The proposed wayside shelter has been developed to mimic these early construction methods using standard posts, beams and knee braces very similar to the early pioneering styles.

During the site location process, a considerable amount of consideration was given to minimizing environmental impacts both during the construction process and once the project is completed. the location and finished topography will provide the William Cusick chapter, native plant society of Oregon new opportunities to highlight the species that were here to greet the early settlers of the valley while protecting and preserving the work they’ve already accomplished.

The new, fully ADA accessible facility will provide travelers and natives alike with a unique and inspiring opportunity to view the beautiful vista overlooking La Grande’s Pioneer Park, the Grande Ronde valley and beyond to Mt. Emily, Mt. Fanny, Mt. Harris and the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

A special thanks is due to the development committee, the Northeast Oregon Network and the Union County Ford Institute Leadership Program along with the many donors of products and services without whose dedicated service this project couldn’t have happened.

Narrative and images provided by Rich Beedle of Jadato, LLC

Kent Bigler had gone to the ski resort for a day of downhill skiing, but got turned around and went off the back side of the mountain. His wife reported him missing tot he Union County Sheriff’s Office at 10:45PM. Sheriff’s Search & Rescue personnel responded and commenced searching immediately, despite the 14 degree temperature and heavy blowing snow.

“Ordinarily we wouldn’t search under those conditions in that kind of terrain,” said the Search & Rescue incident commander J.B. Brock, “but the weather forecast was for several feet of snow the following day, so thought this was our best chance to find him.”

Because of the forecast, search managers requested mutual aid from surrounding agencies, and teams from Wallowa County, Umatilla County, Baker County, and Walla Walla County WA converged on the mountain. Also assisting in the search for the man were ski patrol teams from Anthony Lakes Ski Resort and Spout Springs. The La Grande Snow Drifters snowmobile club was on standby, had the search continued much longer.

Mr. Bigler was found by a two-man ski patrol team from Anthony Lakes just above a sheer drop off, on the northeast side of the mountain. The experienced skier and Boy Scouts scout leader had made a snow shelter and waited for help, having lost one ski and suffering a badly pulled muscle in a fall. He was assisted back up the hill by the ski patrol team, then taken back to the lodge by snowmobile and tracked ATV. Though exhausted and suffering from mild hypothermia, he was in good spirits and declined medical attention, though La Grande Fire and Rescue had sent an ambulance to the scene. Brock said that had Bigler not been wearing excellent cold-weather clothing, or had not been found today, the ending could have been very different.

Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen expressed relief at the rescue, and thanked all those who participated in the search.

“Contributions during these events will help this much-needed resource continue to serve the community,” said Linda Jerofke, professor of anthropology at EOU. “Without adequate resources, needy members of the community will be placed at great risk for several months.”

Neighbor to Neighbor currently has enough food and funding to sustain through their November distribution. After that time the stores will not be replenished until their next grant cycle begins in February. The food bank is short an estimated $2,500, which is equal to 40,000 lbs. of food.

Tawnya Lubbes, assistant professor of education, Rob Cashell, athletic director, and Jerofke have teamed up to coordinate the first food and money drive from Nov. 21-Dec. 2.

All food collected will stay in La Grande and be distributed to the food bank. Cash donations help purchase more food ($1 purchases 8 lbs. of food) in bulk, so the dollar stretches much further than it would otherwise.

“The food bank desperately needs this drive to supplement the regular supply, which is already inadequate,” Jerofke said. “Please donate as you are able – those in need are our neighbors, friends and classmates.”

Food collection boxes will be placed in each building on campus, including the residence halls. Students will pick up the food collections on Friday, Dec. 2. Mountain West Moving is partnering with EOU for the drives.

Donations via cash or check may be sent to Lubbes in Zabel Hall, Room 147, or Jerofke in Ackerman Hall, Room 117. For more information contact Jerofke at 541-962 3179, ljerofke@eou.edu or Lubbes at 541-962-3329, tlubbes@eou.edu.

Christmas tree permits are available at:

The Gold Post in Sumpter

York’s Park Grocery in Baker City

O&M Gas & Grocery in Elgin

Wallowa Food City in Wallowa

Dollar Stretcher in Enterprise

The Sports Corral in Joseph

Halfway Market in Halfway

Hitching Post Grocery in Richland

Brogan Quick Stop in Brogan

Drapers Outdoor Store in Ontario

Vending machines with maps and Christmas tree permits are available 24 hours at Forest Service offices in Baker City (3285 Eleventh Street) and Halfway (38470 Pine Town Lane). Permits are also available at the Forest Service district offices in La Grande, Joseph and Clarkston, WA.

The Forest Service Christmas Tree program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own Christmas tree for decorating.

“Keep your family and your own safety in mind as you head to the forest,” said Kerry Sherman, Resource Specialist for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. “Carry a Forest map, snacks, water, and dress warm.”

More information about Christmas tree cutting permits and road conditions can be obtained by calling local Forest Service offices or on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/
.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door. Catering is provided by Grande Cuisine and dinner tickets are $40 each and available by calling Brent Lewis or Amie Breshears at 541-963-4191. Many businesses in town use this event to take their employees out for a holiday treat and dinner packages are available.

This is a popular and well-attended event in Union County each year and dozens of sponsors contribute to make it happen. Underwriters for the event are as follows:

Diesel Power Tech Inc., dba Barnes Diesel Power
John Howard & Associates
Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury
RPM Custom Milling
Ron Kringlen Refrigeration, LLC
Express Tech Services
Bodywork for Horses
Laurence’s Auto Body & Paint, Inc.
Mountain Valley Therapy
Red Cross United Drug Store
Blue Mountain Auto Parts
Seydel, Lewis, Poe, Moeller & Gunderson, LLC
Benchwarmers Pub & Grill
Jeff Walker & Associates, Inc.
Les Schwab Tire Center – La Grande
Mountain West Moving & Storage
Kehr Chiropractic
City Garbage Service
Edward Jones
GlasSmith

In addition to support from the underwriters, many businesses donate goods and services to the event to help raise funds. Those donors are as follows:

Sorbenots Coffee
Norco
Eastern Oregon Leather Company
Howell’s Cafe & Streamliner Lounge
Island Express Lube & Car Wash
D’Nails Hair & Tanning Salon
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Cheri’s Main Street Salon
Cock ‘N Bull Villa Roma
P & D Services, LLC
Fitzgerald Flowers
Alley Barber Shop & Hair Salon
Forest Capital Partners, LLC
Westslope Properties
Fuller Automotive
La Grande Paint & Glass, Inc.
Kehr Chiropractic

The NRA Foundation, Inc., was established in 1990 and is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by the NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Friends of NRA fundraising program was established in October 1992 to raise funds in support of this mission. True to the tradition of the original town meetings, ,and organized by community volunteers for every walk of life, Friends of NRA events provide participants an opportunity to support the charitable goals of the NRA Foundation and enjoy the camaraderie of other law-abiding gun owners.

2011 Foundation Grants in the State of Oregon provided for the following:

-Range improvement at locations in Toledo, Lakeview, Bend, Joseph, La Grande, Canyonville, Ontario, Coos Bay and Milton-Freewater.
-Firearm Museum in Klamath Falls.
-Youth Outdoor Days Shooting in Madras and Bend.
-High School ROTC Firearms and Ammunition in Madras.
-4-H Shooting and Archery Programs in Grants Pass, Eagle Pooint, Astoria, Roseburg, Corvallis, Stanfield and Tillamook.
-Firearm Clinic in Milton-Freewater.
-Junior Shooting Programs in Boring, Brookings, Winchester, Eddyville, Salem, Springfield, Bend and Klamath Falls.
-USA Young Eagles International Competition for two junior teams.
-The Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program
-NRA National Youth Education Summit Scholarship
-NRA Youth Education Materials

The mediated process was convened by Governor Kitzhaber’s office in April 2011 and was the result of numerous negotiation sessions. The plans will now go to the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council for review in its site certificate process.

“We want to thank the Governor’s office for bringing both parties together and helping us craft a plan which is good for environment and will help Oregon meet its renewable energy and economic development goals. Furthermore, we feel this process and outcome demonstrates that renewable energy developers and wildlife agencies can collaborate productively in the state of Oregon,” said Andrew Young, Executive Vice President, Western Region for EDPR NA.

“This agreement strikes a balance between protecting Oregon’s natural resources and allowing sustainable economic development which is so important to our state,” said Roy Elicker, ODFW Director.

The proposed Antelope Ridge Wind Farm is located in Union County. The up to 300 MW project would represent an approximately $600 million investment in the county. It is estimated the wind farm will create up to 165 jobs during construction and up to 20 full-time family-wage jobs once the project is completed. The wind farm will tentatively provide up to $42 million in local tax revenues.

Find mitigation agreement documents on ODFW’s website, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/antelope_ridge.asp

“This is a great opportunity to match our commitment to EMS education with that of the Apple-A-Day Campaign,” said Amy Dunkak, executive director of NEOAHEC. “We know firsthand the importance of trained EMS providers in our rural health care system. They are the front door into the health care system for many of our residents. Available and trained EMS helps ensure that is a positive experience.”

“We are excited about the support we are receiving from NEOAHEC,” Scott Ekblad, director of the Oregon Office of Rural Health said. “They are truly dedicated to improving the health care of rural communities and have had a long interest in EMS training. This contribution will allow us to expand training opportunities from individuals to qualifying rural agencies as well. There is a great need for this training, and we are so pleased to be able to offer this.”

The ORH Apple-A-Day campaign currently offers grant opportunities to individual rural volunteer EMS and First Responders. The NEOAHEC donation allows the Apple-A-Day Campaign to expand grant opportunities to qualifying rural EMS agencies.

Many rural communities and agencies do not have full-time or paid EMS services. Instead they rely on volunteers. Initial training costs and continuing education requirements, paid for out of the volunteer’s own pocket, puts additional burdens on already stretched personnel.

Apple A Day is an ongoing campaign associated with an annual event hosted by the Oregon Rural Health Conference. Individuals and organizations who wish to learn more about the campaign or contribute should visit www.ohsu.edu/orh.

The mission of the Oregon Office of Rural Health is to improve the quality, availability and accessibility of health care for rural Oregonians.

The show opening Thursday in EOU’s Schwarz Theatre in Loso Hall is a tour de force conversation between Thelma and her daughter Jessie, who has just confessed her plan to commit suicide at the end of the night.

Ariana Miles, left, and Myranda Markey portray Jessie and Thelma (Mama) in "'night, Mother" playing Oct. 27-29 in Schwarz Theatre in Loso Hall.

Krystal Borgwald-Diaz, a theatre/directing student at EOU, is presenting the play by Marsha Norman for her senior project. Fellow students Ariana Miles and Myranda Markey portray Jessie and Thelma (Mama) respectively.

Jessie, a woman in her late thirties, is struggling to find her place in society. Thelma, now in her late sixties, is also trying to find peace with the life she has paved for herself. Their dialogue is described as a fierce, emotional back-and-forth that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

“’night Mother” is about relationships and the way a person’s struggles can be overlooked when one is too concerned about their own existence,” Borgwald-Diaz said.

The director’s first introduction to the world of the dramatic arts came when she enrolled at EOU. A Grande Ronde Valley native from Elgin, Borgwald-Diaz started out with an English degree in mind, but switched her major after taking several theatre classes.

“I chose to direct “‘night, Mother” because I was intrigued by the mundane reaction to the circumstances at hand,” she said. “I feel that this play will leave its audience asking questions about life and the way we overlook the simplest things.”

The show continues through Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and curtain is at 7. Tickets are $5. Call the EOU Box Office at 541-962-3757 for reservations.

News Contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, Eastern Oregon University

Featured films for this yearʼs program include the northwest premiere of Jon Foyʼs Sundance winning documentary “Resurrect Dead,” the west coast premiere of Tristan Pattersonʼs moving and intimate SXSW winner, “Dragonslayer,” and Evan Glodell’s innovative and thrilling low-budget phenom, “Bellflower.” The West Coast Premieres of Sophia Takal’s “Green” and Dustin Guy Defa’s “Bad Fever,” as well as the world premieres of Travis Swartz’s “Nobody Cares” and Ian Clark’s “Country Story” will provide a rich indie flavor for this year’s menu. For a complete list of this year’s films and events please visit the official festival website.

EOFF has also selected its first foreign film, “Cirkus Columbia,” directed by Danis Tanovic. Continuing last year’s trend of fostering dialog around social issues, Oregon Rural Action will be presenting Bill Haney’s environmental / political documentary, “The Last Mountain.” ORA will also facilitate a panel discussion after the screening.

Filmmakers Jon Foy, Travis Swartz, and Ian Clark will be presenting their films and facilitating discussions after their respective features. Many other directors will be tuning into the Grande Ronde Valley via innovating and engaging SKYPE discussions.

EOFF is known for its ability to bring cutting edge, award-winning cinema, and emerging and exciting Northwest music to Eastern Oregon.

This yearʼs music line-up includes some of the best up and coming NW musicians. After parties will feature Portlandʼs Jared Mees & The Grown Children; Boiseʼs Hillfolk Noir, Finn Riggins, and Atomic Mama; La Grandeʼs own, Elidila and Sons of Guns; and from Pendleton, Ore., J.D. Kindle & The Eastern Oregon Playboys. Times and schedules are available on the festival website.

Eastern Oregon Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a cinematic experience in Eastern Oregon that promotes discovery, entertainment, and education via artistic exhibition and viewership. Through the mediums of independent film and music we aim to expand the cultural experience within our region.

Many screenings are expected to sell out. Please buy your (ridiculously affordable) All-Access Passes on the EOFF website.

Plan to attend this year’s festival in beautiful Eastern Oregon, October 20, 21, & 22 in La Grande, Ore. Visit the festival website or connect to Facebook/Twitter to learn how to participate, attend, and interact at this year’s event.

Visit: http://eofilmfest.com/ and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Garner was born and raised in southeastern Virginia. She graduated from Virginia Tech in spring 2009, where she received her BA in Urban Policy and Planning. As a student, Garner was part of the university’s Urban Affairs and Planning Student Association.

After graduation, Garner moved to the Washington, DC area, where she worked as an Intellectual Property Specialist at a Patent and Trademark law firm. While there, Garner was responsible for coordinating and training support staff on the drawing technicalities of the patent process within the Electrical/Mechanical and Chemical departments. In her spare time, she enjoyed being apart of the firm’s volleyball and softball teams, as well as working part time at a women’s retail store.

“I am really excited to be here and am ready to get started,” Garner said, “I am grateful for the opportunity that RARE and the City of La Grande have provided me. I am looking forward to an exciting year working with the Main Street program, as well as continuing the great efforts that have been put into motion.”

Garner’s enthusiasm for urban planning and community development stems from her passion of renovation and restoration through economic revitalization. After she was introduced to urban planning and community development through an introductory course at Virginia Tech, she said she knew this was the right fit. Upon completion of her RARE term, Garner would like to continue her studies in the urban planning field.

Much of Garner’s work over the next year will be in assisting the City and the Main Street Board of Directors in a transition plan to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Like Hofmann, Garner will be coordinating all of the daily aspects of program management, which includes helping each of the Main Street committees in accomplishing their goals and work plans. Several large projects are on Main Street’s immediate horizon, including the renovation of the Liberty Theatre and the Big H Streetscape Project.

“This joining of forces between RARE, the La Grande Main Street board and the City’s Urban Renewal program has proven very effective,” Charlie Mitchell, the City’s Community & Economic Development Director, said. “RARE has proven to be a very cost-effective method to allow us to increase our staffing capacity and get more done to improve the economy of downtown La Grande.”

Garner and Hofmann share an office in the Planning office of City Hall and can be reached at 541-963-1223 or mainstreet@cityoflagrande.org.