RECORDS
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022
Four receive Elks scholarships
Wallowa County Chieftain
ENTERPRISE — The Enterprise
Elks recently held their 2021-22 Most
Valuable Student Competition, and
selected Willie Gibbs of Wallowa High
School, and Alona Yost of Enterprise
High School, as their 2022 Most Valu-
able Student Scholars.
Each student receives a $1,200
scholarship from Enterprise Lodge
#1829 to use next fall for college.
Placing second, and receiving $800,
are Aaron Guevara and Lannie Stone-
brink, both of Enterprise High School.
All four students advanced to the
Elks Northeast District Judging on
Jan. 4, 2022, where fi rst place receives
$1,800, second place receives $1,600,
and third place receives $1,400. Gibbs
and Yost both placed second at district,
each receiving an additional $1,600.
Both Gibbs’ and Yost’s applica-
tions advanced to the state competi-
Gibbs
Yost
Guevara
tion in February, in Ashland. Because
the 14 fi rst-place district winners auto-
matically advance to the Grand Lodge
Scholarship contest, Oregon also is
allowed to send an additional three
applications to the Grand Lodge com-
petition, so all second-place district
winners are advanced to the state level
for further judging. If they advance to
the Grand Lodge level, they will join
486 other scholarship winners across
the country, for a chance to earn a
$50,000 scholarship for four years.
Gibbs is the son of Marvin and
Jennifer Gibbs. He plans to attend the
University of Idaho and study com-
puter programming.
Yost is the daughter of
Tony and Donna Yost.
She plans to attend
Oregon State Univer-
sity and study chem-
Stonebrink ical engineering. Stone-
brink is the daughter
of Melvin and Dena Stonebrink. She
plans to attend Eastern Oregon Uni-
versity and study veterinary science.
Guevara is the son of Aaron and
Sasha Guevara. He plans to attend
the University of Idaho and study
communications.
Last year the Elks National Foun-
dation provided more than $3.65 mil-
lion in college scholarships to gradu-
ating seniors. This year’s amount will
be similar, but as yet, is not known.
The Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks is second only to the federal
government in scholarships awarded to
seniors in high school.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
BRIEFS
Community dance features live
music, door prizes and snacks
Take an emergency
preparedness class
LA GRANDE — “Surviving the
Unexpected” is an emergency home pre-
paredness class off ered through Cross-
roads Community Church, 601 Jef-
ferson Ave., La Grande, on Saturday,
April 2, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. The cost
of the class is $15 per person or $25 per
couple. Family rates and child care are
also available. The price includes a Texas
chili feed dinner with corn bread and
sweets.
For more information call Crossroads
at 541-963-4342 or visit www.spokane-
homeprep.com.
Cove senior lunch served twice
a month at Ascension School
COVE — Cove senior lunches are
served at Founders Hall on the Ascen-
sion School grounds on the fi rst and
third Tuesdays of the month. Coff ee and
tea are available at 11:30 a.m., and lunch
is at noon.
The menu for Tuesday, April 5,
is roasted turkey, creamed potatoes
and carrots, peas, salad bar, rolls and
cupcakes.
The price is $5 per meal and reser-
vations are requested to ensure there is
food for everyone. If you haven’t been
contacted or wish to participate, call
Betsy Arnson at 541-568-4902 or Vir-
ginia Fischer at 1-907-299-6072 by
March 29.
LA GRANDE — The BlueMoun-
taineers will provide live music for
March’s end-of-the-month commu-
nity dance on Saturday, March 26, from
6-9 p.m. at the Union County Senior
Center, 1504 N. Albany St., La Grande.
Entry is $5 per person, or free for
ages 12 and younger. The evening
includes a fi nger food potluck and door
prizes.
Grande Ronde Community
Choir begins March 31
LA GRANDE — Grande Ronde
Community Choir is restarting after
a two-year hiatus. The group, which
was founded in 1992, is a mixed-voice
choral ensemble for community mem-
bers, EOU students, staff , faculty and
area high school students. Auditions are
not required.
The choir rehearses and performs a
wide variety of choral literature ranging
from major works with orchestra to
spirituals, folks songs and musical the-
ater repertoire. Knowing how to read
music is not required for participation.
Michael Frasier is the musical director,
and the accompanist is Lanetta Paul.
Rehearsals begin March 31 and con-
tinue on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in
Loso Hall, Room 123, on the campus of
Eastern Oregon University, La Grande.
The group is open to ages 14 and older
and all vocal/music skill levels are
welcome.
This community music ensemble is
made possible through a partnership of
EOU and Art Center East. Participation
is $50 for ACE members, or $60 for
nonmembers, per term. Register online
at artcentereast.org.
Fishtrap hosts online poetry
workshop in April
ENTERPRISE — Nellie Bridge
will lead an online poetry workshop
titled “Recipes from Poems We Love”
through Fishtrap in April. Classes
meet on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. Registration is
$240, or $215 for Fish-
trappers. Everyone in
this workshop will bring
an inspiring poem to
share and use some part
of it (structure, voice,
occasion, style, device)
Bridge
to craft a poem of their
own.
Bridge is a poet and high school
teacher living in Sofi a, Bulgaria. Her
poems have appeared in print as well as
online, including at Sarah Lawrence as
a distinguished entry for the Campbell
Corner Poetry Prize. Her chapbooks
include “Plea for Tearing with the Run-
ning Hours” and “Poemas Sueltos.”
Her manuscripts have been fi nalists for
book prizes and she earned her MFA at
NYU.
For full details and to register, go to
www.fi shtrap.com.
— The Observer
THE OBSERVER — A5
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
Teresa J. Higley
Elgin
Teresa J. Higley, 66, of Elgin, died March 17, 2022,
at her residence. A graveside service will be held March
23 at 11 a.m. at the Highland-Cricket Flat Cemetery in
Elgin. Parking is on the road below the cemetery due
to muddy conditions. Casual dress is preferred by the
family. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel
& Crematory, La Grande.
Wanita M. Hummel
Elgin
Wanita Mae Hummel, 96, of Elgin, died March 19,
2022, at a local care facility. Arrangements are by Love-
land Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Brandee McDaniel
Formerly of La Grande
Brandee McDaniel, formerly of La Grande, died
Oct. 11, 2021. A gathering of friends and family will be
held April 3 from 1-3 p.m. at the Lions Club in Prescott,
Washington.
Mary L. Scott
Elgin
Mary L. Scott, 64, of Elgin, died March 19, 2022, at
a care facility. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
March 23 — TERESA HIGLEY: 11 a.m. grave-
side service, Highland-Cricket Flat Cemetery, Elgin
(park on road below due to muddy conditions; casual
dress preferred).
March 26 — PATRICIA LEWIS: 10 a.m. grave-
side service, North Powder Cemetery; followed by
11 a.m. celebration of life, North Powder Grange.
March 26 — ANNETTE LECKENBY: 1 p.m.
memorial service, Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation
& Life Celebration Center, La Grande.
March 26 — JUDY HUNT: 3 p.m. celebration of
life, La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church; fol-
lowed by reception at La Grande Adventist Christian
School.
April 2 — DIANNA BRAY: noon memorial ser-
vice, Calvary Baptist Church, Cove; followed by recep-
tion and meal.
April 2 — ROBERTA TRUAX: 1 p.m. celebration
of life, Island City Cemetery; followed by reception at
209 S. 18th St., La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel,
La Grande.
Todd K. McCoy
April 28, 1961 - March 11, 2022
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
10:26 a.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2100 block of
Oak Street on a report of a domestic disturbance.
1:04 p.m. — A caller reported an intoxicated driver at Jeff erson
Street Depot, 1118 Jeff erson Ave., La Grande. A Union County sher-
iff ’s deputy told the driver not to drive.
4 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 900 block of K Ave-
nue on a report of a theft of services. The parties reached a civil
agreement.
4:22 p.m. — A resident in the area of Division Avenue and Uma-
tilla Street, La Grande, reported aggressive neighbor dogs. An ani-
mal enforcement offi cer responded and gave options.
4:30 p.m. — A caller reported an injured cat on the 2300 block
of Jeff erson Avenue, La Grande. A caller then reported the cat
walked off .
4:55 p.m. — A resident on the 3100 block of Umatilla Street,
La Grande, told police a neighbor was poking a stick through the
fence at her dogs. An animal enforcement offi cer responded and
resolved the situation for now.
5:03 p.m. — A caller reported someone damaged a mailbox on
the 2900 block of Alder Street, La Grande. An offi cer made contact,
took information and would provide an extra patrol.
6:13 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce received a report
of a theft at the Union County Extension Services, 10507 N. McAlis-
ter Road, Island City. A deputy made contact.
6:51 p.m. — The Chevron station at 2706 Island Ave., La Grande,
reported a theft. An offi cer responded and took a report.
8:49 a.m. — A caller complained about aggressive dogs on the
1200 block of Benton Avenue, La Grande. An animal enforcement
offi cer made contact.
11:20 a.m. — A caller reported a dead animal on Oregon Trail
Road, North Powder. An animal enforcement offi cer responded
and determined it was a pig.
11:30 a.m. — A caller reported a dog on the loose on the 100
block of Second Street, La Grande. An animal enforcement offi cer
responded and warned the owners of the dog.
12:16 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1007 block of
Jackson Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance and sepa-
rated the parties.
2:05 p.m. — A caller reported a sick deer in the area of 61300
Highway 237, Cove.
2:42 p.m. — The Union County Sheriff ’s Offi ce received a com-
plaint about a burglary on the 20 block of South Sixth Avenue,
Elgin. A deputy responded and took a report.
8:08 p.m. — A caller reported someone was shining a light in a
window of a residence on the 1600 block of Carolyn Terrace, Elgin.
A Union County sheriff ’s deputy checked the area but found no
one suspicious.
8:57 p.m. — A caller in the area of 10800 South E Street, La
Grande, reported someone was knocking on doors and running
away. A Union County sheriff ’s deputy would provide extra patrols.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
2:28 a.m. — A caller on the 1600 block of Seventh Street, La
Grande, asked for contact regarding a mentally ill subject. Offi cers
responded and rendered assistance.
10:00 a.m. — A resident on the 300 block of East Center Street,
Union, reported a trespasser. A Union County sheriff ’s deputy
made contact and issued a warning.
10:36 a.m. — A caller reported a domestic disturbance on the
1000 block of Jackson Avenue, La Grande. Offi cers responded and
separated the parties.
1:59 p.m. — A caller reported a suspicious person crossing the
railroad tracks near X Avenue, La Grande. An offi cer responded and
counseled the subject.
2:33 p.m. — A caller reported a person was denting the hood of
vehicle at Walmart, 11619 Island Ave., Island City. A Union County
sheriff ’s deputy responded and counseled the parties.
4:25 p.m. — A Union County sheriff ’s deputy responded to the
area of 65300 Hunter Road, Summerville, on a report of a tres-
passer. The deputy located the subject and gave the person a ride
to Summerville.
11:07 p.m. — La Grande police responded to a residence on the
1200 block of Adams Avenue on a report of a disturbance. An offi -
cer found the subject was alone in the apartment.
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Todd Kevin McCoy died March
11, 2022, as a result of an overdose.
He was 60 years old. Because Todd
was always helping others - family,
friends or strangers - we share his
story.
Todd was born in La Grande,
Oregon, on April 28, 1961, the son
of Gerald and Charlotte (Hought)
McCoy. Todd grew up in the
fellowship of the Zion Lutheran Church congregation,
La Grande. He was baptized and confirmed into the
Lutheran faith.
Todd attended elementary school at the old Island
City School. He was a 1979 graduate of Imbler High
School in Imbler, Oregon. Todd enjoyed snow skiing,
fishing, hunting and kayaking. Spending time with his
family was important to him. He will be remembered
for his friendliness and telling entertaining stories, often
embellished to ensure all were entertained. Todd was
a caring father, son, grandson and brother and a loyal
friend.
Unfortunately, Todd will also be remembered as
a statistic. Introduced to drugs in his late teens, he
experimented with opioids. Once opioid drugs got ahold
of Todd, they never let him go. His family truly loved
him and tried to be supportive as he struggled with
addiction. He fought his addiction fiercely for years
and wanted a normal life. If a life can be saved because
his was lost, his goal of helping others will carry on.
It is our hope that raising awareness of substance
abuse disorder and reducing stigma will save lives.
Local resources include supportive law enforcement
personnel, Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness, local
clergy and Center for Human Development.
Todd is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth; parents,
Gary and Charlotte McCoy; sister, Stephani, and
brother, Eric; brother in-law, Stuart; aunt, Darlene, and
cousins, Terri, Marsha and Clay; cousin, Monty; nieces,
Mandy and Sylvia; and nephews, Austen and Gerald.
He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron; sister,
Michelle; grandparents, Clair and Helen Hought and
Ralph and Margaret McCoy; and uncle, Jim.
A graveside service will be held at Prairie Creek
Cemetery, Joseph, Oregon, on May 7, 2022, at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wallowa
Valley Center for Wellness Substance Use Disorder
Program, P.O. Box 268, Enterprise, OR 97828, or
online at wvcenterforwellness.org (click on donate and
note in memory of Todd McCoy). Online condolences
may be shared at lovelandfuneralchapel.com.