Briefs 12-12-06

Published 9:31 am Tuesday, December 12, 2006

HERMISTON

A truck backing into a guy wire at the Pilot Travel Center in Stanfield knocked out power for 286 customers of Umatilla Electric Cooperative Monday.

Co-op spokesman Nate Rivera said customers on South Edwards Road, East Stanfield Loop, East Highland and Melody Lane were without power for 26 minutes beginning at 9:20 a.m. Utility workers restored service at 9:46 a.m.

Umatilla Electric Cooperative serves more than 15,500 accounts on nearly 2,124 miles of power lines in Eastern Oregon’s Umatilla, Morrow and Union counties.

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THE HERMISTON POST OFFICE IS OPEN EXTRA HOURS Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to handle extra post office traffic generated by people sending gifts and cards.

The post office will offer its normal services, said Postmaster Kim Gillet. Gillet hopes the extra hours will ease congestion and shorten lines on Monday.

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The Hermiston Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing Wednesday on the city’s plan to annex 18 acres.

The hearing is scheduled at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 180 N.E. Second St.

The city wants to annex property west of Northwest 11th Street, next to the wastewater treatment plant. The city owns the land and intends to use it to expand the treatment plant in the future. The annexation will require amending the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning map.

After the hearing, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council.

BOARDMAN

Port of Morrow commissioners will continue to discuss their agreement with Oregon International Speedway Wednesday.

The commission is scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. in Riverfront Center, 2 Marine Drive.

Also on the agenda are an amendment to the port’s Connect Oregon grant agreement with the state, the annual audit report and updates on the port’s east beach expansion and the new transload building.

PENDLETON

THE HOLIDAYS HAVE ARRIVED AT BLUE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, as students and staff prepare for the 36th annual Christmas Eve Dinner. This long-standing event provides area residents, who otherwise might spend Christmas Eve alone, with an evening of holiday cheer.

The festivities include a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a visit from Santa. The dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Hall Student Union on the Pendleton campus, 2411 NW Carden Ave.

Transportation is provided for local people who do not own cars or who are unable to drive at night. In addition, meals can be delivered in individuals who are physically unable to travel. People in need of either service should call Laurie Drop (541) 278-5789.

Through the years the dinner has become a BMCC holiday tradition. The Associated Student Government coordinates the event, receiving help from staff members, administration, alumni, and community members. Last year, approximately 400 guests attended. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering to help may do so by calling Drop (541) 278-5789.

Donations are vital to the success of the dinner, which is offered free. Tax-deductible gifts may be sent to BMCC Christmas 2006, Laurie Drop, PO Box 100, Pendleton, OR 97801. Make checks payable to BMCC Christmas 2006.

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POLICE OFFICERS WILL TRADE THEIR HANDCUFFS FOR APRONS one night this week. Stetson’s and the Pendleton Police will join together 4-8 p.m. Wednesday for an evening of fun and food to raise money for Special Olympics. Tips received by officers will benefit the charitable organization that provides athletic opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities.

For more information, call Stetson’s at 966-1132. The restaurant is at 103 S.E. Court Ave.