Thank you for your interest in reading the Hermiston Herald. Here are a few stories that you might have missed this week:

Public safety news piqued the interest of many online readers in the past week. The Hermiston Herald website included stories about the conviction of a La Grande man for the 2020 death of Jesus Eli Lopez, of Hermiston.

Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus told East Oregonian editor Phil Wright that the Oregon State Police and the local major crimes team helped investigate this case. However, Primus said the Hermiston Police Department displayed “phenomenal police work” in uncovering evidence that helped convict Keith Michael Beridon, 28, of second-degree murder.

Readers also learned about an April 18 raid by the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team in Hermiston. The drug team served a search warrant on East Beech Avenue, resulting in the arrest of two people.

The case is ongoing, and BENT will refer additional charges to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office.

Look for a staff report in the April 26 Hermiston Herald about a minivan that slammed into an excavator in a road work zone in Stanfield. An Oregon Department of Transportation worker was taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released.

With the April 19 crash occurring during National Work Zone Awareness Week, ODOT took the opportunity to remind motorists of the importance of making sure work zones are safe for everyone.

Also, watch for a business story by reporter Dakota Castets-Didier with photos by Yasser Marte about a colorful fishmonger in the upcoming Herald. “Capt.” Johnny Rush, who sells a variety of fish out of a customized school bus, set his anchor in Hermiston again.

Rush offers up everything from halibut and lingcod to sea bass and salmon. His bus is parked in the vicinity of 80796 Highway 395, Hermiston.

Reporter Beau Glynn will shine a spotlight on Boardman — in this coming week’s Outskirts page. Look for information about candidates for upcoming elections in the town and Morrow County.

And it’s almost time to giddy up for the 75th annual Arlington Jackpot Rodeo. Learn more about the two-day event that features two days of arena action, a parade, the queen’s luncheon and a cowboy breakfast.

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.