Letters and comments for August 10, 2011

Lack of judgment

To the Editor:

The Observer has done a disservice to the community by printing an article about the tragic shooting in Elgin before the Major Crime Team completed its investigation. First impressions are important, and your premature reporting encourages readers to rush to judgment long before the full story is out.

By the time reliable information becomes available, the story will probably be stale and less sensational. It is no wonder that law enforcement officials are reluctant to communicate with the media, when the only local newspaper we have shows such a lack of judgment in what it reports.

Martin J. Birnbaum

Summerville

Festival offers fun

To the Editor:

Yes, we are living in a bad economy. We are all feeling the pinch. But a “good time” doesn’t have to cost much.

Here’s something to do that is local, supports Eastern Oregon, is fun for the whole family and is free! Come to Union Saturday for the “Remember When” Union Grassroots Festival. Save fuel by staying in the Grande Ronde Valley and relax in beautiful historic downtown Union.

Start the day early with city-wide yard sales, 17 of them. At 9 a.m., Main Street will be closed to make room for over 50 vendors, live music and the vintage car show. Proceeds will go to the Bobcat Foundation Scholarship Fund.

There will also be antique tractors, Dutch oven-cooking and a mining demonstration. Art studios will be open, as well as the Union County Museum and a quilt display.

There will be many contests to enter, including the annual duck race on Catherine Creek, a pie-baking contest, dachshund races and a pie-eating contest for the kids.

A parade starts at 11 a.m., with line-up on the south end of town at Dearborn Street at 10:30. We are welcoming children and vehicles of all kinds. We are asking that there are no horses, because of the antique cars.

For the kids, there will be a free kiddy carnival with prizes, a raffle and fingerprinting, and the Union Fire Department will have water to cool off in.

There will be free entertainment throughout the day, including local talent Steve Hines, Irish Upbringing, Mike Mackley, Blue Mountain Old-Time Fiddlers and a firewalker. The headlining performance will be The Chad Williams Band from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by lawnmower races and a family street dance with DJ Denny.           

Let us show you real small town hospitality!

Donna Beverage

Union