The newspaper’s office is in La Grande, the county seat of Union County and home to Eastern Oregon University.

The Observer is recognized as the dominant news and advertising source for Northeast Oregon and has received numerous news, advertising, and printing awards in recent years. The newspaper is committed to providing comprehensive news, sports, and advertising coverage of Northeast Oregon.

The Observer is proud of its commitment to and participation in its community. More than 100 local events, fundraisers, nonprofits, and service clubs receive support from the newspaper. Some of the sponsorships, support,t and memberships include: United Way of Union County; Wallowa County Fair; Union County Fair; Union County 4-H Leaders; Eastern Oregon University Foundation; Fishtrap; Relay for Life; Union County Chamber of Commerce; Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce and Union County Economic Development Corporation. The Observer also supports high school booster clubs and school activities in Union County.