The Observer paper 12-31-14 by NorthEast Oregon News

2A — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

DAILY PLANNER Today is Wednesday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2014.

In history:On Dec. 31, 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. In 1514, physician Andreas Vesalius, who wrote and illustrated the first comprehensive books on human anatomy, was born in Brussels. In1775, during the RevolutionaryWar, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed. In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light in Menlo Park, New Jersey. In 1909, the Manhattan Bridge, spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, was officially opened to vehicular traffic. In 1946, President Harry S. Truman officially proclaimed the end of hostilities in World War II. In 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid.

LOTTERY Megamillions: $188 million

03-07-44-63-67-12-x4 Megabucks: $4.9 million

17-19-40-41-42-43 Powerball: $120 million

07-10-11-14-36-15-x2 Win for Life: Dec. 29

09-27-46-74 Pick 4: Dec. 30 • 1 p.m.: 0-5-5-4 • 4 p. m.: 2-0-1-2 • 7 p. m.: 4-2-0-6 • 10 p.m .: 9-0-0-1

ROAD REPORT Numbers to call: • Inside Oregon: 800-977-6368. •OutsideO regon:503-588-294t

MARKETS Wall Street at noon: • Dow Jones averageDown 34 points at 17,950 Broader stock indicators: • SBcP 5001ndex — Down 5 points at 2,076 • Tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index — Down 1 point at 4,776 • NYSE — Down 24 points at 10,909 • Russell — Up 4 points at 1,217 Gold and silver:

• Gold — Down $12.90 at $1,187.10 • Silver — Down 59 cents at $15.68

GRAIN REPORT The Portland grain report was not available at press time.

NEWSPAPER LATE? Every effort is made to deliver your Observer in a timely manner. Occasionally conditions exist that make delivery more difficult. If you are not on a motor route,deliveryshould be before 5:30 p.m. If you do not receive your paper by 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, please call 541-963-3161 by 6 p.m. If your delivery is by motor carrier, delivery should be by 6 p.m. For calls after 6, please call 541-9751690, leave your name, address and phone number. Your paper will be delivered the next business day.

QUOTE OFTHE DAY "Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer." — WalterScott, Scottish writer

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LOCAL BRIEFING From staff reports

Christmas tree recycling heldSaturday

TODAY

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THE OBSERVER —3A

LOCAL

Boy Scout Troop 511 and the La Grande High School swim team will be servicing three recycling locations in La Grande Saturday. Trees m ay be dropped offin the Walmart parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or in the LHS parkinglotand Safeway parkinglotfrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The recycling fee is $5 per tree if dropped off; pick-up

may be arranged for $6. Any tree with tinsel on it will be

chargedan additional$6. For pick-up by Troop 511, call 541-975-2000. For pickup by the swim team, call

541-910-3383.

Marian Academy accepting applications Marian Academy, located

at 1002 L Ave. in La Grande, is accepting applications for openings in preschool, kindergarten and grades 1-8, and is offering halfpriceregistration forJan. 1 through May 31. Marian Academy off ers small classes, Christian-based curriculum and differentiated learning. Contact MA at 541-9630861 or marianacademy@ eoni.com, or go to themari-

anacademy.org for more information.

dogs will be available for children for $5. The event will have a no-host beer and wine bar. For more information, call City Hall at 541886-2422.

Oyster feed set forend ofm onth WALLOWA — TheWallowa Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual oysterfeedfundraiserfrom 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Wallowa Senior Center. The

Nile Club to meet at Denny's Monday The Union County Nile Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Denny's on Island Avenue.

price is $30 for all-you-caneatoystersorrib steaks.Hot

OBITUARIES at Loveland Funeral Chapel La Grande Dec. 29. Mae was born Kenneth Nevin, 49, of Feb. 7, 1927, in La Grande died Sunday in Wellsville, Mo., Boise, Idaho, ofheart compliLanham to Hugh Nelson and Lois Annetcations. A full obituary will follow. ta%ardl Pew. Throughout her lifetime, she resided in Vandalia, Mo., Moberly, Mo., Columbia, Mo., Kansas City, La Grande Mo., Raytown, Mo., Bozeman, 1952-2014 Mont., and Umatilla and Union. She met and married Claude William "Bill"Alex- Jack Perry Lanham on Aug. ander, 62, of La Grande, died 23, 1947. Dec. 19 at his She worked as a munihome. A celebra- tions assembler, a hometion of life will maker, a salesperson and be announced in alterations. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, camping, at a later date. Bill was born gardening and genealogy. Alexander Jan. 5, 1952, in She was amember ofthe La Grande genealogy club and was involved with the Baptist to Claude and Helen iAbrahamsonl Alexander. He Church in various locations. Mae is survived by her graduated from La Grande High School. daughters, Sondra Graves of Bill was an avid outdoorsOklahoma, and Colleen Millm an who loved to hunt and er and her husband, Larry, fish any chance he could. He of Union; four grandchildren; was an excellent trapshooter five great-grandchildren and who won multiple state titles numerous nieces and nephand many turkeys. ews. She was preceded in When he wasn't hunting death by her parents, Hugh or fishing, he worked for the and Lois; her husband, Jack; Union Pacific Railroad as a and two brothers, Donald and Melvin. conductor/brakeman from Online condolences may be 1979 until his retirement in 2005. made to the family at www. He is survived by his lovelandfuneralchapel.com. mother, Helen Alexander of La Grande; sons, Brent Alexander of La Grande, Ryan La Grande and his wife, Trish, Alexan1947-2014 der of La Grande, and Ethan Alexander of La Grande; Mark Larson, 67, of La Grande, died Dec. 29 at sisters, Janice and her hushome. A celebration oflife band,John Lyell,ofOlymservice will be held at 1 p.m. pia, Wash., and Claudette Haubner of Yakima, Wash.; Saturday at Faith Center. five grandchildren; and three Mark was born Jan. 17, nieces and nephews. 1947, in Fargo, N.D., to Willardand Margaret iSaunHe was preceded in death by his father, Claude Alexdersl Larson. A longtime ander, and infant brother, resident of La Grande, Mark Grover Alexander. enjoyed a long career as a forIn lieu of flowers, memoesterfor severalarea lumber rial donations may be made mills. Later on, he enjoyed a to the Rocky Mountain Elk second career as the owner of Foundation in care of Lovetwo bike shops, where he was land Funeral Chapel, 1508 able to pursue his passion Fourth St., La Grande for mountain biking as a fulltime job. 97850. Online condolences may be Mark was a devout follower of Christ, a faithful made to the family at www. lovelandfuneralchapel.com. friendand proud Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, family members said. Mark led a full life of simple joy Union and adventure. His ac1927-2014 tive lifestyle led him in various directions, including Mae Bess iPewl Lanham, competitive tennis, marathon running, mountain 87,ofU nion,died Dec.20 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A biking, weightlifting and funeral service was held at many hours spent hiking Loveland Funeral Chapel through the woods. Mark Dec. 30. A viewing was held was afounding member of

Kenneth Nevin

Clagde Willigm 'Bilt'Alexander

Mark Larson

Mae Bess (Pew) Lanham

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT LA GRANDE POLICE Accident: No one was injured in an accident at Second Street and Benton AvenueTuesday morning. Arrested: Meghan Marie Kirby, 22, unknown address, was arrestedTuesday on charges of trespass and harassment. Arrested: Sheila Larae Speck, 50, unknown address, was arrested Monday on a Union County warrant charging probation violation. Accident: No one was injured in an accident near 600 18th St. Monday afternoon.

UNION COUNTY SHERIFF Accident: No one was injured in an accident atWoodell Lane and Hunter Road Tuesday. Accident: No one was injured in an accident at Hunter Road and Monroe LaneTuesday. Arrested: Monica Susan Morgan, 50, Boise, Idaho, was arrestedTues-

day night on a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Accident: An injury accident was reported on Foxhill RoadTuesday. Accident: No one was injured in a crash near milepost 6 on Highway 203 Monday afternoon. Accident: An injury accident was reported at milepost 6 on Highway 82 Monday night. Accident: No one was injured in an accident at Fruitdale Lane and Leffel Road Monday night. Arrested: Matthew Charles Girsham,36, unknown address, was arrested earlyTuesday on a Multnomah County parole and probation detainer and charged with third-degree criminal mischief.

LA GRANDE FIRE AND AMBULANCE Crews responded to 14 calls for medical assistance Monday and five calls for medical assistance Tuesday.

Faith Center, a local church he and his wife, Barb, attended for nearly 35 years. Mark Larson co n sidered that church body as his extended family. Mark will be remembered for his laughter and sense ofhumor, his love and support, and his unwavering faithfulness in all things. Mark is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barb; their four children, Jeff Larson of Sisters, Jenni Fager of La Grande, Angela McKanna of Spokane, Wash., and Bob Larson of Plummer, Idaho; 12 grandchildren; and sister, Peg McKinnon of Hot Springs, Ark. Memorial contributions may bemade totheWounded Warrior Project at www. WoundedWarriorProject.org/ Donate. Online condolences to the family may be made at www. lovelandfuneralchapel.com.

Hazel Augusta Mecham Summerville 1923-2014 Hazel Augusta Mecham, 91, of Summerville died Dec. 27 at her home. A funeral was held on Dec. 31 at the Summerville Baptist Church, and burial was at the Summerville Cemetery. Hazel was born Sept. 30, 1923, the daughter of Frederick August and Augusta

Bertha iKaiserl Sheppard in Maylands, Perth, West Australia, Australia. On May 11, 1942, she married Cecil Edward Mecham in Perth. In 1948, the couple and their young son came to the United States on a Liberty ship and settled in San Francisco. She worked as a seamstress for Southern Pacific Hospital and later worked as a housekeeper for Jewish Home in San Francisco. After Cecil's retirement, they movedto the Grande Ronde Valley. She was an active member of the PleasantGrove Grange and lovedgoing there to see her friends. Gardening was her gift as was baking. She made many wedding cakes over the years. She loved animals of all kinds, espe-

cially birds. She enjoyed canning, cooking, sewing and quilting.

Survivors include her sons, LeRay Mecham of Concord, Calif., Jerry Mecham of Wilson, Mecham West Australia, and William Mecham of San Carlos, Calif.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchil dren;sister, Evelyn Sheppard of Australia; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2010 and six siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice in care of DanielsKnopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande

97850.

Betty Jane Van BlaAcom Joseph 1926-2014 Betty Jane Van Blaricom, 88, of Joseph, died Dec. 26 at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Joseph. Viewing hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise. Betty was born Sept. 20, 1926, in Chadron, Neb. Betty's accomplishments in her life were many, family members said. They said people who joined her in organizations and volunteer commitments benefitted from her willingness to contribute to her community and her unselfish ways to help those around her. She gave with her heart and fiiendly ways, family members said. She shared with her family the importance of beinga good citizen and role model. Survivors include her husband, Ervin Henry iVanl Van Blaricom, after 71-V2 yearsofmarri age;four daughters, Joann i Jerryl WheelerofRedmond, Judy

97828.

liye Catherine Criger) Morgan •

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La Grande 1924-2014 Olive Catherine iCrigerl Morgan, 90, of La Grande, died at her home Dec. 25. There will be a memorial serviceata laterdate. Olive was born March 8, 1924, in Alhambra, Calif., to

Floyd and Jennie i Jardeel Criger. She graduated from Willits High School in Willits, Calif., where she met her husband,James "Jim" Morgan. There were five children born to this union. The family moved to Prairie City and then to Long Creek, where she was a cook at theschoolfor18 years. After retiring, they moved to Milton-Freewater on a small acreage. She moved to La Grande after Jim's passing. Her family was the center ofher life. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, gardening, canning, a lovely flower garden and being Santa to the entire family each Christmas. She is survived by daughters, Melody iRogerl McKinley of Prairie City and Cathy Wernlund of La Grande; son, Harvey iMarshal Morgan of Summerville; son-in-law, Gary E. Johns of Baker City; 11 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren and 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; daughter, Sonja M. Johns; son, John E. Morgan, Sr.; one granddaughter, Tammy K. Morgan; her parents; and four siblings. I

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and Carol iMikel Allison of Boardman; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her parents, three sisters and onebrother died earlier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Wallowa County 4-H Program in care of Bollman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 547, Enterprise

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THE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

SERVING UNION AND WALLOWA COUNTIES SINCE I666

The Observer

GUEST EDITORIAL

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Editorial from The Bend Bulletin:

Fewer Oregonians are hunting and fi shing today than was the case even just a few years ago, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. And that poses problems for the agency, which not only oversees those two activities but works hard to maintain and enhance wildlife stocks in the state. The decline in the numbers of Oregonians purchasing hunting and fishing licenses is nothing new, according to a recent article in The Bulletin. It began in the late 1970s and continues today. In fact, the state issued about 80,000 fewer hunting licenses and 67,000 fewer fishing licenses in 2013 than it had in 1975. Many factors contribute to the decline, no doubt. Venison, in particular, used to make a regular appearance on many dinner tables in the state; for some families it was the major meat supply in winter months. That's changed with a greater variety of programs aimed at helping ease food insecurity — the Oregon Food Bank, for example, opened in 1975. Too, young people today have many more claims on their time, and unless hunting and fishing are family traditions, folks are far less likely to hunt or fish than their parents were, according to an ODFW employee. Meanwhile, the sale oflicenses provides about a third of the department's budget each biennium. The federal government provides another third, money largely collected fiom the sale of fishing and hunting gear. The state general fund adds about 6 percent, with the remainder coming fi om a variety of sources. More than half that goes to everything fiom habitat enhancement to conservation e6'orts to wildlife and inland fisheries management. If license revenues decline, so, too, will the money available for such e6orts. Nor can the agency and its new director, due to be hired just in time for the 2015 Legislature, expectmuch new help fi om lawmakers. Thegovernor actually proposes cuts to ODFW's general fund revenues, and lawmakers are sure to hear from folks who do not want to see license fees rise, as they are scheduled to do. •

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caglecaItoons.com

MYVOICE

1 BI1 eI1eWB

BI1 1I1 T

hose who have come to know me, come to really know me — not just readingabout me, butwho have met me, know that I am blunt and am not an exact science. I have been a strong and vocal opponent of Urban Renewal from the time I moved here, June 2013, for reasons that many have come to know. Urban Renewal has not been an immensely productive or effective tool in bringing new businesses or creating new jobs. Itis not and has not eliminated blight as the Oregon Legislature first enacted that statute. According to La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey, it has not helped the police department in its budget because Urban Renewal dollars don't go toward the general revenue and the law enforcement efforts. Despite what some believe, I support law enforcement, just not abuse, malfeasance or corruption. It has become, at least in La Grande, a fund to give private property owners in the Urban Renewal District free money. Plain and simple. So rather than take up ink, here is a novel idea. In full disclosure and fairness, the idea stemmed from a conversation with a dear, trusted and wise fiiend who has a business in the Urban Renewal area. His insight is invaluable. Any recipient of taxpayer dollars funded by and through Urban Renewal should contribute 10 percent of the portionoftaxpayer dollarsgiven to theprojectto a specifi cally setup fund, called "RAIN," Residents Against Increased Nonsense, to help residents outside of the defined Urban Renewal area to beautify their homes.

moldy and falling siding. Waiting on paychecks, her parents slowly, artfully and Eddie Garcia is a resident of meticulously replaced the siding with La Grande. MyVoice new boards, making the home not only columns should be pleasing but also increasing it in value. Why shouldn't otherLa Grande 500 to 700 words. homeowners benefit from the same Submissions should include a portrait-type gratuitous program pushed by and supphotograph of the ported by the city manager, economic author. Authors also development director and city council? So if there is a bold, innovative and should include their full name, age, occupation and relevant standout city councilor among the new organizational memberships. council, let he be the one to propose this new RAIN fund. We edit submissions for brevity, The way I see it working, properly and grammar, taste and legal reasons. with transparency, is each Urban ReSend columnsto La Grande newal applicant contributes 10 percent Observer, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, of the doled out money to their project Ore., 97850, or email them to from their own pocket to the RAIN fund. acutler@lagrandeobserver.com. The fund is managed and administered by the city's planning or building If weare toacceptcity hall'sw ords department, whichever department will accept applications fiom homeowners that Urban Renewal improves the downtown corridor and promotes jobs or with pictures and a detailed written plan business, then there can be no greater on how the money will be used to renoargument that the peripheral of La vate, beautify or improve their dwelling. Grande can greatly benefit from an Each homeowner can apply one time equal investment. for the improvement monies, not to If private commercial building owners exceed$3,500.Receiptsand licensed La Grande contractors shall be used on the can benefit from taxpayers, then why not homeowners outside of the Urban project if the homeowner cannot do the Renewal area? project themselves. Homeowners cannot sell their property after benefiting Statutes prohibit Urban Renewal dollars from being used outside of the from taxpayerdollarsfora period to not defined area, but this separately set-up exceed four years. This way the taxpayer dollars of La fund, funded by applicants, can surely accomplish the idea of investment in the Grande are wholly used to improve the overall community. Shortly after moving entire community, thus beautifying the here, my ex-girlfiiend's family began the entire city for new businesses to see the project ofrenovating the exterioroftheir thriving and not decaying city of home on Jackson Avenue. I pitched in La Grande, outside the Urban Renewal several days to strip off the deteriorated, District.

About the author

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Last week's poll question

Sponsored by Eastern Oregon Landscaping

Decorated by:Julie Bodfish Purchased by: Eastern Oregon Rental & Sales — Cory Braseth 14 "Star Spangled Christmas" Donated by: ICON Credit Union Decorated by: ICON Credit Union Employees Purchased by: Les Schwab — Bob Butler 15 "All I Want for Christmas is Cupcakes!" Donated by: Grande Ronde Hospital

Decorated by:RChelPlank-Gryffin & Hospital Employees Purchased by: Glenn & Heather Null 16 "Peacock Passion"

Donated by: ReedCo., Allure Beauty Bar Decorated by: Deena Reed & Nancy Reed Purchased by: Western Automatic Sprinkler — John Schwendemann 17 "The Pendleton Cowboy" Donated by: Les Schwab Tire Decorated by: Brianna Louden, Diane Miller, & Brenda Eckstein Purchased by: Legacy Auto Group — Lincoln, Eastern Oregon Rental & Sales — Cory Braseth

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Raffle Winners: Gas Card Package: Ktm Chandler Wildhorse Resort & Casino Package: Seth McKern

OTEC Utility Package: Betty Smith

Heads andTails Winner: Katy Spencer

Favorite Tree: Adults - "All I Want for Christmas is Cupcakes!" Kids - "Have a MARVELous Christmas"

ics

~ To all who made our Festival of Trees a great success 0

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

The Observer

tockgrowersseekheifer donationsfor scholarshiy

• Wallowa County organization hopes ranchers will donate heifers for scholarship fund to continue the program awe are trying to get people

fund wouldget"more bang for ourheiferdonations beforethe to donate a heifer calf;" said Alan Klages, president of the market starts declining." ENTERPRISE — A proWallowa County Stockgrowgram tohelp getkids started At best guess,the beefm arin the livestock business is ers."If we got 50 donated, then ket will stay strong through looking to expand during a we would breed these heifers atleastonemore year,K lages healthy beef market. and sel lthem asbredheifers said. Forseveralyears,theW aland the proceeds go to the Nash said Umatilla County heiferscholarship program." lowa County Stockgrowers Stockgrower President Clint raised money at their summer Klagessaid attoday'sm arSexson and wife Darcy are ranch rodeo and donations ket prices if the Stockgrowers donating pasture and a feedlot from members to give three forthe program and doingthe got 50 and sold them, there heifers to youngranchers — a would be $10,000 in the fund artificial insemination thembred heifer and two heifer for the next 17 years. selvesto breed theheifers. 'This way, instead ofhitting calves. This year, the funds Nash said Dennis Arnzen, owner of Intermountain Livewere tight for the program everyone up for a donation and Todd Nash, member of every year, this one-time stock, an auction yard in La thing would carry on into the Grande, ofFered to put them the Stockgrowers, said Umatilla County came up with a future," Klages said. on his satellite auction and While the beef market is at waive the commission. program that Wallowa County recordhighs,K lagessaidthe A strong beef market is would like to emulate. By Katy Nesbitt

The Observer

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Katy Nesbitt /The Observer

TheWallowa County Stockgrowers are asking ranchers to donate heifer calves for their scholarship program. good for the seller, but Nash said calves are expensive, pushing the heifer scholarship fund's limits. The hope is iflocal ranchers donateheifersto the program, it will be funded for many years to come. It's evident that ranching is a way oflife that 4-H and FFA kids in Wallowa County plan

to continue — for three heifers Nash said there were 18 applicants and the Stockgrowers would like to support more young livestock producers. On Jan. 21, the Stockgrowers host their annual scholarship prime rib dinner and pie auction and will publicly announce this year's winnersMaddy Tracy of Wallowa was

awarded the bred heifer and Deidre Schreiber and Jimmy Wells of Enterprise won the heifer calves. The dinner is open to the public and the county's pie bakers are encouraged to donatetheirbaked goods for the auction. For more information, call Klages at 541-991-9139.

Caleb Klauder Country band in Enterprise • Come celebrate the new year with honky-tonk music at Oddfellows Hall Submitted to The Observer

Honky-tonk music and dance fans can continue the New Year's celebrating with the Caleb Klauder Country Band Friday in Enterprise. Leading with vocals, guitar and mandolin, Caleb Klauder hosts some of the Northwest's best singers and players, creating a honky-tonk band that stands out in the country music scene. Klauder is based in Portland and has played Wallowa County a few times before, both with his country band and his bluegrass Courtesy photo group — Foghorn StringThe Caleb Klauder Country Band comes to the Oddfellows Hall in Enterprise Friday. band. His music harkens Klauder's original songs back to the old dance hall Caleb Klauder Country person or $15 per couple at alongside classics from Band plays at the Oddfeldays when people of all the door. walksoflifecame together lows Hall, 107 N.E. First George Jones, The Louvin Food and drink for the to have fun, dance, socialize, Brothers and Dolly Parton, St. concertwillbe served by Lear's Main Street Pub and enjoy live music. all sounding timeless, fresh The dance starts at The band performs and alive. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per and Grill.

Katy Nesbitt/The Observer

Randi Movich gets in some runs at Ferguson Ridge Sunday afternoon.

Ferguson Ridge Ski area open for skiers and riders By Katy Nesbitt The Observer

Old Man Winter showed his snowy head just in time for Christmas in Wallowa County, a time when skiers and snowboarders pray for enough of the white stufFfor Ferguson Ridge Ski Area to open. Ferguson Ridge opens when there is enough snow forskiersand ridersto safelynavigate itsruns, which is usually around Christmas. This year, a Christmas Eve storm provided enough to get Ferguson Ridge open by Christmas weekend and storms throughout the week-

My adventures with ack Robinson wrapped in leash, harness

skiing again on the leash, we went up again the next day. A team of sled dogs came up the trail and the lead dog sidled over to snifF Cavan as I had him in a full-

and puppy.

body pin.

wo Christmas dinners cooked, two trees decorated, Christmas treats baked, mailed and sent via Fedex andTundra pickup to their Rocky Mountain destinations, Christmas Eve mass successfully orchestrated and phew! I was ready for a Christmas treat for myself — two afternoon cross country skis with my

CANYON NOTES KATY NESBITT

Cavan is no Finnegan, a dog focused on the destination — plodding forward in perfect rhythm. Cavan, on leash, constantly veers left to rightto leftto rightand does pup There are glimpses of joy not understand his job is to indelibly recorded into my climb straight up the hill. brain — one is heading up I screamed, "I'm going to kill you" more times a Rocky Mountain ski trail with Finnegan many years that first day than I care ago.Few activitiescompare to reveal. He had his back leg hooked into the harto the silence of the woods, the sun shining down and ness or had the whole mess a Labrador trotting up a wrappedaround me halfthe time we were skiing ... and snowy trail ahead of me. When Finn was almost then my bindings began to fail. 9 years old and Bridey was And yet we trudged, up just over a year old, I invested in pulling harnesses. and up and up the McCully First, to keep control of them Creek Trail, stopping to unwind or get back into a and second, so they would pull me up the hill. When we ski. At long last I decided we all worked together, it was should turn around and I without compare. let Cavan ofF the leash. The My pup is only 9 months situation didn't get much old and is entering his better as he bounced around knucklehead phase. His first trying to bite my skis. I ran over him more than twice journey wearing a pulling harness tied to my waist and though I never found w as adisasterfrom the the wound, there were little start. As we leashed up in dropsofblood Isuspectfrom the parking lot a leashless one of our crashes. Determined that the only dog came over to say hi. Before you could say"Jack way Cavan will learn how Robinson" I was a May pole to ski on a leash was to go

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My skis came ofFcontinually during the three-hour trek and I gave up on the leash and harness — there's only so much screaming at a dog and falling down I am willing to do. There are several things I love about Labradors. One is they tend to stay close, even ofF-leash. Though Cavan had his face in the snow more like a Hound than a Lab, he did stay close as I slogged through the new-fallen snow beyond where the Nordic Club so expertly grooms the trails between Ferguson Ridge and McCully Creek. Up and up and up we climbed until my phone said itwas 3:30 p.m. We retreated and got back to the car in the dark. I drove 11 miles an hour from the Sno-Park to the Imnaha Highway in a blinding snowstorm. The irony? I was so concerned about the scout driving in the snow and the dark I talked him into laying over in Boise. Meanwhile, I was driving blind only a few miles from home. I returned to Enterprise and the scout was just back

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end and cold temperatures are allowing the volunteers who run the ski area to keep it open this week. Sunday afternoon the terrain was in perfect condition and both the downhill and nordictrailswere groomed. To keep tabs on what's going on at Ferguson Ridge, "Like" the Ferguson Ridge Ski Area page on Facebook. Season passes and daily ticketsare available atthe ticketbooths. A Sno-Park ticket is necessary to park at either the base of Ferguson Ridge or the Sno-Park that accesses trails along McCully Creek.

Hunt raflle tickets go on sale

from his Christmas trip to Salt Lake. I declared myself on strike from the kitchen, so we went to Terminal Gravity for a 6 Ranch Corriente burger and a much-deserved Festivale. Yesterday, a rancher said to me, 'Well, you got the weather you wanted." Yes, I did. And today the sun is shining on the new fallen snow, crystals shining like glitter on its surface. I think it's time to bundle up and take the dog and the camera out into the wonderland.

Observer staff

ENTERPRISE — The Enterprise Public Library is selling rafIIe tickets for a three-day guided buck hunt on the Zumwalt Prairie. The fall 2015 tag was donated by the Nature Conservancy to raise funds for the library's "Lift" project. Tickets

are $20 or six for $100. To purchase tickets, contact the library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 541-426-3906.

Or send a check to Enterprise Public Library TNC LOP Tag, 101 N.E. First St., Enterprise 97828. Be sure to include a return addressand contact information if mailing a check. The drawing will be March 9. The winner will be responsible for license and tag fees. Party size is limited to three peopleplus the guide. Terrain varies and hunters should be in good physical condition.

Sook Signing &Presentation Ellen Morris Bishop, Pho Living with Thunder is anexcursion thrOugh the geOIOgiC hiStOry of the PaCifiC

Northwest with colorphotographsand eaSy-to-underStandWriting.

Tuesday,)an.6th 7pm

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —7A

LOCAL

LAWS

Do youwant to build a snowman?

"It's justa m atter offairness," Thatcher said."Turning people down where they Continued ~om Page1A wouldn't have been turned will. It's one of several down if the conviction hapincremental or otherwise pened in Oregon doesn't low-profile laws going into seem to make sense." effect this week. The most Nearly 200,000 Oranticipated new law of egonians had a concealed handgun license as of July. 2015, marijuana legalizaIt's unknown how many tion, takes effect in six months. people have been thwarted The Oregon State Sherfrom getting one because of iffs' Association pushed a pot conviction in another House Bill 4068, which state. KevinStarrett,directorof was sponsored by Rep. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, the Oregon Firearms Federation, helped write a simiand Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis, and overwhelmlar bill that was considered ingly approved by the in the 2013 session but did House and Senate. County not pass. He was pleased it sheriffs areresponsible for was approved this year by a issuing concealed handgun Democratic-controlled Senlicenses,and the associaate he considers "extremely tionsaiditwanted "across- anti-gun." "I can't tell you why the-board consistency" regardingmarijuana things go the way they do," convictions. he said.

KEVAN Cherise Kaechele/TheObserver

This giant snowman, located on Second Street and 0 Avenue, is a bit topsy turvy. The freezing cold temperatures and the snow accumulation in the Grande Ronde Valley has at least one good thing going for it: it's the perfect time to build a snowman.

Continued ~om Page1A have received countless cards and letters offering support following the accident. "It is amazing how much people care," Karen Kevan said."It is comforting. You never know how many people care until something like this happens." The good news regarding Kevan's long-term prognosis isthatdoctors have determined that his spinal cord is bruised but fully intact, increasing his recovery odds. The bruising and resultant swelling will not completely diminish for at least another month, Karen Kevan said. Meanwhile, doctors are impressed with Kevan's increasing strength. It was evident recently when Kevan was able to hand pedal an electric wheel for 2-V2 minutes. Kevan pedaled with the aid of an electronic stimulation device. '%hen his arms slow down, it shocks his muscles to get them moving again," Karen Kevan said. The principal's increasing strength is why doctors believeKevan may be able to return to his home in La Grande in lateJanuary.

Hacks lead policy question to the forefmnt By Taylor W. Anderson WesCom News Service

SALEM — Much of the country spent the last month focused on a crippling hack on Sony Pictures, but hacks on two Oregon agencies brought cybersecurity to the forefront ofpublicpolicy in 2014. Two Oregon Secretary of State databases and the state's Employment Department website were hacked in the last year, and major companies JPMorgan Chase, Target, Home Depot and others were also attacked. Investigation of the state breaches was given to the FBI, which doesn't comment on investigations. The at-

tackshave led to calls&om national and state elected offic ialsfor stronger laws to protect datathatisrapidly moving online. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum used the momentum oftheretailerbreaches to ask for more power in the 2015 legislative session to respond to hacks and inappropriate uses of consumer data by companies. "Ten years ago, stealing your identity was about gettinga hold ofyour bank account or your Social Security number," Rosenblum told members of a legislative committee in December. "Now, criminals are just as likely to target your medical information or your insur-

PLOT Continued from Page1A day Lohner telephoned Munsell, told her he was a friend ofher cousin and said he was interested in helping her with her request. According to Lohner's report, Munsell

ance data." Government agencies are constantly under threat of cyberattacks. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, says attacks on government computers have more than doubled in the last five years. Rosenblum is one of few attorneys general who can't lead multistate data breaches. She'll ask lawmakers for that power next session, citing the Target breach that affected as many as 830,000 Oregonians. The EmploymentDepartm ent data breach affected as many as 819,000 people,

offered to give him $80 as a down payment, then to pay him $1,000 when she gets her income tax refund. After the phone call, Lohner and Det. Kirk McCormick went to Munsell's home and arrested her. Circuit Court Judge Greg Baxter approvedarestraining order on May 30 that forbid Munsell's ex-boyfriend &om

revealing information, including Social Security numbers, that job seekers put on applications. The October Employment Department hack led the stateto offera yearof &ee credit monitoring to the nearly 38,000 potentially impacted people who asked for the service by the deadline. Andrea Fogue, a spokeswoman for the Employment Department, said the agency is still compiling costestimates related to the attack. The department contracted with Portlandbased data breach firm ID Experts, which handled the public outreach and credit monitoring.

coming within 150 feet of her. Munsell voluntarily canceled that restrainingorder on Sept.29. On Dec. 23, she returned to court, asking Baxter to rescind her ex-boyfriend's parental time with their child, citing an Oregon law that deals with"immediatedanger"to a child.Baxterrefused Munsell's request.

Kevan has been in Boise since the accident. Initially, Kevan, 62, had only a tingling sensation when someone touched him below his neck "Itwas more ofa feeling of numbness," Karen Kevan said."Now he can feel someone's touch." Kevan, who was wearing a helmet,did notsuffer a head injury in the accident. He has long made it a point of wearing a helmet when bicycling to set a good example for his school's students. Kevan's ties to La Grande date back to 1991, when he moved fiom Sutherlin to take aposition asassistant principal of La Grande High School. He became Central's principal in 2000 and headed the school for 10 years beforeretiringin 2010. He was named Central's interim principal after Reta Doland left to become the La Grande School District's director of curriculum and federal programs. Kevan took a one-year appointment as Central's interim principal last summer. Karen Kevan said that her husband is loolung forward to coming home in early 2015. "He is excited," she said. "He wants to leave now but wants to stay here until he is strong enough ito come

home)."

WOLVES

Rodger Julick, by a wolf, Nash said. Some also of Baker attacksare brutal.Nash said Valley, was short he has seen a 1,400-pound Continued from Page1A 16 cows this pregnant heifer alive but torn apart &om a wolf. a cow was killed by a wolf in year. He said "They got the calf out of 2012. Nash his cattle came Twenty-four cows went home several the cow while she was alive," missing in 2013, and 11 went months early and were scared he said. missing in 2014. Rawlings and underweight. Anglin encourages ranchThe losses are a heavy ers to "continue to work saidthatbefore the wolves financial burden to Julick. In with their district wildlife were around, typically only two to three cows went miss- reference to how many cattle biologist" to find a solution ing per year. he sent out to graze this to stop the killings. Cur"Everybody around here is summer, Julick said,cTo lose rently, ODFW's website states,'%olvesareprotected watching cattle closer," Rawl- seven or eight cows you're ings said. throughout Oregon. It is not pushing 10 percent." He said he recently found Todd Nash, wolf committee legalto shoot one,exceptin wolf tracks in the snow just chair for the Oregon Cattledefense ofhuman life." men's Association, said the 200 yards &om the ranch Julick said he will "continue to do everything ODFW house. burden that comes with los'%e try to make a presence ing cows isn't just financial, requests." He isn't sure what else ranchers can do."Until so the wolves know we are but is also emotional. "I've seen a number of there," he said. This is one of the laws change, the cow the tactics that the Oregon De- grown men and women cry" people in Northeast Oregon after finding their cow killed aregoing to suffer." parlment of Fish and Wildlife recommends to deter wolves. Ron Anglin of the ODFW admitswolves are creating some problems. "Certainly every time wolves have shown up in a new place, you end up with some kind of problem," Anglin said. Fresh BakedGoods — Coffee — SandwichesHe said a good percentage Soup — Meats — Cheeses —Produce — Dry Goods ofranchersaretrying to comClosed at 2 pm New Year's Eve ply with ODFW's standards and all of New Year's Day. to deter wolves &om their Regular hours resume livestock. Anglin said those Friday, January who are trying"are to be commended." • Hickory Rocking •Large Selection of Meanwhile, ranchers like Chairs Enamelware Rawlings suffer losses. • Beautiful Bolga • Homemade Soaps Fred Phillips has also seen B askets from Ghana . pp Q p <nives Hand DiPPed Candles wolves on his property in the Qrrd QQr cl Baker Valley. Mon — Fri, 9 to 5 Sat, 9 to 2 cThe wolf is very stealthy 10214 Hwy. 82 Next to Pioneer West and pretty much nocturnal," 541-663-8404 he said."They're not a&aid of anything."

NEW I EAR'S EVE BLOCK PARTY! Beginning at: 9:30 pm at Adams R,Depot,

Downtown La Grande Countdown to 2015 with us and watch the 'Ba11 Drop'as the clock strikes midnight — Family Friendly, bring the kids! — Love broadcast by KEOL Radio — Hot Food by 1he BBQ Shack — FREE hot chocolate, coffee and party favors! — Warming tent R, heaters provided

— Saferides home by Loveland Funeral Chapel — Downtown Scavenger Hunt hosted by Union County

Chamber of Commerce beginning at 10 pm. Hosted By:

LOVELAND F UN E R A L

HXPPY NE Y EaR!

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Vur Famrly Servrag Your Famrly

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SA — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

ligIIIN

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541-963-5200 Serving Union &

Union County

Wallowa Counties

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SHERIFF La Grande, OR 97850

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541-963-2136 1901 Adams Ave. Suite 2 La Grande, OR 97850

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541-962-7753 10709 S Walton Rd. Island City, OR 97850

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from the La Grande Police Department

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 The Observer

WEEIC AHEAD TODAY I Prep boys basketball: • La Grande JV vs. Cove, Optimist Christmas Classic, EOU, 9:30 a.m. •Wallowa vs. Monument/ Dayville, EOU, 12:30 p.m. • Powder Valley vs. Union, 4:30 p.m. • Imbler vs. Pilot Rock, 7:30 p.m. • La Grande vs. North Valley, Stayton Tournament at Stayton High School, 7:30 p.m. • Elgin at Parma, Idaho, Holiday Inviational, To be determined • Prep girls basketball: •Wallowa vs. Monument/ Dayville, Optimist Christmas Classic, EOU, 8 a.m. • La Grande JVvs. Cove, EOU, 11a.m. • Powder Valley vs. Imbler, EOU,3 p.m. • Union vs. Pilot Rock, EOU, 6 p.m. • La Grande vs. Sisters, Sisters Tournament, 10 a.m. • Elgin at Parma, Idaho, Holiday Invitational, To be determined

AT A GLANCE

LHS boys hoops tops Stayton The La Grande boys basketball team beat Stayton at the Stayton Tournament Tuesday. No score was posted to the OSAA or Associate Press websites. Head coach Mark Carollo could not be reached for comment. On Monday, the Tigers opened tournament play at Stayton High School with a 53-48 win over Elmira. Senior Jake Powell led the Tigers with 18 points. Fellow seniors Brandon Dall and Kurt Boyd both finished with nine points. The Tigers (8-1 overall) face North Valley at 7:30 p.m.

Notre Dame beats LSU NASHVILLE,Tenn. (APj — Notre Dame and senior kicker Kyle Brindza got the finish they had missed too often the last half of the season. Brindza hit a 32yard field goal as time expired, and Notre Dame upset No. 22 LSU 31-28 in the Music City Bowl. shootoutTuesday.

LA GRANDE OPTIMIST CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Oregon aims to win roses,

then title

t4~ ~

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By Mark Morical

~gggg

Bend Bulletin

EricAvissar/The Observer

Cove senior Kayla Johnson wrestles for the ball with Wallowa seniorTaylor Harshfield during the Leopards' 32-25 win over the Cougars Tuesday at Eastern Oregon University.

V W

• Johnson nails four of five 3-pointers in second half to spark victory The Observer

32.

With Cove holding a 12-11 lead over Wallowa at halftime in the first contest of an eight-game slate at Eastern Oregon University, the Leopards and Cougars appeared destined to go down to the wire. However, the third quarter belonged to Cove's Kayla Johnson, who took over the game on both ends of the floor en route to Cove's 32-25 win Tuesday at the Optimist Christmas Classic. After making a steal and converting a layup, Johnson nailed consecutive3-pointers togive the Leopards a 20-13 lead in the third quarter. "Kayla was great," Cove head coach Brendan May said."Not only was she shooting well, she shot well in the rhythm of the offense. If she alsoplays defense aswellasshe did, she will be really solid for us." After a layup from Sam Short to

A~ ~AI//

The No. 3-seededSeminoles i13-Ol have won seven games by six points or fewer this season, and the average margin in their 13 wins is just 11.7 points. The winner of the Rose Bowl will play the winner of the AlabamaOhio State Sugar Bowl national semifinal in the national championship game on Jan. 12 in Texas. The Ducks, who are hoping to play in their second title game in five seasons, have won bowl games in three consecutive seasons.

'-6z '

EricAvissar/The Observer

Cove's Kyndal Murchison looks to make a pass during the Leopards' 32-25 win over theWallowa CougarsTuesday in Quinn Coliseum. Murchison finished with six points and 11 rebounds. close out the third quarter, Johnson nailed another trey, as the Leopards took a 12-point lead early in the fourth quarter. The Cougars remained resilient, as Macey Frei and Lauren Makin cut Cove's lead to 25-17. cWe were able to cut down on our turnovers today,"Wallowa head

coach Greg Oveson said.cWe played 16 minutes of decent basketball, but we have to play better for longer in order to win." Wallowa's Taylor Harshfield, who finished with a team-high 15 points, made it interesting after scoring two straight baskets, including a bank See Leopards/Fbge 10A

Panthersgrindout toughuictorvover nes SodcatsatEOIl • Imbler set to face Pilot Rock in finals after pair of victories By EricAvissar The Observer

The Optimist Christmas Classic boys semifinal game between Imbler and Union did not count towardtheirrespectiveleague standings. However, the intensity level of the Panthers' 42-35 win Tuesday set the bar for what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive Class 2A Wapiti League.

cWe approachevery game like it's a league game, and we play every game like it's a league game," Imbler's Anu Kanoho said."To know that the team is willing to go out there and work hard is pretty encouraging." With the Panthers holding a 39-30lead late in the fourth quarter, the intensity began to boil over, as Imbler's Marshal Whitaker and Rustin McDonald were whistled for technical fouls. Once Chase Houck and Quinn Evans combined to go 5-for-7 from the charity stripe on the technical free throws, the Bobcats See Panthers/Page 10A

Lester holds own facing varsity competition La Grande junior varsity girls basketball head coachsaidfreshman Delaney Lesterhad an awesome first two days at the Optimist Christmas

Can the Broncos upsetWildcats? The No. 20 Boise Broncos are set to battle the

No. 10 Arizona Wildcats to-

versity. After scoring 12 points in a 48-29 loss to Imbler Monday, Lester helped her team bounce back with a 43-31 win over Monument/Dayville Tuesday with eight points.

night in the Fiesta Bowl at

the University of Phoenix Stadium. 3:30 p.m., ESPN

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PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL

Tigers win, at Sisters Observer staff

EricAvissar/The Observer

TONIGHT'S PICIC

Larry Lawson/Cal Sport Medta/Zuma24.com

Oregon quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota takes a hard hit during the Ducks 62-13 win over South Dakota Aug. 30 at Autzen Stadium.

thenlose

Imbler senior Trace Vancleave shoots a 3-pointer during the Panthers'42-35 win overthe Union BobcatsTuesday in Quinn Coliseum at Eastern Oregon University.

Classic in Quinn Coliseum at Eastern Oregon Uni-

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Oregon's road to the inaugural College Football Playoff was not necessarily easy, though at times the Ducks made it look that way. The Ducks won 12 games by an averagemargin of26.3points,mostly blowing opponents away. One could arguethateightofthose12victories were basically over by halNme. Oregon's path to Thursday's Rose Bowl national semifinal in Pasadena, California, was in stark contrastto thatofFlorida State.

By Eric Avissar

OBSERVERATHLETE OF THE DAY

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COLLEG E FOOTBALL

WHO'S HOT

The La Grande girls basketball team earned a 43-42 win over Banks Monday before falling to Seaside by a 53-39 margin in the Sisters Tournament. Kylin Collman scored 19 points in Monday's win, while Avery Albrecht had 13. La Grande girls basketball head coach Doug Girdner said the Tigers still need to improve their rebounding and free throw shooting. In Tuesday's defeatto Seaside, Collman had 17 points, including five 3-pointers, while Auslin McDaniel-Perrin, Lacey Miles and Rachel Alexander all had five. La Grande faces tournament host Sisters today.

WHO'S NOT

LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE: The Portland Trail Blazer big man scored 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds

JACOB KURTZ: The Florida forward accidentally tipped a missed

in a 102-97 overtime win

0.4 seconds remaining to give Florida St. a 65-63 win over the Gators Tuesday at home.

over the Toronto Raptors Tuesday at the Moda Center.

shot from Devin Bookett into his own basket with

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10A — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

SPORTS

SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL NFL Playoff Glance All Times PST Wild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 3 Arizona at Carolina, 1:35 p.m. (ESPN) Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 5:15 p.m.

(NBC)

Sunday, Jan. 4

Cincinnati at lndianapolis, 10:05 a.m.

(CBS)

Detroit at Dallas, 1:40 p.m. (FOX) Divisional Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 10 Baltimore, Indianapolis or Cincinnati at New England, 1:35 p.m. (NBC) Arizona, Detroit or Carolina at Seattle, 5:15 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 11 Arizona, Dallas or Carolina at Green Bay, 10:05 a.m. (FOX) Indianapolis, Cincinnati or Pittsburgh at Denver, 1:40 p.m. (CBS) ConferenceChampionships Sunday, Jan. 18 NFC, 12:05 p.m. (FOX) AFC, 3:40 p.m. (CBS) Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 25 At Glendale, Ariz. Team lrvin vs. Team Carter, 8 p.m.

(ESPN)

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1 At Glendale, Ariz. AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

College Football Bowls All Times EST Friday, Dec. 26 Heart of Dallas Bowl Louisiana Tech 35, lllinois 18 Quick Lane Bowl At Detroit Rutgers 40, North Carolina 21 St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl N.C. State 34, UCF 27 Saturday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl

At Annapolis, Md. Virginia Tech 33, Cincinnati17 Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Arizona State 36, Duke 31

At Arlington, Texas Michigan State (10-2) vs. Baylor (11-1), 9:30 a.m. (ESPN) Citrus Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Minnesota (8-4) vs. Missouri (10-3), 10

Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La.

a.m. (ABC)

Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Playolf semifinal: Oregon (12-1) vs. Florida State (13-0), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Playolf semifinal: Alabama (12-1) vs. Ohio State (12-1), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 2 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5), 9 a.m.

South Carolina 24, Miami 21 Pinstripe Bowl At Bronx, N.Y. Penn State 31, Boston College 30, OT Holiday Bowl At San Diego Southern Cal 45, Nebraska 42

Monday, Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. Texas ASM 45, West Virginia 37 Russell Athletic Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Clemson 40, Oklahoma 6 Texas Bowl At Houston Arkansas 31, Texas 7 Tuesday, Dec. 30 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Notre Dame 31, LSU 28 Belk Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Georgia 37, Louisville 14 Fosters Farm Bowl At Santa Clara, Calif. Stanford 45, Maryland 21 Wednesday, Dec. 31 Peach Bowl At Atlanta Mississippi (9-3) vs. TCU (11-1), 9:30 a.m. (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (11-2) vs. Arizona (10-3), 1

(ESPN)

TaxSlayer Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. lowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6), 12:20

p.m. (ESPN)

Alamo Bowl At San Antonio UCLA (9-3) vs. Kansas State (9-3), 3:45

p.m. (ESPN)

Cactus Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Washington (8-5), 7:15 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 3 Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Florida (6-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4), 10 a.m. (ESPN2) Sunday, Jan. 4 GoDaddy Bowl At Mobile, Ala. Toledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (7-5), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 10 Medal of Honor Bowl At Charleston, S.C.

p.m. (ESPN)

Orange Bowl At Miami Gardens, Fla. Mississippi State (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech

American vs. National, 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 12 College Football Championship At Arlington, Texas

(10-3), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin (10-3) vs. Auburn (8-4), 9 a.m.

(ESPN2)

Eastvs. West, 1 p.m. (NFLN) Saturday, Jan. 24 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 1 p.m. (NFLN)

Sugar Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl win-

ner, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 17 East-West Shrine Classic At St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cotton Bowl Classic

ELGIN HIGHSCHOOL BASICETBALL

Boston 5, Detroit 2 New Jersey 3, Pittsburgh 1 N.Y. Islanders 4, Washington 3, OT Montreal 3, Carolina 1 Ottawa 5, Bulfalo 2 Tampa Bay 3, Toronto 2 St. Louis 3, Colorado 0 Minnesota 3, Winnipeg 2 Dallas 3, N.Y. Rangers 2 Calgary2, LosAngeles1 Arizona 4, Philadelphia 2

HOCKEY NHL Standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 37 2 4 1 1 2 5 0 100 86 TampaBay 3 8 23 11 4 5 0 122 99 Detroit 37 19 9 9 47 1 0 5 94 Toronto 37 2 01 4 3 4 3 124 111 F lorida 34 16 9 9 41 8 0 8 8 B oston 37 19 1 5 3 4 1 9 8 9 9 O ttawa 36 15 1 4 7 3 7 9 7 9 9 Bulfalo 37 14 2 0 3 31 7 5 123 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 3 6 2 2 9 5 49 109 86 N.Y. Islanders 36 24 11 1 4 9 112 101 Washington 36 18 11 7 4 3 105 94 N.Y. Rangers 34 19 11 4 4 2 102 87 Philadelphia 36 14 16 6 3 4 100 109 Columbus 3 4 1 5 16 3 3 3 8 6 109 New Jersey 38 13 18 7 3 3 8 2 108 C arolina 36 1 0 2 2 4 2 4 7 2 9 8 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 37 25 10 2 5 2 117 78 Nashville 36 24 9 3 5 1 106 78 St. Louis 37 22 12 3 4 7 108 93 Winnipeg 3 7 19 11 7 4 5 9 4 8 7 Minnesota 3 4 17 13 4 3 8 9 9 9 5 Dallas 35 16 14 5 3 7 102 118 Colorado 36 13 15 8 3 4 9 2 109 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 38 2 4 8 6 54 107 101 Vancouver 3 5 2 1 11 3 4 5 103 94 LosAngeles 38 18 12 8 4 4 103 94 San Jose 3 7 1 9 1 3 5 4 3 1 0 1 96 Calgary 38 2 01 5 3 4 3110 100 Arizona 36 1 41 8 4 3 2 8 6 115 Edmonton 3 7 8 2 2 7 23 7 9 1 27

Monday's Games Chicago 5, Nashville 4, SO

Tuesday's Games Montreal 2, Florida 1, SO Edmonton 3, LosAngeles 2, SO Nashville 3, St. Louis 2 Vancouver 3, San Jose 1

Wednesday's Games N.Y. Islanders at Winnipeg, 2 p.m. Tampa Bay at Bulfalo, 3 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Florida, 3 p.m. Toronto at Boston, 4 p.m. Carolina at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. Minnesota at Columbus, 4 p.m. New Jersey at Detroit, 4:30 p.m. San Jose atAnaheim, 5 p.m. Arizona at Dallas, 5:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Colorado, 6 p.m. Edmonton at Calgary, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday's Games Chicago vs. Washington at Washington, DC, 10 a.m. LosAngeles at Vancouver, 7 p.m.

BASKETBALL NBA Standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 2 4 8 .75 0 Brooklyn 15 16 .48 4 8 ' /2 Boston 1 0 18 . 357 1 2 New York 5 28 .1 5 2 19'/2 Philadelphia 4 26 . 133 1 9 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Atlanta 2 3 8 .74 2 Washington 22 9 .71 0 1 Miami 14 18 ,4 3 8 9 ' / 2 Orlando 1 3 22 . 3 7 1 1 2 Charlotte 10 2 2 . 3 1 3 13'/2

Enterprise Finds

tough challenges

9QL~

Observer staff

Nyssa junior varsity game The Elgin boys basketball tOday to C1OSe Dut the tournament before beginning Wapiti Squad drOPPed itS firSt tWO games at the Parma, Idaho, LeaguePlayFriday athome Holiday Invitational. against Enterprise. In the opener, Emmett The Elgin girlS 1OSt defeatedthe Huskies 59-21 tWO Straight gameS by a Monday. Freshman Caleb combined 13 points at the Lathrop led the team with Parma, Idaho, Holiday Inseven points, senior Jake Vitational, falling to Parma Burgess scored six points and 37-31 Monday, and Baker, junior Gage Little added four. 36-30, Tuesday. While head coach Kevin Against the host Parma, JohnSOn WBS SatiSfied With junior Cheyanne Wilhelm the defense, which held SCOred10 POintSto lead Emmett to 25 POintS at the Huskies. Seniors Katie halftime, the offense, minus Witherspoon and Miah sophomore Chance Weaver, Slater scored nine and eight sputtered in the first half points, respectively, and with four points. Slater grabbed a team-high '%e just waited until the SiX reboundS. Miah Slater had a teamsecondhalftostarttrying to score," Johnson said.'%e got high 12 points, senior Stormy SilVer had a team-high nine TBgOOd enough lookS, but the fOCuS WaSn't there. You Can't bounds and WithersPoon scoml sixpoints in the &st haK do too muCh When you Come '%e were pretty solid Dut aS flat aS Wedid." The HuSkieS 1OStto against Baker, we just had Caldwell, 67-37, Tuesday. inOPPOrtune turnOVerS," Elgin Burgess and Little reached head coach Mike Slater said. double figures with 14 and Slater didn't knOW Who El10 points, respectively, while gin (4-6 overall) would close juniOr GBVin ChriStenSOn Dut the tournament with chipped in nine. today, and said he's more confident in his team after Elgin (4-6 overall) plays the loser Df the Marsing and the last two games.

The Enterprise boys sulIeml a last-second loss to tust River, 54-52, Tuesday at the OregonTrail Classic in Pendleton, after losing to Umatilla 51-33 MOnday to snap afour-game winning stfeak SeniOr Nikolai ChriStoffersen led Enterprise with 11 points, and senior Cody Irishadded 10 points. Fellow seniors Christian Ruckdashel and Kaden LathrOP both SCOrednine points, but Lathrop was plagued by foul trouble, and fouled Dut in the fourth quarter. "The team played a lotbettertOday, "head coach Jeff Micka said.'%e played with better focus and execution, and even had a seven-point lead at one point." In Monday'S 1OSS to Umatilla, the Outlaws got dDWn bigand COuld neVer recover. Enterprisetrailed 24-9 at halftime, and only made three field goals in the first two quarters. Sophomore Kobe Ketcher came olI'the bench to lead

the team with eight points, and Lathrop added seven points. Enterprise (6-3 overall) kicks DlI'WaPiti League aCtiOn Friday at ElgiTL The Enterprise girls dropped two games at the Oregon Trail Classic in Pendleton, 1OSing to Irrigon 42-33 Monday, and LOSt RiVer, 59-31, TueSday. The Outlaws were up by threeathalNme Monday, but Irrigon Pulled away by outscoring Enterprise 16-3 in the third quarter. '%e havegained alotDf experience in nine games," head coach Mike Crawford said."I'm really proud Df my team for hanging in there, considering we basically are a brand new team. It takes a little time to get those kids all on the same page." Senior Carsen Sajonia had a team-high seven points, while senior Emma Hall, sophomore Sarah Aschenbrenner and lT'eshman Heece Christman scoredsix pointsapiece. AgainSt LOSt RiVer, Sajonia, ASChenbrenner

really loud, but the team really feeds ofF The Leopards came up with 14 their energy." StealS On TueSday, inCluding fOur frOm COVe SOPhOmOre LoriSSa JohnSOn Kindra MOOre. In Monday'S defeat, saidher team was ableisable to Kellie NOStrant had three StealS. maintain consistent defensive intensity JohnSOn led the LeOPardS With 14 with strong conditioning, a sentiment points, while Murchison had nine and shared by junior Reagan CarreirD. Moore scored eight. '%e've always been strong with Cove (3-5 overall) will take on the Our defenSe,SD it'S niCe to get StrOnger La Grande girls junior varsity team for heading intO league Play," CarreirD fourth place. Wallowa (3-7 overall, 0-2 said."It would be greatto startleague Old Oregon League) faces Monument/ with full intensity." Dayville for seventh place.

Continued ff om Page 9A

ShotthatCutCOVe'Slead to25-21. But Johnson once again came up big, nailing her fifth 3-ball Df the game, then taking it straight to the basket to Put COVe uP 30-21 in the fOurth quarter. After the win, May credited Kindra M ooreforherleadership and setting the tone defensively. Kyndal Murchison also played a major role in the victory, Pulling down 11 rebotmdSaftergrabbing 14 in Monday'S42-35 1OSSto Funded byCollegeGoalOregon Pilot Rock. "Kindra iS a leader Dut La G rande High SChOOIPreSentS there," May said."She leads this team by example, as does Kyndal."They're not

Wednesday's Games Sacramento at Boston, 10 a.m. Miami at lndiana, 12 p.m. New York at L.A. Clippers, 3 p.m. Charlotte at Houston, 4 p.m.

Mot GMC

EricAvissar/TheObserver

Imbler's Luke Silbepnagel (10) passes to Joe Griffin (3) while La Grande freshman G.T. Blackman defends during the Panthers'45-34win Monday at EOU.

PANTHERS

In Imbler's tournament opener win, VanCleave led Continued ~om Page 9A the team with eight points, while Gri5n had seven. turnedtheballoverdown 39-35. Whitaker and McDonald both Ultimately, the cool hands scored six points, and Hunter Df Luke Silbernagel prevailed VanLeuven scored seven. "Imbler always brings a for the Panthers, as the senior nailed a free throw, great crowd and has great then intercepted a Bobcat tenacity," Union head coach Brett Dtmten said.'The pass and converted the next tWO free thrOWS With SBVen number onething they have SBCOndSleft. going for them is defense." '%e're gOing to try to imDunten also said he was PrOVe Our COmPOSure," Imbler happy with his team's effort, head coach Mike Mills said. but wants to see it take bet'%henever we play Union, tercare Dfthe basketball. it's always a dog fight." Quinn Evans led the BobMills added that he felt en- cats with 10 points. Chase HouCk and J.D. GraVeS both couraged after his team dtd not ShOW fruStratiOn after finished with eight. On Monday, Union beat gOing dOWn 8-1 at the end Df the first quarter. MonumentfDayVille, 57-37. Silbernagel, Who finiShed ChaSe HouCk led the BObCatS with a team-high 12 points, with 12 points, while Graves COnVerted a 4-Point Play that had 11 and Landon Houck gave the Panthers their first finished with 10. In addition, doubledigitlead Dfthe game DaWSOn Kennon had nine at 27-16 in the third quarter. points along with Evans YraceVanCleave finished and Kordale Nowak, who with 11 points and Joe Grifscored seven and six points. fin scored six. Sophomore respectively. Brandon McGilvrayhad Imbler (8-1 overall) faces Pilot Rock in the championeight POintS in both Imbler's win Tuesday and the ship game, while Union (5-4 Panthers' 45-34 win over La overall), plays Powder Valley Grande's JV squad Monday. forthird place.

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1910 AdamsAve P0 BoxBBO La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-0519

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Tuesday's Games Detroit 109, Orlando 86 Atlanta 109, Cleveland 101 New Orleans 110, Phoenix 106 Brooklyn 96, Chicago 82 Memphis 95, San Antonio 87 Dallas 114, Washington 87 L.A. Lakers 111, Denver 103 Utah 100, Minnesota 94 Portland 102, Toronto 97, OT Golden State 126, Philadelphia 86

tto)4,0oiug qtjvaiijht4(irrth':a.gr."

Make your financial future a priority.

• 0

Monday's Games Chicago 92, Indiana 90 Milwaukee 104, Charlotte 94, OT Orlando 102, Miami 101 Brooklyn 107, Sacramento 99 Washington 104, Houston 103 L.A. Clippers 101, Utah 97

Slick, Icy Roads!

Iellloielr-o I

Financial Adviscr

Chicago Cleveland 18 13 .5 8 1 3 ' / 2 Milwaukee 16 16 . 500 6 Indiana 1 1 21 . 3 4 4 1 1 Detroit 8 23 .2 5 8 13'/2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB Memphis 2 3 8 .74 2 Houston 2 1 9 .70 0 1 ' / 2 Dallas 23 1 0 . 697 1 San Antonio 19 14 . 576 5 New Orleans 16 15 .516 7 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Portland 2 6 7 .78 8 Oklahoma City 15 17 .46 9 10'/2 Denver 13 1 9 . 4 0 6 12'/2 Utah 11 2 1 . 3 4 4 14'/2 Minnesota 5 25 .1 6 7 19'/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB Golden State 25 5 .833 L.A. Clippers 21 11 .656 5 Phoenix 18 15 .5 4 5 8 ' / 2 Sacramento 13 1 8 . 4 1 9 12'/2 L.A. Lakers 1 0 22 . 3 1 3 1 6 All Times PST

ENTERPRISEHIGH SCHOOL BASICETBALL

Huskies struggle in Parma, Idaho

LEOPARDS

Central Division W L Pct GB 22 10 . 6 88

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"PrO moffroalttotheOPenrOad" • 0

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —11A

SPORTS

LA GRANDE OPTIMIST CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ROUNDUP

Ilnionmakesdefenseits calling cardenroute tofinals By Eric Avissar The Observer

Grande's Tuesday defeat and theTigers'45-34 lossto ImblerMonday. "I think the big thing for them after the first night was settlingtheirnerves, "Tigers head coach Chuy Elguezabal said.cWe kept our composure taking what the defense gives us."

,Rss

The Union girls basketball team booked a place in the finals of the Optimist Christmas Classic after beating Imbler by a 36-20 margin Tuesday at Eastern Oregon University. Bobcats head coach Rhondie Rickman-Johansen said she was happy with her team's defensive output. "I always tell my girls to play tough defense," Rickman-Johansen said.cWith playinga zone defense,I think it's very important we don't get lulled to sleep." Keesha Sarman led the Bobcats with 10 points in the win over the Panthers, while Elly Wells had eight. Delanie Kohr and Ellie Clark each finished with six points, while Sarah Good and Carsyn Roberts both scored five points. Imbler head coach Barry Bowers said Hannah Kilpatrick played well for the Panthers against the Bobcats. In the defeat, Amanda Feik had nine points, while Katie Barry and Breanna Hassan both recorded four. On Monday, the Bobcats beat MonumentJDayville, 42-3, pitching a first-half shutout. Sarman finished with 12 points in the win, while Katie Good scored eight and Wells had six. Union i9-0 overall) faces Pilot Rock in the finals of the tournament. Imbler i5-4 overall) will play for third place against Powder Valley

Tigers head coach Brad Jenkins said."If we just take care of the ball and move the ball around, everything will take care of itself." Jenkins added that the tournament has been a great learning experience. Lester, Zollman and Liz Cashell all finished with eight points in the win. McKela Wing and Alissa Welberg both had six points. La Grande i7-2 overall) faces Cove in the fourth-place game. Powder Valley will be looking to wrap up third place after losing to Pilot Rock, 35-25, Tuesday. "The girls played tremendous defense," Powder Valley coach Blake Jones said."It was agreat team effort." Bailee Allen scored eight points, while Hallie Feik had five.

i5-3 overall, 2-0 Old Oregon League).

La Grande 3V falters

Before falling to Union, Imbler opened its tournament with a 48-29 win over La Grande junior varsity Monday at Eastern. Freshman Delaney Lester led the Tigers with 12 points, while Colleen Zollman had six points in the defeat. OnTuesday,theTigers bounced back with a 43-31 win over MonumentJDayville in Quinn Coliseum. cWe're a work in progress,"

Despite leading forthe majority of the game, the La Grande junior varsity squad suffered a 59-52 defeat to Monument/Dayville in the Optimist Christmas Classic Tuesday. Sophomore Elias Siltanen scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers. John Schiller scored12 points,w hile Craig Kinzerhad fi ve.Sophomore ConnorBrandt fi nished with eight points in both La

Erg,

EricAvissar/TheObserver

Powder Valley's Isaac Colton looks to make a pass Tuesday at EOU.

Cove senior Derrick Murchison finished with 31 points. On Monday, Murchison tallied 21 points in a 40-35lossatthe hands of Pilot Rock. Facing the Rockets, Josiah Kellogg had seven points, Trent Taylor had six points and Isiah Mowery scored La Grande i7-3 overall) four for the Leopards. "It's pretty obvious that will face Cove i4-5 overall) in the seventh-place game it can't be just one guy for us," Cove head coach Ted Wednesday. The Wallowa boys basketMcBride said.cWe have to ball team earned a 39-36 win have someone step up, but over Cove in consolation play we're missing three guys right now with starting at EOU. Following the win, Wallowa experience." head coach Greg Oveson No statistics were available for Wallowa's win or praised Karl Wellens for his maturation this season. its 49-48 overtime loss to "Karl has improved by Powder Valley Monday. Following Powder Valley's leaps and bounds with the way he plays," Oveson said. win over the Cougars, the "He makes the whole team Badgers were unable to book better and helps keep the a spot in the finals, losing to floor spread." Pilot Rock Tuesday by a 67-

EricAvissar/The Observer

Union's KJ Varner unloads a high-arcing shot while Imbler's Katie Barry defends during the Bobcats' 36-20 win over Imbler Tuesday at EOU. 57 margin. Junior Caleb Day led the Badgers with 14 points in the loss. Lee McElligott, Isaac Colton and Hunter Davis each finished with a dozen points.

The Badgers i3-5 overall) will face Union in the thirdplace game at EOU. Powder Valley head coach Kyle Dixon could not be reached for comment.

:gG 2015 Sehednle ofEvents Iuts the Beautiful North Bv Luis Alberto Urrea

Thursday, January 8 — KICK-OFF FIESTA Joseph Community Center,6-8pm — Music,games, books, Mexican food (for purchase) provided by El Bajio. •

•

Thursday, January 15 M o v ie: The Magnificent Seven

Theatre, Enterprise, 7pm Thursday, January 22 — Movie: Under the Same Moon —TWO

LOCATIONS: The losephy Center for Arts and Culture, and Wallowa City Hall, 7pm

:+' . IItothe

Beautiful

Nlrth.

Thursday, January 29 — Presentation: US and Mexico Border History with Aaron Bobrow-Strain, Fishtrap House, 7pm

Saturday, February 7 — Milagro Theater's production

of Searching for Aztlan, OK Theatre, 3pm, plus community workshop 10am-noon Sunday, February 8 — FINALE with authorLuis Alherto IJrrea

Hurricane Creek Grange Hall, Spm (Finale tickets: $5 Youth - $10 Adult — $25 Family, available at www.fishtrap.org

AI I o ther

events FREE and open to the public)

Pishtrap

Pacific Power Foundation •

•

WWW. FI S HTRAP.ORG

This activity rs supported irr part by a grant fvom the Oregon Arts Corrrrrrrssrorr and the National Endowmentfor the Arts. ORECON ARTS C OM M I S S I O N

•J

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e • •

"I want to extend our sincere gratitude for your past support. Our hands-on experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Thanks for being part of Junior Achievement — your involvement makes a difference!" — John Hancock, President, Junior Achievement ofOregon and SW Washington

"The Sisters of Providence established a Mission in Medford more than 100 years ago that Providence Medford Medical Center continues to uphold to care for the poor and vulnerable through our compassionate service. Thankyou for partnering with Providence to make a difference and for helping us create a healthier community together." — Katie Shepard, Executive Director, Providence Community Health Foundation, Medford

"Thank you for giving to the Eastern Oregon

"Thank you very much for your generous support

Foundation. Your donation will benefit the Avista Minds in Motion Scholarship Fund. It will enable us to continue to support our students and community." — Tim Seydel, Ir.'P. Executive Director,

for Oregon Tech students through the Avista ScholarshipFund. You have sent an empovvering and uplifting message to our students and facultythat you believe in them and their potential." — Christopher G. Maples, President,

Eastern Oregon University Foundation, La Grande

Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls

At Avista, we proudly have partnered with the communities we serve for 125 years. It's why every year We gladly dOnate Our time and mOney — aS indiVidualS and aS a COmPany — to lOCal OrganiZatiOnS like thOSe in

Oregon listed below. This past year, donations totaled $1.7 million and employees volunteered more than 45,000 hourS. Whether SuPPOrting eduCatiOn, lifting neighbOrS in need, Or bOOSting the eCOnOmiC and

Cultural Vitality Of COmmunitieS, We are thankful fOr the OPPOrtunity to lend a hand.

FOOD BANKS: ACCESS, Inc. • Community Connection of Northeast Oregon• FISH of Roseburg• Klamath Lake Counties Food Bank• United Community Action Network CAPI T AL CAMPAIGNS:Kairos • Klamath Falls Gospel Mission SCHO L ARSHIPS:Eastern Oregon University • Oregon Institute of Technology• Southern Oregon University ADDI T IONAL GIVING:United Way of Jackson County • United Way of Klamath Basin• Providence Community Health Foundation• Rogue Valley District Council of St. Vincent de Paul• Rogue Valley YMCA• Ashland Schools Foundation• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern Oregon • Junior Achievement• CASA of Douglas County• Boys 5 Girls Club of the Rogue Valley• Grants Pass Gospel Mission• Grants Pass Salvation Army• Grants Pass St. Vincent de Paul • Medford Gospel Mission• Medford Salvation Army SP O NSORSHIPS: Klamath Falls Gems• Shakespeare Festival, Ashland Oregon• Douglas County Sports Online• Table Rock Sports Network (High School Sports) ...and many, many other non-profit organizations where our employees are personally invested through their time, talent and donations.

•000

12A — THE OBSERVER

SENIOR LIVING

How to Keep Tabs On an Elderly Par en t When You Can't Ee There Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any care-

giving devices or technology products that help families keep a n eye on an elderly p a r ent t h a t

lives alone? Over the holidays, my sister and I n o t i ced that my

dad's health has slipped, so we would like to find something that helps uskeep closer tabs on him when we're not ar ound. Concerned Son Dear Concerned, There are many d i f f er ent assistive technology products

available today that can help families keep an eye on an elderl y loved one when they can't b e

there. Depending on your dad's n eeds and how much you're w i l l -

ing to spend, here are some good options to consider.

I f you're pr i m a r i l y w o r r i e d

about your dad falling and needing help, one of the most com-

monly used and affordableproducts for seniors l i v in g a l one is a personal emergency response

system (PERS) — also known as a medical alert d e v i ce. For about a dollar ortwo a

day, these systems provide a wearable pendent bu t t on — typi-

cally in the form of a necklace pendent or w r i s t b and — and a b ase station t ha t c onnects to t h e

CAN "

At the pr ess of a bu t t on, your

dad could call and talk to a t rained operator t h r o ugh t h e system's base station receiver,

MED>rA@gi

PLAN F> MEDICA

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home phone line.

RI',A> P+AN NK '

. A'-'

which works like a powerful speakerphone. The operator will

i' SC<0>U ~BKS RoiNAl,m G. 'BWD

f ind out w h a t's wr ong, and wi l l

notify family members, a neigh-

I~NSU~RANC+E AN~D ~ R'E~ TiI~R~ KM~ KNT SKRVIC+ES

' •

•

LA G< '~RANiDEP'o~s+ TAGU~TE REHAB

ing help for bathing, toileting

budget-friendly option, consider Lively (mylively.com, 888-7570711), which costs only $50 with a $85 monthly service fee. Lively uses small mot ion sensors th at you attach to movable objects

like a pillbox, refrigerator door, front door, etc. These sensors will t r ack y our d a d's movement/ activity an d let you k now of an y a bnormali t ies in hi s r o u t i n e s.

For example, if he didn't pick up his pillbox to get his medicine,

91 Aries Lane La Grande, OR 97850

offers,consider a sensor monitoring system. These systems use small wi r e l ess sensors (not cam-

963-8678 FAX 963-5024

eras) placed in key areas of your dad's home that can detect c hanges in hi s act i v it y p a t t e r n s , a nd will n o t if y you vi a t ex t m e s s age or email i f s om eth in g out of

the ordinary is happening. For i nstance, if he went t o t h e b a t h room and di dn't l e ave, it coul d indicate a fall or o t he r em ergen-

cy. Y ou can also check up on h i s patterns anyt im e you want through th e system's website. And for addi t i o nal p r o t ecti on, most services also offer PERS

call buttons that can be placed a round the house, or worn .

Some good companies that

•

through small p l u g -i n sensors.

So, for example, if your dad

foot supports (orthotics).

doesn't tur n on t h e coffee maker in the morn i ng, or i f h e's not watching his f av or it e t e l evi sion

Medicare wi ll , h owever, cover foot inj u r i e s or d i seases lik e h ammertoes, bunion deformi t i e s

program before bedtime, you

and heel spurs, along with foot

w ould be noti f i ed. Everm i n d

e xams and tr e at m ents if y o u have diabetes-related nerve dam-

b y monitor in g hi s f r e quentl y

used electrical appliances

costs $199for the three sensors, plus a $29 monthly service fee.

Non-emergency services:

S end your senior q u esti on s to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Ji m M iller i s a cont r i b u t o r t o t h e N BC Today show and aut h o r o f "The Savvy Senior" book .

don't cover so I can avoid a n y unexpected costs down the road.

Almost 65 Dear Almost,

While Medicare covers a wide array of health care services,it certainly d oesn't cover everything. If you need or want c er tain services that a r e n't covered, y ou'll have to pay for t h em y ou r s elf unless you have other i n s u r a nce or you're in a M e d i car e

Advantage health plan, which may cover some of these services. H ere's a rundown of w hat o r i g i -

nal Medicare generally does not cover. Alternative medicine: T h i s i ncludes acupunctur e or ch i r o p ractic services (except to fi x

subluxation of the spine), and other types of alt e r n a t iv e or complementary car e. Cosmetic surgery: El e ctive cosmetic procedures are not covered, however, certain su r g er i es m ay be if n ecessary to fi x a m a l formation. For example, breast p rostheses are covered if you h a d a mastectomy due to br east cancer. Long-term care: Th is i n c l u d e s

alleg

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age. Medicare does not pay for copies of X-rays or most n on-emergency t ransportat ion i n c l u d in g am bu lette services. Overseas coverage: In m o st cases, health care you r eceive outside of the U n i t e d St a tes is not covered.

The best way to find out if Medicare covers what you n eed is to talk toyour doctor or other health care pr ovider. Or, visit

medicare.gov/coverage and type in your t e st, i tem or serv i ce, to

get a breakdown of what isand isn't covered. A lso keep in m in d t h a t e ven i f Medicare covers a service or

item, they don't usually pay 100 percent of th e cost. Unl ess you have supplemental i n s u r a n ce,

you'll have to pay monthly premiums as well as an n ual d educt-

ibles and copayments. Most preventive services, however, are

covered by original Medicare with no copays or deductibles. F or more inf or m a t ion on w h a t

original Medicare does and doesn't cover,see the "Medicare

and You" 2015 booklet that you s hould receive in th e m ai l a f e w months before you t ur n 65 , or y ou can see it on l in e at m e d i -

care.gov/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf. Y ou can also get help over t h e

phone by calling Medicare at 800-688-4227, or contact your S tate Health I n s u r a n ce

Assistance Program (SHIP), who provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling in p e r son or

over the phone. To find a local SHIP counselor visit shiptalk. org, or callthe eldercare locator

at 800-677-1116.If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, y ou'll need to contact you pl a n a dministr a tor for d e t a i l s .

any people havebeen asking

another. The simple answer is yes, they are. And the process is easy.

l603WashingtonAve,LaGrande

(541) 963-4700 •

ings, fillings or dentures. Nor do

Foot care: Medicare does not c over most rou t in e foot care, li k e the cutt in g or r e m oving of corns a nd calluses, nor does it pay f or most orthopedic shoes or other

Call Beth Stewart, 541-9S3-3121

Call to schedule your tour today and experience the difference!

•

tion and cleaning, are not covered either u n l ess you ar e receiving hospice care. R outine dental an d v i s i o n care: Medicare will n o t c o ver routine dental checkups, clean-

ered.

Lively also offers a PERS "safety

letushelpyou makesenseofit all

•

such as shopping, meal prepara-

ifpreplanned funeralarrangements are NlliemrIP Mtransferable from one funeral home to

•

and dressing are not covered unless you are homebound and a re also receiving sk i l l e d n u r s ing care. Housekeeping services,

mind.us, 855-677-7625), which lets you keep an eye on your dad

n otified and can check on hi m .

Elioidle for •

stay. Personal care: T he cost of hir -

check out is Ev er m in d ( ever-

ing newspaper, you would be

Dear Savvy Senior, I'm about tosign up for Medicare Part A and B and would like to find out what they

on your dad than what a PERS

a three-day inpatient hospital

to call for help. Another affordable option to

or he didn't open th e f r on t d oor t o go out and r e t r i eve hi s m or n -

m otion-sensitive pendants t h a t can detect a falland automati-

If you want t o k eep closer tabs

t ion care imm ediat ely f o l l ow i n g

they cover rou t in e v i s ion car e like eye exams, eye refracti ons, contact lenses or eyeglassesexcept when foll ow ing cat ar act surgery. Hearing: R o uti ne heari n g exams and hearing aids are not covered either, alt h ough some hearing im p l a nt s t o t r ea t a severe hearing loss may be cov-

D oesn't C o v e r

S ensor Monit o r i n g

Bridging the gupfrom Hospital to Home

year in adv ance. I f you're in t e r ested in a m o r e

as needed. Some PERS today even offer

companies that offer all levels of services include Philips Lifeline (lifelinesys.com, 800-880-8111), Medical Alert (medicalalert.com, 800-800-2587) and MobileHelp (mobilehelpnow.com, 800-9920616).

sincerely thank our employeesfor theirhard mork, dedication and years of service to our residents.

assisted living facilities and adult daycare. Medicare does, however, help pay up to 100 days of skilled nursing or rehabilita-

What Medicare

that work anywhere. Some top

The sta ff and residents would like to

nursing home care, the costs of

GrandCare Systems (grandcare. com, 262-888-6147), which charges $800 fortheir activity sensors, plus a $50 monthly service fee. And BeClose (beclose.com, 866-574-1784), which runs $899 for three sensors, and a $69 monthly service fee if paid a

bor, friend or emergency services

cally call for help. And some offer GPS mobile-alert pendants

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Wednesday December 31, 2014 The Observer & Baker City Herald

LA GRANDE

BRAIN FOOD

HAPPENINGS

ICEN ICELLER

Eagle Cap Realty recognizes Haefer for 20 years of service Gary Haefer, a sales associate with Century 21 Eagle Cap Realty, was honored for 20 years of service with the La Grandebasedrealestate company. "Gary Haefer joined Century 21 Eagle Cap Realty in January 1995 and has establisheda successfuland reputable real estate career built on the many business relationships he has nurtured over the years," said Anna Goodman, owner of Century 21 Eagle Cap Realty."Gary understands the notion ofbeing an ongoing realestate adviserto ourcustomers and truly embraces the idea of making clients for life." Goodman said Haefer has been known to go above and beyond the expectations of his clients and he stays current on city, stateand federallaws and regulations. "On behalf of the entire Century 21 Eagle Cap Realty family, I congratulate and thank Gary for years of exemplary service and tireless dedication and commitment to our community," Goodman said.

Business ARer Hours event set for Tuesday at Umpqua Bank The next Business After Hours event will be trom 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Umpqua Bank, 3106 Island Ave. in La Grande. The event is open to everyone. There w ill be food,beverages and prizes. Business After Hours is an opportunity to meet other local business owners, as well as officials from the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Poultry producers brace for bird flu fallout SALEM — Commercial poultry producers say they're concerned the outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu virus found in Washington and Oregon will hurt exports by prompting some nations to impose trade barriers. "It's probably going to be a problem anyway because some countries aren't going to properly distinguish between backyard and commercial" flocks, export council President James Sumner told the Capital Press."This likely will have repercussions that will likely impact the entire U.S. industry." Sumner said China already bans poultry imports form five states because of cases oflow pathogenic bird flu. He said he hoped the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be able to convince other countries to continue buying U.S. poultry by showing the virus has not spreadtocommercial producers. 0$cials suspect that wild ducks that breed in Alaska and northeast Asia have spread the virus to the U.S. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced last week that a strain ofhighly pathogenic bird flu virus, H5N8, had been found in a flock of 100 guinea fowl and chickens in the southern Oregon town of Winston. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has quarantined the Winston yard and will dispose of any surviving birds. The spot is along the Pacific Flyway, where the birds could easily have contact with wild birds carrying the virus while migrating south for the winter, department spokesman Bruce Pokarney said. Both the H5N2 and H5N8 strains of the virus were found in Washington state. The state Department of Agriculture reported H5N2 in a wild northern pintail duck found in Whatcom County. A captive gyrfalcon that was fed a wild duck from the same area died of H5N8. In British Columbia, 11 poultry farms have been quarantined after discovery of the virus, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. — From staff reports

owner's resolutions for 2015 '. •

Cherise Kaechele/TheObserver

Fred Bell poses for a photo in his newly opened Short Stop Xtreme Growlers on Gekeler Lane. The growler station is inside Bell's Short Stop convenience store.

NOT JUST ASERVICE STATION • Short Stop adds growlerstation By Cherise Kaechele Wescom News Service

A 65-inch television screen displaysthe 18 beerson tap and how much is left in real time at the new Short Stop Xtreme Growlers on Gekeler Lane. cWe know exactly — to the ounce — what our waste is and what our use is," said owner Fred Bell of the real-time digital program installed atthegrowler station."It's awesome." Bell just opened the station inside the Short Stop convenience store earlier this month and he said business has been going well, despite not saying much aboutitbeforeitopened. The inventoryis going to be changing constantly, Bell said. "People want good beers," Bell said."Domesticbeersaregoing out. We're going to have competitive prices.W e'regoing to be the lowest. We don't have any overhead." Bell said he wants Short Stop to be a one-stop shop where the family can all come in and the children can get ice cream and dad can get a growler. cWe follow what's trending nationally," Bell said. Growler stations have been gaining in popularity recently and hethought it'd be a good addition to his business. cWe're trying to get the most out of one stop,"he said.cWe offer

l tlUt m Irllt

Cherise Kaechele/TheObserver

The growler station features 18 beers on tap, and owner Fred Bell said the station's inventory is will be changing constantly. fiozen yogurt, a full espresso bar and now a growler station." Bell said he wants people to feel comfortable when they enter Short Stop. The place is clean, it's a kid-fiiendly atmosphere and peoplecan getin and outfast. The growler station will also have a non-alcoholic beverage on tap as well, he said. The Short Stop joins Tap That Growler, which opened on Adams Avenue in October. Growler stations, Bell said, are where the country is going. He said he believes there will be three orfourgrowler stations poppingup in the localarea over the next year. "Competition is good," he said. "Itbrings pricesdown."

Customers can bringin their own growlers and have them refilled, or can purchase them at the counter. There's alistofthebeersavailable on the Short Stop Facebook page, which also displays the quantity left. Bell foreshadowed some big changes ahead for the gas station in the spring time. awe want to offer everything," he said.'We want them to walk in and be able to get what they want. We're changing with the times. And it's a clean atmosphere." Contact CheriseKaechele at 541-786-4235 or ckaechele C lagrandeobserver.com. Follow Cherise on TwitterC'IgoKaechele.

OREGON

encVeeandingINItlraualitVmoniloring • OKcials hope farmers take advantage of programs to improve water health

About thiscolumn Small Business Happenings covers Northeast Oregon's small-business community. The column carries news about business events, startups and owners and employees who earn awards and recognition or make significant gains in their careers. There is no charge for inclusion in the column, which is editorial in nature and is not ad space or a marketing tool. Products and services will be discussed only in general terms. Email items to biz@lagrandeobserver.com or call them in to 541-963-3161. Baker County residents can submit items to news@bakercityherald.com or call them in to 541-523-3673.

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As a small business owner, thisistheperfecttim eof year to reflect on areas of accomplishment or places where desired results were not achieved in 2014. Here are 15 resolutions every small business owner needs to make now to get their2015 offtoa faststart: 1. The economy no longer matters to me; we are going to grow revenue in 2015 regardless of any external obstacles. 2. I'm not only going to watch the pennies in 2015, I will teach, coach and cajole all of those around me to do the same, so the company can be profitable. I'll sohcrt from the employees how to reduce costs and will use a percentage of the savings in monthly prizes forthe bestideasto spuron creativity. I think we will all be surprised how much can be saved when we put our heads together. 3. Some clients are having a tough time right now and we will work with them on pricing and payments if they will work in good faith. 4. Some employees are worth more than others to the company. For those employees I resolve to provide more recognition, to seek out more opportunities for them to learn and will provide them with more compensation. 5. I freely admit that I do not have all the answers to allthe problems and opportunities that face the company. Iresolveto ask forhelp mo re often and will listen to what people advise me. 6. I am going to listen to my gut in 2015. By doing so,Ican getahead ofthe kind of problems that I have ignored in the past and that have caused me great stress because I failed to heed my own instincts. 7. Learningto bea better leader is something I will spend more time and energy on in the coming year. What got us here will not get us "there" and someone has to change: me. 8. I'm going to stop hitting the fire alarm bell. I need to stopbeing a fi refighter and SeeKeller / Page 2B

The Associated Press

SALEM — The Oregon Department of Agriculture plans to expand the monitoring of Oregon farm land for compliance with federal water quality law. Some officials hope that will lead more farmers to seek help with programs such as treeplanting to shade and cool streams, making them better able to supportthreatenedfish species, the agricultural publicationCapitalPressreported. For decades, the agency's

ss v The Associated Press file photo

The Oregon Department of Agriculture plans to expand the monitoring of Oregon farm land for compliance with federal water quality law. strategy for compliance with the federal Clean Water Act on

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farmland was largely complaintdriven, said John Byers, manager

of its agricultural water quality program. But some problems, such as manure piles near waterways or streams denuded of vegetation, may never be reported, he said. "Neighbors don't always want to turn in neighbors," Byers said. About two years ago, the department decided to"self-initiate" compliance with water quality rules, using publicly available informationlikeaerialphotographs and topographical maps toidentify potential problem areas and then notifying the landowners. Since the agency doesn't have the resources to conduct in-depth monitoring of the whole state, the approachwas tested in Wasco and Clackamas counties. SeeQuality / Page 2B

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2B — THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

BUSINESS 8 AG LIFE

WALLOWA COUNTY

Joseph restaurant ov Tters'keepingbus By Katy Nesbitt

and the choices, trom blueberry muSns to coffee cake JOSEPH — Silver Lake to foccacia, change daily. Bistro on Joseph's Main Cook said business has been"really steady" and they Streetserves arotating menu of soups, sandwiches have a lot of return customand salads along with baked ers who come in two or three times a week. goods and espresso drinks. Turkey foccacia sandwichRyan Cook and Samantha Weaver opened their restaues and macaroni and cheese rant in the former location arepopularitems that rotate of Mad Mary's Bakery in through the menus. In the summer, Cook said October. Cook said owner Mary Wolfe kept the gift shop they will turn to selling ice open but wanted to lease out cream and simpler menu the restaurant. items like tacos and pulled The couple said they had pork. a number of restaurant jobs Cook said all of their items, between them. In Bend, they trom thevinaigrettesto the ran a short-order kitchen in aiolis and the foccacia, are a grocery store and a growler their own recipes, and they make each menu item as it's station and worked at Pano Farms. They decided to make ordered. "Islicethe tomato forthe the leap to Wallowa County last spring when they relosandwich when it's ordered, cated to help open and work so it could take seven to 10 minutes to get your food," at the Lostine Tavern. Last fall, Weaver said they found Cook said. The restaurant has been out about the restaurant spaceavailable in Joseph and open only a handful of weeks, jumped on the opportunity. but the couple who moved to cWe always wanted our Wallowa County six months own place,"Weaver said. ago said they are working When seasonally available, seven days a week between the restaurant and catering. Cook said they will serve cWe're keeping busy," fresh,localfood.Allthebread and pastries aremade on site Weaver said. WesCom News Service

Checkout charitiesdefore donalinglolhem T

he hohday season beckons us to show othersextra-specialkindness, especially when it comes to organizations that help the lessfortunate. You can tell by the appeals trom charities in your mailbox. The sheer volume received around Christmas means that consumers have to figure out how to divvy up their limited charity dollars. But it's because this season evokes emotion that you can't let down your guard when it comes to those who tug at your heartstrings for your charitable donations. Why do appeals increase at year-end? According to the nonprofit Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities, it's because the year-end holidays are a time "of religious and moral reflection" that inspires many people to reach out to those who are lessfortunate. While most charities do good work and channel their funds toward helping others, you'vegottobecarefulof those masquerading as charities whose only aim is to take advantage of you. Even with legitimate charities, you have to ensure that their work matches what you want to accomplish with your dollars. Here are some tips: Follow your philanthropic passions. According to Charity Navigator, there are about 1 million charities in the U.S. The group urges people not to settle foran organization that isn't a match for their beliefs and goals.eTake the time to find it and confirm — not just assume — it offers the programsand servicesthat match your charitable interests," Charity Navigator says. Ensure the charity is efficient, ethical and effective. Before you give to any charity this holiday season, be sure to check the charity's fiscal health, Charity Navigator says. According to the nonprofit, "Financially healthy organizations — those that are both financially efficient and sustainable—have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their charitable mission."

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BIZ BEAT PAME LAYlP A critical document to reviewisthe organization's Form 990, which most federally tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS each year. It provides information on the organization's mission, programs and finances. On the Form 990, first look on Page 2, where the charity describes itsProgram Service Accomplishments. "This can give a donor ian idea of) how the charityallocatesitseffortsand expenditures among its main programs," said Michelle Monse, president of the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation in Dallas, a private foundation. Then go to Page 10, Part IX, for the Statement of Functional Expenses. "Filers are supposed to break down their total expenses by the portions devotedtoprogram services, management/general and fundraising," Monse said. 'You have to look at line 25 and doyour own math to get the ratios." Donors should expect the bulk of their money to go toward actual charitable activi ties,ratherthan to fundraising and administrative costs. But you must be realistic, Charity Navigator says. "Recognize that 100 percent of your gift cannot go towardthecharity'sprograms," the group says. For example, each charity must pay forbasicintrastructure costs such as postage, utility and insurance expenses. The group urges people to instead donate to "efficient chariti es"thatspend atleast 75 percentoftheirbudgeton programs and services, 15 percent on administration and 10 percent on fundraising. eAfter all, the charity's ability to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change in the world is the key reason fortheirexistence and for your donation," Charity Navigator says.

The Associated Press file photo

Workers plant strawberries last month in Watsonville, Calif. Thousands of farmworkers in California, the nation's leading grower of fruits, vegetables and nuts, may soon be able to leave the uncertainty of their seasonal jobs for steady, year-around work building homes, cooking in restaurants and cleaning hotel rooms. An estimated 5 million people in the country illegally could be eligible to stay under the executive action President Barack Obama announced in November.

armers race or a or o a eun ernew 0 1 By Scott Smith The Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif.— Farmers already scrambling to find workers in California — the nation's leading grower of fiTnts, vegetables and nuts — fear an even greater labor shortage under President Barack Obama's executive action to block some 5 million people from deportati on. Thousands of the state's farmworkers, who make up a significant portion of those who will benefit, may choose to leave the uncertainty of their seasonal jobs for steady, year-around work building homes, cooking in restaurants and cleaning hotel rooms. 'This action isn't going to bring new workers to agriculture," said Jason Resnick, vice president and general counselofthe powerful tradeassociation Western Growers."It's possible that because of this action, agriculture will lose workers without any mechanism to bring in new workers." Although details of the president's immigration policy have yet to be worked out, Resnick said the agricultural workforce has been declining foradecade.Today,the association estimatesthere isa 15 to 20percent shortage of farmworkers, which is driving the industry to call for substantial immigration reform trom Congress, such as a sound guest worker program. "Hopefully there will be the opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform,"said Karen Ross,secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture."That's the right thing to do for this country." California's 330,000 farmworkers accountforthelargestshareofthe 2.1 million nationwide, according to the

QUALITY Continued ~om Page 1B In mid-2015,thedepartment intends to roll out the program in six to 12 new "strategic implementation areas" once Byers determines where improvements are most needed. An example ofaproject that approach mighthelpis aimed atrestoringriparian

habitat along several creeks in Multnomah County. Despitenumerous entreaties fiom thelocal soil and water conservationdistrict, most landowners have~ fi ee stzeamside tzee plantingthat wouldmluce cfeek temperatuTes, and only about25 tn 30 percentofst zeam milestargeted bythe district are enrolled in themtontionprognm. "Some people are just not interested in having

KELLER Continued ~om Page 1B startbeing an architectforthiscompany. And I need to educate my people to stopbeing reactive and startbeing much more proactive. 9. The calendar is a very useful tool that I will use more consistently in 2015. 10. I will lead by example. I won't just"talk the talk," I will also "walk the walk." I will encourage people to call me out in private when I am not doing so. 11. I will have the finance depart-

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Texas comes in a distant second with less than half of California's farmworkers. Once Obama's executive action startsgoing into effectnextyear,it will protect the parents oflegal U.S. residents trom deportation and expand a 2012 program thatshieldsfrom deportation people brought into the U.S. illegally as children. Manuel Cunha, president of the Fresno-based Nisei Farmers League, estimatesthat 85percent ofCalifornia's agricultural workers are using false documents to obtain work. Cunha,who has advised theObama administration on immigration policy, fi guresthat50,000 ofthe state's farmworkers who may benefit trom the president's executive action could leave the fields and packing houses in California's $46.4 billion agricultural industry. "How doIreplacethat?"he said."I think we're going to have a problem." Many farmworkers are paid above minimum wage, earning more hourly than they will in other industries, but he said that workers that leave will gain year-around jobs and regular paychecks, rather than seasonal employment. While farmers may face a setback, Obama's order is good for workers who support families and fear that any day they may be pulled over driving to workand deported,said Armando Elenes, national vice president of the United Farm Workers. With proper documentation, workers will feel empowered and be more valuable, Elenes said. Contronted with abuse at work — such as being paid less than minimum wage or denied overtime — workers will be able to

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challenge their employer or leave, he sald. In addition, their newfound mobility will create competition for farmworkersand potentially increasewages, Elenessaid,adding,"It'sgoing toopen up a whole new world for workers. A lot of times, if you're undocumented, you feel like you're stuck." Ed Kissam, an immigration researcher at the immigrant advocacy group, WKF Giving Fund, said he doubts a significant number of farmworkers will leave the industry. Farmworkers often lack the language, education and technical skills to move up the employment ladder, he said. "Surely some will," Kissam said."It's not going to be a mass exodus." Edward Taylor, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, said a shortage of farmworkers could be exacerbatedby a dwindling flow ofworkers from Mexico,thelargestsupplierof labor to the United States. Taylor said the lower birthrates, more industrial jobsand betterschoolsin ruralMe xico are cutting into the supply of farmworkers. "U.S. and Mexican farmers have to compete for that diminishing supply of farm labor," he said."Once this change hits, there's no going back." Central Valley farmer Harold McClarty of HMC Farms, who hires a thousand workers at harvest time, said there is no replacing the human hand forpicking the 50 varietiesofpeaches he grows. His workers pick a single tree five or more times, making sure the fruit they take is ripe. cWe haven't found any machines that can do anything like that," he said. 'You can't just pick the whole tree."

someone else working on their property," said Julie DiLeone, rural lands program supervisor fortheEast Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Once the Agriculture Department tells landowners they can't pollute, the solution is up to them. For technical assistance, they can seek help from a conservation district. "Ifmore people come

ment map out a plan to forecast revenue by client, expenses by department, profitability and company cash flow. That will help everyone in management to better understand what they are responsible for accom-

plishing. 12.In 2015, Iam going to bem ore visible to all employees, spending time with each employee to see how they aredoing and to solicittheirfeedback. I'm going to do this by simply walking around, asking questions and listening. 13. I will also spend more time with clients, reaching out to them to get their feedback on how we can improve

in the door, at least in our district ,that'sgreatbecause we have the capacity to help more people," said Laura Masterson, an organic farmer and board member of the East Multnomah district. She notes that the districtsaren'tregulators,so peopleshouldn'tbeafraid to come todistrictsforhelp, she said. "That firewall is critical," she said.

our service to them. 14. Accountability is lacking in the company so we'll be starting quarterly performance reviews in March for every employee. 15. We have lost a sense of urgency in the company. I'll own the responsibility to instill a new and greater sense of urgency so that every employee strives to quickly take care of clients and each other. Ken Kelleris a syndicated business columnist focused on the leadership needs of small and midsizeclosely held companies. Contact him at KenKeller SSBCglobal.net.

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PUZZLES 8 COMICS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

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THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD — 3B

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Does your carrier never miss a cIay? Are they always on time, no matter what kind of weather? Do they bring your paper to your front door? If so we want to hear from you. The Observer and Baker City Herald wants to recognize all of our outstanding carriers and the service they provide to ensure your paper gets to you. Let us know about their service by sending your comments to cthom son@la randeobseroercom or send them to 14065t Street La Grande OR97850

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4B —THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

PUBLISHED BY THE LAGRANDE OBSERVER & THE BAKER CITY HERALD - SERVING WALLOWA, UNION & BAKER COUNTIES

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©© El

Baker City HeraId: 541-523-3673e www.bakercityheraId.com • classifiedsObakercityheraId.com• Fax: 541-523-6426 The Observer: 541-963-3161e www.lagrandeobserver.com • classifiedsOlagrandeobserver.com • Fax: 541-963-3674 xg w 105 - Announcements

LATCH Baker County's breastfeeding support group. Meets every 2nd btt 4th Thursday of the month 11 a.m. —Noon St. Luke's EOMA, 3950 17th St. 541-523-3681

s •

105 - Announcements '

•

CHECK YOUR AD ON THE FIRST DAY OF PUBLICATION We make every effort

•

t o a v o i d err o r s . However mistakes d o s l i p thr o u g h .

•

Check your ads the first day of publication btt please call us immediately if you find an error. Northeast Oregon Classifieds will cheerfully make your correc-

BAKER CITY LIONS CLUB Thurs., 12:00 noon Sunndge Inn 1 Sunndge Ln. Everyone welcome! First Lutheran Church FREE KID'S CLUB F RIDAYS 1:30 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. 1st-6th grades 1734 3rd St. Use Valley St. entrance under Kid's Club sign

tion btt extend your

ad 1 day.

SETTLER'S PARK ACTIVITIES 1st btt 3rd FRIDAY (every month) Ceramics with Donna 9:00 AM — Noon.

(Pnces from $3- $5)

LAMINATION Up to 17 1/2 inches wide any length

MONDAY NIGHT Nail Care 6:00 PM (FREE)

$1.00 per foot (The Observeris not responsible for flaws in material or machine error) THE OBSERVER 1406 Fifth • 541-963-3161

TUESDAY NIGHTS Craft Time 6:00 PM (Sm.charge for matenals) EVERY WEDNESDAY Bible Study; 10:30 AM Public Bingo; 1:30 PM ( .25 cents per card)

PREGNANCY SUPPORT GROUP Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, post-partum. 541-786-9755

105 - Announcements VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST the month. Post btt Auxiliary meet at 6:30 p.m.

VFW Hall, 2005 Valley Ave., Baker 541-523-4988

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings AA MEETING LIST WALLOWA COUNTY

Meeting times

1st btt 3rd Wednesday

Evenings ©6:00 pm Elgin Methodist Church 7th and Birch

113 1/2 E Main St. PH: 541-398-1327 Sunday's 10am-noon. Wednesday (women only) 11 a.m.— noon

AL-ANON Concerned about someone else's drinking? Sat., 9 a.m. Northeast OR Compassion Center, 1250 Hughes Ln. Baker City (541)523-3431

WALLOWA 606 W Hwy 82 PH: 541-263-0208 Sunday 7:00p.m.-8:00 p.m. AA MEETING: Survior Group. Mon., Wed. btt Thurs. 12:05 pm-1:05 pm. Presbytenan Church, 1995 4th St. (4th btt Court Sts.) Baker City. Open, No smoking.

Self Help btt Support G roup An n o u n c e ments at n o c h arge. For Baker City call: J uI t e — 541-523-3673 For LaGrande call: E n ca — 541-963-31 61

families btt fnends of alc oho l i c s . U n i on

AL-ANON. At t i tude o f Gratitude. W e d n e sdays, 12:15 — 1:30pm. Faith Lutheran Church. 1 2th btt Gekeler, L a Grande.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS can help! 24 HOUR HOTLINE (541 ) 624-51 1 7 www oregonaadrstnct29 com

Servtng Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties

NARACOTICS ANONYMOUS

Goin' Straight Group

Exit 304oll -84 • 2410 PumSl BakerCity, OR97814

541-523-5070 541-519-8687 www paradisetruckwash com Auto Detailing • RV Dump Station

N WWv WW N V 3W N Sp e c i a l i z in g t n A l l P h a s e s Q f C o n s t r t s c t t c an a nd G a r a g e D o o r I ns t a l l a t i o n

Home Seller Special l. Full color Real Estate picture ad Start your campaign with a full-color 2x4 picture ad in the Friday Baker City Herald and The Observer Classified Section.

4. 30 days of 24/7 online advertising That classified picture ad will be there for online buyers when they're looking at www. northeastoregonclassif ieds.com — and they look atover 50,000 page views a month. Home Seller Special priceis for aduerlising Ihesame home, roilh no copy changes and norefundsifclassifi ed adis killed before end ofschedule.

Get moving. Call us today. 541-523-3673

5 4 1 -963-3161 lagrandeobserver.com

bakercityherald.com

PAUL SOWARD

ggtp'gCNstotyg Qg~ e~+

Shann Owner

ar ter

gg ~ 9

C3 OO

Child 8t Family Therapy

541-786-5751 541-963-2161

SALES CONSULTANT

Llcensedytttd Inslttqd

KOleidOSCOPe

24 Hour Towing Saturday Service Rental Cars

2906 Island Avenue La Grande, OR L INc0 t

DANFORTH

CONSTRUCTION

Tammie Clausel Licensed Clinical SocialWorker •

s•

Over 30 years serving Union County Composition — Metal — Flat Roofs — Continuous Gutters

963-0144 foffice) or 786-4440 fceII)

1705 Main StreetSuite 100 • PO. Box 470 • Baker City 0R97814 541 523 5424 • fax 541 523 5516

CCB¹32022

• •

•

fLfF E>R><S gp WVO~

~ I aiiii'S AuIO I I C +4I(I ' I Wrecking8 Recyclirtg Quality UsedParts New8 UsedTires BuyingFerrous artd Nort-Ferrous Metals• iye also Buy Cars

54!4234433::.";:,',.

owing -N- More

A/I Breeds • No Tranquilizers • Dog & Cat Boarding

st~<t'"ogg icing La Grande,Cove, Imbler &Union es 7 1 24 1 7 0 6 tkata" Marcus Wolfer

541-523-60SO

•

$how it over 100,000 times with our

Residential, Rental and Commercial Cleaning g' Serving Union County since 2006

D e liv e ry

aradise Truck & RVWash We Wash Anything on Wheelst

that house, •

Your classified ad automatically goes to non-subscribers and outlying areas of Baker and Union Countiesin the mail for on e month in the Buyers Bonus or Observer Plus Classified Section.

First Saturday of every month at 4 PM Pot Luck — Speaker Meeting

J IM S T A N D L E Y 5 4 1 - 7 8 6 -5 5 0 5

ELGIN ELECTRIC

•

Need to move

3. Four weeks of Buyers Bonus and Observer Plus ClassifiedAds

M ~ r Tues. — Thurs. Mon. — Fn. btt Sat. -8 PM Episcopal Church Basement 2177 1st Street Baker City

Kl e e h e n s L asr

•

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings

NEED A NEW APPLIANCE? F re e

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings

Five lines of copy plus a picture in 12 issues of the Baker City Herald and the Observer Classified Section

BAKER COUNTY NARCOTICS Cancer Support Group ANONYMOUS: Meets 3rd Thursday of Monday, Thursday, btt every month at Fnday at8pm. Episcopal St. Lukes/EOMA © 7 PM Church 2177 First St., Baker City. Contact: 541-523-4242

AA Meeting

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings

2. A month of classified picture ads

County. 568 — 4856 or 963-5772

MON, VVED, FRI NOON-1 PM TUESDA Y 7AM-8AM TUE, VVED, THU 7PM-8PM SAT, SUN 10AM-11AM Info. 541-663-41 1 2

NORTHEAST OREGON CLASSIFIEDS of fers

LA GRAND E Al-Anon . Thursday night, Freedom G roup, 6-7pm. Faith Lutheran Church, 12th btt Gekeler, LG. AL-ANON-HELP FOR 541-605-01 50

AA MEETINGS 2614 N. 3rd Street La Grande

Exercise Class;

AL-ANON MEETING in Elgin.

ENTERPRISE

UNION COUNTY

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Are you troubled by (For spouses w/spouses someone else's dnnkwho have long term tng? Al-anon can help. terminaI illnesses) ENTERPRISE Meets 1st Monday of Safe Harbors every month at St. conference room Lukes/EOMA©11:30 AM 401 NE 1st St, Suite B $5.00 Catered Lunch PH: 541-426-4004 Must RSVP for lunch 541-523-4242 Monday 10am — 11am

3048 MONTHLY MEETING 2nd Thurs. of

EVERY MORNING (M onday —nday) F 9:30AM (FREE)

110 - Self-Help Group Meetings AL-ANON MEETING

•

y>e little BagelShpp

Embroidery by...

thelittlebagelshop@gmail.com

1920 Couri Ave

B a k e r City, OR 97814

541-523-7163

541-523-3300

LARGE oR SMALL

Relining ~CapsSales•TSRTreatment Pressure Washing• DryerVentCleaning

I LE'( 29 Years Experience

• •

•

C C8ff2026'l6 503. 724.22 9 9

E CAVATION

805 9777

II I •

OGLY SWEATER HEADQOARTERS

Northeast Property Management, LL Larry Schlesser Licensed Property Manager La Grande, OR 97850

Dump Truck k

54 -910-0354

Tlajtel

Leare the headachesfoyourinrestment property with us!!

CCB¹ 168468

Residential Commercial Ranch

•

WayneSales Dalton Garage Doors • Installation • Service 963-0 144 fdays) or 786-4440 fcell) CCB¹32022

Signs ol a kindslomeetyourneeds

CNC PlasmaServices

541-523-9322

www.oregonsigncomp any.com

MICHAEL 541-7S6-S463

K~cs rsttg

Y OGA Stu d i o

See All RMLS Listings at

• p

I s

www. Vall~real~.net

54l 953 4l74 10201 W. 1st St., Suite 2 La Grande, OR CeII 541-910 3393

A Certified Arborist

Anita Fager, Principal Broker

CONSTRUCTION

OREGON SIGN COMPANY

M. Curfiss PN-7077A CCB¹ 183849

www. BakercilyRealy.com 541-523-5871

DANFORTH

•

' ,

•

sauna 541-910-4114 www.barefootwellness.net

MAID TOORDER

info@a!Iaroundgeeks.corn

Licensed 8 Bonded Residential 8 Commercial

54'I -786-4763 • 54'I-786-2250

Call Angie O963-MAID

Com puterClasses

AndrewBryan PrincipalBroker

1933 Court Av, Baker City

COMPARE PRICES-SHOPWISELY.Tuesthru Sat10:00-5:30 1431 Adams Ave. La Grande 541-663-0724

PCRe Pair.NeWCO millite!S(Lai!IOPSI PC'S) OliSiteBusinessI Re siIei!Iial

ewing: Atenations Mendin Zippens Custom Made C othing

541 523 5327

Commercial rfc Residential Property

rile excavationC mail.com

THE SEWING LADY

1609TenthBt. Baker City

54$ 9633$6$

Mini-Excavator,

www.rileyexcayation.com

ttttr CljjeRepal IfIatljteai

• Full Color

Excavator,

InSPe C tianS•Ch imneySWeePing•MaSOI!If

Camera ready orwe canse g/ foryou • TabS Contact • BrOadSheet The Observer

stitchesCtbmdw.com

1780 Main St., Baker City

Paqing $50 O tOn-541-51C)-0110 Jerry Rioux 2195 Colorado Rve. Baker City

ALL OFFFETCOMMERCIAL PRINTING

Blue Mountain Design

Stephanie Benson, Owner

JEA Enterprises SCAAP HAULEA

'l609 Adams Ave.,La Grande

• 0 •

•

WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD — 5B

PUBLISHED BY THE LAGRANDE OBSERVER & THE BAKER CITY HERALD - SERVING WALLOWA, UNION & BAKER COUNTIES

DEADLINES : LINE ADS:

Monday: noon Friday Wednesday: noon Tuesday Friday: no o n Thursday DISPLAY ADS:

2 days prior to publication date (tl

140 - Yard, Garage Sales-Baker Co.

SUSSCRISNS!

LOST 2 - D OGS.

Collars, Tags and are M icrochipped. L a s t seen near mp 37 off Highway 86. 12-27-14. 503-453-926 1 or 541-540-4953

FULL editions of The Baker City Herald are now available online.

Rear Basement Entrance at 1501 0 Ave.

501b

Boarder Collie mix, I!t 100lb. W i r e - h aired Gnffon mix. Both Have

TAICE US ON YOUR PHONE! LEAVE YOUR PAPER AT HOME

LINE-1-800-766-3724 Meetings: 8:OOPM:Sunday, M onday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fnday Noon: Thursday 6:OOPM: Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Women's) 7:OOPM: Saturday

210 - Help WantedBaker Co.

160 - Lost & Found

HKLP ATTRACT ATTNTION TO YOURAP! ACICIBOLDING

or a BORDER! It's a little extra that gets

PLEASE CHECK

BIG results.

Blue Mountain Humane Association

3 EASY STEPS

Have your ad STAND OUT

Facebook Page, if you have a lost or found pet.

1. Register your for as little as account before you $1 extra. leave 2 . Call to s t o p y o u r 180 - Personals pnnt paper 3. Log in wherever you ewDireetions' MEET S I NGLES right are at and enloy now! No paid operators, Iust real people l ike y o u . Bro ws e JOIN OL R TEAM! greetings, e x change m essages and c o nEmployment n ect live. Try it f r e e . Specialist Call Now to Subscribe! Assit outpatient clients CaII n ow : 877-955-5505. (PNDC) with Iob skills and 541-523-3673 obtaining local employment. 145 - Yard, Garage PREGNANT? CONSIDM-F; 8am — 5pm

NEED TO TALKto an AA member one on one? Call our 24 HOUR HOTLINE 541-624-5117

oi visit

www.ore onaadistnct29 .com

EATING TOO MUCH? DIETS DON'T WORK! Fn., 8:45 a.m.

ERING AD OPTION?

Sales-Union Co.

Presbyterian Church 1995 Fourth St. (use alley entrance) Call: 541-523-5128 www.oa.orq/podcast/

Call us first. Living exp enses , h ous i n g , medical, and c o ntin-

QMHP Counselor for Middle School in Baker City

u ed s u pport a f t e r wards. Choose adopt ive fa mily o f y o u r c h o i c e. C a I I 24/7. 855-970-21 06 (P NDC)

ALL YARD SALE ADS MUST BE PREPAID

P/T 20 hr/wk. Start immediately

CADC I or II Powder River Alternative Incarceration Program Start immediately

You can drop off your payment at: The Observer 1406 5th St. La Grande

AA MEETING: Powder River Group Mon.; 7 PM -8 PM Wed.; 7 PM -8 PM Fn.; 7 PM -8 PM

Treatment Facilitator Swing/G raveya rd shift At our 24 hr Residential Programs HS diploma required.

Grove St. Apts. Corner of Grove I!t D Sts. Baker City, Open Nonsmoking Wheel Chair Accessible

'Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.' Yard Sales are $12.50 for 5 lines, and $1.00 for

120 - Community Calendar

F/T positions include:

210 - Help WantedBaker Co.

Saint Alphonsus

each additional line. Callfor more info: 541-963-1111.

LPNOR RN Valley Med Center

Must have a minimum of 10Yard Sale ad's to pnnt the map.

Excellent Benefits Package, Free Health Ins., Vacation, Sick, Retirement and Educational Training www.newdirectionsnw.org

khendrickstN ndninc.org

541-523-7400 for app.

Qualifications: C u rrent u nrestricted State of BUILDING HEALTHY OR Registered Nurse MOVING/DOWN Sizing F amilies is h i ring f o r OR LPN license. AHA S ale, indoors. w / d , the position of Home BLS/HCP Certification; b ooks , f ur ni t u r e , V isitor . T h i s i s a exp. i n amb u latory part-time, n o n-beneh ousehold, too l s , setting preferred; decicamping/recereation, f ited p o s ition. I n t e rs ion-making a b i l i t y , I!t art. Sat, 8-5. 1505 L ested applicants can

YOU TOO can use this attention get-

ter. Ask how you can get your ad to stand out like this!

c an

Ave. La Grande

in i t i at e

act i o n

under stress I!t cntical situations; c u st omer 160 - Lost & Found service attitude I!t behavior. Full-time, Days. FOUND: NICE light colApply online at: ored Calico cat on 3rd www.saintal honsus.or street. 541-786-9346 t , ~b k Requisition 30008489

140 - Yard, Garage Sales-Baker Co. ALL ADS FOR: GARAGE SALES, MOVING SALES, YARD SALES, must be PREPAIDat The Baker City Herald

FOUND: VALUABLE

bracelet. Call to identify 541-519-9933 or 541-523-1598

Office, 1915 First St., Baker City or

MISSING YOUR PET? Check the

The Observer Office, 1406 Fifth Street, LaGrande.

Baker City Animal Clinic

541-523-3611

WANTED: CDLw/tanker Endorsement for 5,000 gal. water truck in the North Dakota Oil Fields. Great Pay I!t Negotiable Hours 541-403-0494

apply at w w w . w orks orceoregon.org. o r caII 5 4 1 - 523-6331. Building Healthy Families is an equal opportunities employer.

When the search is serious — go to the c lass i f i e d ad s . There's a variety to choose from in our paper.

CROSSWORD PUZZLER 38 Whoa! 39 Big galoots 40 Creep about 42 Just a — ! 44 Tufted-ear cat 47 Later, to Pedro 51 Brit's farewell

ACROSS 1 Tree juice 4 Couples 8 Does a takeoff 12 — Maria liqueur 13 Freud's daughter 14 Prize marbles 15 Tome's appendix 17 Revival shout 18 Attack on all

(hyph.)

sldes

6 Unwelcome obligation 7 Ditto

8 To any degree (2 wds.)

P S T V E S C A P D S I T E MO S

N EWS

9 Cooking spray brand 10 Wool source 1 1 9-digit no. 16 Goosebumpy 20 Shoe width 22 Boundless 24 Pods for stews 25 Antelope foot 26 Goals 27 OED units

28 Black, to Blake 29 Riviera city 31 Quid pro32 Strike callers 36 Hocus-

17 19

M AE AX I G U N E I GH T H U CE M M A

41 It may be false 43 Wed on the run 45 Ei46 Mutant heroes

42 45 54

of comics

(hyph.)

43 47

38 Firmament

(weather pattern)

48 Patrick's 48

• 0 •

41 44

320 - Business Investments

360 - Schools & Instruction

domain 49 Tiny insect 50 Curved molding 51 Famed mummy 52 Volcanic dust 53 Road sign symbol 55 "— -Man Fever"

380 - Baker County Service Directory

DID YOU ICNOW 144 POE CARPENTRY Counseling Solutions m illion U . S . A d u l t s • New Homes has two full-time read a N e w s p aper • Remodeling/Additions Mental Health Specialist pnnt copy each week? • Shops, Garages Discover the Power of positions open in our • Siding I!t Decks Blue Mou~n Boardman Office. Salary PRINT Newspaper AdCommunity College • Windows I!t Fine range $31,200-$50,400/ v ertising i n A l a s k a, finish work CNA'S-PREPARE FOR I da h o, M o nta na, Oreyear DOE. Excellent Fast, Quality Work! STATE EXAM benefit package. For an gon, Utah and Wash- Upon completion of this Wade, 541-523-4947 application, please i ngton wit h I ust o n e or 541-403-0483 students will contact Human phone call. For a FREE program, CCB¹176389 be eligible to sit for the Resources at a dvertising n e t w o r k OSBN Nursing Assisb ro c h u r e ca II ~541 676-9161 RUSSO'S YARD t ant Certification ex download an application: 916-288-6011 or email 8t HOME DETAIL a mination (CNA). 8 0 www. communi tycouncecelia©cnpa.com Aesthetically Done hours of c l a ssroom selingsoluti ons. org. (PNDC Ornamental Tree and 75 hours of clinical For a complete Iob I!t Shrub Pruning experience TBA. Must DID YOU ICNOW 7 IN 10 descnption, go to 503-668-7881 Americans or 158 milbe 16 years of age. www. worksourceore503-407-1524 lion U.S. Adults read T his c o u rs e i s ap gon.org ¹'IZ960Z5. Serving Baker City content from newspaproved by the Oregon & surrounding areas State Board of Nursper media each week? Discover the Power of ing. Must be able to COMMUNITY the Pacific Northwest pass criminal b a ckCounseling Solutions Newspaper Advertisground check and TB has a full-time position i ng. For a f r e e b r o - test dunng first week open for a M ed i c al c hur e caII of class. Students re- SCARLETT MARY LMT Assistant in our Grant 3 massages/$ 1 00 916-288-6011 or email sponsible for cost of County Health Ca II 541-523-4578 criminal b ackground cecelia©cnpa.com Department located in Baker City, OR c heck, s c r ub s a n d (PNDC) John Day, Oregon. Wage State Testing. Record Gift CertificatesAvailable! range $11.15- $16.73 per DID YOU ICNOW Newsof other immunizations hour DOE. Excellent paper-generated conmay be required. Addi- 385 - Union Co. Serbenefit package. For an tent is so valuable it's tional costs of criminal application, please taken and r e peated, b ackground c h e c k , vice Directory contact Human condensed, broadcast, clothing and state testANYTHING FOR Resources at tweeted, d i scussed, ing fee approx $240. A BUCK (541)676-9161 or posted, copied, edited, Costs o f i m m u n iza- Same owner for 21 yrs. download an application: and emailed countless tions vary. R e quired 541-910-6013 www. communi tycountimes throughout the Orientation — Jan 19, CCB¹1 01 51 8 selingsolutions.org. day by ot hers? DisNoon-5PM. Class held: For a complete Iob c over the P ower o f Jan 20 — Feb 20. Afee: N OTICE: O R E G O N descnption, go to Newspaper Advertis$695 www.worksourceoregon.org Landscape Contractors ing i n S I X S T A TES ¹ 1295523. Law (ORS 671) rewith Iust one p hone PHLEBOTOMY quires all businesses call. For free Pacific This course is designed 220 - Help Wanted that advertise and perNorthwest Newspaper for both beginners and form landscape conA ssociation N e t w o r k Union Co. experienced medical tracting services be lib roc h u r e s c a II p ersonnel. The s t u IT IS UNLAWFUL (Sub- 916-288-6011 or email censed with the Landdent will learn proper sectio n 3, O RS s cape C o n t r a c t o r s cecelia©cnpa.com procedure for b l ood B oard. T h i s 4 - d i g i t 6 59.040) for an e m (PNDC) collection, h a n d ling number allows a conployer (domestic help excepted) or employ- DID YOU ICNOW that a nd storage o f t h e sumer to ensure that blood samples.Topics ment agency to print not only does newspat he b u siness i s a c w ill i n c l ud e e q u i p or circulate or cause to p er m e dia r e ac h a tively licensed and has ment, site s e lection, be pnnted or circulated HUGE Audience, they a bond insurance and a any statement, advera lso reach a n E N - basic phlebotomy proq ualifie d i n d i v i d u a l cedure, common comtisement o r p u b l ica- GAGED AUDIENCE. contractor who has fulplications and troublet ion, o r t o u s e a n y Discover the Power of filled the testing and shooting techniques. form of application for Newspaper Advertisexperience r e q u ireemployment o r to ing in six states — AIC, This course will proments fo r l i censure. vide health care prom ake any i n q uiry i n ID, MT, OR, UT, WA. For your protection call fessionals and beginc onnection w it h p r oFor a free rate bro503-967-6291 or visit ners with an overview spective employment c hur e caII our w ebs i t e : of basic and advanced which expresses di916-288-6011 or email www.lcb.state.or.us to skills in blood collecrectly or indirectly any cecelia©cnpa.com c heck t h e lic e n s e tion. Participants are limitation, specification status before contract(PNDC) encouraged to share or discrimination as to ing with the business. their own experiences race, religion, color, 330 - Business OpPersons doing l andfor group discussion. sex, age o r n a t ional portunities scape maintenance do T ext/Workbook r e - not require a landscapongin or any intent to quired. Class held Jan make any such limitaing license. 1 3 — Mar 5 . Af e e : t ion, specification o r $295 discrimination, unless b ased upon a b o n a GED/ABE/ESL fide occupational qualiSTUDENTS FALL 2015 fication. DELIVER IN THE Class Schedule TOWN OF BAKER CITY GED — Tue/VVed/Thur, When responding to Blind Box Ads: Please 1-4 pm, Jan 12 — Mar 19 INDEPENDENT be sure when you adCONTRACTORS Register now at BMCC. 430- For Saleor dress your resumes that wanted to deliver the the address is complete For more info. call Trade Baker City Herald 541-523-9127 with all information reMonday, Wednesday, KIMBALL PIANO,(used) quired, including the and Fnday's, within $800 obo Blind Box Number. This 380 Baker County Baker City. 541-910-9339 or is the only way we have Ca II 541-523-3673 Service Directory 541-910-5964 of making sure your resume gets to the proper Adding New USED LAY Down style INDEPENDENT place. Services: Tanning bed for CONTRACTORS "NEW" Tires Sale. $2,500 obo, wanted to deliver Mount I!t Balanced purchase as is. The Observer Come in for a quote 541-398-011 0 EASTERN O R EGON Monday, Wednesday, You won't be and Fnday's, to the University is h i ring a disappointed!! Analyst Programmer 1. following area's Mon- Sat.; 8am to 5pm 435 - Fuel Supplies For more information LADD'S AUTO LLC please go to: httpsi// La Grande 8 David Eccles Road SEASONED Firewood: eou.peopleadmin.com/ Baker City Red Fir I!t Tamarack (541 ) 523-4433 $ 170 i n t h e r o u n d , Ca II 541-963-3161 $ 200 s p l it , S p r u c e AVON - Ea rn extra inor come fill out an CEDAR at CHAIN link $150 in the round, I!t come with a new caInformation sheet fences. New construcdelivered. 541-910-4661 reer! Sell from home, t i o n, R e m o d e I s I!t w ork, o n l i ne . $ 1 5 INVESTIGATE BEFORE FIREWOOD handyman services. YOU INVEST! Always startup. For informaPRICES REDUCED Construction t io n , c a I I: a good policy, espe- Kip Carter 541-519-6273 $140 in the rounds 4" 877-751-0285 (PNDC) cially for business opto 12" in DIA, $170 Great references. p ortunities I ! t f r a n CCB¹ 60701 split. Red Fir I!t Hardchises. Call OR Dept. wood $205 split. DeC OM M U N ITY CO U N o f J u stice a t ( 5 0 3 ) Iivered in the valley. SELING Solutions has 378-4320 or the Fed(541)786-0407 two f ull-time M e ntal eral Trade Commission CLETA 4 KATIE"S Health Specialist posiat (877) FTC-HELP for CREATIONS LODGEPOLE:Split I!t det ions o p e n i n our Odd's I!t End's f ree i nformation. O r Iivered in Baker, $180. Boardman Office. Salv isit our We b s it e a t 1220 Court Ave. W hite F i r Rou n d s , ary range $31,200www.ftc.gov/bizop. Baker City, OR $150. Guaranteed full $50,400/year DOE. ExClosed Sun. I!t Mon. c ord. R u r a l a r e a s cellent benefit packTues. — Fn.; 10am - 5pm $1/mile. Cash please. age. For an applicaSat.; 10am — 3pm (541 ) 518-7777 tion, p lease c o n tact Human Resources at 445- Lawns & Gar(541 ) 676-91 61 or D S. H Roofing 5. dens download an applicaConstruction, Inc - • e tion at www. CCB¹192854. New roofs • e- . communitycounseling I!t reroofs. Shingles, s olutions.org. Fo r a metal. All phases of complete Iob descripII • . construction. Pole tion, go to buildings a specialty. www.worksource Respond within 24 hrs. oregon.org ¹1296025. 1951 Allis Chalmers 541-524-9594 Mod. CA Tractor, front loader, w/trip bucket. C OM M U N ITY CO U N - 345 - Adult Care FRANCES ANNE All orig, great mech, SELING Solutions has Union Co. YAGGIE INTERIOR 8t cond. Perfect for small a f u l l-tim e p o s i t i o n farm prolects. Belt and ADULT FOSTER home EXTERIOR PAINTING, open for a Medical AsCommercial I!t in La Grande has impto drive, 4 spd. Single sistant i n o u r G r a nt Residential. Neat I!t m ediate opening f o r pin and 3 pt . $ 2500 County Health Departobo. Consid part trade male or female resi- efficient. CCB¹137675. ment located in John 541-524-0369 541-91 0-4044. d ent, p r ivate r o o m . Day, Oregon. Wage Ca II 541-91 0-7557. r ange $1 1. 1 5 JACKET at Coverall Re- BAKER BOTANICALS $16.73/hour DOE. 3797 10th St pair. Zippers replaced, Excellent benefit packHydroponics, herbs, p atching an d o t h e r age. For an applicahouseplants and tion, p lease c o n tact One Of th e n i C- heavy d ut y r e p a irs. Non-GMO seeds Reasonable rates, fast Human Resources at 541-403-1969 est things about service. 541-523-4087 ~541 676-9161 or 541-805-9576 BIC download an applica-

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HAB V I B E S HO E D W F UN NO AW W RA P S H OT S A U AV E S K TE N T E

1 Iffy attempt 2 — -de-camp 3 Cushions 4 Beatrice's admirer 5 Bonn connector 5

T OW S C A M H UE L O P E R B ROA S T

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FO U R I DL E N I NA

54 Asking too much 56 Tech-support caller 57 Lowest high tide 58 — Dawn Chong 59 Giant-ant horror film of yore 60 Not even twice 61 Paris summer

19 Sticker 21 Gun the engine 23 Island farewell 27 Start of a famous boast 30 Seascape hue 33 Garden-pond fish 34 Tony's cousin 35 "Cogito ergo —" 36 High-school dance 37 — cit. (footnote abbr.) 1

Answer to Previous Puzzle

210 - Help WantedBaker Co. COMMUNITY

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tion at www. communitycounseling

s olutions.org. F o r a complete Iob description, go to www.work sourceoregon.org ¹1295523.

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want ads is their I ov v

C O S t . OREGON STATE law re-

A nother is t h e quick results. Try a classified ad today! Call our c lassi f i e d a d d epa r t m e n t today t o P laCe your ad.

q uires a nyone w h o contracts for construct ion w o r k t o be censed with the Construction Contractors Board. An a c t ive cense means the contractor is bonded I!t insured. Venfy the contractor's CCB license through the CCB Cons ume r W eb s i t e www.hirealicensedcontractor.com.

450 - Miscellaneous %METAL RECYCLING We buy all scrap metals, vehicles I!t battenes. Site clean ups I!t drop off bins of all sizes. Pick up service available. WE HAVE MOVED! Our new location is 3370 17th St Sam Haines Enterpnses 541-51 9-8600

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6B —THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

PUBLISHED BY THE LAGRANDE OBSERVER & THE BAKER CITY HERALD - SERVING WALLOWA, UNION & BAKER COUNTIES

DEADLINES : LINE ADS:

Monday: noon Friday Wednesday: noon Tuesday Friday: no o n Thursday DISPLAY ADS:

2 days prior to publication date (tl

450 - Miscellaneous

720 - Apartment Rentals Baker Co.

725 - Apartment Rentals Union Co.

725 - Apartment Rentals Union Co. SENIOR AND DISABLED HOUSING

752 - Houses for Rent Union Co.

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752 - Houses for Rent Union Co.

760 - Commercial Rentals

1-PLOT LOT¹409 M t . NORTHEAST OREGON 4-BDRM Town house w/ Welcome Home! 2 BD singlewide at 708 LARGE 3BD, 2ba, w/ NORTHEAST 1-1/2 Bath at Wood Hope Cemetery. NW CLASSIFIEDS rePoplar in Cov e . yard at Iarge 36'x60' PROPERTY Cleaver endowed sect. serves the nght to reStove Back-up. New Clover Glen $475/mo, 1st, last at s hop. $ 10 5 0 / m o . Ca!I MANAGEMENT $1000. Incl. perpetual Carpet at Paint. W/g Apartments, $400 d e p o s it . No 10100 Sterling, Island I ect ads that d o n o t (541) 963-7476 541-910-0354 ca re. 541-523-3604 comply with state and Paid. $850+ dep. 2212 Cove Avenue, s moking, n o pet s , City. 541-663-6673 federal regulations or LARGE 1-BDRM $570 + La Grande w /s/ g p r ov id e d . GREEN TREE that a r e o f f e n s ive, dep. No pets Clean at well appointed 1 (541)437-6511 leave NICE 3 bdrm, 2 bath in Commercial Rentals ARE YOU in BIG trouble 1200 plus sq. ft. profesfalse, misleading, de541-523-9414 APARTMENTS at 2 bedroom units in a message. Union. $850 plus Dep. w ith t h e I R S ? S t op sional office space. 4 ceptive or o t h erwise 2310 East Q Avenue quiet location. Housing wage at bank levies, Mt Emily Prop Mgmt offices, reception ELKHORN VILLAGE 2BDRM, 1BA. New gaunacceptable. for those of 62 years La Grande,OR 97850 541-962-1074. liens at audits, unfiled APARTMENTS rage, Very clean, 1yr area, Ig. conference/ o r older, as w ell a s I tax returns, payroll is- VIAGRA 100mg or CIA- Senior a n d Di s a b l ed break area, handicap lease. $800/mo. 9I t hose d i s a b le d or sues, at resolve tax SOUTHSIDE 2BD, 1ba + access. Pnce negotiaL IS 20mg. 4 0 t a b s Housing. A c c e pt ing 2504 N Depot St. LG h andicapped of a n y debt FAST. Seen on 2 b o nu s r o o m s i n 541-963-751 7 ble per length of +10 FREE all for $99 applications for those Affordasble Studios, age. Rent based on inC NN. A B B B . C a l l including FREE, Fast b asement, al l a p p l . lease. aged 62 years or older 1 at 2 bedrooms. come. HUD vouchers 1-800-989-1 278. incl.. no smoking, no and Discreet S H I P- as well as those dis- (Income Restnctions Apply) accepted. Please call 3 BD, 1.5 bath, fenced (PNDC y a rd. $800/m o. L o pets, $900/mo, $850 PING. 1-888-836-0780 abled or handicapped Professionally Managed 541-963-0906 OFFICE SPACE approx dep. 541-910-3696 cated 10200 Grandor M e t r o - M e ds.net of any age. Income reby: GSL Properties TDD 1-800-735-2900 700 sq ft, 2 offices, review Dr. Island City. strictions apply. Call Located Behind (PNDC) ATTENTION: VIAGRA cept area, break room, Ca II 541-963-2343 Candi: 541-523-6578 La Grande Town Center SOUTHSIDE, CLOSE to and CIALIS USERS! A This institute is an equal common r e strooms, schools, 4 bd , 3 b a , cheaper alternative to 475 - Wanted to Buy opportuni ty provider a ll utilitie s pa i d , 3 BDRM, 2 bath in LG. 2 woodstove, office, Iahigh drugstore pirces! $500/mo + $450 dep. car garage, large yard, c uzzi tu b i n m a s t e r 50 Pill Special — $99, ANTLER BUYER Elk, 541-91 0-3696 $ 1000 pe r m o , n o suite, dbl ca r ga rage, F REE shipping! 1 0 0 deer, moose, buying FAMILY HOUSING pets. 541-963-4174. f ruit t r e e s , g a r d e n Percent Guaranteed. all grades. Fair honest We offer clean, attractive spot, no smoking, no 780 - Storage Units CALL p rices. Call N ate a t 5BD, 2BA, 2 bed main two b e droom a partUNION COUNTY p ets, $ 12 5 0 / m o . NOW:1-800-729-1056 541-786-4982. floor at 3 down. $785 ments located in quiet HIGHLAND VIEW Senior Living $ 1 00 0 d e p . .12 X 20 storage with roll (PNDC) 479-283-6372 and wel l m a i ntained Apartments up door, $70 mth, $60 541-91 0-3696 settings. Income r edeposit 541-910-3696 Mallard Heights COZY 3B/2B house in AVAILABLE AT stnctions apply. 800 N 15th Ave 870 N 15th Ave U nion, d e c k , W / D SPACIOUS 8E CLEAN, THE OBSERVER •The Elms, 2920 Elm Elgin, OR 97827 Elgin, OR 97827 hookups, Fenced yard, 3bd, 2ba, $850/mo. S t., Baker City. C u rNEWSPAPER 541-963-9226 $ 995/m o . C a II re n t ly a v a i I a b I eNow accepting applica- Now accepting applicaBUNDLES 2-bdrm a p a rtments. • 8 J 541-963-1210. tions f o r fed e r a l ly tions f o r fed e r a l ly Burning or packing? UNION 2bd, 2ba $600 Most utilities paid. On funded housing. 1, 2, f unded ho using f o r $1.00 each senior discount, pets site laundry f a cilities and 3 bedroom units t hos e t hat a re CUTE COTTAGE style okay. 541-910-0811 2bd house, southside and playground. Acwith rent based on in505 - Free to a good sixty-two years of age e Security Fenced NEWSPRINT La Grande location, no cepts HUD vouchers. come when available. or older, and h andihome ROLL ENDS smoking o r pet s, 760 - Commercial e Coded Entry Call M ic h e l l e at capped or disabled of Art prolects at more! $ 595 / m o ca II Rentals (541 ) 523-5908. Prolect phone number: any age. 1 and 2 bede Lighted foryourprotection Super for young artists! 541-963-4907 541-437-0452 room units w it h r e nt 15 X 2 5 G a rage Bay e 6 different size urits $2.00 8t up A~-oe~-oe «SPECIAL» TTY: 1(800)735-2900 b ased o n i nco m e 0 0 0 w/11' celing at 10 x 10 DRC'S PROPERTY Stop in today! when available. $200 off Roll-up door. $200/mo e Lots of RVstorage Free to good home MANAGEMENT, INC. "This institute is an equal 1406 Fifth Street 1st months rent! +fees. 541-519-6273 215 Fir Str ads are FREE! 41298 Chico Rd, Baker City opportunity provider." 541-963-31 61 Prolect phone ¹: offRxmhontas La Grande OR (4 lines for 3 days) 541-437-0452 This institute is an 25X40 SHOP, gas heat, TTY: 1(800)735-2900 CANADA DRUG Center equal opportunity Houses: roll up at walk-in doors, is your choice for safe provider. 3 bd, 1 1/2 ba, Garage at $375. (541)963-4071, "This Instituteis an 7X11 UNIT, $30 mo. TDD 1-800-545-1833 and affordable medicaStorage. Newly LG. dep. equal opportuni ty $25 tions. Our licensed Car emodeled. Quiet I C provider" (541 ) 910-3696. nadian mail order pharneighborhood. Large BEARCO macy will provide you y ard, g a r de n a r e a , BUSINESS PARK A PLUS RENTALS with savings of up to LA GRANDE w alking d i s tance t o Has 3,000 sq ft. also has storage units Retirement 75 percent on all your school. PET FRIENDLY 16x30 storage units availab!e. Apartments medication needs. Call 2-Bdrm, 2 bath, in quiet $ 1,200.00mo. D i s Availible Now! 5x12 $30 per mo. today 1-800-354-4184 767Z 7th Street, c ount p o s sible w i t h country setting. CaII 541-963-7711 8x8 $25-$35 per mo. f or $10.00 off y o u r La Grande, OR 97850 exte nd ed Iea se. All utilities paid. $550/mo 8x10 $30 per mo. first prescription and 630 - Feeds 745 Duplex Rentals Molly Ragsdale 'plus deposit' SALON/ free shipping. (PNDC) Senior and Property Management Union Co. 2 bd, 1ba. Quiet Neigh- BEAUTY 1433 Madison Ave., Office space perfect 3rd CROP BEAUTIFUL 541-519-8444 Disabled Complex 2 BD, 1ba, newly reno- borhood, fenced yard, for or 402 Elm St. La one or two operaHorse hay, Alfalfa, sm. DISH TV Retailer. Startsecunty system, $750, vated, w/d hoop-ups, Grande. amt. of orchard grass ters 15x18, icludeds ing at $ 1 9.99/month STUDIO APT. FOR Affordable Housing! dog okay with hardwood floors, off Ca II 541-910-3696 restroom a n d off $ 220/ton, 2n d c r o p (for 12 mos.) at High RENT. $450/MO, references. Rent based on income. s treet p a r k i ng , n o street parking. Alfalfa $220/ton. 1st UTILITIES INCLUDED. Speed Internet starting Income restnctions apply. smoking, cats o k ay. $500 mo at $250 dep crop A lfa lfa g rass, at $ 14 . 9 5 / m o n t h 503-806-2860 Call now to apply! Ad may not be current. W/S paid. First at last, 541-91 0-3696 (where a v a i l a b le.) some rain, $165/ton. ABC STORESALL Please stop in for a list $400 dep. $750mo refS AVE! A s k A b o u t Small bales, Baker City 725 - Apartment Beautifully updated or ca II 541-553-1055. HAS EXPANDED erences required,leave 541-51 9-0693 COMMERCIAL OR retail Rentals Union Co. SAME DAY InstallaM-F 9:30-11:30, 1-5 Units sizes from Community Room, msg. 541-805-7768 space for lease in hist ion! C A L L Now ! ALFAFA C E RTIFIED 1 bdrm, all utilities pd, featunng a theater room, Sx10 up to 10x30 t oric Sommer H e l m 1-800-308-1 563 FOR RENT or for Sale: 541-523-9050 w eed-free , s m al l plus free internet and a pool table, full kitchen A FFORDABLE S T U Compact mobile home Building, 1215 Wash(PNDC) and island, and an DENT HOUSING. 5 bales. $220/00 ton. no c oin-op l a undry, n o in La Grande. W/D and i ngton A v e ac r o s s American West bd, 5 ba, plus shared electnc fireplace. r ain. La Gran d e . smoking and no pets. from post office. 1000 Storage Renovated units! kitchen, all u tillities D W included. N e w DO YOU need papers to 5 41-664-1806, c e l l $475 mo, $400 deplus s.f. great location 7 days/24 houraccess ref., new windows and paid, no smoking, no start your fire with? Or 541-786-1456 posit. 541-910-3696. doors, extra insulation, $800 per month with 5 541-523-4564 Please call pets, $800/mo at $700 a re yo u m o v i n g a t year lease option. All COMPETITIVE RATES paneling, and laminate dep. 541-910-3696 (541) 963-7015 need papers to wrap C ERTIFIED W H E A T 2 ROOM dormer, all utiliutilities included and Behind Armory on East wood floors. No smokfor more information. straw, small bales, ties paid, plus internet those special items? parking in. A v ailable and H Streets. Baker City Beautiful B r and New ing or dogs. W/S/G, and laundry, no smok- www.virdianmgt.com The Baker City Herald $3.00 bale, barn stored, 3bd, 2b a a l l a p p l i- a nd space r e n t i n n ow , pl eas e at 1915 F i rst S t r eet La G ra n d e . i ng, n o p e t s , $ 2 7 5 TTY 1-800-735-2900 ances, fenced yard, c luded. $430, or i n call 541-786-1133 for 5 41-663-1806, c e l l month $ 2 5 0 dep sells tied bundles of garage, at yard care. quire re . p u r c hase. more information and 541-786-1456 Thisinstituteis an Equal 541-91 0-3696. papers. Bundles, $1.00 vIewI ng . $1,100mo + dep. Mt. 541-91 0-0056 each. Emily Prop. Mgt. MIII STOELGI CENTURY 21 541-952-1074 IN COVE, clean and spa- COMM E RCIAL SPACE PROPERTY • Secure GET THE Big Deal from c ious 2 bd r m ro w for Rent. 1000 sq. ft. MANAGEMENT • Keypad EIlfzjj Opportunity Provider D irecTV! A c t N o w house. All appliances, area, plus 250 sq. ft. NICE DUPLEX, 3b/1.5b, • Auto-Lock Gate $19.99/mo . Fr ee plus w/d. $625mo, + loft, office and bathLa randeRentals.com s ingle garage, W / D • Security Ligbtang 3-Months of HBO, dep. (541)568-4722. room, w/s i n cluded, hookups, W / S i nstarz, SHOWTIME at • Fenced Area paved parking, located (541)953-1210 cluded, $775/mo. Call LARGE 2 BDRM, 1 ba, CINEMAX. FREE GE(6-foot barb) in island city, $540/mo LA GRANDE, OR in Cove $700mo. NE NIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 541-963-1210. call 541-963-3496 after SEW I Ix36 units CIMMARON MANOR Prope rt y M g t . 705 Roommate 2014 N F L S u n d ay 10:00am. for "Big Boy Toys" ICingsview Apts. THUNDERBIRD 541-91 0-0354 Ticket. Included with Wanted VERY NICE clean 2 bd 2 bd, 1 ba. Call Century APARTMENTS Select Packages. New 1ba, 1/2 garage, w/d, S2S-1688 TO sh are, Call 21, Eagle Cap Realty. 2BDRM 1 bath, INDUSTRIAL P ROP307 20th Street C ustomers Only. I V HOME fndge, stove, w/s paid, LARGE 541-963-1210 m e I et s t a Ik . J o $750.00. ERTY. 2 bay shop with 2518 14th at Support Holdings LLCno smoking, no pets. 541-523-0596 541-91 0-0354 office. 541-910-1442 COVE APARTMENTS An authonzed DirecTV $650mo, $450 d ep. CLOSE T O EO U, 1 1906 Cove Avenue Dealer. Some exclu- 710 - Rooms for 304 First St. La Grande b drm, w/s/g pd, n o 100 - Announcements 600 - Farmers Market sions apply — Call for 541-91 0-5200 smoking/nopets, $425 Rent UNITS AVAILABLE 105 - Announcements 605 - Market Basket details 1-800-410-2572 month, $400 deposit. NOW! 750 - Houses For NOTICE (PNDC) 110- Self Help Groups 610 - Boarding/Training 541-91 0-3696. All real estate advertised Rent Baker Co. 120 - Community Calendar 620 - Farm Equipment 8 Supplies APPLY today to qualify h ere-in is s u blect t o LOWEST P RICES on FAMILY HOUSING OREGON TRAIL PLAZA 130 - Auction Sales 630 - Feeds for subsidized rents at the Federal Fair HousHealth at Dental lnsur+ (4/e accept HUD + these quiet and 140 Yard, Garage Sales, Baker Co 640 - Horse, Stock Trailers ing Act, which makes a nce. We h av e t h e Pinehurst Apartments 1- bdrm mobile home centrally located it illegal to a dvertise 143 - Wallowa Co 650- Horses, Mules, Tack b est rates f ro m t o p 1502 21st St. starting at $400/mo. multifamily housing any preference, limita145- Union Co 660 - Livestock companies! Call Now! La Grande Includes W/S/G properties. tions or discnmination 877-649-6195. (PNDC) 150 - Bazaars, Fundraisers 670 - Poultry RV spaces avail. Nice based on race, color, A ttractive one and tw o quiet downtown location 160Lost 8 Found 675 - Rabbits, Small Animals 1, 2 8t 3 bedroom religion, sex, handicap, bedroom units. Rent units with rent based 541-523-2777 170 - Love Lines 680 - Irrigation REDUCE Y OUR Past f amilial status or n abased on income. InTax Bill by as much as on income when 180 - Personals 690 - Pasture tional origin, or inten1-BDRM, 1 bath. W/S income restrictions ap75 percent. Stop Levava ila ble. tion to make any such c luded. G a s h e a t , ply. Now accepting apies, Liens and Wage p references, l i m i t a fenced yard. $525/mo. 200 plications. Call Lone at Employment 700 - Rentals Garnishments. Call the Prolect phone ¹: tions or discrimination. 541-51 9-6654 (541 ) 963-9292. Tax Dr Now to see if 210- Help Wanted, Baker Co 701 - Wanted to Rent (541)963-3785 We will not knowingly y ou Q ual if y TTY: 1(800)735-2900 2-BDRM MOBILE home, 220 - Union Co 705 - RoommateWanted accept any advertising This institute is an equal 1-800-791-2099. Haines. No pets, referfor real estate which is 230 - Out of Area 710- Rooms for Rent opportunity provider. (PNDC) ences required. $400. in violation of this law. 280 - Situations Wanted 720 - Apartment Rentals TDD 1-800-735-2900 + dep. 541-523 3110 All persons are hereby 730 - Furnished Apartments SOCIAL SECURITY DISinformed that all dwell740 - Duplex Rentals Baker Co AB IL ITY 8 ENEF ITS. i ngs a d ve rtised a r e 300 Financial/Service 2-BDRM, 1 bath with a 745 - Duplex Rentals Union Co WIN or Pay Nothing! available on an equal 310Mortgages, Contracts, Loans L G STU D IOApt. R ea dy garage. $550/mo. See 750 - Houses for Rent Start Your Application opportunity basis. STUDIO APARTMENTS 12/15, all utilities pd. 320 Business Investments at: 1751 Church St. EQUAL HOUSING In Under 60 Seconds. HUD A P P ROVED, $450mo 541-910-0811 760 - Commercial Rentals 541-51 9-7063 330 - Business Opportunities OPPORTUNITY CaII Today! Contact walking distance to lo770 - Vacation Rentals 340 Adult Care Baker Co Disability Group, Inc. c al businesses a n d 2-BDRM, 1 b a th. W/S 780 - Storage Units 345 Adult Care Union Co Licensed Attorneys at restaurants, for more paid. Gas heat, range, www.La rande 790 - Property Management BBB Accredited. Call i nfo r m a t i o n c al l 350 - Day Care Baker Co fridge, fenced yard. Rentals.com 795 -Mobile Home Spaces 888-782-4075. (PNDC) 509-592-81 79 355 Day Care Union Co $ 575/mo p lu s d e p . 541-51 9-6654 360 - Schools 8 Instruction •

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MCHOR

by Stella Wilder WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER3), 20)4 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —You are LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)--You're only getYOUR BIRTHDAY byStella Wilder waiting for the pieces of a puzzle to fall into ting information in bits and pieces, and you Born today, you are one of those "danger- placebefore making an irrevocable decision, won't be able to act until the whole picture is ous" individuals - mercurial, unconvention- but you may not have that much time. clearer. al, unpredictable, at times even irresponsible. PISCES(Feb. 19-March 20) -- You're see- VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You're trying At least, this will be true whenyou areyoung. ing things clearly for the most part, but one to approacha certain problem in yourusual As you grow older and gain experience and issue in particular is cloudier than usual. Get logical fashion, but it may actually require a wisdom, you will discover that there is no a second opinion. more emotional approach. need to be difficult, and you can still be the ARIES (March 21-Aprll 19) - You claim LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — You may creative whirlwind that you naturally are to know what is going on, yet you are behav- benefit from believing that you are mistaken, without incurring the wrath of those around ing as though you have been left out of the even if it goes against your every instinct. This phaseshouldn't last long. you! You have a great deal ofpersonal ability, loop. Which is itt and a great deal ofpride —and thesetwo will TAURUS (Apr!I 20-May 20) - Now is no SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — What you combine in a kind of ambition that is rare time to keep your true feelings from a friend. have going for you puts you well out in front, even among Capricorn natives: You simply Your willingness to speakthe truth may beall though the competition isn't likely to let up want to be at the top, and that's all there is to that stands between him and disaster. just yeu it! Of course, this is where maturity comes in GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Someone SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec 21) —You -- you may not be able to achieve your goals who comes toyou for advice is seeking can boast of considerable skill, but what until you "mellow" with age. instruction, and you will be doing them a serves you best is just the right amount of THURSDAY,JANUARY) disservice ifyou tryto do it all yourself. humility. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan. 19) — You CANCER (June21-July 22) - - What you f EDIIORSF dt d q u pl »« t a Ry P t « « C may be called upon to address an issue that have taken it upon yourself to do requires COPYRIGHT2tll4 UNITED FEATURESYNDICATE INC no one else is willing to face head-on. Your more braver y than you are accustomed to DISIRIBUIED BY UNIVERSALUCLICKFORUFS lllOWd tSt K Qty M O all0a Mtl25567l4 ability to avoid conflict pays offhere. applying. Banish fear entirely!

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4/5 BDRM, 2 bath house $950/mo. 1st, last at deposit. Available Dec. 20th. Pets on approval with a fee. Large corn er lot, f e nced w i t h s hop. Fo r R e n t o r l ease option t o b u y Call 541-523-5978 or 541-403-0275

TAKING APPLICATIONS NOW! 2- bdrm w/covered patio, garage at carport

Fndge, stove at W/D included. $600/mo 1st, last+ sec. dep. 54 1-523-6246 SUNFIRE REAL Estate LLC. has Houses, Duplexes at Apartments for rent. Call Cheryl Guzman fo r l i s t ings, 541-523-7727.

752 - Houses for Rent Union Co. 2BD, 1BA house for rent in La Grande. Please call owner, Available now! 541-328-6258

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380 - Service Directory

400 - General Merchandise 405 - Antiques 410- Arts 8 Crafts 415 - Building Materials 420 - Christmas Trees 425 - Computers/Electronics 430 - For Sale or Trade 435 - Fuel Supplies 440 - Household Items 445 - Lawns 8 Gardens 450 - Miscellaneous 460 - Musical Column 465 - Sporting Goods 470 - Tools 475 - Wanted to Buy 480 - FREEItems

500 - Pets 8 Supplies 505 - Free to a Good Home 510- Lost 8 Found 520 - Pet Grooming 525 - Pet Boarding/Training 530- Pet Schools, Instruction 550 - Pets, General

800 - Real Estate

801 - Wanted to Buy 810- Condos, Townhouses,Baker Co 815 - Condos,Townhouses, Union Co 820- Houses for Sale, Baker Co 825 - Houses for Sale, Union Co 840- Mobile Homes, Baker Co 845 - Mobile Homes, Union Co 850- Lots 8 Property, Baker Co 855 - Lots 8 Property, Union Co 860 - Ranches, Farms 870 - Investment Property 880 - Commercial Property

900 - Transportation 902 - Aviation 910 - ATVs,Moiorcycles, Snowmobiles 915 - Boats 8 Motors 920 - Campers 925 - Motor Homes 930 - Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels 940 - Utility Trailers 950- Heavy Equipment 960 - Auto Parts 970 - Autos for Sale 990 - Four-Wheel Drive

1000 - Legals

• 0 •

WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD —7B

PUBLISHED BY THE LAGRANDE OBSERVER & THE BAKER CITY HERALD - SERVING WALLOWA, UNION & BAKER COUNTIES

DEADLINES : LINE ADS:

Monday: noon Friday Wednesday: noon Tuesday Friday: no o n Thursday DISPLAY ADS:

2 days prior to publication date (tl

780 - Storage Units CLASSIC STORAGE 541-524-1534 2805 L Street

NEW FACILITY!! Vanety of Sizes Available Secunty Access Entry RV Storage

801 - Wanted to Buy

SAt'-T-STOR

BUYING HOMES Next day cash offer 541-523-9057

SECURESTORAGE

820 - Houses For Sale Baker Co.

Surveillance Cameras Computenzed Entry Covered Storage Super size 16'x50'

2.94 COUNTRY ACRES w/ 2001 Manufactured 3 bdrm Home $69,000 w / $ 1 5,000. d o w n . 541-519-9846 Durkee

541-523-2128 3100 15th St. Baker City

STEV ENSONSTORAGE

NEW 1-BDRM home. 40 acres. Denny Cr. rd. powdernverlay©gmailcom.

•MiniWarehouse • Outside Fenced Parking • ReasonableRates For informationcall:

378510th Street

795- MobileHome Spaces SPACES AVAILABLE, one block from Safeway, trailer/RV spaces. W ater, s e w er , g a r bage. $200. Jen, mana ger. La Gra n d e 541-962-6246 Need a good used vehicle? Look in the classified.

930 - Recreational Vehicles

BEAUTIFUL VIEW lot in BEST CORNER location Cove, Oregon. Build for lease on A dams y our d r ea m h o m e . Ave. LG. 1100 sq. ft. Septic approved, elecLg. pnvate parking. Retnc within feet, stream m odel or us e a s i s . r unning through l o t . 541-805-91 23 A mazing v i e w s of mountains 8t v a l ley. 3.02 acres, $62,000 208-761-4843 ROSE RIDGE 2 Subdivision, Cove, OR. City: Sewer/VVater available. Regular price: 1 acre m/I $69,900-$74,900. We also provide property management. C heck out our rental link on our w ebs i t e www.ranchnhome.co m or c aII Ranch-N-Home Realty, In c 541-963-5450.

825 - Houses For Sale Union Co.

•

910 - ATV, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles FOR SALE:

The snow is now here! Don't miss out on this Blue Book Value 50IC!! 1992 Polans Indy 500 541-519-1488 Classic snowmobile with double seat $600.00 PRESIDENT GOLF Cart. Call Carmen Good cond. Repriced at $2999. Contact Lisa 54 7-57 9-4530

ect. 14073486 Century 21 i Eagle Cap Realty, ' 541-9634511.

Vis

cation, Tax Deductible,

I I

for our most current offers and to browse our complete inventory.

1415 Adams Ave • 541-963-4161

lier the better,asfarasyou are concernedand this holds true in work, play, recreation and romance. PISCES(Feb. 19-March 20) -- You'll want to strike while the iron is hot. Any delay is likely to set you back - perhaps monthsand you cannot afford that! ARIES (March 21-Apru 19) -- You may have to meet in person rather than attempt negotiations over the phone or other electrcnic communications device, -

31 Sound reasoning 32 Card-game cry 33 Buckeye sch. 34 Sinister 35 Give up territory 36 Processes ore 38 Greyhound fleet 39 Food wrapping 40 Brown of renown 41 Porcupine quill 43 More snide 47 "The Gold Bug" author 48 Robin beaks 50 Tan shade 51 Spring nn. 52 Sleep fitfully 53 O'Neal of films

— -JoneS

24 StOCking

warmer? (2 wds.) 27 Gibraltar landmark 28 Anasazi descendant 29 Lumberjack's tool 30 Prickly husk 1

DOWN 1 Yuppie's auto 2 Fiesta shout 3 Mi. above sea level 5

Answer to Previous Puzzle SA P D U T I A A N A D D E N D B E S E T REV VE N I A OB I E S LO C S T S N E A K LY N T A T A US E R N TH E M 0 1-1-15

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Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CAL L 1-800-401-4106

jump to conclusions. Take the time to research things fully so that you can be familiar with the facts. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)--You mayfeel as though you're straying from your chosen path, but this is the result of a different kind of separation. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) - Your progress may be slowed, but no one else but you is at fault - though "fault" itself may betoo strong a word. TAURUS (Apru 20-May 20) —Howyou SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - You may label things will make all the difference,espe- find yourself commenting cn another's work is sure to attract attention again and again. cially if you're getting ready to present your in terms that you do not usually use in such Indeed, attention itself is something that you ideas to those in charge. situations. Much more is unusual, too! will learn to use toyour advantage —and why GEMINI (May 21-June20) —You maybe SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) —You not, since you arebound to attract plenty of it looking at the road aheadthrough unusually are striving for something that others have throughout your lifetime! tinted glasses. As a result, you may not be found elusive, but with each passing hour, FRIDAY, JANUARY2 seeing things asthey really are. you'll find yourself closer and closer, CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You CANCER (June21-Jufy 22) —Now is the may not feel quite right about telling others time to take the gloves off; you mean busiCOPYRIGHT2tll5UNITED FEATURESYNDICATE INC whatyou know beforeyou havechecked with ness, and you're not going to settle for any- DISIRIBUIED BY UNIVERSALUCLICK FORUFS lllOWd eSt K » Q t y MOall0a Mtl25567l4 those more personally involved. thing but total victory. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) —The earLEO (July23-Aug. 22)--You don't want to

1 Malepig 5 Catherine

(541 ) 963-21 61

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCIC OR BOAT TO HE R ITAG E FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Va-

by Stella Wilder

ACROSS

leveling system, 2 new 6-volt battenes, 4 Slides, Rear Dining/ICitchen, large pantry, double fndge/freezer. Mid living room w/fireplace and surround sound. Awning 16', water 100 gal, tanks 50/50/50, 2 new Powerhouse 2100 generators.

Make your advertising Vehicles 970 - Autos For Sale dollars go further! List your business every day THE SALE of RVs not beanng an Oregon in- ' 99 CA DILLAC S T S in the Service Directory signia of compliance is Good condition.$3000 in our classified section illegal: cal l B u i lding 541-523-2797 of this newspaper. Codes (503) 373-1257.

care garage with roll up doors and work shop with extra storage room. Nice 24x36 ' Building with12ft. roll up door, cement floor, , power and12 ft. leanto. Fenced pasture and well for irrigation. Bring i your horses or 4-H proj-

THURSDAY,JANUARY 1, 2015 YOUR BIRTHDAY byStella Wilder Born today, you areone ofthe most unusual individuals born under your sign, andyour accomplishments in life are sure to beunique and memorable. You don't always follow the rules, which is one thing that sets you apart; evenasa youth,you could be found doing things in ways that seemed to flout authority but could not be called outright "wrong." That is one of the things you do well - walk the fine line between what is acceptable and what is not — and it is one of the things that

1001 - Baker County 1010 - Union Co. 1010 - Union Co. Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices SUPERIOR COURT OF MILLS AND JASON ICA, INTERNAL REVEWASHINGTON DANIEL NEUPAUER NUE SERVICE, AND COUNTY OF CHELAN PERSONS OR PAR'4 se, IN THE NAME OF THE JUVENILE DIVISION T IES UNK N O W N STATE OF OREGON: C LAIM I N G A N Y STATE OF Y ou are h e reby r e RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, WAS H I NGTON quired to appear and OR INTEREST IN THE 2007 NUWA HitchHiker defend the Adoption PROPERTY DEChampagne 37CKRD of Minor Child — PetiIn re the Dependency of: S CRIBED I N TH E $39,999 tion for Adoption and COMPLAINT HEREIN, Tnple axles, Bigfoot lack EMILY MARIE KOENIG

930 - Recreational

i $171,000 GREAT , 'SMALL ACREAGE ON SOUTH SIDE OF ELGIN. Two bedroom, two bath home with two nice outbuildings. Two

528-N15days 5234807eyenings

880 - Commercial Property

©© El '

time? 38 Wager 40 Lad's sister 41 Exercise place 42 Fireworks noise 43 Truckers' radios 44 Steely, as nerves 45 Pitcher's stat 46 Jog 49 Maiden loved by Zeus

D.O.B.: 2/3/2000

) CAUSE NO.: 14-7-70079-5 NOTICE AND SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

Change of Name filed in the above-entitled cause within thirty (30) days from the date of s ervice of t h i s S u m mons upon you (said date being the date of f irst p u b l i catio n o f Summons). If you fail to appear and defend, the Petitioner will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the

1001 - Baker Count Legal Notices ing a lawyer, you may BAKER COUNTY 667-6351. call the Oregon State BOARD OF PROPERTY Bar's Lawyer Referral TAX APPEALS THE HEARING WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR Service at Notice of Session PARENTAL RIGHTS (503) 684-3763 or tollTO YOUR CHILD ARE free in Oregon at Notice is h e reby given TERMINATED. IF (800) 452-7636 YOU DO NOT A Pthat beginning on February 12, 2015 (and PEAR AT THE HEAR- DATED: DECEMBER 24, February 13, 2015 if I NG T H E C O U R T 2014 needed) at 9:00 a.m., MAY ENTER AN ORthe Board of Property DER IN YOUR AB- J. Glenn Null T ax Appeals of t h e SENCE TERMINAT- OSB ¹040961 County of Baker, OreING YOUR PAREN- Attorney for Petitioner TAL RIGHTS. P.O. Box 477gon, will meet to: 1602 Sixth Street • Hear petitions for red uction o f t h e r e a l To request a copy of La Grande, OR 97850 market, maximum asthe Notice and Sum- (541) 963-5259

Legal No.00039379 Published: December

GET QUICIC CASH WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS! Sell your unwanted car, property and h o usehold items more quickly and affordably with the classifieds. Just call us today to place your a d and get r e ady t o s tart c o u n t in g y o u r cash. The Observer 541963-3161, The B a ker City Herald, 541-5233673.

• 0 •

NO. 14-09-49293

P LA I N T I F ' 5 5 U MMONS BY PUBLICATION

TO: BERNICE M ONTANEZ A I C A Petition. BERNICE S P A C E, TO:~E i E ! I ** TODD SPACE, and Garri us Fowler NOTICE TO PERSONS OR PARMother RESPONDENT: READ T IES UNK N O W N THESE PAPERS C LAIM I N G A N Y A Petition to Te rminate CAREFULLY! RIGHT, TITLE, LIEN, P arental Rights w a s OR INTEREST IN THE filed on 12/4/2014; A You must "appear" in PROPERTY DEFact Finding hearing this case or the other S CRIBED I N TH E side will win automatiw ill be h eld o n t h i s COMPLAINT HEREIN matter on: 1/21/2015 cally. To "appear" you at 10:30am at Chelan must file with the IN THE NAME OF THE County Juvenile Court, Court a legal paper STATE OF OREGON: 3 00 W a s hi n g t o n called a "Motion" or Y ou are h e reby r e "Answer." The "MoStreet, W e n a t chee, quired to appear and tion" or "Answer" WA 9 8 8 01. YOU defend against the alSHOULD BE P RE- must be given to the legations contained in Court Clerk or AdminSENT AT THIS HEARt he C o mplaint f i l e d istrator within thirty ING. against y o u i n t he (30) days along with a bove e n t itled p r o If a petition for termithe required filing fee. ceeding w i t hin t h i rty nation o f p a r e ntal It must be in proper ( 30) days f ro m t h e form and have proof rights has been filed, date of service of this and service on the Peyou must request reSummons upon you. a ppointment o f a titioner's lawyer or, if If you fail to appear the Petitioner does not lawyer to represent and defend this matter have a lawyer, proof of within thirty (30) days you in the termination proceeding. To service on the Petifrom the date of publi(Termination)

o btain a c our t - a p - tioner. p ointed l a w ye r y o u m ust c o ntact: M r s . If you have any quesMelanie Donithan at tions, you should see a Chelan County Juvelawyer immediately. If n ile C e n t er , ( 5 0 9 ) you need help in find-

sessed, specially assessed, or assessed value of property as of January 1, 2014, or as d etermine d u nd e r ORS 308.146(5)(a), ORS 308.146(6)(a), or ORS 308.428. • Hear petitions for reduction of value corr ected u n de r O R S 311.208. • H e ar p e t i tions f o r waiver of penalties for late filing of real or personal property returns. Petitions must be filed with the Baker County Clerk or postmarked no later than December 31, 2014. The board will meet at t he B a k e r C o u n t y Court Chambers, 1995 4th Street, Baker City, Oregon. A schedule of heanngs for those who request to be present will be posted 48 hours pnor to the meeting on the Courthouse B u l l etin Board. If you have requested to be present at the heanng you will be notified of the date, time and place to appear. All other hearings will be scheduled as time allows. Executive sessions may be held during the s ession as authorized by ORS 192.660, to consider documents and information made conf idential under O R S 3 08.290(10), OR S 3 08.411, a n d O R S 308.413. For further information contact the Baker County BoPTA Clerk at 541-523-8207. It shall be the duty of the persons interested to appear at the time and place appointed. T amara J . Gre e n , County Clerk, Baker County, Oregon Dated at Baker City, Oregon this 11th day of December 2014. Published pursuant to O RS 1 9 2 .610 a n d 150-303-055-3 (Rev. 09-07).

Defendant(s).

mons, and Terminat ion P e t ition, c a l l DSHS at 509-665-5300 . To v iew in f o r m a t i o n about your rights in this proceeding, go to www.atg.wa.gov/TRM .aspx.

(541) 963-2500 (fax) Date of First Publication:

December 29 2014

cation specified herein a long w i t h t h e r e quired f il i n g f ee,

DEUTSCHE BANIC NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR TH E R E G ISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL 1 INC. 2 007-NC4 M O R T GAG E PA SS THROUGH CERTIFIC ATES, S ERI E S 2007-NC4 will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Th e f i rst date of publication is December 17, 2014.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! You must "appear" in this case or the other side will win automatically.

Published: December 31, 2014 a nd Ja nuary 7, 14,21, 2015

To "appear" you must file with the court a legal paper called a "motion" or "answer." The "motion" or "answer" Leqal No. 00039467 be given to t he T O IN T E R- must DATED this 15th day of NOTICE court clerk or adminisESTED PERSONS December , 2014 by Melinda Jonesand Janet t rator w i t h i n t h i r t y ICIM MORRISON, Chedays along with the reCreel have lan County Clerk. quired filing f ee . It been appointed Co-Perm ust b e i n pr o p e r sonal Legal No. 00039378 form and have proof of Representatives (hereafPublished: December 17, service on th e p l ainter Co-PRs) of tiff's attorney or, if the 24,31, 2014 the Estate of Charles F. plaintiff does not have Creel, 1010 - Union Co. an attorney, proof of Deceased, Probate No. Legal Notices service on the plaintiff. 14-12-8519, NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S Union C o u nt y C i r c u it I F YOU H AV E A N Y SALE Court, State of O regon. A l l p e r s o n s QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD SEE AN ATOn January 26, 2015 at whose nghts may TORNEY IM M E D Ithe hour of 10:00 a.m. be affected by the proATELY . If you need at the Union County ceeding may help in finding an attorSheriff's Office, 1109 obtain additional informaney, you may call the ICAve, La Grande, Ore- tion from the O regon St at e B a r ' s gon, the defendant's c ourt rec o r d s , t he Lawyer Referral Servinterest will b e s o ld, Co-PRs, or the ice at (503) 684-3763 sublect to redemption, attorney for the Co-PRs. or toll-free in Oregon in the r ea l p r operty All persons at (800) 452-7636. commonly known as: having claims against the 501 Grandy Ave, La estate must Grande , O re g on p resent t h e m t o the The oblect of the said act ion a nd t h e re l i e f 97850. The court case Co-PRs at: sought to be obtained n um b e r I s Mammen 8t Null, Lawt herein i s f u l l y s e t 14-02-48917, w h e re yers, LLC forth in said complaint, Nationstar Mortgage, J. Glenn Null, Attorney and is bnefly stated as LLC, its successors in for Co-PRs follows: interest and/or assigns 1602 Sixth Street — P.O. is plaintiff, and Gerald Box 477 Foreclosure of a Deed of Scott Chrusoskie aka La Grande, OR 97850 Trust/Mortgage Gerald S. Chrusoskie; (541) 963-5259 Elysa M. H o e kman; within four months after Grantors: Occupants of P remthe first i ses; an d t h e R e a l p ublication date of t h i s Charles ICoch and ICathleen ICoch P roperty Located at notice or they 501 Grandy Avenue, may be barred. Property address: La Grande, O r egon 97850 are the defen- Published: December 24 520 N. 11th Street, Elgin, OR 97827 dants. Th e sale is a 8t 26, 2015, January 7, p ublic auction to t h e 2015 Publication: highest bidder for cash The Observer or cashier's check, in Legal¹39426 hand, made out to UnCIRCUIT COURT OF DATED this 17 day of ion County S heriff's December, 2014. OREGON FOR Office. For more information on this sale go UNION COUNTY I IMatt Booth, OSB to:

¹082663 DEUTSCHE BANIC NA- Email: mbooth© TIONAL TRUST COM- robinsontait.com Published: December 24 PANY, AS TRUSTEE I IZachary Bryant, OSB FOR TH E R E G IS- ¹113409 8t 31, 2014, January 7 TERED HOLDERS OF Email: zbryant© 8t 14, 2015 MORGAN STANLEY robinsontait.com ABS CAPITAL 1 INC. I ICraig Peterson, OSB LegaI No. 39425 2 007-NC4 M O R T - ¹120365 IN THE CIRCUIT GAG E P A S S Email: cpeterson© COURT FOR THE THROUGH CERTIFI- robinsontait.com STATE OF OREGON C ATES, S ERI E S I IBrandon Smith, OSB ¹124584 FOR THE COUNTY 2007-NC4, Email: bsmith© OF UNION www.ore onshenffs. com/sales.htm

Plaintiff,

In The Matter of Adpotion(s) of:

robinsontait.com Robinson Tait, P.S. Attorneys for Plaintiff

Tek (206) 676-9640 CHARLES ICOCH, KATH- Fax: (206) 676-9659 LEEN ICOCH, BERNICE M O N T ANEZ Published: December 17, Minor Child. AICA BERNICE SPACE, 24, 31, 2014and January 7, 2014 T OD D S PA CE, Case No. 14-12-4498 CREDIT SERVICES OF OREGON, FIA CARD LegaI No. 00039333 SUMMONS SERVICES NA, JEFFREY HINES, UNITED T O: J ESSICA L EE STATES OF AMER-

JUSTICE ANN NEUPAUER,

• 0 •

SB — THE OBSERVER a BAKER CITY HERALD

j e» t o » o t e I

Soliies,wreckagefrom missingAirAsiaflightfound

DEAR ABBY: My 16-year-old daughplus the District of Columbia have laws ter, "Sierra,"started babysitting in the that protect gay people from employment discrimination. Wisconsin is one of them. afternoonsfora couple when she was 15. The attorney said that"outing" the candiSometimes her dad or I would drop her date to the other employee was "not necesoff; sometimes the husband, "Karl,"would beforehe leftforwork.M y husband and Karl sarily illegal," but that it was "definitely a became friends, and when Karl and his wife bad business practice." In the 21 states that offer split up, we let him stay on our couchforafew months. protectio n forgay people,a DE4 R pros pective employer cannot Then we found out Sierra was pregnant and that she ABB Y base a hiring decision on how and Karl had been sleepcomfortable someone is with ing together before he split the candidate's sexual orientawith his wife. My daughter is upset that we tion, or the perception that a co-worker or want to involve the police and press charges customer might be uncomfortable with a gay because she was underage. How can I get person. Thatis discrimination, and it is illegal. Sierra to stop hating me and understand DEAR ABBY: I recently got married. My that this relationship isn't healthy? — "THE ENEMY MOM"IN husband goes through my purse, my papers, SOUTH CAROLINA myjewelry, my clothes — and even my DEAR"ENEMY MOM": Sierra is mad at underwear. He says that as my husband he you because you are injecting an unwelcome has the right to do that. He says I am wrong note of reality into her fantasy of"love." Karl to object. is apredatorwho needs to beanswerable What are your thoughts on this? I feel like for what he did. He will also have to supalthough I'm a wife, I am still a person and port that child until he or she is no longer a have a right to be respected. How would you minor. Because he has shown himself to be react? amoral and irresponsible, involve not only — CONFUSED JANE IN THE SOUTH the police butalsothedepartment ofsocial DEAR CONFUSED JANE: I would services toensure thathelivesup to allof react by calmly asking my husband why his responsibilities. he thought it was necessary to invade my privacy like that and ifhe thought I was DEARABBY: It was brought to my atunfaithful, and I'd tell him I regarded it as a threat to the marriage. I'm sure he would tention that an employee in my workplace was askedby hissupervisorifhewould be react the same way if you searched through OKwith working with a gay male before the his belongings and the history on his phone and computer. person was interviewed. Is this even legal? What he is doing is a red flag. It's an She basically "outed"the potential employee in the workplace. indication that he's insecure and controlIf the person she asked did have a problem ling, and spouses who behave that way have been known to escalate to domestic violence. working with someone who's gay, itimplies the man wouldn't have been hired, which Marriage counseling now might head it ofK But if it doesn't, you would be wise to would be discrimination, wouldn't it? considerending the marriage beforethere Couldn't that lead to a possible lawsuit? Or am I wrong? are children involved.

— RIGHT OR WRONG IN WISCONSIN DEAR RIGHT OR WRONG: I discussed your question with an attorney from Lambda Legal, the national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people. Currently, 21 states

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

COFFEE BREAK

By Shashank Bengali and Ahmad Pathoni Los Angeles Times

Relatives who had huddled and prayed since Sunday at the international airport in Surayaba, Indonesia, broke down and wept as television images showed a rescuer being lowered into the Java Sea to retrieve a swollen body floating at the water's surface. At least three bodieswe re recovered and would be brought to Surabaya, officials said. So were an oxygen cylinder, a suitcase and a metal pieceoffuselage. "I am absolutely devastated," Tony Fernandes, AirAsia CEO, said in a statement. "This is a very diKcult moment for all of us at AirAsia as we await further developments of the search-and-rescue operations but our first priority now is the well-being of the family members of

those on board QZ8501." The airline, a Malaysiabasedbudget carrierthat until now had never experienced a fatal accident, said the debris was found in the Karimata Strait between Singapore and Indonesia, about 110 nautical miles southwest of Borneo island. It was about six miles from the last known location of the

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Baker City Temperatures

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3 12

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33 19

33 21 0

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2 5 14 (2)

Enterprise Temperatures

4 (>)

2 4 13 (2)

The AccuWeather Comfort Index is an indication of how it feels based on humidity and temperature where 0 is least comfortable and 10 is most comfortable for this time of year. s

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100 km

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Sources: W. Foo, Reuters, FlightRadar24, Airhus, BBC

aircraft, which lost contact Sunday morningwhile flying in heavy thunderstorms from Surabaya to Singapore. "It's confirmed 100% that debris found in the sea are parts of the AirAsia plane," Bambang Soelistyo, the head of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, told a news conference in Jakarta. Indonesian planes involved in thesearch operation also saw"an object that formed a shadow under the sea in the shape ofan aircraft," Bambang said. The discovery moved the massive, multi-nation search effort — which recalled the hunt for another Southeast Asian plane, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which has been missing since March — into a recovery and rescue mission. Investigators were hoping to find the Airbus A330200's flightdata recorder

,,4

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Low: -86 ' W ettest: 0.64" ............. regon: High: 49

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Hay Information Thursday Lowest relative humidity ................ 55% Afternoon wind ....... VARat2 to4 mph Hours of sunshine ...................... 8 hours Evapotranspiration .......................... 0.02 Reservoir Storage through midnight Tuesday Phillips Reservoir 19% of CaPaoity Unity Reservoir 28% of capacity Owyhee Reservoir 10% of caPacity McKay Reservoir 29% of CaPaoity Wallowa Lake 21% of CaPaoity Thief Valley Reservoir 70% of caPacity Stream Flows through midnight Tuesday Grande Ronde at Troy .......... 2160 cfs Thief Vly. Res. near N. Powder ... 6 cfs Burnt River near Unity ............ 18 cfs Lostine River at Lostine .............. N.A. Minam River at Minam .......... 266 cfs Powder River near Richland .... 50 cfs

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Sunset tonight ........ ................. 4:19 p.m. Sunrise Thursday .. 7:32 a.m.

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and cockpit voice recorders, which were expected to offer clues into what went wrong about midway through the two-hour flight. The pilot requested an altitude change to avoid storm clouds but then theplane dropped offtheradar. While most experts have focused on the bad weather, investigat ors say otherfactors, including mechanical failuresand sabotage,have not been ruled out. Family members were being asked to furnish authorities with photographs and DNA samples of passengers to aid in the identification process. Although officials have not ruled outsurvivors, the possibility was believed to be extremely remote. AirAsia said it would bring counselors and religious and spiritual personnel to the crisis center it has set up at Surabaya airport to help the grieving families.

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Baker City High Tuesday ................ . 17 Low Tuesday ................. 1 Precipitation Tuesday ......................... ... 0.00" Month to date ................ ... 1.51" Normal month to date .. ... 0.95" Year to date ................... ... 8.27" Normal year to date ...... . 10.10" La Grande High Tuesday ................ . 19 Low Tuesday ................. 7 Precipitation Tuesday ......................... ... 0.00" Month to date ................ ... 1.75" Normal month to date .. ... 1.61" Year to date ................... . 18.29" Normal year to date ...... . 16.47" Elgin High Tuesday .............................. 24 Low Tuesday ................................. 1 Precipitation Tuesday .................................... 0.04" Month to date ........................... 5.72" Normal month to date ............. 2.97" Year to date ............................ 88.95" Normal year to date ............... 28.64"

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DEAR READERS: The year is almost over — I can't believe how fast it has gone. Please accept my heartfelt wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015. And if you are partyingthisevening,please be safe.

Thursday

Clear and cold

Indonesian rescuers find bodies and wreckage off the coast of Borneo on Tuesday.

JAKARTA, IndonesiaSearchers pulled bodiesfrom the Java Sea on Tuesday and found what officials said was the wreckage of Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 as the three-day mystery over the plane's whereabouts reached a heartbreaking resolution forthe familiesofthe 162

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The year proves to be a fairly busy for one for news stories U

nion and Wallowa counties provedtoboasta number of interesting and compelling stories during 2014. That's not only good news, obviously, for us here but also symbolizes that our little piece of the heartland is avibrant place.Storiesabound,of course, everywhem. From the edge of Wallowa County to Union and Imbler, stories happen every day. Probably one of the key stories, at least fiom the perspective of Union County, revolved around the drama sparked by the effort for a new courthouse. That storyinvolved a number of diferent people and affected the Shel-

"'I FROMTHE

' EDITOR'S DESK I ANDREW CUTLER ter From the Storm organization. Another important tale that resonated not only locally but across the region was the financial shortfalls encountered by Eastern Oregon University. The college also established its own institutional board during the year, a significant move that will most likely echo into the future. The fallout from that story is still, in many ways, being felt and will be for a while. On the other side of the

local education coin, the La Grande School District secured some good news in the fall with the passage of a bondlevy,needed torepairaging infrastructure. While the future impact of a decision by the La Grande Urban Renewal Agency to approve a $500,000 loan for a new grocery store in town may be difficult to ascertain in the short-term, the issue was another key story for 2014. Economic development, of just about any kind, can often be a challenge to articulate effectively but such stories remain crucial to our understanding of where we, as a

community, want to go in the future. Another business related story, the announcement of Calico Weapons, to relocate to Elgin, was an important story during the year. Crime, unfortunately, also plays a pivotal role in our lives, and obviously, in our coverage of the local area. A string ofbreak-ins — 14 in a one-week period — proved to be a critical tale in 2014. On a larger stage,thepassage ofa recreational marijuana ballot measure in the Novemberstate election pushed its way into the top stories of the year. Not only was the ballot measure a flash-point issue in many parts of

the state but what that new mandate will mean for small towns and bigcitiesacrossour stateremains, to some extent, an open question. Were there a dozen, or two dozen or three dozen equally compelling stories in our newspaper in 2014? You bet. Every story, I believe, is compelling. Whether the tale revolves around a small-town happening or a state-wide issue, assembling and then allowing our readers to evaluate each one is important. I believe we've assembled a fairly goodcollection ofend-of-the-year stories in this special section and I hope you enjoy each one.

Tkan>kY >+Nu~Q Fer Q A Very ~ Su~IIIessf~uil ~Yeer -L> oo>kip ng forward ~to serving all of you in 20>15 21 5 Elm Street, La Grande

541.963.5440 •000

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20 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

THE OBSERVER'STOP 10STORIES OF THEYEAR Shelter to be demolished for new courthouse The community was excited when it learned toward the end of 2013 that Union County would receive

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a $2 million allocation from the stateto build a new courthouse. That excitement in large part dissipated, though, when the Union CountyBoard ofCommissioners voted in March to site the new courthouse on the footprint of the Shelter From the Storm Community Advocacy Center. Commissioners said during that March meeting they would do what they could to mitigate any harm to the domestic violence shelter, though supporters of the shelter feared serviceswould be diminished. The center was built in 1998 with a Community Development Block Grant specifically for

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l. Cherise Kachele/The Observer

No work has started yet in the old Blockbuster building, where a grocery store will soon be established by grocer Troy Berglund.

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Members of the Urban Renewal Agency first learnedoftheprojectthis spring when developer Al Adelsberger and grocer Troy Tim Mustoe/TheObserver Berglund presented the idea Lois Barry has tape placed over her mouth byValerie Morrow as part of a protest before they go into the Union of their grocery store,setto SFS. Shelter From the Storm County Courthouse to watch a court hearing. Shelter From the Storm filed a lawsuit, which was later dropped, go into the building that fornotified the county in late against Union County for its decision to site the courthouse on the SFS footprint. merly housed Blockbuster. April that it intended to file The pair said the localstore forschooldistrictsupportsuit against the county. In would create jobs and bring ers since over the past 10 vibrancy to La Grande's court, Judge Eva Temple found that SFS was a"tenyears two campaigns to pass downtown. Some members of the ant atsufferance"because bonds for maintenance and its lease with the county to construction and another to URA were adamant in their remain in the building on approve an option levy had decision tovote against been rejected by voters. funding the project. Mayor county property had expired. In a separate eviction hear— Dick Mason Dan Pokorney said the dollar amount was too high for him ing,another judge found EOU trims more from regardlessofthe project's the county was the rightful already strapped budget virtues. Agency member owner and could legally ask the nonprofit to vacate the Jerry Sebestyen agreed. Eastern Oregon Univerbuilding. sity again had to sharpen its Others said they thought it The decision to site the budget ax in was a risk the agency needed 2014. courthouse on the center's to take. footprintbecame a sourceof EOU had to aWe need to do some strife for many in the commake about rejuvenating" of downtown, munity, who rallied in ad hoc MaryAnn Miesner said. $4 million in Ultimately, the agency groups like Save Our Shelter. Tim Mustoe/The Observer budget cuts due to a financial The group marched from crunch caused largely by Eastern Oregon University lnterim President Jay Kenton speaks to faculty and staff approved the funding, which Max Square in downtown La Tuesday during the school's Fall Convocation. Kenton outlined the facts concerning declining enrollment. A total will be disbursed in the form Grande to the commissionof a loan. Eastern's financial situation, including another $4 million cut to its budget. of about two dozen faculty ers' office in June, chanting The loan can convert to positions were cut plus about their hopes for commissionthat the Joseph Building can- dispensaries, many of which halfa dozen administrative a grant if the businesses ue regulation of the medical not be used for any purpose marijuana industry. stafFpositions. ers to reconsider. Later in operated previously in legal meets a number of criteria until the county comes up — Cherise Kaechele The process of cutting laid out in its agreement the summer, agroup held a gray area. Many cities and meeting with hopes of getwith a parking plan to satisfy counties moved to ban the with the city. Among those these positions will be comting the community behind a the county campus's parking dispensaries until they could La Grande voters OK requirements is one that plete by June 2016. $31.85 school bond community justice center. As needs. The cuts were announced requires the store maintain establish regulations. Union On Dec. 22, the county and County and Island City were six full-time employees at late as in November, Shelter 2014 was a landmark year in June by EOU President SFS announced a settleamong those municipalities, for the La Grande School Bob Davies, now the presisupporters rallied at the $15 an hour and five partment agreement in which District. time employeesator above center to measure out the but the City of La Grande dent of Murray State Unithe county will pay SFS failedto enactam oratorium versity in Kentucky. This was minimum wage. perimeter of the new courtVoters narrowly approved the third time Davies had to The agreement also house to show both buildings $75,000 to help the nonprofit by May 1. move into its new location in La Grande's first dispenmake budget cuts during his stipulates how the loan may could fit on the block. a $31.85 milThis fall, SFS initially Island City. The county had lion bond levy ive-yeartenure.EOU had to convert to a grant. Each year, f sary, operating under the filedpaperwork to appeal name Green Apothecary, for maintenance and capital trim its budget by about $2 ifthe store meets the agreepreviously offered help with Temple's decision. The million in 2013 and by $3.8 ment criteria, $100,000 of the rent, funding for renovations opened after being approved construction in November. organization later withdrew and permanent space in the This represented the first million in 2011. loan can be forgiven. by the state on Sept. 1. A The major reason for EastIfthe storefailstom eet the appeal. The board said it Joseph Building, once the secondpermit application for construction bond passed by ern's financial problems are a medical marijuana dispen- La Grande School District w anted to focuson itsgoalof courts are moved, for SFS. those targets, however, that Commissioners said the that its enrollment has been portion of the principal will providing services to victims sary came in November and voterssince themid-1970s. of sexual assault and domes- lump sum payment, a reThe bond passed by just 36 down in recent years. Enroll- remain and the interest rate has yet to be approved. tic violence. After voters approved a ment in terms of credit hours will increase. The agreement quest by the SFS board, was votes, 3,190 to 3,154. Union County awarded a about equal to the county's Central Elementary School taken by students dropped measure to legalize mariprovides for a maximum timeline of 10 years for the bid to Mike Becker General previous offers. juana for recreational use, was a focal point of the camby about 7 percent in 2013Contractor, who came in — Kelly Ducote the city again went back to 14 and about 11 percent in paignby districtsupporters store to achieve full forgiveunder budget, to construct the drawing board. As 2015 to pass the bond and for good 2014-15. ness. State voters pass the new courthouse. In late Falling state support for The city will hold a comes around, the city is con- reason. A totalof$14.2 milrecreational marijuana September, the contract was sidering a moratorium on all lion of the bond, will be spent higher education is another second-position lien on the signed and paperwork sent future marijuana businesses to replace aging Central ElMarijuana became a hot reason for EOU's budget property. into the state for review. It in ordertoestablish regulaementary School, which was problems. The Legislature Adelsberger and Berglund topicofconversation across was late November when the tions for the businesses. Once built in 1954 and is badly in has increased the funding it the state in are still waiting on financing county learned its courthouse 2014, with vot- the new city council is seated need of major renovations. provides state universities by from the Small Business Aders ultimately in January, the councilors A preliminary school district verylittlethepast15years, ministration. Once all financplan had been approved by the state and its funds ing is in place, construction deciding in the will again revisit the topic to timeline released this month despite rising the costsand disbursed. callsforconstruction ofthe increasing enrollment. on the $1.3 million grocery November elec- see how the city will tackle A hurdle with the City of tion to legalize possession of the issue. — Dick Mason store will begin. new school to start in June La Granderemained,though, recreational marijuana. 2016 and be completed in the Community and economic New marijuana rules and URA approves$500,000 for development director Charlie as Shelter From the Storm That decision and an regulationsin thestate have spring of 2017. la Grande grocerystore had filed an appeal to the earlier 2014 decision by the Bond funds will also be Mitchell said the city's agreebeen a source of ambiguity county's site plan application. Oregon Legislature to allow ment mitigates much of and confusion. As cities move used to build about six new The La Grande Urban SFS's board later withdrew medical marijuana dispenforward with their own regu- classrooms, make major Renewal Agency made a bold the risk associated with the that appeal, again saying it sariesto open has sentcities lations — and even tax struc- renovations in the La Grande move in August project. He said in August he needed to focus on finding a High School gym and audiwhen it voted thinks the project could be a acrossthe state to the drawtures— some atthe state new location to continue its ing board, looking at how to level say cities don't have torium, enhance security in 4-3 to help fund catalyst forfurtherdevelopservices. Withdrawal of the that much leeway. Rules that all schools, construct a new ment on the west end of La deal with the still federally theestablishappeal meant that the site ment of a Grande. scheduled substance. would clear up confusion for vocational-technical building "Investmentleads to Early in the year, the recreationalmarijuana are at LHS and more. plan stands approved with grocery store on the corner of conditions outlined by the Adams Avenue and Fourth investment," he said. stateopened the gatesto due out by July. The Oregon Passage of the measure legal medical marijuana Health Authority will contin- was particularly gratifying — Kelly Ducote city, one of which stipulates Street.

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io t

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —30

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

THE OBSERVER'STOP 10STORIES OF THEYEAR Burglaries target La Grande businesses Police are still perplexed by a rash ofburglaries across La Grande and into Island City in October. On the morning of Oct. 18, five businesses reported break-ins, including Barkin' Basement, Yia Yia Nikki's, Bud Jackson's, Bear Mountain Pizza and Golden Harvest. The following Wednesday, nine more businesses were hit: Cinco De Mayo, Smokehouse Restaurant, Moy's Dynasty, Antlers Espresso, Nells-N-Out, El Erradero, Dairy Queen and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Police believe the two stri ngs ofburglaries are related. The burglars didn't take much — cash that was on hand — but caused quite a bitofproperty damage. Police said the burglars broke windows to gain entry. They took cash boxes, broke into registersand took alcohol from some businesses but did not take merchandise. The La Grande Police were aided by the Union County SherifFs Office, and both agencies worked leads as they came in. A few businesses had security cameras, but pol icewere notableto positively identify the subjects in the images. The break-ins took many business owners, even those not affected, by surprise, prompting them to re-examine their security systems. Many business owners, though, said they still feel safe in La Grande and didn't change their business practices. Several more break-ins occurred in December, at

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Bud Ashcraft, owner of Bud Jackson's, points out damage done in an October break-in in this file photo. Police have exhausted all leads in the break-ins with no arrests.

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getting its own institutional board. Davies found that the consortium idea had some support and that branch campus proposal had virtually no support. Davies is now the president of Murray State University in Kentucky. Eastern's institutional board will have 14 members, almost al of whom have alreadybeen confirmed by the State Senate. — Dick Mason

W allowa County works to protect moraine

Wallowa County draws thousandsofvisitorseach year to rak and fish its rivers, ski R&C Family Store,Sub Shop the backcountry, climb mounand Nature's Pantry. Police tains and enjoy said burglars used the same Tim Mussoe/The Observer Eastern Oregon adopts method of window-breaking the dramatic Greg Barreto talks to his supporters at a campaign gathering at Hot Lake on Election institutional board to gain entry but couldn't say Night. Barreto won the race against Democrat Heidi Van Schoonhoven for the 58th Wallowa Lake for sure whether the same m oraines — ageologicfeature District. The days of Eastern Oregon University officials, unlike any other in Oregon people were responsible. Police said the burglaries returned — a $30,000 dona- Salem. Holmgren said people on faculty, stafF and deemed one of the state's highlight not only a lack of tion from Nevada businessFacing Democrat Heidi "Seven Wonders"in 2014. the west side have lashed and students 4 trave ling long Early this year, the Walresources but the difficult na- man Loren Parks. Barreto Van Schoonhoven was no out at him with recent mass ture in solving some crimes. also came under fire from issue for Barreto in Repubshootings across the country. distances each lowa Lake Moraine PartA team of investigators was his opponent, Pendleton's lican-dominated House DisHe has even gotten death month to atnership and the owners of formed in the La Grande John Turner, for his stance trict58.Hecruised tovictory threats, he said. a large parcel of Wallowa tend State Board of Higher Police Department, but their on unions and an advertisein the general election with Union County CommisEducation meetings will end Lake's east moraine agreed ment that advocated against 73 percentofthevote. sioner Mark Davidson said in six months. attentionhad to be diverted to havethe property'svalue from the burglaries when driver's licenses for illegal imIn December, Barreto EOU will be governed byits appraised. While that aphe doesn't think Calico Weapmore immediate issues were m igrants that detailedfatal ons will run into those sorts own institutional board startw as appointed to thestate's praisal is still being worked raised. traffic accidents in which Agriculture and Natural Re- of problems here. ing July 1. The state voted to out,thepartnership applied "I think we have a long"[These kinds of casesi are illegal immigrants were allow Eastern to haveits own for a grant for the Yanke sources, Business and Labor, veryfrustrating because law involved. and Education committees institutional board last spring. Family Trust that owns the standing support of the enforcement as a rule has Barreto handily defeated for the 78th Legislative Asright to bear arms in Union land through the U.S. Forest Eastern has been governed very high expectations for Turner, former president of sembly. He is set to be sworn County," he said."I think Service's Land and Water by the State Board of Higher solvingthesetypes ofcrim es," Blue Mountain Community in asrepresentativeofHouse theQ be welcomed." Education since it opened in Conservation Fund. said La Grande Lt. Derick College and Marine colonel, District 58 on Jan. 12. Holmgren said he wants to 1929. The board's meetings The application was ap"I'm excited. I'm encourin the May primary, garnerhelp develop Elgin. have regularly been held on Reddington.aWe also know provedto goon tothenational the general public has expec- ing 83 percent of Union aged," Barreto said. aWe want to make Elgin the campuses of state universi- selectio n process.Thepartnertationsofus solving crimes." — Kelly Ducote a bustling little city and we ship should hear back by next County vote, 80 percent in ties throughout Oregon. — Kelly Ducote Wallowa County and 51 perwant it to be known to be a Then EOU President Bob fall whether or not the nearly Calico Weapons plans to big manufacturer of firecent in Umatilla County. Davies recommended that $4 million for which they apBarreto wins House relocate to Elgin Not expecting that kind arms," he said."It's a small, Eastern have an institutional plied will be granted. District 58 seat of margin in the primary, Meanwhile, other fundCalico Light Weapon quaint community. Nobody board after legislation was Barreto was pleasantly suris throwing their hat in the raising opportunities are Cove resident and La Systems announced in July passedthatgave allstate Grande businessman Greg it will move its ring to go to Elgin. Fortuuniversities the option of being pursued not only for prised. He likened his victory Barreto was world headnately for me, I've always being governed by a body the purchase of more than to wrestling. "I used to wrestle in collookedatthatregion asa other than the State Board of 1,500 acres, but for a fund electedto the quarters from Oregon House lege,"he said toa crowd of Cornelius to Higher Education. great place to be." that will pay for the stewardofRepresenCalico Weapons is centered ship of the land. The Yanke about 100 at his home.aYou Elgin, bringing Eastern had the option of never go into a match under- with it jobs and a possible arounditspatented helical Family Trust manages the tativesin joining a consortium made estimating your opponent, up ofthe state'sotherreNovember. He will become boost to the local economy. feed design, which drives propertyfor tim ber harvestthe first state representaeven if they're wearing tennis Calico Weapons President rounds forward along a gional and technical universi- ing and livestock grazing. If tivefrom the eastside of Chris Holmgren said he a purchase price is agreeable shoes instead of wrestling luted cartridge carrier. f ties, which would have one the Blue Mountains in more shoes." Although Holmgren didn't and the funds raised, Walloves Northeast Oregon and board or becoming a branch than a decade. Barreto didn't get the was met with friendliness. give a timeline for when campus of Oregon State lowa County would assume Barreto, owner of Barreto break he was hoping for Holmgren said the region Calico would move, the University, the University ownership and continue the Manufacturing, announced more appreciativeof company's website now lists of Oregon or Portland State timber and livestock manbetween May and November. m ay be hiscandidacy as 2014 rolled Instead, he spent much of his products. a Hemlock Street address in University. agement as wellascreatea in. The Republican primary "Eastern Oregon can be Elgin as its location. Davies, after taking exrecreation plan that would that time preparing with more open minded and un— Kelly Ducote tensive public input, recominclude public access. soon became heated as Barthe Republican Caucus and meeting key players in mended that Eastern pursue — Katy Nesbitt retoaccepted — and later derstanding," he said. Cherise Kaechele/TheObserver

Pictured are 9 mm barrels for one of Calico's firearms. Calico announced a relocation to Elgin in July.

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of us At • 0

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2306 Adams Avenue La Grnade • 541-963-1571

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40 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2014: LOOIC BACICTHROUGH PICTURES Typhoon band member Kyle Morton teaches Cove students words to a song Jan. 20 — a song the students would sing later in the day accompanied by the full 11-member Typhoon band.

A 2012 report by the National Research Council stated the nation's electric power grid was vulnerable to terrorist attacks that could produce damage on the level of a natural disaster.

Phill Bullcck/Tbe Observer

Phil Bullock/The Observer

Two to three feet of water and ice forced the closure of Highway 244 near Red Bridge State Park in February. The road was reopened the next day. In addition to the closing of Highway 244, flooding around Union andWallowa counties also threatened a number of structures.

Photos by Phil Bullock, Chris Baxter, Cherise Kaechele andTim Mustoe, The Observer

They say a picture is worth1,000words. That stays especially true in the newsroom. The photographers at the La GrandeObserverhavecaptured many photosthisyearacrossa widearray ofnewsstories Fromcrimestoriesfeatures on real people, football and everything in between, the photos printed in the newspaper and online help tell the story fo what it's like to live in Northeast Oregon.

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Phil Bullock/Tbe Observer

Bryce Pennington, foreground, and Averly Marsh were among first-graders in Allie Yundt's class at Greenwood School to receive La Grande Lions Clubfurnished flags from Lt. Derek Howard in February. 4

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Tyson Wicklander and the Tigers took a 16-game winning streak to Ontario for the final Greater Oregon League regular season game Feb. 14.

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John Lamoreau holds his recently purchased plaque, which honors Dr. William Francis Norman O'Loughlin, one of the heroes of the Titanic. The plaque was added to his collection of at least 150 artifacts related to the Titanic in April.

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2 1 7 0 Main St, Baker City 541-523-7701 • 0 •

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER — 50

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2014: LOOIe',BACIe',THROUGH PICTURES Nine-year-old Layne Scott plays his violin for Essie Wagner who turned 91 in November. Scott volunteers for hospice and is an avid musician.

Earlier this year, Save Our Shelter signs were pinned to street poles surrounding the Union County Courthouse. By the year's end, the shelter moved locations and a new courthouse was planned to be built in its location.

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Union County Commissioner candidate Jack Howard, second from right, answers a question as opponent Bill Rosholt, right, listens during La Grande's Oct. 14 candidate forum at the La Grande Middle School. Eight candidates answered the voters' questions during the forum. The candidates included La Grande mayoral candidate Steve Clements, and city council candidates Pat Cochrane, Eddie Garcia and Justin Rock.

Tim Mustoe/The Observer

Max Lane and Virginia McLaughlin dance Dec. 15 during the noon hour at the Union County Senior Center.

Horse and buggy parade down Adam's Avenuein La Grande in 1907 Union County celebrated it's 150th yearin 2014.

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Eastern Oregon linebacker Ryan Watson makes a tackle in a 31-20 home win over Montana Tech Nov. 1.

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60 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

THE OBSERVER'STOP 10SPORTS STORIES OF THEYEAR La Grande football enjoys breakthrough season The 2014footballseason was a wild one for the La Grande Tigers, filled with exhilarating wins and tough losses. After beating Mac-Hi in the regular season finale and Baker for the first time since 2008, the Tigers emerged with their first Greater Oregon League championship since 2006. The Tigers finished the season with a 5-4 overall record and went 2-1 in the GOL, holding the tiebreakerover Ontario and Baker to take the GOL title. The fi rstyear ofChad Smith's reign as La Grande football' shead coach began with a 34-26 win over Nyssa at Community Stadium. 'The opening game win against Nyssa was something they hadn't done in a long time, and that was a good memory for them," Smith said."Beating Baker was big for the kids, and winning the GOL was big for them as well." Smith said it was also importantforthe Tigersto gain postseason experience, as the Tigers fell to North Bend/Oregon Coast Technology, 71-22, in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs. "I thanked the seniors for all they did," Smith said. "They started this foundation, and they helped us to startto build the program. We can only try to make it a positive and not a negative. When it comes to 20, 30 years down the road, I don't think the kids will remember the score, but thegl remember the experiences we had on that trip." Brandon Dall shared Greater Oregon League player of the year honors with Ontario's Ben Turner, as the senior finished with 2,453 passing yards and a 30 to 3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Freshman Andrew Peasleywas a revelation for theTigerfootballprogram, catching40 ballsfor 1,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. Many Tigers earned all-league honors including Dall, Peasley, Isaiah Cranford, Brett Shafer, Derrick Wagoner, Zack Jacobs, Drew Hively and Ray Jimenez. On defense, Shaffer, Wagoner, Hively, Jacobs and Cranford shared honors along with David Jackman, Zach Calhoun and Robert Gillies. Gillies was also named an honorable mention all-state defensive

Cherise Kaecheie/TheObserver

Eastern Oregon's Jace Billingsley wide receiver looks for open space against Southern Oregon.

for the Union/Cove cross country squad, Kyndal Murchison finished her season by running a 22:16, while Sarah Brazil finished in 22:18. — Eric Avissar Tim Mustoe/TheObserver

La Grande senior quarterback Brandon Dall prepares to fire a pass during the Tigers' 37-24 home victory over Baker Oct. 10 at Community Stadium.

Emma Sheehy photo

Jim Lee/Sioux City Journal

Grand View's Kelley Johnson spikes as Eastern Oregon's Kasundra Tuma (4) and Katina Ferguson (10) defend during NAIAVolleyball National Championship pool play action Dec. 2 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, lowa.

memories they will ever the top-eight," head coach Kaki McLean-Morehead have, and they are the reason said."Before every match we were there," McLeanthere, our talks were always, Morehead said."To do so well if this is going to be our last in our first time at nationals, match, we're going out swing- they will always cherish this." ing and walking off the court — JoshBenham with our heads held high. We were down after the loss, but Tigers make postseason run to semifinals the team was still proud, as they should have been." All the hard work through Emily Nay had a teamthe opening half nearly went high 12 kills and Casey to waste for Loper added 11. Rachelle the La Grande Chamberlain had 42 assists, boys basketball and Jessalyn Smith had team. The Tigers a team-high 18 digs. The senior libero Smith made the built a 28-21 lead at the half all-tournament team after against Henley in the Class compiling 165 digs in 25 sets. 4A OSAA state tournament back. Eastern made it to the quarterfmals, but had to hold — Eric Avissar final eight after beating on for a 59-56 win Thursday. La Grande would lose to Georgetown (Ky.) College Eastern Oregon volleyball Friday morning in a five-set No.1 Philomath the followmakes deep run thriller, winning 25-23, 20-25, ing day in the semifinals 6125-11, 27-29, 15-12. The Eastern Oregon 52, but the Tigers did reach "That one was definitely a University volleyball team the semis for the first time had the finest since a second-place finish battle," McLean-Morehead season in prosaid.'The teams were pretty in 2010. La Grande struggled to gram history in evenly matched, and we had long rally after long rally. 2014, making close out the game from the it all the way Our blocking really made the free-throw line. The Tigers difference." did go11-of-16from the line to the quarterfmals of the NAIA national championship The senior Loper paced the in the fourth quarter, but tournament in Sioux City, team with 17 kills, and junior went 2-of-6 down the stretch Katina Ferguson added 12 to allow the Hornets to hang Iowa, before falling to Biola around. (Calif.) University, 26-24, 20- kills in the win. The quarterfmal loss left A Blake Crain layin 25, 25-13, 25-20, Dec. 5. The Mounties tied College Eastern with a 30-6 record brought the Hornets within of Idaho as the only Cascade for the season, but sent out two points, 58-56, with 18 Collegiate Conference teams the senior class of Smith, seconds left in the game. to make it to the final eight Colby Mueller, a 6-foot-5 post, Loper, Bobbi Sumpter and at nationals. Stefani Sorensen on a high. picked up an offensive foul "I'm very proud. It was "For all the seniors, it's off an inbound pass in the never our goal to make it to definitely one of the best paint. It was one of two big

turnovers for Henley in the final eight seconds. Mueller finished with seven points and five rebounds. Kurt Boyd hit 1-of-2 free throws to give La Grande a three-point lead with three seconds left. An Overstreet heave at the end of the game was off the mark. The Tigers were able to createa seven-point buffer after Jake Powell knocked down four consecutive free throws midway through the fourth quarter. Powell fouled out of the game with 1:44 left to play. The junior guard was 6-of-6 from the free throw line, and finished with 10 points. The Tigers defense had a bigday,forcing 20 turnovers. La Grande turned those miscues into 21 points, while only allowing three points off five turnovers. La Grande's Brandon Dall helped the Tigers build a first halflead, scoring nine of his 11 points in the first two quarters. Dall also grabbed five rebounds. Tyson Wicklander finished with 13 points for La Grande, while Troy Williams finished with 11 points. — JoshBenham

Union/Covecontinues cross country dominance After the 3A/2A/1A cross country meet concluded, Union/Cove cross country head coach Steve Sheehy felt

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Union/Cove's Stormy Bullard competes in the Bob Firman Invitational Sept. 27 in Boise. Bullard, a senior, won a state championship all four years. convinced that St. Mary's won. "I really thought St. Mary's won," Sheehy said."I even congratulatedtheircoach.It was a big surprise to hear we won, but it was definitely a nice one." Union/Cove won by the absolute slimmest of margins, scoring a 58 ahead of St. Mary's 59. What made the difference for the squad was 37th-place finisher Caitlin Defries leaning forward at the end of the race to finish slightly ahead of Emily Curtis of Westside Christian in 22 minutes, 3 seconds. "It's funny because you don't know what you need to win at the time of the race," Sheehy said."The kids know that every point counts. It's a credit to Caitlin and the rest of them to hold everyone off when it counted." Stormy Bullard was the top finisher for the girls, taking seventh place in 19:59. The senior earned first team all-state honors, breaking the 20-minute mark for the first time in her career. The girls team had four runners in the top 13, with Elizabeth Herbes, Elly Wells and Kathryn Sheehy finishing 11th, 12th and 13, respectively. Herbes finished in 20:27 to put herself five seconds ahead of Wells, and 10 ticks ahead of Sheehy. In her first year running

EOU knocksoffeventual national champs No. 16 Eastern Oregon came from behind to defeat No. 4 Southern Oregon 31-27 Nov. 15 in a Frontier Conference showdown in Ashland. The win helped keep Eastern (8-3 overall, 7-3 Frontier) in contention for an at-large bid for the NAIA Football Championship Series, but the Mounties were snubbed by the NAIA selection committee Nov. 16. The Mountiestied a program-record with eight wins under head coach Tim Camp and were seeking their first trip to the postseason in program history. Junior Jace Billingsley led the Mounties with 45 carries for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Zach Bartlow went 10-for-13 for 129 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Eastern Oregon outgained the Raiders 466 yards to 442. The Mounties had the ball for more than half the game with 38 minutes, eight seconds of possession. The Raiders struck first, driving down the field 75

yards, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Austin Dodge, and followed it up with a 27-yard pass from Dodge to Ryan Retzlaf for a 13-0 first-quarter lead. It was 20-7 Raiders when Bartlow found Justin Hernandez for a 31-yard touchdown, trimming the lead to 20-14 with less than four minutes in the first half. Eastern linebacker Ryan Watson picked off Dodge on the Raiders' ensuing possession, which led to Billingsley's 16-yard touchdown run, giving the Mounties a 21-20 lead at halfbme. To start the third quarter, the Mounties kicked a 23-yard field goal. Southern answered two minutes later when Dodge found Jeremy Scottow for a 11-yard score, putting Southern up 27-24. With 3:28 left in the third, the Mounties retook the lead with a 7-yard run by Billings-

ley. In the fourth quarter, the Mountie defense forced two turnovers on downs to seal the win. — JoshBenham

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER — 70

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

THE OBSERVER'STOP 10SPORTS STORIES OF THEYEAR Union/Covewins Class

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2A/1A sof'tball state title In a game where hits were hard to come by — and runs were even tougher — the Union/Cove softball team pulled out a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bonanza in the Class 2A/1A state championship game June 6 in Corvallis, winning their second consecutive state title. 'This is the closest game we've ever played, and the most exciting game we've ever played," Union/Cove shortstop Keesha Sarman said."It was awesome. There were times when it was difficultforustokeep ourspirits up, but we did everything we had to do to pull this one ofKa Lady Cats' pitcher Jaiden Wright threw six strikeouts while giving up five hits and no walks. Wright's also hit a double that was the only hit in the first three innings. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Sarman laid down a bunt that sent Kindra Moore home as Sarman narrowly beat the throw to first base. After conceding a run in the top of the fifth, Sarman snagged second base to steal her third base of the game. With a single into right field, Chelsie Houck sent Sarman home to score the winning

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Annetta Evans photo

Eastern Oregon University senior Damion Flores races in the Cascade Collegiate Conference meet. Flores won the individual conference race and finished second at the NAIA national championships in Lawrence, Kansas.

EricAvissar/TheObserver

Union/Cove celebrates after a 2-1 win over Bonanza in the Class 2A/1A championship game June 6 in Corvallis. The Lady Cats are now the two-two time reigning OSAA 2A/1A softball champions. who took 33rd with a time of

25:39. Rounding out the top-five for Eastern was sophomore Nic Maszk with a time of 26:19, good for 88th place. — JoshBenham

711

75 "I am so proud of these girls for the way they competed," Union/Cove head coach Paul Phillips said after the win.'They showed so much heart, just as they have all season.It'sexciting to repeat as state champions with all of our girls coming back next season." Union/Cove finished the season with an 11-2 mark in Special District 5. cWinning this state title feels10 times betterthan last season because it was a huge team effort and we wanted this so much from the very beginning," Sarman said. — Eric Avissar

Tigers post best finish in program history 7lj

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Julie Keniry photo

The La Grande boys cross country team celebrates its fifth-place finish at the Class 4A state meet along with head coach Alma Crow and Amanda Welch, who finished eighth in the girls race in 19 minutes, 36 seconds. As a result, the Tiger boys finished their season with the team's best finish in school history. did a tremendous job," head coach Ben Welch said."It was a lot of fun to see them put that together and get into trophy country, because the teams in the top-five receive team trophies. " Senior Damion Flores kept up his recent string of topplacements after finishing first at the Cascade CollegiateConference meet in Portland Nov. 9. Flores finished second Saturday with a time of 24 minutes, 41 seconds, five seconds behind first-place finisher Benard Keter of Wayland Baptist Univer-

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La Grande scores rare win over Mac-Hi Heading into its penultimate game in its Greater Oregon League slate, the La Grande boys soccer team battled McLoughlin High on Oct. 18. After going into the halftime interval down 3-2, La Grande coach Wade Wright still believed his boys could pull out the win. "I told the boys this is our year to beat Mac-Hi,"Wright said."At halftime I told them I'm not willing to leave this field with anything less than a win, and they weren't either." In the closing stages of the game, Michael Chadwick scoreda goalthatwas controversially ruled offside. "I thought I was onside, so I was in disbelief," Chadwick said."But I decided I'll just go hard to finish the game." Chadwick's refusal to give up was rewarded, as the senior banged home a goal off Lewis Wright's cross to give the Tigers a 4-3 victory over Mac-Hi. As a result, the Tigers earned their first win over the Pioneers since 2003. La Grande senior Gus Whittington was named man

sity lTexasl. "He was second and was still gaining on the first-place Eastern Oregon University's Kelsey Hill had 20 points in her team's 83-59 win Jan. 31 over Warner Pacific College, guy, but he just let him get a little too far ahead,"Welch which was the 33rd straight home victory for the Mountaineers. said."He had an excellent race. That's only the second EOU cross crountry takes time in school history we've of the match after scoring a fourth at nationals hat trick, scoring both of the had a guy finish second, and Tigers' goals in the first half. The No. 9 Eastern Oregon the last time was in 1982. Following a Mac-Hi red card, University men's cross coun- lDamionl was a contender Whittington scored a penalty to win it. He just came up try team beat kick to tie the game at 3-all. its ranking by a little short. It was a great "The red card gave us five spots, takrace." a confidence boost,"Whiting fourth place Coming in second for Easttington said.'They were a ern was Lucas Updike, who at the NAIA man down, and we could tell national championships at finished 23rd with a time Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, of 25:29. The senior Updike they were definitely getting frustrated.a combined with Flores to give Kan., Nov. 22. The Mountaineers finished the Mounties two All-AmerOn Nov. 5, La Grande lost icans, an honor given to the to North Marion in the state with 144 team points, just top-30 finishers. playoffs by a 3-0 margin. The two offofthe third-place Tigersadvanced tothe state Junior Kody Shriver came team, Olivet Nazarene lm.l, to finish with the second-best in third for Eastern, with a playoffs after beating Junction City Nov. 1 on the road finish in school history. time of25:38for a 32nd-place by a 3-1 margin. cWe came in ranked ninth finish. Directly behind him — Eric Avissar and got fourth, so the men was teammate Hans Roelle, Observer file photo

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The La Grande boys cross country team enjoyed its best finish in school history, finishing fifth at the Class 4A state meet Nov. 1 in Eugene. Senior Todd Keniry was the top finisher for the boys, taking 11-place after running in 16 minutes, 37 seconds. Fellow senior Elliott Jonasson finished in 12th in 16:39. "Elliott led Todd for most of the race, then at the end, they were only a couple of steps between each other," La Grande cross country head coach Alma Crow said. 'You could tell they had nothing left at the end, so it was nice to see how hard they worked. I really had no idea who would finish first for us." In the final meet of the season, Crow also said junior Keegan Dutto ran his best race, finishing in 17:11. "Keegan really ran tough," Crow said. "He reallycame torace,and competed with whoever was near him. This was a reallytough course to to get a personal record with the weather and conditions, so I'm really proud of him." Crow was also happy with how Braden Crews and Tony Clay performed, with Crews finishing in 18:06 and Clay in 18:11. In addition, Spencer Perry ran a 19:08 for the Tigers, while Nolan Clements finished in 19:13. "The kids ran their hearts out, that's for sure," Crow said."The competition was really strong this year, and they all ran really fast." After the meet, Crow said she had a terrific time in her first year as head coach of the La Grande cross country program. ''What made the this team special was their dedication and hard work," Crow said. "It's hard to find runners that

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arededicated and motivated especially when it's cold, rainy and windy. They never complained about running eight miles in the rain. Their work ethic was pretty amazing." — Eric Avissar

Concordia snaps Eastern Oregon's win streak Led by a season-high seven 3-pointers from Janae Klarich, Concordia University picked up an 85-78 win over Eastern Oregon University in Quinn Coliseum Feb.1, snapping a 33-game home winning streak. Eastern had reached the 33-game winning streak with an 83-59 win over Warner Pacific College Jan. 31. The last home loss for the Mountaineers came on Jan. 7, 2012, when then-No. 22 Corban defeated EOU, 73-59. Eastern would finish the 2013-2014 campaign with a trip to the NAIA Division II National Championship, but was upended 67-65 by Southwestern lKan.l College in the first round March 12. The Mounties finished the year with 23-10 a overallrecord. Klarich entered the game averaging 5.1 points per game, but the senior guard had that met with 11:58 left in the first half after making her first two 3-pointers of the game. She went 5-of-7 from behind the arc in the first half, and finished with a team-high 28 points. The Cavaliers l6-18

overall, 3-9 CCCl led by eight at the half, and the Mountaineers did all they could to keep the winning streak going. Nicole Redd made 4-of4 from behind the 3-point line to open the second half, helping EOU trim a lead that had grown to 15 points. A Brittney Newcomb 3-pointer, and two free throws by Nyesha Joseph, gave the Mountaineers a five-point lead with 6:19 left in the game. The Cavaliers, who beat

College ofIdaho 77-75 Friday night, wouldn't go away. Klarich's final 3-pointer of the game was the dagger, givingConcordia a 83-78 lead with 28 seconds left in the game. Newcomb had a team-high 28 points, while Redd finished with 19 points. Kassy Larson added 10 points. — JoshBenham

SD —THE OBSERVER

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —90

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY 3an. 1 Local law enforcement agencies may be facing tough needs, but La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey and Union County Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen are looking on the bright side. In 2014, they are focusing on maintaining relationships and educating the public on their needs. Since the La Grande City Council voted against purchasing the old Eagles Building for the LGPD, the department likely will stay put for a while. Chief Harvey says his department will work to maintain service at the status quo, but notes that "issues and case loads seem to be increasing."

Phil Bullock/TheObserver

Gary Kiesecker closed on the old Eagles Lodge building in January. He

hopes to transform the century-old building into a 12-lane bowling alley.

3an. 3 After nearly two decades, the dream for many who work at the Union County Courthouse is becoming a reality. A new county courthouse facil ity hasstarted to take shape. The total amount for the project is estimated at

$3.1 million. The county received $2 million from the Oregon Judicial Department. The county will

borrow about $750,000 to make up for the remaining sum of the project. New air ambulance provider Air Life has ended operations in Union County. Air Life, which started its serviceOct.8,closed itsbase, effective immediately, according to Lynette Sharp, regional clinical manager for Air Life's parent company Air Methods in Idaho. Sharp confirmed that the base recently established in Ontario was also closed but could not provide any further information. Union County Commissioner Steve McClure said the county had not been notified of the closure but that Union County Emergency Manager J.B. Brock was looking into the matter.

3an. 5 A second megaload making its way across Oregon and into Canada will enter Idaho as soon as this weekend. This is the second of threeloads headed forthe tar sands of Ft. McMurray, Alberta. The loads are being transported by Omega Morgan, a Hillsboro-based transportation company.

3an. 6 A routine late night patrol led toa burglary arrestin downtown La Grande. La Grande Police Department's Sgt. John Shaul was patrolling the area around 1:15 a.m. when he noticed the front door at JC Penney had been smashed. After securing the building,policedid a search ofthe building, Lt. Derick Reddington said. They located 36-year-old John Rumbelow hiding in the basement of the building. He was taken into custody without incident and was charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief Police estimate Rumbelow

had bagged up $1,300 worth of clothing. He also had $50 to $100 worth of clothing on his person, Reddington said. Police believe Rumbelow

issued Jan. 24 suggests many are heeding that advice but that influenza viruses are still widespread acrossthe state. Phil Bullock/TbeObserver

An ice jam continues to grow in size on Catherine Creek outside of Union along Highway 203. The ice jam occurred when warm temperatures at higher elevations caused snow and ice to melt, resulting in higher creek flows that sent chunks and blocks of ice downriver in late January.

A group described as "Gypsies" by witnesses allegedlydistracted theowner of by law enforcement. No. 1 China Buffet in order to steal her purse from the The Cove School Board is restaurant. a small step closer to deciding An unknown group of whether it will seek a bond people — four women and levyforcapitalconstruction one man — entered the and maintenance work. restaurant at about 2:10 p.m. The school board has deOnce they were seated, they cided to begin examining the starteda conversation with costofsome ofthe projectsa the owner, police believe, in bond might cover, including an attempt to distract her. renovationoftheschooldisWhile talking with them, trict's' old gym and extending the owner noticed two people theconcretebasein thecellar go back into the kitchen areaunder thegym fl oor area, but by the time the owner was able to get back at the high school to create more storage space, said Cove there, one of the suspects had alreadyleftoutthe back door, School District Superintendent Bruce Neil. taking her purse with them. Phil Bullock/TheObserver The work that needs to be Presiding Judge RussWest says pillars in the Union County courtroom make it easy for defendants to hide. An agreement under way with the Oregon Judicial Department done in the old gym includes 3an. 28 replacing the floor and winallocated funding for a new Union County court facility. Flooding caused by ice blockage closed down Cathdows and replacing or doing extensive renovation of the erine Creek. acted alone. National Weather Service. becoming principal in 2011. walls, bleachers and ceiling. This was the second time Muriel Shaul retired as the 3an. 15 Harold"J.R." Fruitts was the road has been closed in 3an. 22 director of the Oregon Health A local entrepreneur is sentenced to 20 months in a the past two days. The stretch hoping to transform a dilapi- Department of Corrections & Science University School Victims of diesel fuel thefts of Highway 203 was first of Nursing at Eastern Oregon dated century-old building facility. in Central and Eastern closedforseveralhours after University in June. in downtown La Grande into The sentencing follows Oregon are helping Oregon water pushed a massive pile Nursing school officials an- a 12-lane bowling alley and oficeon toa 150-to200-yard a December conviction of State Police map out where nounced today that Room 304 event center. criminally negligent homicide thefts occurred from May stretch of Highway 203. in EOU's Badgley Hall will be Gary Kiesecker signed in the February 2012 death of 2012 to January of this year. 3an. 30 named inhonor ofShaul.The a check for the old Eagles John Rysdam III. The OSP continue to seek announcement was made Lodge building, situated at Rysdam was killed Feb. 28, information and possible A local talk show host may 1212 Jefferson Ave., the first victims related to the thefts, at the end ofa reception 2012, when a Ford Bronco soon be representing himself driven by Fruitts struck him which OSP officiais believe in court. welcoming Shaul's successor, week of January with hopes Carla Hagen, who took her of turning it into a new bowl- on Palmer Junction Road. likelyoccurred inremote and Attorney Steve Joseph filed ing alley to provide a place for Rysdam, a longtime county rural areas induding Cmok, a motion, which was granted, new position in September. kids— and adults— toget employee, and three other Jefferson, Wheeler, Grant, Mor- to resignasattorney for 3an. 7 Union County Public Works back to an American tradirow, Gilliam, Umatilla, Union, Edward"Eddie" Garcia. tion and away from screens employees were working to Harney, Malheur, Wallowa, An effort to create a According to the aflldavit nonpartisan county board of and modern-day distractions. fill a pothole. During Fruitts' Deschutes, Wasco,Sherman in support of the motion, "Defendant's ongoing legal commissioners took a major trial, he said he had not and Hood River counties. 3an. 16 step forward today. been paying attention and issues are creating a conflict The Union County CitiUnion County Commisof interest for my firm." Typhoon, an indie rock was messing with the stereo zens for Good Government group from Portland that is system prior to the crash. He sioners were encouraged to 3an. 31 submitted signature sheets rapidlyrising on the national was found guilty of crimiseek a one-story design for to Union County Clerk Robin music scene, appeared at Cove nally negligent homicide by a the new courthouse. Restoring 90,000 acres in Church to get a measure on High School as part of an 12-person jury Dec. 13. northern Wallowa County is Judge Brian Dretke and the May 20 ballot that would artist -in-residenceprogram. DistrictAttorney Tim Thomp- a top priority not only for the Typhoon's appearance in When the City of Joseph posetovoters,"Shallthe son told commissioners a one- county, but for a U.S. Forest offic e ofUnion County ComService team of scientists Cove was the first stop of its was faced with looking for a story design would be more missioner become a nonparti- national White Lighter tour, fectivein the long run. new website vendor, a team of cost-ef dedicated to bringing back san office?u which will take it to major cit- computer experts came to the cWe don't have enough the resiliency of Eastern The Union County Citizens ies across the United States. money for any opulence at Oregon forests. rescue. The Joseph School's for Good Government colThe Lower Joseph Creek Computer Applications class all," Dretke said. 3an. 17 In his research, Dretke lectedan estimated 1,328 took on the task of managing Restoration Project came out signatures from May to said he found that commerof the county's own watershed La Grande High School the website this fall and the Principal Andrea Waldrop August 2013. Only 650 certinew design rolled out the first cial elevators cost $45,000 assessment work. Five years fied signatures are required announced she will retire in of the year. in the making, last summer it to $75,000 to install. Costs June 2014. to place an initiative before would double for the courtwas adopted by the WallowaWaldrop has worked in the 3an. 21 voters. house, because it would need Whitman Forest CollaboraLa Grande School District for What startedasadomesone public elevator and one tive, a group ofstakeholders 3an. 12 tic disturbance call led to a for prisoners. from agencies, private 35 years, she said. She has been principal for vehicle pursuit and crash in business and special interest The north end of the 3an. 24 Grande Ronde Valley experithe high school for 2-1/2 years. Union. groups who meet monthly Remington Pierre Miller, in La Grande to focus on enced some high winds over She started in 1979 when Health professionals are still urging residents to get a restoring ecological balance to the weekend. she was hired as a home 26, of rural La Grande, was arrestedfollowing the crash, flu vaccine. Gusts reached 62 mph, two economics teacher then later Eastern Oregon forests, reducmiles south of Imbler around served as assistant LHS prin- which was a result of a purThe Oregon Health ing fire hazards and providing cipalforseven yearsbefore suit intervention technique Authority's weekly flu report 3:15a.m.,according tothe jobs in the timber industry.

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100 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

FEBRUARY Feb. 1 The Imnaha Wolf Pack's alpha male was captured and outfitted with a GPS collar for the fourth time since

2009. The wolf known as OR-4 was sought by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists Saturday out in the open country of Zumwalt Prairie. 'The only reason we recollared OR-4 was because of the livestock community," said Russ Morgan, ODFW wolfbiologist. cWith all the issues going on with this pack, knowing where he is, is key to being able to function a little better."

Feb. 3 Just after 4 a.m., Sgt. Dusty Perry of the La Grande Police Department stopped a vehicle for a trafflc stop. Lt. Derick Reddington said the stopwas for arelatively minor trafrc infraction, but when Perry got information back on the two adults in the vehicle, he saw they were wanted on two out-of-state warrants. Sidney L. Rogers, 29, unknown address, and Alisha Bailey, 28, unknown address, were arrested on the warrants, one of which was a United States Secret Service warrant charging counterfeiting. The other warrant, out of North Carolina, charged the couple with fraud.

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Observer file photo

Former La Grande Mayor Buzz Fulton passed away in February at the age of 93.

Feb. 26

The Imbler School District has narrowed its list of candidatesforitssuperintendent positionto three educators. Chris Baxter /The Observer The finalists are Kenneth The Northeast Oregon SWAT Team, the La Grande Police Department, and personnel from the Baker County and Cox, the superintendent of Union County sheriff's offices responded to a standoff on Leffell Road involving police and Gregory Scott Carter, who the Vernonia School District was allegedly holding four of his children against their will. in Western Oregon, Beth Burton, the language arts in the county since June 2010, and early college coordinator will fill the vacancy left by Tim at Arlington High School, Thompson, who is retiring. and James Baldwin, the superintendent of the Choteau No new buildings are set iMont.l Public Schools. All three are seeking to to be built on Elgin High School's campus anytime succeed Doug Hrslop, who will retire at the end of June. soon. Still, not all is quiet on the EHS construction front. Hislop is completing his 10th Elgin woodshop teacher year as superintendent and Matt Adams and his stuhis 43rd year as an educator. dents have building construction plans — big plans. Sixty years later, Central The Elgin School District Elementary looks picture has received an $87,000 perfect from a distance,but Feb. 5 looks can be deceiving. Career Technical Education Central is in need of major A Union man was arrested grant from the state for the on various drug-related repair and renovation work startofwhat promises to be charges following a search an eye popping and longso extensive that the La livedconstruction program. Grande School District's executed by the Union/ Wallowa County Drug Task Long Term Facilities PlanPhil Bullock/TheObserver Feb. 21 Force. ning Committee is recomDale De Long is completing his 24th year as mayor of Island City. De Long, who will John William Reisner, 43, mending that a new building step down at the end of December, is the longest serving mayor in Island City history. The Legacy Auto Group received the Eastern Oregon be constructedto replace the faces various felony drugrelatedcharges,according to four years on the council. A group of 17 people made University Partnership aging building. area and one a guide from a Fulton had a 21-year Award at the 80th annual The committee is making a pressreleasefrom the task Joseph company, were killed its way on skis, snowmoforce. biles and snowshoes into Union CountyChamber of career as a teacher and adabout noon in an avalanche the suggestionaspartof the mountains near Little Commerce awards banquet. Detectives from the Union ministrator in the La Grande near Little Eagle Meadows, a $31.8 million package of Eagle Meadows, about 10 The award recognized the building and maintenance County SheriA"s Offlce School District and served in in the southern Wallowa and the La Grande Police Mountains near Cornucopia. miles northwest of Halfway, Ford and Dodge dealerships the U.S. Navy and National projects in the school district. Department served a search oftheLegacy Auto Group, The committee's proposals Guard for 31 years. Two other skiers, also from to attempt rescue, with risk warrant at Reisner's address managementvery much on which is owned by Tony were presented to the La the Seattl earea,suffered Feb. 8 broken legs in the slide. their minds. Grande School Board today. at 56193 Highway 237, two Grover, for the help they miles south of Union, about The area is about 10 miles A fire in Lostine destroyed provided EOU in getting its Feb. 17 Feb. 27 10:40 p.m. the historic Norton's Welding northwest of Halfway, on a Eastern Promise program The search warrant was and the Southfork Grange launched. The Eastern steepslope atan elevation Island City Mayor Dale One La Grande woman Hall buildings, both estimat- of about7,700 feet,Baker De Long announced he will Promise is allowing many grantedas a resultofa drug was arrested after filing a investigation that began ed to be more than 100 years County Undersheriff Warren step down from his 24-year students in the region to earn false police report of an earlier thatday,according to Thompson said. old, fire officials said. career as mayor at the end of EOU credit while taking assault in the Walmart parklaw enforcement officials. Jamie Calhoun of the December. classes at their high schools. ing lot. Lostine Fire Department told Feb. 12 De Long joined the city Eastern President Bob DaJosie Kern, 21, reported Feb. 6 Enterprise Fire Chief Paul viespresented theaward to she had been assaulted and Dan Koopman, La Grande, council in 1988 as a city Karvoski that he received a Delaney Wood, a La was caught in a rockslide on councilor for two years. Legacy and used his time at robbed. Grande High School sophoInterstate84. De Long, 80, is looking for- the podium toalso recognize At 4:45 p.m. today, police page and responded to NorKoopman was traveling more, fainted briefly but was ton's Welding. He and others ward to spending more time the company for the help it were dispatched to the Island anything but faint ofheart who arrived after 10 a.m. home from a meeting in Sawith his wife of 54 years, providedthe survivorsofthe City Walmart regarding a broke a window and knocked lem when the rocks started Jackie. De Long also intends Dec. 30, 2012, bus crash on at the fast-paced Future possible assault.Kern gave Business Leaders of America in a door. smashing into his car near to travel more and spend ad- Interstate 84 near Deadman a detaile d description ofthe Blue Mountain Regional ditional time on the links. Hood River. One boulder Pass. The accident, involvsupposed suspect and law Feb. 10 Skills Conference. ing a British Columbia tour came crashing down in a enforcement dispatched five Feb. 18 near miss. Wood was one of 40 LHS The conversation to ban bus, killed nine people and deputies to find the subject. marijuana dispensaries in When Koopman realized injured at least 39. students who qualified for More than four months However, law enforcement communities has begun, but the state FBLA skills event what was happening, he did late, Oregon's troubled health determined that the assault in Portland with her perfora permit to allow a marijuathe only thing he could think insurance exchange is finally Feb. 22 never took place and arrested mances at the Blue Mounallowing some people to enKern. na testing facility has been to do: grab the wheel and Law enforcement oftain conference at Eastern brake hard. He thought the roll online. ficers from Union and approved. Feb. 28 Oregon University. Wood City officials say there result would be far worse. Baker counties converged Cover Oregon rolled out hasn't been talk of a ban, but its online enrollment system on Leffell Road during a qualified for state by placing He was able to open his A deputy district attorney sixth in job interview and some have sought informato insurance agents and is now the Union County doorabouta foot,getout standoff involving police fifth in personal finance. She tion on opening marijuanaand make it to the Jersey community organizations, al- and Gregory Scott Carter, District Attorney. barrier, where he waited for lowing them to directly enroll who was allegedly holding Kelsie McDaniel was overcame a severe case of the related businesses. cWe actually issued a first responders. Once they four of his children against sworn into her new office in jittersto advance tostate for people with less complex arrived, they were amazed the third floor courtroom. the second year in a row. permitacouple weeks ago situations from start to finish their will. for a testing facility," said La Koopman was able to get out in one sitting. The 5-1/2 hour hostage Judge Russ West, who Feb. 7 Grande City Planner Mike ofthevehicle. standoff ended without inciperformed the ceremony, Feb. 19 Boquist."I don't know if he's recalled his own swearing in Former La Grande Mayor dentSaturday afternoon. Buzz Fulton died at the age The effort to bring two inas DA. goingtobeallowed to operate Gov. John Kitzhaber anCarter was charged with yet." "I stood in your shoes back of 93. jured backcountry skiers out nounced that Kelsie McDan- felony menacing with chilFulton served on the La of the Wallowa Mountains iel will be the new Union dren present and reckless in 1985 when I was 31 Feb. 11 Grande City Council from endangering. He also was Wednesday was hampered County district attorney. years old," he told McDaniel. McDaniel, who has served arrested on a parole violation 'You come from a strong 1983 through 1990. He Two backcountry skiers, by steep terrain, deep snow warrant out of Kentucky. office.a served as the mayor his last one a client from the Seattle and ever-changing weather. as adeputy districtattorney

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER — 110

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

MARCH March 2 A multi-vehicle crash near Pendleton that shut down a largesection ofthewestbound lanes of Interstate 84 and left two people dead also reverberated across the region in terms of economic impactand stalled commerce. The Oregon State Police, collision reconstructionists and Oregon Department of Transportation officials searched for answers at the scene of the crash — near Deadman Pass on Cabbage Hill. The OSP said initial information indicated a commercial truck traveling west near milepost 221lost control on ice and slammed into the side of the road with its trailer partially on the roadway. The crash prompted a three-county, 200-mile closure of the westbound lanes of I-84, effectively severing the vital commercial truck route &om Boise, Idaho, to Portland.

Police Sr. Trooper Walt Anderson, the accident occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. when a Freightliner truck pulling a loaded log trailer driven by Justin K. Wright, 33, of Summerville, was eastbound on Highway 204 near milepost 39. As the truck and trailer came out of a right-hand curve,ittraveled onto the shoulder and continued down the embankment into the riverwhere itcame torest on its rightside.W right freed himself &om the truck and got out on his own. Wright suffered only minor injuries and wascited forfailureto drive within a lane.

March 26 Localstate representative candidateGreg Barreto re-

ceivedanice gift— a $30,000

Chris Baxter/Tbe Observer

Eastern Oregon University President Bob Davies and his assistant Heather Cashell walk by the portraits of past university presidents in lnlow Hall. Davies was the latest to join the line of "past" EOU presidents when he officially resigned his position June 30.

March 3

March 20

In 2013, Oregon wolf numbers increased to 64 documented wolves in eight known packs, a 33 percent increase over the previous year. Greater numbers also means increased territory and dispersal of young adult wolves traveling asfar as Idaho, Heppner and even Mount Hood. Over the winter, photographsoftracksand a collectionofscatwere gathered in the Prairie Creek and Alder Slope neighborhoods of the Wallowa Valley. Russ Morgan, wolf biologist, said more data is needed to determine if wolves are settling into the valleyorifthey arejustpassing through.

Seven students with Oregon Connections Academy, a public, accredited online school, did extensive cleanup work at Riverside Park. The youths, ranging &om grade school to high school students, swept the Riverside Park pavilion, cleaned its tables with disinfectant and picked up litter on the park's grounds. The students braved chilly 47-degree weather on the day before spring vacation started for many students in Northeast Oregon. The students' work means the park will be in good condition when children and their families begin converging on Riverside Park over spring break.

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campaign donation from Loren Parks. Parks, a Nevada businessman who is the largest campaign donor in Oregon history, donated the money to Barreto's campaign in the race to represent House District 58. A traftc stop on Interstate 84 ledtothe arrestofa Portland man. According to a release from the Oregon State Police, Jesus Macias, 35, of Portland was arrested for unlawful possession, distribution and manufacture of a controlled substance-marijuana after police stopped Macias' vehicle near North Powder.

March 30

Gregory Scott Carter, the man arrested following a 5-V2 hour standoff on Leffel Road on Feb. 22, pleaded Chris Baxter /Tbe Observer guilty to misdemeanor charges of menacing and recklessly For the first time since 2011, La Grande had a Saturday bus program. The program endangering another person. resumed in March. Carter, 47, was given 24 La Grande residents made cent increase over a 10-year months probation for each County Fairgrounds. March 4 March 21 Confirmed breweries are it clear they would like to see timespan — 2012 to 2022conviction to run concurBarley Brown's and Bull more transparency from the with pro a jected gain of1,470 James Baldwin, superinThe search continues for a rently. The combined probaRidge Brew Pub, both of city on the Urban Renewal tionterms callfor Carterto tendent of Choteau Public jobsintheprivatesectorand 42-year-old Idaho man who Baker City, Prodigal Son went missing after a weekSchools in Choteau, Mont., program. 250 jobs in government. servea totalof60 daysin the Brewery of Pendleton, Union County Jail, 30 days told the Imbler School About a dozen residents end boating accident on the March 17 District that he was pulling Terminal Gravity of EnterSnake River on the Idahofor each conviction. He will gathered at Cook Memorial Oregon border. receivecreditfortim e served. out as a candidate. Baldwin prise, Dragon's Gate Brewery Library for a forum on the OIIIcials may soon be said he wanted to finish his of Milton-Freewater, Beer working to upgrade the The Wallowa County program. Carter has been in the Union ValleyBrewing and Tandem drainage system in and Sherif's OIIIce received a 911 County jail for 39 days since education career in the Big Hosted by Eddie Garcia, Brewing, both of Ontario, and a La Grande City Council around La Grande to better call about 7 p.m. regarding a his arrest. Sky state. Baldwin's announcement 1188 Brewing of John Day. candidate, the event was address flooding situations in boatingaccident on theriver trimmed the list of Imbler intended to be an educational the valley. near the Hells Canyon Dam. March 31 finalists to two, Beth Burton, Beth Burton, an educaA draft of the Gekeler Charles W. Gissel, 42 of sessiontohelp residents gain La Grande City Councilor tor with strong Northeast Ontario, and Eric MeyerKelly McGee will soon attend an educator with the Arlinga better understanding of the Slough Surface Water Plan city's program. her last meeting as a local ton School District, and Ken- Oregon ties, will soon take was presented in a joint work hoffer, 43 of Payette, Idaho, neth Cox, superintendent of the reins of the Imbler School session of the La Grande City were found on the shore, but elected ofIIcial. She submitMarch 12 District. 42-year-old Ricky M. Flores the Vernonia School District. Council and Union County ted aletterofresignation to Burton has been selected of Caldwell, Idaho, remains the city. McGee has served on Eastern Oregon University Board of Commissioners. March 5 as Imbler's next superintenPresident Bob Davies acceptThe study, prepared by missing. the city council since 2008. La Grande-based engineerUnion County commisdent by the district's school ed theposition ofpresident Because the primary filing March 22 sionersvotedtosite thenew at Murray State University ing fi rm Anderson Perry board. Burton signed a deadlinehas passed,offi cials in Murray, Ky., following courthouse on the footprint of contractto serveassuperin& Associates, was funded Community Connection of are unsure how the vacancy Shelter From the Storm. a series of meetings with through a $49,000 Oregon Northeast Oregon resumed will be filled. tendent. The Imbler School The new court facility's Board will vote later this community and university Watershed Enhancement Saturday bus service. month on ratification of the Board grant awarded last The recently created Bryant E."Bry" Behconstruction means the groups at Murray State. shelter building will be contract. Burton was one of Davies will serve as EOU Union County Public Transit rmann, 67, is scheduled to be year. demolished. 12 applicants forthesuperin- president until June 30. Advisory Council voted releasedafterservingmore March 19 "I'm not happy about it," Davies has been president unanimously last week to than four years for money tendent's position. reinstate the program, which laundering. said Commissioner Mark Daat Eastern Oregon since At least two La Grande Behrmann and his busividson. He and the other com- March 11 2009. He received a bachecity councilors said they was dropped in 2011 due to lor's degree from the Univermissioners said they wished funding cuts. The program An Enterprise man was stand behind their votes to ness partner, Larry"Buck" therewas a betteroption,but killed in an accident while sity of Nevada at Reno, an is funded with $94,500 Hunter, of La Grande, select a Pendleton-based that they didn't think a better erecting a new grain silo, ac- MBA &om the University of accounting firm to handle the in Oregon Department of de&auded 9,400 people city's audits, a decision that Transportation grant money from across the country who solution could be found given cording to Enterprise police. Oregon and a doctorate in Enterprise Chief of Police higher education administra- has comeunder fire&om the through the biennium. invested $45.7 million in a the deadlines they are under &om the state. Wes Kilgore said Harry tion &om the State Univerlocal business community get-rich-quick scheme selling March 24 McNall, a longtime Walsity of New York at Buffalo. inventory overstock. Less about taking the business March 7 lowa County Grain Growers out of town. A logtruck driverreceived than $2 million was ever employee, was approximately Wallowa, Union and Baker The La Grande City minor injuries after losing Eight Eastern Oregon used to buy inventory. control of his semi-truck, Their company, Global Onbreweries are confirmed for 60 feet off the ground and counties are on track to add Council voted 4-3 to select the first Eastern Oregon walking along some scaffold- more than 1,000 jobs to the Pendleton-based Dickey and resulting in the truck and line Direct, claimed it bought Beer Festi val,eventorganiz- ing when the structure's leg workforce during the next Tremper, LLP, to handle the trailer loaded with logs com- distressedmerchandise ers announced. City of La Grande's audits, ing to rest on their side in and resold it through online tipped over, buckled at 40 seven years, according to The 21-and-ol der festival, ending a long-standing aftliPhillips Creek along Highfeet and slammed into the statistics recently released auctions, retailstores,fl ea ation with La Grande firm way 204 about a mile west of m arkets and streetsales. hostedby La Grande Main silo, catapulting McNall to by theOregon Employment the ground. Department. Itoperated from 2005 to Street Downtown, will be Seydel, Lewis, Poe, Moeller & Elgin. held June 21 at the Union The job boost is a 10 perAccording to Oregon State 2007. Gunderson, LLC.

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120 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

APRIL April 1

2014, order requiring Shelter From the Storm to vacate its building at 1111 Fifth St. by

Union County will consider enacting a marijuana moratorium. During a regular session of the Union County Board of Commissioners last week, the commissionersdecided to look into the idea of placing a one-year moratorium on dispensaries. The Oregon Legislature in March passed a bill that giveslocalgovernments the authority to place one-year moratoriums on dispensaries, but they must be in place by May 1.

Sept. 1.

April 4 A formerUnion County sheriff passed away. Robert"Bob" Price, 80, died at his home in Yuma, Ariz., following a long battle with renal failure. Price launched his law enforcement career in Caldwell, Idaho, for the Canyon Chris Baxter /The Observer A sign is up warning drivers that the westbound Interstate 84 on-ramp at exit 259 will close for the construction County SherifFs Department. In 1962, he and his season. The closure is needed for Oregon Department ofTransportation to continue work on a three-year project to family moved to La Grande, improve 1-84 from La Grande to the Kamela interchange at exit 246. where Price worked for the La Grande Police Departboat with two other men ment. He was promoted to March 21 when the boat hit a rock and capsized. The other sergeant in 1969 and rose to theposition ofcaptain in occupants made it to shore 1972. Price successfully ran on the Oregon side of Hells for Union County sheriff in Canyon roughly a quartermile downstream. 1977 and held that position until 1985.

April 18

The State Board of Higher Education is set to soon make two decisions that will have major impacts on Eastern Oregon University — one for perhaps the next century, the other for the short term.

April 8 Melody Rose, the interim chancellor for the Oregon University System, had words of reassurance and urgency for Eastern Oregon University's students and stalK Rose said she is confident that an interim president for Eastern will soon be named totemporaril y succeed outgoing president Bob Davies. The La Grande Planning Commission recommended that the La Grande City Council approve the KAvenue street vacation in order to provideample parking forthe new Union County Circuit Courthouse. Union County has applied fora right-of-way vacation of KAvenue between Fifth and Sixth streets to meet parking requirements for the new court facility.

Chris Baxter /The Observer

Eastern Oregon University students study at Pierce Library. A policy change last summer, coupled with flat enrollment, dropped the school's year-end funding balance below the state's required 5 percent. one-time adjustment was over $1 million and reduced the institution's 2013 ending fund balance from 4.8 percent to 1.6 percent. Under OUS rules, a statefunded university cannot fall below 5 percent on its education and general fund year-end balance. When, or if; a university does fall below the 5 percent benchmark it can often translate into the declaration of a financial emergency.

Castilleja said he is looking

to include $50,000 in the county's budget to bring back animal control with a fulltime offtcer. He said$10,000 remains in the county coffers from aprevious program that was eliminated a decade ago. Medical marijuana dispensaries will not be allowed to operatein Island City for at least a year. The Island City City Council voted to place a one-year moratorium on allowing the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. The moratorium is set to run until May 2015. The city council voted unanimously for the moratorium at the recommendation of Mayor Dale De Long.

the county commissioners during a special planning commission meeting. Citing an inability to come to a decision on what the commission deems a complicated matter, the quorum voted to let the county commissioners tackle whether to allow the Yanke family to developthree distinctparcels on the moraine.

April 16

The La Grande City Councilfailed toenacta proposed one-year moratorium on According to figures from the Oregon Department of medical marijuana facilities, though discussion on the isRevenue, annual lodging taxreceiptsincreased in sue will continue. Baker, Grant, Umatilla and The council had slated a April 11 Wallowa counties during the two-stagevote on an ordinance that would have first An unexpected policy seven-year period 2004-2011, change last summer regard- but in Union County they declared an emergency, and ing how Eastern Oregon then decided the moratodecreased. University assesses bad debt What's more, Union County Oregon State Police rium. A unanimous vote was collection jolted the instituis one of only three counties impressedvisitorsduring an required for the emergency tion and thrust its year-end open house and tour of the statewideto show decreases declaration, but the tally funding balance far below in TRT revenue in the years new La Grande Area Comcame out 5-1. the minimum required by 2004-2012. While Oregon mand Offtce. Councilor Jerry Sebestyen The La Grande staffhas the State Board of Higher as a whole grew lodging tax castthe lonedissenting vote revenue by 48 percent, Union beenin their new digs for about on the emergency declaraEducation and the Oregon University System. amonth and ahalf,and opened tion. In comments following County's collections fell by The policy change was inalmost8 percent. the facility to the public. the vote, Sebestyen said he The building is a step believes the council needs troduced by the Oregon University System's comptroller In light of overwhelming up — orseveral— from the more time to study issues and altered the way each response, Wallowa County cramped offices the OSP crew linked to siting of the faciliuniversity in the state"writes Commissioner Paul Castille- used on Island Avenue. In tiesand to considertestimoofF'bad debt in accounts ja said he is rethinking the fact, the new building, located ny given so far. receivables. Before, each two dog per household limit at 3004 Blue Mountain Drive university in Oregon boasted considered under a proposal in the La Grande Business The body of a missing to reinstate a countywide separate procedures to the Park, has room to expand by Caldwell, Idaho, man was animal control program. bad debt collection issue. about 10 employees. recovered from the Snake The new plan essentially River. Castilleja said the limit April 15 According to the Wallowa was a one-time accounting was meant to only include correction of more than $20 households within the city Approval tobuild three County SherifFs Offtce, Ricky million across the Oregon limits of Wallowa, Lostine, homesites on Wallowa Lake's Flores, 42, of Caldwell, was University System. EOU's Enterprise and Joseph. eastmoraine was passed to traveling upstream in a jet

April 14

Jay Kenton, vice chancellor of finance and administration for the Oregon University System, was appointed interim president of Eastern Oregon University by the State Board of Higher Education. Kenton started his higher education career in 1983 at Eastern, where he servedas assistant director ofbusinessaffairsforthree years.

April 21 Oregon Department of Transportation officials say the westbound on-ramp at exit259 isexpected to close through the fall. The closure is due to the ongoing, multi-year freeway improvement project between the Second Street undercrossing inLa Grande and the Kamela interchange at exit 246.The projectbegan last year and includes resurfacing the left lane with new asphalt, placing concrete in the right lane, replacing median barriers, repairing bridges, improving chain-up areas and constructing a westbound truck-climbing lane along the Spring Creek grade.

April 23 Union County and La Grande officials say they are optimistic about the direction of transient room tax revenue and tourism for the region. The county was one of only three in the state that showed decreases in TRT revenue from 2004 to 2011, but those working on boosting tourism say the past few yearsindicate apositive trend for the area.

April 24 Union County was served with papers notifying the county of Shelter From the Storm's intent to file a claim against the county. According to aletterserved by shelter's attorney, George Galloway, the claim stems from the county's April 1,

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training voted unanimously to revoke the certification of a former Enterprise police off icer atits meeting in Salem. Minutes from the policy committee meeting said John Crowder's behavior was considered dishonest surrounding his sexual conduct with a reserveoff icerhe supervised, he was deceitful during the investigative interview and he used an agency vehicle for hispersonal use,according to the minutes. The committee determined that Crowder's behavior during incidences in 2013 involved insubordination based on his position as head of the reserveofftcers.The report said he failed to disclose his relationship with the reserve officer prior to, and subsequent to, her being admitted to the reserve program.

April 25 A North Powder couple faces an arraignment for multiple charges of sex crimes. Joe Cordell Miller, 69, and Faith Rosalind Miller, 55, were arrested by the Union County SherifFs Offtce on a secret indictment warrant charging the couple with numerous crimes, including rape, sodomy and sex abuse.

April 28 Oregon Department of Education figures indicate that the La Grande School District will receive $449,000 in additional state money in 2014-15forstudentsfrom low-income families. The money will provide a big boost to a school district that has struggled financially in recent years. The state is using a new system to calculate how many students within the state's schooldistrictsare from families below the poverty line. The Union County Citizens for Good Government petitioned to get ballot measure 31-48 on the May 20 primary ballot. The group would like to see Union County commissioner races be nonpartisan in an effort to be more inclusive.

April 30 A 39-year-old La Grande man is accused of traveling to Kansas City to have sex with two underage girls in a rendezvous set up by an undercover offtcer.U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson's office says Abdul Lamont Gamble of La Grande was charged with traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sex with a minor. Eastern Oregon University President Bob Davies announced that Eastern must make $4 million in cutsdue to a budgetshortfall caused by falling enrollment and reducedfunding from the state. A draft financial sustainability plan released by Davies callsfor about25 faculty positions and seven administrative staff positionsto be cutin theprocess of making the $4 million in budget reductions.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —130

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

MAY May 5 After a busy few decades of devoting his life to his extended family — the youth of La Grande — Tom Kenny is lookingforward tospending time with his actual family. Kenny, currently the algebrateacher atLa Grande High School, is retiring this month after 29 years of guiding teenagers through numbers and equations.

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To make way for upcoming changes at the Wallowa County Courthouse, the jail is being removed from its main floor. The jail was installed when the courthouse was built in 1909. According to Everett Roberts, who is overseeingtheproject,the jail was built as part of a ship in 1897.

Chris Baxter/The Observer

Risong Ngiraingas is one big smile as she celebrates La Grande High School's graduation with family and friends.

La Grande Main Street is looking into ways to incorpoPhil Bullcck/TbeObserver rate public art and Eastern Oregon University. A van and trailer overturned and rolled down an embankment west of La Grande May 12. According to police, two of the 11 occupants were critically injured and one had been ejected from the vehicle. At a community roundtablemeeting,residents and Main Street officials all ofits programs intact, said discussed upcoming events Walt Sullivan, a member of the and the possibility of using Imbler School Board. Imbler School District vacantstorefronts to display local artists'work. Superintendent Doug Hislop Main Street Coordinator isproposing that a general Saira Siddiqui said they have fund budget of $4.111 million about $3,900 in a fund for be adopted for 2014-15, down public art. .008 percent &om its current

budget of $4.144 million.

May 7 La Grande psychiatrist Dr. Joel Rice was sentenced to two days in jail and 369 hours of community service forshooting trespass cattlein August 2013. Rice pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree animal abuse prior to the sentence. An agreement between Wallowa District Attorney Mona Williams and defense attorney Wes Williams called for five of those counts that were previouslyfeloniesto bereduced to Class A misdemeanors. The other two counts were already misdemeanors.

May 8 Pendleton Grain Growers announced that it plans to close all its retail locations in an effort to restructure business units and return its focus to the needs of its members — including the Island City PGG retail store. The member-owned agricultural marketing and supplycooperativehopes to sell its retail stores in MiltonFreewater, Athena, Pendleton, Island City, Joseph and Hermiston.

May 12 Two people were critically injured in a crash on Interstate 84 after their vehicle rolled down a steep embankment about 18 miles west of La Grande. About 7:40 a.m., a van carrying11 peopleveered offthe roadnearmilepost241 and went off a 50-foot embankment along the eastbound shoulder of the interstate. The two critically injured people were flown by Life Flight to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash. A totalof11peoplew ere injured in a crash when a van and trailer rolled down a 50-foot embankment on Interstate 84. Oregon State Police Lt. Mike Turner said driver

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May 28

Phil Bullock/TheObserver

Alison Laurance of Union shops at the Pendleton Grain Growers retail store in Island City. The Island City store is one of six likely to be sold or closed in coming months. fatiguemay have been a contributing factor in the crash, which involved members of Hispanic band Estrellas de Tuzantla. About 7:40 a.m., OSP was notified that a van pulling atraile r crashed offthe eastbound lanes of I-84 near milepost 241. Initial information advised one person was deceasedbut after emergency personnel arrived, they found the man was alive.

May 16 House District 58 candidateGreg Barreto is bothered by the fact that thousands of union dollars are being funneled into John Turner's campaign. A Political Action Committee, Oregonians for Rural Jobs, was filed April 21 and

has since donated $15,700 to Turner's campaign. Rep. Bob Jenson, who isn't seeking re-election, is the director of the PAC, according to the Oregon Secretary of State website. Jenson, the longest-serving member of the Oregon House, has endorsed Turner for his seat. Barreto has criticized Turnerfortaking union money but now says he's bothered that Turner's trying to hide it under the guise of an innocently-named PAC.

May 19 Three years ago, prostate cancer sidelined Island City's Don Henry. Today, Henry, 82, is cancer &ee but believes he is still re-

covering&om the sideeffects ofthesuccessfulradiation treatmenthe received. The Island City resident displayedno side effects&om the radiation treatment. Instead, he was a picture of health and inspiration. Henry made a most memorable journey, walking 14 miles from Island City to Union.

May 20 Union County residents can rest assured that their next state representative will come fromtheeastside of the mountain. La Grande business owner Greg Barreto handily defeated John Turner in the Republican primary, garnering 83 percent of the Union County vote, 80 percent in Wallowa County and 51 percent in Umatilla County.

Schoonhoven maintained a relatively low profile leading up the primary election but is gearing up to face RepublicanGreg Barreto,also from Cove and a La Grande business owner. Van Schoonhoven, who owns La Grande Dry Cleaning and Alterations, said the race isn't about party but aboutthe district'sneeds.At thetopofher priorities are small businesses, which she said shape the local economy and identity.

May 26 Eastern Oregon University is facing rising operating expenses, but it likely will not pass those increases on to its students in 2014-15. The State Board of Higher Education is close to adopting 2014-15tuition rates that would &eeze tuition at

EOU.

May 23 For about a month, La Grande's westernmost on-ramp to Interstate 84 has been closed to traffic and businesses near the freeway entrance say they're feeling the loss of traffic. The on-ramp closure — the off-ramp &om eastbound I-84 remains open — is scheduled to remain in place throughout the construction season. It will close again next construction season as Oregon Department of Transportation crews complete a third lane on the Spring Creek grade. Cove's Heidi Van

EOU would continue to have the lowest tuition of any state university in Oregon if theproposed tuition rates are adopted by the State Board of Higher Eduction. Jay Kenton, who will become EOU's interim president on June 16, said this is important because Eastern has many students &om low-income families. The Imbler School District

is facing a $33,646 budget shortfal lfor2014-15. The good news for the districtis that the shortm will not force it to make any personnel cuts anditwill be able to keep

ee ra e am(

Det. Scott Whittington is charged with investigating domestic violence crimes for the La Grande Pohce Department, a job awarded by a grant &om the Department of Justice Violence Against Women Act. The three-year grant, which covers Whittington's salary and equipment, including a brand-new car, fundsthedetectiveforinvestigating domestic violence, stalking, restraining order violations and sexual assault crimes in La Grande. With the shelter's future in limbo, future grant awards could also be in jeopardy. That position is just one piece of the collaborative work that goes on between county entities, law enforcement and Shelter From the Storm. Shelter employees wrote the grant for the domestic violence detective position and have been partnersin othergrantsfor local law enforcement agencies. A fungus called coffee rust that has caused more than

$1 billion in damage to the coffee crop in Central and South America is unlikely to causepricestorise atlocal coffee houses. Al MacLeod, a localroaster and owner of Joe Beans in downtown La Grande, says he's heard of the situation but hasn't felt the effects. Forestprojectsacrossthe Wallowa-Whitman National Forestaregetting an allhands effort from stakeholders representing government, industry, natural resource and environmental organizationsto accelerate thepace and scaleofrestoration. La Grande District Ranger Bill Gamble shared with the gmup of 30 or more what he proposes foraprojectcalled East Face, restoringnational

forestland in theAnthony Lakes area. Gamble said the key tenants of the project are to restore the area to its historic condition,restoring and maintaininglandscapes, creating fire-adapted communities and improvingfire response time.

May 29 The State Employment Department released a new study,"Endangered: Youth in the LaborForce,"thatdetails the problem young workers, ages 16 to 24, have had finding jobs. The demographic makes up 13 percent of the laborforce butaccounted for 29 percent of Oregon's unemployed in 2013. The study also shows that thelaborforceparticipation rate among teenagers and young adults reached its lowestpointon record last year. Prior to the recession, teens and young adults were partici pating atm ore than 45 percent; now it'scloserto 35 percent. The saga of La Grande's future medical marijuana dispensary, Green Apothecary, has taken a new twist. Before even openingits doors or seeingits first customer, the medical marijuana dispensaryis now set to eventually operate at a different location than originally announced. The owner of Green Apothecary, Rona Lindsey, was granteda businesspermit to operate a medical marijuana dispensary at 1709Adams Ave.by CityofLa Grande Planner Michael Boquist.

May 31 A total of 125 La Grande High School students received their diplomas at LHS's graduation ceremony Saturday. Students who were recognized at the commencement exercise included valedictorian Zach Sherrod and co-salutatorians Lilly Page and Eloise Wright. About 2,000people attended the ceremony in the LHS

A Wallowa County wolf that traveled as far as Montana's Bitterroot National Forest was found shot to death 30 miles south of Missoula, Mont. Game wardens found thedead Snake River wolf,

dubbed OR-18, after Oregon biologists detected a mortality signal from his collar May 31 in the Burnt Fork area of the Bitt errootValley,eastof Stevensville, according to Vivica Crowser of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

8 I ~ Q~ - easun

h Family has the strongest influence on a child's choices when it comes to risky behaviors, includ ing substance use. Talk to your k i ds! Foster strong fam ily co n n ectio n s!

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140 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

JUNE 3une 2 Members of the community gatheredtogether to discuss possible restrictions with a new marijuana ordinance. La Grande City Planner Michael Boquist received the input and will be compiling it for the future ordinance. Community members also shared their opinions about medical marijuana, both pro and con. The majority who spoke expressed reservations about medical marijuana dispensaries coming to LaGrande. Union County Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen was among them. He fears that medical marijuana dispensaries will attract more hard drug users. The La Grande School Distric t' sthree-year-old Professional Learning Communities program is making a noteworthy impact on the opportunityforteachers to provide a higher quality of education. At least that's what the results of a new survey administeredby the state at all public schools in Oregon appears to indicate. The Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning Oregon Survey indicates that La Grande School District teachers have more time to collaborate with fellow educators than many others throughout the state.

3une 6

Phil Bullack/TbeObserver

City of La Grande Planner Michael Boquist takes input regarding possible rules for the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries. dark a couple years from now. The Federal Communications Commission is planning to sell to smartphone companies the channels now Chris Baxter/TheObserver used by many over-the-air Under the guidance of paramedic Chauncey Ferguson, Jennifer McDougall, left, of Pendleton and Aubrey DeLaRosa television stations. The sale of Creswell learn the technique of rope rescuing as they raise "victim," Jaine Homan, from a ravine to safety on Fox could send the Blue Mountain Translator District, 3une 20 which provides over-the-air Emergency responders television, into a death spiral. reported no injuries in a fire The FCC will conduct thatstartedin the 700 block an auction of the spectrum of 0 Avenue just before 8 of channels in the 30 to 49 le' range.Itisexpected that a.m. The home at 702 OAve. companies providing wiresustained significant damage less phone services will use in the blaze. 0$cials had not theirdeep pocketstosnatch yet determined the cause of up these channels in Union the fire. and Baker counties at the auction. /l

3une 23

The La Grande Police Department has had to deal ,$ g'e with a rise in thefts following the rise in temperatures. In the past two weeks, they have received a number of reportsoftheftsofcoin-operated machines, mostly soda Chris Baxter /Tbe Observer vending machines. Gov. John Kitzhaber, center, listens as Boise Cascade employees explain how the parDet. Jason Hays said the ticleboard plant takes in material at one of its dump sites. thieves are knocking out the lock to get into the machines House Natural Resource Sub- designated this week on Mt. rented dwellings about six committee on Public Lands Emily north of Meacham in miles northwest of Elgin, and steal what money is in them. Six coin-operated and Environmental RegulaUmatilla County. passed away at his home. machine break-ins have octionto testify in favorofRep. OR-26, a male wolf colHorrell, 84, had been in failcurred since May 28. lared last month, is thought ing healthforseveralyears. Greg Walden's Forest Access in Rural Communities Act. to have a mate and pups, 3une 17 The Oregon State Police but the Oregon Department arresteda commercial truck A teen gunman armed of Fish and Wildlife's report A suspicious powdery subdriverfordriving under the with a rifle shot and killed said further field surveys are stance forced the La Grande influence of intoxicants and a 14-year-old student and needed to confirm. Social Security office building other traffic-related offenses injured a teacher before he to evacuate. afterreceiving a complaint likely killed himself at a high 3une 14 Beth Anne Steele, public on Interstate 84 eastofLa affairs specialist for the FBI's school in a quiet Columbia A totalof468 Eastern Grande. Rivertown in Oregon,auOregon University students Portland office, said the inforThe driver's blood alcohol thorities said. received their diplomas at mation on the substance will After the shooting stopped, EOU's graduation cercontent level was more than not be released — so asnotto emony. Commencement was encourage copy cats. seven times the legal BAC policespotted the suspect forcommercialtruck drivers slumped on a toilet in a The suspicious substance conducted under mostly in Oregon, and it was the bathroom at Reynolds High cloudy skies at Community was received in the mail at second time the driver was School. 0$cers used a robot Stadium. The students walk- the La Grande Social SecuarrestedforDUII in the last with camera a to investigate ing represented a portion of rity office building, 2205 Cove three days. and discovered the suspect Eastern's graduating classof Ave. The suspicious subwas dead and that he had 783, the largest in its history. stancewas reported tothe La 3une 9 likely killed himself, TroutGrande Police Department Prairie Creek and Little shortlybefore 2:30 p.m. The $8.2 million Blue dale police spokesman Sgt. Springs Crossing housing Carey Kaer said. Sheep Creek drainages were 3une 18 complex for low-income resia point of discussion during 3une 13 dentsissetto become areality. a water quality tour by cattle Aubrey DeLaRosa was one The Island City City After the fatal shooting producers and state agencies. of 30 high school students to on June 10, Oregon schools The focus? Nonpoint Council voted to approve an get firsthand ropes rescue application from Guardian are ramping up security training. source water pollution. Real Estate of Portland for The 16-year-old from measures. For the La Grande Conservation efforts by the Blue Springs Crossing landowners, with help from School District, plans had Creswell joined 30 other alreadybeen in placepriorto the Wallowa County Soil and high school students from project. the shooting. Water Conservation District, around the state for Med3une 10 The school district began showed promising results of Quest Camp, an annual taking steps earlier this improved water quality. week-long camp hosted by More than two years after the U.S. Forest Service spring to add a resource the Northeast Oregon Health 3une 16 withdrew a Travel Manageofficer, which is expected to Education Center at Eastern ment Plan for the Wallowabe a deputy from the Union Union County lost a one-of- Oregon University. Whitman National Forest, a-kind character, a man with Donning hard hats and County SherifFs 0$ce, for Union County Commissioner the upcoming school year. a big reputation, an even big- gloves, the studentsgot The law enforcement offifirsthand training from the Steve McClure is heading to ger heart and the possessor cer will be present in schools of answers to an enduring local ropes rescue team. They the U.S. Capitol to testify on the matter. in the La Grande district question. started the training at the La The chair of the Union throughout each school day. Sam Horrell, known by Grande Rural Fire Departmany as the sheriff of Samment andthen ventured up County Board of Commissioners has been invited by the A new wolf territory was myville, a collection of 14 to Mt. Emily.

La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey fears that the number of people in Union County driving while under the influence may soon increase. Harvey is convinced that as medical marijuana dispensaries open in La Grande, the numberofpeople driving under the influence of marijuana will rise significantly. Harvey said an increase in the numberofpeople driving while impaired by marijuana has happened in other areas where marijuana became more accessible, leading to tragedy.

3une 25 Spurred by legislation passed in 2013, one of the largest skilled nursing care centers in La Grande is set to close Vista Speciality Care, 103 Adams Ave., will shut its doors later this summer. The closure will affect 27 residents, 17 in Vista's Memory Care unit and 10 who are in its Enhanced Care unit. Families will be assisted by the Department of Human Services as they search for carecenterstom ove their loved ones to.

3une 26 Save Our Shelter members will not be meeting with the Union County commissioners any time soon. At least not until a lawsuit between Shelter From the Storm and the county is resolved. Union County Administrator Shelley Burgess said she respondedtoa letterfrom the group informing them that they would not be able to meet per the county's legal counsel advice.

3une 27 Many Union and Baker county television viewers may find themselves in the

For the first time in its 15 years of existence, the SolWest Fair will launch in La Grande at the Union County Fairgrounds The fair will play host to a number of instructors and vendors in an effort to encourage sustainable living. Patrons will have access to 50 workshops taught by sustainable and green living practitioners on topics including sustainable gardening, cooking with organic meats, helping bees, making lacto-f ermented foods,tending orchards, keeping schools cool, off-grid living and minimizing your carbon footprint. Oregon first lady Cylvia Hayes, founder and CEO of 3EStrategies, isslated asthe keynote speaker.

3une 28 Gov. John Kitzhaber believes collaborative work on national forests — and on other fronts — will soon start reaping benefits. On a visit to Union County, Kitzhaber told Union County Commissioner Mark Davidson to"Just hang in there a little bit longer." Davidson told the governor thatthe collaborative process has been"painfully slow."

3une 30 A draft environmental assessment was released addressingthe repair ofW ildcat Road, eight miles south of Troy. In early March, heavy rains swelled the Grande Ronde River and its tributaries. Portions of the Wildcat Road were completely taken out two miles upstream from the Wildcat Bridge. The draft said approxim ately 1,000 feetofthe Wallupa/Wildcat Creek Road east of the town of Promise were affected.

We've donated $11,450 to the communities that we serve. Union County Chamber of Commerce Baker County Chamber of Commerce Baker City Main Street

La Grande Main Street Union County Economic Development Corp. Relay for Life Union County Car Show

Union County Fireworks Action Committee Veterans of Foreign Wars Oregon National Guard Relief Fund EOU Tailgate Zone/ EOU Foundation EOU Life Time Booster Member Eastern Oregon Film Festival La Grande Arts Commission

La Grande Farmers Market Soroptimist International of La Grande Anthony Lakes Concert Series Lions Club and Lions Golf Tournament United Way and United Way Tradition Golf Tournament Granada Theaters Merchants' Show 4HiFFA Auction at Eastern Oregon Livestock Show

Liberty Theatre Foundation Ground Ronde Hospital Foundation Amateur Golf Tournament Friends of the NRA Philly Groups Ducks Unlimited Grande Ronde Symphony BlueMountain Humane Associates Blue Mountain Council BSA "Boy Scouts" Union County Little League

Union County Soccer CASA Imbler Education Foundation Celtic Society of Eastern Oregon Community Connections WalkFor Life Union County Annual Crop Tour Union County High School Sports Calendars Union County CropTour

Blue Mountain Single Track Union County Special Club Olympics VOLUNTEERSUPPORT: Union County Chamberof Commerce La Grande Main Street La Grande Lions club Northeast Oregon Renters Association United Way of Eastern Oregon Liberty Theatre Foundation

Union County CANfood drive Fireworks Action Committee Oregon Rural Action solarize Union county Eastern Oregon Film Festival UCEDC

Because you've so generously supported US, we've been able to generously give back to our community. • 0

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THE OBSERVER —150

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

JULY 3uly 2 Stemming from a string of domestic violence charges,a Joseph man agreed to stay out of Wallowa County for three years after a long historyofdomesticviolence. During a plea hearing in Wallowa County Circuit Court, Gregory Loren Myers pleadedguilty tocharges of menacing and agreed to serve five days in jail. Judge Russell West gave him credit for time served following his county jail incarceration after his April arrest and the 29 days he spent in treatment fordrug and alcoholaddiction.

Cherise Kaechele/TbeObserver

Shelter From the Storm Executive Director Teresa Crouser listens as town hall audience members ask questions.

3uly 4 U.S. drivers will pay more for gas over the Fourth of July holiday than they have since2008 because ofinstability in Iraq, AAA reports. The average price of gas in

what it might be to build a similar privately funded apartment complex, but the higher expense is unavoidable and will result in several long-term benefits, said Dale Inslee, executivedirector of the Northeast Oregon Housing Authority, which will own and manage Blue Springs Crossing on Walton Road.

Oregon is $3.98 a gallon, the highest price this year, comparedtothe national average

of $3.67 a gallon.

Chris Baxter/TheObserver

David Lageson, Eastern Oregon University's director of facilities and planning, discusses the almost completed renovations of Quinn Coliseum while standing outside its dramatically upgraded main entrance.

The national average reacheditsyear-to-date high

degrees, said Ann Adams, assistant forecasterforthe National Weather Service out of Pendleton. The warmest day this month was July 14 when it reached 99 degrees, she said.

of $3.70 on April 28, and AAA expects Oregon could breach $4 a gallon with the increase in crude prices. The last time Oregon's average reached or was over $4 per gallon was in October 2012. The La Grande School District will soon have a new set of eyes, giving students, teachers and stafF a new reasontofeelm ore secure. Union County SherifFs Deputy Cody Bowen will serve as the district's resource officer in 2014-15. Bowen has been a deputy with the sherifFs office for 3-V2 years. He is a familiar facein localschoolsbecause he works with students in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

3uly 6 A fire destroyed a small one-story house just north of La Grande. The blaze broke out at about 3 a.m. at 62208 Mt. Glen Road near Blackhawk Trail Lane. A man was in the house at the time but escaped safely. A 65-year-old Dayton, Wash., woman remains missing three days after she disappearedfrom a campsite on the Geneva Bar of the Snake River. Sharon Matthews and her husband were camping and boating with a group of people overthe holiday weekend. The Wallowa County SherifFs Office was notified that when the rest of the party returned from a short boating excursion, Matthews' dog and shoes were at the campsite, but she was missing.

Scott Allen Kassel, 25, is being held at the Union

County Jail on $500,000 bail on multiple charges of firstdegreeassaultagainsthis grandparents. Kassel was arraigned on charges of first-degree assault, threecharges of second-degree assault and two chargesofthird-degree assault stemming from an incident on Hot Lake Lane.

3uly 18

Chris Baxter/The Observer

The Grande Ronde Valley celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks over Eastern Oregon University. Attorney Kelsie McDaniel, who was appointed by the governor from her deputy DA position to the offi ce'stop spot earlier this year following Tim Thompson's retirement. Loggers have found human remains scattered near a Blue Mountains recreation area where an Eastern Oregon teenager went missing nine years ago. Loggers found the skeletal remains off a road near Harris Park, which is owned by Umatilla County. It's about 14 miles southeast of MiltonFreewater. The East Oregonian reported that a Jeep Cherokee belonging to 19-year-old Byron Fusselman of MiltonFreewater was found in the park's lot in November 2005, and the area was searched. Authorities said at the time he wasn't dressed for the freezingtemperatures.

3uly 9 Groundbreaking for the

3uly 7

$8.2 million Blue Springs

Union County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Schilling has resigned from the position and plans to withdraw from the district attorney race. Schilling, who worked in the Union County DA's office as chief deputy since 2007, resigned for personal reasons. His move will necessitate that he withdraw from the DA race. He was slated to face off against District

Crossing apartment complex for low-income residents is set to begin next month at Walton Road and Mulholland Drive. Dale Inslee, executive director ofthe Northeast Oregon Housing Authority, said construction of Blue Springs Crossing will take about 11 months. A number of Island City residents who live or work near the future apartment site are voicing support for Blue Springs Crossing,

others are neutral and some have concerns.

3uly 11 Wallowa County Commissioners voted unanimously to reduce Rahn Sanitary Service's rates at the county

landfill. At the county's meeting, Commissioner Paul Castilleja said the county's only garbage disposal company approached him to have a contract agreement with county protections.

3uly 14 Quinn Coliseum, once a dimly lit building, is now lighting the path to success at Eastern Oregon University. Quinn Coliseum has greater candlepower now that a $13.1 million renovation, one that has dramatically transformed the building, is almost complete. The centerpieceoftheprojectison the building's central entrance. The old, low doorway it once had has been replaced by a two-story glass enclosure, creating a spacious atriumtypesetting,one thatiseasy to see from many points on caulpus.

The opera house has had ongoingprojectssince 2009 as part ofarestoration project paid for by grant money

totaling $500,000. This final project was to bepaid forby the remaining funds. However, the opera house received a bill it was not expecting and funds may not be available to cover the cost.

3uly 16 The La Grande City Council will consider raising water

rates by $6 a month. The rate increase stems from a Water Master Plan developedlastspring. Staff recommends the rate increase to bring the funding levelsup to astandard that will help the city meet its water needs.

A 500-pound calf killed by wolves was found in northern Wallowa County. Rod Childers of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association wolf committee said there has been evidence of wolves between upper Cherry Creek to Sled Springs for a few years, but this is the first known attack on livestock by wolves in the Chesnimnus wildlife unit.

3uly 15

3uly 18

The Elgin Opera House is in limbo after the city council decidedtodoan auditforits financial records between 2012 to 2014. The opera house was set to install an air conditioning unit in the next couple of weeks.

La Grande may still be reeling from the nearly tripledigit temperatures overthe last two weeks, but there's a cooldown in sight. Temperatures for July and August are, on average, in the mid-80s. The average for this month so far is 92

L.W."Buck" Hermann, 96, the first mayor of La Grande and a former city councilor and longtime community volunteer, passed away at his residence in Hood River. Hermann became the first La Grande mayor of the modern era after joining the city council about five decades ago. He joined it in the 1960s when La Grande had a city commission rather than a council. The commission had a president rather than a mayor. Hermann was president of the commission when La Grande switched to a mayor-led council system, switching his title automatically to mayor.

3uly 28 At 6.6 percent, the unemployment rate in Union County is dramatically better than it was at the height of the Great Recession, but it is still 2.1 percent higher than it was just before the economic downturn hit. Despite the higher joblessrate,severalmajor employers in Union County are having trouble filling positions. Outdoors RV Manufacturing just outside Island City and Northwood Manufacturing of La Grande, which both producerecreationalvehicles, are among them.

3uly 21 Open burningin Northeast Oregon was suspended in areasprotected by state, municipal and rural fire departments. A release from Oregon Department of Forestry said any burn permits that were previously issued have been suspended. Recent hot, dry weather elevated the fire danger throughout the county.

The Elgin City Council votedtosend letterstoproperty owners who have past due chip seal assessments. The letters will ask property owners for payment or risk having a lien put on their property. Approximately 30 past due accounts totaling about

3uly 22

$35,000isowed from a proj-

La Grande kids will soon be playing on a new playground at Pioneer Park. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced that the City of La Grande will receive $44,260 out of the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Pioneer Park upgrades. The funding will help renovateresfrooms, complete an asphalt walking path and replace the playground at the park.

ect as old as 1997. The money came from a revolving fund that went toward chip sealing roads in the Elgin area.

3uly 31

Concerned Union County residentsare hoping togarner support for a family justice center following a town hall on the subject today. Members of the ad hoc groups Concerned Community Members for a Family Justice Center and Save Our Shelter partnered with staff 3uly 23 from Shelter From the Storm Construction of the to proposethejustice center, 38-unit $8.2 million Blue the co-location of a multi-disSprings Crossing low-income ciplinary team of professionhousing complex is set to als who work together under begin in late August or early one roof to providecoordiSeptember. nated services to victims of The cost is more than family violence.

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160 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

AUGUST

Aug. 1

about issues that need to be addressed or to help resolve problems no matter how big or small.

Employees at the Oregon State Police's Pendleton crime lab were told that the OSP is considering all optionsforitsforensiclabsincluding closing the Pendletonlocation — because of budgetary concerns. While nothing has been decided yet, one of the most viable options is to close the nearestforensicslab to numerous law enforcement agencies in Eastern Oregon and transfer the workload to Bend, Clackamas or the Portlandforensicslabs.

ve I

Aug. 4 Gardeners arerejoicing at the abnormally warm weather Eastern Oregon has experienced this past month. Many vegetables and fruits are flourishing and the ramificationsaremore leafygreens. The Five Mile Fire burning upriver from the town of Imnaha prompted Wallowa County to close the Imnaha Road to the public. The Hat Point Road from Imnaha is also closed. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest' spublic affairsoffice saidstructures arepotentially atriskas well as an Idaho Power transmission line.

Aug. 26

Cherise Kaechele/The Observer

Oregon Department ofTransportation workers Rod Graves and Ed Kennicott move one of the signs designating Interstate 84 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial HighwayTuesday. Originally, 15 signs were designated for 1-84, but communities along the interstate now have the opportunity to raise money for additional signs. the Elgin School District.

Aug. 20 Eastern Oregon University recently hired two bilingual admissions counselors, reflecting a push by Eastern to tap into a growing Hispanic demographic in Eastern Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Aug. 5 Scorching heat at the start of the fair and thunderstorms may have deterred w ould-be fair-goersthisyear. Union CountyFairManager Nan Bigej said attendanceforthe 2014 faircame in at 15,250, shy oflast year's 18,100 visitors.

Though EOU has had Spanish-speaking employees before, the new hires come as theuniversityprepares to launch a men's soccer team next fall, also part of the effort to diversify the school's student population.

Aug. 6 Interstate road signs renaming Interstate 84 are ready to be installed. Now all that's needed is the funding, and local veterans groups are working to secure those funds. In April 2013, the Oregon Legislature enacted Senate Bill 461 to redesignate the interstate through Oregon as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway in honor of the 57,000 Oregonians who served in the war. The signs will soon be up along a 370-mile stretch of freeway, from the junction of Interstate 205 in Portland to the Idaho border. All lunches and breakfasts served to Greenwood students during the upcoming school year will be free. The meals will be provided free through a federal program created by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Congress passed in 2010. Schools qualify for the free lunch program based on a formula that takes into account the financial need of students' families. La Grande School District Superintendent Larry Glaze said the program will be a big plus for Greenwood.

Aug. 8 Local emergency medical technicians can rarely practice their skills without fear of repercussions. That's exactly what they got to do, though, at Life Flight Network's Simulation Tour held at the La Grande Fire Department. The free annual training gave 26 health care providers a chance to get hands-on

Gwen Trice, executive director of the Maxville Heritage Center in Joseph, cannotbelieve her good fortune. The Maxville Heritage Center has received a major additronfrom BoiseCascade that will help bring the story of the old Wallowa County railroad logging town of Maxville into sharper focus. The heritage center has been given a large replica of a Wallowa and Union county logging map produced about 100 years ago by the old La Grande-based George Palmer Lumber Co.

Cherise Kaechele/TheObserver

Neva Neill, right, celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by family, including greatniece Kim Hilton, friends and former students. practice using high-fidelity mannequins and high-tech equipment. Taking advantage of Congress' summer recess,

Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, made a stop in Wallowa County during a tour of Northeast Oregon. Todd Nash, the Oregon Cattlemen's Association wolf committee chairman, said he's asked all of the congressionalrepresentatives to supportdelistingwo lves from the Endangered Species list. He said the state delisting line, which runs down U.S. Highway 97, contradicts the federal delisting line, which runs down U.S. Highway 395 to the east. He said he'd like the federal line moved west to coincide with the state line and he would like a dedicatedfund for statesto use forlethalremoval ofproblem wolves.

Aug. 9 The oldest resident at Grande Ronde Retirement Residence turned 100 years old, and naturally a celebration ensued in honor of this centenarian. Neva Neill has seen and accomplished many things in her long life. Surrounded by family, friends and students from decades past, Neill blew out her three candles in the large room with nothing but standing room only. Dale De Longis concluding his 24-year tenure as mayor

of Island City on top. De Long was saluted as one of Oregon's best mayors in Pendleton, receiving the prestigious Mayor's Leadership Award. The award was presented at the Oregon Mayors Association Summer Conference.

Aug. 12 Some people say that time flies. Retired U.S. Marines Jay Knight of Los Angeles and Denny Salisbury of Clear Lake, Calif., beg to differ. At least they do when discussing thepast 120 days oftheir lives. Knight and Salisbury left Boston on a bicycle trip across the United States to honor the memory of a fallen fellow Marine. Their ride has been a fulfilling experience but one filled with sometimes arduous challenges. "It has been only four months but it seems like five years," said Salisbury, during a stop in La Grande.

Aug. 14 Eastern Oregon University announced that the school will have a men's soccer team beginning next fall. Jay Kenton, EOU interim president, said during a press conferencethat he believes the program will bring returnsata lim ited costto the university.

Aug. 15 Union County may be able to get an extension for its

courthouse project, according toa state representative from the Oregon Judicial Department. Phil Lemman, legislative communication manager for the OJD, said that the OJD has the authority to disburse funds allocated by the Legislature until the end of the biennium, but an extension would be contingent on the county's ability to come up with a viable plan for a completedproject.

Aug. 17 The Oregon State Police is investigating an early morning single-vehicle injury traffic crash that occurred along Interstate84 eastof La Grandein Union County. The operator and only occupantofthevehiclereceived serious injuries as a result of thecrash.Driverfatigueis being investigated as a main factor in the crash.

Aug. 18 The Elgin School Board took a step toward quickly addressing a safety problem in the

Stella Mayfield School gym. The school board voted to declare an emergency so that damaged roof trusses in the gym can be quickly repaired. The gym was closed earlier this summer after two damaged roof trusses were found. The emergency declaration m eans state regulations that normally would prolong the startofrestoration work can be circumvented, said Wayne Herron, superintendent of

In its first major deviation from Urban Renewal project fundingprograms, theLa Grande Urban Renewal Agency voted to fund up to

Teachers and administrators at the Grande Ronde Academy were involved with an active shooter drill with the La Grande Police Department. Teachers knew that an active shooter drill would take place but were not told what time"the shooter" would enter the building. Students are not yet back to school, so no students were present when the drill occurred It took nine days to raise $2,200 for the local Vietnam Veterans to get their Interstate 84 signs. The local veterans organizations came together and asked their members to donatemoneyto have two highway signs installed to commemorate their service. The 370-mile stretch of I-84 is now designated as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. The local veterans organizations throughoutthe statewere responsiblefor raising the money to pay for the signs and their upkeep.

$500,000fortheestablishment of a downtown grocery. The move is unprecedented in its amount. Projects funded with the help of the

A father and son, both formerly of La Grande, were arrested last week on charges ofchild-related pornography, URA are typically capped while a Washington woman, at $75,000, but the Urban the son's girlfriend, is also being charged with production Renewal plan allows for funding in excess of that on a of child pornography. Neil Lee Hickerson, 56, his case by case basis. son, James Lee Hickerson, Aug. 21 35, both currently residing A projecttoreplace thecul- in Gresham and Carolyn Knudsen, 28, of Camas, vert through Ladd Canyon, about five miles southeast of Wash., were all arrested in La Grande, will launch this the Portland area. Originally, law enforceweek with an open house ment officers went to the at the Oregon Department of Transportation Region 5 Hickerson home believing they had one suspect, accordHeadquarters. ODOT Project Leader Ken ing to a release from U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. Patterson said bidding will begin this winter for the projHowever, when officers execttobecompletedduring the ecuted a search warrant they 2015 construction season. Con- found additional evidence struction will interrupt travel giving the officers cause to on Ladd Creek Road, which is arrestallthree. one reason ODOT has called Aug. 29 for a public meeting. Despite labeling one choice Aug. 25 as thecheapest option of Volunteers are needed in seven, Union County comLa Grandetoadvocate for missioners did not analyze residents in assisted livcostdifferences among ing homes and adult foster alternative options for siting homes. a new courthouse, according There have been no certito testimony heard in court. fied ombudsman volunteers In advance of the unaniin the La Grande area for mous March decision to site more than 10 years, accordthe new courthouse on the ing to Gretchen Jordan, footprint of nonprofit Shelter From the Storm, commissioncoordinatorofvolunteersof the Oregon Long Term Care ers laid out seven possible alternatives in a document that Ombudsman. The ombudsman would said siting the courthouse visit local senior homes and where SFS currently sits was talk with residents to learn the cheapest option.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —170

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

SEPTEMBER Sept. 1

police were called.

For the second straight year, Oregon has tapped into itsinsurance coverage to helpcoverthegrowing costof firefighting. Acres burned by wildfires this year have already tripledthe 10-year average, and scientists expect that to become a trend as long-term droughts intensify as a result of climate change. To help with ballooning

Sept. 19

Scott Carpenter, the assistant principal of La Grande High School, is asking parentsto avoid texting their sons and daughters when they are in class. Text messagesfrom parents tempt them to respond on their cellphones when they should be listening to what is being saidby theirteachers.

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policy. Sept. 2 An order for Shelter From the Storm to vacate its community advocacy center has been upheld in court. Visiting Judge Eva Temple granted a motion from the county's counsel to dismiss the lawsuit brought against the county by Shelter From the Storm in a ruling filed in court.

Tim Mussoe/The Observer

Protesters lined up outside of the Union County courthouse in preparation for the eviction hearing between the county and Shelter From the Storm.

Sept. 3 The West Nile season remainsactive,evidenced by two confirmed cases in North Powder. There have been no human cases of West Nile reported in Union County yet, but Malheur and Baker countieshave reported a totaloffourcases,according to the Oregon Health Authority. The West Nile virus season lasts into September, according to Kelly Beehler, the Union County vector control district manager. The mosquitoes stick around until the first 30-degreenight,Beelersaid. Sometimes a 20-yard sprint becomes a mini marathon, something Zach Weintraub discovered in a forestabout 10 milesnorth of La Grande. Weintraub, of Olympia, Wash., is the co-star of"A Morning Light," a featurelength science fiction film beingmade in the Grande Ronde Valley about extraterrestrial visitations. A scene filmed at night called for Weintraub to desperately emerge from a tent and dash through a forest fi antically searching for a girlfiiend who had suddenly disappeared. The scene was shot about eight times and in each take Weintraub ran 20 yards down a slope and then back up it. Weintraub never seemed to wear down but appearances can be deceiving. "I waspretty tired butI thought it was fun,"Weintraub said.

Sept. 5 A former Boise Cascade employeewho was fi red in 2012 has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it ofharassment. Belinda Butcher, 57, is seeking $750,000 in her lawsuit that claims Boise Cascade fired her after Butcher says she used her Oregon Family Leave Act allotment and vacationdays to carefor her dying father. The race is on to beat Old Man Winter.

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district's student scores from the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test in 2013-14. The OAKS test results, released recently by the state, indicate that math scores in La Grande for fikh grade through eighth and 11th grade in 2013-14 were up from those of 2012-13 in some cases significantly.

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Students at Stella Mayfield School returned to school Sept. 11 after they were evacuated the afternoon of Sept. 10 because of a bomb threat. A ground-breaking ceremony officially kicked off construction of the 38-unit,

$7.6 million Blue Springs Crossing low-income housing project on Walton Road. The target date for completion of the six-building complex is July 15, according to JohnMoody ofLCM Construction, the Tualatin firm thatisthe project'sgeneral contractor. Moody, who appeared at Friday's ceremony, hopestogetthe concrete foundationsfortheproject's six buildings completed beforecold weather hits.

Sept. 6 A portion of La Grande's theater history, hidden for 55 years, was revealed. The ceiling of the Liberty Theatre's lobby and its lower east wall were exposed during a restoration work session. The ceiling and walls have not been seen since about 1959 when the Liberty Theatre, 1010 Adams Ave., closed and its bottom floor area wasremodeled into space for other businesses. The false east wall and false lobby ceiling put up after 1959 will be removed on as part of an ongoing restorationprocess being conducted by the Liberty Theatre Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Sept. 8 Wolf populations are on the rise in Eastern Oregon

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— growingat arateof30 percent a year and doubling every two years. With eight packs and two new "groups" of wolves recently identified, Oregon Wolf Biologist Russ Morgan said the expansion ofboth territory and numbers are commensurate with wolves in the Rocky Mountains where they were reintroduced 20 years ago.

Sept. 10 Candace Osterloh had a surprise waiting for her when she opened the doors to her store in the form of a 47-year-old man surrounded by bins of her merchandise and talking about elves and hobbits. Osterloh, who owns The Archives, a used books and merchandise store on Fir Street in La Grande, said in the past two weeks, she's had two break-ins to her store.

is being used by local law enforcement agencies that is saving money and giving officers more information than ever before. The new system, called eFORCE, allows officers with both the La Grande Police Department and the Union County SherifFs Office to see reports on how many inmates are in custody and how many of them are new inmates.

Sept. 15

Shelter From the Storm and Union County will be back in court for eviction proceedings. The proceedings follow a dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the county by the domestic violence nonprofit. An eviction of the Shelter From the Storm Advocacy Center is needed to facilitate construction of a new $3.1 Sept. 11 million county courthouse, for which the county has Students at Stella Mayfield School returned to been granted an unprecschool after they were evacu- edented $2 million from the ated the afternoon of Sept. 10 state. Union County commissioners unanimously voted becauseofabomb threat. Around 1:10 p.m. Sept. 10 to site the new court facility the Union County SherifFs on the footprint of the SFS 0$ce received a callabouta center in March. message written on a stall in a girls' bathroom that used The La Grande School Dis"very explicit language retrict's Professional Learning garding a bomb," said UCSO Communities program may Capt. Craig Ward. be having a major impact on the academic success of Sept. 12 its students. At least, that's A new sofbvare system the conclusion based on the

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The message to be taken from the La Grande City Council work session is crime will rise with the new medical marijuana dTspensary, and law enforcement does not have the resources or manpower to handle the increase. La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey, Union County Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen and District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel gave a combined presentation to the council as local law enforcement agencies that will handle the issues that arise with marijuana. They spoke about their concerns with it becoming more readily available.

The Union County Sheriff's Office cited a 13-year-old feSept. 24 male for the bomb threat that caused the evacuation of Stella Police are still looking for Mayfield School in Elgin. leads following a break-in The juvenile, who is a at Green Apothecary, La Grande's only medical maristudent at Stella Mayfield, admitted to the sherifFs ofjuana dispensary. fice that she wrote the bomb A call for the break-in was threat message. dispatchedat3:21 a.m. this morning after the store's Sept. 16 automatic alarm went ofK La Grande Police Chief Brian Interim Eastern Oregon University President Jay H arveysaidoffi cersarrived Kenton proved to be a man of at the scene at 3:23 a.m. his word. Green Apothecary owners Kenton began his formal Randy and Rona Lindsey, address at EOU's Fall Conwho declined to comment on the burglary, couldn't vocation by stating he is not a poli tician who sugar coats be reached by the alarm company orthe policedepartbad news. Kenton then proceededtooutlinethebruising ment, Harvey said. hard facts concerning EastSept. 29 ern's financial situation. Kenton reported that EastThe La Grande School District is one of four in the ern, which had to cut $4 million from its budget this spring state chosen to participate in a training program that will because of falling enrollment, is faced with another financial helpitsteachersbebetter doud. Kenton said enrollment, preparedtohelp students two weeksbeforefallterm meet benchmarks on Comdasses start, is currently down mon Core assessment exams. 13 percentin terms of full-time La Grande Teceived $100,000 students, which is determined for the program fiom the Oregon Departmentof Education, by credit hours. which will allow 40 teachers Sept. 18 to participate in the program. A man was arrested at the The teachers will learnhow to Social Security office in La prepaTeassessment teststhat Grande, when he returned to indicate whether students are the office after initially being on track to meet Common Core askedtoleave the premises, standaTds. police said. Sept. 30 M ichael Deroest,36,is charged with disorderly conA La Grande mayoral candidate died suddenly. ductafterhearrived atthe Michael Brasure, 66, died Social Security office with "a around 7:30 a.m. at Grande toolofsome sort,"according to La Grande Police Sgt. Kris Ronde Hospital, according to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Rasmussen, who said it was Cremation & Life Celebranot a gun or knife. Employees who witnessed tion Center. the incident felt"unsafe" Brasure, an enthusiastic candidate, announced his and were concerned for their safety so they asked Deroest candidacy for mayor as soon to leave. as he could file for the elecHe did, Rasmussen said, tion in January. Brasure had mounted a write-in campaign but returned to the office without the tool and the during the last election.

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Visiting Judge Jack Billings ordered Shelter From the Storm tovacate itsadvocacy center. Billings had some choice words for Shelter From the Storm at the forcible entry and detainer hearing — they have no case and they're occupying the building illegally.

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180 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

OCTOBER Oct. 1

Walden is championing a bill he said was passed twice by the House of Representatives and awaits passage in the U.S. Senate that would allow more timber harvest and removal of small diameterfreesto restoreforest health and put people to work.

Union County has no plans to begin using a private veterinarian for animal control services,commissioners said. County commissioners responded to a group of concerned citizens who attended a public hearing regarding a new Union County Dog Control District Ordinance. The proposed ordinance, though largely unchanged from the one currently in use, includes language that authorizes the county"to provide all or a portion of the above services through a contract with a licensed veterinarian, Blue Mountain Humane Association or similar entity."

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Oct. 2 Central Elementary School Principal Bruce Kevan was seriously injured when the bicycle he was riding collided with a vehicle at the intersecTim Mustoe/TheObserver tion of Second Street and M Hot Lake Springs' main building was constructed in 1906 and added to an already existing wood frame structure. Avenue in La Grande. The property has been sold to Jay and Jeri Mackley. Kevan, 64, was taken by ambulance to Grande Ronde took place in La Grande. Hospital and then flown by The La Grande Police Life Flight to St. Alphonsus Department's Lt. Derick Regional Medical Center in Reddington said the departBoise, Idaho. ment does not yet have any Kevan had surgery to releadsin what appears to be a series of five connected pair damaged muscles in his break-ins. neck, said La Grande School District Superintendent Bud Jackson's, Bear MounLarry Glaze. tain Pizza, Yia Yia Nikki's, Golden Harvest and BarOct. 4 kin' Basement all reported Fire crews are making burglaries Saturday morning. Reddington said all the progressin the effortto contain a wildfire that broke out businesses reported property southeast of Imbler. damage, but an undisclosed A fireline hasbeen dug amount of cash was also around the 260-acre blaze, taken from Yia Yia Nikki's, which is 65-percent conGolden Harvest and Barkin' tained. Basement. At Bear Mountain The La Grande Rural and Bud Jackson's, nothing Tim Mustoe/The Observer Fire Department is assistDeputy District Attorney Jared Boyd asks Eddie Garcia to clarify parts of a series of text was reported as stolen, Reding the Oregon Department dington said. messages that were presented as evidence during the first day of trial. of Forestry in fighting the fire along with crews from leading the officers to a home about 70 yards from FreguUnion County is in the rity of Wallowa Lake's east moraine has been a mission on the corner of Ash Street lia. The Stevenses appealed the Cove, Imbler and Elgin process of making some fire departments. The local of the county since it wrote and V Avenue, Shaul said. the city council's decision amendments to its plan text fire departments are all its land-use plan in 1976. Officers were able to enter in December 2010 to grant and maps. a permit to operate providingwater tenders for Last week, the Wallowa Lake the home and arrest Hamlin Fregulia County Planner Hanley the Oregon Department of Chamber of Commerce's on the parole warrant. in a residential zone. The Jenkins said the county is Forestry. working to add uses to its boardofdirectorsvoted to appeal went to the Land Oct. 10 writealetterofsupportto Use Board of Appeals, which plantextforresidentialzones Oct. 6 put nearly 1,800 acres into In a written opinion, Union stated that more information in ordertoremedy a scenario that prohibits the building of The North Powder City county ownership. County Circuit Court Judge was needed from the council Brian Dretke denied two or it would have to rejectthe a home on a parcel less than Council declined to act on a Oct. 8 motions from the attorneys of home occupation permit. new easement agreement two acres in size. with landowner Myron Miles. Palmer Dobbs, of A Joe and Faith Miller, a North Oct. 20 North Powder has had an The Island City City Sustainable Environment Powder couple charged with agreement with Miles in place Construction LLC in Cove, is a number of sex crimes. Council voted to impose a The Union City Council is forabout a decade thatallows helping the Mallory family Anne Morrison and Kent tax on any future marijuana a stepaway from approving a the city to discharge its sewer build their energy efficient Anderson, attorneys for the businesses that may open in mini-economic development lagoons through a sprinkler home — with straw bales. couple, on Sept. 16 requested the city. packagethatcity leaders Mark Mallory, who has Businesses selling marihope will have a big impact system onto Miles' property, documents from the Union but Miles and the council Family Health Center, the on the community. been working along with juana for medical purposes Mount Emily Safe Center in Island City would face a The city council has have been at odds since the Dobbs throughout the conlandowner decided he wanted struction project, estimates and theDepartment ofHu10 percent tax on sales and directed City Administrator man Services' Child Welfare Sandra Patterson to prepare a new easement agreement a about 400 bales are needed those selling marijuana for to fill in the outer walls of the Division regarding the alrecreational purposes would couple years ago. a resolution for a mini-stimuhome. leged victim in the case. be taxed 30 percent on sales. lus package that would fund "It's an interesting buildDespite an 11-percent In his opinion, Dretke up to two new businesses in Oct. 15 drop in enrollment, there is a ing," Dobbs said."It's a differ- analyzed each of the three the 2014-15 fiscal year. Each entkind ofproject.It'sbeen business would be granted sense of optimism as school requests, finding the deUnion County residents afun project— but a bitofa fendants don't have a right amps back up at Eastern voicedstrong opposition to a up to $200 a month for the Oregon University. challenge." remainder of the fiscal year, to the documents from the proposal that could desigOn the tails of the uniThis is Dobbs' first time Union Family Health Center nate a portion of the Grande which ends July 1. Funding versity's Week of Welcome building a straw-bale house, and the Mount Emily Safe Ronde River an Oregon would be available to any and Homecoming, Eastern but his interest lies in energy Center. Scenic Waterway during a new business that opens efficient housing, he said. within Union's city limits leaders and students are public hearing. Oct. 13 embracing the work ahead with a Main Street address. County commissioners Oct. 9 with as much positivity as The mini-stimulus plan The Island City City Coun- listenedto residents asthe Oregon Parks and Recrepossible. La Grande Police arrested cil, following a sometimes would befunded through the "It's a new day," said Xavier a 24-year-old transient after city's economic development contentious hearing, voted to ation Department prepares Romano, EOU vice president he attemptedtoeludeparole let Oregon Trail Transport, fund. toreportto the governor in forstudent services. officers. a trucking company owned January on the matter. LGPD's Sgt. John Shaul For the first time in Eastby Jon Fregulia, continue More than a dozen people, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., ern history, new students including state Sen. Bill Han- took time out from his resaidparoleoffi cerswere on operating at his home on the lookout for Cody Hamlin, Buchanan Lane. were welcomed to campus sell, said the proposal raises election campaign to meet with a new student convoca- who was wanted on a stateFregulia' srightto operate with national forest users deep concerns. tion. wide felony parole warrant. his trucking company at his and U.S. Forest Service Officers found him and once home has been challenged for Oct. 17 representati ves atthe Blue Oct. 7 Mountain Conference Center they told him he would be close to four years by Debra Police are still investigattaken into custody, he fled, ing astring ofburglariesthat in La Grande. Maintaining the integand Scott Stevens, who live

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Another nine local businesses were burglarized, raising area business owners' security concerns to alarming levels. The mid-week crime spree follows a series ofburglaries that took place last weekend. Five businesses reported burglaries Oct.18. La Grande Police and the Union County SherifFs 0$ce worked together Thursday to establish a plan in hopes of catchingthose responsible,as they believe the two rashes of burglaries arerelated.

Oct. 24 Wallowa County's parole and probationdepartment is working to reduce recidivism and get drug and alcohol abusers the help they need. In a continuing trend of handingover state programs to the counties, Oregon is funding grants to support treatment and work release for qualified offenders. So far, Wallowa County has received

$50,000 for two years. Kyle Hacker, Wallowa County's parole and probation officer, said one way to save the county and the state money is to incarcerate drug offenders for three days instead of 30, 60 or 90 days and follow up with treatment, work crew time and urine analyses.

Oct. 25 The historic Hot Lake Springs will soon have new owners. Jay and Jeri Mackley were announced as the property's new owners during the annual fall festival at the historic building. Lee Manuel, the former owner of Hot Lake, made theannouncementkeeping the identity of the new owners secret until the last second. Hot Lake Springs' main building was constructed in 1906 and added to an alreadyexisting wood frame structure. The property has been sold to Jay and Jeri Mackley.

Oct. 31 Edward "Eddie" Garcia was found guilty of firstdegreetrespassing after a six-person jury took just over one hourtodeliberate. The trial for the misdem eanortrespassing case took all day Thursday and just over two hours on Friday at the Union County Courthouse. Union County Circuit Court Judge Brian Dretke sentencedGarcia,49,following the jury's unanimous verdict. Garciawas ordered to serve18 months probation and comply with a no-contact order with the victim, her family or their La Grande residence. Dretke also ordered Garcia, who is running for La Grande City Council, to serve five days on a work crew to be completed by the end of November and to pay a fine.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

THE OBSERVER —190

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

NOVEMBER Nov. 2

Grande School District supporters foritstatesin black and white that the district's

On a whirlwind tour of the state, Sen. Jeff Merkley, DOre., made a briefstop for an India Pale Ale and a stump speech at Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise. Two dozen local Democrats joinedthe senator fora beer and a run-down ofhis vision for another term in the Senate. Merkley was elected in

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An Elgin man accused of rape and sexual abuse is scheduledto go to trialon the charges next month. Roy Horn, 61, pleaded not guilty in court to charges of first-degree rape and firstdegree sexual abuse. A trial date was set for Dec. 17 and 18. Horn was arrested in midOctober by the Union County SherifFs Olfice. At that time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was enlisted to help investigators look at a computer seized at Horn's residence.

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2008. Merkley's first town hall in Wallowa County was close on the heels of Wyden's 2009 visit. Both were attended by more than 100 people who were outraged at the Obama administration and the proposaloftheAffordable Care Act.

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Nov. 3 Voters have just over 24 hours left before ballots are due andthe politicalads end. For the candidates, they're on the homestretch. Incumbent Joyce Beeman is no stranger to campaigning for her position on the Island City City Council. She's vying for her four-year position, which she's held for 28 years. "I'm not going to do any more icampaigningl,u Beeman said."I hope I get ithe position). I want to do the same as I've always done." Many of the candidates admitted they didn't campaign at all, so there really wasn't any rush to get the lastofthe votes. Complaints arising from summer travelers camping in county right-of-ways prompted the Wallowa County commissioners to pass an ordinance outlawing the practice. Two summers ago a woman riding a mule through Wallowa County was arrested for camping on privatepropertymanaged by Hancock Timber Resource Group. She was also found camping, along with an entourage, on the side of county roads. Though she was convicted of trespassing in Wallowa County Circuit Court on private land, there was no mechanism to keep her and others from camping in the right-of-ways.

Nov. 4 Two men were arrested justbefore 10 p.m. aftertheir vehicle crashed into two yard fences while being pursued by a La Grande police officer. The chasestarted at21st Street and Cove Avenue when the driver of a white Grand Jeep Cherokee took off after seeing a La Grande Police Department car. The vehicle was then pursued by the officer because he knew one of the men in the Grand Jeep Cherokee was wanted for a felony parole violation, according to La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey.

Nov. 5 On a night when Republicans and incumbents dominatedelections across the nation, Democrat Jack Howard of La Grande went against the grain. Howard beat incumbent Republican Bill Rosholt in the race for Position No. 1 on the Union County Board of Commissioners. Howard received 57.75 percent of

Nov. 19 Tim Mustoe/The Observer

Union County leaders Bill Lindsley, left, and Jack Howard greet each other at an election night party as Carol Lauritzen, right, prepares refreshments. Lindsley was re-elected mayor of Union and Howard was elected to the Union County Board of Commissioners. because of 30 years of corrosion to the current pipe. Comparatively speaking, the plant is small, only feedingto approximately 50 houses at peak production, said Mike Brown, director of Cove's public works department. The plant travels along Bridge Creek and Mill Creek and has a significant drop down, about 850 feet, just before going into the plant itself nottoofaroutsideofCove. It had originally been an open ditch, said Donna Lewis, city recorder. In the early 1980s, the city of Cove went for an incentive contractto createenergy using the creeks and generate revenue.

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Eastern Oregon University's Grand Staircase balusters are broken and missing on the historic feature completed in 1929. A new designation could help EOU find grant funding to restore it. the voteto Rosholt's41.15 percent. Howard credits his successful campaign in part to wordsofadvicefrom Allan DufFy, who was elected mayor of Elgin. Oregon joined Alaska and the nation's capital in voting to legalize recreational marijuana in the face of federal law that says it's still a banned and dangerous substance. The state will have a textbook of sorts to follow when the Oregon Liquor Control Commission starts drafting rules for the newly created industry.

Nov. 7 Union County officials are in the midst of going through a list of conditions under which its site plan for a new courthouse was approved last week. La Grande City Planner Mike Boquist issued a conditional approvalofthe site plan. Parties involved in the process have until Nov. 19 toappeal conditions orthe decision in its entirety. County Commissioner Bill Rosholt said the county is working to ensure it meets the conditions so it can move forward with construction.

Nov. 9 Bi-Mart and the Short Stop are working with police after burglars hit both businesses. Around 1:50 a.m., a

would-be burglar on a bicycle attemptedtogetinto the Short Stop, a frozen yogurt, espresso and convenience store on the corner of Gekeler and 12thStreet,according to police. Around 9:45 p.m., police responded to an alarm at BiMart, 2510 Adams Ave., and found a smashed front window. No one was found inside the building during a search by La Grande Police and the Oregon State Police. It is not clear what, if anything, was taken. Long waits for medical care will soon be ending for military veterans in Northeast Oregon and throughout the United States. Brian Westfield, director of the Walla Walla VA Medical Center, whose service area includes Northeast Oregon, told local veterans that extended waitsfor health care will be ending thanks to the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, a law signed by President Barack Obama on Aug. 7.

Nov. 12 The La Grande City Council will consider enacting a moratorium on marijuana businesses in upcoming sessions. The council voted to direct City Manager Robert Strope to draft a moratorium ordinance to allow city leaders time to enact any additional regulations on the busi-

Nov. 17

nesses.

A lot of work remains before Market Place Family Foods, set to open on the corner of Adams Avenue and Fourth Street, comes to fiuition. Grocer Troy Berglund in August got approval from the La Grande Urban Renewal

A school resource officer helped the La Grande Police Department identify two teenspolicesay are responsible for a break-in at Bi-Mart and an attempted break-in at the Short Stop. La Grande Police Lt. Derick Reddington said Deputy Cody Bowen of the Union County SherifFs Olfice played a major role in identifying a 15-year-old and 17-year-old who allegedly smashed in a window at Bi-Mart and tried to kick in a door at the Short Stop.

Eastern Oregon University' sGrand Staircase adjacent to Inlow Hall was recentlyadded to Restore Oregon's 2015 listofM ost Endangered Places, a designation that brings with it a seed grant and support from thehistoric preservation organization and a hope thatthe crumbling staircase can berestored to itsformer glory. Eastern officials were approached last fall by a longterm La Grande resident who asked whether they would be interested in the staircasebeing nominated to the Restore Oregon list. They were.

Nov. 24 Construction is under way at the Grande Ronde Hospital Regional Medical Plaza, which will soon house both the women's and children's clinic, in addition to the ear, nose and throat and orthopedic clinics already in the building.

The $6 mdhon to $8 mdlion project will update the 1980s-era building, bringing in natural light and a comfortableatmosphere,those involved with the project said.

which can convert to a grant if the store meets criteria outlined in a written agreement with the URA. Since then, the contract has been executed and signed by all involved parties.

Controversy is swirling around Eastern Oregon University student body president Philip Sebastiani as he approaches the midway point ofhis one-year term. Steps taken by Sebastiani are being questioned by some EOU students. The major points of contention are connected to Eastern's plan to raise tuition for online students.

Nov. 28 Closure of a fire base in the remote fire-prone reaches of northern Wallowa County has local residents on edge. Word ofa decision made well over a yearago toclose

the Sled Springs heli-rappel

The 8-by-11 inch printout contains only sterile words and numbers. Still, in the mind of La Grande School District Superintendent Larry Glaze, who was handed the paper at about 5:20 p.m. in the Union County clerk's office, the paper is suitable for framing. And worthy of countless exclamation marks. The printout is sparking celebration today among La

Cove's hydropower plant is going to need a section of pipeline replaced next year

The La Grande School District is taking a $300,000 hit because enrollment is less than forecast. However, Superintendent Larry Glaze said the school district will be able to absorb the reduction without making any personnel cuts.

Nov. 26

Nov. 18

Nov. 14

Nov. 21

Agency for a $500,000 loan,

Eastern Oregon University students were given two guarantees: tuition will not increase during their duration at the university and they will graduate within four years. At least that's what EOU Interim President Jay Kenton promised if they join the Eastern Oregon Advantage Program, which launches next year.

Nov. 13

Shelter From the Storm will no longer pursue its lawsuit against Union County. The nonprofit's board of directors voted to drop the suit"in order to devote all its resources to maintaining critical domestic violence services," according to a press release from SFS.

base has sent a ripple through a community that knows the importance of putting out wildfires while they are small. According to a briefing paper from the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Regional Olfice, the decision was made in June 2013 to consolidate the Sled Springs Rappel Base with the Blue Mountain Rappel Base in La Grande. The move is scheduled for 2016.

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200 — THE OBSERVER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

DECEMBER Dec. 1 A 16-year-old high school junior is helping the Department of Human Services restock its emergency food

supply. Imbler High School's Treynae Shafer decided to begin a program for her senior project to help getdonations from localstoresand the community to help those in need. Union County officials can rest assured they are one step closer to having a new courthouse.

Tim Mustoe/The Observer

The state disbursed $2

Treynae Shaffer, a junior at lmbler High School, is planning a community food drive to help the Department of Human Services restock their shelves for those who need its service

million in funding for the new facility after approving the plan last week, Union County Presiding Judge Russ West said.

Dec. 3 A recount for Measure 92 of Union County ballots cast in the general election found that a single no vote had been missed. The vote was added to the final Union County tally, which comes to 6,992 no votes and 3,410 yes votes. Dec. 3 was the first day recountsofMeasure 92 votes could be conducted. All of Oregon's 36 counties are required to conduct Measure 92 recounts because a statewide tally released in late November shows it losing by only 812 votes, a margin of just.06 percent, well within the margin of one fikh of 1 percent, the threshold triggering an automatic recount. The La Grande City Council got a glimpse into the past — and the future — on a tour of the Liberty Theatre. The downtown theater located next door to City Hall is undergoing a major renovationtorestoreitto its 1920s-era heyday. Some of the project's funding-

The annual Festival of Treesevent featured trees that were selling for upwards

of $4,000. This was the 28th year for the fundraising event, with money going to 22 community groups, according to Ashley Walker, chairwoman for the local Soroptimist International of La Grande.

Dec. 8 Interim EOU President Jay Kenton is taking a serious look at adding a child care center at Eastern. The president believes a childcarecentercould help boost on-campus enrollment. The EOU president is looking into the possibility ofhav-

Dec. 21

was stopped in 2013. es

J ir" +~ r': jl ~h

Tim Mustoe/The Observer

Lt. Dustin Alam of the La Grande Rural Fire Department wraps Christmas presents for families in need. Volunteer gift wrappers in the background are Karen Howton, right, and her daughter, Jacie.

come from the city's Urban Renewal program.

Dec. 6

Dec. 18

Tim Mustoe/TheObserver

La Grande Sgt. Jason Hays shops with Enrique Seulean during the Shop with a Cop event. The program gives an allowance to kids from needy families so they can buy gifts for their families.

2015-16, said La Grande School District Superintendent Larry Glaze.

upward of $100,000 — has

EightyLa Grande High School freshmen and sophomores learned how to break down interpersonal barriers while taking a break from the classroom. The students participated in a 5-1/2 hour Challenge Day program at Eastern Oregon University. The program, led by inspirational speakers Michelle Arias and Christopher Foster of California, is designed to teach young people how to take the lead in reaching out and embracingothers regardless oftheir differences.

Police have arrested a La Grande man in a case where a 31-year-old man was shot in La Grande. Police responded to the700 block of C Avenue about 8:15 p.m.afterreceiving a report of a dispute with possible shots fired.

has asked the food bank to leave by the end of January. The stepis being takento save wear and tear on the churchbuilding andits congregation. eWe are all gettingolder. We couldn't 4ost the food pantry) anymore," said Sue Peeples, the church's laypastor. The church, built more than 100 years ago, is becoming increasingly fragile and so is its small congregation, which features many members who are retired, Peeples sald.

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Dec. 15

Union County officials areexcited about arevised animal control ordinance and its potential to quiet barking

dogs. r

The revised ordinance has promisebecause itstreamlines the process for filing the complaints animal control officers need before they can best address a barking dog issue, said Union County Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen. The ordinance also raises the fines an owner can receive for having a dog that barks, howls or whines too much. The new maximum

~isr1

Tim Mustoe/TheObserver

Though the theater closed in 1959 and served as a retail space for decades, the LibertyTheatre retains its original chandelier. ing Eastern build a child care center on campus that would be run by a private licensed child care provider.

Dec. 9 Fifteen La Grande students brought a bit of Christmas home. The kids were part of La Grande Police Department's sixth annual Shop with a Cop event, a program that gives children in needy families a chance to go Christmas shopping for their families.

Dec. 10 The La Grande City Council is no longer set to hear the site plan application forthe new Union County Courthouse. Shelter From the Storm offic ialsdropped an appeal to the site plan application

decision, said La Grande City Planner Mike Boquist. Withdrawal of the only appeal to the site plan decision means the city's decision to conditionally approve the site plan stands.

fines are $50 per dog for the first offense, $100 for the secondoffense,$150forthe third offense and a maxi-

m um of $300 perdog aftera thirdoffense.

Dec. 12

Dec. 17

All kindergarten classes are now taught at Willow Elementary, but this will likely not be the case during the 2015-16 school year. Kindergartners will be attending school at Willow, Greenwood Elementary and La Grande High School under a preliminary plan the school district is considering adopting. The changes will be necessary in part because the school district will switch from a half-day to a full-day kindergarten program in

A cherished La Grande Christmas season tradition, one derailed a year ago, will be renewed late today. The Santa Train will roll into La Grande, restoring a tradition dating back at least to the 1960s. Santa will arrive with stockings filled with candy and small gifts that will be distributed to children inside the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. The Santa Train came to La Grande annually for at leastsi x decades beforeit

The BlueMountain Land Trust, protecting lands in Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon, hit a milestone when it was given accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance. "The accreditat ion process demonstrates that land trusts nationwide operate professionally, following generallyaccepted best practices and are committed to fulfilling the responsibility of protecting lands forever," said Andrea Burkhart, president of the Blue Mountain Land Trust. "Thanks to the accreditationprocess,we've implemented high standards of governance, management and operationalexcellence. These steps demonstrate to the public that private land conservationreall y matters and deserves support." The Shelter From the Storm Board of Directors announced that they have secured a new location for their domestic violence services. Shelter From the Storm isnow setto m ove to 10901 Island Ave. in Island City into the building that previously housed a Banner Bank branch. The board also announced that Mindy Mowery is the new interim director for the nonprofit. Mowery, who previously served as an administrativeadvocacy assistant,has worked at SFS since April 2012. She replaces Teresa Crouser, who was let go this week.

Dec. 19 Change is on the horizon for the Union Food Bank. The food pantry, based at the Union United Methodist Church since 2003, will soon be moving out. The church

What is it like to go on a

$2,500 Christmas shopping spree? Just ask the members of the La Grande Rural Fire Department. The department,made up almost entirely of volunteers, recently purchased well over 100 Christmas gifts worth a totalof$2,500for 13U nion County families in need. The presents, which were wrapped, were distributed to families Christmas week.

Dec. 22 Union County and Shelter From the Storm have reached a settlement agreement, both parties announced. The agreement includes a lump sum payment to SFS of

$75,000. In a joint press release from the county and SFS, the parties say the agreement will facilitate the relocation of the SFS advocacy center.

Dec. 23 He's been through more than 80 pairs of shoes and delivered countless pieces of mail. Known as "Kenny Vu to many customers, Ken Venutoloretired with 31yearsof federalserviceunder hisbelt, 27-V2 with the U.S. Postal Service in La Grande and three with the U.S. Navy.

Dec. 26 In the wake of a disease that's killed thousands in mere months, Wallowa County agencies are developing theirprocess to handlea potential Ebola infection. Paul Karvoski, the county's emergency services manager, said he wanted the health departmentand hospitalstafF to meet and go over each one's role if either someone is deemed at risk or shows symptoms.

Best Wishes for a Healthy a Happy New Year. sr 5PR

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