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DECEMBER 2025 |
Hermiston Transforms into Land of Lights |
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The buzz and glow in Hermiston around the holidays is one of the things that makes life so sweet here. The whole community gets a little busier, a little brighter, and a lot more connected.
We’re stepping into a month packed with traditions and events that reflect the heart of Hermiston, beginning with the Downtown Tree Lighting and Light Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4. The very next day, the Land of Lights drive-thru display and Candy Cane Village open at EOTEC, ready to welcome families every Thursday through Sunday for the rest of the month. All donations go to the Hermiston Rotary Club and Hermiston American Legion Post 37.
We hope you’ll make a plan to join us. Watch the video below for more and find details in the Coming Up section below. |
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But what makes the holidays special isn’t just the events — it’s the generosity that shows up year after year. I want to say thanks to everyone involved in the Hermiston Community Fellowship Meal for serving an outstanding Thanksgiving dinner last week. That spirit of giving is what makes Hermiston feel like home. If you haven’t seen it in action before, I encourage you to participate in the Christmas Day meal later this month.
And speaking of bringing light to the season — quite literally — make sure to enter your home or business in this year’s Holiday Light Contest. The friendly competition is fun, the prizes are great, and every entry helps brighten our neighborhoods. Even if you don’t enter, encourage a neighbor to join in.
I hope you have a joyful holiday season.
— Byron Smith, Hermiston City Manager
P.S. All entries to the Home & Business decoration contest will appear on an interactive citywide map, making it easy for families to enjoy a festive tour through Hermiston. Sign up here and stay tuned for more details.
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YOUR CITY |
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Streets Won't Be the Same Without Sivey |
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Hermiston is saying farewell to an institution — some would say a legend — this month. Ron Sivey, the longest-serving employee in the City of Hermiston, will retire at the end of December after nearly 40 years with the Street Department.
Ron began his career in 1986 as a municipal service worker and soon became the city’s primary street sweeper driver. In those early years, he learned how interconnected the city’s infrastructure is and how daily sweeping not only keeps Hermiston looking its best, but also prevents debris from clogging underground catch basins which are more difficult to clean.
“You’ve got to clean it up somehow, and it’s more efficient with a sweeper,” he said.
For the past 28 years, Ron has served as street superintendent, putting those lessons to work as the city has added about 70 miles of paved roads and now maintains more than 200 paved lane miles.
“It’s the same work, just more of it,” Ron said of the growing task of maintaining road quality as new neighborhoods — and their utilities — continue to be added.
Ron recalls his first time using a computer. It was to track project time and help transition the department's paper documents into digital files. Now the entire system is in the city’s GIS mapping system and street, water, and wastewater projects are planned together as part of the Capital Improvement Plan.
What Ron says he’ll miss most is working with his team each day. But he’s already designing a backyard shop to stay busy with mechanical projects, and he looks forward to some short vacations with his wife, Mary, who will retire from the Hermiston School District at the end of the year.
You’ll also be able to find Ron on the sidelines at youth sports events cheering on his grandkids. |
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New Garbage Routes Begin This Week
Many Hermiston residents will have new trash pickup days taking effect this week. Sanitary Disposal/Waste Connections has mailed update notices to all customers.
To check your updated schedule, visit sanitary-disposal.com/pickup-schedule, or call 541-567-8842 ext. 3 for assistance or additional information.
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City Manager Makes Civics Local at Hermiston High School
Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith recently spent two days teaching civics classes at Hermiston High School, offering students an inside look at how local government operates. He also highlighted the many services the City of Hermiston provides to its residents, from public safety to parks and utilities.
Students learned about opportunities to engage directly with local government through the Hermiston Youth Advisory Committee, which includes HHS students who attend city council and committee meetings to share their perspectives on community issues. |
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Get Connected with the My Hermiston App
Hundreds of Hermiston residents have already downloaded the My Hermiston app, the easiest way to have a two-way conversation with your city. You can let the City know about an issue you see — like a pothole, broken streetlight, or other concern — and get updates as city crews address the problem.
Meanwhile, the notification system allows the City to send you notices about upcoming events, road closures, and more. Sign up for the alerts you want to receive. Download the app.
Affordable Housing Apartment Complex Coming to Hermiston
A new 22-unit affordable housing apartment complex is coming to Hermiston. Named Horizon Court Apartments, the two-story, courtyard-style building will be located at 197 E. Theater Lane and will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. Among the homes will be five designed for intellectually and developmentally disabled residents, and eight units that are fully ADA-compliant. Read more in the Hermiston Herald.
Injured Hermiston Veteran Receives Life-Changing Gift
U.S. Marine Corps and Army Sgt. Jason Walker and his two sons were welcomed to their first “real” home Nov. 19 in Hermiston. The home, on Magneto Lane, was a gift from Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to severely injured veterans and their families. Walker lost his leg in 2013 after triggering a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan. Read more in the Hermiston Herald. |
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CITY COUNCIL REPORT |
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Curbside Recycling Coming to Hermiston |
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The City Council approved the proposed fee structure to launch curbside recycling in 2026 as required under Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. The Council adopted a standard monthly rate of $8, with a reduced $6.80 rate available to households that qualify under the City’s existing utility assistance program.
City staff confirmed that opting out of the program would result in steep state penalties, ranging from $183,000 to more than $9 million per year. With this due diligence, it became clear that participating in the recycling program is the more cost-effective route for residents.
Residents will not be billed until service begins, likely sometime in 2026 pending the arrival of trucks, carts, and staffing. The curbside system will use a single co-mingled cart for plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper. Residents can review an online multilingual recycling guide at recycleon.org/oregon/what-can-i-recycle/ as the City prepares for rollout. |
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Approved the replat of the lot at 588 E. Newport Ave. to create a single parcel for the Umatilla County Housing Authority. (Read staff report)
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Approved access to Oregon State University for an irrigation line on the Gettman Road right of way. (Read staff report)
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Received the October financial report, which showed actual year-to-date revenue at $4.73 million compared to a projected $4.54 million after four months. This is primarily due to increases in franchise revenue. (Read the financial report)
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Received a presentation from the Faith-Based Advisory Committee about local food insecurity.
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Received a presentation about the launch of the My Hermiston app.
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Approved the transfer of all misdemeanor cases from the Hermiston Municipal Court to the Umatilla County Circuit Court. The discussion began at the Oct. 13 council meeting because of challenges contracting with defense attorneys to handle cases. The alternative option was to find additional city to funds to increase pay for attorneys. (Read more)
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Initiated the annexation process for 19.5 acres near EOTEC. This issue will go to the planning commission and return to the council at a later date. (Read the staff report)
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Tabled a discussion on recycling rates for further city staff review.
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Referred the task of renaming basketball courts at Newport Park after the late Joe Thompson to the Parks & Recreation Committee. (Read the staff report)
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Directed staff to work with the Senior Board to renegotiate use agreement for the Harkenrider Center. (Read the staff report)
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Approved the appointments of Dan Mahon (Faith-Based Advisory Committee), Cari Shafer (EOTEC Advisory Committee), Jesse McCormmach (Airport Advisory Committee), Val Hoxie (Recreation Projects Fund Committee), Carlisle Harrison (Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee), and Rod Hardin (Budget Committee).
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Canceled the Dec. 22, 2025 City Council Meeting.
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DECEMBER 2025 MEETINGS |
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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m. — Airport Advisory Committee
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Monday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m. — Public Infrastructure Advisory Committee
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Monday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. — City Council
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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. — Planning Commission
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Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. — Hispanic Advisory Committee
The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Budget, Faith-Based Advisory, Recreation Project Fund Advisory, Parks & Recreation, Airport Advisory, and EOTEC committees. Learn more and apply to join. |
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COMING UP |
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Tree Lighting on December 4 |
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Gather around Hermiston's Christmas Tree to watch Santa arrive and flip the switch! This community tradition is on the First Thursday (Dec. 4) on Festival Street. Music, carolers, performances, vendors, and a visit from Santa pack the night! Dress warm and be ready for some photos!
5 p.m.: Sandstone Jazz Band
5:25 p.m.: Armand Larive Jazz Band
5:45 p.m.: Lighted Holiday Parade
6:15 p.m.: Santa Arrives & Tree Lighting
6:20 p.m.: Hermiston High School Jazz and Majazzty Choir
6:25-7:30 p.m.: Santa available for photos
And don't miss the fun coming to EOTEC this month:
The Land of Lights: The drive-thru holiday light spectacular is open at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC) through December. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of light installations from the comfort of their vehicles, making it a safe and magical experience for all.
Candy Cane Village: A walk-through lighted village at the Farm-City Rodeo Arena at EOTEC that promises fun for the whole family. Featuring bonfires, hot cocoa, and, of course, candy canes for the kids, Candy Cane Village will be the perfect place to make holiday memories. |
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SURVEY |
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What Do You Want to See at EOTEC? |
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The Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center is a venue with a lot of uses — from indoor event space to outdoor fairgrounds and sports fields and a full rodeo arena. Take a few minutes to let us know which events at EOTEC you've enjoyed the most, and what you'd like to see there in the future. |
| Take the Survey |
November Survey Says ...
This fall, the Hermiston City Council discussed how to handle misdemeanor cases as the Municipal Court struggled to find defense attorneys. Nearly 77% of survey respondents said handling these cases quickly was "Important" or "Very Important," but more than half suggested sending these cases to Umatilla County Circuit Court instead of finding additional local funds to pay higher attorney fees. |
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NEWS & NOTES |
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Job Openings
City Elections
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