by KATY NESBITT / The Observer 

State’s feasibility study could help spark repairs of aging Wallowa County dam

WALLOWA — Wallowa Lake’s 100-year-old dam is getting some much needed attention — this time from the governor’s office. 

A deal signed Friday by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and members of a task force includes $250,000 to fund a feasibility study to repair the dam. Fixing it would allow higher water levels and the subsequent release of more water during irrigation season. Construction could be done within five years, but more money will be needed. 

Ladd Canyon offers drivers on Interstate 84 a challenging array of winter-time issues, such as black ice, whiteouts and fog. Nick Myatt, who lives in Baker City and works for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, has made more than 200 trips through the canyon between Baker City and La Grande since he was assigned a temporary job in the ODFW in June 2011. Despite the sometimes difficult driving conditions, Myatt said he has actually witnessed only one accident, and never been in one himself. CHRIS BAXTER/The Observer

by BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH, JAYSON JACOBY and CHRIS COLLINS / WesCom News Service

Interstate 84 offers locals who drive it daily a range of difficult driving conditions 

After more than 200 trips through Ladd Canyon, the Interstate 84 pass between Baker City and La Grande known for its fearsome blizzards, Nick Myatt knows one thing for certain.

His next car will have four-wheel drive.

“This experience will definitely affect my decision about what car to buy next,” said Myatt, who lives in Baker City and works for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Tamara Henderson challenges EOU students during diversity conference

The sense of urgency bubbled in the voice of Tamara Henderson of Portland Saturday at Eastern Oregon University.

Henderson, the keynote speaker at the Celebrate, Educate, Appreciate, Diversity conference, told EOU students there is no moment like the present for them to step forward and right some of the wrongs they see in the world. 

The section of Interstate 84 known for inclement weather is the 165 miles through the Blue Mountains between Pendleton, in the Columbia River Basin, and Ontario, beside the Snake River on the Oregon-Idaho border. This part of I-84, which roughly parallels the route of the historic Oregon Trail, passes through La Grande and Baker City, the two largest cities between Pendleton and Ontario. CHRIS BAXTER/The Observer

by JASON JACOBY / WesCom News Service 

Several factors earn region’s Interstate 84 a widespread reputation for difficult driving conditions 

The best way to get around in Oregon’s northeast corner is on a route that’s prone to some of the region’s worst weather.

This paradox of Interstate 84 has earned the four-lane freeway — the most direct route between Portland, Boise and Salt Lake City — a widespread reputation for difficult driving conditions. 

by KELLY BLACK / Observer correspondent

UNION — Union City Council and board members from the Union Rural Fire Protection District established a negotiating committee Wednesday evening to look into the feasibility of the city contracting with the rural district for fire services.

“We realize that many of us have properties in the city limits as well as out,” said Rodger Huffman, vice chairman of the Rural Fire Protection District. “So certainly, we wouldn’t miss this opportunity to explore the benefits for everybody. If it doesn’t hurt rural and it helps the city of Union, it’s a win, win.” 

Progress on the new American Legion building addition continues thanks to the help of volunteer Joe Davis (pictured) and many others. CHRIS BAXTER/The Observer

Post 43 undergoing remodel to add 3,500-square feet to existing facility 

American Legion Post 43 in downtown La Grande will be a bigger, better place for veterans and their families to gather following a remodel that adds about 3,500 square feet to the building.

The past several months, contractors and volunteer laborers have been building an extension on the north side of the old, historic structure at Fir Street and Jefferson Avenue. When the project is done later this year, people attending meetings, meals and social events will no longer feel like sardines jammed into a can. 

by BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH / The Observer 

Sheriff’s association says county sheriffs should take own position on gun control

The president of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association said this week his organization supports the Constitution, but has decided against taking a formal stance in the current controversy over gun rights.

Jason Myers, the sheriff in Marion County, said approximately 20 members who attended a recent OSSA executive committee meeting reached a consensus against drafting a formal position on gun control issues. Meyers said it was agreed that each of the county sheriffs should take their own position, independent of the association.

Medical team worked through the night to give Lindsey Bingham, 9, a new heart

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Lindsey Bingham, spunky in her hospital mask and French braids, grooved her way to the operating room minutes before midnight Wednesday, ready to receive a new heart.

The door opened to the 9-year-old’s room at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and dance music from the family laptop filled the hall. Lindsey showed off a few moves, even as her body was still surgically attached to the device the size of a miniature refrigerator that has kept her ailing heart going for nearly eight months. 

The La Grande School District, facing a challenging financial future because of falling enrollment and reduced state support, may ask voters late this year for help.

The La Grande School Board agreed Wednesday night to take a preliminary look at the possibility of seeking a bond or a local option levy. Should the board decide to go to voters for help, November would be the earliest it would do so, said La Grande School District Superintendent Larry Glaze.

Brad Mosher / The Observer First-grader Kale Bingaman gets a lift down the Cove line from Imbler freshman Trace Vancleave. Imbler has reintroduced its Little Buddies program, matching Imbler Elementary students with IHS athletes so they can serve as mentors. IHS junior Malia Mills is bringing the program back as a part of her senior project. BRAD MOSHER/The Observer

by DICK MASON / The Observer

Some Union County high school students help build greenhouses and sidewalks for their senior projects. Imbler High School junior Malia Mills is building bridges, establishing connections between students of different generations that may last a lifetime. 

Mills is doing so by bringing back her school district’s Little Buddy program. Through the program IHS athletes are matched with Imbler Elementary students so they can serve as mentors.