North Morrow Times

16/09/2026

16/09/2026

The Morrow County Fair Is Worth Fighting

I have spent the last several weeks thinking about the future of the Morrow County Fair.

I submitted comments. I participated in meetings. I worked my tail off - along with a number of other folks- to help put on this year’s fair. I did it because I care about this community—and because, when your community needs help, that is what you do.

I was asked to step in as co-interim fair manager just weeks before this year’s fair after the previous manager left. I initially said no. When I was asked again, I agreed because I knew the fair needed someone willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
I was not looking for a job. I am not planning to apply for the permanent position.

What I gained this year was a deeper understanding of just how much work goes into making the Morrow County Fair happen. In fact, the fair manager is the only fair job I haven’t already done. I’ve been the pig judge, swine superintendent, served four years on the Fair Board, been a 4-H leader, an FFA advisor and worked for OSU Extension. I’ve been on nearly every side of this fair except the person sitting in the manager’s chair. This year gave me a front-row seat to just how much that position carries—and how much potential the Morrow County Fair has.

After the fair, I submitted detailed comments and recommendations to the Morrow County Commissioners and both county administrators. I was asked for my thoughts, and I took that seriously.

I have heard from two commissioners—one current and one incoming. Both have made significant efforts on behalf of the fair and one has lifelong connections to its success.
I have not heard from County Administration.

At this point, quite frankly, I don't care about getting a thank-you.
What I do care about is the future of the Morrow County Fair.
And that future deserves some serious attention.

This year's livestock auction generated approximately $1 million in sales that came back into the county. That number alone should get people's attention.

But the value of the fair doesn't begin and end with the auction.
Think about what families invest before their kids ever walk through the gates: animals, feed, tack, equipment, project supplies, clothing, meals, lodging, fuel, days off work and countless hours spent hauling, washing, feeding, training and preparing.

Think about the 4-H and FFA kids who spend months- or years- preparing projects and livestock.

Think about the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, Fair/Rodeo Board members, rodeo participants and businesses that contribute their time and money.

This is not simply a few days of entertainment in August.
The Morrow County Fair is an agricultural, educational, economic and community investment. It is THE ONLY event that brings the entire county together.

That is why I was disappointed to leave the fair wrap-up meeting this past Wednesday without a clear plan for what happens next.
There was no agenda or roadmap for what needed to be accomplished. We were still discussing the scope and cost of the fair and the future of the fair manager position two months after the previous manager had left.

The next fair is already on the calendar.

The work for that fair has already begun.

The fair manager position is not a one-week-a-year job. It involves months of contracts, vendors, registration, Premium Book preparation, livestock coordination, sponsors, advertising, volunteers, judges, scheduling, facilities, finances and communication. And the work doesn’t stop when the gates close. Thank-you letters, sponsor follow-up, advertising, financial reconciliation and other post-fair work need to happen NOW. I had committed to the 200 hours authorized by the County, I completed those hours, and I am done. I am no longer on the payroll—and therefore have no responsibility or ability to continue doing the work. That work still needs to be done by someone, and that someone needs to be identified now. Perhaps the supervisor?

If we wait until November—as indicated by county administration at the wrap up meeting—to start looking for someone, we are once again putting that person behind the eight ball before they even begin.

We just experienced what happens when a transition occurs too late.

We should learn from it, not repeat it.

I believe the County needs to immediately define what the fair is expected to be, what it actually costs, who is responsible for what, and who has the authority to make decisions.

Then we need to hire and compensate the right person to do the job before the Oregon Fairs Convention mid-October! My two cents.

We need a realistic budget. We need a year-round timeline. We need clear roles for the County, Fair Board, fair manager, Extension and other partners. We need accountability. And we need to start planning the next fair as soon as the current one ends.

Most importantly, we need to stop thinking of the fair as something that simply needs to be survived every August.

It is something worth investing in.

I am grateful I had the opportunity to help this year. I have even more respect for the people who have traditionally carried this responsibility, often with little recognition and even fewer resources.

I also came away convinced that the problems facing the fair cannot be solved simply by putting another person into the same structure and hoping for a different result.

The County needs to take a hard look at the entire operation.
This isn't about criticizing people. It isn't about who gets credit. And it certainly isn't about whether someone sends me a thank-you note.

It's about whether we are willing to be good stewards of something that belongs to all of us.

Our kids deserve a fair that is well-run.
Our families deserve a fair that is supported.
Our volunteers deserve clear leadership.
Our agricultural community deserves to be showcased.
And the taxpayers deserve to know that an event generating approximately $1 million in livestock auction sales—and countless additional dollars throughout the local economy—is being treated as the valuable county asset it is.

I stepped in this year because that is what you do when your community needs you.

Now I'm asking the county leadership to do the same.
If anyone would like to read the letter and recommendations I submitted to the County, drop me a line. I’m happy to share them.
The Morrow County Fair is worth fighting for. It is worth investing in, planning for and getting right—not just for today, but for the kids and families who will carry it forward.

Let’s make sure we’re willing to do the work to give it the future it deserves.

Erin Hansell-Heideman
Blown Away Ranch
Ione, Oregon
541-561-0081 Cell

Blown Away Ranch Website
Farm Instagram

11/09/2026

September 9, 2026
West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Morrow County

Boardman, Ore. - West Nile virus (WNv), which is spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in mosquitoes at two testing sites in Morrow County, Ore., according to Oregon Public Health officials.

Greg Barron, Manager of North Morrow Vector Control District said, “the mosquitoes found are the third to test positive for the disease since July in Morrow County in 2026.” All affected areas have been treated by ULV truck mounted foggers.

Health officials are advising people in Morrow County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. Symptoms of WNv may include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, nausea or vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes skin rashes. Less than 1% of infected people develop severe neurologic diseases, such as West Nile meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. If you develop any of these symptoms, visit your medical provider. Commercial tests are readily available.

Communities and individuals living in or spending significant time outdoors, particularly near irrigated land, waterways, standing water, livestock watering troughs, ornamental ponds and used tires—including those working in agriculture, such as migrant and seasonal farm workers—may be at increased risk of mosquito bites and related diseases.

The virus also affects wildlife, domesticated and farm animals. Horses are a risk of developing West Nile Virus. Consult your veterinarian about vaccinating your horses against WNv.

“Although mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer and fall, mosquito bites don’t have to be—they are preventable,” said Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian. “You can take simple steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of contracting West Nile disease.”

Dr. DeBess offers these tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Additional information about West Nile virus:

Oregon Health Authority website: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Illness ranges from mild to severe.

06/09/2026

West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Morrow County

Boardman, Ore.—West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in mosquitoes at three testing sites in Morrow County, Ore., according to Oregon Public Health officials.

Greg Barron, Manager of North Morrow Vector Control District said, “the mosquitoes found are the second to test positive for the disease since July in Morrow County in 2026.”

Health officials are advising people in Morrow County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease.

Communities and individuals living in or spending significant time outdoors, particularly near irrigated land, waterways, standing water, livestock watering troughs, ornamental ponds and used tires—including those working in agriculture, such as migrant and seasonal farm workers—may be at increased risk of mosquito bites and related diseases.

The virus also affects wildlife, domesticated and farm animals. Horses are a risk of developing West Nile Virus. Consult your veterinarian about vaccinating your horses against WNv.

“Although mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer and fall, mosquito bites don’t have to be—they are preventable,” said Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian. “You can take simple steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of contracting West Nile disease.”

Dr. DeBess offers these tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Additional information about West Nile virus:

Oregon Health Authority website: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Illness ranges from mild to severe.

03/09/2026

Saturday, September 12th
Community Memorial Service

03/09/2026

Hermiston to honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with community ceremony
HERMISTON, Oregon — The Hermiston community will come together on Friday, Sept. 11, to remember the lives lost 25 years ago and pay tribute to the courage, heroism and resilience shown in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The 9/11 Remembrance & Tribute Ceremony will be held from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Festival and Main streets in downtown Hermiston. The outdoor community gathering will honor those who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, along with the first responders, service members and everyday Americans whose actions that day and in the years since have come to symbolize service and sacrifice.

Former Oregon State Sen. Bill Hansell, American Legion Post #37 Commander Mark Wiggins, and former Umatilla County Fire District #1 Chief Pat Hart will share remarks and remembrances. Patriotic music will be performed by the Inland Northwest Musicians, and a memory wall and photo display commemorating our nation’s heroes will be available for attendees to view.

The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying and bell ceremony conducted by American Legion Post #37, Umatilla County Fire District #1 and the Hermiston Police Department.
Free meals will be provided to all attendees, with reserved seating available for veterans, first responders and their families. Everyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP by Friday, Sept. 4, by emailing [email protected] or calling 541-667-5018.

The event is hosted by the City of Hermiston, Umatilla County Fire District #1, Hermiston Police Department, American Legion Post #37 and Eastern Oregon First-Responders Chaplain Association with support from Inland Northwest Musicians and Amazon Web Services.

Following the ceremony, the Hermiston School District will host a Salute to Service night at Kennison Field during the Hermiston Bulldogs football game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The City of Hermiston is a vibrant, growing community of more than 20,000 residents at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest. Located near the intersection of Interstate 84 and Interstate 82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and the Washington state line, Hermiston is capitalizing on its location as a transportation center and gateway to Oregon. To learn more, go to www.hermiston.gov.

03/09/2026

Smith receives an "A" rating from Oregon Gun Owners

03/09/2026

Good Shepherd Health Care System Becomes the Only Certified Primary Stroke Center in Eastern St. Patrick's Celebration Heppner Oregon USA

HERMISTON, OR – Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is pleased to announce two significant achievements recognizing the quality of stroke care available to patients in Eastern Oregon: Primary Stroke Center Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Silver Award. With its DNV certification, Good Shepherd is the only certified Primary Stroke Center in Eastern Oregon.

Together, these achievements recognize Good Shepherd’s commitment to providing timely, evidence-based stroke care and ensuring patients throughout the region have access to high-quality emergency care close to home.

“These accomplishments are a tremendous reflection of the work our teams have done to strengthen stroke care at Good Shepherd,” said Art Mathisen, GSHCS President & CEO. “When someone is experiencing a stroke, every second matters. Our community can have confidence that we have the people, training, technology and processes in place to quickly assess and treat stroke patients. I am incredibly proud of our team and their commitment to providing exceptional care close to home.”

Good Shepherd’s Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV affirms the hospital’s readiness to diagnose and treat a full range of stroke-related medical conditions. DNV certification evaluates stroke programs against rigorous standards for quality, safety and clinical performance, including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, patient education and ongoing measurement of outcomes.
Good Shepherd also earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Silver Award, which recognizes rural hospitals for their commitment to improving stroke outcomes through timely, evidence-based care. Recognition is based on performance measures including rapid brain imaging, intravenous thrombolytic therapy when appropriate, stroke expert consultation, emergency medical services communication, patient assessment and timely interfacility transfer.

Achieving these milestones required collaboration across Good Shepherd Health Care System, including Emergency Services, physicians, nursing, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Services, Case Management and other clinical teams, as well as local emergency medical services and regional partners.
“Our region deserves high-quality stroke care,” Mathisen added. “These achievements demonstrate what is possible when our teams work together toward one goal — giving every stroke patient the best possible opportunity for survival and recovery.”

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Because a stroke interrupts blood flow and oxygen to the brain, recognizing symptoms and seeking emergency medical care immediately can significantly improve a patient’s chance of survival and help reduce long-term disability.

Good Shepherd’s DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification and American Heart Association recognition reinforce the health system’s continued commitment to advancing emergency and specialty care for the communities it serves. Learn more at www.gshealth.org.

Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is a thriving, independent health care system in Northeast Oregon, with over 1,800 staff members and 200 credentialed providers. As a growing, mid-size health care system demonstrating its commitment to high-quality care, GSHCS’s flagship acute care hospital is fully accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Based in Hermiston, Oregon, GSHCS meets the healthcare needs of 100,000 patients in the greater Northeast Oregon region, primarily spanning Umatilla and Morrow Counties. In addition to providing inpatient care, GSHCS’s 40 robotic-trained surgeons offer a full slate of surgical services that treat a variety of health conditions. The GSHCS Medical Group’s specialty services include Audiology, Cardiology, Child & Adult Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, General Surgery, Hematology & Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Physiatry, Podiatry, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Sleep Medicine, Urology, Women’s Health, Wound Care and Vascular Surgery. GSHCS also offers Primary Care Services in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Other services include Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology, Laboratory, Home Health, Hospice, Pharmacy, Occupational Health, Physical/Speech/Occupational/Infusion/Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Home Medical Equipment, and free medical transportation services. GSHCS’s Level 3 Trauma designated Emergency Department is open 24/7 and its Urgent Care is open seven days a week. For more information about GSHCS, visit www.gshealth.org.

About DNV
DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, drives innovative solutions.
Whether certifying a company’s management system or products, accrediting hospitals, providing training, assessing supply chains or digital assets, DNV enables customers and stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence, continually improve and realize long-term strategic goals sustainably.
DNV draws on its wide technical and industry expertise to help companies worldwide build consumer and stakeholder trust. Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.
For more information about DNV, visit www.dnvcert.com/healthcare
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

01/09/2026

Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Morrow County Harvest Festival