With graduation season edging ever closer, a recent Hermiston Herald story examined a possible connection with Hermiston School District’s graduation rates and its decision to opt out of the InterMountain Education Service District in 2015.

Except for the classes of 2020 and 2021, Hermiston has lagged behind the Oregon state average four-year cohort graduation rate. Reporter Dakota Castets-Didier caught up with both Hermistion Superintendent Tricia Mooney and IMESD Superintendent Mark Mulvihill.

Mooney, who was not with the district when the decision to opt out was made, minimized the impact it has had on graduation rates, saying it’s more of a reflection of the particular strengths of different groups of students.

And in a story by freelance reporter Laura Kostad, readers learned about a surge in housing development in Stanfield with approximately 450 new homes expected in the next few years. City Manager Benjamin Burgener said that could result in a roughly 50% population gain since the 2020 U.S. census.

In the coming edition of the Herald, look for a story about the expansion of Warmline, a peer-support hotline, to 24 hours, seven days a week. Under the umbrella of Community Counseling Solutions, the crisis line also will be available for those who speak Spanish.

Also, Life Flight Network announced plans last fall to open a new 24-hour helicopter critical care transport service in Hermiston. Reporter Beau Glynn will share about progress on that project.

And in community/school news, learn about an ongoing partnership with the Umatilla School District and a camp on the Oregon coast. National Honor Society students and advisors recently returned from Rockaway Beach after pitching in for two days as a community service project working on the grounds at Twin Rocks Friends Camp.

It’s all part of the Hermiston Herald’s efforts, both in print and online, to keep you informed about the latest happenings throughout Umatilla and Morrow counties. As always, if you have a news tip to share or want to ask a question about our news coverage, drop a note to Herald publisher Andrew Cutler at this email address: acutler@eomediagroup.com.  

And, finally, let me take this opportunity to thank our subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support. 

Tammy Malgesini is the community editor for the Hermiston Herald.