Week of March 14, 2024

Wasco Market honors its staff after Chamber award

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 14, 2024

The historic Wasco Market has come a long way in just four short years, and its crew has clearly made quite an impact on their community. Owners Michelle and Travis Lawrence were presented with Sherman County's 2023 Small Business of the Year award last month at the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting. Michelle Lawrence said all credit goes to their dedicated and hardworking staff. "I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with at the...

Governor Kotek Appoints Kari Hayter to Gilliam County Justice Court

Press Release | Mar 14, 2024

ARLINGTON – Governor Tina Kotek announced on March 6, 2024, that Kari Hayter has been appointed as the Gilliam County Justice of the Peace, effective June 1, 2024. Hayter, currently serving as the City Recorder for the City of Arlington, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to public service. Governor Kotek expressed confidence in Hayter's capabilities, stating, "Kari Hayter is a dedicated public servant and will work hard to meet the needs of the community. I look...

Gilliam Co. Court approves grants for housing, childcare

Stephen Allen | Mar 14, 2024

The Gilliam County Court approved funding for two capital investment grants during its regular session on March 6 in Condon. The court also worked to find funding solutions for a third applicant. Taking recommendations from The Competitive Grant Review Committee, which convened on February 15, 2024, the court looked to fund the fifth cycle of the Capital Investment Grant Applications. The court’s strategic goals for capital investment grants are narrow and apply to...

Gilliam Co. Court rescinds controversial order

Stephen Allen | Mar 14, 2024

The Gilliam County Court rescinded its order to transfer all judicial duties to circuit court during its meeting on March 6 in Condon. Using the South Gilliam Emergency building for the session as the Gilliam County Courthouse is under construction – the court met in executive session and emerged with a decision to rescind a portion of order 2023-01. That order, passed in December, would have removed all judicial duties from the Gilliam County Court. Six rural counties in...

Sherman one of 15 Oregon schools to receive Trail Blazers Foundation grant

Press Release | Mar 13, 2024

PORTLAND, OR — The Trail Blazers Foundation has awarded 15 grants, totaling $100,000, to schools throughout Oregon through its 'Take It To The Court for Education' school grant program. The grants will be distributed to schools in nine counties throughout Oregon, reaching from the southwest in Josephine County to the northeast in Union County. Sherman County School District was awarded funds to improve open gym basketball/team practice space. "Celebrating each of these...

Sherman chess team scores at state tournament

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 14, 2024

Sherman County students pulled off a big chess victory in Portland last weekend. Youth chess players Gage Simpson, Cohen Burgett, Caiden Walker, Erin Burbank and Daria Duong traveled to Oregon Episcopal School on the west side of Portland to participate in the 60th annual Oregon High School Chess Team Association State Tournament. This was a U.S. Chess Federation-rated tournament, with five rounds of team competition over two days, Sherman teacher and club leader Kevin Stuart...

Billy Gentry Scholarship open now to May 1st

Press Release, Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative | Mar 11, 2024

Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative offices in Heppner and Condon will be accepting applications for the Billy Gentry Memorial Scholarship now through 5:00 p.m., May 1, 2024. Billy started work for the Cooperative at 18 years old and retired in 1991 after 43 years with the Cooperative. Billy worked as a truck driver, a pole setter, on the framing crew, jackhammer operator, and powder man before becoming the foreman and then line superintendent. Billy loved his work family and...

Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce introduces new Executive Director Shania Drinkwine-Wagenaar

Mar 7, 2024

CONDON, OR – In a move set to invigorate local business advocacy and community development, Shania Drinkwine-Wagenaar has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce. With a wealth of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement, Drinkwine-Wagenaar brings a fresh perspective and a passion for continuing in the footsteps of the two former Chamber Directors, K'Lynn Lane and Brooklynn Griffith. Born and...

Wasco Gym and Fitness Center to see major upgrades

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 4, 2024

The Wasco Gym and Fitness Center is set to receive big funding for upgrades, thanks to approval from city leaders and the hard work and dedication of its all-volunteer crew. Located outside the east end of the Wasco School Events Center, the Wasco Gym and Fitness Center will soon see an investment of up to $15,000 to update the interior and much of the exercise equipment. Wasco City Council voted Tuesday, Feb. 20, to designate money from its community development funds to...

Condonites old and new asked to weigh in on town's future

Stephen Allen | Mar 4, 2024

Condon CAN! That is the rallying cry being used to talk about the coming years and decades in Condon. Initiated by the City of Condon, the effort looks to develop a long-term vision for the town. The City of Condon partnered with Rural Development Initiatives, a regional rural development organization that works hand-in-hand with communities to strengthen rural people, places, and economies in the Pacific Northwest. Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) has helped towns like...

Oregon Senate Judiciary reverses course on county courts

Stephen Allen | Feb 23, 2024

A bill that had the potential to change how county courts function in six rural counties was killed during the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday. Senate Bill 1576 included an amendment that would have given county courts the option to give up its judicial function by relinquishing probate cases to circuit courts. In doing so, SB 1576-9 would have also given county courts in Gilliam, Wheeler, Sherman, Harney, Malheur, and Grant counties the...

Ivan Goh returns to US Wheat as Biscuit/Bakery/Noodle technologist

Press Release, US Wheat | Feb 26, 2024

A familiar face with an extraordinary skillset returns to U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) this month as Biscuit/Bakery and Noodle Technologist in the South and Southeast Asia market. Ivan Goh, who held the position from 2018 to 2022, has extensive experience in flour milling, bakery technical service and wheat food ingredients. He will work closely with USW staff, leading USW training courses throughout the region. USW Vice President for South and Southeast Asia Joe Sowers said...

STEM college scholarship is accepting applications; Sherman County students eligible to apply

Mar 11, 2024

The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) is pleased to announce the application period is open for its annual Corwin Hardham Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to Gorge high school seniors pursuing post-secondary degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). Eligible students are those from Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Skamania and Klickitat Counties who are graduating from high school, home school or receiving a GED in the...

Oregon Legislature considering changes for six county courts

Stephen Allen | Feb 16, 2024

The Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Monday, February 12 to discuss potential changes for six rural county courts in Oregon. Senate Bill 1576-4 would give county courts the option to relinquish probate jurisdiction and to transfer probate matters to a circuit court. The impact could be significant for frontier and rural counties that have retained the position of county judge who rule over probate cases – and for counties that are seeking to...

Spring 2024 grant cycle is open at Wheeler County Cultural & Heritage Coalition; apply by March 15

Mar 4, 2024

The Wheeler County Cultural & Heritage Coalition supports the preservation, celebration, and understanding of local and regional arts and cultural heritage. Applications for the spring 2024 grant cycle are now available for submission with a deadline of Friday, March 15, 2024. Grants of up to $2000 may be awarded depending on project needs and additional community support. Grant Applications are available at Post Offices in Spray, Mitchell, and Fossil, in the Wheeler...

Sherman County School principal announces resignation

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 11, 2024

The Sherman County School District Board of Directors voted Monday, Feb. 5, to accept the resignation of K-12 Principal Trent Kroll. Kroll, who also fills the role of Athletic Director for the district, announced this week he will be stepping down at the end of the 2023-24 school year, citing personal reasons. Kroll came to Sherman from Hood River Valley High School, where he served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for five years. Prior to serving in an...

ODFW sets meetings for mule deer plans

Feb 1, 2024

SALEM, OR - ODFW will host three in-person public meetings in February to present and get public input on the draft Mule Deer Management Plan. The meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and are Feb. 1 in Salem, Feb. 6 in Bend and Feb. 7 in La Grande. See more details below. ODFW biologists recently completed a full draft of the revised Plan, which they presented in a series of webinars. Find the draft Plan at the Mule Deer Plan webpage. The upcoming meetings provide an in-person option...

Gilliam Co. Court approves of emergency aid for those impacted by deep freeze

Stephen Allen | Feb 9, 2024

The Gilliam County Court has given $5,000 to help residents in distress after sub-zero temperatures in January caused pipes to break and heating bills to skyrocket. Kari Keown, who volunteers with the Arlington Church of the Nazarene, told the county court that people in mobile homes were hit particularly hard during the cold snap. Those affected the most seemed to be the people that reside in the mobile home park by the Arlington School. Keown told the court that people in...

Gilliam County seeks funding for internet expansion efforts

Stephen Allen | Feb 1, 2024

A special meeting of the Gilliam County Court was held on January 24 with the focus being on expansion of internet services in the county. The court has strived to bring fiber-optic connectivity to all residents, an ambitious goal that is expected to cost $30 million. The court has worked to map existing fiber-optic lines and to survey the entire county in a feasibility study that was completed in 2023 by LS Networks, a consultant group that specializes in broadband...

Wheeler Co. Court returns Oregon Leave Act to State

Stephen Allen | Feb 9, 2024

The Wheeler County Court will return a program designed at helping families in crisis to the state of Oregon after realizing it had a budget shortfall of $18,000. The Wheeler County Court realized that it would be unable to facilitate the Paid Leave Oregon Act. The Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) and Paid Leave Oregon Act were merged last year. Under the revised Paid Leave Oregon Act, a worker or self-employed person could be provided up to twelve weeks of time off a year due...

BEO Bancorp reports 2023 earnings

Feb 9, 2024

Heppner, OR - BEO Bancorp (OTCBB:BEOB) and its subsidiary, Bank of Eastern Oregon, announced consolidated year end 2023 earnings of $14,208,000; Total assets were $860.6 million; net loans were $521.9 million, while deposits ended the year at $776.4 million. "Shareholder equity increased 28.2% over the past year, with Return on Average Equity at 24.91% and Return on Average Assets of 1.62%. Earnings per share were $11.75 and we paid our highest dividend ever at $1.15 per...

Rockslide closes Highway 30 near Biggs Junction, Rufus

Feb 9, 2024

Large boulders, some as big as cars, fell off a cliff near Biggs Junction and onto Highway 30 on Tuesday, January 30. Luckily, nobody was injured in the rockslide though the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says that there will be a prolonged cleanup and that a "lengthy closure" should be expected. At approximately 9:15 AM, ODOT shared a photo of the massive rockslide, which covered all of Highway 30 on both sides of the road. The owner of Amayah's Indian Food...

ODFW's Conservation and Recreation Fund grant cycle now open

Feb 1, 2024

SALEM, OR - The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund's request for grant proposals is now open and will close on March 26, 2024. OCRF has supported 140 projects since it was formed in early 2020 and more than $5 million has been awarded statewide with an average of $35,000 per project. OCRF is a way for Oregonians to support projects that protect and enhance species and habitats identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy and to create new opportunities for wildlife...

Highway 97 closes for first time in decades

Jessica R. Wheeler | Jan 24, 2024

Northcentral Oregon's main thoroughfare closed twice last weekend due to heavy snow and ice accumulation, the first time this major highway has seen a prolonged closure in decades. Oregon Department of Transportation officials, with input from local EMS and sheriff's agencies, made the decision to shut down traffic on Highway 97 from Biggs to Madras on Saturday, Jan. 20, at about 10 p.m. The highway reopened to traffic Sunday at 11 a.m. The area had accumulated more than a...

Gilliam SWCD gets $300K for ecosystem restoration on Thirtymile

Stephen Allen | Jan 24, 2024

The Gilliam Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is set to receive $300,000 from the federal government for ecosystem restoration projects along Thirtymile Creek. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided a federal grant through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The grant, known as the Good Neighbor Authority, allows federal land management agencies to create agreements with non-federal partners for projects on public lands. The...

Mitchell's Jalet Farrell, owner of Spoke'n Hostel, wins Governor's Hospitality Award

Stephen Allen | Jan 24, 2024

Jalet Farrell, owner of the Spoke'n Hostel in Mitchell has won the prestigious Governor's Hospitality Award from Travel Oregon. The news came as a surprise to Farrell, who did not know that she was nominated until she received a congratulatory call. "I started laughing and crying at the same time," said Jalet upon receiving the news. This is the second time that the Spoke'n Hostel has won the award, the first being in 2016 shortly after Jalet and her husband Pat started their...

Fossil grasshopper nest found at John Day Fossil Beds

Jan 17, 2024

KIMBERLY, OR – The first ever described fossil grasshopper eggs and egg pod on Earth has been found within the Sheep Rock Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. As reported in the journal, Parks Stewardship Forum, Jaemin Lee (University of California, Berkeley), Dr. Nicholas Famoso (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument), and Angela Lin (University of Oregon) used micro-CT scans to investigate the internal structure of over 50 fossilized insect eggs and an intact...

Winter wheat seedings in the northwest down slightly from last year

United States Department of Agriculture | Jan 24, 2024

Idaho growers seeded 740,000 acres of winter wheat for the 2024 crop, down 1 percent from 2023, and 4 percent below the 2022 crop. Oregon farmers planted 740,000 acres, unchanged from the 2023 crop but up 1 percent from 2022. Washington winter wheat growers seeded an estimated 1.80 million acres of winter wheat for harvest in 2024. This is unchanged from the area seeded in 2023 but 3 percent below 2022. Nationally, Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat seeded area is expected to total...

Gilliam County capital project grant aids South Gilliam County ambulance service

Shannon Coppock, Local Contributor | Jan 17, 2024

South Gilliam County Ambulance has staffed and operated two ambulances for over 25 years. There are multiple times each fiscal year where two or more calls occur within hours of each other requiring the response of a second ambulance to provide the necessary care for patients living in, visiting, and traveling through our service area. The second ambulance also allows us to respond to mutual aid requests from our neighboring agencies while still covering our service area. The...

Arlington's water system strained by deep freeze

Stephen Allen | Jan 17, 2024

The City of Arlington's Public Works Department was working around the clock earlier this week to restore water to residents. With overnight temperatures at -2 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, the water system buckled to the elements. Dozens of residents reported brown water and at times, very little or no water at all. On Tuesday morning, the city said it was restoring water to town and that it would take time to refill water tanks. Arlington Mayor Jeff Bufton posted on...

Gilliam Court tables BOC restructure

Stephen Allen | Jan 25, 2024

The Gilliam County Court opted to table its efforts in establishing a board of commissioners and restructuring county government at its meeting on January 3, 2024, at the Emergency Services Building in Condon. Facing public pushback and looming legal questions, the court punted on creating a board of commissioners in place of the county judge position. However, the court did agree that a county administrator position was necessary and began to establish a committee to look at...

Sherman senior signs with Linfield for track and field

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 6, 2024

A senior from Sherman County School's Class of 2024 has announced her intention to join Linfield University's track and field team next year. Senior Sophie Hulke signed a letter of intent Friday, March 1, to join the team at Linfield for the 2024-25 school year. Linfield University is a private college located in McMinnville, Oregon. Hulke currently holds the Sherman County School record in the discus, previously held by 1999 Sherman graduate Kara (Blagg) Lanthorn of Grass...

  • March 12th filing deadline for Gilliam primaries

    Mar 7, 2024

    The deadline to file for Gilliam County elections is approaching. Anyone wishing to be a candidate must file with the Gilliam County Clerk by 5 PM on March 12. Residents will cast their votes for key positions that will shape the county's future. Among the contested positions is that of County Judge – a nonpartisan role with a significant six-year term. The candidates so far are: Cris Patnode, Jim Hassing, and Leah Watkins. In the nonpartisan race for County Commissioner...

  • Recall Petitions filed for Gilliam County Judge and Commissioner

    Stephen Allen | Mar 4, 2024

    Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell will face her second recall and Commissioner Pat Shannon his first, after petitions were filed with the Gilliam County Clerk, Ellen Wagenaar on February 22. A committee called We the People of Gilliam County – Farrar, and We the People Gilliam County – Shannon, have filed the petitions. The chief sponsor for the recall petition against Judge Farrar Campbell is Denny Newell of Arlington (Blalock). The chief petitioner to recall Commissioner...

  • HB 4102 passes House

    Press Release | Mar 4, 2024

    SALEM, OR - House Bill 4102 passed the floor of the Oregon House of Representatives this past Thurdsay. Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) is the legislation's Chief Sponsor and he carried the bill on the floor. Last session, HB 3409 established the Natural and Working Lands Fund. The fund will promote public private partnerships that protect the environment and rural Oregon's way of life. HB 4102 will ensure that Oregon is positioned to receive, directly into the Natural...

  • Deadline to file for Mitchell Mayor, City Council due March 12

    Stephen Allen | Feb 16, 2024

    A special election will be held for the next mayor and city council for the City of Mitchell on May 21, 2024. The deadline for filing is fast approaching, and submissions will need to be made no later than March 12, 2024. Last year, a mass resignation of city council members and the town's mayor and clerk brought the town government to a stand-still. Just one councilor remained in office and the city was unable to issue water bills or do business. Several community members...

  • Ten State Senators barred from reelection, upending Oregon politics

    Stephen Allen | Feb 9, 2024

    Of the controversial ballot measures that Oregon voters have passed in recent years, perhaps few will be as influential as Measure 113. Unlike Measure 110 that decriminalized drugs and Measure 114 that put restrictions on firearms, Measure 113 was not extremely controversial. But while Measure 110 and 114 look to be struck down or replaced, Measure 113 is likely here to stay. It's impact on Oregon politics are significant. Approved in 2022, Ballot Measure 113 aimed to prevent...

  • OP-ED: Lawmakers must address flaws with measure 110

    Dave Drotzmann, Mayor of Hermiston and President of the League of Oregon Cities | Feb 26, 2024

    Three years ago, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure that would have dire consequences for the health and safety of our communities. Measure 110 may have been passed with the best intentions, but it has proven to be an abject failure. It has exacerbated the drug crisis while offering little incentive for users to seek treatment. The law does nothing to prevent public drug use on our streets. It has left us with a system that lacks the authority to hold individuals accountable for their actions, resulting in more crime...

  • Public hammers Gilliam Court on restructure to board of commissioners

    Stephen Allen | Jan 25, 2024

    Concerns over a possible restructuring of Gilliam County's government brought several people to the Gilliam County Court session in Arlington on December 20, 2023. To start the court meeting, local residents stepped forward to provide public testimony, with many under the impression that the court would vote immediately to suspend the Gilliam County Court and to restructure it into a board of commissioners. However, the court did not take up the matter of restructuring and...

  • Gilliam Co. Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell will not seek re-election

    Elizabeth Farrar | Jan 25, 2024

    CONDON, OR - Gilliam County Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell has announced that she will not seek re-election to a second term in 2024. "When I ran for office in 2018, I shared a clear vision for Gilliam County: promoting smart economic growth through investments in education, housing, and broadband; modernizing County government by removing judicial functions from the County Judge and building trust and co-equal partnerships with the County Commissioners; and encouraging...

Area Scots celebrate Robert Burns at Condon Elks Lodge

Stephen Allen | Feb 1, 2024

An impressive turnout of people filled the downstairs of the Condon Elks Lodge on Saturday to commemorate the great Scottish bard, Robert Burns. Estimates of the crowd put about 100 people inside the Elks, with many of them being families and kids. Cameron Stinchfield and his wife Lara were in attendance, with their two children, as was Andrew Stinchfield with his three bairns. Also in attendance were Mike Durfey and his daughter Tula, along with grandma Rene Durfey. Also, a...

  • Obituary: Brian Sullivan

    Mar 13, 2024

    Brian Louis Sullivan died February 29, 2024, near Long Creek. Brian was born August 4, 1953, the fourth of nine children to Robert and Marilyn Sullivan of Pasco, Washington. He began working on the family's farm alongside his dad, uncle, and siblings as soon as he was old enough to hold a tractor steering wheel steady. His hands often stained green from early morning weeding, he attended St. Patrick Catholic School, his mischievous spirit keeping the nuns busy. From an early...

  • OBITUARY: Becky Diane Frazier

    Mar 7, 2024

    Becky Diane Frazier of Scappoose, Oregon passed away on February 22, 2024, at 74 years old. She was born on November 30, 1949, in Lewiston, Idaho to her parents Lyle and Susie Frazier. Becky attended Sandy High School for her freshman year, then went on to Wheeler High School in Fossil, Oregon, where she graduated in 1968. She continued her education at what is now West-ern Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon, graduating in 1972. In 1980, she went to the University of...

  • OBITUARY: Timothy Patrick Welborn

    Mar 7, 2024

    Timothy Patrick Welborn, 70, of Lonerock, Oregon died, Monday, February 26, 2024 at Culver, Oregon. He was born September 5, 1953 at Eugene, Oregon, the son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth G. Fielding Welborn. He was raised and attended School and graduated from high school at Crow, Oregon, near Eugene. On February 6, 1982 he married Carol Ann Phillips in Portland, Oregon. The couple started their married life on the Welborn family ranch in Lonerock which they operated for over 42 years. Tim enjoyed hunting and fishing but...

  • OBITUARY: Gary Grossmiller

    Mar 7, 2024

    Gary Grossmiller was born on December 20, 1961 and passed away on February 21st in the Hood River Rehab Center. He was a 5th generation Arlington Oregon resident. He is survived by his sister Susan Logan of Vancouver, WA, his niece Gabby (Eddie) Tim and new great nephew, Caleb. He is preceded in death by his mother, Victoria Wheelhouse and his father, Jake Grossmiller of The Dal-les. Gary was part of the great class of 1980 in Arlington. He was part of many state...

  • OBITUARY: Harry Hartley

    Mar 6, 2024

    Harry Hartley (Jul 18, 1928 - Dec 7, 2023) Harry Hartley passed away at the age of 95 on the morning of December 7, 2023. A celebration of Harry's life will be held on March 2nd, 2024 at 1pm at the Condon Elks Lodge, 117 S. Main St. Condon, Oregon. He leaves a legacy of love and service to his family, friends, community, and country. Harry was the first child born to Estoll and Elizabeth (Reckmann) Hartley in Pendleton, Oregon on July 18, 1928. He was raised in Grass Valley,...

  • OBITUARY: Donald Ferguson Dunbar

    Mar 6, 2024

    Donald Ferguson Dunbar was born April 3, 1927, in his parents' Buckhorn ranch home, Condon, Oregon, and passed away January 31, 2024, at home in Bethany at the age of 96. Dunbar began his educational journey at the Buckhorn one-room schoolhouse across from their ranch and graduated from Condon High School in 1945. His education took a practical turn when he entered the US Army in July 1945. Ultimately, he was assigned to the 13th Engineers Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and...

  • OBITUARY: Don Williamson

    Mar 6, 2024

    Don Williamson 1948-2024 Don Williamson, 75 passed away quietly at his home in Condon, OR on Friday January 19, 2024. He went in the Army right out of high school. He served in Vietnam. Loved his country, family and friends. He was a master machinist, fabricator and gas and diesel mechanic. Liked working on "old farm equipment." Ran his own repair shop in Arlington and then in Condon. He was also an avid Gold Prospector. Survived by his wife Melody, daughter Jayla of La Grande, son Harley of Condon, three granddaughters...

  • OBITUARY: Sharon Chard

    Mar 6, 2024

    Sharon Lee Chard passed on February 6, 2024, at 90 years old in the old house on Hay Canyon Road with family and friends at her side. She welcomed the passage to heaven with her wonderful smile and thankfulness for a full life. Always such a loving mother, sister, Aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother, she included family and friends with her graciousness and will be remembered with fond memories of her in their hearts. She always put others first and made sure everyone...

  • OBITUARY: Steve Douglas Riney

    Mar 6, 2024

    Steve Douglas Riney, age 72, passed away with his family by his side in Prineville, Oregon, December 17, 2023, from pancreatic cancer. Steve was born August 20, 1951, to Albert and Peggy Dean Riney in Condon, Oregon. He grew up in Condon until he graduated from Condon High School in 1969. Steve then attended COCC in Bend, Oregon where he received his Associates Degree in Forestry. After finishing his Forestry degree, Steve moved to Bly, Oregon where he worked for the United States Forest Service for six years. While living...

  • OBITUARY: Roderick Franklin Paul

    Mar 6, 2024

    Roderick Franklin Paul, 79, of Wheeler County, Oregon passed away February 5th, 2024 after a long struggle with dementia and diabetes. They certainly broke the mold when Frank and Winzora "Bobbie" (Toney) Paul brought him into the world on May 17, 1944 in Portland, OR. Frank, a postal deliveryman, and Bobbie, a homemaker, raised Rick along with his older sister Winnie in the Roseburg area. Some of his fondest memories growing up were wild times with friends in Douglas County...

  • OBITUARY: Ellis Dean McRoberts

    Mar 6, 2024

    Ellis Dean McRoberts, 89, passed away peacefully the morning of January 28, 2024 at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner. Early in the month, he said, "he really didn't want to go, but if it was his time, he would accept it". He was a sweetheart, and his smile will be deeply missed. Ellis and his fraternal twin brother, Arlo, were born on September 27, 1934, to William Thomas McRoberts and Stella May McDandell in Morrow County. Shortly after his birth, William McRoberts...

  • OBITUARY: Thomas Dawson Callahan

    Mar 6, 2024

    Thomas Dawson Callahan died peacefully on January 20th at Quail Park Memory Care in West Seattle, surrounded by family. He was 94. He was born in Portland, Oregon in 1929. His parents divorced when he was young, and during that upheaval, he and his sister grew very close. Their mother later married a construction worker, and they moved frequently in their younger years. Eventually the family settled in Manning, Oregon, where they ran a small café. They had a succession of...

  • OBITUARY: Kevin Scott Logan

    Mar 6, 2024

    Kevin Scott Logan passed on January 25, 2024 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington at the age of 62. He resided in Kennewick, Washington in the last years, but grew up in Arlington, graduating from high school in 1980. Kevin is preceded in death by his mother, Cami Conners (John) of Boise, Idaho in 2016. He is survived by his father Buzz and wife Jeanette of Ione, Oregon. Surviving siblings include: Jeff and Donna Logan of Anchorage, Alaska; Toby Logan of Thailand/and McMurdo Station, Antarctica; Travis and Janell...

  • OBITUARY: Georgia Lee Hoover Stiles

    Mar 6, 2024

    Well known Roseburg resident Georgia Lee Hoover Stiles passed away on January 18th. Stiles and her former husband Bill, came to Roseburg in 1961. Stiles was well known for her many contributions to the community through both work and volunteering. She was one of the first women to join the local Rotary Club in 1989. Stiles was later president of the North Roseburg Rotary. Stiles was especially proud of the all-inclusive playground project at River Forks Park, which was her brain-child. It was completed in 2015 after...

  • OBITUARY: Roberta "Bobie" Ainardi

    Mar 6, 2024

    Bobie Ainardi, 90, of Arlington, passed away January 10, 2024 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on May 27, 1933 in Kansas City, MO. She was #5 of 15 kids. They came to the Northwest in a 1929 Whippet, 7 kids, mom, dad, aunt and uncle. She loved to camp and fish. Her 90th birthday was a camping trip to the ocean where all of her surviving siblings were able to attend. She also did a lot of crafting. She really enjoyed entering things in the Gilliam County Fair....

  • OBITUARY: Stanton Vancleve Hadley

    Mar 6, 2024

    Stanton Vancleve Hadley was born in Boardman, Oregon in 1925, to Glen Roy Hadley and Ivy Kate Page Hadley. He grew up on the family farm, just north of Boardman, Oregon and attended school in Boardman. When he was 14 the family sold the farm and moved to Fossil, Oregon. Stan attended Wheeler County High School. Two months before his 18th birthday, in 1943, he joined the Navy and entered World War II. When the war ended in 1945, he came back to Fossil and went to work for...

  • OBITUARY: Eleanor Mary (Reed) Ordway

    Mar 6, 2024

    Eleanor Mary (Reed) Ordway (99) was born in Kahler Basin near Spray, Oregon, to Leslie and Mary Reed on July 12, 1924 where she was raised, attended school, and married her beloved husband Robert (Bob) M. Ordway, in 1942. A lifetime resident and descendant of early Oregon pioneers, Eleanor lived a long, healthy, and remarkable life with many descendants and traversed the generational innovations of the past to the present. Life for Eleanor began near "High Springs" in the...

  • OBITUARY: Darlene Adair (Wetherell) Deen

    Mar 6, 2024

    Darlene Adair (Wetherell) Deen passed peacefully in her sleep December 15, 2023 with her faithful little dog standing guard at her side. Those of us that knew and loved her, however, know she didn't go peacefully – she went barefoot, bareback, and free. She rode that wild horse like a banshee just as fast as it would carry her to her love of 53 years' side; where he'd sat impatiently waiting for the last 15 years! Darlene was born December 10, 1938, the youngest of three...

  • OBITUARY: Walter Eugene "Bill" Turner

    Mar 6, 2024

    Walter Eugene "Bill" Turner was born on November 6th, 1934, in Stanley, VA, to Thelma & Walter Lee Turner. He passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup, WA, on November 7th, 2023, one day after his 89th birthday, and just four months after losing his wife of 66 years. Walter grew up in West Virginia and faced many hardships in his childhood. At the age of 14, he worked his first job delivering milk to help support his mom and 5 siblings after the disappearance of...

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