Students enter the Hermiston High School building for the first day of school Aug. 30, 2023. The Hermiston City Council at its meeting Nov. 25, 2024, passed an ordinance establishing a daytime curfew to promote school attendance.

Hermiston School District began its 2023-24 academic year this past Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Reporter Daneli Atilano was there to get the story for us. 

My two children entered the school district this year, and it’s been an adjustment for them.

My son enters middle school after spending the past two years attending online schools. He’s having some issues early on, but the administration and teachers have been nothing but helpful to him, as well me and my wife, as he adjusts to being back in a physical classroom.

My daughter enters her junior year, and thankfully she’s having an easier time. She’s made some acquaintances in band and seems to be on her way to adjusting nicely. Again, thankfully the school’s staff, as well as some students, have been helping her as she navigates a new school.

Another example of helping teens is Daneli’s story about the Pendleton Center for the Arts Market2 Market program. The PCA aims to teach young artists the ins and outs of creating goods, designing brands and marketing, packaging and selling their work in commercial spaces. 

With school back in session, check out my column about stepping up our safety game as drivers to help ensure that students get to and from school safely. Look for the column’s tips for drivers and students that offer how to be safer during this school year. 

I hope you follow the tips. Otherwise, you might see some police lights in your rearview mirror. And while I mention police, check out Hermiston Herald contributor Laura Kostad’s story on Hermiston PD needing to grow its ranks to keep up with the city’s growing population. Police Chief Jason Edmiston says although the department takes the biggest slice of the city’s budget, it needs more money to fund three additional officer positions.   

Speaking of slice, read Reporter Tammy Malgesini’s column about taking a slice out of life on the golf course. Like Tammy, I enjoy playing golf, so maybe I’ll have her give me a lesson or two since it’s been a couple of years since I’ve played.

But two years is nothing compared to the 72 years it’s been since Oregonians have been able to pump their own gasat gas stations. So Daneli went out and asked some residents their thoughts on the renewed ability to gas up their vehicles themselves. Some like it and some want a helping hand.

A helping hand is what Jessica Marcum, Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 community paramedic, provides to people. Check out Daneli’s story on Marcum attending to local residents’ medical needs in their homes.

Look for these stories as well as my story on the Irrigon Farmer’s Market and Herald contributor Ashley Seibel’s stories on the Wildflower Salon in Stanfield and a new mobile Drip IV business.

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 me at tsnell@hermistonherald.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. 

Travis Snell is the editor for the Hermiston Herald.