It was another busy week at the Hermiston Herald. Here are a few of our recent stories…

BULLYING IN HERMISTON

Bullying can take a toll, leading to mental health issues and poor school performance. In the latest issue of the Hermiston Herald, an elementary school student, Marc Martinez, opened up about how bulling hurts him.

Marc told us about how uncomfortable he is at school in Hermiston. Though the school district and the school have policies about bullying, and though school staff has tried to solve his problem, the bullying continues.

The 11-year-old boy is at his wit’s end. He doesn’t think the bullying will ever stop. Meanwhile, his excitement for school, sports and other interests is dwindling.

His problem is not his alone. Other students face the same issues, and other school districts and schools are addressing bullying, too.

NEW MAYOR IN STANFIELD

Stanfield City Councilor Susan Whelan is set to be the town’s new mayor. Her fellow councilors selected her to replace the recently deceased Mayor Thomas McCann at a recent city council meeting. She will be sworn in Tuesday, May 3.

Whelan said she has big shoes to fill. She said Tom was an excellent mayor, and he was loved by his community.

Still, she said, she will be the best mayor that she can be. To this end, she said she will meet with the public regularly at events outside of City Council meetings. One of her priorities, she said, is being accessible.

NEW PORT DIRECTOR CHOSEN

On Wednesday, April 27, the Port of Morrow announced its choice for its new executive director. Lisa Mittelsdorf will step into the position May 9.

Mittelsdorf has been with the Port of Morrow for more than 30 years, working closely with previous directors. As executive director, she will be responsible for the management and administration of port activities.