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The Vale Voice- Vale’s Digital News Source, 4813 John Day Highway, Vale, OR (2026)

08/28/2026

Vale Cross Country Opens Season at Dash and Splash

The Vale Vikings cross country teams opened the 2026 season with a strong showing at the Dash and Splash in Vale, with both teams earning top-four finishes.

The Vale girls placed 3rd overall with 67 points, finishing behind La Grande and Baker and just ahead of Burns.

Leading the Vale girls were Eden Galkowski, who finished 12th in 16:03.39, followed by Rebecca Buhrig, 14th in 16:08.05, and Aida Jimenez, 16th in 16:20.08. Sophia Duarte finished 25th in 18:07.64, while Glendi Caballero Ramos and Alivia Saunders also competed for the Vikings.

The Vale boys finished 4th with 114 points in a field that included La Grande, Nyssa, Burns, Baker, Ontario and Payette.

Senior Duncan Fritts led the Vikings with an impressive 2nd-place finish in 9:51.76. Fritts, a two-time state qualifier, begins his senior season looking for a third trip to the state championships.

Jackson Chamberlain was Vale’s next finisher, placing 13th in 11:39.67. Other Viking finishers included David Atkinson, Ethan Dyas, Rowan Ward, Ethan Dotson, Rhylan Williams, Ezra Galkowski, Tyson Quintero, Kiedyn Lee, Ben Justus and Jaxen Hansen.

Experienced Group Has Coach Chamberlain Excited

Head coach Mary Chamberlain enters her 15th season leading the program, assisted by Cassandra Andrews, now in her third year.

Chamberlain said one of the most encouraging signs entering the season is the strength and endurance of the boys team.

“I have four boys that can run 10 miles during practice already,” Chamberlain said. “It’s been a few years since that has happened.”

She is equally excited about the growth of the girls program and the number of new runners joining the Vikings.

Vale also has a strong senior group this season, including Duncan Fritts, Jackson Chamberlain, Ethan Dotson, Rhylan Williams, Aubrey Maupin, Sophia Duarte, Aida Jimenez and Glendi Caballero.

A significant change this season is that 3A girls cross country will compete as its own division after previously being combined with the 1A/2A classification. Four girls can now make up a scoring varsity team in 3A, while five runners are still required for boys.

For Chamberlain, however, the season is about more than finishing times and team scores.

“We have a really strong group of seniors this year,” Chamberlain said. “It’s an honor to have kept these kids running for all these years, and I’m excited for all the new faces who get to experience the magic that is cross country. It might be running, but it’s so much more!”

08/28/2026

VIKINGS OPEN VOLLEYBALL SEASON WITH FOUR-SET WIN OVER CRANE

The Vale Vikings opened the 2026 volleyball season with a road victory Thursday, defeating Crane in four sets, 25-23, 25-18, 16-25, 25-20.

Vale battled through a close opening set for a 25-23 win before taking control of the second, 25-18. Crane responded by winning the third set, 25-16, but the Vikings closed out the match with a 25-20 victory in the fourth.

Head coach Shannon Steele begins her 17th season leading the Vale High School volleyball program and brings 35 years of coaching experience. Kelly Rumsey and Kelsy Weber join Steele on the coaching staff.

The Vikings enter the season with two seniors, Brooklyn Maag and Lesly Martinez, and eight returning players.

“I am excited that I have eight returners this season, which allows us to take off from where we were last year,” Steele said. “This group is dynamic. I am excited to watch them grow as a team and individuals.”

One change to high school volleyball this season allows teams to use two liberos. Steele said Vale has chosen to play with one.

League competition remains familiar, with Steele expecting Burns to again provide a strong challenge.

“The league is the same as years past, with Burns returning some exceptional athletes,” Steele said. “We are looking forward to playing in some great matches with Burns and using the competitive tournaments to shape us for postseason play into the final eight.”

The season-opening victory gives the Vikings a 1-0 record as Vale begins its quest for another postseason run

Photos courtesy of Janie Keller.
Rosters from OSAA website in the photos.

08/27/2026

Patriot Day BBQ to Honor First Responders and Remember 9/11

The Vale community is invited to come together on Friday, September 11, for the 6th Annual Patriot Day BBQ, an evening dedicated to honoring first responders, firefighters and law enforcement while remembering those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

The event will be held at Lewin Park, in front of Starlite Cafe, from 5:00–6:30 p.m.

A pulled pork dinner catered by Starlite Cafe will be available for purchase. The evening will also include musical entertainment by Jim Stewart, an invocation by Pastor Steven Marshall, and an honor guard provided by American Legion Post 96.

The Patriot Day BBQ is hosted by Jeremiah Strohmeyer and sponsored by the Vale Community Coalition (VCC).

The annual gathering offers Vale residents an opportunity to share a meal, spend time together as a community and, most importantly, recognize the men and women who serve and protect others every day.

6th Annual Patriot Day BBQ
Friday, September 11, 2026
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Lewin Park, in front of Starlite Cafe
Pulled pork dinner available for purchase

08/26/2026

A Vale Voice Update

This summer has been a little quieter than usual for The Vale Voice. Between surgery and a busy summer with grandchildren, I haven’t been able to get out and about as much as I normally do. But I’m ready to get back at it!

When I started The Vale Voice, my goal was simple: to help keep our community informed. With fewer local news sources available today (really none for us in the Vale area), I hope The Vale Voice can help fill some of that gap, especially for people who may not be able to get out and hear what’s happening around town.

Going forward, I’m going to try to bring you more news from the City of Vale, Vale schools and Malheur County, because decisions and events in all three affect our community.

I would also like to highlight some of the great businesses we have right here in Vale, from our larger businesses to our small, locally owned mom-and-pop shops. My daughter-in-law, Kat Seals, is an amazing photographer, and if I can talk her into coming along to snap a few photos, I’d love to introduce you to some of the people behind these businesses and highlight the many wonderful businesses and services available in our community.

The Vale Voice will remain nonpolitical. My goal is not to tell anyone what to think or take sides. I simply want to share the facts and let readers form their own opinions.

The Vale Voice is something I do because I care about our community. I live out of town between Jamieson and Willowcreek so I am one of those that don’t make it to town to visit with people very often (plus I’m retired). I don’t hear much news and I really miss not hearing about events, activities and happenings in our hometown.
I do not make any money from this page, and I am definately not an “influencer”, so please be patient and kind as I do my best to keep everyone informed.

Have news, an event, an accomplishment or something our community should know about? Please send it my way!

Email: [email protected]
Text: 541-212-8382
Photo courtesy of Kat Seals Photography

Thank you for reading, sharing and supporting The Vale Voice.
Susan Seals

08/16/2026

Back-to-School Excitement Builds Across Vale School District 84

As summer comes to an end, Vale School District 84 is preparing to welcome students back to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 17

The district’s four schools, Willowcreek Elementary, Vale Elementary, Vale Middle School, and Vale High School, are ready to begin another year of learning and growth.

Teachers and staff gathered last week for an in-service that included professional development, introductions to new staff members, updates on Oregon education requirements, and preparations for the upcoming school year.

Led by Superintendent Dr. Alisha McBride, the district is looking ahead to a year filled with new opportunities and new beginnings.

The start of a school year is always an exciting time. Students will reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and begin new academic journeys, while teachers prepare to inspire, encourage, and support the next generation.

Pictures were taken of staff at the in-service, Tuesday August 11.
Vale High School
Vale School District

07/30/2026

Wilcox Earns Overall Champion Chicken Showman at Malheur County Fair

The hard work and dedication of local 4-H members was on full display at the Malheur County Fair as Robbie Wilcox of the Vale-Willowcreek Community earned the title of Overall Champion Chicken Showman in the 4-H poultry division.

The showmanship competition focuses on the exhibitor’s knowledge, confidence, and ability to properly handle and present poultry to the judge. Contestants are evaluated on their handling skills, understanding of poultry care, and overall presentation rather than on the quality of the bird alone.

Wilcox’s championship performance reflected the hours of preparation and care invested throughout the project. Pictured with chickens Rose, Jimmy, and Jackson, Rose was the bird that helped earn the Overall Champion Showman honor.

The Malheur County Fair continues to recognize the commitment, responsibility, and agricultural skills developed by local 4-H and FFA members as they showcase their projects throughout the week.

07/29/2026

Vale Sophomore Addie Currey Wins Grand Champion Market Lamb at Malheur County Fair

Vale High School sophomore Addie Currey earned Grand Champion Market Lamb honors at the Malheur County Fair with her 137-pound lamb, Stomper.

Addie, the daughter of Chad and Kara Currey, impressed the judge in the market class, where lambs are evaluated on the qualities that make them the highest-quality and most efficient meat animals. Judges look for muscle, structural correctness, balance, finish, capacity, and overall market value when selecting the champion.

While Stomper claimed the top market honor, Addie’s week at the fair isn’t over. On Thursday, she will compete in showmanship, a contest that shifts the focus from the animal to the exhibitor. In showmanship, judges evaluate the exhibitor’s ability to present the lamb, including handling skills, confidence, ring awareness, and how effectively the exhibitor showcases the animal.

Stomper will make one final appearance at the Malheur County Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday, where the Grand Champion market lamb will be sold to the highest bidder. The sale recognizes the months of dedication, daily care, and hard work that youth exhibitors invest in raising and preparing their livestock projects.

Congratulations to Addie Currey and Stomper on an outstanding accomplishment at the 2026 Malheur County Fair.

Vale High School

07/29/2026

Vale FFA Member Michael Raynor Learns Commitment Through First Market Lamb Project

With the Malheur County Fair in full swing in Ontario, Vale High School junior Michael Raynor is preparing for a milestone, showing a market lamb for the first time.

The project has required months of daily dedication, patience, and hard work, giving Raynor a firsthand look at the responsibility that comes with raising livestock.

“This is going to be my first year showing any animal at the fair,” Raynor said.

Training started with simple lead work before progressing to daily practice in a larger pasture. After learning to lead on a halter, the lamb advanced to being shown by the head while practicing proper show stance. Family members also played an important role by helping the lamb become comfortable around different people and loud noises, preparing for the busy atmosphere of the fairgrounds.

The daily routine has been consistent. Each morning and evening, both the show lamb and a spare lamb receive a 3-quart scoop of grain along with a flake of hay. Beyond feeding, time spent in the pen every day has helped build trust while developing the skills needed for the show ring.

Every project has a personality, and Raynor’s market lamb is no exception. The lamb’s name is Big Chungus, although “Chungy” is the nickname used around the farm.

More important than ribbons, Raynor says the project has provided valuable life lessons.

“So far, I’ve learned what a big responsibility owning livestock is and the commitment it takes to make sure their needs are adequately met. I feel much more prepared as I continue learning about agriculture.”

For many FFA members, fair week is the public reward for months of unseen work. Early mornings, daily feeding, training sessions, and consistent care all come together in the show ring, where commitment and responsibility are on full display. Raynor’s first livestock project is an example of the dedication that so many local youth invest in preparing for the Malheur County Fair.

Please support all 4-H kids and FFA members by attending the fair and cheering them on as they showcase their hard work and dedication.

07/27/2026

From Ric’s family:

Well, heaven has welcomed home one rowdy old man.

Richard Willis Schoorl passed away in his home in the early hours of July 16, 2026. He was surrounded by loved ones to the end. He is survived by his wife, children, parents, sister, and grandchildren.

Born to Louann and Casey School on March 1, 1966, Ric always loved the outdoors. He learned to dirt bike, snowmobile, hunt and fish at a young age; hobbies that would remain lifelong passions.

He attended Vale High School playing football, basketball, and baseball, dabbling in wrestling and then graduating in 1984. He went on to play two years of football at Southern Oregon before returning to Vale to settle down and build a life. He raced professionally for several years on the Oregon Snowmobile Racing Circuit, winning plenty of accolades on both ice ovals and snowcross.

In the fall of 1992, Ric married Connie Bates and together they raised three children; Adrianna, Joshua, and Megan. Adrianna married David Hazelip and had Sylphrena and Enoch; Joshua married Taylor Cook and had Ryker, Rhett, and Elliott; and Megan is engaged to Wyatt Cox.

Ever the bluecollar man, Ric worked with his father in his auto body shop and fought fires with the BLM until becoming a full time driver for UPS in
1996. He spent the next 30 years delivering packages and impacting the lives of their recipients.

Ric was genuine and competitive, but willing to share his secrets so that when he beat you, you knew it was because of his skill, not some hidden advantage, and to push you both to be better. He was proud and stubborn, with a sense of humor that endeared him to many. His family will miss him terribly, as will all whose lives were brightened with his laughter and kindness.

Ric’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 AM in the VHS gym.

06/27/2026

Update:
The family has shared additional information regarding additional services in Vale.

Monday, July 6

10:00 a.m. – Burial with the Rite of Committal, led by Fr. Jacob Machado, at Valley View Cemetery in Vale.

11:30 a.m. – Memorial Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Vale.

Approximately 12:15 p.m. – Reception at the parish hall following the Mass.

All family and friends of the Machado and Lodzinski families are welcome to attend.

Mary Teresa (Lodzinski) Machado Mar. 27, 1964 - June 24, 2026

Vale High Graduation Class 1982

Our condolences to family and friends of Mary (Lodzinski) Machado.

Mary Teresa (Lodzinski) Machado, 62, of Denver, Colorado died at home on June 24, 2026 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Mary was born March 27, 1964 to David and Cecilia (Sillonis) Lodzinski in Boise, Idaho, the first of four children. She spent her early childhood in Idaho Falls, where she developed her love for skiing and the outdoors from her adventurous father and the seeds of her strong Catholic faith were planted by both of her parents.
Throughout her childhood Mary moved many times, holding particularly fond memories of her time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as evidenced by much of the décor in her home. She began her high school years in Herndon, Virginia but finished them in Vale, Oregon after her parents moved the family to care for her elderly Amuma (maternal grandmother). She graduated in 1982 from Vale Union High School and that summer began dating her devoted husband, Rick, who had quickly noticed the new girl in town when the Lodzinskis arrived. They were married on June 29, 1985 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Vale, Oregon. Mary graduated from Gonzaga University in 1986 before completing a master’s degree at Ball State University in Indiana.
In May 1988 she welcomed her first son, David, making her own mom an Amuma, and three weeks later moved to Denver, Colorado. Denver was originally supposed to be a brief stop on the way back to Oregon or Idaho, but became Mary’s home for 38 years. There she welcomed the rest of her children: Jacob, Leah, and Joseph.
Mary planned and led numerous family road trips throughout the U.S., often to the national parks of the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. She loved travel and had a deep appreciation for culture originating from her Lodzinski and Sillonis family heritage. In recent years Mary expanded her travels abroad, first visiting the lands of her ancestry: Poland and the Basque Country of northern Spain. Through further travel Mary developed a great love for the cultures of Ireland, Italy, and Portugal.
Mary is remembered for her caring and generous disposition which impacted many. She had a passion for helping young mothers with breastfeeding, spent countless hours growing and expanding the Catholic homeschool network in Denver, and with great hospitality would welcome anyone that needed a meal or a place to stay. Mary was also known for her quiet ministries like mending cassocks for priests and seminarians and praying daily for their vocations and those of the single young adults she knew.
Mary’s faith and living of the liturgical year informed much of her spirit of hospitality. From Easter Vigil to All Saints, O Antiphons to Midnight Mass, her home and family were transformed by Catholic tradition in a true domestic church. While Mary’s hospitality extended far and wide, it most profoundly impacted and inspired her family, who were blessed to experience her devotion to motherhood in their daily lives. The last years of Mary’s life were joyfully lived among her growing family, as her dream of becoming an Amuma was realized with the births of her granddaughters, whom she delighted in and cared for deeply.
Mary is survived by Richard Machado, her husband of 41 years; children David (Christine) Machado of Kennewick, Washington, Rev. Jacob Machado of Denver, Colorado, Leah (Codi) Krueger of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Joseph Machado of Denver, Colorado; granddaughters Ellie and Audrey Machado and Mary Frances and Felicity Krueger; she is also survived by her mother Cecilia (Sillonis) Lodzinski; siblings Robert (Larissa) Lodzinski, Anne (Kevin) Schmiesing, and Steven (Caitlin) Lodzinski, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father David Lodzinski and grandchild Karol Krueger.
Prayers and offerings of Masses are most welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to [Pancreatic Cancer Action Network](https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/patient-services/contact-us/?), [Emmaus Catholic Hospice](https://emmauscatholichospice.org/donate/), or [St. John Vianney Seminary. ](https://sjvdenver.edu/donate/)

The Vale Voice- Vale’s Digital News Source

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