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Small towns capable of big projects

Not all of us are sent to Iraq or Afghanistan to bring terrorists to justice and bring stability to a troubled part of the world.

But all of us can join in a volunteer army in our own hometowns. We can step up and serve our communities one small act of service at a time.

Such a volunteer army of movers and shakers, donors and builders has been instrumental in getting Cove its first football lights. The lights will make their debut when the first hint of chill enters the air some September Friday night. The Cove Booster Club arranged a work party to get the installation done Saturday.
 

Don’t leave pets in cars (kids either) on hot days

We love our pets. We love the mobile furballs, ankle biters, you name it. Oregon is second in the nation behind Maine in cat ownership and fourth in the nation behind Idaho, Wyoming and Montana in dog ownership.

But for all that love, some pet owners occasionally make boneheaded decisions — like taking a dog or cat along on a summer trip, and running into a store “for only a few minutes.” Such a move can be fatal.

It takes just a short time for a dog or cat to get into distress. Even with the windows partly open, a parked car acts like a bake oven. In a rather comfortable 72-degree heat, the inside of a parked car can reach 116 degrees in an hour. That’s Death Valley heat. And it can be fatal.
 

Enjoy 63rd annual Elgin Stampede

Another Northeast Oregon summer tradition takes place this week with the 63rd annual edition of the Elgin Stampede. The popular event kicks off tonight with Family Night and runs daily through Sunday, culminating with the final rodeo performance and the always popular Stampede Challenge event.

 

Attend travel plan workshops

When it comes to talking about closing roads on the national forest, everyone has an opinion. And numerous opinions have been expressed since the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest announced nearly three years ago that it would be developing a travel management plan for the forest and that the road system would be undergoing scrutiny. After seeking input and developing alternatives, the Wallowa-Whitman is ready to move to the next phase in the process.


Beginning this evening at Cloverleaf Hall in Enterprise, the WWNF will hold a series of public workshops to let the public see the alternatives that make up the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the Wallowa-Whitman Travel Management Plan. In addition to tonight’s workshop in Enterprise, one is planned Wednesday night at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in La Grande and Thursday night at the Baker City Armory. Each of the workshops runs from 5 to 9 p.m.

 

 

Development bodes well for future

Even now, in the depths of recession, it’s time to build an environment in which people can think positively about opportunities for growth. The housing project recently begun on the northwest edge of Buffalo Peak Golf Course in Union is one such opportunity. The new project that is slowly taking shape is a sign of re-emerging community vitality and that the region can nurture healthy growth while avoiding willy-nilly, slipshod development.


The window of opportunity may open only briefly for such economic development. It’s important that while remaining fiscally responsible we step through that window. And it’s important we take with us an intelligent plan for growth.

 

Donations make fireworks show possible

The Union County Fireworks Action Committee is ready once again to make sure area residents enjoy a quality fireworks display on the Fourth of July. The annual celebration with food, fire truck rides and music begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Community Stadium. Fireworks follow at dusk.

The fireworks committee relies solely on donations to make sure the show happens every year. For many years running, the show has gone on without interruption. But it wouldn’t and couldn’t happen without the support of donors and people who buy raffle tickets.
 

Local economy takes a hit with mill closure

Boise Cascade’s decision to close its

La Grande sawmill was a terrible economic blow to the local economy. A reliable mainstay and a vital part of the community’s identity is gone. Let us hope that it is not forever.


As the plant falls silent, the community kisses goodbye millions of dollars that circulated through local businesses. We will all feel the pinch.

 

Project breathes life into La Grande downtown

Don’t expect a quick fix when it comes to the La Grande Main Street program and its goals to improve downtown. Sure, the city has loads of potential. Attractive shops, dynamic business owners, lots of great deals, a wonderful shopping experience — all are possible already and will be improved upon in the future.

Anyone who has followed developments knows that for years advocates have taken aim at brightening the downtown and trying to reverse the trend of shoppers escaping to big box stores on the outskirts. Part of the Oregon Main Street initiative, the La Grande Main Street program is gearing up to breath new life into downtown.
 

Be proud about MERA — and take care of it

Ask anybody in Portland, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago or New York if they’ve got a 3,500-acre back yard to play in, and they’ll have to tell you no.

Ask the people of La Grande and Union County the same question, and they’ll give a resounding yes. The Mount Emily Recreation Area, less than 15 minutes from downtown La Grande, is bought, paid for and now open for everybody to enjoy. As back yards go, it’s hard to beat.

The face of Mount Emily has been used for many years for recreation, but only because the former owners, Forest Capital Partners, and before that Boise Cascade, allowed access.
 

Connect Oregon projects make impact

The Connect Oregon grant program for multi-modal transportation programs has proven to be a shot in the arm for many Oregon communities. Northeast Oregon residents need look no further than the excursion cars purchased by the Wallowa Union Railroad, Community Connection’s transit hub in La Grande and, most recently, the Alicel grain handling facility, which has combined the resources of private industry with grant money to benefit the region as a whole.

The new grain storage bins and rail car loading facility, with a total value of $3.5 million, is the result of a joint project of Pendleton Grain Growers and  Union County Economic Development Corp., with assistance from Union County. They combined efforts on a project that will enhance our wheat growers’ ability to store and ship their product.
 
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