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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 12, 2022)
INSIDE EASTERN OREGON FOOTBALL ANNOUNCES 2022 RECRUITING CLASS | February 12, 2022 SPORTS, A7 WEEKEND EDITION $1.50 Union County meets on Idaho border issue a dialogue started about the possibility of shifting the Idaho border to encompass most of Oregon and form the new state of Greater Idaho. Mike McCarter, of La Pine, the leader of Move Ore- McCarter gon’s Border, told the board of commissioners that its members should take steps to get more people talking about the proposal. He said that once this occurs it could help get the Proponents of moving Oregon’s border say commissioners need to do more for the effort By DICK MASON The Observer LA GRANDE — The Union County Board of Commissioners was asked on Wednesday, Feb. 9, to work harder to get Fair board, county tackle sewage line project Oregon and Idaho legislatures to begin dis- cussing the Greater Idaho issue. “Until it gets in that arena we are not get- ting anywhere. There has got to be a pro- cess between the Idaho and Oregon legis- latures,” said McCarter, who appeared by Zoom. Move Oregon’s Border is a nonprofi t that wants to transfer Oregon’s southern and eastern counties into Idaho. Union County is required to discuss moving the borders following the passage of ballot measure 31-101 by Union County voters in 2020. The measure requires the commissioners to meet three times each year to discuss pro- moting Union County interests relating to Union County becoming part of Idaho. McCarter said there is a need for the Greater Idaho movement because the needs of Eastern and Southern Oregon are over- looked by the state. “Most legislators do not care at all about See, Border/Page A5 Friendship is the key By DAVIS CARBAUGH Wallowa County couple of 71 years recalls decades together The Observer LA GRANDE — Local entities are working toward acquiring funding for an essential project in Union County. The Union County Fair Board and Union County Board of Commissioners are pushing to fi nd funding for a project that would connect the sewage lines from the Union County Fairgrounds to the city of La Grande’s system. After the septic system went out several years ago, the lack of working restrooms has become a crucial problem at the facility. “We think it would be huge,” Union County Fair Board member Deb Corn- ford said. “We would be able to have some bigger events. The board is very motivated to get the project underway.” The sewage project is at the top of the board’s list of 17 priorities for the year. Without a sewage system in place, money spent on portable toilets for events has been a fi nancial hinder- ance. The potential project involves two new func- tioning restrooms as well as running water at the fairgrounds. “An option, maybe our only option, is tying into the city of La Grande’s water system,” Union County Commissioner Matt Scarfo said. “We really need that sewer project funded.” The fairgrounds’ septic system went down sev- eral years ago, rendering By BILL BRADSHAW Wallowa County Chieftain E NTERPRISE — Friend- ship is the key to a long, successful marriage, say Bob and Shirley Crawford. And they would know, having recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. “She’s been my best friend since we fi rst met,” Bob said. “The defi nition of a friend is someone who knows you and still likes you.” Shirley had another key to success. “I agree it’s about being best friends, but also keep your sense of humor,” she said. “It’ll take you through a lot of things.” They both agree that having much in common also helps. They both enjoy the outdoors, Bob and Shirley Crawford/ Contributed Photo Bob and Shirley Crawford, shown here on their wedding day, Jan. 25, 1951, graduated from Wallowa High School together and have lived in Enter- prise since 1996. reading, camping, hiking and having hobbies. Shirley quilts and used to draw and paint. Bob likes woodworking, fi shing and golf. “We still do most of the things we’ve always done, but much more slowly,” Shirley said. First meeting The pair met while attending Wallowa High School in the 1940s. “I have to say that when I fi rst noticed you early in the school year, you were wearing lipstick, a dress and high heels,” Shirley said to her husband. “But all the other boys were, too.” “That was for our freshman initiation,” Bob quickly See, Couple/Page A5 See, Fair/Page A6 Bill Bradshaw/Wallowa County Chieftain Bob and Shirley Crawford look over an antique wood-fi red cookstove in the kitchen of their Alder Slope home Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. The Crawfords have been married since Jan. 25, 1951. WEATHER INDEX Classified ......B2 Comics ...........B5 Crossword ....B2 Dear Abby ....B6 TUESDAY Horoscope ....B4 Local...............A2 Lottery ...........A2 Obituaries .....A3 Opinion .........A4 Outdoors ......B1 Sports ............A7 Sudoku ..........B5 Full forecast on the back of B section Tonight Sunday 27 LOW 42/33 Mainly clear Mostly sunny MODERN METHODS PROMISE IMPROVED LITERACY CONTACT US 541-963-3161 Issue 19 2 sections, 14 pages La Grande, Oregon Email story ideas to news@lagrande observer.com. More contact info on Page A4. Online at lagrandeobserver.com