RECORDS
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
THe OBseRVeR — A5
Regional art centers collecting data for national study
The Observer
DEATH & SERVICE NOTICES
Guy R. Francy
La Grande
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
NORTHEASTERN
OREGON — Nonprofits
across the nation are
joining to learn more about
the economic impact of
arts and culture through
Arts and Economic Pros-
perity 6, the sixth eco-
nomic impact study of the
nonprofit arts and culture
industry in the U.S.
The study is conducted
approximately every five
years to gauge the eco-
nomic impact — on
employment, government
revenue and household
income — of spending
by nonprofit arts and cul-
ture organizations and the
event-related spending by
their audiences. The sixth
study runs May 1, 2022,
through April 30, 2023.
“The arts bring so much
to Northeast Oregon com-
munities: opportunities to
connect with others, cre-
ative learning, and eco-
nomic growth. We at Art
Center East and our non-
profit arts and culture
organization partners
throughout the region aim
to raise awareness among
local leaders and commu-
nity members through the
AEP6,” said Darcy Dolge,
Art Center East’s execu-
tive director.
Art Center East (La
A press release from Art Center
East encourages Union County
residents to visit artcentereast.
org/aep-survey, email info@
artcentereast.org or call 541-
624-2800 for more information
about being part of this study.
The Observer, File
Art Center East, La Grande, rests in the summer heat Tuesday, July
6, 2021. ACE is joining other Northeastern Oregon art centers in a
national study, which began May 1, 2022, on the economic impact of
spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and the event-
related spending by their audiences.
Grande), Josephy Center
for Arts and Culture
(Joseph) and Crossroads
Carnegie Arts Center
(Baker City) are joining
Americans for the Arts,
Travel Oregon, Oregon
Arts Commission and
nearly 400 communi-
ties in all 50 states in dis-
tributing surveys at live
events. Americans for the
Arts provides arts and cul-
ture nonprofits with final
reports containing survey
outcome data after the
study concludes.
“NEOEDD is serving
as the lead organiza-
tion for the AEP6 survey
because we want to learn
more about the impacts of
the nonprofit arts sector
in our region,” said Lisa
Dawson, executive director
of Northeast Oregon Eco-
nomic Development Dis-
trict. “We appreciate the
boots-on-the-ground role
taken by Art Center East,
Crossroads Carnegie Art
Center and Josephy Center
for Arts and Culture to
ensure that data is col-
lected from around the
region.”
To help, community
members and organiza-
tions are encouraged to
tell arts and culture cen-
ters about live events or
volunteer to distribute
and collect AEP6 surveys.
For additional ways to get
involved, contact a local
art or culture center:
• Art Center East: 1006
Penn Ave., La Grande;
541-624-2800, www.art-
centereast.org
• Crossroads Carnegie
Art Center: 2020 Auburn
Ave., Baker City; 541-
523-5369, www.cross-
roads-arts.org
• Josephy Center for
Arts and Culture: 403 N.
Main St., Joseph; 541-432-
0505, www.josephy.org
“The NE Oregon team
thanks the Northeast
Oregon Economic Devel-
opment District, Oregon
Arts Commission and
Travel Oregon who are
helping with all the costs
associated with this pro-
cess,” said Ginger Savage,
Crossroads’ executive
director.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
MEETINGS
also is available. For access informa-
tion, go to www.union-county.org/
commissioners/agendaminutes.
• LA GRANDE — The Budget
Committee of the La Grande School
District will convene Wednesday,
June 8, at 5:30 p.m. Following that
meeting, at 7 p.m., the district’s
Board of Directors will have a regular
meeting. Both meetings will be in the
District Office Board Room at 1305 N.
Willow.
The meetings will be available in
person, online and via phone. See the
• LA GRANDE — The Union
County Board of Commissioners will
meet Wednesday, June 8, at 9 a.m. in
the Joseph Building, La Grande. Buf-
falo Peak Golf Course and Grande
Ronde Hospital are among the topics
on the agenda.
Public comments for the board
can be submitted via writing to the
county office, via email to amoore@
union-county.org or in person during
the public comment section. Partic-
ipation via Zoom videoconference
agendas at www.lagrandesd.org for
meeting access information.
• ELGIN — A public meeting
of the Wallowa Union Railroad
Authority Board of Directors will
be held Monday, June 27, at 6 p.m.
at the Elgin Depot. The purpose of
the meeting is to discuss the 2022-23
operating year and to adopt the fiscal
year 2022-23 budget. The call-in
number is 1-888-520-8955, code
89625#.
— The Observer
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
9:26 a.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about the
theft of a vehicle on the 2300 block of Q Avenue. An officer
responded and determined the vehicle was repossessed.
2:22 p.m. — A resident on the 1100 block of Bryan Street,
Cove, reported flooding.
2:35 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to a
resident who asked for assistance at Evanston Street and North
10th Avenue, Elgin. The deputy took a report for a dog bite.
4:15 p.m. — A caller reported a juvenile causing a dis-
turbance on the 1400 block of X Avenue, La Grande. Officers
responded and counseled the juvenile.
5 p.m. — La Grande police on the 2900 block of Second
Street made two arrests.
Police arrested Ian Fraser Brooks, 26, for two counts of
first-degree attempted theft, one count each of second- and
third-degree attempted theft, four counts of attempted fraud-
ulent use of a credit card, four counts of identity theft and one
count of theft of lost or mislaid property.
And police arrested Michael Robert Richardson, 38, for two
counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree theft, conspir-
acy to commit second-degree theft, conspiracy to commit
third-degree theft, four counts of conspiracy to commit fraud-
ulent use of a credit card and one count of theft of lost or mis-
laid property.
5:34 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1200 block
of Adams Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance. The
parties involved separated.
5:44 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 2100 block
of Adams Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance. Police
warned the parties for disorderly conduct.
8:17 p.m. — La Grande police responded to the 1900 block
of H Avenue on a complaint about harassment. Police coun-
seled both parties.
9:46 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
gunshots on the 1800 block of 26th Street. An officer responded
and determined this was fireworks.
11:15 p.m. — Union County Sheriff’s Office receive a com-
plaint about a loud party at Bryan and Caddie streets, Cove. A
deputy responded, heard no music upon arrival but told the
parties to keep the noise level down.
12:42 a.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
fraud. An officer made contact and found there was no fraud but
the subject has some mental health issues.
5:55 a.m. — Local law enforcement responded to the 10700
block of Fruitdale Lane, Island City, on a call about a stolen vehicle
and took a report for information only.
8:51 a.m. — La Grande police responded to C Avenue and First
Street on a call about a suspicious vehicle. An officer found the
driver was OK.
12:03 p.m. — A caller made a complaint about disorderly con-
duct on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. An officer
responded, explained options and the person moved along.
2:04 p.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
harassment at a residence on the 1800 block of G Avenue. An offi-
cer responded and explained options.
6:38 p.m. — A caller on the 1900 block of H Avenue, La Grande,
made a complaint about fraud. An officer made contact and took
a report.
7:27 p.m. — A caller on the 200 block of Cedar Street, Elgin,
reported a juvenile was smoking. A Union County sheriff’s deputy
made contact and took information.
8:10 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to
South Main and Second Street, Union, on a report of fireworks. The
deputy resolved the situation.
10:41 p.m. — A caller reported a suspicious vehicle on the 400
block of Baltimore Street, Elgin. A Union County sheriff’s deputy
found the vehicle broken down. The deputy gave assistance.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
12:13 a.m. — La Grande police received a complaint about
noise on the 3200 block of Alder Street. An officer made con-
tact, and the caller would ask them to quiet down and call back
if it continues.
10:12 a.m. — A resident on the 57300 block of Hawkins
Road, La Grande, reported a burglary. A Union County sheriff’s
deputy responded and took a report.
10:58 a.m. — La Grande police responded to a residence on
the 1800 block of G Avenue on a report of a domestic distur-
bance. Officers arrested Andru James Pauley, 35, of La Grande,
for menacing, coercion and unlawful use of a weapon.
3:17 p.m. — Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to the
59700 block of Foothill Road, La Grande, on a burglary call. A
deputy took a report.
8:07 p.m. — A Union County sheriff’s deputy responded to
the 71300 block of Follett Road, Elgin, on a report of a distur-
bance. The deputy determined this did not rise to the level of
a mandatory arrest.
8:58 p.m. — A caller reported possible gunshots on the
2100 block of Adams Avenue, La Grande. Law enforcement
responded and determined the cause of the sound was a
firework.
9:53 p.m. — Union County sheriff’s deputies responded
to the 69200 block of Ruckle Road, Summerville, for a distur-
bance. The parties involved separated.
10 p.m. — A caller reported fireworks in the area of South
Bellwood and West Delta streets, Union.
10:25 p.m. — La Grande police responded to Safeway, 2111
Adams Ave., on a report of a disturbance. Officers determined
this was verbal only and the parties separated.
Carol Ann Bouchard
August 22, 1941 – April 22, 2022
Carol Ann Bouchard, 80,
of North Powder, Oregon,
passed away April 22, 2022, at
Grande Ronde Hospital in La
Grande, Oregon. A graveside
military service will be held
on June 10, 2022, at 3 p.m. at
North Powder Cemetery. A
celebration of Carol’s life will
be held following the interment
at the Wolf Creek Grange in
North Powder.
Carol was born Carol Ann Plante on Aug. 22, 1941,
to Edward and Hope Plante in Providence, Rhode
Island. She joined the United States Army in 1959, and
was honorably discharged in 1962. Carol was a huge
supporter of the veterans of Union County.
Carol was Grand Master of the local Wolf Creek
Grange No. 596, which she took great pride in and
worked tirelessly to maintain its status. She was also
on the board of the North Powder library and the South
County Health District in Union, Oregon.
Carol was dedicated to improving all aspects of her
community. She worked tirelessly to help in any and
whatever way she could to improve all. She never knew
a stranger and was never negative. Carol will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Carol is survived by her sister, Cindy Andrukiewicz
of Duncan, South Carolina; nieces, Rebecca
Andrukiewicz and Tanya Allen; brother, Edward;
stepsons, Scott Craig and Shawn Craig. Shawn kept in
close contact with Carol, calling her daily.
Those who would like to make a memorial donation
in memory of Carol may do so to the charity of their
choice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home &
Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Oregon
97834. Online condolences may be shared at www.
tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com.
Guy R. Francy, 95, of La Grande, died June 5, 2022,
at his home. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
Arlan W. Taal
La Grande
Arlan W. Taal, 85, of La Grande, died Feb. 1, 2022,
at a local care facility. A celebration of his life will
be held June 12 at 11 a.m. at the La Grande Country
Club. Arrangements are by Loveland Funeral Chapel &
Crematory, La Grande.
Jeffrey, James and Joanne Wiseman
Cove and La Grande
Jeffery Wiseman, 57, of Cove, died Oct. 31, 2020.
James Wiseman, 85, of La Grande, died Feb. 7, 2021.
Joanne Wiseman, 86, of La Grande, died March 15,
2022. A joint celebration of their lives will be held
June 11 at 2 p.m. in the Mount Emily Building at the
Union County Fairgrounds, La Grande. Casual dress is
preferred by the family. Arrangements are by Loveland
Funeral Chapel & Crematory, La Grande.
UPCOMING
LOCAL
SERVICES
June 7 — DICK O’DELL: 2 p.m. celebration of
life, Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande.
June 8 — HELEN COCHRANE: 11 a.m.
celebration of life with lunch and music, Union County
Senior Center, La Grande.
June 10 — CAROL BOUCHARD: 3 p.m.
graveside military service, North Powder Cemetery;
celebration of life follows at Wolf Creek Grange, North
Powder.
June 11 — BARBARA WEISHAAR: 10 a.m.
celebration of life, La Grande Methodist Church
(casual dress preferred).
June 11 — HOWARD BAILEY: 11 a.m. memorial
gathering and lunch, Riverside Park Pavilion, La
Grande.
June 11 — BOB POLLOCK: 11 a.m. celebration
of life, Pine Valley Fairgrounds, Halfway.
June 11 — JEFFREY, JAMES AND JOANNE
WISEMAN: 2 p.m. celebration of lives, Mount Emily
Building, Union County Fairgrounds, La Grande
(casual dress preferred).
June 12 — ARLAN TAAL: 11 a.m. celebration of
life, La Grande Country Club.
June 16 — DORIS ROBERTSON: 11 a.m.
graveside service, Island City Cemetery.
June 17 — JOANN “JOEY” BECHTEL: 2 p.m.
graveside service, Elgin Cemetery (casual dress
preferred).
June 18 — ARDIS KLAGES: 11 a.m. graveside
service, Enterprise Cemetery; gathering follows at
Enterprise VFW Hall.
June 18 — RODNEY McKEE: 11 a.m. celebration
of life, Blue Mountain 4-H Center, 66501 End Road,
Summerville (casual dress preferred).
June 18 — GERRY KEFFER: 11:30 a.m.
celebration of life and lunch, Island City City Hall.
June 18 — SAMUEL ORR: 1 p.m. celebration of
life, Haines City Park.
June 20 — BUZ CATES: 3 p.m. celebration of life,
home of Cody and Brooke, 78995 Upper Imnaha Road,
Imnaha (behind the Imnaha Store and Tavern).
June 23 — DAN KRAMER: 2 p.m. graveside
service, Grandview Cemetery, La Grande.
June 25 — LARRY HANEY: 1 p.m. graveside
military service and celebration of life, Wallowa
Cemetery.
— Calendar courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel, La Grande
JoAnn “Joey” Bechtel
November 20, 1950 - February 28, 2022
JoAnn “Joey” Bechtel, 71,
of Pendleton, passed away at
her home Feb. 28, 2022, after a
long battle with breast cancer. A
graveside service will be held at
the Elgin Cemetery on Friday, June
17, 2022, at 2 p.m. Casual dress is
preferred by the family.
Joey was born in La Grande,
Oregon, on Nov. 20, 1950, to Clarence Bechtel and
June (Hug) Bechtel. She grew up in La Grande and
graduated from La Grande High School in 1969 and
later achieved her associate degree from BMCC.
Joey settled in Pendleton, Oregon, and retired from
DHS, Community Developmental Disabilities Program
for Umatilla County. Joey had three children: Sybil
Tremper, Mark George and Josh Swegle. Joey’s pride
and joy were her grandchildren: Andrew, Brayden,
Caleb, Dawson, Owen, Gavin, and granddaughter
Olivia. Joey married John Straughan in 2009. In
marriage, Joey gained two children, Bryn Stamets and
Nick Straughan, and more grandchildren: Michael,
Kenzie and Mady.
Joey was known for her love of gardening. She was
a member of Pendleton’s Dirt Dabblers club and took
pride in their work throughout Pendleton’s city gardens.
She also loved her animals, nature walks, garden tours,
bird-watching, antiques, estate sales, farmers markets,
her grandchildren’s sporting events and family trips.
Joey’s beautiful free spirit will be missed by all who
knew her.
Joey was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence
and June Bechtel of La Grande, Oregon. Joey is survived
by brother, Douglas Bechtel of Cornelius, Oregon; niece,
Terresa Bechtel of Oregon City, Oregon; daughter, Sybil
and Rob Tremper and their children, Andrew, Brayden,
Caleb and Dawson of Pendleton, Oregon; son, Mark
and Jaymi George and their children, Owen and Olivia
of La Grande, Oregon; son, Josh Swegle of Pendleton;
grandson, Gavin Swegle of Ninilchik, Alaska; husband,
John Straughan of Pendleton, Oregon; and her dog,
Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joey’s
honor to the Dirt Dabblers Garden Club, care of Mary
Jane Peterson, 2600 SW Goodwin #34, Pendleton, OR
97801.
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.