La Grande Observer

Testimony under way in rape lawsuit

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:01:30 +0100

The former Eastern Oregon University professor who claimed she was raped by Eastern’s former director of undergraduate studies told the jury in her lawsuit Wednesday she is sticking to her story because she wants justice done. Marla Johnson is seeking millions of dollars in damages from Robert L. Davis, Eastern Oregon University and the Oregon University System. She says Davis raped her during a trip to Atlanta, and also charges that university officials tried to force her out of her job because of her lawsuit.

Happy 90th anniversary, Sugar Plum

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:59:40 +0100

Suddenly, I feel very, very old. You see, every month I send Wonder Woman — aka my girlfriend — a bouquet of colorful flowers in honor of the anniversary of our first e-mail. This month I phoned the flower store. The nice young woman asked what I wanted to say on the card. I replied, “Happy ninth anniversary.” Maybe I should have said “nine-month anniversary,” but this month I wanted to be different, because the Wonder Woman loves a good twist.

Obituaries for the day of July 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:57:51 +0100

Obituaries for the day of July 9, 2009

Cove High School student athlete headed to Australia

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:56:19 +0100

COVE — Cove High School volleyball player Blaiz Calhoun is about to experience a change of seasons. Calhoun, an upcoming junior at Cove, will soon leave for Australia where she will represent Oregon at the Annual Down Under International Games on the Gold Coast of Queensland.

Enjoy 63rd annual Elgin Stampede

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:53:32 +0100

Another Northeast Oregon summer tradition takes place this week with the 63rd annual edition of the Elgin Stampede. The popular event kicks off tonight with Family Night and runs daily through Sunday, culminating with the final rodeo performance and the always popular Stampede Challenge event.

Letters and Comments for July 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:52:10 +0100

Letters and Comments for July 9, 2009

Rangeland consultant shares his expertise with Mongolia

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:50:16 +0100

WALLOWA —Like other ranchers, Dennis Sheehy finds it difficult to get away from the ranch work. But when he does, he really gets away — about 10,000 miles away across the globe. A couple of times a year, Sheehy goes to Mongolia as a rangeland consultant. This is nothing new for him. He has been working in that part of the world for 24 years and has made more than 50 trips there.

Public notice for the day of July 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:23:58 +0100

Public notice for the day of July 9, 2009

Federal recovery dollars fund youth crew work at Mt. Emily rec area

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:54:57 +0100

Up on Mount Emily north of La Grande, the air is fresh and clean and the views go on forever. It’s a great place to play, and an even better place to work. Nothing could be finer, according to the Union County youngsters who have jobs this summer through Training and Employment Consortium’s Summer Youth Program. “It’s good work. We get to come outside and see the great beauty of the outdoors,” said 17-year-old Keegan Fleming, one of 20 young people helping improve the Union County-owned Mount Emily Recreation Area.

La Grande falls in District 3 championship game

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:48:54 +0100

ATHENA — The La Grande junior Little League softball team fell just short of a District 3 title after being defeated by Milton-Freewater Tuesday, 5-1. “The girls played their hearts out,” La Grande Little League softball vice president Jason Thorne said. “Playing four days in a row in the dry heat of Athena can take a toll on anyone. “But the girls battled and never faltered. I am the proudest I have ever been as a coach with these young ladies.”