Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
The Wallowa County Chieftain · Wallowa, OR
Nearby: Wallowa, ORJOSEPH — A small earthquake, albeit the strongest in Northeastern Oregon in more than 30 years, was recorded late Monday, Nov. 9, in Wallowa County southeast of Joseph. The quake, recorded at 11:43 p.m., had a magnitude of 4.3, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network operated by the University of Washington and University of Oregon. The epicenter was near Carrol Creek, a tributary of Big Sheep Creek about 3 miles east of the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road and about 12 miles southeast of Joseph. The quake happened about 7.5 miles underground (the initial report stated 1.5 miles). Doug Gibbons, seismic lab coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, said that based on the network’s historical database, Monday’s temblor was the strongest in Northeastern Oregon since a magnitude 4.0 quake on Oct. 27, 1994, about 7 miles southeast of Halfway. Gibbons said on Tuesday morning, Nov.
The Wallowa County Chieftain · Wallowa, OR
Nearby: Wallowa, ORENTERPRISE — Wallowa County has not one but two opportunities for people to improve their balance, flexibility, strength and cognition, all of which are important as people age. Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise offers Balance Level I and Level II classes, which Emily Whitesides, physical therapist at the hospital, teaches. Natalie Butz, an occupational therapist at the hospital, also has been a co-instructor. Each level lasts eight weeks and then begins again. The classes meet Tuesday and Thursday at Cloverleaf Hall in Enterprise. Level I meets 1-2 p.m., and the second class meets 2-3 p.m. Whitesides said the first level class is a transition from physical therapy, or outpatient rehabilitative services, and for people, “who are just wanting to explore their level of balance, strength, flexibility and cognition.” She advised people to take Level I before taking Level II.
La Grande Observer · La Grande, OR
Nearby: La Grande, ORLA GRANDE — About 2,600 customers in La Grande were without power for about 25 minutes on the morning of Nov. 12, according to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. The outage was likely caused by high winds in the area, OTEC Communications Manager Shiraz Mukarram said. Linemen were able to quickly troubleshoot the issue and restore power. OTEC restored power to all affected members by 8:28 a.m., according to the cooperative.
La Grande Observer · La Grande, OR
Nearby: La Grande, ORLA GRANDE — Those looking for some handmade charm when checking off gifts from their holiday shopping list are in luck. Art Center East’s 18th annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market returns Nov. 20-21 at 1006 Penn Ave. in La Grande. The weekend market features a wide range of goods and artwork created by local and regional artisans. “ With this market, everything has to be handmade,” Gallery Director Jennifer Durr said. “ There’s no resale. There’s no MLM. There’s no selling other people’s handmade products. It’s the makers selling their own handmade goods.” This year’s market showcases 24 artists and artisans, according to Durr, offering a huge selection of gifts. Items include leather, woodworking, artisan foods, fiber arts, ceramics, glass, clothing, jewelry, blacksmithing, home decor, bath and body products, art prints, paintings, cards and much more. Admission is free on Nov. 20 from 4-8 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
La Grande Observer · La Grande, OR
Nearby: La Grande, ORLA GRANDE — Dr. Lewis Wright’s new practice, Wright Family Dental, is now open at 2502 Cove Avenue, Suite D in La Grande and welcomes new patients. Raised in La Grande, Wright is the son of Wade Wright, a retired biology teacher at La Grande High School, and Lezlie Wright. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Eastern Oregon University in 2021 and graduated from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in June. Wright and his wife, Alaina Wright, an occupational therapist, live with and care for her grandparents, retired dentist Dr. Russell and Mrs. Marlene Kilpatrick of La Grande. Wright said Dr. Kilpatrick remains one of his professional mentors. “My wife and I are so excited to be back home and to be serving the community we really love here,” Wright said. During his last year in dentistry school, the faculty at OHSU School of Dentistry awarded Wright the Implant Dentistry Award as the best student in that category in his class.
La Grande Observer · La Grande, OR
Nearby: La Grande, ORLA GRANDE — Veterans can enjoy a free meal Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Blue Mountain Bistro at Grande Ronde Hospital. GRH welcomes veterans and active duty military to enjoy the free meal as a thank you for their service, the hospital announced in a press release. Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Bistro, which is inside Grande Ronde Hospital, 900 Sunset Drive, in La Grande. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifices of our military members, past and present,” Director of Communications and Marketing Karrine Brogoitti said. “We’re grateful for all they’ve given, and it would be our honor to serve them.” No reservation is required. The menu includes a variety of options, including barbecue tri-tip with au gratin potatoes, Philly cheesesteaks, chili, fresh salad bar selections, personal pizzas and hamburgers.
