La Grande Main Street held a series of informational meetings at the end of August and mid-November regarding stable funding for the organization.  

Stable funding is being sought to help downtown La Grande continue to become a more vibrant center for commerce and activities.  

Jim Zacharias and crew are adding log cabin repair to their suite of custom milling options. KATY NESBITT - The Observer

Jayzee Lumber of Joseph continues to add to its suite of products and services; its latest, log home repair including custom chinking and log replacement.

Three years ago, Jim Zacharias built his first log cabin prototype and has been experimenting ever since. Through word of mouth the company has grown to not only building the kits, but constructing many of them on-site, keeping two full-time employees busy and two more are needed during the summer season.

Streetscape work included installation of new street lighting, benches, bike racks and trash receptacles. CHRIS BAXTER - The Observer

Ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Thursday at Elm and Adams marks completion of downtown streetscape work 

The City of La Grande’s “Big H” streetscape project gets its official unveiling Thursday, as the City, La Grande Main Street and Mike Becker General Contractor throw a celebration marking the project’s completion. 

Grande Ronde Hospital’s Board of Trustees confirmed its newest member during the October 2012 board meeting, welcoming Stephanie Miller, who will fill an unexpired term vacancy through 2014. 

“We are extremely pleased to have Stephanie step in and join the Board,” said current Board Chair Burr Betts. “Stephanie brings a fresh perspective and great enthusiasm for community service to the board.” 

Jenny Bartell plans a Dec. 1 opening for Community Merchants, a store in downtown La Grande providing retail opportunities for local artists, craft workers, produce growers and others. BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH - The Observer

Another venue for the sale of locally produced goods has popped up in La Grande, with Jenny Bartell set to open a store downtown called Community Merchants.

Last week, Bartell signed the lease on the ground floor space in the building at 1019 Adams Ave., space occupied during the recent election season by the Union County Republicans.  

Andrew Cutler

The Observer has a new editor in Andrew Cutler, an Idaho native with experience at papers in Oregon, Idaho and South Dakota.

Cutler started work for The Observer Monday, after making a move from Rapid City, S.D. Before taking the La Grande position, he worked as a weekend news editor at the Rapid City Journal.

“I’m extremely excited about coming back to the Northwest and, specifically, working at a paper like the La Grande Observer,” Cutler said. “This paper has a great staff of hardworking, talented people who truly love what they do and the product they put out. I’m excited to be part of that.”