June 20, 2008 04:16 pm
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The Observer’s thinking about parks needs some updating. It’s about as old as I am!
Most of the issues confronting our city need some fresh ideas on how to address them. It is good to hear that a Street Advisory Committee will make recommendations on sidewalks and streets; this suggests the possibility for varied ideas on new funding mechanisms.
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May 15, 2008 03:53 pm
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We are voting yes on the proposed 3,669-acre Mount Emily Recreation Area, which is a yes vote for local control, for sustainable and managed natural resource production, for economic development and for keeping land open for the public for recreation.
Without a viable wood products industry in Union County, every economic and aesthetic aspect of our community suffers — housing prices, goods and services, recreation, quality of life, etc. Today more than ever, the viability of the wood products industry in Union County depends on sustainable production from private timberlands. By far the largest percentage of logs purchased by Boise Cascade comes from private timberlands — less than 10 percent comes from public lands.
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May 10, 2008 12:10 pm
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There has been so much newspaper coverage of the proposed purchase of the Mount Emily property being considered by the Union County commissioners that it would seem no opposition prevails. Wrong! There are a great number of citizens of our county who do not favor such an endeavor on the part of Union County officials.
In simple and direct language, there are a number of reasons why there is opposition to involving the county in this supposedly beneficial endeavor:
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May 07, 2008 04:05 pm
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For a number of years George was concerned that when he died no one would come to his funeral. On Thursday morning, April 30, it looked like he needn’t have worried.
The sea of faces that surrounded the family in love and concern as we left the First Christian Church sanctuary was a never-to-be forgotten tribute to the man who loved everyone on a one-to-one basis without anger or rancor.
Had I not known and loved George on such a personal level, I may have been amazed at such an outpouring of love by the whole community and from afar
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May 03, 2008 11:39 am
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The Union County Board of Commissioners is asking Union County voters whether they support pursuing the purchase of 3,669 acres commonly referred to as the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA). As part of the continuing effort to explain the proposed purchase, the following information is provided to educate county voters on what the purchase includes and how the property is proposed to be managed if purchased.
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January 24, 2008 04:01 pm
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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.
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January 23, 2008 05:06 pm
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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.
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January 21, 2008 12:00 am
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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.
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January 19, 2008 11:54 am
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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.
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January 18, 2008 05:06 pm
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The 2008 presidential race has officially
begun. Media bloviators were already drawing conclusions after the Iowa
caucuses, conclusions these principled professionals would stick with
until the next commercial break. New Hampshire saw John McCain's
comeback and Hillary Clinton's brush with tears. The biggest surprise
so far may be the winners in Iowa — an African American on the
Democratic side, and for the Republicans a former governor/ordained
minister whose campaign has one lone corporate friend: Wal-Mart.
Welcome to the year of "change.''
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