LATEST NEWS
Elgin man on hook for murder seeks to exclude DNA evidence from trial
LA GRANDE — The defense attorneys of an Elgin man charged with the murder of his girlfriend and a juvenile are seeking to exclude DNA evidence from trial. Gary Otis Mason, 58, was arrested in 2020 on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend, Candy Williams, 56, of Elgin, and her 14-year-old granddaughter. Court documents do not name Williams’ granddaughter as she was a minor at the time of her death.
La Grande woodworker is recovering from a serious hand injury
LA GRANDE — A La Grande man who lost his right index finger in a table saw accident five days ago is now recovering at home and is eager to get back to practicing his craft. Sam Delano, a 40-year-old woodworker, was working in his shop when the accident occurred at about 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21. He was alone at home but was able to call 911 despite his injuries with the earbuds he was wearing listening to music. An ambulance crew arrived and took him to Grande Ronde Hospital before he was flown by Life Flight to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho, where he had surgery on April 22 for his injured right index finger and right thumb.
La Grande Education Foundation continues to help students to succeed
LA GRANDE — If music is a universal language, the members of the La Grande Fiddle Club are learning to express it with greater fluency, thanks to Earl Davis. Davis, a La Grande musician, is an instructor for bass players who are members of the La Grande Fiddle Club, a school district program open to youths in grades two to five.
Eastern Oregon University Ag Entrepreneurship Program honored with FFA Distinguished Service Award
LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s Agriculture Entrepreneurship Program is being recognized in a big way by the FFA. Eastern’s Agriculture Entrepreneurship Program has received the FFA Distinguished Service Award, recognizing organizations that have made significant contributions to the agriculture sector and supported the growth and prosperity of FFA, according to an EOU press release.
School district hosting surplus sale
LA GRANDE — The La Grande School District will conduct a surplus sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26. The sale will be at 902 M Ave., the site of the Annex Building. Miscellaneous inventory, including chairs, desks, cabinets, tools, hardware and pianos, will be available to the public for purchase.
Proposed Union budget would be 10% higher than current budget
UNION — The city of Union’s budget horizon looks bright. The city’s budget committee was presented with a proposed total 2024-25 budget of $8.564 million on Tuesday, April 23, one 10% higher than its current year’s total budget. The proposed spending plan would allow the city to maintain all of its programs and staff.
Tickets on sale for Island Magic Luau & Show
LA GRANDE — Island Magic Luau & Show, an event celebrating Pacific Island culture will be conducted Saturday, May 18, at Eastern Oregon University. It will start at 5 p.m. with a dinner at the Hoke Union Building followed by a show at 7 p.m. at McKenzie Theater.
New winery taking shape in downtown La Grande
LA GRANDE — Kim Voelz’s goal has been to have her own winery. Voelz established K Voelz Wines in Sept. 2022 and the La Grande-based winery will host its spring release of wine on June 8 at its new tasting room and winery, The Cellar Door, 1104 Jefferson Ave.
Summer education programs run by the La Grande School District will be cut
LA GRANDE — The sounds of summer will not be as loud as they have been in past years on the education front in La Grande. The La Grande School District has learned it will not receive any funding from the State Learning Grant program in 2024. The Oregon Department of Education has announced that 50 school districts, charter schools and education service districts have automatically qualified for a total of $30 million in state Summer Learning Grant funds, Unfortunately the La Grande School District was not one of automatic qualifiers, according to Vice Superintendent Scott Carpenter.
Help “Fill the Boot” in Union & Umatilla counties to support local veterans
NORTHEAST OREGON — On Saturday, April 27, the Pacific Northwest Veterans Alliance and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon will join forces for the inaugural “Fill the Combat Boot” event. The fundraiser aims to support local veterans across Eastern Oregon, with all proceeds dedicated to assisting veterans...
Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation’s Annual Gala Breaks Fundraising Record
LA GRANDE – (Release from the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation) The Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the results of its Then and Now Gala, sponsored by US Bank. The sold-out event took place Saturday, April 6, at Eastern Oregon University’s Loso Hall and raised more than $708,000 including a $674,200 paddle raise appeal. All proceeds go towards the Healthier Together Campaign, which is helping to expand capacity and access at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics (GRH).
LHS presents comedic murder mystery
LA GRANDE — La Grande High School invites the community to a spring production of "Out of the Frying Pan" on April 26 and April 27 in the LHS auditorium. The play is a murder mystery but also a "classic comedy," according to the announcement. Written by Francis Swann, the high school production is directed by Robert Gould and McKayla Rollins.
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