My Columbia Basin

05/30/2026

🚨 86% of second graders in Eastern Oregon are at risk of drowning—even in a swimming pool.

Read that again. Water safety isn’t just a summer activity; it’s a life-saving skill every single child needs.

The good news? Drowning is preventable. We can change this statistic together by:
Enrolling kids in swim lessons early.
Ensuring life jackets are worn around open water.
Staying vigilant every time we're near the water.

🎥 Watch the video below to learn how to keep your family safe this summer, and contact your local Parks and Rec office today to get signed up for swim lessons this summer!

This message is proudly brought to you by Pendleton Parks and Recreation, Hermiston Parks & Recreation, Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Union County Sheriff's Office, and La Grande Parks & Recreation.



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05/30/2026

ALERT: From the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Our Regional Dispatch Center as received notice of a potential outage affecting 911 service. The notice advised that multiple 911 centers (PSAPs) are affected, including Umatilla County Sheriff's Office. Callers with Verizon cell service may experience difficulty reaching 911. The outage may prevent callers from dialing 911 and reaching dedicated emergency service 911 lines. Although as designed, the calls seem to be coming in on the non-emergency lines. Verizon Wireless technicians are working to resolve the issue. In the event of a failed 911 call, the public can call our non-emergency line 541-966-3651. This goes goes directly into our dispatch center and is also answered by our emergency dispatchers. The dispatchers are well trained to identify and respond appropriately to an emergency, even if received on a non-emergency number.
We are committed to keeping the public informed and will post any updates once received. See less

05/30/2026

PENDLETON - “OEM pays for the upgrades. Our benefit is better service to the public through improved emergency communications.” -UCSO Capt. Sterrin Ward

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is advancing the modernization of Oregon’s ...Read More

05/30/2026

STANFIELD - No damaged structures or injuries were reported, the cause is under investigation.

STANFIELD – Interstate 84 has reopened after being closed late Friday afternoon due to a ...Read More

05/29/2026

Here's some more information on the fire currently causing the closure on I-84.

05/29/2026

WALLA WALLA - The array will be funded through a $600K grant from the Washington State Department Commerce Clean Energy.

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Public Schools has been awarded a $601,756 state grant to ...Read More

05/29/2026

STANFIELD - We'll update with more details as they become available.

STANFIELD – Interstate 84 has been closed between the Stanfield exit and the Oregon 207 ...Read More

05/29/2026

HERMISTON - “These newly completed spaces allow us to continue expanding specialty care services while creating a welcoming, efficient, and state-of-the-art environment for our patients and staff.” -Art Mathisen, Good Shepherd President & CEO.

HERMISTON – Good Shepherd Health Care has announced the completion of an expansion project at ...Read More

05/29/2026

HIGHWAY 74 BRUSHFIRE - REKINDLE

HIGHWAY 74 BRUSHFIRE - REKINDLE

Resources are currently battling a north and eastern push on a rekindle from last nights brush fire in the area of Highway 74 and Sullivan Lane, about 10 miles east of Arlington.

North Gilliam Rural Fire Protection District, South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District, Boardman Fire Rescue District, Ione Fire Department, and local landowners are currently battling this fire being fanned by the heavy winds.

Additional resources have been requested from the Heppner and Lexington Fire Agencies.

Additional updates will follow as soon as possible.

05/29/2026

WALLA WALLA - Larry Wayne Weston faces 93 to 123 months in prison when he's tentatively sentenced in July.

WALLA WALLA — A 73-year-old Walla Walla man pleaded guilty Thursday in Walla Walla County ...Read More