This week, our big story was the clash of opinions regarding the Oregon Health Authority-led water testing campaign in Umatilla and Morrow counties that wrapped Sept. 30. The state, along with its coalition of local public health departments and community organizations, believe they did a good job with its outreach efforts to get people to test their domestic wells for nitrates. But a La Grande-based group called the Oregon Rural Action doesn’t think the efforts went far enough. No matter which way you look at it, ultimately anyone with a domestic well in the two counties should get their water tested.

On a lighter note, the Family Health Associates medical clinic in Umatilla held a groundbreaking for a new, bigger facility Thursday evening next to the current one. Umatilla Health District officials, which owns the clinic, have worked for several years to get a new clinic built because medical providers and patients have outgrown the existing facility. The old clinic, which is a modular building, is expected to be moved and used as a shelter for the homeless once the new clinic is complete.

Reporter Daneli Atilano gave us a preview of this year’s Amazon Web Services Girls’ Tech Day, which Hermiston High School will host on Saturday, Oct. 14. First created in 2018, the day is meant to teach and inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

She also brought us a story on the unfortunate passing of Hermiston Police Department’s Lt. Randell Studebaker, 44, after his long battle with cancer. He spent a decade with the HPD before retiring in 2022. A celebration of his life was held Friday at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center.

Annie Fowler with the East Oregonian, who supplies the vast majority of the Hermiston Herald’s sports content, reported this week on Hermiston High School filling two coaching positions. Troy Benson, who assisted with the girls golf program for the past two years, will take over the program in the spring, while the Bulldogs’ softball team will be under the direction of Rylee Christianson, who coaches youth teams with the Washington Angels program in the Tri-Cities.

Hermiston Herald intern McKenzie Rose supplied us this week with not only the Hermiston History, but she also gave us two other stories. One covers Echo Schools’ Echo Watershed Day this past Tuesday as third and fourth graders ventured outside the classroom to learn more about the word around them from local conservation groups.

Her other story is about the Inland Northwest Musicians group that is celebrating its 25th anniversary starting this fall. The INWM is comprised of three ensembles: the Willow Creek Symphony, Inland Northwest Orchestra and Inland Northwest Chorale.

And speaking of celebration, if you’re looking for one, check out Echo’s Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 14. Don your lederhosen and dirndls for a German celebration featuring food, beer/wine, music and fun from 4-10 p.m. at Echo Ridge Cellars. Admission is $25. Pre-sale tickets, which include a $5 bonus token, are available at Echo Ridge Cellars.

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.