ENTERPRISE — Sometimes you got to break some eggs to make an omelet. At Lear’s Main Street Pub and Grill, renovations are underway, both structurally and aesthetically.

A weak spot in the floor behind the bar led to a much bigger project. A big chunk of the floor was removed, exposing joists and dirt that hadn’t seen the light of day since 1896. Owner Steve Lear said the pub is the oldest building on Main Street, and he and his wife, Cathie, are not just fixing an area worn out with age, but are renovating the front of the pub, the barbershop next door, and the “grill” or adjacent dining area where music shows such as Wallowa Valley Music Alliance’s Tunesmith are held.

LA GRANDE — Jeff Dense gets the question all the time:  what makes a political science professor at Eastern Oregon University so interested in beer?

Dense admits a personal interest in the subject, one that extends easily into his academic life.  Beer relates to taxation, globalization, politics, and economic development.

ELGIN —The Elgin Stampeders will honor Stampede Legend Rich Cason as Grand Marshal to preside over the 2013 Elgin Stampede Rodeo festivities during July 11-14.

The Stampeders have had their lassos circling overhead for the elusive mountain man for quite some time.

Jake Hanson is in charge of the 14-employee operation at B&K Auto Salvage, which has expanded into scrap metal recycling. (Bill Rautenstrauch/For The Observer)

Union County business celebrates four decades of salvaging autos; expands its operations to include scrap metal recycling 

It’s entertainment watching Jake Hanson work.

From his corner office at B&K Auto Salvage, he multi-tasks, taking money in and paying money out, answering the phone  and giving orders to his employees over a two-way radio. At times, he stands up and leans out a window, directing traffic in and out of the yard.

Ricardo Gloria, Ontario, a member of the Oregon National Guard’s Joint Transition Assistance Program, stands next to a H2H banner at an Ontario veteran’s awareness event. Gloria said the H2H website furnishes an innovative and viable platform for veterans who seek employment. (Pat Caldwell/For The Observer)

ONTARIO — A distinctive online resource designed specifically to aid members of the Guard and Reserves to find employment is gaining momentum in Eastern Oregon and throughout the state, according to 
a regional veteran transition specialist.

Lacey McQuead is the City of Enterprise’s new administrative assistant. (Katy Nesbitt/The Observer)

After more than 20 years, there’s a new face at the Enterprise city office. Lacey McQuead replaced longtime Administrative Assistant Janet Livingston this spring and is settling in quite well.

ENTERPRISE — Bird Dog Signs opened this spring in Enterprise filling a storefront on the highly visible corner of River and Main streets and ensuring the county continues to have a dependable, full-service sign shop.

Melissa Duncan worked for venerable signmaker Ted Hays for 10 years. When Hays retired, Duncan bought Hays’ printer and equipment and moved next door, painting her Bird Dog logo on the front door; an artistic representation of, well, a dog and a bird...

ENTERPRISE — Backyard Gardens and 6 Ranch join forces this season to offer Wallowa Valley grass-fed meat to Backyard Gardens’ vegetable share members.  

Members who receive their weekly vegetables will have the option to receive a monthly supply of locally raised grass-fed beef, pork, and lamb distributed through 6 Ranch.

Adele Nash of 6 Ranch said, “I’m really excited to have this happening.  This is an affordable way for local residents to purchase high quality, local meats.”

Tina Latham and Curtis White of Joseph sell collectible and custom guns from their online business www.manshack.com (KATY NESBITT/The Observer)

JOSEPH — Curtis White and Tina Latham run a business out of their Joseph home they say isn’t dissimilar to running an Avon or Amway franchise. 

However, Latham and White don’t deal in beauty products or cleaning supplies, but rather custom rifles, shotguns and pistols from their website, www.manshackgunshop.com.

White, a retired police officer, said Manshack’s customers aren’t the run-of-the-mill gun buyers, and what he and Latham offer isn’t in direct competition with the local stores selling rifles and ammunition. 

by BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH / for The Observer

Kelly Belton Ducote, a recent graduate of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., has joined The Observer as a reporter and editor.

Ducote earned a bachelor’s degree of arts, journalism and political science in May 2012. She was in the school’s Honors Program, and accrued a 4.0 GPA. She was a winner of the John Caldwell Social Sciences Memorial Scholarship, and the Kerry Garland Memorial Journalism Scholarship.