Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (March 8, 2022)
INSIDE THE HISTORY OF THE BOHNENKAMP BUILDING FEATURES MAN WHO BUILT IT | HOME & LIVING, B1 $1.50 TUESDAY EDITION March 8, 2022 Skier dies after crash Accident happens on northwest slope of Gunsight Peak By DICK MASON The Observer NORTH POWDER — A student attending a Washington college died following a ski accident on the northwest slope of Gunsight Peak, south- west of the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort’s ski area, on Saturday, March 5. Ella Carr, 20, was severely injured after losing control and crashing into trees, according to a Union County Search and Rescue press release. The accident was reported at 11:22 a.m. March 5 after a person Carr was skiing with called 911, according to Union County Search and See, Skier/Page A6 Shining a light on addiction Shine A Light prayer vigil series seeks to address opioid problem in Union County By DICK MASON The Observer LA GRANDE — Four months ago Jay Devin lost his grandson due to an opioid overdose in Central Oregon. The loss turned the La Grande man’s life upside down. “After it happened I blacked everything out for weeks,” Devin said. “I blame myself because I was not there to help my grandson.” Ben Lonergan/East Oregonian Union’s Kaylin Nowak (23) hoists the Oregon School Activities Association Class 2A tournament trophy as teammates celebrate. The Union Bobcats defeated the Salem Academy Crusaders 52-38 on Saturday, March 5, 2022, to win the OSAA Class 2A State Basketball Tournament at the Pendleton Convention Center in Pendleton. A PIECE OF history Union ends school’s 73-year title drought in basketball By DAVIS CARBAUGH The Observer P ENDLETON — In 1949, a gallon of gas cost roughly 27 cents. Harry Truman was president, and George Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers over Red Auerbach’s Washington Capitols in the NBA Championship. That same year, the Union boys basketball team won the school’s last state championship in basketball. After a 73-year hiatus without a title on the hardwood, the Union girls basketball team made history Saturday, March 5, in winning the fi rst-ever girls state championship in a 52-38 win over Salem Academy at the Pendleton Convention Center. “It feels like a movie right now,” Union senior guard Audrey Wells said. “It feels surreal.” Ben Lonergan/East Oregonian ABOVE: Union Head Coach Jordan Klebaum-Johnston hoists Berklee John- ston following Union’s win over Salem Academy. BACKGROUND: Union fans cheer during the fi rst half as the Union Bobcats defeated the Salem Academy Crusaders 52-38 on Saturday, March 5, 2022, to win the Oregon School Activities Association Class 2A State Basketball Tournament at the Pendleton Convention Center in Pendleton. PLUS: LA GRANDE BOYS LOSE HEARTBREAKER Tigers battle back from 15-point defi cit in the fourth quarter to tie the game late in regulation, but Banks’ Cooper Gobel sealed the game with a three- point basket as time expired. Page A9 See, History/Page A6 See, Vigil/Page A6 WEATHER INDEX Classified ......B2 Comics ...........B5 Crossword ....B2 Dear Abby ....B6 Home .............B1 Horoscope ....B4 Local...............A2 Lottery ...........A2 THURSDAY Obituaries .....A5 Opinion .........A4 Sports ............A9 Sudoku ..........B5 Full forecast on the back of B section Tonight Wednesday 24 LOW 30/6 A bit of snow A.M. snow showers EOU MASK MANDATE TO BE LIFTED MARCH 12 CONTACT US 541-963-3161 Issue 29 2 sections, 16 pages La Grande, Oregon Email story ideas to news@lagrande observer.com. More contact info on Page A4. Online at lagrandeobserver.com