DOGGED BY THE PINKERTONS, the James-Younger Gang decide to split up and attempt to throw the deputized Pinkerton agents off their trail. From left, are Jim Whitherspoon, Jack Armstrong, Rick Hagen, Frank Edward and Glen Edmondson. - Photos by Jerry Gowins

Screaming Flea Productions, Inc. (formerly Belo Productions) is an award-winning producer of non-fiction and documentary programming for leading networks such as National Geographic, A&E and The History Channel. Its most current film about Jesse James was produced by Sandy Dang-Asher. The re-enactments were directed by 32-year-old Billy McMillin and filmed by his father, Bill McMillin.

4-H Leader Ken Patterson was honored as leader of the year at the recent 2009 4-H Recognition Dinner. - Photos/TRISH YERGES

Ken Patterson, who was named the leader of the year at the recent 2009 4-H Recognition Dinner at the Ag Service Center, has been involved in numerous aspects of 4-H since becoming a leader 15 years ago.

The 4-H leader of the year award is given to a member who inspires others to greater personal achievements and does so by example.

Two years ago Dixie Lund was searching for guidance after being confronted with one of the most difficult decisions of her life.

Lund’s husband, Ed, and a timely message on a football card soon helped her find the direction she needed.

Lund, three years years into retirement after a 31-year career at Eastern Oregon University, was preparing to celebrate her 38th wedding anniversary in July 2007. Suddenly a phone call took the edge off her celebratory mood.

COVE — Northeast Oregonians have a strong sense of place, whether they were born here or relocated to the area intentionally.

The Blue and Wallowa mountains offer boundless recreational opportunities, and the country lifestyle is attractive to many transplants. It’s no wonder Union County institutions like Ascension School Camp in Cove, with the Eagle Cap Wilderness as a backdrop, has attracted several modern day pioneers. The camp is a longstanding Northeast Oregon tradition, having started in 1924.

At 6,114 feet Mount Emily is not the highest point in Union County but it is the most visible and discussed.

A landmark easily seen from almost anywhere in the Grande Ronde Valley. She is also a friend to longtime residents and a source of inspiration.

Proof of both is abundant at a new art display at the Hoke Union Building’s main lounge — “Images of Emily.” The exhibit at EOU features about two dozen works by local women artists created to honor Mount Emily.

Eleven-year-old Lena Johnson of Elgin spends her first volunteer session at the animal shelter playing with a couple of puppies. The two dogs came from a bigger litter, but the expense of taking care of them forced the owners to give up these two. Photos by CHRIS BAXTER, The Observer

Ask the folks at the Blue Mountain Humane Association animal shelter. They’ll tell you that demand for their services are up, even as their limited budget shrinks.

“People aren’t adopting or redeeming pets as much, but more animals are coming in,” Jane Sabin-Davis, head of the Association’s board of directors, said recently.

Dustin Fitzgerald of La Grande got a coveted 29 hand at Sunday’s tournament. Observer photo/Dick Mason

The shouts that followed said even more.

Fate had smiled on Fitzgerald. Now he was smiling, and the 16 other cribbage players with him were jubilantly smiling back.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: Shelly and her children, Moriah and Caleb, lay straw over the re-seeded banks. - Submitted photo

More often than not, there’s a little more grunt work — and a lot of cooperation — involved.

Take the Hubbell farm off Craig Loop Road near Summerville. Shelly Hubbell and her husband, Colt, purchased the 40-acre property 3 1/2 years ago.