Thank you for your interest in reading The Observer. Here are a few stories that you might have missed this week:

News about train derailments and the devastation they have caused in Ohio have, understandably, been in the news of late. Reporter Isabella Crowley has spent the last couple of weeks talking to local officials about what would happen if a similar incident happened in Union County.

Of course, this week we got a small taste with a Union Pacific train derailing in downtown La Grande. The incident involved five cars and there were no leaks or spills associated with the derailment and nobody was hurt during the derailment, which occurred near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Hemlock Street, according to Daryl Bjoraas of Union Pacific.

Reporter Dick Mason updated readers on the La Grande School District’s maintenance and grounds crew’s move into a new Plant and Operations Center on Adams Avenue. The move into the former Adams Professional Plaza started last fall. District officials said the equipment and materials were gradually moved into the Adams Avenue location. The move is being made because the school district will soon begin construction of an academic and athletic building, the Wildcat Center, just north of La Grande Middle School and in the vicinity of where the old shop building is. 

And once again, proving a story does not have to be too big to draw the attention of readers, one of our most popular online news stories this past week was a story about a renovated faculty and staff lounge at La Grande Middle School.

It’s all part of The Observer’s efforts, both in print and online, to keep you informed about the latest happenings throughout Union County. As always, if you have a news tip to share or want to ask a question about our news coverage, I can be reached at this email address, acutler@lagrandeobserver.com.  

And, finally, let me take this opportunity to thank our subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support. 

Andrew Cutler is the interim editor of The Observer.