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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 10, 2020)
RECORDS AND MORE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 COMMUNITY Meetings • LA GRANDE — The regular session of the Board of Direc- tors of the La Grande School District begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Cen- tral Elementary School. Due to physical distancing require- ments, the meeting will be available via Google Meet, by phone and on Blue Moun- tain Translator District (www. bmtd.org). Access information is on the agenda, available at www.lagrandesd.org. • UNION — The Union School Board will meet Wednesday, Oct. 14. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the elementary school’s S.E. Miller gym. Briefs Overwhelmed with mes- sages from politicians? THE OBSERVER — 3A Cook Memorial Library set to reopen Oct. 19 The Observer LA GRANDE — Cook Memorial Library patrons will be able to step foot in the library Oct. 19. It has seven months since the La Grande public library closed its doors due to the coronavirus pan- demic. The library will allow people to come in to get a book while still offering digital and dis- tanced services. “With a wide variety of safety protocols in place, we are confi dent that we can expand services on a limited basis while keeping both our staff and community healthy and safe,” Library Director Kip Roberson said in a press release. “We rec- ognize that there may be folks in our community who are not able to access our resources digitally, so we felt it was important to offer some in-person browsing and computer access hours to better meet the needs of our community.” When people enter the library, Roberson said, they will likely notice some changes related to COVID-19. Seating and tables have been moved to storage, and building occupancy remains limited to 20 people. The library is installing occupancy management technology to monitor the number of people in the building. A sign outside will display if someone can enter the building or if they will need to wait outside. “Maybe at fi rst, because patrons are excited to get back inside the library, the building may reach capacity and patrons may be asked to wait out- Highway 82’s cleaning crew LA GRANDE — Cook Me- morial Library is hosting a virtual program Tuesday, Oct. 13, on “Misinformation, Fake News and Political Propa- ganda.” Beginning at 10 a.m., civic educator Donna Cohen will show how to fi nd accu- rate information, become your own “fact checker” and distinguish truth from fi ction. Call the library at 541-962- 1339 to register. side,” Roberson said, “but once the novelty of the library being open again wears off, I don’t antici- pate patrons having to wait outside.” The library is lim- iting browsing for books to 30 minutes. Computer use is available for up to an hour with a reserva- tion. The library will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10-11 a.m. for older adults and those at risk and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for all other patrons. Wednesday hours are from noon to 7:30 p.m. Library take-out- (side) will be from 10 a.m. to noon and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Delivery and pick-up options are also available. “In spite of the nec- essary COVID changes, we’ve done our best to re-create a library space that remains inviting and friendly to our patrons,” Roberson said. “We’ve missed seeing and inter- acting with our patrons these past few months and now that we are reopening, we want everyone to feel as welcome as possible.” FAMILY OWNED Order your meal for the next Cove senior lunch Honors Clara Gambill graduates from St. Olaf College NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Clara Gambill of La Grande graduated with the St. Olaf College class of 2020 with a degree in ancient studies. A graduate of La Grande High School, she is the daugh- ter of Charles and Natalie Gambill. St. Olaf is a liberal arts college that “challenges stu- dents to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and val- ues, and explore meaningful vocation,” according to a press release. Menus Union County Senior Center lunch menu Pick up 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1504 N. Albany St., La Grande. For delivery, call 541-963-7532 before 10 a.m. Age 60+, $3 suggested donation; all others, $5. Public is welcome. Inquire about family meals and prepackaged sides. OCT. 12-16 Monday: chicken-avo- cado-bacon wrap, potato salad, fruit garnish, dessert. Tuesday: Southwest chicken taco, Mexi-rice, chips and salsa, fl an. Wednesday: BBQ pork ribs, baked beans, grilled red potatoes, salad greens, fruit garnish, ice cream. Thursday: shepherd’s pie, sweet onion-cucumber salad, fruit, soda bread. Friday: cheeseburger, steak fries, fruit, cookie. Children’s free take- out breakfast & lunch menu Pick up 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central, Green- wood or Island City elemen- tary schools, La Grande. Free breakfast and lunch for anyone age 18 and younger. Fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit and 1% milk offered daily. OCT. 12-16 Monday: BREAKFAST: strawberry Pop-Tart, cheese stick, orange juice. LUNCH: Italian meatball sub, Caesar side salad, roasted cauli- fl ower. Tuesday: BREAKFAST: turkey breakfast biscuit, fresh fruit. LUNCH: ham deli sandwich, cucumber slices, baby carrots. Wednesday: BREAKFAST: strawberry cream cheese- fi lled bagel, apple juice. LUNCH: beef chili, cinnamon roll, roasted broccoli, celery sticks. Thursday: BREAKFAST: biscuits and gravy, hard- boiled egg, canned fruit. LUNCH: popcorn chicken, whole-grain roll, green beans, red peppers. Friday: BREAKFAST: long John, orange juice: LUNCH: cheese pizza, peas and car- rots, lettuce Romaine mix. 215 Elm Street La Grande (541) 963-5440 northwestfurnitureandmattress.com Gerald Hopkins/Contributed Photo The pandemic hasn’t slowed down the Elgin Lions Club’s dedication to serving its com- munity. The latest effort was to clean Highway 82 on the north and south ends of town. The cleaning crew pauses for a photo during the club’s recent outing: (left to right) Mary Hopkins, Kathy Oliver, Pat McDonald, Jared Rogers, Steve Oliver, Everett Grandeen, Mike Garver, Daryl Hawes and Barbara Hawes (in-coming club president). OBITUARIES Computer Repair William ‘Bill’ Murrill Formerly of Flora William “Bill” Murrill, 87, formerly of Flora, died Oct. 1 at his home in Mid- dleton, Idaho, following a long illness. No formal ser- vices will be held. Mary Brown Please follow guide- lines regarding face cov- erings and social dis- tancing at all services. La Grande Mary Brown, 82, of La Grande, died Oct. 7 at a local care facility. Arrange- ments are by Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Oct. 10 — JENNINE SAMPLES: 1 p.m. memorial service, Wallowa Christian Church. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 8:18 a.m. — A caller reported goats on the loose in the area of the 63200 block of Highway 203, La Grande. The animal enforcement offi cer respond- ed and returned goats to a stockyard. 9:26 a.m. — A caller on Third Street, Imbler, asked to speak to law enforcement about options regarding cats. The animal enforcement offi cer responded and discussed options. 10:46 a.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- ceived a report of a possible sex crime in Elgin. A deputy made contact and took down information. 12:30 p.m. — A caller report- ed the theft of a trailer from the 600 block of Fourth Street, North powder. A Union County sheriff’s deputy made contact and will follow up. 3:40 p.m. — La Grande police received a request for contact regarding ongoing domestic violence. Dispatch referred the call to detectives. 6:32 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff’s Offi ce re- ceived a report of an illegal campfi re at Morgan Lake, La Grande. A deputy responded, counseled the people involved and had them put out the fi re. 11:35 p.m. — A caller report- ed an all-terrain vehicle driving carelessly in the area of Spruce Street and Fruitdale Lane, La Grande. Offi cers responded but did not locate the ATV. THURSDAY, OCT. 8 8:06 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1900 block of Adams Avenue on a report of a suspicious male. Police determined the person was suffering mental illness. 10:46 a.m. — La Grande police received a report of vandalism on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue. An offi cer responded and took a report. 12:32 p.m. — La Grande police received a request for a welfare check. An offi cer responded and determined the person was in a care facility. 1:27 p.m. — A caller reported a disturbance on the 1500 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. An offi cer arrived, determined a person was suffering a mental health issue and explained options. 7:58 p.m. — A caller report- ed a fi ght on the 2100 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. Law enforcement respond- ed. La Grande police cited a 20-year-old man for minor possession. 8:26 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2200 block of Fir Street on a report of an assault. Offi cers deter- mined the circumstances did not warrant an arrest. FRIDAY, OCT. 9 12:02 a.m. — La Grande po- lice received a noise complaint from the 2100 block of Gekeler Lane. An offi cer responded and counseled two juveniles. 3:13 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1900 block of Third Street on a report of a domestic disturbance. The offi cer separated the parties and determined the circum- stances did not rise to the level of a mandatory arrest. Steel on the inside where it matters most. Shops Garages Commercial Industrial www.WSBNW.com 855 • 668 • 7211 Sandy, OR Oct. 10 — NORM HEIER: 2 p.m. celebration of life, Riverside Park Pavilion, La Grande. Oct. 11 — NATALIE CAR- EY: 11 a.m. celebration of life, Riverside Park Pavilion, La Grande. Oct. 11 — KENNY PRATT: 4 p.m. memorial gathering, Riverside Park, La Grande. — Calendar cour- tesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande Fast & Reliable Chromebooks (starting @ $ 139) Windows 10 Laptops (starting @ $ 299) Desktops $ 399 • All in Ones $ 499 New gaming towers $ 935 New monitors - 24”/ $ 169 27”/ $ 199 New Printers (starting @ $ 159) TEXT TO REQUEST PHOTOS Dale Bogardus 541-297-5831 www.outstandingcomputerrepair.com Jeralyn Joyce (Kirby) Query S199250-1 COVE — The Cove senior meal program is now offer- ing takeout lunches on the fi rst and third Tuesday of the month. Due to the pandemic, meals will be picked up in front of Founders Hall in- stead of being served inside. The lunch will be handed out from noon to 12:30 p.m. Enter the driveway in front of the hall on Church Street from the north. The menu for Oct. 20 is country-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad and a roll with a banana bar for dessert. There is a $5 charge per meal. Call Imie Bristow at 541-568-4545 by Oct. 14 to order. Jeralyn Joyce (Kirby) Query was born in San Pedro, CA. The second of three girls born to Willie and Millie Kirby, she lived in California until April of 1960 when she married her high school sweetheart Mike Query and moved to Topeka, KS. Their first child, Charles, was born while Mike was stationed there in the Air Force. The next stop was Ste- phenville, Newfoundland where Kris was born. When Mike’s time with the Air Force ended, they moved to California where Jeri worked nights as a dispatcher for the Pomona Fire Dept. while Mike went to college. The next stop was La Grande, OR where Andrew and Lani joined the family. Through the years, Jeralyn lovingly raised her four kids while working at various jobs. She worked on the assem- bly line at Terry Trailers, the emergency room at Grande Ronde Hospital, the Im- bler Post Office, and with Mike on their ranch in Summerville. But her most famous job was actually as a volunteer. For 35 years she taught Jr. High Sunday School at La Grande First Baptist church. The love, kindness and mercy she showed her family was also shared with hundreds of Jr. High kids over the years. Jeralyn and Mike traveled the world and donated their time and energy while they could. In 2012 they moved to Ha- waii where they hosted friends and fami- ly and made new friends as well. In 2016 they moved to Portland where they lived a short drive from Lani and her family. In 2018 they moved to Boise where they lived near Kris, Andy and Lesley. After Mike passed away in 2019, Jeri remained in Boise. Jeralyn was an excellent co-pilot and always woke Mike up before he drove off the road. She was an avid gardener and loved the feel of cool soil between her toes. She was the grounding force that held the family together, always teaching kindness, compassion, love and patience. She instilled the value of an education and taught her kids and others to play the piano. She made friends wherever she went and surprised most people with her unexpected wit and humor. But mostly, she was overwhelmingly courageous. She helped find ways to keep a struggling farm afloat, nursed Mike through 15 years of cancer and lived with the debilitating and progressive effects of Parkinson’s for over 30 years. In Septem- ber, Jeri passed away from complications of that terrible disease. She knew what the end of her life looked like and chose to donate her brain for Parkinson’s research, to help those who come behind her. Jeralyn was surrounded by, and loved by her family. Her love for Mike and her family will never be forgotten. Per her request, there will be no service. She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in- law Judy and Tom Rayburn, Donna and Joe Held, and Dick Tamiya; her children Charles and Stacia Query, Kris Query, Lani and Randall Doser, and Andrew Query and Lesley Juel; her grandchildren Kirstie Cooper, Andrew Doser, Mitchell and Hannah Doser, and Bethany and Johnathan Leuthold; her Great-Grand- daughter Josephine Leuthold; and neph- ews and nieces.
