Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz sits down to share updates on the city's major recreational projects. Artz provided insight into ongoing community surveys regarding the proposed Hermiston Aquatic Center — a long-requested indoor addition that would feature a 25-yard pool, therapy pool, and double-court gymnasium built onto the existing outdoor facility. He also discussed the implementation of the city's 2020 Open Space Master Plan, highlighting upcoming developments like Sherman Park, efforts to bridge park gaps across Highway 395 with expanded trail connections, and how his team uses cell phone data technology to manage high-volume spots like the popular pickleball complex.

Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz sits down to share updates on the city's major recreational projects. Artz provided insight into ongoing community surveys regarding the proposed Hermiston Aquatic Center &mdash; a long-requested indoor addition that would feature a 25-yard pool, therapy pool, and double-court gymnasium built onto the existing outdoor facility. He also discussed the implementation of the city's 2020 Open Space Master Plan, highlighting upcoming developments like Sherman Park, efforts to bridge park gaps across Highway 395 with expanded trail connections, and how his team uses cell phone data technology to manage high-volume spots like the popular pickleball complex.

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

July 23     |     Hermiston Parks and Recreation

Managing essential city services requires smooth operations behind the scenes and open lines of communication with the community. In this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, host Dan Thesman sits down with Brittney Mahan and Laura Gauthier from the City of Pendleton Finance Department to discuss how local government keeps the city moving and connected. Mahan shares an inside look at the high-volume process of managing nearly 5,800 monthly utility accounts, highlighting customer-friendly payment solutions, leak detection efforts, and available financial assistance programs for residents in need. Meanwhile, Gauthier details Pendleton's versatile local transit options — including the free Let’er Bus, specialized summer Parks and Rec transportation for youth, Dial-A-Ride, and free Care Rides to medical appointments — demonstrating how the city works to deliver accessible, stress-free transportation for both residents and visitors alike.

Managing essential city services requires smooth operations behind the scenes and open lines of communication with the community. In this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, host Dan Thesman sits down with Brittney Mahan and Laura Gauthier from the City of Pendleton Finance Department to discuss how local government keeps the city moving and connected. Mahan shares an inside look at the high-volume process of managing nearly 5,800 monthly utility accounts, highlighting customer-friendly payment solutions, leak detection efforts, and available financial assistance programs for residents in need. Meanwhile, Gauthier details Pendleton's versatile local transit options &mdash; including the free Let&rsquo;er Bus, specialized summer Parks and Rec transportation for youth, Dial-A-Ride, and free Care Rides to medical appointments &mdash; demonstrating how the city works to deliver accessible, stress-free transportation for both residents and visitors alike.

July 24     |     City of Pendleton Finance and Transit

Pendleton Parks and Recreation Director Liam Hughes and Coach Steve Pearl (Hughes is on the left, Pearl on the right in the photo) discuss the return of the British Basketball Camp to Pendleton. Coach Pearl — a seasoned mentor who launched his first club in 1976 and has guided teams to numerous national titles — shares his core philosophy on mastering the fundamentals, building confidence, and instilling a true team concept. Joined by Hughes, one of his former star players, the two dive into how the program goes far beyond court drills. By pairing foundational skill-building with British humor and immersive host-family stays, the camp offers local youth a unique, cross-cultural experience that builds both athletic competency and global perspectives. Tune in to hear how this international partnership continues to inspire local hoopers to realize their full potential on and off the court.

Pendleton Parks and Recreation Director Liam Hughes and Coach Steve Pearl (Hughes is on the left, Pearl on the right in the photo) discuss the return of the British Basketball Camp to Pendleton. Coach Pearl &mdash; a seasoned mentor who launched his first club in 1976 and has guided teams to numerous national titles &mdash; shares his core philosophy on mastering the fundamentals, building confidence, and instilling a true team concept. Joined by Hughes, one of his former star players, the two dive into how the program goes far beyond court drills. By pairing foundational skill-building with British humor and immersive host-family stays, the camp offers local youth a unique, cross-cultural experience that builds both athletic competency and global perspectives. Tune in to hear how this international partnership continues to inspire local hoopers to realize their full potential on and off the court.

July 22     |     Pendleton Parks and Recreation

In this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, Dan Thesman speaks with Umatilla County Undersheriff Jim Littlefield to discuss the heightened wildfire activity across the region, including the Lower Dry Creek, Hagen, Paradise, and Horse Ridge fires. Undersheriff Littlefield stresses the critical importance of respecting road closures to ensure the safety of first responders and utility crews working to restore power. He also urges residents to be proactive by creating evacuation plans and leaving early if they feel threatened, rather than waiting for official orders. Additionally, Littlefield highlights the vital role played by local Search and Rescue volunteers during wildfire season, provides an update on regional 911 emergency communications, and outlines how fire origin investigations are conducted in collaboration with state fire marshals.

In this episode of the KUMA Coffee Hour, Dan Thesman speaks with Umatilla County Undersheriff Jim Littlefield to discuss the heightened wildfire activity across the region, including the Lower Dry Creek, Hagen, Paradise, and Horse Ridge fires. Undersheriff Littlefield stresses the critical importance of respecting road closures to ensure the safety of first responders and utility crews working to restore power. He also urges residents to be proactive by creating evacuation plans and leaving early if they feel threatened, rather than waiting for official orders. Additionally, Littlefield highlights the vital role played by local Search and Rescue volunteers during wildfire season, provides an update on regional 911 emergency communications, and outlines how fire origin investigations are conducted in collaboration with state fire marshals.

July 23 | Hermiston Parks and Recreation

Coffee Hour Podcast

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