Community Corner

🌱 Hermiston community mourns the passing of Margie Ann Poplis, 79

And on the Hermiston Patch calendar - Boardman Senior Center Lunch

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Hey there, Hermiston! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Hermiston community mourns the passing of Margie Ann Poplis, 79
  • How much will Hermiston’s new franchise fee cut save your household?
  • Hermiston driver involved in fatal pre-dawn crash near Pendleton

Also on today's calendar: CPR / AED & First Aid Combo Class and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Hermistonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Hermiston? Post it to Hermiston photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Hermistonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 63 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Windy; partly sunny, cooler, temps: high: 52, low: 39.
  • Thursday: On-and-off rain and drizzle, with a high of 53 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Margie Poplis Passes Away at 79 (northeastoregonnow.com) — Hermiston is mourning longtime resident Margie Ann Poplis, who died in town on Dec. 11 at age 79. A familiar face from her years at the Hermiston Herald, she leaves close family in Hermiston, with a funeral Jan. 31 at Burns Mortuary Chapel followed by a celebration of life at Desert Lanes.
   

2. Hermiston residents to see lower electric bills as city cuts franchise fees (yaktrinews.com) — Hermiston households can expect lower electric bills starting in 2026 after the City Council voted to cut electric franchise fees from 7% to 4% for all customers. City leaders say booming data center growth will still boost city revenues by $1–2 million a year, allowing residents and businesses to save money while supporting continued economic development.
   

3. Vehicle hits, kills Pendleton man (eastoregonian.com) — A Hermiston man driving north on Highway 395 struck and killed a pedestrian near Pendleton early Thursday morning, according to Oregon State Police. Investigators say the victim was crossing an unlit stretch of road and died at the scene, and traffic was disrupted for several hours while troopers investigated.
   

4. Cops help Umatilla students make Christmas shopping haul (hermistonherald.com) — Hermiston’s Walmart turned into a holiday shopping hub as Umatilla police and partner agencies helped 20 Clara Brownell Middle School students pick out $150 worth of gifts for their families. Funded by grants, the Shop With a Cop event included breakfast, patrol car rides, gift wrapping, and a surprise present for each student, strengthening ties between youth, law enforcement, and the wider community.
   

📸 Around Hermiston

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Hermiston

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📣 Hermiston Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday December 16
  • CBMS/UHS Winter Concert
    Umatilla High School , 1400 7th St , Umatilla
    7:00 pm
    • Wednesday December 17
  • CBMS Boys Basketball @ La Grande (C Orange/C Blue/B/A)
    Clara Brownell Middle Umatilla, OR 97882
    4:00 pm
  • MHES Winter Concert
    Umatilla High School , 1400 7th St , Umatilla
    7:00 pm
    • Thursday December 18
  • CVI Holiday Concert
    Umatilla SD 7 , 251 Grant St , Umatilla
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • During emergencies, coordination and partnership are critical.
    The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is working alongside local, state, and Tribal partners to support response coordination following… (Nextdoor )
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Custodial in Hermiston. Apply here.
  • Manpower posted a job opening for Production Manager in Hermiston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hermiston here.

Ok Hermiston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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