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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 8, 2020)
Saturday, auguSt 8, 2020 Community Meetings Obituaries Judith A. Blevins 1940-2020 • La Grande • IMBLER — The Imbler School District Board of Direc- tors will meet for a regular session Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. in Room 1 of the high school. The public is welcome to attend all open sessions of the Imbler School Board. This meeting was originally sched- uled for Aug. 11. • ISLAND CITY — Island City’s city council will be Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at Island City City Hall. This regular meeting will include a land use hearing on Mike Beck- er’s proposed land partition. People who attend the hearing and meeting are reminded to wear face coverings and follow social distancing requirements. A number of people in the room will be limited according to the gov- ernor’s executive orders. Comments for topics to be discussed may be dropped off at city hall or emailed to karen@islandcityhall.com prior to the meeting. Briefs Union Baptist Church announces schedule change UNION — The Union Baptist Church has changed the times of its weekly Sunday service and classes. Sunday school now begins at 9:45 a.m., and the service follows at 11 a.m. Free lunches for children still available LA GRANDE — The free summer lunch program for ages 1-18 in La Grande will continue through Aug. 21. Free grab-and-go lunches are available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Riveria Activity Center, 2609 Second St. Meals for adults are $4. The lunches are a federally funded USDA program and are provided by Community Connection of Northeast Ore- gon. The program is open to everyone regardless of race, color, income level, national origin, religion or disability. The summer lunch pro- grams in Cove and Wallowa County have ended. For information on the schedule for free meals in Elgin, con- tact the Elgin School District. Judith “Judy” Ann Blevins, 80, of La Grande, died July 23 due to com- plications with Ste- vens-Johnson syndrome at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of her life will be held some- time in the coming months for family and close friends. Known as Judy, she was born in 1940 in what is now Baker City. Growing up she also lived in various places including Hereford, Unity and La Grande. After marriage she lived in The Dalles, Union, Mountain Home and Boise, Idaho, and her home — La Grande. Judy and her husband, Bill, enjoyed going on adventures. They spent many years traveling in Bill’s camper and later in their motorhome, tra- versing all the western states and Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, searching out great destina- tion sites. Judy took joy in quilting and made quilts for all of her grandchildren. She so enjoyed her quilting club in Brenda, Arizona. Most of all, she loved reading and spending time with her family. Surviving relatives include her husband of 39 years, Bill; sister and broth- er-in-law, Kay and Vernon Nikada of Ontario; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Tammy Dickerson of Star, Idaho, Donny and Dort Dickerson of Canada, Percy and Leslie Dickerson of Baker City, and Dan Wil- liams of Boise, Idaho; stepsisters, Nancy Endi- cott and Mary Jo Cowling and husband, Bob; step- brothers and wives, Mike and Donna Higgins and Dick and Debbie Hig- gins; daughter, Teresa Cur- tiss of La Grande; sons, Michael Curtiss of La Grande, Jim Curtiss and wife, Janice, of Vancouver, Washington, and John Cur- tiss of La Grande; and nine grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Dickerson of Baker City and Joella Williams of Boise, Idaho; brother, Pat Dickerson; and sons, Donald, Mark and Joseph Curtiss. Memorial donations may be made to Blue Mountain Humane Society in care of Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway 97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispi- nevalleyfuneralhome.com. Patrick E. Gekeler 1951-2020 • La Grande Patrick Erwin Gekeler, Menus 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. AUG. 10-14 Monday: Swedish meat- balls, salad greens, steamed Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, fresh fruit. Tuesday: mac and cheese with ham, garden salad, mel- on slices, bread, ice cream. Wednesday: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, spinach salad, rolls dessert. Thursday: sausages and sauerkraut or chicken sandwiches, glazed onions, potato salad, fresh fruit, brownies. Friday: almond-orange chicken, rice pilaf, rolls, light dessert. Union County kids free grab & go lunch menu Pickup 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at Riveria Activity Center, 2609 Second St., La Grande. Free for age 1-18; all others, $4. AUG. 10-14 Monday: meatballs over rice, rolls, fruit. Tuesday: mac and cheese, salad greens, fruit, cookies. Wednesday: fried chicken, steak fries, salad greens, fruit. Thursday: sandwiches, salad, fruit, cottage cheese. Friday: orange chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, Jell-O, fruit. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5 7:53 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a theft from a cabin about a mile past Pilcher Creek Reservoir, North Powder. The sheriff’s office agreed to provide extra patrols. 10:29 a.m. — A caller in Island City reported possible stalking. The Union County Sheriff’s Of- fice took down the information. 1:41 p.m. — An Elgin caller reported possible child abuse. A Union County sheriff’s dep- uty talked to the person and planned for follow up. 3 p.m. — A caller reported malfunctioning railroad arms at the crossing at Highway 203 and Pierce Road, La Grande. 8:05 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1200 block of Eighth Street on a report of an assault. Officers determined the circumstances did not warrant an arrest. Ronald A. Nantz 1948-2020 • La Grande Ronald “Ron” Allen Nantz, 71, of La Grande, died July 13 at a local care facility. At his request, there will not be a service. Known as Ron, he was born Aug. 25, 1948, in Baker City, to Allen and Claudeen (Jones) Nantz. He resided in North Powder and La Grande and graduated from North 10:13 p.m. — A caller reported a vehicle crash at Monroe Lane and Hunter Road, La Grande. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and arrested Jessica Adreana Duffy, 23, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. THURSDAY, AUG. 6 8:59 a.m. — A caller reported finding drug paraphernalia on the 600 block of 18th Street, La Births GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL ALDRICH: To Amy Christine Aldrich, of La Grande, a son, Axton Navarro Aldrich, Aug. 1 at 8:01 p.m. Grandparents are Ran- dy Aldrich and Sally Aldrich. ALLEN: To Kiana Rileigh Ray Allen and Levi Kean Allen, of Haines, a daughter, Tatum Ray June Allen, July 7 at 11:23 p.m. Grandparents are Brad and June Allen and Gary and Lena Wight. AMY: To Samantha Dawn Amy and Anthony Joseph Amy, of Cove, a daughter, Karmyn Dawn Amy, July 23 at 1:38 p.m. BROUN: To Neki Sha Broun and James Dougles Broun, of La Grande, a son, Bailey Broun, July 30 at 5:58 a.m. Grandpar- ents are Gary Krantz Jr., Shontel Krantz, Amber Krantz, Joyce Broun, Kim Broun and James “Jack” Broun. GALINDO: To Sara Galin- do and Brian Galindo, of La Grande, a son, Cody Galindo, July 31 at 6:22 p.m. Grandpar- ents are Calvin and Melissa Huitt. HUFF: To Yvonne Jennifer Stein and Jacob Thomas Huff, of Halfway, a son, Weston Powder High School. Ron was employed at La Grande Waste Man- agement for many years. He loved the outdoors, his little dog “Punky,” his many Corvettes, 60s music and old Western movies. Ron also enjoyed attending his daughters’ and grandaughter’s sporting events. He was previously active in the the Corvette Club in the community and enjoyed participating in car shows. Surviving relatives include his daughters, Tammy Speelman and partner, Erin, of Herm- iston and Deanna Chandler of Weiser, Idaho; sister, Kathy Boyd of Yakima, Washington; brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Beth Nantz of Huntington; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Claudeen. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Upcoming local services Aug. 15 — PAUL WAGONER: 11 a.m. celebration of life, Indian Rock; casual dress pre- ferred. Aug. 15 — ALIDEAN McMASTER: 2 p.m. graveside service, Hillcrest Cemetery, La Grande; face coverings required for age 2 and older. Aug. 22 — STAN CASE: 10 a.m. celebration of life, Case arena at 64066 Booth Lane, La Grande; masks and social distanc- ing required; watch the livestream at www.love- landfuneralchapel.com (click on “Funeral Videos” near bottom of page). Aug. 29 — MIKE MAY: 4 p.m. memorial service, Riverside Park Pavilion, La Grande; please wear masks and respect social distancing.d respect social distancing. Alidean McMaster Formerly of La Grande Alidean McMaster, 97, of Taylorsville, Utah, and formerly of La Grande, died Dec. 29, 2019. A graveside service will be held Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery. Face coverings for age 2 and older are required. — Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande The Observer UNION COUNTY — The U.S. Census Bureau announced Wednesday, Aug. 5, it will end field data collection efforts a month early on Sept. 30. This deadline includes ending in-person inter- views and self-reporting collection. “The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our con- tinued commitment to con- duct a complete count, provide accurate appor- tionment data, and pro- tect the health and safety of the public and our workforce,” U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said in a press release. The Census Bureau originally planned to stop data collection efforts at the end of October but is dealing with concerns about safety during the pandemic and pressure to meet the Dec. 31 dead- line for data collection and apportionment counts. At this time, 93 million households — 63% of all households in the nation — have responded to the 2020 Census, according to the press release. Oregon has a 64.5% response rate. Census takers will start visiting homes of those who did not complete the census. Union County has 23 census takers who will conduct interviews using proper social distancing and sanitation protocol according to Misty Slater, media specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau. SNAP benefits increase continues, for now The Observer SALEM — Oregonians will continue to receive increased food benefits in August. The Oregon Depart- ment of Human Services has received approval by the federal Food and Nutrition Service to con- tinue in August to provide increased food benefits and waive the interview requirement for new appli- cants — making it faster and easier for Oregonians to access benefits. This will result in an additional $30 million to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- gram (SNAP) recipients in August 2020. “As the pandemic con- tinues, access to food has worsened greatly,” said Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin. “Providing another month of emergency assis- tance will help ease the threat of chronic hunger in Oregon.” Oregonians already enrolled in SNAP do not need to take additional action. Eligible SNAP households will automati- 10106 N. ‘C’ • Island City cally receive the additional allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits. For most recipients this is an EBT card. The increase brings all households to the max- imum SNAP benefit. Households that already receive the maximum ben- efit will not receive any additional benefits. For more information, call the Union County DHS office at 541-963-4113. Find other food resources at https://oregon- hunger.org/covid-19. An Independent Insurance Agency 541-975-1364 Grande. An officer arrived and removed the paraphernalia. 10:06 a.m. — A person refused to wear a mask at Bi-Mart, 2510 Adams Ave., La Grande. The business called for police, but the person left even before dispatchers could tell an officer. 1:12 p.m. — A La Grande caller reported a burglary at a shed on the 2100 block of Cove Avenue. 2:47 p.m. — The Union Coun- ty Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a burglary on the 1000 block of Galveston Street, Elgin. 7:31 p.m. — The Union Coun- ty Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic crash on the 63600 block of Standley Lane, La Grande, and arrested Melissa Sue Jones, 42, for DUII. 7:38 p.m. — A caller report- ed possible dog neglect on the 600 block of 18th Street, La Grande. Daniel Corey Aldrich Gene Huff, July 30 at 2:14 p.m. Grandparents are David and Nancy Stein and Tom and Melody Huff. SIMMONS: To Jessie Sim- mons and Chance Simmons, of La Grande, a daughter, Delaney Ann Simmons, July 29 at 8:23 a.m. WEBER-GIESE: To Elizabeth Andrea Weber and Shane Darrell Giese, of La Grande, a daughter, Kambri Estelle We- ber-Giese, July 22 at 8:56 p.m. Grandparents are David and Chris Giese and Donald and Margaret Weber. Census Bureau ends count early Reed & Associates for excellent service LOCALLY! Nicole Cathey 68, of La Grande, died Aug. 4 at his residence. A service will be held at a later time. Patrick was born Aug. 18, 1951, in Elgin, to Wen- dell and Doris (Blanchard) Gekeler. He resided in Elgin, Cove and La Grande. Patrick was a book- keeper for several local log- ging companies. He enjoyed trapshooting and was a member of the La Grande Gun Club. Surviving relatives include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Jeanine Gekeler of Sum- merville and Gary and Rebecca Gekeler of La Grande; aunts, Audrey Hienlein and Glenda McDaniel; and four nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wen- dell and Doris. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneral- chapel.com. Public Safety Report Art Center East launches benefit exhibit LA GRANDE — Art Center East’s newest exhibit fea- tures work donated by local artists. The show celebrities the scope and talent of the regional arts scene and aims to raise money for the art center as it works toward reopening. The exhibit will launch online this week, in partnership with John J. Howard Real Estate, offering a 3-D rendering that allows virtual visitors to walk through the exhibit and zoom in on pieces for a closer look. In-person view- ing will be possible when ACE reopens in September. To view the exhibit and for more information, go to www.artcentereast.org. tHE OBSErVEr — 3A RECORDS AND MORE Toll Free 1-866-282-1925 June 28, 1984 - August 2, 2020 Daniel Corey Aldrich was born to proud par- ents, Danny and Marlas (Freeman) Aldrich in Kennewick, WA, on June 28, 1984. He was welcomed home by his sister Tomi (1981). Corey was always full of life and love for his family. In 1988, his parents separated and Corey stayed in Union, OR, where he was collectively cared for by his father, Grandma Urcie and Grandpa Kenny, who all loved him dearly. Corey always loved the outdoors and immensely enjoyed hunting in the surrounding mountains with his dad, great-uncles, cousins, and Grandpa. Young Corey spent his summers fishing, boating, and knee boarding at Phillips Reservoir with grandparents and cousins. In Junior High, Corey played the Saxophone and was very good at it; he loved music. When he reached high school, he turned his full attention to football, a sport he loved and was extremely good at. Corey started on the varsity football team as a freshman, and put everything he had into football. He was a starter for the first three years of high school as a Union Bobcat. He was his dad’s football star. After high school, Corey was able to turn his passion and experience regarding the outdoors into a job horse-packing and guiding trips from the Minam Lodge in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Corey had found his niche, and he was content to ride horseback in the mountain air, help- ing others pack into God’s Country. Corey never shied away from hard work, and he never met a stranger, which was the perfect skill set for the job. Corey and his father shared a wonderful opportunity to spend three seasons packing folks into the high country together. After that job ended, Corey lived and worked in Union and Umatilla counties for a while, then headed to Southern Oregon. Most recent- ly, Corey has been working for the last several years near Grants Pass as an Organic Farmer, where he seemed to enjoy his work and his co-workers. Corey conversed with his dad, grandma Urcie, and his sister Tomi regularly. There was no indication that Corey would take his own life on August 2, 2020. On that day, a wonderful life was cut short for reasons we may never know. Corey has left a loving family behind: Danny and Heidi Aldrich, father and step mom, Tomi Aldrich, sister, Grand- ma Urcie, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be no public service for Corey; however, his ashes will be spread in the Eagle Cap Wilderness by his family. The family encourages people to donate to a suicide prevention organization of their choosing in Corey’s name. Medicare, Auto, Home insurance and Annuities www.reed-insurance.net Kevin Reed
