The Observer paper 5-20-15

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SERVING UNION AND WALLOWA COUNTIES SINCE 1896

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MAX SQUARE

V • City leaders say removal necessary because of deteriorating condition of the bricks By Cherise Kaechele The Observer

W hat do you think?

Max Square is in the beginning stages ofbeing torn apart for the Adams Avenue Streetscape Project, and much likelastweek'stree removal, people aren't happy about it. The floor of Max Square, which was lined with bricks bearing the names of community members, is being replacedas partofthisbeautification project, and some of those who purchased bricks in 1998, when they were laid in the square, are dismayed that theirbricks are now in pieces. Lisa Watne, who purTim Mustoe /The Observer chased a brick 17 years ago, The floor of Max Square, which was lined with bricks is upset that the brick, with bearing the names of community members, is being reher grandparents' name, is no placed as part of the Adams Avenue Streetscape Project, longer intact. and some of those individuals who purchased bricks in 'They held strawberry 1998, when they were laid in the square, are dismayed shortcakefeeds to raise that their bricks are now in pieces. money for iMax Square)," "My sonhappened to fi nd be replaced. Watne said."To do it the way "The decision to replace they're doing it is slimy." my grandparents' bricks in thebricksdeveloped several Watne, who now lives in severalpieces,said hefound Northern California, said she only four whole bricks iout of years ago," he said."They get all that have been taken outl,o to where you can't contain spoke with Norm Paullus, La Grande's public works them. iThe city) worked to Watne said. director, wh o said thecontracPaullus, who noted that his put aplaque in Max Square name was on one of the bricks to honor and memorialize the tors would be careful when taking out the bricks to avoid names that were put on the now being removed, said the breaking them. Max Square bricks needed to bricks."

We want to hear your thoughts. Email letters to the editor to news@ lagrandeobserver. com and join the conversation on The Observer Opinion

page. The bricks will be replaced with stamped concrete to match the look and design of the beautification project. The plaquenow hanging in Max Square lists the names that were on the purchased bricks. The plaque was installed last August, Paullus said.

ow e're trying to salvage as

many of the bricks as we can," he said,"but we have a little over 300 bricks." The bricks will be cataloged at the public works department and the owners of the bricks will be notified, he said.

owe're going to actively pur-

sue the people who purchased the bricks ito return See Bricks / Page5A

• Ranger district xpects e the worst, hopes for thebest Big fire

By Cherise Kaechele The Observer

season

The National Wildfire Suppression Association is predictingabove normal potential for wildland fire this season. Debbie Miley, executive director for NWSA, said she didn't have region-specific data for the Grande Ronde Valley, but she did say the southeast corner of Oregon is in extreme drought. "Any forecast for the weather, Forest Service and

Mike McDonnell, La Grande Fire Management officer at the ranger district, said every year hasthe potential for a big fire season.

state agencies are saying ioregonl is looking at a significant potential ifor fire) this year, more so than the last couple of years," Miley said. Oregon experienced a dry winter, which turns into a dry summer, Miley said. However, wildfires are dependent on more than just dry weather, she noted. 'The fires are started by natural causes," Miley said. "Lightning strikes are a significant danger. Those See Season / Page5A

McCormack

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to take reins

as mayor The vote

By Dick Mason The Observer

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INDEX

WE A T H E

Business........1B Classified.......4B Connics...........3B Crossword.....6B Dear Abby ... 10B

Education ......7A Horoscope.....6B Lottery............2A Obituaries......3A Opinion..........4A

Record ...........3A Sports ............SA Sudoku ..........3B Wallowa Life..6A Wonderword... 3B

R F u ll forecast on the back of B section

Tonight

Tuesday

49 LOW

71/50

A thunderstorm early

Thunderstorms

UNION — Union City Councilor Ken McCormack losthisrighttovoteTuesday night but found his way to the top of Union's political hierarchy. McCormack was appointed Union's next mayor by a vote of the city council. McCormack won a secret ballot election, receiving three votes. Council President Doug Osburn received one vote, and one councilor abstained. Five of the council's six members were present. See Mayor / Page5A

CONTACT US

HAVE A STORY IDEA?

541-963-3161

Call The Observer newsroom at 541-963-3161 or send an email to news@lagrandeobserver.com. More contact info on Page 4A.

Issue 60 3 sections, 32 pages La Grande, Oregon

RIDAY IN OUTDOORS COHO RETURNS TO THE GRANDE RONDE

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Ken McCormack received three votes to beat Council President Doug Osburn to be Union's next mayor.

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