Flags to Be Flown at Half Staff for Burns, Prior

Flags in Hermiston are to be flown at half-staff today in honor of Joe Burns, and on Thursday in Hermiston and Echo in honor of Chet Prior.

Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann signed three proclamations Monday night to honor three men who dedicated their careers to serving their community.

Burns, who passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 90, was a founding member of the nonprofit Hermiston Development Corporation and served as president for its first 29 years. In 1995, he became the first non-farmer to be chosen for the Oregon State University Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work on improving economic conditions for agriculture in the Hermiston area.

The proclamation in his honor noted Burns’ lifelong commitment to the community, his work on behalf of farmers, and his efforts to create jobs.

“He’s just one of those pillars,” said Drotzmann. “He’s the father of our community. He was a strong force behind the scenes and he worked hard to bring the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Marlette to the area.”

Prior’s proclamation, too, highlighted his work on behalf of the agriculture community, his support of the Hermiston Agriculture Research Center, and his career-long fight to obtain more water for the region’s irrigators.

“He was so involved in our community,” Drotzmann said. “It’s hard to imagine us moving forward without him.”

The mayor called Prior “the greatest champion” for water in the area.

The mayor also signed a proclamation honoring the work of Rusty Brewer, who passed away on Jan. 23 at the age of 90. Brewer served as city attorney for 45 years. His proclamation noted his work with the Hermiston Development Corporation, his service to the Hermiston Irrigation District and his time on the Hermiston School Board.

“I didn’t know Rusty as well as the others, but every time he saw you he recognized you, and that’s important,” Drotzmann said.

Also at Monday’s city council meeting, the mayor presented executive secretary Donna Moeller with a gift for her service to the city. Monday was Moeller’s last city council meeting. She will retire in May after 17 years with the city.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the council,” she said. “The city has grown so much in 17 years.”