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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (March 3, 2022)
RECORDS Thursday, March 3, 2022 COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD MEETINGS house. There will be a pot- • COVE — The Cove Community Association will meet Monday, March 7, at 6 p.m. at Founders Hall on the Ascension School campus. All res- idents of the 97824 ZIP code are welcome to join. CCA is working on orga- nizing the Cherry Fair, developing a community center and hosting fun events and classes for the Cove community. Zoom participation is also an option for the meeting. Contact Nella Mae Parks at 541-910- 4098 or nella.m.parks@ gmail.com for login information. • LA GRANDE — The following La Grande City Commissions are meeting in March: The Community Landscape and Forestry Commission’s meeting is on Tuesday, March 8. The La Grande Arts Commis- sion meets Wednesday, March 9. And a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is on Thursday, March 10. Each meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and all are open to the public. They will be held online via Zoom. To get a link, contact Stu Spence, Parks and Recre- ation director, at 541-962- 1348 or sspence@cityofla- grande.org. • LA GRANDE — The La Grande Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8. The agenda includes con- sideration of an Airbnb conditional use permit. Community members may attend the meeting through electronic communication via Zoom by request and reservation only, and the public hearing portion of the meeting also will be available via Zoom. The meeting may be viewed on Facebook Live (go to www.facebook. com/LaGrandeCityMan- ager). Written comments need to be received by 5 p.m. on the day of the scheduled meeting and can be emailed to mboquist@ cityoflagrande.org. BRIEFS Cove Sportsman Club gathering includes food, bingo COVE — The Cove Sportsman Club will meet on Wednesday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the club- after the live event. Visit ThE OBsErVEr — A5 DEATH NOTICES divide, responsibility, FFA’s Laura Hendrickson wins laptop from EOU SBDC Floyd J. Canup La Grande Floyd J. Canup, 84, of La Grande, died March 2, 2022, at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. Thomas R. Knowles Union Thomas R. Knowles, 78, of Union, died March 2, 2022, at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love- land Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande Jacob D. Danforth La Grande Jacob Dewitt Danforth, 44, of La Grande, died Feb. 26, 2022, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Rich- land, Washington. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande. UPCOMING LOCAL SERVICES EOu sBdc/Contributed Photo Laura Hendrickson, a member of the La Grande FFA, won a laptop on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at the FFA district competition held at Eastern Oregon University, La Grande. The laptop was provided by the EOU Small Business Development Center. “EOU SBDC is a strong supporter of youth, and this includes members of the Future Farmers of America,” said Greg Smith, EOU SBDC director, in a press release. “We want to congratulate all of the contest winners and the new officers which were elected by their peers. We also thank the dedicated advisers who guide the future leaders of our country.” luck supper followed by a meeting and bingo. Short film series concludes 2022 Big Read UNION, WALLOWA COUNTIES — Events centered around The Big Read continue this month, with activities related to this year’s fea- tured book, “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. Many events are online and can be accessed from any- where — and streamed fishtrap.org and artcen- tereast.org to experience all the 2022 Big Read has to offer. As a finale, a free vir- tual film series goes live March 4-8. The films are inspired by “The House on Mango Street” and are presented in partnership with the Wichita Public Library. Curated by mama.film, the series of virtual screenings of short films explore subjects including identity and belonging, the immigrant experience, generational gender, family, faith and home. Their main char- acters add depth and per- spective to the story and life of Esperanza Cordero, the book’s protagonist. Streamed online at fishtrap. org and avail- able for viewing after- ward, the films are “El Carrito,” “The Train Sta- tion,” “Are You Still There?,” “Her Dance” and “Mano Santa.” To register for the films and more details, go to fishtrap.org/ tbr2022-finale/. — The Observer PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT MONDAY, FEB. 28 9:09 a.m. — La Grande police responded to Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., on a report of a drug law violation. Officers trespassed the subjects. 12:29 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 500 block of Washington Avenue on a complaint about fraud. An officer took a report. 2:26 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1000 block of Jackson Avenue on a report of juvenile disturbance. Officers coun- seled the parties. 4:11 p.m. — La Grande police conducted a follow-up at the address on the 500 block of Washington Avenue and arrested Jack- son Gregory Beach, 29, for fraudulent use of a credit card and five counts of second-degree burglary. 5:56 p.m. — A caller reported gunshots on the 2400 block of Riddle Road, La Grande. Police determined the source of the sounds was fireworks. 8 p.m. — A caller reported a physical fight on the 2000 block of Third Street, La Grande. Officers responded, the parties separated and the matter did not rise the the level of a mandatory arrest. 10:31 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1400 block of Madison Avenue on a report of a possible trespass situation. Police arrested Terry Higgins, 45, for violating a restraining order. 11:47 p.m. — A caller complained about a noise disturbance at a residence on the 1400 block of Fourth Street, La Grande. An offi- cer responded and counseled the subject. TUESDAY, MARCH 1 9:05 a.m. — A resident on the 600 block of Second Street, Cove, reported fraud. A Union County sheriff’s deputy made contact and explained options. 10:01 a.m. — A caller reported animal neglect on the 2500 block of Second Street, La Grande. An animal enforcement officer attempted contact and left a message. 12:41 p.m. — A resident on the 500 block of Fourth Street, North Powder, reported an ongoing issue with loose dogs. An ani- mal enforcement officer made contact. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. eomediagroup.com 3:53 p.m. — A resident at Catherine Creek Mobile Manor, Union, reported telephonic harassment. A Union County sheriff’s deputy made contact and explained options. 6:09 p.m. — La Grande police received a report of a sex crime. An officer made contact, took a report and referred the matter to detectives. 6:54 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the area of Island and Adams avenues on a report of a driver who went through two red lights. Officers caught the driver and counseled him for his driving. 8:10 p.m. — A resident on the 1600 block of Carolyn Terrace, Elgin, reported a subject was peeping in windows and throwing things at the trailers. A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and took a report. 9:51 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy on the 1500 block of N Avenue, La Grande, saw someone enter a residence through a window. The deputy determined the person lived there. Don Bert Abel March 25, 1929 – February 25, 2022 Don Bert Abel, 92, of Cove, died Friday, Feb. 25, at a care facility in La Grande. A service will begin Monday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at the Summerville Cemetery Chap- el. Committal and interment will follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center of La Grande. Don was born on March 25, 1929, in La Grande, the son of Bert Franklin and Elvira (Arnoldus) Abel. Don was raised and educated in the Grande Ronde Valley, graduating with the LHS class of 1947. For a short time Don worked on The Dalles Dam and briefly for the city of La Grande. He worked as a ranch hand and later owned a ranch at Weston. He was a cowboy at heart in the true sense of the word. He loved tending to the cattle and horses. Don finished his career with Boise Cascade particleboard plant from which he was forced to retire at the age of 80. Though he traveled elsewhere for work he always considered the Grande Ronde Valley his home. Don was a solitary person and not at all impressed or appreciative of modern conveniences. In his most re- cent years he most enjoyed mowing the lawn. Surviving relatives include his niece and caregiver, Carmen McElroy, of La Grande; his daughter, Mart Ann Rogers, of Roseburg; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly “Ann” Abel of Portland; and other relatives. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Bird. March 4 and March 5 — WAYNE WILLIAMS: Friday, 4 p.m. celebration of life, Presbyterian Friend- ship Center, La Grande; Saturday, “Wayne’s Last Sweep,” Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. March 5 — MARJORIE “MIDGE” MINK: 10 a.m. Rosary followed by 10:15 a.m. Mass of Chris- tian Burial, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, La Grande. March 5 — DAVID KENNEDY: noon celebration of life, Elgin Community Center. March 7 — DON ABEL: 1 p.m. memorial service, Summerville Cemetery Chapel; committal and inter- ment follow. March 11 — GEORGE RUSH: 10:30 a.m. memo- rial service, Catherine Creek Community Center, Union. March 12 — DALTON JONES: 2 p.m. memorial service, former Valley Fellowship Church building, 507 Palmer St., La Grande. March 26 — JUDY HUNT: 3 p.m. celebration of life, La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church. May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside service, Union Victorian Cemetery. Please follow guidelines regarding face coverings and social distancing at gatherings. Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande. lagrandeobserver.com Marjorie ‘Midge’ (Anderson) Mink September 26, 1931 - February 25, 2022 Marjorie “Midge” (Anderson) Mink, 90, of Ontario, Oregon, passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at her residence. A Rosary will be held at Our Lady of the Val- ley Catholic Church, La Grande, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:15 a.m. A Viewing will be held at Loveland Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 4, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Midge entered this world on Sept. 26, 1931, at home in Galva, Iowa, the daughter of Pearl (Kasper) Zaklan Anderson. The family moved to La Grande, Oregon, in 1938. Following her mother’s death in 1947, the children were divided between the older siblings, and Midge went to live with her older brothers, who had just come home from the Navy. Under her brothers’ supervision, she often found herself at the clubs. Midge was not a drinker, but it was there she found her love for dancing. Midge married the love of her life, Jim Mink, on Octo- ber 14, 1950, after finishing high school. They welcomed their only daughter, Merry Ann, on May 10, 1956. Jim’s career with the Oregon State Police moved them to Asto- ria, Oregon, where many memories were made with the Fosters and Olstedts. Midge and Jim found themselves back in La Grande, Oregon, for the start of Merry’s junior year of high school. Midge retired from Riveria School as a secretary. She loved her career and children there, but she mostly loved her dear friend Linda Kuchler. They called each other un- biological sisters. Midge loved life, and her greatest joy was being a grandma. She went to all awards assemblies, sporting events, graduations and made herself present in all family activities. Midge always thought her grandchildren were something to celebrate, and no one could tell her any dif- ferent. She would come with baked goods to everything she attended. In 2003, Midge gained the title of GG by welcoming her first two great-grandchildren just days apart. The title of GG was probably her most favorite and she enjoyed ev- ery minute with them. In total, Midge had six great-grand- children. She was just as active in their lives as she was for her grandchildren. She didn’t miss any event and was able to see two graduate and help celebrate a wedding from afar. Midge talked daily to her sisters. Everyone knew what everyone had going on because family was most import- ant to her. Midge’s phone number was programmed to the name of “Rocket” on her sister Charlotte’s phone, because they talked so often to each other even though miles apart. Midge was preceded in death by her mother, Pearl Anderson; her husband, Jim Mink; her daughter, Merry Ann McLean; and her seven brothers and sisters, Steven (Jane) Zaklan, Mary (Floyd) Dominick, Jo (Jim) Waley, Art (Ginger) Zaklan, Bob (Shirly) Zaklan, Chuck (Vel- ma) Anderson and Janie (Jim) Carter; and brother-in-law, Rienhold Hillner. Midge leaves behind her sister, Charlotte Hillner; her three grandchildren, Lucky (Breanna) McLean, Joy (Al- vie) Barton and Melody McLean (Michael) Wigley; six great-grandchildren, Brandon Barton, Reilly McLean, Joycelyn (Derrick) Rothenberger, Chelsey McLean, Lauchlan McLean and Hunter Wigley; and her sister at heart, Linda Kuchler. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Joe’s Walk for Change, and Blue Mountain Humane As- sociation, 3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR 97850. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.