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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (April 28, 2020)
COMMUNITY TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 OBITUARIES COMMUNITY Briefs Art Center East will offer online classes LA GRANDE —With the support of Eastern Oregon University’s information technology department, the Art Center East board is putting together the fi rst schedule of online classes. Teaching artists with creative ideas for moving the arts online should email Nancy Knowles at president@ artcentereast.org, and board members will assist artists with envisioning how the technology might work. If you would like to con- tribute to the effort to help ACE weather the COVID-19 crisis, you may donate to the center, become a mem- ber, buy a gift card online (https://squareup.com/gift/ B0G5FTKXE9J8F/order) for future classes or shopping, or make a purchase now (the Gift Gallery is open by appointment; go to https:// nknowles.youcanbook.me/). In the near future, ACE will have an online store avail- able for shopping the Gift Gallery at home. For more information. go to www. artcentereast.org or call 541-624-2800. THE OBSERVER — 3A Elen I. (Hartman) Johnson La Grande • 1934-2020 Elen Irene Johnson, 85, of La Grande, died April 7 at La Grande Post-Acute Rehab. A private family service is planned for May 2 in La Grande. Burial will be in Litchfi eld, Nebraska. Elen was born June 10, 1934, in Kiowa, Colo- rado, to “Tec” and Thelma (Bellamy) Hartman. Elen and her twin sister, Helen, joined an older brother, Bill, in the family. She attended fi rst grade at Hilltop School and then several years at Ashgrove School before the family moved to Denver, where Elen graduated from high school. At the age of 12, Elen chose to serve the Lord and endeavored to live her life with a love and appre- ciation for God. After graduating from high school, Elen worked at the Denver Telephone Company for six years. On July 28, 1956, she married Gordon Johnson at her parents’ home in Denver. They moved to Farnam, Nebraska, and then to Callaway, Nebraska. These years were spent farming and ranching, before they moved to Greeley, Colorado. In 1972, the family moved to Island City. Gordon and Elen farmed for 15 years until they retired and moved into La Grande. Elen enjoyed staying busy with work and hob- bies, including sewing, crocheting, cooking and many yard and garden projects. Later in life she loved to help her children, grandchildren and others with anything and every- thing. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. Surviving relatives include her children and their spouses, Lorinda and Don Blakely of La Grande, Dana and Sid Snow of Litchfi eld, Nebraska, Lyle Johnson of La Grande, Dale and Robin Johnson of La Grande, and Jenell and Mike Howland of Cottage Elgin Lions make and donate face masks Upcoming local services are pending due to efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Eva W. Bennett Gage Litt le La Grande Elgin Eva W. Bennett, 95, of La Grande, died April 26 at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Gage Little, 21, of Elgin, died April 26. Arrange- ments are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. ATV crash leaves 1 dead LA GRANDE — Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce reported a side- by-side all-terrain vehicle crash Sunday that resulted in one death. The wreck occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on Pumpkin Ridge Road, according to the press release from the sheriff’s offi ce, and involved one driver and passenger in the vehicle. The driver, Gage D. Little, 21, died at the Beautifi cation Awards Program now taking nominations LA GRANDE — The city of La Grande Community Landscape and Forestry Commission recognizes efforts to maintain and improve the beauty of La Grande’s environment through outstanding land- scape maintenance and design. Seasonal awards are giv- en to residential and com- mercial properties that have been carefully landscaped and attract the viewer. These landscapes must be seen from public access. For more information or to submit a nomination, email trees@cityofl agrande. org or call 541-663-1952. The nomination deadline for the spring awards is May 25. Grove; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many other foster and step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who called her grandma; brother, Bill Hartman of Aurora, Colorado; sister, Helen Snow of Litchfi eld, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Raymond Johnson; and nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. scene, the sheriff’s offi ce reported. The passenger was injured and received an ambulance to Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande. The sheriff’s offi ce did not release the identity of the passenger. The sheriff’s offi ce also reported the crash remains under investigation and the Union County District Attorney’s Offi ce is han- dling inquires. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT THURSDAY Submitted by Gerald Hopkins ELGIN — Members of the Elgin Lions Club have been busy doing their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by making face masks to give to the public. President Kathy Oli- ver has already made more than 75 masks that have been distributed to Elgin businesses, friends and other Lions members. BANNERS Continued from Page 1A installed the banners Friday on the poles. The displays are 2 feet by 4 feet with color photos of each mem- bers of the graduating class, which likely will not have a traditional graduation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillips and Rio- mondo volunteered their time to put up the ban- ners, which are each 15 feet above the ground. “Hopefully these kids will be proud of them, that is all that matters,” Phil- lips said. “This is all about the kids. They are the ones being shortchanged.” The project was the Staff photo by Dick Mason brainchild of several Union Paul Phillips of the Union Public Works Department on Friday installs banners of graduat- ing Union High School seniors Jacie Kromwall and Brianna Kohr. High School parents who read on Facebook about a wonderful way to salute another school outside the said Johansen, whose to have them representing a class that is exceptionally region putting up banners, daughter, Brianna Kohr, is us when times are tough,” tight-knit. said Kari Coon. She and a member of the UHS class Kohr said. “It is very close,” Clark other parents sprang into of 2020. Hunter Coon said he said. action. Johansen said she would has been impressed with “When we saw that, we She added the class is like the banners to become the response of Union res- thought, ‘We have to make backed by parents who are part of a senior class tradi- idents, noting that many this happen,’” Coon said. “super supportive.” tion in the future. people have been stopping The parents found a Clark also said the ban- Kohr said her class of and taking photos of them. Pendleton company, Cre- ners give everyone a chance 2020 is fortunate to have “It is a great way to get ative Signs, Screen Printing to honor UHS’s seniors, such strong support from its the community involved and Embroidery, to pro- including those who would parents. (with the high school),” he duce the banners. The par- not have attended the “We are very thankful said. ents then sent a message to school’s commencement. Union High’s seniors asking Rhondie Johansen, them to email their senior a fi rst-grade teacher at VOTE portraits for the project. Union Elementary, said Coon said they had no she likes the way the ban- trouble getting the seniors ners brighten Main Street to send in the photos. and added they reveal how Producing and installing much the people of Union each banner cost $100, care about their school including the brackets, district. OTEC which the city of Union “We are blessed to have Board of Directors sprung for. The city will use a community that is very Position 3 the devices for other dis- supportive of our school,” Harney County plays after the student ban- ners come down in about Raised in Grant County and a Harney County two months, Phillips said. Resident for 37+ years, my entire working career has Money for the produc- tion of the banners came been in customer service (US Bank, small business from Union High’s senior owner, and ODFW). I hope to continue that service fund. Members of the class for the member-owners of Oregon Trail Electric. Now of 2020 have been raising www.lagrandeautorepair.com retired, I have the time and energy to work with the money for the fund since OTEC Board and offer a fresh perspective to continue MOST the students were in seventh to provide reasonable, reliable power for you. ADVANCED grade. TECHNOLOGY Mendy Clark, the Union AVAILABLE School District’s deputy ACDelcoTSS clerk, said the banners are Joe Horst 11:21 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2200 block of Gekeler Lane on a report of a juvenile causing a disturbance. Police left after giving a citation for minor in possession of marijuana. 11:27 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of an attempted break-in at Forestry Sciences Laborato- ry, 1401 Gekeler Lane. Police agreed to provide extra patrols. 5:07 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- sponded to a report of van- dalism on the 10400 block of Walton Road, Island City. FRIDAY 2:32 a.m. — A caller com- plained about a loud party on the 1500 block of Adele Terrace, Elgin. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and resolved the complaint. 10:22 a.m. — Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested David Michael Denham, 27, of La Grande, for fi rst-degree theft, third-degree burglary, criminal conspiracy and trespassing. 11:02 a.m. — A caller re- ported animal neglect on the 300 block of West Arch Street, Union. 11:16 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrest- ed Nathan Russell Osterloh, 34, an inmate in the Union County Jail, La Grande, on a warrant for fi rst- and sec- ond-degree burglary, fi rst-de- gree theft, criminal conspiracy and trespassing. 5:50 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1300 block of N Avenue on a report of criminal mistreatment. 8:21 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- sponded to the 10800 block of Walton Road, Island City, on a report of a fi ght. Deputies resolved the situation. SATURDAY 4:19 a.m. — La Grande police received a noise complaint on the 1800 block of 26th Street. An offi cer responded and talked to the people involved. 5:24 p.m. — La Grande police and fi re responded to the Moon Motel, 2116 Adams Ave., for a fi re in a garage. Other agencies also respond- ed. Crews contained the fi re to the garage and there were no injuries. SUNDAY Oregon State Police arrest- ed Michael Duane Lee, 32, of Union, for driving under the infl uence of intoxicants, hit- and-run involving a person, third-degree assault and violating probation. 8:22 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of a burglary on the 300 block of Fourth Street. An offi cer responded and took a report. 3:24 p.m. — Local law enforcement received a report of someone tampering with an ankle alarm. 3:47 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- ceived a report of a burglary on the 300 block of G Street, North Powder. 4:55 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2200 block of Greenwood Street and took a report for vandal- ism. PROTECTING our Residents during this Pandemic Starting the funnest phase of your life LAURIE DRAPER La GRANDE AUTO REPAIR 975-2000 1809 Gekeler Ln. La Grande I ask for your vote. An Independent Insurance Agency Reed & Associates for excellent service LOCALLY! Nicole Cathey 10106 N. ‘C’ • Island City 541-975-1364 Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 541-963-4700 Medicare, Auto, Home insurance and Annuities www.reed-insurance.net Kevin Reed
