Billie Menges of La Grande has been an online tutor since 2002, logging in more than 40 hours a week between two different tutoring companies. - Photo/Trish Yerges

Certified teacher Billie Menges of La Grande, who earned her teaching degree at Eastern Oregon University, has been working as an online tutor from her home since 2002. She works floating hours for Tutor.com and Brainfuse.com, two well known tutoring companies in the business of educating elementary and secondary school children.

Domino’s deliverer Kyson Lamoreau embarks on a delivery. At the Domino’s franchise on Adams Avenue, drivers buy their own fuel and get paid by the mile. Owner Jessy Watson said his store recently increased the rate it pays its drivers from 25 cents a mile to 28 cents a mile. - The Observer/CHRIS BAXTER

The trick is to keep operating costs down and at the same time maintain affordable prices for customers. With diesel already topping $4 a gallon, and gasoline headed that way, it’s not easy.

Dennis Clayville, owner of Nature’s Pantry in La Grande, traveled to Washington, D.C., to persuade senators and congressmen to support positions of the National Products Association. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Why can people buy junk food with food stamps, but not healthy vitamin and mineral dietary supplements?

Clayville, the owner of Nature’s Pantry on Fourth Street in La Grande, sits on the National Products Association northwest board of directors.

An Elgin identity theft consultant is alerting local businesses that the time for complying with the Red Flag Rule is running short.

Shea, who lives in rural Elgin and works with IDCure, a company specializing in identity theft solutions, said this week he has been going door-to-door in an effort to tell companies about the federal rule, which takes effect Nov. 1, 2008.

“Many people just don’t know about it,” Shea said. “The Federal Trade Commission has done a terrible job notifying people. Not many around here have even heard  of it.”

ON HER WAY: Jessica Fitts, owner of Errand Angels delivery service, plans to expand her business with matching funds from the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District’s Individual Development Account program. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Jessica Fitts is the proud owner of Errand Angels, a delivery and errand service covering all of Union County.

She’s got some big plans for the future, and the Individual Development Account program offered through the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District will help her reach her goals.

Lucky the Dog waves to passers-by Monday as he promotes Saturday’s opening of Aaron’s on Adams Avenue in La Grande. - Observer photos/PHIL BULLOCK

The new store, at 1602 Adams, is one of 1,500 Aaron’s franchises across the Unites States. The company, in business 51 years, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The local store is owned by Bob Magid, a Lake Oswego businessman and real estate developer. Four years ago Magid established an Aaron’s franchise in Madras, and a year ago opened one in Hermiston. He oversees operations from a main office in Lake Oswego.

HUGE AUCTION: Workers from the James G. Murphy Co. sort through Global Online Direct merchandise that will be auctioned in Portland April 8-10. Global did business in Union until June of last year, when it dissolved amid allegations of securities violations. - Photo/JAMES G . MURPHY COMPANY

On March 20, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia authorized receiver Michael A. Grassmueck to sell five Global Online properties in Union County. And April 8-10 in Portland, a huge auction is scheduled to dispose of Global merchandise.

Carol and Doug Campbell - Observer photos/CHRIS BAXTER

But now, retirement age is upon the current owners, Doug and Carol Campbell. Though they’d like to see the business at 1210 Adams Ave. continue, no one’s shown an interest in buying it.

So the only option left is to shut the doors.

“This decision is very, very difficult,” Carol Campbell said with tears in her eyes last Friday.

Rob Gregory, Jannette Witty and Michael Rosenbaum of Frontier Motors recently earned Chrysler Master Certification for their sales efforts. Each sold more than 100 cars in 2007. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Rob Gregory, Michael Rosenbaum and Janette Witty all received Chrysler’s Master Certification. Each passed required coursework, sold over 100 cars, and, according to Chrysler, maintained a high level of customer satisfaction for the new car sales.

Union County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Loudermilk is leaving her post April 1. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Loudermilk, at the chamber helm the past nine years, said this week she is leaving for personal family reasons. She declined to elaborate, but did say she will be moving to Sunriver.

“Sometimes you have to make a decision like this, and I finally did,” she said.