The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current, May 02, 2020, Weekend Edition, Image 2

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The Observer., May 02, 2020, Weekend Edition, Page 2, Image 2

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Newspaper Page Text2A — THE OBSERVER SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020 LOCAL DAILY La Grande’s proposed budget increases more than 3.6% PLANNER Police, fire take  TODAY Today is Saturday, May 2, the 123rd day of 2020. There are 243 days left in the year. TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT On May 2, 1994, Nelson Mandela claimed victory in the wake of South Africa’s ﬁ rst democratic elections; President F.W. de Klerk acknowledged defeat. LOTTERY Megabucks: $3.8 million 13-15-18-28-44-46 Mega Millions: $200 million 13-19-53-54-63-17 x3 Powerball: $51 million 2-20-49-61-67—PB-20 x2 Win for Life: April 29 15-24-36-55 Pick 4: April 30 • 1 p.m.: 8-5-8-8; • 4 p.m.: 9-9-7-2 • 7 p.m.: 7-1-0-7; • 10 p.m.: 2-9-7-8 Pick 4: April 29 • 1 p.m.: 9-4-6-9; • 4 p.m.: 5-0-8-1 • 7 p.m.: 3-3-6-6; • 10 p.m.: 0-0-8-5 DELIVERY ISSUES? If you have any problems receiving your Observer, call the ofﬁ ce at 541-963-3161. TODAY’S QUOTE “What experience and history teach is this: that people and governments have never learned anything from history.” — Georg Wilhelm Fried- rich Hegel, German philoso- pher (1770-1831) small dips, public works gets boost By Ronald Bond The Observer LA GRANDE — The La Grande Budge Com- mittee approved a bud- geting topping $51 million for the 2020-21 ﬁ scal year. The proposed budget is $1.81 million more than the 2019-20 budget, an increase of about 3.7% The city also enters the upcoming ﬁ scal year debt free, having repaid all “borrowed money for improvements to buildings, water and sewer systems, streets or large equipment,” according to the budget proposal. City Manager Robert Strope said the city could absorb some lost revenue — which there likely could be this year as a result of the coronavirus — and not see its expenditures take a hit. He also said there will be an impact on what the city receives in gas tax funds, but indicated the city still is waiting on a forecast from NEWS BRIEFS OSP asks for help in hit-and-run crash LA GRANDE — Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s help in identifying a semi driver who caused a crash and kept rolling. Troopers on Wednesday at 5:47 p.m. responded to a hit-and-run crash on Inter- state 84 near milepost 277, about 14 miles southeast of La Grande. Troopers found a Mazda 626 in the median. The driver, Robert Floyd, 56, of North Powder, had minor injuries. Floyd told troopers he was passing a semitrailer when it changed lanes, striking his car and causing him to lose control. The Mazda rolled several times before coming to a stop. Another semi driver had a dash camera going and recorded the wreck: https:// youtu.be/yFCVzm_ux_g The semi in the crash had Ontario, Canada, license plates. Oregon State Police is asking anyone who may have information regarding the semi or its driver to call the OSP dis- patch at 800-442-2068 or *OSP and reference case SP-20-112219. Fire hydrant testing continues LA GRANDE — The city of La Grande is con- tinuing its semi-annual ﬁ re hydrant testing and main- tenance program to check water availability for ﬁ re- ﬁ ghting and rid the city’s water distribution system of sedimentation deposits. The city in a press release reported it has a higher than normal amount of sedimentation deposits, thus resulting in periodic water clarity problems. In a normal year, most residents would be at work during the tests, according to the city, but due to the COVID-19 quarantine, more people are using water when the tests stir up the sediment. “Be aware, although the water may be discolored or have a slight odor,” the city reported, “it has still been treated and meets the requirements for potable water. We are working our way through the system as efﬁ ciently as possible, but expect periods in which discolored water will be encountered.” Residents who have unusual water clarity prob- lems during the hydrant ﬂ ushing should turn on a cold-water faucet outside (if possible) and let it run for 10-15 minutes. This will normally clear up the agi- tated water from the service the governor’s ofﬁ ce before he will know what the rev- enue loss could be. Most of the city’s departments or funds are within 10% — increased or decreased — of the total from the prior year, according to the budget pro- posal, which is on the city’s website. The general fund is for 2020-21 is at about $14.8 million, a drop of just less than 2% from the roughly $15.1 million in the general fund a year ago. A notable change that came out of the committee meeting was the decision to take one-third of the city’s proposed con- tingency fund — which was a proposed total of $750,000 for the upcoming year — and move it into the council manager’s budget for 2020-21 to meet needs that would be speciﬁ cally related to the coronavirus. The budget for the city’s police department also is down from last year, sitting at $3.56 million, a decrease of about $71,000 from a year ago. This is because a software upgrade has its ﬁ rst year of maintenance in the purchase cost. The budget for the city’s ﬁ re and emergency services department is just more than 9% lower at about $2.7 costs after a toll of about $660,000 last year. Water and sewer reserves have an increased proposal of about 20%. Of the $51 million in the budget, the city is carrying over close to $23 million in “beginning resources” from 2019-20, and roughly $20 million of the funding comes from taxes, fees and other charges. The city’s Urban Renewal Agency general fund is close to 13% higher at $1,734,546. The city council will vote on the budget before July 1, when it has to go into effect. Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics proudly welcomes: Ellen Barlow, FNP-C To the GRH Regional Medical Clinic team as a Primary Care Provider (PCP) Ellen Barlow, FNP-C, joins the GRH Regional Medical Clinic from Boise, Idaho, where she worked as a registered nurse in a busy emergency department for the past several years. She completed her Master's Degree at Gonzaga University, and her undergraduate degree at Boise State University. Ellen has background as a Union Hotshots wildland firefighter and EMT, and looks forward to utilizing her diverse set of skills to transition into her new role as a primary care family nurse practitioner. She has a particular interest in developing a long-term relationship with each of her patients, while empowering them to attain their health goals. Ellen was born and raised here in La Grande, and is eager to return to her roots with her husband and two dogs. She looks forward to enjoying all the outdoor activities that Eastern Oregon has to offer. GRH Regional Medical Clinic 506 4th Street, La Grande • 541.663.3138 • grh.org/RMC/ Now accepting new patients! Ellen Barlow, FNP-C Learn more about Ellen in our online Provider Directory at www.grh.org today! RE-ELECT Photo contributed by Oregon State Police Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s help in identifying this semitrailer that caused a car to crash Wednesday on Interstate 84 near milepost 277. line. For other problems, call the La Grande Public Works Department at 541-962-1325. The city reported it expects to conduct the tests Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until it has ﬂ ushed every hydrant. “We have currently worked through approx- imately half of the city,” according to the press release, “and will attempt to keep locations of future work areas updated on our Facebook page.” La Grande man faces felonies from crash LA GRANDE — Michael Duane Lee of La Grande is out of jail on a security release agree- ment while he faces felony charges stemming from a crash. Oregon State Police troopers responded Sunday afternoon to a crash on Highway 203 in North Powder where the driver ﬂ ed after the wreck ejected a 23-year-old woman. According to state police, a trooper found the pickup at a home in North Powder, where Lee was in the backyard, passed out in a lawn chair. Lee failed a sobriety test and was arrested on accusations of driving under the inﬂ u- ence of intoxicants, failure to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person and third-degree assault. He later gave a breath sample that tested his blood-alcohol content at 0.16%, twice the .08% legal limit. Lee, 32, signed the release deal Wednesday. His next court appearance is May 26. BOYD RASMUSSEN for SHERIFF “I worked with Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen when I was Union County Commissioner and now as a local educator. I have no doubt he is the best candidate for Sheriff and he has my full support in this election. Please join me in voting for Boyd.” John Lamoreau Boyd understands our community and how important it is to keep it safe as he has a vested interest in maintaining the rural lifestyle we enjoy in this valley. We need his experience and management skills for another four years! urge you to vote for Boyd Rasmussen. Skip Pereira We are voting for Boyd Rasmussen for Union County Sheriff because of the job he has done for our communities. We do not know every deputy, but the ones we come into contact with are courteous and helpful. We believe that is tribute to their leader, Boyd Rasmussen. We feel safe living in Union County. We appreciate the efforts of our ofﬁcers and encourage others to consider electing Boyd Rasmussen in the May election. Doug & Patty Hislop (local educators) WE SUPPORT SHERIFF BOYD RASMUSSEN Joaquin Grant Gregory Acres Craig Nightingale Gordon and Barbara Gribling Fred Alexis David R. Orcutt Gary and Ginny Hager Walt and Linda Anderson Chris and Linda Panike Risa Hallgarth Katherine Austin Michael and Tracy Partney Andy and Cindy Hale Martha J. Bailey Ralph Patterson Mr and Mrs Boyd Harmon Greg Barreto Tony Pedro Mark and Linda Harris Greg M. Baxter Skip Pereira Phil and Trudy Hassinger Sharon Beck Joseph and Cathy Petrusek Jamie and Mike Hicks Dan Bellmore Howard and Suzanne Perry Lanny Hildebrandt Wes and Teri Berry Tim and Jenny Phelps Doug and Patty Hislop Austin & Jeana Bingaman Wes and Marie Rampton Dixie Hofmann Ross and Carrie Bingaman Mike and Nikki Robertson Bart Hoffman Russel and Patty Bingaman Amy and Gunnar Rolf Curt and Annette Howell Wade and Angie Bingaman Robb Rea Tod and Angel Hull Julie Bodﬁsh G and Val Royes Brent and Donna Huntsman Jack and Jennifer Boyd Brett Rudd Matt and Melanie Insko Kem Brainerd Todd and Gidget Sannar Sonny and Mary Jane Johnson Jim Brainerd Terry and Annie Secl Don’s Lawn Service (Don Junker) Keith and Helen Brindell Ed Schmittle All Air HVAC Service (Scott Kaber) Betty Bronson Lance C. Shoemaker Bruce and Karen Kevan JD and Audrey Cant Rick Simmonis Ken Knott Christine Carlson Mark Simmons Jim Kopp Shari Carpenter Troy Simmons Alicia Koller John Cavin Wayne and Ernestine Simonis Dave and Zee Koza Cathie Clark Doyle and Connie Slater Ken and Beccy Kramer Wendy Clerget Betty Sprenger Barney Kuensting Lynn and Jody Combe Linda and Sheldon Strand John Lamoreau John C Cuthbert Andy and Julie Tarvin Denny and Colleen Langford D.R.C.’s Property Management Inc Billy Taylor Eric Laurence Aaron and Hilary Dahle Bill Teeter Marc Lee Larry and Edna Davidson Terry and Kathy Thimmes Todd and Melanie Livingston Loren and Michelle Davidson Sean White Lee and Edith Lowe Joe and Erin Davidson Tom and Karen Waldrip Rich McConnell William A and Sharon DeLashmutt Don and Lila Waldrop Dan and Nancy McDonald Cresta DeLint Bob and Kathy Walker Mike McLean Ves and Lois Doty Kris and Bud Walker Jim and Rita McMahan Allan and Michelle Duffy Hank Warg Bill and Stacy Merrigan Bonnie Dunn Guy and Peggy Weishaar Michelle McKinney Kent Dutson Theora Mickey Mary West (Imbler) Verl Miller and Kathryn Lusk Brock Eckstein Mary West (Elgin) Glenn and Anita McIntosh John and Melissa Fullerton Bev White Rick and Janice Muilenburg Dr Gerrie Gardner Mike Wisdom Steve Neumann Randy and Pam Glenn Bill and Linda Whittemore Maureen O’Connell James and Tracey Gorham Rich and Rachel Zinzer Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Boyd Rasmussen Sheriﬀ, Rita McMahan, Treasurer, 62436 Mink, Summerville An Independent Insurance Agency Reed & Associates for excellent service LOCALLY! Nicole Cathey million. The drop is due to lower funding for PERS and medical, dental and vision insurance to meet the level for six entry-level employees the department added. The costs of both depart- ments match what they requested from the city for the upcoming year. The highest increase in proposed expenses is in the Public Works Department, which has almost $27.5 mil- lion for the upcoming year, a jump of nearly 10%. The largest spike within public works is in street mainte- nance, which has just more than $1 million in proposed 10106 N. ‘C’ • Island City 541-975-1364 Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 Medicare, Auto, Home insurance and Annuities www.reed-insurance.net Kevin Reed