Join host Dan Thesman on the KUMA Coffee Hour as he sits down with Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan to discuss critical updates impacting the local community. Beyond major developments at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC), Morgan breaks down the city’s comprehensive strategy to address PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the municipal drinking water. Learn about the upcoming $18 million filtration and infrastructure plan, how Hermiston plans to utilize its Columbia River water sources, and what steps are being taken to fund these essential upgrades—including class-action litigation and state grant applications—without putting the full burden on local residents.

Join host Dan Thesman on the&nbsp;KUMA Coffee Hour as he sits down with Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan to discuss critical updates impacting the local community. Beyond major developments at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC), Morgan breaks down the city&rsquo;s comprehensive strategy to address PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the municipal drinking water. Learn about the upcoming $18 million filtration and infrastructure plan, how Hermiston plans to utilize its Columbia River water sources, and what steps are being taken to fund these essential upgrades&mdash;including class-action litigation and state grant applications&mdash;without putting the full burden on local residents.

Daily conversation with East Oregon newsmakers and host Dan Thesman.  Join Dan every weekday as he talks with the news makers of Umatilla County. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.

 

 

Daily conversation with East Oregon newsmakers and host Dan Thesman. &nbsp;Join Dan every weekday as he talks with the news makers of Umatilla County. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.
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Coffee Hour Podcast

August 3     |     City of Hermiston

On this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, host Dan Thesman sits down with Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett and Councilmember Ellie McBride to break down the latest decisions from the Pendleton City Council. The group discusses key updates on local public safety and infrastructure, including clarifications to the city’s burn ban ordinance, a cost-saving $385,000 ambulance remount and equipment replacement, and plans to bring the Fire/EMS levy back to voters this fall. They also dive into a crucial $303,000 assessment project for Pendleton’s aging 1960s river-crossing sewer mains, explain why the council paused its vote on the League of Oregon Cities’ legislative priorities to push harder for mental health and addiction resources, and wrap up with an exciting summer addition to Roy Raley Park — new pickleball courts.

On this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, host Dan Thesman sits down with Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett and Councilmember Ellie McBride to break down the latest decisions from the Pendleton City Council. The group discusses key updates on local public safety and infrastructure, including clarifications to the city&rsquo;s burn ban ordinance, a cost-saving $385,000 ambulance remount and equipment replacement, and plans to bring the Fire/EMS levy back to voters this fall. They also dive into a crucial $303,000 assessment project for Pendleton&rsquo;s aging 1960s river-crossing sewer mains, explain why the council paused its vote on the League of Oregon Cities&rsquo; legislative priorities to push harder for mental health and addiction resources, and wrap up with an exciting summer addition to Roy Raley Park &mdash; new pickleball courts.

August 5     |     City of Pendleton

Join KUMA Coffee Hour host Dan Thesman as he sits down with Lieutenant Tyler Reddington and Corporal Ben Carleton of the Pendleton Police Department for an insider look at local law enforcement operations. In this episode, the officers break down the massive logistics behind securing major regional gatherings like the Whiskey Fest and Pendleton Round-Up, detailing how the department balances large-scale event coverage with daily community service. Corporal Carleton, a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), also pulls back the curtain on the rigorous training required to spot impaired drivers beyond standard alcohol field sobriety tests, sharing key trends on local roads. Plus, learn how the department is tackling recruitment and field training for new recruits, and get crucial late-summer safety reminders—from staying hydrated to keeping an eye out for active school zones as students head back to class.

Join KUMA Coffee Hour host Dan Thesman as he sits down with Lieutenant Tyler Reddington and Corporal Ben Carleton of the Pendleton Police Department for an insider look at local law enforcement operations. In this episode, the officers break down the massive logistics behind securing major regional gatherings like the Whiskey Fest and Pendleton Round-Up, detailing how the department balances large-scale event coverage with daily community service. Corporal Carleton, a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), also pulls back the curtain on the rigorous training required to spot impaired drivers beyond standard alcohol field sobriety tests, sharing key trends on local roads. Plus, learn how the department is tackling recruitment and field training for new recruits, and get crucial late-summer safety reminders&mdash;from staying hydrated to keeping an eye out for active school zones as students head back to class.

August 4     |     Pendleton Police Department

KUMA Coffee Hour host Dan Thesman speaks with Public Information Officers Phil Foster and Don Ferguson regarding the status of the Hagen, Horse Ridge, and Paradise fires, which are all being managed by Northwest Team 7. The team is coordinating over 1,000 personnel across three separate base camps in Elgin, Athena, and Walla Walla. Foster reports that the Horse Ridge fire is 95% contained at 860 acres, allowing resources to shift to the larger Hagen fire (35,427 acres, 8% contained) and the Paradise fire (768 acres, 0% contained). While no structures have been lost thanks to proactive measures by local and state fire crews, upcoming hot, dry weather and a red flag warning present significant challenges. Fighting the Paradise fire is particularly difficult due to steep, roadless terrain and strict environmental protections within the Walla Walla municipal watershed. Though official investigations are ongoing, the fires are suspected to have been started by lightning. Ferguson closes by reminding the public to practice fire safety to prevent human-caused blazes during these critical conditions. (Photo courtesy Northwest Team 7 of burnout operation on the Hagen Fire)

KUMA Coffee Hour host Dan Thesman speaks with Public Information Officers Phil Foster and Don Ferguson regarding the status of the Hagen, Horse Ridge, and Paradise fires, which are all being managed by Northwest Team 7. The team is coordinating over 1,000 personnel across three separate base camps in Elgin, Athena, and Walla Walla. Foster reports that the Horse Ridge fire is 95% contained at 860 acres, allowing resources to shift to the larger Hagen fire (35,427 acres, 8% contained) and the Paradise fire (768 acres, 0% contained). While no structures have been lost thanks to proactive measures by local and state fire crews, upcoming hot, dry weather and a red flag warning present significant challenges. Fighting the Paradise fire is particularly difficult due to steep, roadless terrain and strict environmental protections within the Walla Walla municipal watershed. Though official investigations are ongoing, the fires are suspected to have been started by lightning. Ferguson closes by reminding the public to practice fire safety to prevent human-caused blazes during these critical conditions. (Photo courtesy Northwest Team 7 of burnout operation on the Hagen Fire)

August 3 | City of Hermiston

Coffee Hour Podcast

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