The commissioners took action this morning to impose a ban on the use of fireworks in all unincorporated areas of Umatilla County effective immediately and until September 30 or sooner if conditions change. The ban does not include the sale of fireworks.
Failure to comply is a violation that could be accompanied by a $500 fine.
This decision is based upon drought and potential wildfire conditions. Commissioners stated that the order is designed to protect our most vulnerable resources including forests, cropland, pasture, and rangelands.
Commissioners further added that Umatilla County has suffered an unreasonable number of disasters and emergencies in the last two years and we should do everything possible to avoid another.
City Council Meeting
July 8, 2021
6:00 PM
@ Athena City Hall- Miller Family Community Room
A Message from our Mayor:
I recently heard an Olympic gold medalist say that he felt one of the most important factors contributing to his success was his coach’s constant reminders that “details make champions”. You don’t have to be going for an Olympic gold medal to realize the same truth. Just recently a colleague at work picked a few flowers from her garden and left them on my desk with a note wishing me a good day. That small act of kindness made a difference to me. One piece of garbage picked up while you are out on a walk is one less piece of trash littering our beautiful little town. Unlike bigger locales, individuals stand out in small towns like Athena. For this month, I would like to take a moment to give a big shout out to the “Garden Club” of Athena who so graciously plants the flowers in the planters all along Main Street. Every single day those splashes of color and life brighten all of our summer days. THANK YOU to the Ladies of the Garden Club. Thank you for your gift of time and care you give to Athena. You are true Hometown Heroes!
-Becky Schroeder
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING (Please click on hyperlink to view)
Athena City Pool
Athena City Pool 2021
First Day, Monday June 7th
Monday-Friday
Open Swim: 1:00PM-4:00PM
Family Swim: 4:00PM-5:00PM
Cost: 3 years and up $2.00
2 years and under, Free
Water Aerobics: Monday-Thursday 6:00PM-7:00PM ($2.00 admission fee)
Saturday- Open Swim: 1:00PM-5:00pm
Sunday- CLOSED
Pool Rentals Available- Saturdays and Sundays (call City Hall for pricing/availability)
Sign up at City Hall for Season Pass ($100.00)
Grants for Businesses Impacted by Covid-19
On May 26, Business Oregon will open the final portion of a program to provide grants for small businesses to help with commercial rent and operational costs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board allocated approximately $100 million for the program to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic and the restrictions it necessitated. Following two rounds of distribution of Commercial Rent Relief assistance grants, approximately $28 million remains to be distributed in this final round through the Operational Cost Assistance Grant.
The Operational Cost Assistance Grant is designed for businesses with 100 or fewer employees in industries that were particularly affected by the pandemic, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, brewpubs, theaters, bowling centers, salons, etc. Full details of the program, including eligible industries, is available on Business Oregon’s website and in application materials.
An online application form will be posted on the website May 26, and be open through June 6. The application process is NOT first-come, first-served. Awards will be selected after a random lottery process of all complete and eligible applications received. Applicants are encouraged to take time with the application form to make sure all information is correct. Missing or incorrect information, particularly simple contact information such as email and phone numbers delays processing significantly.
City of Athena Yard Waste/Burn Pile OPEN
The City of Athena burn pile is currently open!
You must call Public Works before dropping off yard debris.
541 566-0228
Materials You CAN Drop-Off:
- Brush and Woody Material
Things You CANNOT Drop-Off:
- Do NOT bag your yard debris
- NO GRASS CLIPPINGS
- No trash of any kind
Caledonian Days
ATHENA CALEDONIAN GAMES
Athena Caledonian Games, a Scottish heritage festival, is beginning to make plans for our annual celebration on July 10, 2021. We are seeking parade participants, old cars for showing, athletes, clans, vendors, pipers and dancers. Please volunteer to help us. (Call 541-566-3880.) We need elbow grease and support. Our $50 Guardian Donation Program seeks donors to guard and preserve Athena’s Scottish Tradition. Donations may be sent to ACG, PO Box 161, Athena, OR 97813. We are looking forward to a great day of Scottish heritage celebration at our city park, Saturday, July 10.
