Turnout for last week’s elections was only 14% in Umatilla County, falling below the state’s turnout of 21%.

Voters may have felt uninspired by the lack of contested races. The Hermiston ballot had a single contested race — Umatilla County Fire District board member Spike Piersol beat challenger Sebastian Sanchez by 74%.

Hermiston School District’s board all kept their seats after running unopposed.

Stanfield School District also passed their new bond (for more information see A7).

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This week wraps up our spotlight of Hermiston High School for the month of May. For information about what HHS students have been up to lately, see A4, A8 and A9.

Next week will be a busy one for the high school as they prepare to celebrate graduation with a commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Toyota Center in the Tri-Cities.

June’s spotlight school will be Rocky Heights Elementary School, so watch for information and stories about the school and its staff.

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With spring in full bloom, P.E.O. Chapter DR is cultivating final plans for the Hermiston Garden Tour. In its 17th year, the event raises money to assist women in realizing their potential through education.

The June 8 tour features six local gardens. People can purchase tickets for $15 at Cottage Flowers, Kopacz Nursery & Florist or Westwinds Nursery, all of Hermiston. See the June 5 edition of the Hermiston Herald for a full story.

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The Echo Public Library recently added to its collection, thanks to several area residents. Donations in April included books from Bonnie Berry (3), Judy Webb (3), Jessica Holben (6) and Weeb Williams (13).

Library staff encourages people to stop in and browse, including checking out books and materials about gardening.

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The world premiere of “Life of Water,” written by composer Larry Nash Groupe, is featured during the 20th anniversary reunion concert of the Inland Northwest Musicians. The Sunday, June 16 event will be held at 4 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center. Although there is no admission charge, people need to call 541-289-4696 for seat reservations. For more information, visit www.inlandnorthwestmusicians.com.

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The Stanfield Public Library is gearing up for its Ready for School Summer Program.

Kids who are age 4 or preparing for kindergarten are invited to attend a seven-week series that includes enhanced story times and weekly activities that focus on different school readiness skills.

The program is offered Mondays at 9 a.m. or Wednesdays at 6 p.m. There are slots available for 10 children during each session.

For more information or to register your child, call 541-449-1254 or stop by the library at 180 W. Coe Ave.

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The menu for the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center for Thursday is oven-baked chicken, potatoes and gravy, vegetable, fruit salad and birthday cake by Sun Terrace. Friday is soup or salad with a half sandwich and dessert.

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Third grade students from Rocky Height Elementary School will help bring history alive during a pair of performances of “The American Dream.”

The public is invited to the shows Friday at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. at Armand Larive Middle School, 1497 S.W. Ninth St., Hermiston. There is no admission charge.

For more information, call 541-667-6600.