Chief Scott Stanton discusses how the 2026 fire season has started early and why a sudden spike in calls does not mean there's an arsonist on the loose. He also talks about what property owners can do to reduce the fuel load around their home, business or outbuilding. Next, Stanton talks about some of the technology used to report fire data. He wraps up the conversation inviting the public to tomorrow's (Thursday) open house at Station 21 in downtown Hermiston from 3 to 6 p.m.

Chief Scott Stanton discusses how the 2026 fire season has started early and why a sudden spike in calls does not mean there's an arsonist on the loose. He also talks about what property owners can do to reduce the fuel load around their home, business or outbuilding. Next, Stanton talks about some of the technology used to report fire data. He wraps up the conversation inviting the public to tomorrow's (Thursday) open house at Station 21 in downtown Hermiston from 3 to 6 p.m.

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

June 24     |     Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

With wildfires raging across Oregon and Washington, Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson joins host Dan Thesman on the KUMA Coffee Hour to address the heightened dangers of fire season. Beyond the environmental threat, Nelson discusses the severe criminal and financial repercussions of reckless burning, the legal definition of arson, and the crucial role local and visiting firefighters play in protecting communities. Plus, he breaks down an impending eminent domain trial involving Idaho Power’s proposed 293-mile transmission line across Eastern Oregon.

With wildfires raging across Oregon and Washington, Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson joins host Dan Thesman on the&nbsp;KUMA Coffee Hour to address the heightened dangers of fire season. Beyond the environmental threat, Nelson discusses the severe criminal and financial repercussions of reckless burning, the legal definition of arson, and the crucial role local and visiting firefighters play in protecting communities. Plus, he breaks down an impending eminent domain trial involving Idaho Power&rsquo;s proposed 293-mile transmission line across Eastern Oregon.

July 27     |     Morrow County District Attorney Office

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

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.

June 24 | Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

Coffee Hour Podcast

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