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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 27, 2017)
A4 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 COMMUNITY Hermiston Desert Disc Golf opens By JADE McDOWELL STAFF WRITER Hermiston’s disc golf enthusiasts can practice their craft in town after the opening of the new Herm- iston Desert Disc Golf course. The course opened Wednesday with a rib- bon-cutting ceremony that drew a crowd of the sport’s fans. The new course, locat- ed across 11th Street from Good Shepherd Medical Center, is still a work in progress. The more tech- nically difficult back nine holes won’t be installed until spring, and the plaque bearing a map of the course has not been installed yet. But within minutes of the red ribbon being cut, sever- al players were already try- ing their luck with the nine baskets currently installed. Hermiston Parks and Recreation director Larry Fetter said when disc golf enthusiasts Scott Zielke, Matt Richmond, Ginger Colgman and others first approached him about the idea of a disc golf course STAFF PHOTO BY JADE McDOWELL Matt Richmond prepares to throw the first disc of the new Hermiston Desert Disc Golf Course. STAFF PHOTO BY JADE MCDOWELL Hermiston Parks and Recreation director Larry Fetter, left, speaks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hermiston Desert Disc Golf Course. in town, he thought the de- partment could simply start “putting baskets out” any- where, but they soon taught him about the importance of proper course design, measuring distances and setting par in order to make the course a nationally rat- ed one with the potential to draw in out-of-town play- ers and tournaments. The group managed to get a $15,000 grant from the Good Shepherd Com- munity Health Foundation and to set up agreements with Good Shepherd and the Hermiston Irrigation District to use their land. “It was not an easy thing,” Fetter said. Both Annette Kirkpat- rick of Hermiston Irriga- tion District and Kelly Sanders of Good Shepherd said that their organiza- tions were happy that their unused land would now be used for an activity that will encourage people to get outside for some exer- cise and fresh air. “Maybe some lunchtime you’ll see me out there,” Sanders said. The first tee of the course — marked by a large ce- ment rectangle with the number 1 on it — is near the wooden arch marking the start of the Oxbow Trail off Elm Avenue. Each tee faces the basket that play- ers must try to land a disc in using the fewest throws possible. Players must sup- ply their own discs, but the course is free for the public to use. Gardening course seeks green thumbs HERMISTON HERALD People interested in en- hancing their gardening skills and serving the com- munity are invited to par- ticipate in the 2018 Master Gardener Training Course. Green thumbs and nov- ices alike are encouraged to register. Offered through the Oregon State Univer- sity Extension Service, the upcoming course, which rotates locations within Umatilla County each year, will be based in Hermiston. Gardeners of all skill lev- els can learn something new FILE PHOTO Richard Bertram and Annette Skinner hold up egg rolls made from a hearty weed called purslane. through the comprehensive training course that focus- es on the art and science of growing and caring for plants. Relevant information can be utilized for home or community gardens. Partic- ipants will gain knowledge about lawn and tree care, vegetable gardening, and pest and weed management, and much more. The classes begin Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at Blue Moun- tain Community College, 975 S.E. Columbia Drive, Hermiston. Sessions are weekly (except Feb. 14) through March 21. Also, weekend workshops are every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Jan. 13 through March 24. The weekend sessions offer hands-on learning activities. They will frequently include field trips, technical skill building and demonstra- tions that provide enhanced understanding of the topic. The cost is $145, which includes the course text- book. Those who partici- pate in volunteer hours in community-related garden projects, community out- reach events or activities at the OSU Extension Service will be eligible for a $50 registration rebate. IN BRIEF Umatilla County ends Feves gallery features Art About non-ag burn ban Umatilla County’s non-agricultural burn ban Ag exhibit ended Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. The county board of commissioners voted Sept. 20 to lift the ban. Burn day protocol re- mains in effect. Farmers and other residents who wish to burn still must check the county website for daily burn determina- tions at www.co.umatilla. or.us/deptwebs/jail/burn- day.htm or call the county’s burn line at 541-278-6397. Burn Day determinations also are on Facebook at Umatilla County Smoke Management. Ending the ban does not apply to land under the ju- risdiction of the state of Oregon, the federal gov- ernment, and the Confeder- ated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, as well as areas inside fire districts. Open burning in the un- incorporated areas and out- side of fire districts requires a permit. Contact the coun- ty planning department at 541-278-6252 or the coun- ty website (www.umatilla- county.net) for download- able permit applications. Umatilla County has permitting jurisdiction over all agricultural field burn- ing greater than 2 acres and all orchards. Additionally, the county has jurisdiction over residential burning outside of fire districts. Rural fire protection districts have jurisdiction within their boundaries for residential burning (less than 2 acres, burn barrels, and more) and fire protec- tion, including permitting. For more information about Umatilla County’s smoke management pro- gram, or to report illegal burning, call the coun- ty planning department at 541-278-6252 or the county dispatch at 541- 966-3651 after 5 p.m. and weekends. Artwork with a focus on agriculture is featured at the Betty Feves Memo- rial Gallery at Blue Moun- tain Community College. Organized by the Or- egon State University College of Agricultural Sciences through its Art About Agriculture pro- gram, the exhibit coincides with the opening of the BMCC’s FARM complex (Facility for Agricultural Resource Management). Art About Agriculture: Places to Thrive includes the work of profession- al and emerging Pacific Northwest artists. “We wanted to start the new academic year with an art show with an agri- culture theme to add to all of the excitement around the opening of the FARM building,” said Lori Sams, gallery director. “Partner- ing with OSU’s Art About Agriculture program is a tremendous opportunity, and we are thrilled to host this year’s exhibit.” The exhibit’s opening reception and the FARM grand opening is Thurs- day from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pendleton campus, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave. The gallery is located in Pioneer Hall. Light re- freshments will be served at both events. In addition, BMCC president Cam Preus will speak at the rib- bon-cutting at the FARM complex. Also, tours will be offered. The exhibit runs through Thursday, Oct. 26. The gallery is open Mon- day through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, contact Sams at 541-278- 5952, lsams@bluecc.edu or visit www.bluecc.edu/ community/feves-art-gal- lery. SALE valid at the SALE Hermiston Del’s valid at the Feed and Farm Cheney Del’s Supply only. Feed and Farm Supply only. HERMISTON LIQUIDATION SALE 15 % OFF 25 % OFF PET FOOD, BIRD FEED, LIVESTOCK FEED, AND FOOTWEAR. EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE STORE. Begins Sep. 26, 2017 2055 North 1st St Unit B , Hermiston , OR 97838 | 541-567-6584
