Week of March 28, 2024

Condon 'The Round-Up' building sells

Stephen Allen | Mar 27, 2024

The Condon Round-Up has sold to Nick Smith of Tigard. Smith has been visiting Condon for many years and is a close friend of Scott and Steve Miller and of the Miller family. Smith is the Senior Project Manager at Emerick Construction, one of the largest residential and commercial builders in the Portland area. During trips to Condon, Smith would often visit the town's favorite watering holes, including the Round-Up and the Elks Lodge. After the Round-Up closed on New Year's...

Gilliam County recall election scheduled

Stephen Allen | Mar 27, 2024

Gilliam County Clerk Ellen Wagenaar has scheduled a special election for April 30, 2024. Voters will decide whether Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell and Commissioner Pat Shannon should be recalled, or if they will be allowed to finish their terms in office. Ballots are set to be mailed out on Wednesday, April 10 and will be due back on Tuesday, April 30. Recall petition signatures were submitted to the Gilliam County Clerk's Office last week. After being verified, both Judge...

Sherman chapter shines at state FFA convention

Jessica R. Wheeler | Mar 27, 2024

FFA chapters from Sherman County School and Condon High School had a big weekend at Oregon FFA State Convention last weekend. Held in Redmond, the 96th annual Oregon FFA State Convention featured a number of state level career and leadership development events, workshops, keynote speakers, a college/career expo and the election of the next year's Oregon FFA State Officers, Sherman FFA advisor Nels Swenson said. Swenson is Sherman's agriculture science teacher and FFA advisor....

Cedar Springs Road ready for changes

Stephen Allen | Mar 27, 2024

Before Waste Management came to Gilliam County, Cedar Springs Road was one like any other. Two lanes and gravel, the road was used by area farmers and some fishermen that were headed to the John Day River. But over the years, Cedar Springs Road has been used heavily as the Columbia Ridge Waste Management site has grown. With contracts from Portland Metro and Seattle, the Columbia Ridge landfill is the county's largest employer. At the joint work session on February 22 between...

Housing and remediation discussions continue for old Condon Grade School

Stephen Allen | Mar 20, 2024

Efforts to remediate and revitalize the old Condon Grade School were discussed by the Environmental Sentry Corp board of directors last week at its monthly meeting. The Environmental Sentry Corp is the non-profit wing of the Port of Arlington. The non-profit has been utilized to help with remediation efforts on large projects that are outside of the Port's scope and abilities. The Environmental Sentry Corps took ownership of the old Condon Grade School last year and has...

Sherman County Cultural Coalition spring grant open

Mar 22, 2024

The Sherman County Cultural Coalition has set an application deadline of March 31, 2024 for the Sherman County Cultural Coalition Spring Grant Cycle. Up to $1,500 for local culture, humanities, heritage, and arts. Open to individuals/groups. Apply at www.shermancountyculturalcoalition.com. Questions? Contact Melva Thomas, 541-980-4968 or shermancultural...

Gilliam County Sheriff to be President of Western States Sheriff's Association

Mar 22, 2024

Gilliam County Sheriff Gary Bettencourt has been selected to be the next President of the Western States Sheriff Association. The Western States Sheriff Association is made up of sheriffs and command staff from seventeen western states, which spans from Texas to Oregon. Sheriff Bettencourt has been active with the Western States Sheriff's Association for several years and will take over from Sheriff Corey Helton of Lea County, New...

Gilliam County recall signature sheets submitted

Mar 22, 2024

Signatures sheets for the recall of Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell and Commissioner Pat Shannon were given to the Gilliam Co. Clerk on March 19, 2024. A total of 150 signatures for each recall petition was required and according to members of the recall campaigns, that number was met. The signatures will need to be verified by County Clerk Ellen Wagenaar, and if shown to be valid, will give five days to Judge Farrar Campbell and Commissioner Shannon to either resign or...

Gilliam County Cultural Coalition sets spring grant deadline

Mar 22, 2024

The Gilliam county Cultural Coalition has set a grant application deadline for March 28, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on April 4, 2024. Non-profits, groups, and individuals are encouraged to apply for up to $1,500 in funding for activities that focus on arts, culture, heritage, and humanities. Applications are available online at www.co.gilliam.or.us/residents...

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...

  • 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...

  • Statement from Cliff Bentz regarding his vote in favor of "The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act" (FCAA)

    Press Release | Mar 22, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cliff Bentz, (OR-2) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of the "The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act" (FCAA): "This was a difficult vote. There is much I dislike in this bill, but when we Republicans barely control only one of the three branches of government (House, Senate, White House), the results our team obtained after months of work and thousands of amendments are deserving of serious respect. Additionally,...

  • 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...

  • OBITUARY: Carol Ann Welborn

    Mar 27, 2024

    Carol Ann Welborn, 69, of Lonerock, Oregon died March 23, 2024, in Culver, Oregon with family by her side. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery in Heppner, Oregon, with a potluck dinner in Lonerock at 2 p.m. at the Community Center. She was born October 9, 1954 at Beaverton, Oregon, the second child of Shirley Mary Greene Phillips and James Terry Phillips. Carol graduated high school and did two terms at Southern Oregon College, and after deciding college was...

  • 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...

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