Umatilla News

“This agreement does rebalance and broaden the federal agencies' commitment to all the fish and wildlife affected by the Federal Columbia River (Power) System, and we're very proud of that”

A deal unveiled this week commits federal agencies to spend $900 million to help endangered Northwest salmon - but just $540 million would go to new projects. via KGW-TV Portland

“The dams on the lower Snake River and mainstream Columbia have a significant impact on the fish and on our people”

Settlements reached Monday with four Northwest Indian tribes would commit federal agencies to spend $900 million over the next decade on improving conditions for endangered salmon, but leave intact ... via The News-Review

“We are eager to leave behind the gridlock.”

For decades, as Columbia and Snake river dams helped push salmon, sturgeon and lamprey numbers down, Northwest tribes battled the federal government over its treatment of what the tribes see as sacred species. via Oregonlive.com

“There was no principled reason to do this.”

With the resignation of two of its planning commission members to go along with two vacancies that were already on the commission, progress in the city of Irrigon has come to a standstill. via Hermiston Herald

“The concept is really pretty straightforward. You divert high winter flows off the Umatilla River, put it out into an area that's going to recharge naturally, and the water will eventually percolate down through the soil into the aquifer.”

Eastern Oregon farmers want to take water from rivers during the peak summer growing season. via KUOW-FM Seattle

With graffiti incidents on the rise, the Hermiston Police Department continue to enforce a no-tolerance policy. via Hermiston Herald

“Kellie's bringing a lot of that back to the group.”

For the first time in more than five years, a Umatilla High School student was selected to sing in the All State Choir. via Hermiston Herald

“The study will investigate and test the potential for diverting surface water when it's available during the winter months and delivering that water for storage in below-ground aquifers for use during the irrigation season”

Gov. Ted Kulongoski came to Hermiston Wednesday and, with the flourish of a pen, signed the Agriculture and Community Water Act, allowing for a study of the feasibility of a water storage project in the ... via Hermiston Herald

Thirty-one of Oregon's 36 counties reported an increase in agricultural sales last year according to preliminary statistics released by Oregon State University. via Bend Weekly News

“We really want to upgrade the facility”

Wildhorse Resort & Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation will begin a $25 million expansion this summer to add more than 100 hotel rooms and a miniature version of the inundated Celilo Falls. via KGW-TV Portland

“I had a deputy stand in my door, telling me that if he is injured or killed due to his car, he has told his wife to sue me, the county and anyone else who wasn't listening”

Umatilla County Sheriff John Trumbo answered questions about his department's budget and the petition he and Lt. via Hermiston Herald

“One in three women will die from heart disease or stroke.”

At 27, Rachel Alexander was running three miles a day, and her karaoke friends called her "The Energizer Bunny." At 37, Tracy Finck of Umatilla was coaching girls basketball and jumping up from the bench to ... via KGW-TV Portland

Washington Defense Group has given $10,000 to help Hermiston-area teachers obtain equipment and supplies and plan special activities for math, science and technology students. via Tri-cityherald.com

Posted by Eric Mortenson, The Oregonian February 25, 2008 16:17PM State water officials will ask contractors for bids next week on a novel plan to recharge underground aquifers in Eastern Oregon by drawing ... via Oregonlive.com

“The teachers who receive grants are very grateful for the help and use the money for equipment, supplies and activities they couldn't afford otherwise”

The Washington Defense Group has provided a $10,000 boost to area math, science and technology teachers. via Hermiston Herald

T here's a reason it's called Oregon's high desert. You go uphill to get there, and when you arrive, you notice that it hardly ever rains. via The Oregonian

“Governor, make this position a priority.”

At a meeting with Oregon tribal leaders Thursday, Gov. Ted Kulongoski said he wants to look at building massive water storage areas in eastern Oregon to help farmers, protect fish and guard against a future of ... via The Oregonian

“We chose this family about a month ago”

Wendy Jones never thought she would ever be able to afford to buy a house - now she and her family are helping build her dream home. via Hermiston Herald

“We want to bring some of the pride back to the community”

A Hermiston family is returning to the course where they learned to play golf, but this time as the owners of the Big River Golf Course. via Tri-City Herald

“Once it gets to a certain point, pull on it!”

Atop a helicopter pad in the Heppner Ranger District, Engine Foreman T.C. Conner cradled a thick roll of one-and-a-half-inch fire hose in one arm. via The Oregonian