The Martin family are winners of the Hermiston Driving Home for the Holidays for the Chamber of Commerce. Standing with their pickup are Melvin (father), Joshua, 2, Daniel, 8, Robey, 7, Coley, 5, Jenny, 4, and Tami (mother).

25 YEARS AGO

Jan. 7, 1997

The snowfall we’ve received this last week has been quite beautiful and magical, but we can’t forget what usually follows — floods.

In Umatilla County in 1997 the flooding didn’t do much harm. Agricultural areas experienced some erosion, and the roads were damaged a bit.

“Not too many folks have called in this time with damage reports,” said Cindy Asher of Umatilla County Emergency Management. Flooding from West Birch Creek ravaged a city park and closed a portion of Highway 395 about 3 miles south of Pilot Rock. Mill Creek, stemming out of the Walla Walla River north of Milton-Freewater, recorded water speeds of 2,800 cubic feet per second, which aren’t as powerful as the previous year’s 7,000 CFS speeds.

Morrow County, though not far away, seemed to get the worst of the flooding, with damage totals exceeding $250,000. Two roads south of Heppner — one at Rock Creek and the other at Willow Creek — washed away.

Culverts were damaged and at least one resident was left stranded, though thankfully there were no reports of fatalities at the time. Highway 207 reopened with one usable lane yesterday, after being closed due to high water 11 miles east of Ruggs.

With all this damage, the county commissioners of both counties are working on obtaining federal aid, but have to wait until the final damage reports and cost totals come in.

50 YEARS AGO

Jan. 6, 1972

New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and celebration. We think of all the things we have accomplished and experienced in the past 365 days. New Year’s Day is a time for the new — a fresh start. Well, what can be newer than a new person brought into the world?

The first baby born in 1972 at Umatilla County Hospital was Martin Karl Lutz, seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. David Ellis Lutz Sr. of McNary. He was born at 1:46 a.m., weighing a hefty 7 pounds and 9 ounces. For winning the “baby derby race,” he was awarded a $25 bond and a baby book from the Umatilla Hospital Auxiliary. A close runner-up, born only two hours and 19 minutes later, and 3 ounces lighter, was Heather Alexander. She is the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Alexander, and she also received a bond and baby book.

75 YEARS AGO

Jan. 9, 1947

After 37 years in public office, F.C. McKenzie is stepping back. In the last council meeting he would reside over as Hermiston mayor, he pointed out the numerous advances Hermiston had made and some of the new problems and challenges to be faced in the upcoming years. McKenzie estimated that Hermiston’s population would grow to between 4,000 and 5,000 within five years, and expressed his optimism on the new opportunities this expansion would create.

“Hermiston has more possibilities than any other city in the entire Northwest,” he enthusiastically declared. McKenzie then went on to complement his fellow council members for their dedication and camaraderie, and wished them great success under the leadership of the new mayor of Hermiston, Leander Quiring.

It was undoubtedly an emotional night for McKenzie, who had invested so much time and effort into his community. Now, he has the chance to sit back and experience all the improvements he worked to establish.

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McKenzie Rose, a sophomore at Echo High School, searched Hermiston Herald archives to compile these article summaries.