Vigil follows burning of community organizer's pickup in Boardman - Morrow County Sheriff's Office investigating suspicious fire

East Oregonian - By Berit Thorson - Dec. 1, 2023

BOARDMAN — After a staff member’s pickup was found in flames Monday, Nov. 27, members and supporters of Oregon Rural Action gathered at the site of the wreckage for a candlelight vigil on the side of the road.

Oregon Rural Action, a La Grande-based nonprofit organization focused on promoting clean water, air and land, has a campaign in Boardman that’s gained recent political traction after the community has dealt with high concentrations of nitrates in its well water for decades.

Nitrates often get into water from animal manure, human sewage and commercial fertilizers. Oregon Health Authority is offering eligible residents in the area free or subsidized well testing and treatment, and, if needed, water bottles.