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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (July 21, 2020)
COMMUNITY TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 OBITUARIES COMMUNITY Meetings Dave M. Murrill • UNION — The Union Rural Fire Protection District board will meet July 21 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. For instructions on attending, email union.rfpd@ outlook.com. Briefs Live webinar offered for fi rst-time home buyers HERMISTON — The UEC Business Resource Center, based in Hermiston, an- nounced a free webinar will be held July 21 at 5:30 p.m. for fi rst-time home buyers in Northeast Oregon. The live webinar will help prospective buyers prepare to purchase their fi rst home. To register and for log-in information, email uecbrc@gmail.com or call 541-289-3000 as soon as possible. Riverside Storywalk delayed LA GRANDE — Cook Me- morial Library began moving its Storywalk project forward in May as an opportunity to encourage reading and exer- cise. However, the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with the schedule, and recent construction issues have fur- ther delayed the project. The Riverside Park Storywalk will be permanent and display a variety of books. The fi rst will be “My Octopus Arms” by local artist Keith Baker, a children’s book about all the things you can do with your hands and arms. The project is a collaboration between the library and the La Grande Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments. Honors Local students earn higher education academic distinction, degrees LA GRANDE — The fol- lowing students, all hailing from Northeast Oregon, earned academic honors and degrees while studying at universities across the country. Victoria Suto, of Enter- prise: President’s Honor Roll (GPA 3.9-4.0), spring semes- ter 2020, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska. Bethany Aronson, of La Grande: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, spring 2020, Eastern Oregon University. Coral Goldstein, of La Grande: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, spring 2020, Eastern Oregon University. Cameron Scott, of Joseph: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, spring 2020, Eastern Oregon University. Braden Bell, of La Grande: President’s List (GPA 3.85-4.0), spring semester 2020, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash- ington. Scott Remily, of La Grande: Dean’s List (GPA 3.5-3.84), spring semester 2020, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. Sarrah Magner, of La Grande: President’s List (GPA 3.5-4.0), spring semes- ter 2020, Minnesota State College Southeast. Caitlyn Robinson, of La Grande: Dean’s List (GPA 3.5-4.0), spring semester 2020, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. DEGREES Nena Jones, of La Grande: master of science degree, nursing, leadership and management, May 2020, Western Governors University (online). Abbey Felley, of La Grande: bachelor of arts degree, computer science, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington. THE OBSERVER — 3A 1934-2020 • Enterprise Dave M. Murrill, 86, of Enterprise, died July 14 at Wallowa Memorial Hos- pital. A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. July 25 at the Enterprise Cemetery. Dave was born March 16, 1934, in Enter- prise, to Hil- bert and Alta (Fordice) Mur- rill. He was raised at the round barn homestead in the Flora area. In 1952 he graduated from Flora School and joined the U.S. Navy. He served on repair ships as a welder. After being discharged in 1957, Dave returned to Wallowa County and worked for Caterpillar as a welder and heavy-duty equipment mechanic for many years. He also worked for Dougherty Logging and the Wallowa County Road Department. On Nov. 21, 1959, Dave married Particia Kaufman in Lewiston, Idaho. They made their home in Enter- prise and welcomed a son, Arley, and daughters, Lela and Velda. They raised sheep, pigs and cattle. Those cattle were Dave’s favorite. Dave was an amazing horseman and anyone who was blessed to get to ride or purchase a horse he had started knew they had a good one. He loved roping, be it in the branding pen or team roping. Weekends during the spring were spent at various ranches in Wallowa County dragging calves to the fi re. After retiring as a mechanic from the Wal- lowa County Road Depart- ment in 1996, Dave started his dream job of day riding for local ranchers. He spent 16 years in the saddle riding for Buckhorn Ranch along with his buddies Greg Jennings, Mike Guen- tert and Bud Botts. Dave loved to play the fi ddle and mandolin. Flora dances, jam sessions and family gatherings were always livened up by his music and singing. He also wrote and recited cowboy poetry at local events. Dave enjoyed hunting with his boys and gath- ering cattle with his “pin curl crew” girls. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Blue Mountain Fiddlers and Wallowa County Fair Board, and an honorary member of the Enterprise FFA Chapter. Selected as a Friend of 4-H in 2005 for his many years of working in the livestock auction ring, Dave loved seeing the youth and their 4-H and FFA projects. Surviving relatives include his wife of 60 years, Pat Murrill of Enter- prise; son and daugh- ter-in-law, Arley and Becky Murrill, of Lew- iston, Idaho; daughters and sons-in-law, Velda and Greg Bales and Lela and Ken Kunkle of Enter- prise; brothers, Loren, Leonard and Hubert Mur- rill; sister, Lanette Widick; six grandchildren and LA GRANDE — The Union County Board of Commissioners last week voted 3-0 to return Union County to Phase 2 COVID-19 reopening guidelines. The vote came Wednesday morning after a brief discussion at the board’s regular meeting, according to a press release The Observer JOSEPH — The upcoming Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts is taking the online route to avoid spreading the coronavirus. The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture in Joseph recently announced it was adjusting the format for the 38th year of the festival and creating a virtual presenta- tion of artists’ works though an online silent auction. The Josephy Center will display the artwork and bidding prices should start below $750, according to a press release. Artists receive 60% of silent auction sales. This is a juried event, and accep- tance into the show is based on artistic integ- rity. The silent auction will be on The Josephy Cen- ter’s website, josephy.org/ arts-council/festival-of-the- arts, beginning Sept. 11 by 5 p.m. Festival Director Jeff Costello in the press release stated, “We are so sorry that we will all miss our annual in-person gathering and cel- ebration of the arts this year, but our priority has to be everyone’s health and safety. With that, we are still com- mitted to doing everything in our power to keep the fes- tival tradition alive, so going virtual for this year was our best option.” To submit artwork for the silent auction, email coor- dinator@josephy.org up to three images (photographs of artwork must be high- quality, longest side must be up to 1200 dpi) and include your name, a short biog- raphy, a website (if appli- cable), medium and size of work. The submission dead- line is 5 p.m. Aug. 15. All work must be original. The online auction will go from Sept. 11 to Sept. 30. Winning bidders must make arrangements for pick up or shipping. Elgin Jack R. Hackney, 77, of Elgin, died July 17 at his residence. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory. July 21 — NANCY LIVELY: 11 a.m. grave- side service, Wallowa Cemetery. July 24 — IRMA ROGERS: noon graveside service, Hillcrest East Cemetery, La Grande; please wear a mask. July 25 — DAVE MURRILL: 11 a.m. grave- side service, Enterprise Cemetery. Keith Walker La Grande Keith Walker, 62, of La Grande, died July 19. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Nancy J. Lively Union Nancy Jo Lively, 80, of Union, died July 15 at her home. The date and time of the Eastern Star grave- side service at the Wallowa Cemetery has been changed to July 21 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by Dan- — Calendar cour- tesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande iels-Knopp Funeral, Cre- mation & Life Celebration Center, La Grande. Image contributed by the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture Artist Melanie Thompson painted “First Light, Hells Canyon,” oil on panel in 2019. The painting is an example of what will be available at the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts’ upcoming online auction. FRIDAY anyone at the scene. shooters and counseled them. 9:02 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce received a report of possible child abuse in Union. 2:20 p.m. — The Union Coun- ty Sheriff’s Offi ce responded to a home on the 800 block of North 15th Avenue, Union, on a report of domestic violence. The sheriff’s offi ce arrested Dorena Dee Moore, 63, on accusations of menacing and second-de- gree assault. 6:01 p.m. — The Union Coun- ty Sheriff’s Offi ce received a re- port of a domestic disturbance at Pilcher Creek Reservoir, North Powder. A deputy responded, talked to the people involved and determined the circum- stances did not rise to the level of a mandatory arrest. 9:01 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1500 block of Seventh Street on a report of someone shooting fi reworks at a house. Offi cers did not fi nd SATURDAY SUNDAY 12:43 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce cited Bob Run Hutchins, 53, for felon in possession of a weapon, unlaw- ful possession of a weapon and driving while suspended. 2:07 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce received a report of possible child abuse occurring at Jubilee Lake, Elgin. The sheriff’s offi ce requested the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Offi ce assist with the follow-up. 6:17 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the La Grande Town Center, 2212 Island Ave., for a man who was possibly intoxicated and trying to drive. An offi cer provided the man a ride home. 8:43 p.m. — A caller reported people shooting guns across the road and into a fi eld in the area of the 62600 block of Starr Lane, La Grande. A Union Coun- ty sheriff’s deputy contacted the 9:24 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1500 block of Albany Street on a report of indecent exposure. An offi cer counseled the person who was the subject of the call. 12:25 p.m. — A caller report- ed possible child neglect on the 2200 block of Fir Street, La Grande. A city police offi cer responded and talked to the parties involved. 12:35 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of a burglary on the 500 block of M Avenue. 4:11 p.m. — A caller in Cove reported a dog harassing sheep on the 61000 block of Love Road. The animal enforcement offi cer impounded the dog. 8:52 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce received a report of vandalism to a mail- box on the 300 block of North 10th Avenue, Elgin. from the county. The board on June 17 passed a recommendation asking residents to vol- untarily return to Phase 1 regulations. The board, however, did not vote to actually impose Phase 1 restrictions. La GRANDE AUTO REPAIR 975-2000 According to the reso- lution to return to Phase 2 operations, the board deter- mined Union County had experienced a minimal increase in the number of COVID-19 cases since the surge in early June. Also, Grande Ronde In light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Union County we are taking extra precautions to ensure all of our customers safety. Red Cross will be closed from 1:30- 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, in order to clean the contact areas of the pharmacy Stay home let more thoroughly. Olive Branch will be open and doing Drivethru ONLY. Please feel free to call in and leave refills on our phone line for us Deliver your continued service. 541.963.5741 ext. 1 medicines to you Thank you for your support as we make every effort to keep you and your loved ones safe during this time. Red Cross Drug Store Management MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE Joe Horst ACDelcoTSS Hospital, La Grande, con- tinues to maintain its capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. County commissioners backed the move based on the recommendation from the county’s incident man- agement team. Round-robin roping provides afternoon fun Photo by Ellen Morris BishopEO Media group Two ropers get set to catch a steer at Mel Coleman’s round-robin rodeo team roping event Saturday, July 18, near Joseph. New Name. Same Great Team. Same Exceptional Service. Travis T. Hampton, D.P.M. Foot and Ankle Surgeon La Grande 1408 N Hall Street Enterprise 601 Medical Parkway 1123 Adams Ave., La Grande 541-963-5741 redcrossdrugstore.com 306 W North St, Enterprise (541) 426-7455 olivebranchpharmacy.com An Independent Insurance Agency 10106 N. ‘C’ • Island City 541-975-1364 Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 www.GVfoot.com Medicare, Auto, Home insurance and Annuities www.reed-insurance.net Baker 3175 Pocahontas Rd. 541-963-0265 888-843-9090 “People Who Care” Reed & Associates for excellent service LOCALLY! Nicole Cathey Jack R. Hackney PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT www.lagrandeautorepair.com The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. Upcoming local services Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts moves to online auction Union County commissioners OK going back to Phase 2 The Observer six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hil- bert and Alta Murrill, and brother, Wade Murrill. Kevin Reed
