ages welcome. (541-
567-3141)
THURSDAY, MARCH 2
FRIDAY, MARCH 3
BOARDMAN SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12
p.m., Boardman Senior Center, 100
Tatone St., Boardman. Cost is $4 for
seniors 55 and over or $5 for adults.
(541-481-3257)
HEALTHY FRIDAYS, 9:30-11:30 a.m.,
Good Shepherd Medical Center
conference room 7, 610 N.W. 11th St.,
Hermiston. Free health screenings
including cholesterol, blood
sugar, BMI, blood pressure checks,
weigh-ins and health information.
For cholesterol and glucose tests,
fast 10-12 hours prior to blood draw.
Open to all community members.
(541-667-3509)
HERMISTON SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12
p.m., Hermiston Senior Center, 435
W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. Cost
is $4 for adults, free for children 10
and under, $4 for Meals on Wheels.
Extra 50 cents for utensils/dishes.
Bus service to Senior Center by
donation. (541-567-3582)
SENSORY STORY TIME, 12:30 p.m.,
Boardman Public Library, 200 S.
Main St., Boardman. For children
from birth to age 4. (541-481-2665)
STORY AND CRAFT TIME, 2 p.m., Echo
Public Library, 20 S. Bonanza, Echo.
(541-376-8411)
STANFIELD SENIOR MEAL SERVICE, 12
p.m., Stanfield Community Center,
225 W. Roosevelt, Stanfield. Cost
is $3.50 for seniors, $6 for others.
(541-449-1332)
THE ARC UMATILLA COUNTY BINGO,
6-10 p.m., The Arc Building, 215 W.
Orchard Ave., Hermiston. Doors
open at 6 p.m., seats may be held
until 6:30 p.m., then all seats first
come, first served; games begin at
7 p.m. Proceeds benefit Umatilla
County citizens with developmental
disabilities. 18 years or older, must
have proof of age and photo I.D.
Basic pot $20, prizes range from
$20-$750. (541-567-7615)
ROLLIN SCHIMMEL MEMORIAL
WRESTLING FOUNDATION SILENT
AUCTION AND DINNER, 5-9 p.m.,
Hodgen Distributing event room,
4340 Westgate, Pendleton. Event
includes silent auction, which closes
at 7 p.m., dinner, door prizes and
raffle and drawing for a Bergara
B-14 Hunter ($10 tickets). Free
admission, 21 and older only. (Jeff
Brown or Kyle Willman 541-215-0341
or 541-377-8600)
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE OF
EUCHARIST AND IMPOSITION
FIDDLERS NIGHT, 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
Brookedale Assisted Living, 980 W.
VFW BINGO, 6 p.m., Hermiston VFW,
45 W. Cherry St., Hermiston. Doors
BABY BOOGIE & TAPPIN’ TODDLERS,
10-10:45 a.m., Hermiston Public
Library, 235 E Gladys Ave,
Hermiston. (541-567-2882)
AGRICULTURE AND ENERGY JOB FAIR,
11 a.m.-3 p.m., SAGE Center, 101
Olson Road, Boardman. Learn about
local career opportunities, meet
with employers who are actively
hiring and identify education and
training for high-demand positions.
Bring a resume. Free admission.
(541-481-7243)
STORY TIME, 11:15 a.m., Hermiston
Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave.,
Hermiston. (541-567-2882)
STORY TIME, 10:15 a.m., Hermiston
Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave.,
Hermiston. (541-567-2882)
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
PANCAKE BREAKFAST, 7-10 a.m.,
Stanfield Community Center, 225
W. Roosevelt, Stanfield. Costs $5
for full breakfast/$3 for light meal.
(541-449-1332)
SATURDAY CRAFT TIME, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Hermiston Public Library, 235 E.
Gladys Ave., Hermiston. Free craft
projects for children in 5th grade
and younger. (541-567-2882)
ORIGAMI CLUB FOR ADULTS, 1-4 p.m.,
Hermiston Public Library, 235 E
Gladys Ave, Hermiston. Classic
Japanese paper craft for adults
only. (Jodi Hansen 541-567-2882)
“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”, 7 p.m.,
Hermiston High School, 600 S. First
St., Hermiston. Drama and music
students present the Tony Award-
winning musical. General admission
is $10 and students/senior citizens
are $6. Ticket prices have increased
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
MONDAY, MARCH 6
AGRICULTURE SAFETY SEMINAR (IN
ENGLISH), 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,
Hermiston Conference Center, 415
S. Highway 395, Hermiston. SAIF-
sponsored seminar will present
information on effective safety
training, and safety with pesticides,
in the farm shop and with welding.
Provides continuing education
credits for the Oregon State
Landscaping Contractors Board
and Department of Consumer
and Business Services, plus meets
instructional requirements for
small agricultural operations to
be exempt from random OSHA
inspections. Lunch is included.
Free, but seating is limited and
registration is required online at
www.saif.com/agseminar or by
calling 800-285-8525. (Lauren Casler
800-285-8525)
PRO-LIFE CULTURE PRESENTATION (IN
ENGLISH, FOR YOUTH), 7-9 p.m.,
Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church
parish hall, 565 W. Hermiston Ave.,
Hermiston. Margot Loza will present
information about pro-life culture
with Latino families. Free and
everyone welcome.
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
AGRICULTURE SAFETY SEMINAR (IN
SPANISH), 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,
Hermiston Conference Center,
415 S. Highway 395, Hermiston.
SAIF-sponsored seminar will present
information on effective safety
training, and safety with pesticides,
in the farm shop and with welding.
Provides continuing education credits
for the Oregon State Landscaping
Contractors Board and Department
of Consumer and Business
Services, plus meets instructional
requirements for small agricultural
operations to be exempt from
random OSHA inspections. Lunch is
included. Free, but seating is limited
and registration is required online
at www.saif.com/agseminar or by
calling 800-285-8525. (Lauren Casler
800-285-8525)
VA TOWN HALL, 10-11 a.m., Irrigon Public
Library, 500 N.W. Main St., Irrigon.
WW VA Medical Center director Brian
Westfield will discuss facility updates
and updates for the Veterans
Choice Program. Veterans, family
members and other beneficiaries,
congressional stakeholders, veterans
services organizations and other
community partners are encouraged
to attend and provide feedback.
(Linda Skendzel 541-922-6420)