>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Wayne Herron

It was Wolfe who wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Herron is about to try, and if his past professional success is any indication, he will do it easily.

Herron, 47, a teacher at Union High School since 1987, has been named the new principal of Elgin High School.

The selection means Herron’s school career is coming full circle.

Victoria Gibson

Stampede President Hoby Wilhelm welcomed the judges and audience to the final queen tryouts as Brenda Laber of Elgin, Victoria Gibson of Enterprise and Josey Kohlhepp of Joseph took their turns at public speaking and demonstrating their riding skills. This was the final tryouts as judges decided which of the three girls will become the 2008 Elgin Stampede queen.

Honor roll inductees present at Wednesday’s ceremony were, from left, Betty Trump, Odies Payne and Laurose Hibberd. Reta Hindman, who could not be present due to ill health, was also inducted into the Legends honor roll. - The Observer/CHRIS BAXTER

Ceremony host Bud Scoubes welcomed the guests, 2008 grand marshals, dignitaries, major sponsors and fellow Stampeders to the recognition ceremony.

“Welcome to the first induction of charter members of our new honor roll,” said Scoubes. “We want to give recognition to our past leaders, and we wanted to do something like this before our 2008 Stampede rodeo.”

A new Union County club is launching a major push to give local EOU students a jump start this fall.

The 100/100 Club, an organization started in part by Union County, is seeking to annually raise $10,000 for student scholarships at Eastern.

The potential sale of a county property containing the Perry swimming hole has been stayed for now, following a decision by the board of commissioners at a regular meeting Wednesday morning.

Dallas Armon, a resident of Lower Perry, told the board that the swimming hole had been used for generations and he was worried the property might be sold to an individual who would exclude access.

“Over the years, it’s been such a public use area,” Armon said.

Workers from Upson Roofing Company of Caldwell, Idaho, remove terra cotta roof tiles from Loso Hall. - EOU photo/LAURA HANCOCK

The roof of EOU’s Loso Hall is a prime example.

The building’s terra cotta red roof is being replaced this summer with one that will weigh about 90 percent less but is more energy efficient and is guaranteed to last longer.

Justin E. Moore

Justin E. Moore, 34, was lodged at the Union County Correctional Facility when he was charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of a man in Jordan Valley.

JOSEPH — A 52-year-old Joseph woman drowned Tuesday in the Dobbin irrigation ditch north of Joseph.

The body of Deborah Fisher was found in the ditch about 4:30 p.m. following a 3 1/2-hour search.

Fisher was with her dog at Joseph City Park, Sheriff Fred Steen said. She had called her husband, Rick, at home about the dog.

Teams of walkers from Union and Wallowa counties recently relayed around the clock and raised $23,927 to fight the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

This celebration brought numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Wallowa County Undersheriff Steve Rogers holds the note that Don Swart found in his driveway at 702 N. Lake in Joseph. The note was written on a paper towel with a marker. - The Observer/GARY FLETCHER

The perpetrators were apparently going to burn the gasoline swastika at 702 N. Lake St., but were surprised by homeowner Don Swart when he took the garbage out about midnight June 29, Wallowa County Undersheriff Steve Rogers said Monday.

“I think they were getting ready to light the swastika when Don came out,” Rogers said.