February 2026 Update: Community Momentum

Our United Community Partners Board met on February 6th, and the focus was on the incredible momentum being generated by our various community projects. From grant-funded Main Street improvements to major fundraising efforts for the community track, here are the updates you need to know about our collaborative work in Pine Valley and Halfway.

Grace Gulick Community Track Project: Fundraising Ramps Up

The Track Committee is charging full steam ahead with its goal to raise $610,000 for resurfacing, new equipment, and fencing the area. We are looking to raise $160,000 of that locally to show strong community support to larger funders.

People Involved: The committee is led by Annie Johnson (Chair) and Gail Kimberling (Secretary), with members including Mike Ludin, Kyle Davis, Peter Davis (H.S. student), Cindy Thayer, Debi Lorence, Ed Morell, Kerstin Morell, and Jenny Gulick. Pam Conley serves as the UCP liaison.

Fundraising Letter: A fundraising letter will be sent out in February to approximately 1,100 landowners in the Pine Eagle School district.

Save The Date: These events are designed to raise awareness and funding:

• Family Track Day: Friday, April 10
• Halfway Half Marathon: Sunday, May 3
• Softball Tournament: Saturday June 20th
• Volleyball Tournament: Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4th
• Halfway to Hells Canyon Gravel Fest – Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4th

Meetings: The Track Committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Lions conference room.

Halfway Main Street Revitalization: Roof Replacements Underway

Good news for Main Street businesses! We are moving forward with the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant for roof replacement on five businesses: Mamaste, Main St Tire, Merc, Halfway Sober, and the Two-Color Building.

• Progress: The Two-Color building and Mamaste have already been reimbursed for their roof projects (with a small holdback until the grant is fully closed out).
• Main St. Committee: The Main St. committee, which is actively working on beautification items like the Flagpole Flower Box project and Flower Baskets, meets on the last Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at the Lions.

Dark Sky Halfway: Community Education is Key

The Dark Sky steering committee has decided to prioritize community education before presenting the outdoor lighting ordinance to the City of Halfway. Strong community support will give the City Council confidence in passing the measure.

• People Involved: The steering committee is composed of Tom Nash (Chair), Rachel Cairns, Pam Conley, Michel Ross, Sally Robaugh, and Liz McLellan.
• Public Meeting: Join the committee to learn more at a public meeting on Saturday, February 28th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lions Club.

Project Updates

• The Village Fund: The fund has supported 4 applications since January 1, 2025, with 3 approved. Sara Artley has stepped back as the Chair and  Milicent Simpson has stepped up as Chair. Sara remains on the committee. The other committee members are Gail Kimberling, Paula Simpson, and Shelley Wilson.
• Pine Valley Firewise: We are nearing the final report for the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) grant, which is due in March 2026.
• PV2050: The PV2050 steering committee—made up of Mallory Rex, Sally Robaugh, Cindy Thayer, and Debi Lorence—is currently focusing its energy on the Track project.

Financial Snapshot

The UCP board is working to strengthen our financial administration, including meeting with Sara of UBS and interviewing a potential bookkeeper. Overall, our unrestricted funds were approximately $37,300 as of February 4th, with specific restricted funds continuing to support all of our vital projects.—–Board Attendance: Pam Conley (Chair), Amari Fauna, Jenn Berg (Treasurer), Liz McLellan, Jack Greenman (Secretary), and Michael Ross were in attendance. The minutes from the December 19th meeting were reviewed and approved.