KC Anderson, of Heppner, is crowned as the 2025 Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo queen by Macy Gibbs, the 2015 queen, during a coronation ceremony held Feb. 6, 2025, during the Heppner Chamber of Commerce’s Town & Country Awards Banquet.

HEPPNER — Sheridan Tarnasky was recognized with the highest honor — Lifetime Achievement — during the Heppner Chamber of Commerce’s Town & Country Awards Banquet on Feb. 6 at Gilliam & Bisbee Event Center in Heppner.

“She’s a living example of kindness, dedication and the spirit of community,” Dr. Emily Jack said about Tarnasky. “She’s touched the lives of so many of us. We’re all better for it.”

In the award presentation, Dr. Russ Nichols said Tarnasky has been like his second mom. He called her “kind, compassionate and professional.”

After graduating from Heppner High School in 1966, Tarnasky pursued a nursing degree in Portland. She returned to Heppner as a graduate nurse at Pioneer Memorial Hospital, then went back to Portland for a few years before returning to Heppner in 1972, where she continued her career until retiring in 2016.

Nichols said Tarnasky established the first home health agency in Morrow, Gilliam and Wheeler counties in 1977, became the director of nursing services in 1990 and began pursuing a physician assistant license in 1996, where she graduated with the program’s second class. Nichols said Tarnasky filled a vital role in the healthcare system in Morrow County.

“After watching many providers come and go, she practiced in Morrow County serving, I would bet, pretty much everyone here at some point until 2016.”

Jack said Tarnasky’s contribution extends far beyond the walls of medical offices. As a devout member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tarnasky gives her time and heart in many ways, including coordinating weddings, teaching confirmation, serving on the church council and keeping the St. Patrick’s play production alive in honor of Father Gerry Condon.

In addition to her work in the healthcare field, Jack said Tarnasky is a remarkable community leader, a dedicated family woman and a friend. In addition, Jack said she inspired many to pursue careers in the healthcare field.

Tarnasky said she was humbled, especially comparing herself to past Lifetime Achievement recipients. She expressed appreciation for her family’s support as she followed her heart through her work in the community.

“I miss my patients, I miss my co-workers,” Tarnasky said. “It’s just been a joy to take care of this community and I miss it terribly and I don’t like retirement.”

Other award winners included Jerry Conklin, man of the year; Trish Maben, woman of the year; Ken Grieb, citizen-educator; Katie Spivey, youth achievement; and Gar Aviation, business of the year.

Also, after a 10-year hiatus, the Morrow County Fair and Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo reinstated its royalty program and held its queen coronation ceremony during the event. KC Anderson, the daughter of Erin and Colin Anderson, was crowned as the 2025 queen. The Heppner teen will serve as an ambassador for the county, the fair and the rodeo through February 2026.

To view additional photos and a live recording of the awards banquet, search Facebook via bit.ly/3X7tTCT.