25 YEARS AGO

Dec. 15, 1998

As part of a multinational agreement, the Umatilla Chemical Depot sent away its last eight truckloads of chemicals that were to be used for weapons on Dec. 14, 1998, to be destroyed.

During the Chemical Weapons Convention, the United States was one of 121 countries that agreed to cut down its chemical weapon stockpiles. This included at least 95 percent of the nation’s projectile M687 — more than 200,000 rounds — which had to be disposed of by April 29, 1999.

Each of Umatilla’s M687 155-millimeter canisters was just one-half of the binary weapon. The two chemical agents were kept separate; their union created a lethal weapon. Stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot since 1993, the canisters contained rubbing alcohol and isopropyl amine.

More than 500 truck trips — from four to 22 truckloads a week — had been made to move the chemicals from Umatilla to a depot in Nevada, where they would be drained and shipped to an approved treatment, storage and disposal facility. The metal shells were scheduled to be melted down by early January and the chemicals would be fully destroyed one month later.

With things one month ahead of schedule, officials were satisfied with the progress and the message such actions conveyed.

“The fact that we destroyed it … is a lesson to the world,” Col. Edmund Libby, manager of the U.S. Army Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel Project, said.

50 YEARS AGO

Dec. 13, 1973

After 18 years of serving in the Oregon State House of Representatives, Stafford Hansell, R-Hermiston, announced he would not seek reelection. He held the position since first appointed in 1957, when Rep. Irvin Mann Sr. died during the legislative session.

When not engaged in legislative duties, Hansell was involved in one of the largest hog operations in the world. From a meager beginning of just three sows, Hansell and his brother expanded the operation to more than 1,500 sows and even some cattle on 2,000 irrigated acres at Ordnance.

Such a project requires immense time commitment and dedication, and Hansell decided that he simply couldn’t do both. He reached this conclusion two years prior but decided to retain his legislative seat to ensure the area was still represented in Salem following a reapportionment.

“I’ve enjoyed the experience and I’ve tried to do the best job I can,” Hansell said. “It’s been a pleasure to represent the people of Umatilla County.”

75 YEARS AGO

Dec. 16, 1948

After weighing its options, the Hermiston City Council permitted a contract to Shockman and Sons to construct the new city building.

The structure was to be built on city lots at the intersection of Main and Third streets. Receiving unanimous approval from the council, the bid, including the construction bond, totaled more than $24,000.

Shockman and Sons were one of five firms that bidding on the project. The bids from Frank Sargent, Wiring and Prothero, Imperial Construction Co. and Miller Pierce ranged from $24,855 to $28,597.

This project was one of the last official acts of the present city council, as all six council members would retire after their final session on Jan. 5. Among them, Charles Taylor served as the city recorder for 16 years.

90 YEARS AGO

Dec. 14, 1933

• While others donned scarves and mittens, local youths grabbed their boxing gloves for Hermiston High School’s annual smoker.

Of the 23 total bouts staged, 18 resulted in ties. The main event was the match between A. Chamness and Jack House. After mixed rounds of wrestling and boxing rendered a close call, the referee announced Chamness as the winner.

Of all the years this smoker had been conducted, this one was claimed to have drawn the largest crowd.

• With the Christmas countdown at a mere 10 days, the holiday spirit was flowing all around Hermiston.

A wide array of goods adorned the windows of local merchants, holiday decorations were everywhere and various organizations were preparing for Christmas programs.

On Dec. 22, the Methodist Church’s Sunday school planned to provide an opportunity for young ones to visit with Santa Claus.

And on Christmas Eve, the Methodist Church would present a rendition of the Christmas story. Also, members of the Hermiston Union Church would sing “The Christmas Child” and engage in other forms of entertainment.

All of these different groups and individuals worked day and night as they prepared to celebrate the special day. Many of the organizers said no other holiday rivals the magic of Christmas.