Remembering 9/11, 25 Years Later | |
This September marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. For many of us, the memories of that day remain vivid, as does the remarkable courage and unity that followed. But an entire generation is now too young to remember that day firsthand, and it is important we continue to tell the stories of service and sacrifice.
On Friday, Sept. 11, I invite you to join us in downtown Hermiston for a special 9/11 Remembrance & Tribute Ceremony. We will remember the lives lost, honor the first responders and service members who have sacrificed for our country, and recognize the everyday Americans who answered tragedy with courage and compassion.
The event includes a free meal and music performed by the Inland Northwest Musicians. A new memory wall and memorial will tell the story of 9/11 and be part of Hermiston’s annual commemoration of the event.
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We would like to honor our local veterans, first responders, and their families with special seating and recognition during the event. If you’d like to reserve seating, please RSVP by emailing parksandrec@hermiston.gov or calling 541-667-5018 before Friday, Sept. 4.
I hope you’ll join us downtown from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Festival Street for this meaningful community gathering.
Byron Smith,
Hermiston City Manager
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Building Inspector Wins Statewide Honors
Hermiston’s Heaven Doherty has been named Building Inspector of the Year by the Oregon Building Officials Association, recognizing her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety.
The award honors Doherty’s work with the City of Hermiston and her work to train future building professionals through Chemeketa Community College. In one of Oregon’s fastest-growing communities, she helps ensure new homes, businesses, and remodels are built safely and meet required standards. The recognition also highlights the quality and dedication of Hermiston’s Building Department as it supports more than $200 million in permitted development.
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Library Director ‘Mr. Mark’ Leaves Legacy of Literacy
For the past 10 years, Hermiston elementary students have known him as “Mr. Mark” — the colorful character with zany socks, bright suspenders, and his trusty sidekick, Bucky the Beaver. Behind the character is Hermiston Public Library Director Mark Rose, who retires in September after a career dedicated to connecting people with books and information.
From summer reading programs to overseeing the library’s renovation, Rose has helped make the library a welcoming place for Hermiston’s growing, diverse community.
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How Data Centers Are Changing Hermiston
There are three active Amazon data center projects in the Hermiston Enterprise Zone, each representing more than $200 million in local investment. These projects bring economic benefit as they change the complexion of Hermiston in many ways.
Mark Morgan, Hermiston assistant city manager, spoke with Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Dave Miller on Think Out Loud during OPB’s residency at the Hermiston Public Library in late August. The conversation included how Hermiston’s approach to economic development has changed over the years and what benefits the community is receiving from Amazon.
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Council Approves Long-Term Plan to Address PFAS
The Hermiston City Council approved a long-term plan to address PFAS in the City’s drinking water system at its Aug. 10 meeting and authorized the City to seek state funding to help pay for the improvements.
The plan follows a feasibility study by Anderson Perry & Associates that identified PFAS in three City water sources, including concentrations above new federal standards that drinking water systems must meet by 2029. The study also considered Hermiston’s water needs over the next 20 years as the community continues to grow.
The recommended improvements include installing treatment and filtration at Well #5, decommissioning Wells #2 and #4, and increasing use of the Regional Water Treatment Plant. The total estimated construction cost is $26 million.
Council approval of the plan does not authorize construction or commit the City to spending the $26 million. Instead, it establishes a roadmap for addressing PFAS while the City pursues outside funding. Future implementation and spending decisions will return to the Council for consideration.
The Council also authorized an application for state funding through the Oregon Health Authority, which may provide forgivable loan funding for PFAS-related improvements. The City is also participating in litigation against PFAS manufacturers that could provide additional funding.
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City Council Meeting for August 10
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Directed staff to bring a resolution to form a Local Improvement District to extend East Jennie Avenue, with costs to landowners based on linear feet, to the Aug. 24 council meeting. The Council discussed multiple cost distribution options. (Read the staff report)
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Updated the bylaws for the Hermiston Public Library Board to more closely align with Hermiston Municipal Code. (Read the bylaw changes)
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Approved a replat application to divide the property at Ranch and Home, 2500 S. Highway 395, for development of a Western States Cat equipment rental operation. (Read the staff report)
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Approved a final plat for Phase III of Henry K’s Addition on Southeast Columbia Drive and Southeast Owyn Drive for medium-high residential housing. (Read the staff report)
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Approved forming a Local Improvement District to extend East Jennie Avenue from Northeast Eighth Street to Northeast 10th Street. The estimate for the extension is $1.2 million and will be shared among the five property owners based on their linear foot frontage on the property. The City will contribute $305,000 to the project. (Read the staff report)
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Reviewed City Manager Byron Smith in executive session and approved a new contract, including a $550 per month increase for health and wellness subscriptions not covered by insurance.
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Approved the annexation of 0.83 acres at 1225 S. First Street to connect an existing dwelling to city sewer services. (Read the staff report)
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Supported the cities of Stanfield and Echo’s grant application to update the Interstate 84/Highway 395 interchange.
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Received the July 2026 monthly financial report. (Read the report)
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Received a community survey report for April-June 2026. (Read the survey report)
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SEPTEMBER 2026 MEETINGS
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Airport Advisory Committee, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 4 p.m., Hermiston Municipal Airport
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Planning Commission (Work Session), Wednesday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
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Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m., Hermiston Community Center
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City Council, Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., City Hall
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Hispanic Advisory Committee, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m., City Hall
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Library Board, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m., Hermiston Public Library
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City Council, Monday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
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Planning Commission, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m., City Hall
The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Airport Advisory, Budget, Faith-Based Advisory, Parks & Recreation Advisory, and Recreation Projects Fund Advisory committees. Learn more and apply to join.
| | Planning a fall event? List it on Hermiston Live and we'll share it in the Inside Hermiston newsletter! | | Thank you for participating in the Health, Aquatic and Wellness Center surveys and learning more about the project this summer. You can take a look at the full results at the link below! | | UMATILLA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1 |
Paramedic Response Part of UCFD#1 Service
When Monique was kicked by an injured horse, she needed immediate medical care as well as transportation to the hospital for follow-up care. Umatilla County Fire District #1 is the ambulance service provider for the area.
UCFD #1 paramedics arrived, provided care for what turned out to be a broken femur, and drove her to the hospital. Monique shares her experience and what it was like to have a professional crew there when she needed help.
For UCFD#1, this is what the job is about: showing up, providing care, and helping people through some of their worst moments. The District is thankful Monique — and her horse — are doing well and willing to share their story.
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Healthy Starts Here
Prevention. Support. Connection. We're here when you need us.
From vaccines and baby safety to emotional well-being, UCo Health has services and resources to help you and your family stay healthy.
Have a question? Need support? Let's connect.
📞 Call UCo Health 541-278-5432 or make an appointment online.
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