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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (July 7, 2020)
COMMUNITY TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 COMMUNITY Meetings • COVE — The city of Cove will hold its regular council meeting today, July 7, at 7 p.m. Attendance of the meeting will be available vir- tually. To attend using your smartphone, tablet or com- puter, go to www.goto- meet.me/CityofCove. To call in, dial 1-877-309-2073 (toll free) or 1-312-757-3129. The Access Code is 566-891-733. For more instructions, go to www.cityofcove.org or email cityadmin@cityofcove.org for a link. • ISLAND CITY — The Union Soil and Water Conserva- tion District Board will have a call-in meeting beginning at 7 p.m. July 8. Go to union- swcd.org to view the call-in details. Principal subjects to be discussed are monthly fi nancial statements, staff reports and partner agency reports. Call Christopher Moats, natural resources con- servationist, at 541-963-1313 or go to www.unionswcd.org for more information. • UNION — The Union School Board will meet July 8 at 6 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting. The public will be able to watch and participate in the meeting virtually. For information on watching or participating in the meeting via Zoom, call the Union School District at 541-562-6115 or go to www.union.k12.or.us. • LA GRANDE — The La Grande School District’s board of directors will con- vene for a special board meeting along with a superin- tendent and board retreat Sat- urday, July 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the AV Auditorium at La Grande High School, 708 K Ave. Due to COVID-19, phys- ical distancing protocols will be in place. OBITUARIES Donald J. ‘Joe’ Prett i 1954-2020 • Cove Donald Joseph “Joe” Pretti, 65, of Cove, died June 29 at his residence. At his request there will not be a service. Known as Joe, he was born July 3, 1954, in Rifl e, Colorado, to Donald and Donna (Hatton) Pretti. He graduated from Rifl e High School. Joe was employed as a master mechanic in the auto- mobile industry. If it had a motor, he could fi x it. He enjoyed hunting and playing with his dogs. Football and baseball were his favorite sports. He would say his greatest accomplishments were his children and grand- children, and he especially loved watching them play sports. Surviving relatives include his daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Chad Jensen of Huntington Beach, California, and Nicole and Doug Worsech of Union; son, Dylan Pretti of Cove; sisters, Linda Hansen and Sharon Fazzi, both of Silt, Colorado; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Linda Pretti of Elizabeth, Colorado; three grandchil- dren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Donna Pretti, and broth- er-in-law, Alvin Hansen. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel. com. Paul D. Wagoner 1935-2020 • La Grande Paul Duane Wagoner, 85, of La Grande, died June 25 at his residence. A celebra- tion of his life will be held at Indian Rock at a later date. Paul was born Feb. 10, 1935, in La Grande, to James and Leva (Street) Wagoner. He attended Imbler High School. On Sept. 27, 1952, he married Barbara Loy Newcomb of Summerville. Paul lived in Summerville from 1965 to 2016, when he moved to La Grande. Paul was a conductor with the Union Pacifi c Rail- road for 41 years. He enjoyed hunting, fi shing, spending time at the family’s Sumpter property and gambling at Wildhorse Casino. He was a wonderful provider, husband and father whose greatest joy was spending time with the love of his life, his children and grandchildren. Surviving relatives include his wife, Barbara; children and their spouses, Orrin Duane and Lucy Wag- oner of Elgin, Larry Lee and Lorna Wagoner of Cove, Michael Ray and Marcie Wagoner of Union, and Dar- lene and Jim Arritola of La Grande; brothers and sis- ters-in-law, Bill and Roma Wagoner of Hawaii, Lennie and Connie Wagoner of La Grande, Myron and Judy Wagoner of Alaska, and John Wagoner of California; sisters and brothers-in-law, Trula and Wayne Wallace of Summerville, Becky and John Weygandt of Oregon, Raylene and Ted Wagner of Washington, and Jane and Gary Stroud of Utah; and 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Leva Wagoner; stepmother, Essie Wagoner; brother, Leo Wagoner; son, Terry L. Wag- oner; and grandchild, Isa- bella Smith. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel. com. Frances Guenert La Grande Frances Guenert, 77, of La Grande, died July 2 at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Kimberly A. (McConnell) Eldridge 1992-2020 • La Grande Kimberly Ann Eldridge, 27, of La Grande, died June 30 after fi ghting a valiant battle with brain cancer. Her family will hold a pri- vate memorial service at a later time. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Known as Kim, she was born Sept. 5, 1992, in Pend- leton, to Richard McConnell PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT WEDNESDAY 7:10 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of possible sex crime. 7:57 a.m. — A La Grande resident reported a burglary on the 100 block of 20th Street. An offi cer responded. 12:38 p.m. — A La Grande resident reported a case of pos- sible fraud. Police took a report. 7:23 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about fi re- works on the 600 block of South 18th Street. Another caller at 9:24 p.m. complained about fi reworks going off at O Avenue and Walnut Street, La Grande. THURSDAY 11:16 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s offi ce received a report of a burglary on the 10400 block of East First Street, Island City. 12:41 p.m. — A caller report- ed the theft of a trailer from the 100 block of South 20th Avenue, Elgin. 3:27 p.m. —The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce received several complaints from the 800 block of Galveston Street, Elgin, about fi reworks and excessive traffi c occurring at night. 9:14 p.m. — A La Grande caller complained about loud fi reworks on the 2600 block of Fourth Street. Another com- plaint about fi reworks came in at 10:08 p.m. from the 800 block of North First Street, Union. 11:06 p.m. — Law enforce- ment responded to Walton Road and Buchanan Lane, Island City, for a horse on the loose and helped return it to a pen. fi nd the culprits. 9:54 p.m. — The La Grande Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce began receiving noise complaints about illegal fi reworks going off. At least seven calls came in during several hours from North Powder, Elgin and areas in La Grande. SATURDAY 7:28 a.m. — La Grande police stopped a vehicle at O Avenue and Hall Street and discovered a stolen handgun in the vehicle. Police cited Catlin James Gunung, 54, for theft. 8:51 a.m. — Beehives fell from a vehicle onto Highway 237 in Union. A Union County sheriff’s deputy helped place the hives onto the vehicle. 2:42 p.m. — Juveniles at Pio- neer Park, La Grande, involved in a disturbance prompted a re- port to police. An offi cer arrived and separated the parties. 8:53 p.m. — La Grande police responded to a report of a burglary on the 2200 block of Gekeler Lane and took a report for burglary and theft. 8:49 p.m. — Callers began reporting illegal fi reworks. Com- plaints came in from La Grande, Island City, Union, Elgin and Cove. La Grande police and Union County sheriff’s deputies counseled several people during the span of a few hours, but often they found no one at the scene. SUNDAY 3:02 a.m. — La Grande police arrested Kenyon Davidson, 18, of La Grande, on an accusation of driving under the infl uence of intoxicants. 6:42 a.m. — Local law enforcement received four calls about lost dogs. One call came from Cove and the rest from New Name. Same Great Team. Same Exceptional Service. Travis T. Hampton, D.P.M. Foot and Ankle Surgeon FRIDAY 10:28 a.m. — A caller on the 800 block of West Arch Street, Union, reported a dog killed chickens. 11:56 a.m. — A caller reported possible animal neglect on the 65300 block of Crescent Road, Imbler. 8:26 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of unattended children on the 2000 block of Washington Avenue. Police found the children were fi ne and with their grandparents. 9:34 p.m. — A caller reported an assault 4 miles north of La Grande. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded, but no one on the scene wanted to report a crime. 9:38 p.m. — A caller reported juveniles breaking bottles on the 1500 block of Monroe Ave- nue, La Grande. Police did not UNION COUNTY SENIOR CENTER TAKEOUT LUNCH MENU Pickup 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at 1504 N. Albany St., La Grande. For delivery, call 541-963-7532 before 10 a.m. Age 60+, $3 suggest- ed donation; all others, $5. La Grande 1408 N Hall Street Enterprise 601 Medical Parkway Baker 3175 Pocahontas Rd. 541-963-0265 888-843-9090 www.GVfoot.com LESS STRESS MORE FUN! JULY 7-10 Tuesday: calzone, salad greens, fresh fruit, dessert. Wednesday: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, spinach salad, rolls, dessert. Thursday: beef bour- guignon over noodles, spinach salad, garlic bread, fresh fruit. Friday: soup, variety of salads, bread, fruit, cookies. THE OBSERVER — 3A PROTECTING our Residents during this Pandemic 1809 Gekeler Ln. La Grande 541-963-4700 La Grande. Two dogs returned home, one person kept a dog until someone could take it, and in one case no one found the dog. 2:56 p.m. — An intoxicated person at Pioneer Park, La Grande, called police. Dispatch was unsure of what the com- plaint was about, but offi cers responded. 7:55 p.m. — A caller reported people were throwing fi reworks at vehicles on the 1100 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. Police did not fi nd the people. 9:32 p.m. — A caller on the 1700 block of U Avenue, La Grande, reported illegal fi re- works going off. and Mary Connor-More- house. In 2011, she gradu- ated from La Grande High School, where she sang in choir and participated in many extracur- ricular activ- ities. Upon graduating, Kim lived on the Oregon Coast for a brief stint before returning to Eastern Oregon. It was during her time away that she met her husband, Nathan Eldridge. The two married in October 2018. Known for her gregar- ious personality, hilarious sense of humor and sincere heart for others, Kim was loved by all she came into contact with. Some of her favorite activities included reading, watching movies and quoting lines from fi lms. Her family was con- tinually awestruck by her ability to strike up friend- ships with others almost instantaneously. Kim was also known for her spontaneous antics, such as serenading her mom with the song “You’re My Inspi- ration” by Chicago and ran- domly calling her sister, Jessica, so they could sing Panic at the Disco lyrics at the top of their lungs. Her brother, Jeff, also credits her with helping him fi nd the love of his life, Heather. At an early age, Kim approached her and said, “You’re going to marry my brother someday.” Although her time on Upcoming local services July 25 — ALICE GIPSON: 2 p.m. celebra- tion of life; Ascension School, Cove. — Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande Earth was short, Kim lived a very full life. She was an active member of the Awana organization in her youth and enjoyed attending both Camp Elkanah and Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch. Kim later worked for Apple Eyecare in La Grande and was training to fulfi ll her dream of becoming an optician. She cited her job and coworkers as the source of a great deal of pride and joy in her life. Surviving relatives include her husband, Nathan Eldridge; father, Richard McConnell; mother, Mary Connor-Morehouse and hus- band, Robert; grandmother, Lois Connor; brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey McCo- nnell and Heather Thornton; sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Robert Boz- eman; two nieces and one nephew; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. FAMILY OWNED 215 Elm Street La Grande (541) 963-5440 northwestfurnitureandmattress.com Paul Edwin Howard July 13, 1957 - July 2, 2020 Paul Edwin Howard died Thurs- day, July 2, in Boise, Idaho. He was 62 years old. Paul was born July 13, 1957 in Portland, Oregon. The family sub- sequently moved to Summerville, Oregon, where Paul was baptized in the Baptist church. He grew up in Summerville and graduated from Imbler High School in l975. In his early years, he enjoyed the best of the Eastern Oregon out- doors, fishing and waterskiing. He liked horseback riding and entered his cows in 4-H competitions. In high school, Paul showcased his natural athletic talent as quarter- back of the football squad and a starter on the basketball team. Like his father, Jay, Paul spent quality time with automobiles, especially his 1969 383 Magnum Roadrunner. Paul’s car was well known in the valley as one of the fastest in the quarter mile. He took on many challengers with fast cars, but most could not beat his orange Roadrunner with the black vinyl top. In addition, he loved music and always wanted the best stereo equip- ment. In his early 20s, Paul developed a mental illness that altered the course of his life. He coped with it as best he could, following his medical regimen carefully and carrying on strongly and bravely in spite of the inevitable complications. Living independently was important to Paul, and he held down a job for nearly 25 years at the Center for Human Development in La Grande. In his off hours, he took great pride in looking after his mom, Carolyn, as she grew older. Paul tended her yard, walked Bella, a dog they both loved, and cleaned her house--a task in which he proved fastidious and precise. Paul also en- joyed spending time with, and taking care of, his girlfriend Carol, who shared with him a love of movies and music. To the end, people who knew him, including his doctor, praised his caring nature and his integrity. His cousin said Paul had a heart of gold. Paul always loved family time. He enjoyed several vacations on the Oregon coast with his cousin Jack. Recent trips to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon with sib- lings Greg, Susan, sister-in-law Julie, and niece Amica became highlights of Paul’s life. All of his family ad- mired his determination to persevere in spite of his life challenges and his brothers and sisters especially will always remember him for having modeled faith, courage and strength for them. They said of their brother, ‘He played the hand he was dealt and made the most of it. He never complained.” Paul’s saintly name- sake paid him a fitting tribute in the King James Bible: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Paul is survived by his mother, Carolyn, his brothers Greg (Julie) and John (Debbie), and sisters Susan (Matt) Vogler and Holly (Brian) Whitten, many nieces, nephews and grands and his friend, Carol. His family vows to honor his memory by living the values he embodied. Me- morial contributions in Paul’s mem- ory encouraged to Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
