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

Lines stretched longer this holiday season. We don't mean in shopping areas, we mean at our local food pantries. With less food available and so many people needing help, it was a tough holiday for many Oregonians.

Meanwhile, the farm bill — a bill that would make a big difference for those struggling to put food on the table — is slowly making its way through the U.S. Congress. The farm bill reauthorizes two vital nutrition programs for hungry Americans: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Stamp Program.

I just mailed off my sister's Christmas presents yesterday. I know, its mid-January and I should be slightly red-faced to admit that I am this late. It may be more embarrassing to admit that I still had wrapping paper lying about to help me accomplish this task. Tardy or not, it was a very rewarding experience.

To be truthful, my sister was traveling during the holidays and there was a real possibility of gifts missing her in transit. Therefore, I claim a sliver of justification in missing the mark by nearly a month.

Members of the La Grande School Board are elected to represent the community as a whole. It seems prudent that a summary of our activities (since last June) be presented every so often.

A lot of hard work goes into the making of a successful school district, and even though we struggle each month with an abundance of needs and a dearth of funds, the board is excited about the future. Many wonderful things are happening in our district.

Our goals, as stated below, drive and shape our desire to prepare our district for the 21st century with strong fiscal management, uniquely designed facilities tailored to provide the best learning environment for our students, and support for innovative curriculum development and teaching that will continue to help each of our students gain the tools to succeed.

The article in the Jan. 2 Observer on progress towards a new business plan for the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority was encouraging. We wish them well with this new plan. For the public to understand what is at stake, the full picture needs to be clarified, to include the downside potential caused by their critical cash flow and debt burden problems.

The loan contract with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) that allowed Union and Wallowa counties to buy the railroad is for $11.7 million (interest and principle), to be paid over a 22-year period. Each annual payment is $441,368. The increased debt load for moving the first annual payment back from 2006 to 2007 is not included in these figures.

Anyone following local politics for the past few years has undoubtedly put together the obvious — Dennis Wilkinson and his sidekick John Lamoreau want to control the county. What they can't control, they do their best to harass and destroy.

Anyone who has experienced the scorched-earth tactics of these individuals can attest to the venom they put into play. Wilkinson, under a flimsy government watchdog banner, marches about declaring fraud, waste and conspiracy. Lamoreau marches about town declaring the county inept so that he can plan, with Mr. Wilkinson's continued assistance, another run at county commissioner.

What do you think of when someone says, "Honors Program student?" Nerd? Geek? Overachiever?

Well, we are much more than that.

A second-year Honors student said, "Honors isn't just for the ‘nerds.' It's for anyone who likes to have fun and wants to get the most out of their college education."