WIND MACHINES: Turbines like these at the Elkhorn Valley Wind Farm at Telocaset may rise on Craig Mountain southeast of La Grande if the state Energy Facility Siting Council approves Horizon Wind Energy’s plan to build the Antelope Ridge Wind Farm. Observer file photo

Horizon plans to build the Antelope Ridge Wind Farm on a 47,000-acre site in the area of Craig Mountain, about 10 miles southeast of La Grande. The site is said to be one of the windiest in all the Pacific Northwest.

“This is a great area. The wind peaks in the winter time, which is when people need power the most,” said Horizon spokeswoman Valerie Franklin.

Donna and Mark Beverage

Mark and Donna Beverage bought a small ranch nestled in Union and restored it into a quaint country store and bed and breakfast in July of this year.

the boss: Dave Lowry bought Johnson Electric 14 years ago, and built it into a successful business serving commercial, agricultural and residential accounts throughout the region. Observer photo/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Recently the company, which provides family-wage jobs and benefits for nine people, moved into spanking new headquarters at 62234 Landmark Lane, off  Pierce Road, near the Outdoors RV plant.

The 40-by-96 building, put up this summer, has plenty of room for offices, company vehicles and a huge inventory of electrical supplies.

As summer wound down in Union County and greater Eastern Oregon, news from the Oregon Employment Department was less than upbeat.

Regional Economist Jason Yohannan reported that the jobless rate in Union County climbed in August after two months of slight improvement. The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 11.5 percent for the month.

“After a couple of months of improvement, August’s unemployment rate changed direction and moved back to its highest level since May,” Yohannan said.

NEW MAN ON BOARD: Jason McNeil, of Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, recently joined the La Grande Community and Economic Development Department for an 11-month internship. He will concentrate mainly on implementation of the Oregon Main Street Program. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENTRAUCH

Jason McNeil, an intern from the University of Oregon’s Resource Assistance for Rural Environments project, came on board Sept. 21, joining a staff that includes Community and Economic Development Director Charlie Mitchell, Planner Mike Boquist and Planning Secretary  Barbara Trick.

Oregon Trail Electric Co-Op was recently honored with a first-place award for its YouTube video productions and a second-place award for its radio program “Your Voice,” which is aired locally on KLBM/KBKR.

The awards, from the Northwest Public Power Association, were both in the Wild Card category.

“It truly is an honor to be recognized,” said OTEC Communications Specialist Michael Howe. “There were a number of worthy entries and for OTEC to receive these honors is quite humbling.”

LOCAL BUSINESS ON DISPLAY: Oregon State fairgoers visit the display set up by Sun Storage of Joseph. The business, owned by Jonathan Monschke and Louis Perry, builds solar array packages and markets them nationwide. Submitted photo

Sun Storage joined its photovoltaic panel supplier, SolarWorld, in representing solar energy at the popular exhibit.

Prominent among the broad variety of technology booths, the solar energy exhibit was a go-to site for those interested in solar power for on- or off-grid application.

Just about anybody can benefit from instruction in money management, most anytime. In a tough recession, people need it even more.

That’s why the Region 13 Worksource Oregon Board is getting set to unveil “Financial Fitness” workshops in Union, Baker and Wallowa Counties.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

In La Grande, the classes will be held 10 a.m. to  noon Oct. 6 and Oct. 8 at the Oregon Employment Department building, 1901 Adams Ave.

In Baker City, sessions are planned 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 and Oct 22 at the Baker County Senior Center, 2810 1/2 Cedar St.

In Enterprise, the workshops  will take place 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 27 and Oct. 29 at the employment office, 104 Litch St.

The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.

Those wanting to attend the La Grande sessions should call 541-963-7111. The Baker City number is 541-523-6331. In Enterprise, call 541-426-4972.

To help promote small businesses, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Procurement Office has created the Small Contracting Program for Construction.

 The goal of the program is to increase economic opportunities for Oregon workers and businesses, diversify the size of companies that are awarded ODOT construction contracts and boost participation in transportation projects.

To do this, a selection of ODOT construction projects valued at $100,000 or less have been set aside for this program. Only contractors who have pre-qualified under the Small Contracting Program for Construction will be eligible for these contracts.

Flu Fighter: The Undetectable Nasal Insert invented by local resident David Foggia could be used as a vaccine delivery system. The Observer/PHIL BULLOCK

David Foggia, a La Grande resident with a penchant for innovation, believes his Undetectable Nasal Insert, invented initially to help people cope with bad odors, has bigger, far more important applications. It could even play a role in fighting flu pandemics.

He’s so convinced, he’s asking the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate the device for use as a vaccine delivery system and a pathogen destroyer. And he’s hoping to see the day when health-conscious people everywhere are using it.