La Grande Observer

Union County enters into burn ban

LA GRANDE — Fire precautions have increased for Union County. The Union County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on July 15 to enter into a burn ban due to the dry conditions and potential for ...
La Grande Observer

How a Bigfoot movie found the perfect home in Eastern Oregon

SUMMERVILLE — Bigfoot is ready for his close-up in Union County. Filmmakers Zach Green and Devin O’Rourke in June 2025 toured the county to see if the Grande Ronde Valley might serve as the perfect ...
La Grande Observer

Union member: Labor talks with Oregon Trail Electric set for early August

BAKER CITY — A representative of the union that represents about 40 employees from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, including journeyman linemen, said negotiations are scheduled for Aug. 4-6 in the ...
La Grande Observer

Wyden talks environment, technology at Union County town hall

Community members of all ages gathered Wednesday, July 8, at the La Grande Armory Conference Center for Sen. Ron Wyden’s town ...
La Grande Observer

Dr. Trace VanCleave joins Arrow Dental in Island City

Trace VanCleave is the new full-time dentist at Arrow Dental in Island City. VanCleave, a Union County native, is the son of ...
La Grande Observer

WorkSource Oregon celebrates new Enterprise office

ENTERPRISE — Community members can join WorkSource Oregon in celebration of its newly relocated Enterprise center. The Oregon Employment Department announced in a press release on Wednesday, July 8, ...
La Grande Observer

Gusty winds fueling lightning fire north of Anthony Lakes

Strong winds from a passing cold front are fueling a fire north of Anthony Lakes that grew from 5 acres to an estimated 40 acres on Wednesday afternoon, July 8, and produced a smoke plume visible from ...
La Grande Observer

Vehicle fire sparks wildfire on I-84 outside La Grande

UNION COUNTY — No people — or horses — were injured following a fire on Interstate 84 in Union County. The La Grande Rural Fire Protection District announced in a social media post that emergency ...
La Grande Observer

3 La Grande businesses receive $160,000 in urban renewal funds

LA GRANDE — Three La Grande businesses will receive help with business expansions, building renovations and new construction thanks to the city’s Urban Renewal Agency and Urban Renewal Advisory ...
La Grande Observer

Union County Commissioners adopt 2026-27 budget

UNION COUNTY — Union County’s budget picture for the next year is set. The Union County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 Wednesday, June 24, to adopt a fiscal year 2026-27 total budget of just more ...
La Grande Observer

Dry conditions land Union County in drought emergency

LA GRANDE — Given dry conditions across the county, the Union County Board of Commissioners declared a local state of emergency. Commissioners unanimously voted Wednesday, June 24, to declare a local ...