My Columbia Basin

12/21/2024

MLB STAR RICKEY HENDERSON DIES AT 65

(Via FOX Sports) Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, MLB’s all-time leader in stolen bases and runs scored, has died at 65.

Read more in the link below:

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/hall-famer-rickey-henderson-mlb-all-time-stolen-base-king-dies-at-65

12/21/2024

Reward offered for wolf killed in Morrow County

PORTLAND – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information regarding the killing of a federally-listed endangered gray wolf in Morrow County. That county is located west of Highway 395 where wolves are listed as endangered and therefore under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
Read the whole story at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/reward-offered-for-wolf-killed-in-morrow-county/

12/21/2024

If you're struggling and need someone to talk to, call the non-crisis Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Warm Line. Free. Confidential. Non-Judgemental. Call 541-969-0010 ~ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year ~

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12/21/2024

ROAD CONDITIONS for Sat., 12/21/2024 as of 6:30 a.m.
All reports below are according to the latest update by ODOT via tripcheck.com and WSDOT via wsdot.wa.gov
OREGON
I-84 TROUTDALE: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 CASCADE LOCKS: No report
I-84 HOOD RIVER to ARLINGTON: Overcast, bare pavement
I-84 HERMISTON to PENDLETON: Areas of dense fog, limited visibility, bare pavement
I-84 CABBAGE HILL: Ground fog, Visibility of less than 500 feet. Oversized loads drive by your permit, spots of ice
I-84 MEACHAM to LADD CANYON: Overcast, bare pavement
I-84 BAKER VALLEY to ONTARIO: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-82 UMATILLA: Areas of dense fog, limited visibility, bare pavement
US 395 PENDLETON to PILOT ROCK: Ground fog, Visibility of less than 500 feet. Oversized loads drive by your permit, spots of ice
US 395 BATTLE MOUNTAIN: Partly cloudy, spots of ice
US 97 MORO, SHANIKO: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
US 97 BEND: No report
OR 11 MILTON-FREEWATER to PENDLETON: Ground fog, Visibility of less than 500 feet. Oversized loads drive by your permit, spots of ice
OR 19 CONDON: Ground fog, bare pavement
OR 204 WESTON MOUNTAIN: Ground fog, Visibility of less than 500 feet. Oversized loads drive by your permit, spots of ice
OR 204 TOLLGATE: Overcast, spots of ice
OR 207 HEPPNER, SPRAY MOUNTAIN: Partly cloudy, spots of ice
WASHINGTON
I-82 TRI-CITIES: Overcast, bare pavement
US 12 WALLA WALLA: Ground fog, limited visibility, spots of ice
US 12 WHITE PASS: No restrictions, overcast, roadway is bare and wet
I-90 SNOQUALMIE PASS: No restrictions, overcast, roadway is mostly bare and wet

12/21/2024

Diesel spill occurs after contractor's vehicle vandalized

WALLA WALLA - (News release from city of Walla Walla) — The city of Walla Walla is assisting Culbert Construction, the contractor for the Pioneer Park Pedestrian Improvements and Whitman Street IRRP project, in responding to a diesel spill at the intersection of Division and Newell Street. The spill occurred after the contractor's vehicle was vandalized, with diesel siphoned from the tank and the siphoning hose left in place. This resulted in the release of up to 80 gallons of diesel, which has affected stormwater systems connected to Bryant Creek. The Washington State Department of Ecology has been notified of the incident.

To contain the diesel spill, containment booms were installed at six locations along Bryant Creek. These booms are essential tools for preventing the spread of oil, minimizing the risk of shoreline contamination and other environmental damage. They work by concentrating the oil into thicker surface layers, making it easier for recovery operations. The booms will be monitored throughout the weekend, and replacements will be made as needed.

The city will continue to provide updates on the situation. If residents have concerns or questions regarding the diesel spill, they are encouraged to contact non-emergency dispatch at 509-527-1960.

Photo via city of Walla Walla shows city staff placing the booms into Bryant Creek.

12/21/2024

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12/21/2024

GRANT COUNTY - A bull was recently killed and mutilated on private property near the community of Ritter in rural Grant County.

GRANT COUNTY – A recent case of cattle mutilation is being investigated. Folks in the ...Read More

12/20/2024

Walla Walla mayor addresses hate-filled chalking downtown

WALLA WALLA – For months now, members of the Walla Walla City Council and city staff have received emails and phone calls asking the city to take action to prevent the chalking of hate-filled messages on downtown city sidewalks. Following public comments at the start of Wednesday’s city council meeting, Mayor Tom Scribner addressed citizen’s concerns.

Scribner said that City Attorney Tim Donaldson is working on a proposed solution.

“The city attorney is looking at the various cases dealing with this First Amendment chalking issue and hopes to have something for us early next year, in January, that the council will discuss,” Scribner said.

In his remarks, Scribner said Donaldson’s proposal may not meet everyone’s satisfaction but wanted the citizens to be aware that regarding the chalking of hateful messages, “The city is taking it seriously; they’re hearing from you.”

Once the city council receives the city attorney’s proposal, Scribner said citizens will have a chance to comment on it.

12/20/2024

County could become a nuclear test site

UMATILLA COUNTY – The Oregon Legislature will be asked to consider a step toward setting commercial nuclear power guidelines for the state. Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran says a legislative concept is being proposed that would make the county a test site for the commercial use of small modular nuclear reactors.

He said the heavy energy demands for today’s industries – from agriculture to data farms – mean more energy options must be found. Dorran also said the energy has to come from somewhere, and there are limits to what can be supplied by hydropower, wind, and solar arrays.

He said that getting the support of the legislature would be just the first step.

“It asks for a referendum from the people of Umatilla County to be in support,” he said. “It talks about waste and how the waste is to be handled compared to federal guidelines. It talks about permitting.”

Dorran talked in depth about the plan in the second half of the Dec. 19 Coffee Hour on KUMA-AM. It’s available as a podcast at https://omny.fm/shows/coffee-hour-podcast.

12/20/2024

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐭, 𝐎𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐭

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Commerce and Compliance Division has an important reminder as weather conditions have prompted several road closures already this season. Oregon's chain law applies to all highways throughout the state. When you drive in winter conditions, you may see signs telling you to carry chains or traction tires, and when you are required to use them. In some areas, lighted message signs also will advise you about chaining up. Traction tires may be used in place of chains on vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less and that are not towing or being towed. Commercial drivers failing to use chains when signs require could result in a traffic violation with a penalty of $880. Failure to install chains on commercial vehicles is a contributing factor in crashes that can shut down highways for many hours. The estimated cost of delays caused by trucks failing to chain up is over eight million dollars a year, to the motor carrier industry and other highway users. So help us keep Oregon moving and remember to chain up when required!

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12/20/2024

Jasmine Strong Toy Drive keeps growing

UMATILLA COUNTY – Jasmine Ellwood, the daughter of Det. Mike Ellwood of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, was a teenager battling cancer at a hospital in Portland in 2019. She noticed how families far from home tried to bring Christmas to their sick children and decided to do something about it. Her father, who was an officer for the Hermiston Police Department at the time, helped.

The result is for the sixth year, the Jasmine Strong Toy Drive has delivered toys to Ronald McDonald houses and hospitals throughout Oregon and Washington. This year the drive branched out to include locations in Idaho as well. The toys go to children far from home who are undergoing serious medical treatments.

Walmart stores and that company’s transportation branch stepped up to fill their trucks with toys and help deliver them to the locations. While the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office plays a major role in delivering the toys, the convoys are met by law enforcement at their destinations to es**rt them.

“We’re delivering 99 pallets of toys this year, Undersheriff Jim Littlefield said. “We’re thinking there are 200,000 to 300,000 toys.”

This week is delivery week. As the week draws to a close, Littlefield says it’s a great deal of work, but it brings UCSO and everyone involved a great deal of satisfaction.

Photo from UCSO shows a Jasmine Strong delivery in Seattle.

12/20/2024

Milton-Freewater sniper team competes in national championship

MILTON-FREEWATER – Two Eastern Oregon soldiers recently represented the state at a prestigious military sniper competition, demonstrating the unique capabilities of local National Guard members.

Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer and Sgt. Dakota Hodges, both from the Milton-Freewater-based Third Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, competed against elite marksmen from around the world at the 2024 Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center near Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Read the full story at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/milton-freewater-sniper-team-competes-in-national-championship/

12/20/2024

HHS wins app competition

HERMISTON – (News release from the Hermiston School District) Hermiston High School seniors Yahir Conejo-Garcia, Bryson Jeppeson, and Yael Estrada Gutierrez have been named winners of the Congressional App Challenge for Oregon’s Second District. Their app, designed to assist students and professionals in modeling and furnishing rooms, showcases innovation and teamwork.

Read the full story at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/hhs-wins-app-competition/

12/20/2024

ROAD CONDITIONS for Friday, 12/20/24 as of 6:20 a.m.
All reports below are according to the latest update by ODOT via tripcheck.com and WSDOT via wsdot.wa.gov
OREGON
I-84 TROUTDALE to CASCADE LOCKS: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 HOOD RIVER: Partly cloudy, spots of ice
I-84 THE DALLES: Mist, bare pavement
I-84 BIGGS JUNCTION to ARLINGTON: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 HERMISTON to PENDLETON: Areas of fog, otherwise cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 CABBAGE HILL: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 MEACHAM: Partly cloudy, spots of ice
I-84 LADD CANYON: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
I-84 BAKER VALLEY to ONTARIO: Overcast, bare pavement
I-82 UMATILLA: Areas of fog, otherwise cloudy, bare pavement
US 395 PENDLETON to PILOT ROCK: Areas of fog, otherwise cloudy, bare pavement
US 395 BATTLE MOUNTAIN: Partly cloudy, spots of ice
US 97 MORO, SHANIKO, BEND: No report
OR 11 MILTON-FREEWATER to PENDLETON: Ground fog, Visibility of less than 500 feet. Oversized loads drive by your permit, spots of ice
OR 19 CONDON: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
OR 204 WESTON MOUNTAIN: Ground fog, spots of ice
OR 204 TOLLGATE: Overcast, spots of ice
OR 207 HEPPNER, SPRAY MOUNTAIN: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
WASHINGTON
I-82 TRI-CITIES: Partly cloudy, bare pavement
US 12 WALLA WALLA: Areas of fog, otherwise cloudy, bare pavement
US 12 WHITE PASS: No restrictions, Partly cloudy, with occasional light rain, Roadway is bare and wet
I-90 SNOQUALMIE PASS: No restrictions, Overcast, with areas of fog, Bare and wet

12/20/2024

Join Flying X Speakeasy Lounge for a roaring good time: Speakeasy 1920s Style NYE Party
* Dinner service from 4-8pm (reservations required). Try out the MUCH REQUESTED New 15oz certified Angus choice Rib Eye!
* DJ Rock N Roll Damnation will be providing entertainment from 9pm-1am.
* 21+ event after 9pm. Open to the public. Cover at the door.
Dress up 20s/30s or as fancy as you want.
* Limited space available. Call for seat reservations for party time.
* We will host give-aways, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight🥂
Call or DM Tim for more info.
5412158466
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12/19/2024

City combats major water leak

PENDLETON – A vehicle struck a fire hydrant on Westgate in Pendleton last Thursday. The resulting damage caused the hydrant to separate on Friday. The result was a major water leak.

Public works crews labored over the weekend and early this week to repair the hydrant and damage that the leak caused.

City officials are asking if the public ever sees or causes damage to city systems, they report it to the Public Works Department as soon as possible by calling 541-966-0202. If the damage to street, sewer, and water city service issues after hours, call the Umatilla County Emergency Dispatch Center at 541-966-3651.

Photo from the city of Pendleton

12/19/2024

Asbestos leads to increased costs in Port of Walla Walla project

WALLA WALLA – Port of Walla Walla Commission approved an increase in the budget for the Avery Business Park roadway and infrastructure project from $800,000 to $940,000, due to an unexpected find during excavation.

The adjustment was made Tuesday after asbestos was discovered around two underground steam pipes, believed to be from a former hospital.

The state completed asbestos abatement on Nov. 19, causing a two-week delay. Nelson Construction’s original asphalt subcontractor was first scheduled to perform their work in mid-November. With this delay, the original subcontractor was not able to do the work as their asphalt plant is closed for the winter.

Nelson Construction secured another asphalt subcontractor, with a plant still open, to complete the paving of the roadway. Unfortunately, the new asphalt subcontractor’s costs were much higher than the original subcontractor costs.

The Port of Walla Walla is responsible for completing this full access road improvement by the end of this year for the new 5,300 square foot Frito-Lay distribution warehouse. Once operational, the warehouse will create six to 10 new jobs.

12/19/2024

Shafer takes charge of Association of Oregon Counties

SALEM – Umatilla County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Shafer is the new president of the Association of Oregon Counties. In his inaugural address, he told members that his 2025 presidential initiative will focus on mental health and behavioral health.

He told his peers that AOC will work toward equipping itself to exercise “all our mental health authority to foster healthy, vibrant, and safe counties across Oregon.”

Read the full story at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/shafer-takes-charge-of-association-of-oregon-counties/