A brief report about a road surface collapse on Highway 730 near Cold Springs Junction, east of Umatilla, caught a lot of traffic on the Herald website earlier this week. The Oregon Department of Transportation reported crews made temporary repairs when a culvert initially failed mid-April.

The May 2 collapse led to a temporary road closure of both east and westbound lanes. ODOT reported the new construction work should result in more permanent repairs.

In other traffic-related news, Jeffrey Dean Toms, 53, was arrested by Oregon State Police for driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving and second-degree manslaughter.

Police report that the Boardman man struck and killed a pedestrian on April 29 near the Rocket Mart in Hermiston. Toms remains in the Umatilla County Jail, with bail set for $500,000.

A front page story by reporter Beau Glynn informed readers about Boardman’s city manager search. Finalists for the job participated in a meet-and-greet Tuesday, May 2. 

After the city extended a conditional offer of employment in February, that candidate withdrew her name from consideration. 

Karen Pettigrew, who retired in January, initially took the job as city manager pro-tem in August 2007.  While no longer in charge of the city’s day-to-day operations, Pettigrew was sworn in as a city councilor on Jan. 10.

And in next week’s edition — or view online now — readers can learn more about Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent visit to Eastern Oregon. In light of contaminated water issues, Boardman residents requested that the governor visit the city to hear first-hand how high nitrate levels have impacted their lives.

Michael Kane, of Northeast Oregon Now, and Hermiston Herald photojournalist Yasser Marte provided coverage of the governor’s visit, which included a community forum and a tour of several sites where high levels of nitrates have leaked.

To help address concerns, Kotek said she requested $6.2 million from the Legislature. Also, she said the state hired an epidemiologist to determine if there’s a correlation between the contaminated water and health issues of local residents. 

In community news, read about some exciting events planned at the SAGE Center in Boardman. The interactive visitor center will celebrate its 10-year anniversary throughout the week of May 15-20. Activities include free viewing of “Night at the Museum,” lunch and special treats during Cheese Day. 

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.