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

We have owned our property for 12 years, and in this time there have been many different parties wanting to rent and use the property east of us.

None of them wanted to bring the property into compliance with the land-use codes. The city planning department has continuously recommended exceptions to the codes in favor of the proposed tenants and occupants that would be detrimental to our property value and our business.

The excuses for non-compliance with the land-use laws are varied with the latest one claiming a seasonal business. What if the owners decide to change the way they operate their business such as to year-round use or lease it out when they are not using the property?

However, the planning department continues to allow the property be used in violation of the land-use codes and not make the property be brought into compliance with the laws before using it.

The latest owner this year brought in several motor homes, trailers, refrigerated trucks, refrigerated trailers, storage trailers, three industrial-grade furnace dryers and a portable toilet.

The planning department tells us we should talk to the owners. I have talked to them. They want to negotiate with us. What we want is the city to enforce the zoning laws.

The planning department tells us the building on the adjoining property is in compliance with commercial codes. I would encourage everybody in the city to come to 2400 Adams Ave., look at the property to the east and see if you think this property is in compliance with the commercial zone requirements for La Grande.

The planning department is having a meeting on July 11 at 6 p.m. on this matter. I encourage the people of La Grande to attend.

Lanny and Juanita Robson, Quail Run Motor Inn, La Grande

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Fifty years ago, in 1956, 5-year old Billie Lynn Rysdam, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Rysdam of Elgin, was Queen of the Oregon Shrine East-West Football Game.

The Shriners have lost contact with Queen Billie Lynn and would like to honor her at the 2006 football game in Baker City on August 5. If anyone could put us in contact with her we would be most appreciative.

Donna Patterson, Union

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What a great job Carol Lauritzen did choosing the gardens again for the "Blooms for Rooms" Grande Ronde Valley Habitat for Humanity fundraising garden tour.

We had beautiful weather this year, and the hosts were gracious and informative as we explored their backyard secret gardens.

The hosts this year were Brian and Marti Fischer, Alan Johnson at Grande Ronde Hospital, Tom and Floy Schuft, Lee Ann McNerney, Michael and Marilyn Jaeger, Kate and Ralph Moore, Cathy and Jerry Gildemeister, and Ron and Cheryl Willard. We appreciate their work helping our fundraiser to be a success.

I hope next year more people take advantage of our fundraiser. It is a great way to get ideas for your own garden and to help build houses for low-income families in Union County all in one day.

We appreciate everyone who attended the garden tour and gave donations throughout the year to make it possible for us to meet our matching-fund goal for the Meyer Memorial Trust grant. We have begun building in Elgin with Jesse and Lindy Collins. Call 663-9515 if you would like to help.

Carlene Crampton, La Grande

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My name is SadieRae and I am 2 1/2 years old. I am writing this with the help of my grandma, my MaeMae. My Daddy is a Merchant Marine who works very hard. He is also gone from home for four months at a time.

He recently came home, and my Mommy and I thought it would be nice to get him a "we love you" present. We went into Wal-Mart on June 30 and bought him a new video game. When Mommy and I got to the car we put our things in the car, but somehow Mommy forgot Daddy's game and my blanket, which were in the cart that has a sitting area for me.

As soon as Mommy remembered she went to get them. Well my blanket and Daddy's present were gone. Mommy went into the store, but nobody had turned them in. Luckily Mommy found my blanket in a different cart.

But Daddy's game was gone. MaeMae called Wal-Mart most of the day to see if the game had been turned in but it hadn't. I hope whoever has my Daddy's game is enjoying it.

You are a very, very bad person, you aren't supposed to take things that don't belong to you. And if you are a kid, aren't your parents wondering where you got the $50 for a game? Mommy is feeling very bad for losing it, but she is pregnant with my brother and was very hot and tired.

It is sad that I am having to learn at such a young age that there are dishonest people in this world that don't choose to do the right thing.

submitted by Nancy Warren, Union

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With this great weather upon us we are enjoying the parks more and more, yet rarely a day goes by in the great outdoors that I don't find myself repulsed, and asking "why can't the dog owners here take more pride in their environment?"

Yes, I'm talking about dog poop, its everywhere!

I've commonly seen dog walkers in Riverside Park walk away from their dog defecating as if trying to act like that dog doesn't belong to them. I've seen front yards looking like a mine field of feces and of course its common to see dogs on the loose — obviously more evidence of neglectful ownership — with no one responsible to clean up after.

Dog feces are more than just a nuisance. It can pose a serious health hazard. When infected dog droppings are left on the ground, the eggs of the roundworms and other parasites can linger in the soil for years.

It recently cost us hundreds of dollars to save our puppy from the deadly Parvovirus. Children run the greatest risk of infection because they're prone to play in the grass and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes with their hands.

Ocular larva migrans, an eye disease caused by parasitic worms found in dog droppings, can cause serious eye damage to young children. Even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football in an open area could be at risk.

Parasitic infections can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women can pose a serious risk to their unborn child.

Are you a good neighbor dog owner? Do you help to prevent environmental contamination by picking up and properly disposing of your dog's feces? Animal waste can be a contributor to storm water pollution, it flows into neighborhood storm drains every day, even more when it rains.

Take it with you! Parks belong to everyone, not just your dogs. Kids play on the grass, and families enjoy picnicking. The smell, sight and diseases from dog feces take the joy out of outdoors activities. Get caught holding the bag. Please pick up after your dog.

Tajah "Tj" Neubo, La Grande