Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston will receive just over $6.1 million in funding thanks to a funding package from the Oregon Legislature to help keep small rural hospitals afloat as they continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Hospitals have faced funding challenges this year as people have avoided seeking treatment for conditions and delayed or canceled lucrative elective surgeries. The state is sending $50 million in grant funding from Business Oregon to 20 rural hospitals, including Good Shepherd.

Rep. Greg Smith said in a statement that the package was a “significant victory for Morrow, Umatilla, and Wasco Counties and District 57 as a whole.”

“We have worked hard to ensure that these dollars are being spent the way that they were intended,” he said. “I was also very pleased to see that Good Shepherd in Hermiston received the second largest award in the state. These hospitals are a crucial part of rural Oregon and I am proud to see this money coming back home.”

The grants can be used to cover necessary expenditures, such as additional personal protective equipment, incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020.

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Free fishing this weekend

Everyone can fish for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, no fishing licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required to fish, crab or clam in Oregon that weekend.

Although no licenses or tags are required, all other fishing regulations apply, including closures, bag limits and size restrictions.

In a news release, the agency reminded people to practice social distancing while out fishing and participating in other forms of recreation, to stay home if sick and to be prepared with hand santizer, masks and other supplies. Some restrooms and other facilities near fishing spots may be closed to COVID-19.

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Senior takeout meals include spaghetti

The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center continues to provide takeout and delivery meals to senior citizens in the community.

The menu for Thursday, Aug. 13, is BBQ beef sandwich, potato salad, fruit and dessert.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, is spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert.

For a Meals on Wheels delivery, call 541-567-3582 before 10 a.m. to place an order. To pick up a meal from the center at 255 Northeast Second St., call the same number before 11 a.m.

Meals are $4 and can be picked up between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.