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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (March 11, 2021)
5 Thursday, March 11, 2021 GO! magazine — A&E in Northeast Oregon Real-life outlaw is subject of a new novel students about the importance of education, developing reading and writing skills, and impressing upon Oregon author Rick Steber releases ‘The Last Outlaw’ them the value of saving our his- tory for future generations. To see a list of his books — fi c- tion, nonfi ction, poetry and prose — visit his website, ricksteberau- thor.com. By Renee Struthers East Oregonian Rick Steber, a prolifi c Oregon novelist who brings the West to life in his many works covering a variety of subjects, has brought a real-life bad boy to his latest book, “The Last Outlaw.” It’s the true story of Tobe Skiens, who grew up in Texas as a cowboy but soon discovered that cattle and horse rustling was a much more lucrative career. Born in 1882 and doing a man’s work on the ranch by the age of 10, he becomes a drifter and moves from ranch to ranch following his perpetually itchy feet. When he rides into Southeastern Oregon in 1906, the wild open spaces provide the perfect playground for his horse-stealing escapades. When a 17-year-old girl disap- peared from her family ranch outside of Burns, Skiens’ life of crime takes an ugly turn. Did she run away with him willingly, as Skiens said, or was she the victim of kidnapping and worse? Newspaper archives from the time covered both the story and a serialized version of one side of the story. As his fi ercely independent life- style is slowly eaten away by the continued settlement of Oregon’s vast open spaces, Skiens must come to terms with the taming of his beloved West and the idea that he has no place in the new world order. Will he adapt quietly to the new reality, or go out in a blaze of glory? “The Last Outlaw” is available at ricksteberauthor.com. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Steber, nationally acclaimed speaker and the author of more than 50 books with sales exceeding two million copies, has received national acclaim for his writing. His literary awards include the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Western Novel, Western Heritage Award, Benja- min Franklin Award, Mid-America Publishers Award, Oregon Library Association Award and Oregon Literary Arts Award. Five of his books have been optioned to movie production companies. In addition to his writing, Rick has spoken at national and inter- national conferences and banquets. He visits schools where he talks to UPGRADE 215 Elm Street La Gande • (541) 963-5440 northwestfurnitureandmattress.com