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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (April 14, 2020)
COMMUNITY TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 THE OBSERVER — 3A OBITUARIES COMMUNITY Meetings Don E. Wood Union LA GRANDE — Union County Incident Manage- ment Team will hold a public meeting Wednesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. to discuss the local response to COVID-19. Due to physical distancing re- quirements, the meeting will be virtual and live-streamed on the NE Oregon Joint Information Center Facebook page. The team, Union County Board of Commissioners, Grande Ronde Hospital, Cen- ter for Human Development/ Union County Public Health, local emergency services and law enforcement, Eastern Oregon University and cities will participate in the meeting from various remote locations. The public may submit COVID-19 related questions for meeting participants by email to neoregonjic@gmail. com. The questions will be discussed during the lives- tream as time allows. For more information, call the NE Oregon Joint Infor- Don E. Wood, 91, of Union, died March 5. As he requested, there will not be a formal service. Don was a veteran and spent most of his career working in various saw- mills during the timber and lumber heydays. He was a prolifi c reader and avid walker, main- taining his fi tness and vigor to the very end. Surviving relatives include his daughter, Denise; one grandchild; sister, Shirley; and his sig- nifi cant other, Wendy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana; son, Dallas; and sister, Nellie Mae. Virginia (Anderson) Johnson La Grande • 1921-2020 Virginia Johnson, 98, of La Grande, died April 6 at her home. A family grave- side service took place April 13. Arrange- ments by Dan- iels-Knopp Funeral, Cre- mation & Life Celebration Center. Virginia was born May 16, 1921, in Union, to Leo and Evelyn Anderson. She was raised in Union and graduated from Union High School. She married Alfred Johnson in December 1941. Virginia enjoyed playing the piano and taught piano lessons for many years. She also enjoyed doing genealogy, spending time with her family and reading. Virginia was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. Surviving relatives include her husband, Alfred; sons, Keith of Dispatchers, officers implement new screening protocols to minimize risks Scholarship awards postponed due to virus JOSEPH — DeWuhs-Ke- ckritz Educational Trust is postponing the 2020 awards due to the coronavirus. These awards will be made as soon as possible to correspond with the fi scal college/univer- sity year by second semes- ter. For more information, call Cheryl at 541-910-1645. Founded in 2000, the DeWuhs-Keckritz Educational Trust is a private foundation based in Joseph. The trust offers scholarships to high school graduates in Union and Wallowa counties. By Sabrina Thompson The Observer LA GRANDE — Calls to law enforcement have decreased since Gov. Kate Brown issued a stay home order. As one of the essen- tial services that remains operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, the local police department is Cove grad completes military police training La Grande Shirley Gerlinsky, 82, of La Grande, died April 11 at a local care facility. Arrangements by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Mary E. McKague La Grande Mary E. McKague, 89, of La Grande, died April adapting to a new normal. La Grande police Sgt. Jason Hays said the depart- ment received 1,132 calls in February, before the stay home order went into effect. In March, with most people inside, calls dropped to 1,064. In March 2019 the police received 1,183 calls. Dispatchers also are changing what they do. In addition to usual questions, such as the nature of the sit- uation and the location, dis- patchers now ask screening questions regarding COVID-19 in case an offi cer needs to respond. Offi cers do their best to maintain the minimum 6-feet social distancing rule, and if necessary, don personal protective equip- ment. In the case of an arrest where the suspect shows signs of illness, police ask the person to put on a mask. After taking someone to jail, police clean their vehicle. Jail staff also screen incoming inmates for COVID-19 symptoms. “We are conducting business as normally as possible under the circum- stances while utilizing social distancing practices, good hand washing tech- niques, wearing personal protective equipment, sani- tizing our spaces and using By Sabrina Thompson able to be present.” Other donations to Grande Ronde Retirement Residence from commu- nity members and orga- nizations include masks, jewelry and treats for the staff. The retirement resi- dence is ensuring resident safety from the spread of COVID-19 by washing and disinfecting donations per The Observer COVE — Private Lillian Claire Perry, a 2019 graduate of Cove High School, gradu- ated from Military Police One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on Feb. 18, 2020. The grand- daughter of Christine and Richard Miller of Cove, she was home for two weeks and is now stationed at Fort Drum, New York, with the 91st Military Police Battalion. LA GRANDE — Bar- bara and Vernon Hawks, who own Grande Ronde Embroidery, embroi- dered around 100 hats and bags with “LG” — a La Grande logo — and donated them last week to the Grande Ronde Retirement Residence. The Hawks completed the hats and bags over a three-day period. The bags have embroidered phrases such as “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Bee Happy” with a bumblebee. Barbara Hawks had the idea after seeing a posting from the retirement home asking for donations for its residence. “The residents have been in lockdown for a long time. They’re in their rooms so it a pretty lonely place,” she said. “We wanted to do something for the residents and staff and let them know someone loves them and cares for them.” Grande Ronde Retire- Union County students gain BMCC honor roll PENDLETON — Blue Mountain Community College winter term 2019-20 honor roll recognition went to the following full-time stu- dents from Union County: President’s List (3.75- 4.00 GPA): Stacey Adams, Roper Bingham, Benjamin Blackwell, Terrance Cambell, Alyssa Pratt, Jessica Reyn- olds, Kassondra Rossi, Adara Spring, Michelle Williams, Erin Winterton, Isaac Zamora Vice President’s List (3.50- 3.74): Harmony Collier, Tonya Evans, Tanner Lee, Logan Nedrow 12 at a local care facility. Arrangements by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. a screening process to mini- mize risk,” Hays said. While some complaints have come in from citizens seeing people not practicing social distancing, police are not citing or arresting people for not following such measures. Rather, offi - cers are educating people on the importance of the remaining a minimum of 6 feet apart. For the most part, Hays said, people are following the social dis- tancing order. FRIDAY 1:17 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2400 block of Pine Street on a report of a domestic disturbance involving a juvenile. Offi cers resolved the situation. 1:30 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce received a report about drug activity on the 100 block of North 13th Avenue, Elgin. 1:38 p.m. — A caller report- ed vandalism on the 66000 block of Imbler Road, Imbler. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and took a report. 6:12 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested Marcus Sean Hall, 25, for vio- lating a stalking order. 8:31 p.m. — A North Powder called complained about someone setting off fi reworks in the area of Fifth and A streets. A Union County sher- iff’s deputy checked out the scene but did not fi nd anyone with fi reworks. 9:47 p.m. — La Grande po- lice received a complaint about vandalism on the 2200 block of Fir Street. Police took a report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, according to Johnson. Hawks said they took steps so the items they made do not put people at risk, including washing and disinfecting items before donating. Johnson said the res- idents enjoyed their new gifts. Photo contributed by Grande Ronde Retirement Residence Grande Ronde Retirement Residence resident Duane Ger- maelich received a new shopping bag embroidered with “Live, Laugh Love,” a gift from Grande Ronde Embroidery in an effort to lift spirits and build a sense of community while the residents are isolated due to the coronavirus. ment Residence’s executive director Melody Johnson explained, “We accepted the donation because right now our residents need a sense of community. By giving them things our community partners have made them feel like people care even when they aren’t FAMILY OWNED PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT ple Street complained about a vehicle blocking the driveway. 3:04 p.m. — A Union resi- dent called to complain about a theft. A Union County sher- iff’s deputy responded, and the caller decided not to pursue a case. The deputy explained options. 11:01 p.m. — A caller com- plained about too much noise from a property on the 11000 block of South McAlister Road, Island City. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded, and the people involved decid- ed to turn down the music. 215 Elm Street La Grande (541) 963-5440 northwestfurnitureandmattress.com PROTECTING our Residents during this Pandemic SUNDAY Starting the funnest phase of your life 2:40 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested Rebekah Rose Banyard, 28, of La Grande, on accusations of driving under the infl uence of intoxicants. 3:02 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1000 block of Frontier Court on a report of a juvenile who was out of control. An offi cer talked to the people involved and explained options. 6:15 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- ceived a noise complaint on the 10500 block of West First Street, Island City. 7:39 p.m. — La Grande po- lice received a complaint from the 900 block of O Avenue about underage drinking. An offi cer arrived and counseled the subject. 1809 Gekeler Ln. La Grande The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. 10106 N. ‘C’ • Island City Kenneth Mathias Richter August 20, 1939 - April 9, 2020 Kenneth (Ken) Mathias Richter of Union, Oregon died Thursday April 9 th , 2020. Born on August 20, 1939 in Geribaldi, Oregon Ken was the young- est child of Mathias and Margaret Rich- ter. Ken spent his childhood in Donald, Oregon and attend- ed North Marion High School where he excelled at all sports and graduated in 1957. Afterwards he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he became a butcher. He married Susan Hammer on September 7 th , 1963 and had three children Melissa O’Gorman, Kenneth Richter Jr., and Heather Richter-Thorp. He later divorced. Ken spent most of his work life as the meat department manager at several different Safeway locations in Oregon. After re- tirement he worked for Bonneville Dam where he hazed sea lions. With his infectious smile, insane wit, and positive attitude Ken made friends everywhere he went. He immensely enjoyed hunting, fishing, scouting deer and elk, elk camp with friends and family, sharing all kinds of stories, camping, canning, inner tubing down the snake river, fishing in Pacific City, his son Kenny’s country music, Gonzaga basketball, the Catholic Church, trips to Troy with his best friend King, off colored jokes, laughter, his pipe and an afternoon drink. Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father Margaret and Mathias Richter, brothers Allen and Lewis Richter, his daughter Melissa O’Gorman, son Kenneth Richter Jr., nephew Matt Richter and many in-laws and close friends. He is survived by daughter Heather Richter-Thorp, sisters Mary Erb, Loraine Gianella, and Dorothy Koebel, grandchildren Joshua O’Gorman, Sarah O’Gorman, Boon and Kazner Richter and Kaden Thorp. He also is survived by nieces Shannon Johnston, Robin Butts, Becky Richter-Dilly, nephews Fritz Richter, Bob, Jim and Mike Erb, Nick and Joe Richter, Phillip and Keith Gianella, his family at Jodi’s Adult Foster Home, his Troy fishing wife King Spain and numerous friends. The family would like to give special thanks to Jodi George for the amazing care and love she showed Ken during the last year of his life and the support she has shown his family after his death. Additional thanks to Daniel’s funeral home for arrangements. Services will be held at a later date due to the current national health crisis. 541-963-4700 An Independent Insurance Agency Reed & Associates for excellent service LOCALLY! Nicole Cathey Shirley Gerlinsky Grande Ronde Embroidery gives gifts to retirement community Honors 8:20 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 700 block of 20th Street on a call about the theft of coins from a machine. An offi cer took a report. 10:28 a.m. — A La Grande caller on the 2800 block of Ma- Upcoming local services are pending due to efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Law enforcement agencies adapt to new normal Briefs SATURDAY La Grande, Paul of St. George, Utah, and Rus- sell of Salem; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Leo Anderson, and sister, Niola Jones. 541-975-1364 Medicare, Auto, Home insurance and Annuities Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 www.reed-insurance.net Kevin Reed
