La Grande Observer

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 union’s dispute with the cooperative based in Baker City. Nick Simons, a lineman from La Grande, said those are the only planned dates for contract talks. On June 22 the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 125, based in Portland, issued a 30-day strike notice to OTEC.

Silver Spring, MD, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would create a streamlined registration pathway for distributed manufacturing establishments that operate as a single establishment using a “hub-and-spoke” model.

LA GRANDE — Community members of all ages gathered Wednesday, July 8, at the La Grande Armory Conference Center for Sen. Ron Wyden’s town hall. The Democrat fielded questions on healthcare, forestry, climate change, technology, privacy and more — all of which he saw as important and relevant topics. “There has not been a bad point in the house,” Wyden said.

BEAVERTON, ORE, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tektronix today introduced its Power Distribution Network (PDN) Analysis Software for 4 Series B, 5 Series B, and 6 Series B Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes. By combining power integrity and signal integrity validation into a single workflow, the solution helps hardware designers evaluate power rail stability, identify sources of noise, and understand how power delivery affects signal performance.

BAKER CITY — With hot, dry weather continuing in Northeastern Oregon, the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur national forests will move to phase A of public use restrictions starting Friday, July 10. Although some restrictions are the same for both forests, there is one significant difference. On the Malheur, phase A, the first phase of restrictions, includes a ban on campfires except those started in Forest Service-built fire rings within campgrounds and other designated recreation sites.

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 Dave VanCleave, manager of Outdoors RV, and Samantha Lebold, owner of Find Your Why Travel, both in La Grande. He attended schools in the Imbler School District and graduated from Imbler High School in 2016. He earned a full scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he graduated in 2020.

Littleton, CO, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EAS Tire & Auto, a trusted name in full-service automotive repair in Colorado and a Straightaway Brand, has completed a state-wide rebrand with 20 locations now operating under the EAS brand name. For over two decades, EAS Tire & Auto has been providing customers with high-quality, genuine automotive care to communities across Colorado.

SPOKANE, WA, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silverlake Automotive announced today the acquisition of Northwest Automotive in Spokane Valley, Washington, marking the company's sixth location, its first in Washington state, and its first acquisition since joining the Straightaway family of brands earlier this year.

Wayne, PA, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TekniPlex recently announced the winners of its FY2026 TeknoVation Awards. This year, more than 30 projects were nominated from across TekniPlex’s two divisions, from multiple regions and functions. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, problem-solving, business impact, measurable results and scalability.

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, the Enterprise center of WorkSource Oregon moved into its new home in Suite G at 401 NE First St. to better serve Wallowa County.