We recently ran an article on the end of the longtime La Grande business Globe Furniture. I read with great interest Trish Yerges’ article on the closure of the business, a place well-known to longtime area residents. Anytime a small business closes up shop, it saddens me. Especially one as well-known and respected as Globe Furniture.
Business coverage is something we take some pride in and I believe it is important to keep our fingers on the pulse of the local economy. The reason, of course, is obvious. Small businesses drive small town economics, and their presence is crucial for the long-term health of the area.
Last week we covered a number of stories of local interest — from the La Grande City Council hosting hearings to discuss the proposed budgets for the Urban Renewal District and the city to the announcement Eastern Oregon University was named the most affordable college in Oregon by University HQ.
Each of these stories was different but important. Each one gives a reader an unrestricted view of the key current events and issues.
Of special interest is the city and Urban Renewal District budgets. Those meetings are set for early next week and anyone interested in how public — taxpayer — money is spent should try to attend the public meetings.
That’s not always easy in our day and age. Yet one of the best ways to keep track of how a local government is doing is to listen in budget meetings. Afterall, a good share of the money cities and counties spend comes straight out of your wallet or purse. It is your money. How it is spent is important.
We will have a new slate of important stories next week in our editions of the newspaper and online. So don’t miss out.
