25 YEARS AGO

May 11, 1999

The Two Rivers Correctional Institution did not let National Corrections Employee Week pass unnoticed.

During this week, speeches of gratitude were presented and drawings were held for gift certificates to local businesses. TRCI Superintendent Robert Schiedler, a military veteran, said prison workers face similar challenges as soldiers and officers and praised their families for all their support.

Gov. John Kitzhaber said they decided to build the prison in Umatilla because of the high degree of support in the area. Input was favorable at a town hall meeting held during the decision-making process.

Even though a prison is not typically a major attraction, Mayor George Hash said there had been an excellent relationship between the city and the prison. Examples of their collaborative efforts included working together to solve water and electrical problems and organizing a cleanup along the Umatilla River.

“I’ve had other mayors tell me I’ll be sorry,” Hash said, “but I don’t think I ever will.”

50 YEARS AGO

May 9, 1974

• While finding money for projects is never an easy task, Principal Ken Manns said they might face even more difficulties funding Stanfield Elementary School’s special reading programs this year.

Manns said the U.S. Office of Education was trimming down its matching grants, as well as also demanding school districts adhere to more stringent spending guidelines. In addition, new federal guidelines required the district to involve citizen advisory committees to a greater degree.

After establishing this requirement, the district would also specify methods of program evaluation. All this meant obtaining the estimated $9,000 in Title One funds would be a daunting task.

• One of the best aspects about communities is when they rally together for a greater cause, just as Hermiston did for 13-year-old Kevin Crane.

Crane had been suffering from viral encephalitis since the previous summer, and to help cover the medical expenses, a benefit auction was organized. With more than 600 household items gathered, the auction would he held at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds. This fundraiser had been three weeks in the works, with members of the Hermiston Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and Jaycees collecting auction items.

75 YEARS AGO

May 12, 1949

Oregon students learned how to sharpen and enact their leadership skills at the fourth annual State High School Council Convention.

Approximately 380 students from more than 70 schools attended this convention, which was held May 2-3 in Bend. Hermiston was represented by Loran Wadman, Albert Kribs, Charles Brooks, Florence Andrews and Muriel Cheery with J.B. Ellingson and his wife serving as advisors.

Following registration, a general assembly welcomed the delegates. The remainder of the afternoon was dedicated to group meetings, with delegates from each town leading discussions of topics, including school activities, student assemblies, school spirit and how to organize an efficient student government. The entire convention was directed by students, helping them develop even greater leadership and responsibility skills.

The next day, delegates and advisors met for another general assembly to review the previous day’s discussions. That evening, they were treated to a banquet and entertainment at Elk Horn.

This annual convention was sponsored by the State Department of Education to help improve student government in high schools. The returning Hermiston students were excited to put into practice all they had learned.

90 YEARS AGO

May 10, 1934

Schools and seniors throughout the county were preparing for the celebratory time of graduation.

The Hermiston graduation date was set for Friday, May 18. John M. Rae, associate professor of business administration at the University of Oregon, would present the commencement address “Adrift on an Uncharted Sea.” Edith Clark would then take the podium to give her valedictorian speech, followed by salutatorian Anna Ray Martin.

A mixed quartet of Mrs. E.E. Clayton, Mary Burnham, Al Quiring and W.L. Hamm would provide the music by singing “Allah’s Holiday” and “Dancing on the Green.” These songs would be accompanied by instrumental pieces performed by the Stanfield trio of Esther Fredreckson on violin, cellist Helen Fredreckson and pianist Jane Gibson.

After all of this would be the presentation of awards, by Superintendent R.H. McAtee, and diplomas by W.J. Warner, president of the board of education.