RECORDS
Thursday, March 24, 2022
April’s Fishtrap Fireside author reading is the final episode of the season
The readers
The Observer
ENTERPRISE — The
last Fishtrap Fireside of the
season will be available
online beginning Friday,
April 1.
The final episode of
Fireside’s ninth season
will feature readings from
Fishtrap friends Ralph
Swinehart and Ashley
Tackett, plus special guest
playwright E.M. “Ellen”
Lewis, Fishtrap’s 2022
Writer-in-Residence.
Anyone anywhere can
take in Fireside online at
www.fishtrap.org and on
Fishtrap’s YouTube Channel.
Fishtrap Fireside is a
monthly reading series
designed to feature diverse
Lewis
Swinehart
voices from local Wal-
lowa County writers. Each
month offers a fresh look at
what people of the West are
thinking about and writing
down. The series runs from
October to April and since
the pandemic began has
been a virtual event.
The April Fishtrap
Fireside is sponsored by
Stewart Jones Designs, a
custom jewelry designer
working in Wallowa
County since 1999.
E.M. (Ellen)
Lewis is Fish-
trap’s 2022 Writ-
er-in-Residence.
Her numerous
plays and operas
Tackett
have been pro-
duced around the world. An
award-winning dramatist,
teacher and opera libret-
tist, Lewis lives in Oregon’s
Willamette Valley on her
family’s farm. More about
her can be found on her
website, www.emlewisplay-
wright.com.
Ralph Swinehart moved
to Wallowa County in
1972 as part of the back-
to-the-land movement
and has spent the last 50
years developing his small
farm, where he built his
own barn, solar home and
numerous outbuildings.
Swinehart recently sold his
sheep after raising them for
46 years and is still a part-
time civil engineer, but he
is working on becoming a
full-time Luddite.
Ashley Tackett is a
designer, developer and
educator, and a self-de-
scribed “country gal at
heart.” Beauty, connec-
tion and growth are her
guiding stars to a very
engaging life. After a two-
year stint living along-
side snakes, steelhead and
turkey in Imnaha, Tackett
is presently carving out
a life under the bright,
warm sun of Mexico.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
BRIEFS
Help children cope with
divorce, separation
LA GRANDE — The next ses-
sion of “Helping Children Cope with
Divorce and Separation,” the court’s
mandatory parent education course,
will be offered virtually via Zoom
Thursday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. The
free class is led by Mary Lu Pierce and
sponsored by the Union County Family
Law Advisory Committee.
Pre-registration is required. To sign
up, email teala.sunderman@ojd.state.
or.us including your name, mailing
address, phone number and the date of
the class. Call Teala Sunderman at 541-
962-9500, ext. 42, for more information.
Community Band Northeast
begins rehearsals next week
LA GRANDE — Community
Band Northeast will begin rehearsals
again on Monday, March 28, at 7 p.m.
in Groth Recital Room in Loso Hall
on the Eastern Oregon University
campus in La Grande. All wood-
wind, brass and percussion players are
invited to join the ensemble. All skill
levels are welcome, from middle and
high school students through retirees.
The participation fees for the term
are $40 for adults, $10 for middle/high
school and college students. College
credit is available through EOU. The
term ends with a free community con-
cert May 31. For further information,
contact Linda at 541-786-4900 or birn-
baumlinda42@gmail.com.
Attend public meeting and
help shape your community
LA GRANDE — Community Con-
nection is holding public meetings to
address the needs and gaps in the com-
munities of Northeastern Oregon. Res-
idents of Union County are encouraged
to provide feedback to assist Community
Connection in improving services for
low-income persons.
Union County residents can help
shape their community by joining the
discussion on Friday, April 1, beginning
at 6 p.m. at the Union County Senior
Center, 1504 N. Albany St., La Grande.
Snacks will be served, and there will
be a drawing for gift cards. For more
information contact Jeff at 541-963-3186.
Symphony ensemble concerts
will begin in May
LA GRANDE — The Grande
Ronde Symphony’s upcoming
Chamber and Small Ensemble Series
(CASES) concert has been postponed.
GRSA hopes to reschedule the con-
cert featuring pianist Gretchen Lon-
gwell and mezzo soprano Allison
Swenson-Mitchell.
The next CASES concerts will be
May and June. Tickets are $10 for
adults and $1 for students. Special
group and family pricing is also avail-
able, as are $50 season passes. Tickets
may be purchased in advance online
or at the door. Visit www.granderond-
esymphony.org for full details.
Dream of having a career in
health care?
LA GRANDE — Registration for
MedQuest Camp, sponsored by North-
east Oregon Area Health Education
Center, is now open. The virtual camp
will be held June 20-23 and is open to
high school students, from this year’s
freshman through senior, who are
interested in a career in health care —
for example, dental hygiene, physical
therapy, physician, nursing, lab careers,
technical programs and public health.
The cost is $50, and scholarships are
available. Registration closes on April
29. For full details and to view a video,
visit www.neoahec.org/programs/med-
quest. Or contact NEOAHEC at 541-
975-4509 or neoahec@eou.edu.
The regional nonprofit Northeast
Oregon Area Health Education Center
was established in 1991. NEOAHEC
aims to address the health care work-
force needs in rural and frontier Eastern
Oregon.
— The Observer
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
MONDAY, MARCH 21
1:04 a.m. — A caller reported a male was trying door handles on
cars at Safeway, 2111 Adams Ave., La Grande. Officers responded
and resolved the situation.
1:18 a.m. — A caller complained about too much noise on the
1300 block of Cherry Street, La Grande. An officer responded and
advised the subject to keep the noise down.
10:01 a.m. — La Grande police took a report of fraud at Oregon
Trail Trader, 2312 Adams Ave.
12:14 p.m. — La Grande police arrested Union County Jail
inmate Ryan Mitchell Kelty, 37, on a Grant County warrant for two
counts of first-degree burglary, vehicle theft, second-degree theft
and second-degree criminal mischief.
2:34 p.m. — A caller reported child neglect in Elgin. A Union
County sheriff’s deputy responded and resolved the situation.
2:36 p.m. — A caller reported animal neglect in the area of
Palmer Junction Road, Elgin. An animal enforcement officer
responded and explained options.
3:30 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 300 block of
12th Street on a report of an disturbance involving a juvenile. Offi-
cers resolved the situation.
9:17 p.m. — A caller reported gunshots in the area of Wil-
low Elementary School, 1305 N. Willow St., La Grande. An officer
responded and did not find anything suspicious.
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
7:15 a.m. — A caller complained about a transient blocking a
doorway at Nature’s Pantry, 1907 Fourth St., La Grande. An officer
made contact and gave options.
9:51 a.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
harassment at the Chevron station, 2706 Island Ave., La Grande. An
officer made contact and resolved the situation.
10 a.m. — A caller reported a safety hazard at Fourth Street and
Penn Avenue, La Grande. An officer responded and removed the
hazard.
1:42 p.m. — A caller complained about careless drivers on the
2000 block of X Avenue, La Grande. A Union County sheriff’s dep-
uty responded and counseled the parties involved.
4:12 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about junk
in a yard on the 2100 block of Fir Street. An enforcement officer will
follow up.
4:06 p.m. — A caller reported a child custody dispute at a res-
idence on the 2000 block of Gekeler Lane, La Grande. An officer
responded and gave options.
9:35 p.m. — A caller in Cove reported a dog bit someone. A
Union County sheriff’s deputy responded and took a report.
OBITUARY AND DEATH NOTICE POLICY
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column inch. Obituaries formatted outside of the set templates will be billed at the
publishing newspaper’s open rate.
*Size may vary. Please contact us for a quote.
• Package includes: Obituary in the print edition on the publication day of your choice,
within deadline. Featured on the publishing newspaper’s website free of charge. Publishing
newspaper will also provide 5 complimentary copies of the newspaper (additional copies
$1.50/each). Place your obituary in a sister publication at a 25% discount.
• Paid obituary information should be ready for print prior to submission. If a proof is
requested, the obituary will be published in the next available edition once approved,
based on the newspaper’s advertising deadlines.
• DEADLINES: Noon Friday for Tuesday publication; noon Tuesday for Thursday publication;
noon Thursday for Saturday publication.
• CONTACT: Devi Mathson, dmathson@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6007
DEATH NOTICE • Free of charge • 150-word maximum in newspaper content style
• Includes name, age, town of residency and information about any funeral services or life
celebrations. • No add-ons available (photos, etc.).
• DEADLINE: 11 a.m. the day prior to publication
• CONTACT: Lisa Lester Kelly, lkelly@lagrandeobserver.com • 541-624-6019
Jacob D. Danforth
Teresa J. (Rysdam) Higley
May 27, 1977 – February 26, 2022
March 13, 1956 – March 17, 2022
Jacob Dewitt Danforth, 44,
of La Grande, passed away on
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Kadlec
Regional Medical Center, Richland,
Washington. A service will be held at
a later date.
Jacob was born on May 27, 1977,
in Oregon City, Oregon, to Tedd and
Sandra (Lee) Danforth. He resided in
Oregon City, La Grande and Union,
Oregon. He graduated from Union High School. He married
Jamie Cossitt on July 4, 2021, in Lincoln City, Oregon.
Jacob worked for Nash, 3 Feathers and Outdoor
Manufacturing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping,
boating, motorcycles and being with his family.
Jacob is survived by his wife, Jamie; children, Leena
Danforth (Josiah Richter) of La Grande and Gwyn Danforth
of La Grande; stepchildren, Skyler Dillon of Pendleton,
Oregon, and Kayla Dillon and Daymion King, both of La
Grande; parents, Tedd Danforth of Union and Sandy Lynch
of Milwaukie, Oregon; step-mother, Darlene Steele of La
Grande; sister, Jessica Glenn (Mike) of West Linn, Oregon;
brother, Jared Danforth of Union; one grandchild, Greyson
Page; many nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles, Allen
Danforth, Rick Danforth and Patti Kunze. He was preceded
in death by his grandparents, Glenn and Ruby Danforth.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.
lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
Teresa Joann (Rysdam) Higley, of Elgin, Oregon,
passed away on Thursday, March 17, at age 66. A
graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday,
March 23, at the Highland Cemetery on Cricket Flat in
Elgin. Please park on the road below the cemetery due
to the muddy conditions. Casual dress is preferred by
the family.
Teresa was born on March 13, 1956, in La Grande,
Oregon, to Delbert and Betty (Hayes) Rysdam. She was
a life-long resident of Elgin. In her spare time, Teresa
loved to garden and spend time with her family and
friends.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Gene Higley of
Elgin; daughter, Gina, and son-in-law, Justin Walsh,
of Battle Ground, Washington; daughter, Jamie Higley
Christman of Central Oregon; sister, Tammi Rysdam
of Elgin; along with numerous nieces, nephews and
cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert
and Betty Rysdam; brother, Delbert “Deb” Rysdam;
and nephew, Jeff Rysdam.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made to the Elgin High School Athletic Complex, P.O.
Box 68, Elgin, Oregon, 97827, to help resurface the
high school football field, a project that her nephew,
Jeff, was passionate about completing.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.
ThE OBsErVEr — A5
Senate candidate hosts
meet and greet at Imbler
The Observer
IMBLER — U.S. Senate candidate
Darin Harbick is holding a meet and greet
with area residents Friday, March 25, at
Imbler High School.
The event starts at 6 p.m. and will be
an opportunity for constituents to learn
about Harbick and his policies.
For more information, contact
Michelle Varney at 541-805-1947.
Harbick
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
Linda L. Dudley
La Grande
Linda L. Dudley, 83, of La Grande, died March 22,
2022, at Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande. Arrange-
ments are by Loveland Funeral Chapel & Crematory,
La Grande.
Laura McKinnis
Imbler
Laura McKinnis, 86, of Imbler, died March 21, 2022,
at Grande Ronde Hospital, La Grande. Arrangements
are by Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Cele-
bration Center, La Grande.
Judy and Bill Ross
Joseph
Judith “Judy” Lee Ross, 78, of Joseph, died Feb. 12,
2022, at Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise. Wil-
liam “Bill” Lee Ross, 79, of Joseph, died Feb. 20, 2022,
in Joseph. Judy and Bill met during their final years of
high school in Joseph and were married on July 7, 1962,
in Enterprise at St. Katherine’s Catholic Church. A joint
graveside service will be held April 9 at 11 a.m. at the
Joseph Cemetery. A small gathering at the Stubborn
Mule will follow.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
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, Crema-
tion & 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
reception and meal.
April 2 — ROBERTA TRUAX: 1 p.m. celebra-
tion of life, Island City Cemetery; followed by recep-
tion at 209 S. 18th St., La Grande.
April 9 — JUDY & BILL ROSS: 11 a.m. joint
graveside service, Joseph Cemetery; followed by
gathering at the Stubborn Mule.
May 7 — TODD McCOY: 1 p.m. graveside ser-
vice, Prairie Creek Cemetery, Joseph.
May 19 — ORVA MURRILL: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Union Victorian Cemetery.
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. memorial
service, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral
Chapel, La Grande.
Joanne H. (Glenn) Wiseman
July 8, 1935 - March 15, 2022
Joanne Hester Wiseman passed
peacefully on March 15, 2022,
surrounded by much love and light.
A memorial service will be held at
a later time.
She is survived by her daughter,
Jennifer Jo, son-in-law, John
Somers, and grandsons, Theo and
Eli, all residents of California. She
is predeceased by her husband,
James William “Jim” Wiseman of La Grande; her son,
Jeffery Glenn Wiseman of Cove; her parents, Keith
Glenn and Hester (Kasinger) Glenn, and her brother,
Buddy Glenn, all of Summerville, Oregon.
Joanne enjoyed a full and passionate life fueled by
many interests, a loving family and dear friends. She
grew up on the family farm in Summerville where she
rode horses, raised cattle and keenly involved herself
with community activities, especially 4-H and Rainbow
Girls. In 1953, she graduated from Imbler High School
and met the love of her life, Jim Wiseman. Upon
graduating from Eastern Oregon University, Joanne
found her passion as a primary schoolteacher. Joanne
married Jim in 1958 and they moved to Parkrose and
later back to La Grande where she thrived as an energetic
mother, beloved teacher and valued mentor to the next
teaching generation. An inspiration in the classroom,
Joanne nurtured students to greater creativity, self-
awareness and problem-solving skills.
After retirement, Joanne spent several years as a La
Grande Citizen Review Board Appointee and served in
the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church vestry. She and Jim split
their time in retirement between La Grande, California
and their second home in Lopez Island, Washington. At
Lopez, in their “little piece of paradise,” they boated,
visited and spent many memorable times with family
and friends, both old and new. Joanne cherished time
with family, especially with her grandsons.
Memorials may be made to the Blue Mountain 4-H
Center, 10507 N. McAlister Road, Room 9, La Grande,
OR 97850, the Summerville Cemetery, P.O. Box 163,
Summerville, OR 97876, or St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church, 1101 O Ave., La Grande, OR 97850.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.