After 34 years of providing dental services to Hermiston patients, Dr. John Spomer is putting up his drill and taking it easy.

Spomer is turning over his practice to Dr. Ryan Wieseler Sept. 1. Spomer’s last patient day is Aug. 28. He plans an open house from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 485 W. Locust Ave.

Spomer came to Hermiston in January 1974 to start his dental practice. He went to dental school at the University of Oregon in Portland. He was looking for a small town like the Kansas town in which he grew up. Spomer liked the wide-open spaces and farming community atmosphere in Hermiston and has been here since.

“It was a good fit at the time,” Spomer said. “It’s been a fun ride.”

The dentist did not limit his time to just his practice. Spomer was a member of the Hermiston School Board. Coaching cross-country and racing cars at USA Speedway were just some of the activities Spomer remembers with fondness. His 98-year-old mother lives in Hermiston, so he plans to stay.

“I have no real desire to move,” Spomer said, while admitting that travel is definitely on tap for the future.

Spomer chose his successor over other prospective candidates because Wieseler is from Connell, Wash., and Spomer thought he would be a good fit.

Wieseler has been working in Spomer’s practice for a few weeks and is excited about being in Hermiston and caring for patients.

“I grew up in a small town,” Wieseler said. “I was looking for a place to raise our family with a small town feel.”

Wieseler graduated from the University of Washington dental school this June, and he and his wife Amy have a 1-year-old daughter, Delaney.

The office staff is remaining with Wieseler, Spomer said. Wieseler is accepting new patients. The office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 567-8161. The office is at 995 W. Orchard Ave. in Hermiston.