Week of November 7, 2024
THE DALLES, OR - Hatchery steelhead fishing will be open on the Columbia River mainstem from Buoy 10 to the Hwy 395 bridge at Pasco, Wash. from Nov. 1-Dec. 31 this year. In recent years, steelhead fishing has been closed in various sections of the river during late summer and fall to protect very low returns of upriver summer steelhead. By November, summer steelhead have migrated above The Dalles Dam. So, while the area upstream has been closed to hatchery steelhead...
PENDLETON, OR - Umatilla National Forest officials ask forest visitors to use caution, plan ahead and know the weather and forest conditions before heading out into the woods. The freezing temperatures have started to develop and can cause unexpected issues especially in terrain that has experienced fires. Fall weather can be unpredictable and is a busy time of year on the Umatilla National Forest. Hunting is a primary activity during this time. Prior to heading to the woods,...
According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, down from 6.3 days the previous week. Agronomic crops in Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties were supported by adequate rainfall as horticulture crops rolled into winter dormancy. Clatsop and Tillamook Counties reported constant rain throughout the week, and cool autumn conditions. Field activities consisted of fertilizer and manure applications, and most...
SALEM, OR - With migratory waterfowl back in Oregon for the winter, the state is again seeing an increase in cases of avian flu and mortality in wild birds, especially among cackling geese congregating in the Willamette Valley. Oregon is the first state to report a new spike in detections this fall. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first detected in wild birds in North American in December 2021 and in Oregon in May 2022. Unlike previous outbreaks of HPAI in 2005...
SALEM, OR - As elk hunting seasons get underway, hunters should make plans to get any elk they harvest tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). ODFW will be testing elk (and deer) at the following check station locations from Nov. 2-4 (note the Ukiah location is open Nov. 2-3 only): • Celilo Park (exit 97 off I-84 west of Biggs Junction), Nov. 2-4, 2024, 9 a.m. to dusk. (Google map coordinates) • Elgin Stampede Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave, Nov. 2-4, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m....
The Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been awarded $21.2 million for the Greater Waterman area. The project area encompasses private land along the northern border of the Ochoco National Forest, and the Waterman Flats area along the eastern county border between Highways 19 and 207 South. The five-year project will kickoff in 2025 and will cover a sprawling 338,596 acres. The priorities are to conserve, restore, and enhance critical range and forest...
Pendleton, OR - Carpenter Media Group announced on Oct. 23 that a preliminary agreement has been reached to acquire the assets of EO Media Group, a respected family-owned media company with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. The acquisition includes EO Media Group's portfolio of more than two dozen newspapers and magazines across Oregon and Washington. Titles include EO Media Group's flagship newspaper, the East Oregonian (OR), GO! Eastern Oregon (OR), The Astorian (OR),...
On Oct. 13th, Arlington Jackpot Rodeo crowned the 2025 Queen, 15-year-old Calli Sovince, From Helix Oregon. Calli will be working hard in 2025 to be an ambassador for Arlington and the sport of Rodeo. May 3, 4th is annual rodeo, held at the Arlington Saddle Club Arena in Arlington. The Arlington School hosted a Trades Fair last Thursday and hosted a number of unions from the region who met with students and spoke about emerging jobs. The event was organized by Arlington's...
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) has approved over $14 million in grants to support environmental restoration projects across the state, with a significant portion directed toward organizations in the John Day River Territory. At its October board meeting in North Bend, OWEB allocated $1.4 million to projects led by soil and water conservation districts and watershed councils in the region. The funding supports habitat restoration, technical assistance, and...
Washington, D.C. - Oregon's entire congressional delegation today urged President Biden to grant Governor Kotek's request that Oregon receive a major disaster declaration in response to record-setting wildfires that burned about three times the average acreage this year. "The 2024 wildfire season has been one of the most devastating and costly fire seasons on record," U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz,...
Pendleton, OR - The Condon and Heppner combined cross-country team proved their grit last Friday at the 1A/2A boys and 1A/2A/3A girls district meet in Pendleton. The course was soaked by relentless rain leading up to race day, though the skies cleared just in time for the runners to take to the muddy, slick trails. In the boys' 1A/2A varsity race, Jake Wilson of Condon earned an individual spot at the State Championship with a strong fourth-place finish, clocking in at...
The Sherman Co./Condon DevilDawgs football team closed out the regular season with their final home game of the season against the Cougars from Lyle and Wishram. Prior to the game the seven seniors from both Sherman County School and Condon High School were honored with their families: Michael Blagg (Sherman), Isaiah Riggs (Sherman), Blake Carnine (Condon), Jayden Havins (Condon), Josh Ward (Sherman), Brodie Bass (Condon), and Gabe Fritts (Sherman). All seniors were given a...
The Ione/Arlington Volleyball team battled in the second round of the OSAA State Championships but fell short to Umpqua Valley Christian on November 2nd. After defeating Elkton in straight sets (25-17, 25-19, 25-17) in Ione on October 30 to open the 1A State Playoffs, the Cardinals were put away in straight sets by Umpqua Valley (19-25, 11-25, 12-25). South Wasco County was also eliminated on Nov. 2nd, falling to Crane in straight sets (11-25, 18-25, 13-25). S. Wasco looked...
The Big Sky District Volleyball Championship was held last Saturday, and the Ione/Arlington Cardinals took the trophy at the Dalles High School gymnasium. The Cardinals came into the conference ranked second in the East Division, behind the Wheeler County Rattlers and struggled at times during the season, falling to Wheeler County and shutout 0-3 by South Wasco County. The Lady Cardinals played the #3 seed Lyle/Wishram in the League Playoff, or Play-in game on October 23,...
Gilliam County Transportation is providing transportation to the flag raising on Veteran's Day November 11th at 11:00 am in Condon. Please contact the office at 541-351-9545 to arrange a ride. Gilliam County Transportation is providing a trip to Wal-Mart in Hermiston on Wednesday, November 13th. Please contact the Transportation Department at 541-351-9545 if you are interested. If you have any questions, or ideas for other community group outings, please contact the...
Opal (Neighbors) Schmidt was born in Kennedy, Alabama and moved to Arlington in 1992 with her husband, Ben Schmidt. Opal outlived her daughter, Beverly O’Brien and is survived by her grandson, Forrest O’Brien. A service will be held at the Arlington Methodist Church on November 9, 2024, at...
