1. Mass vehicle crash shuts down I-84

PENDLETON — A series of crashes involving nearly 200 vehicles near Deadman Pass closed Interstate 84 in Eastern Oregon on Monday, Feb. 21.

The crashes began around noon near milepost 230, stretched 1.75 miles and involved more than 170 vehicles, according to press releases from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police. OSP on Feb. 22 reported 17 patients were transported from the crash scene to hospitals and an additional two were transported after they arrived at Pendleton Convention Center, which served as a reunification hub for people in the crash.

Oregon State Police, local law enforcement, fire and medics from agencies throughout Umatilla and Union counties responded to the crashes, along with help from Walla Walla County in Washington. Pendleton Fire Chief Jim Critchley said the wrecks stretched for at least a mile.

Responding officers were notified of additional crashes while they were arriving, and then once on scene, they could hear collisions occurring behind them, according to a press release from the OSP.

Capt. Merle Laci with the La Grande Fire Department said two ambulances and one rescue rig were on scene from Union County, with crews from Union and Island City fire departments on standby. The La Grande Fire Department sent eight personnel to the scene.

La Grande Fire Department confirmed they transported three individuals from the scene to Grande Ronde Hospital.

The mass crash shut down the westbound and eastbound lanes of the freeway in Eastern Oregon. Eastbound was closed Feb. 21 between Exit 216, 6 miles east of Pendleton, and Exit 265 at La Grande, while westbound was closed between Exit 374 at Ontario and Exit 216.

The Oregon Department of Transportation reported the eastbound lanes reopened about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. The westbound side remained closed until about 6 a.m.

“Good coordination with all responding crews, including law enforcement, fire stations, emergency responders, ODOT and over a half dozen tow companies helped clear the route enough to open the freeway several hours ahead of earlier estimates,” according to the press release from ODOT.

Disabled vehicles were removed from the road with some being staged at the nearby truck weigh station and rest area.

“Outstanding response from our tow companies and all who responded, including law enforcement and EMS,” ODOT District 12 Manager Marilyn Holt said in the release. “They got everyone out fast, which made clearing the scene go well.”

2. Ezra Meeker 1906 time capsule opened in La Grande

LA GRANDE — Dale Counsell had his hammers and chisels ready to help him retrieve a 116-year old message from the past.

Unfortunately, the Union County historian didn’t need these tools on Thursday, June 23, for the past proved to be elusive in southwest La Grande when a time capsule was opened and turned out to be empty.

Counsell was among about 200 people gathered at 110 Walnut St. for the opening of a time capsule reputed to be in the stone Oregon Trail marker put up by frontiersman Ezra Meeker, the famous pioneer who spent the later part of his life memorializing the Oregon Trail. The marker, installed in 1906, was removed from its base by a backhoe with assistance from the La Grande Parks and Recreation Department.

Dennis Larsen, the author of several books about Meeker, then examined the stone marker and found a space for a time capsule.

“I’ve looked at it and unfortunately it is empty,” Larsen told the crowd.

The author, who lives in Lacy, Washington, said he was not surprised that the time capsule was empty because a number of people have reported that the marker was moved several times in the Walnut Street area after it was installed in 1906. The marker is now in the front yard of Jack and Jennifer Boyd.

The time capsule, according to a Meeker journal entry, included a speech read by the mayor of La Grande on April 10, 1906, at a dedication ceremony for the marker. Jim Kreider, of La Grande, said good-naturedly that he had hoped the time capsule contained something more.

3. La Grande man arrested for murder of girlfriend

LA GRANDE — A La Grande man charged with murdering his girlfriend made his first court appearance Wednesday, May 25, at an arraignment hearing at the Union County Courthouse.

Mamas Genagritis, 53, faces a second-degree murder charge in the slaying of his girlfriend, Deanna Lee Badgley, at the couple’s Robbs Hill Road home. Genagritis appeared at the hearing via video from the Union County Jail where he has been lodged since his arrest the evening of May 23.

Union County Circuit Judge Thomas Powers read Genagritis his rights and told him he was charged with second-degree murder, which has a minimum sentence of 300 months in prison with no possibility of early release or parole. Genagritis, speaking through a Greek interpreter in California, asked how many years 300 months was and the judge said roughly 24 years.

Genagritis, who also faces a first-degree assault charge, did not have an attorney during the arraignment hearing, and Powers spent time outlining ways one could be appointed to represent him. The judge said he hoped to get one appointed through Oregon Public Defense Services. Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel said she is not sure if an attorney can be located in Union County to represent Genagritis on a murder count for no fee.

Powers said bail could not be set in this case until Genagritis has an attorney.

Genagritis groaned and shook both legs almost continually during the hearing that lasted about 25 minutes. Powers expressed concern about Genagritis’ mental health and was told that staff from the Center of Human Development had met with the defendant on the evenings of May 23 and May 24. Powers asked that arrangements be made for CHD staff to meet with Genagritis again as part of a mental health evaluation process.

According to a probable cause declaration, around 7:30 p.m. May 23, Genagritis called Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen asking for help and stating that he killed Badgley.

When police arrived at the home, Genagritis met officers in the driveway yelling, “Help me. I killed her, I hit her with (a) hammer,” according to the declaration.

Police took Genagritis into custody without incident, and officers noticed blood on Genagritis’ hands and clothes. Officers then found Badgley’s body inside the home with multiple wounds. Police stated it appeared she had been dragged from a bedroom into the kitchen area of the home. Police located a “blood coated hatchet,” according to the probable cause declaration.

4. Grande Ronde Valley to be backdrop of 2023 movie production

LA GRANDE — Cinematic history will be made in La Grande early next year.

The filming of a movie directed by Los Angeles filmmaker H. Nelson Tracey, “Dumped on Christmas,” is set to start in February 2023 in La Grande.

The film will be about two college students attending school outside Northeastern Oregon. The young couple, Ben and Cassie, are in La Grande during Christmas break where they are visiting Ben’s family. Unfortunately the couple breaks up during the visit, creating an awkward situation for Cassie, who cannot leave La Grande for her parents home in Illinois for logistical reasons. This leaves the two students stuck in the same house during a portion of the holiday season.

Tracey believes this will be the first movie made in La Grande that is also set in La Grande. The filmmaker is now in the process of lining up actors and actresses for the film.

“The cast will include several prominent television and movie actors,” he said.

The director said he is close to renting a home in La Grande where a significant portion of “Dumped on Christmas” will be shot. The film’s producers will be filmmaker Rafi Jacobs, of Los Angeles, and Stephen Mastrocola, of Simi Valley, California, who stressed that members of the La Grande community will have many opportunities to assist with the making of the film.

“We will be inviting the community to be a part of the making of the film,” said Mastrocola, who has helped produce movies such as the award winning “Wine Club” and written for the TV series “Simi Valley.”

Tracey became interested in making a movie in La Grande during his visits to the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival. He started coming to the festival four years ago at the invitation of its director, Chris Jennings. Tracey was struck by the unique beauty of the Grande Ronde Valley.

“I want people to see it in the movie, many of whom will never come here,” said Tracey, who is best known for directing the award-winning “Picture Jasper” and “Conspiracy Party.”

5. Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen says he will not enforce Ballot Measure 114

LA GRANDE — Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen wasted little time announcing he would not enforce Ballot Measure 114.

Following in the footsteps of Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan, Bowen took to Facebook on Wednesday, Nov. 9, to inform Union County residents that his office would not be enforcing the ballot measure if it passed.

“It’s a complete violation of the Constitution,” Bowen said. “It’s impossible to enforce and goes against the Second Amendment.”

The measure requires people to complete firearms training before they can obtain permits to purchase guns and limits ammunition magazines to 10 rounds each.

The measure qualified for the ballot through a petition drive by a coalition of religious and other organizations. The majority of Union County

voters overwhelmingly opposed the measure — with 77.2% voting in opposition.

Bowen said he will do everything in his power to facilitate training courses so Union County residents can obtain the necessary permits to purchase guns. He will not enforce the magazine capacity ban.

“This measure will only harm law-abiding gun owners and result in wasted time with additional redundant background checks,” Bowen wrote on Facebook. “With no funding from the state to provide additional payroll costs, this will ultimately sacrifice patrol and deputy presence in our community.”

Bowen does not believe the ballot measure benefits anyone nor does he believe it will save lives. The measure does nothing to provide mental health resources or get guns out of the hands of criminals, he said.

6. Jacksons Food Stores demolishing and rebuilding brand-new gas station, truck stop

LA GRANDE — By July 2023, the corner of Island Avenue and Mulholland Drive will be the home of a new gas station and truck stop.

Jacksons Food Stores, based in Meridian, Idaho, owns both the Chevron and the former Shell gas station located at 2706 and 2614 Island Ave., respectively, according to Mike Boquist, community development director for the city of La Grande.

The two-phase project will completely transform the existing Chevron gas station and Jacksons convenience store, according to Jessica Aguilar, the engineering project manager for the La Grande Jacksons project. Jacksons Food Stores declined to comment on how much of a financial investment the company has made in the project.

Boise-based BRS Architects drafted and filed the plans for the store with the city. Jacksons Food Stores is working with two contractors on the project: Leonard Petroleum Equipment, of Boise, and Pacific North Contractors, based in Nampa, Idaho.

The first phase is currently underway at the site of the former Shell location. The gas station was demolished in preparation for the construction of a high-flow truck-diesel canopy, Aguilar said. Each fuel dispenser will have a diesel exhaust fluid pump — an integral component that ensures trucks meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission requirements by converting nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water vapor, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Most commercial fuel cards will be accepted, Aguilar said.

The second phase will complete the new look. According to Aguilar, the plan includes constructing a new 7,100-square-foot convenience store, which will feature fresh food offerings and Krispy Krunchy Chicken, along with well-stocked shelves of snacks and drinks. With the larger convenience store and fuel options, Aguliar said that Jacksons Food Stores anticipates expanding the current staff.

The second phase also will add a new, larger gasoline canopy with six fuel dispensers. These also will include nonethanol gasoline and auto diesel.

Construction for phase two is slated to begin during spring 2023 and is expected to take around six months. According to Aguilar, the teams have been proactive in minimizing potential delays, but given the current marketplace and ongoing supply chain issues, there is always a risk.

“We hope to open later summer 2023 or early fall 2023,” she said.

7. Attempted burglary, shooting, car chase ties up law enforcement

LA GRANDE — The three suspects arrested in connection to a car chase out of Island City on Sunday, July 17, kept law enforcement busy.

Demus Montez, Jessica Spalinger and Ashtin Romine were all arrested after an attempted burglary at Muzzleloader’s and More in Island City and a subsequent car chase. According to law enforcement, the trio fled from the parking lot in a car driven by Spalinger, injuring the business owner’s daughter, Randi Shafer. They were pursued in a high-speed chase where shots were fired at Oregon State Police. The chase ended in Elgin with all three suspects fleeing on foot into the underbrush near Indian Creek.

Deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:45 p.m. to Bullseye Muzzleloaders and More, 10201 W. First St., Island City, for a reported burglary, according to a press release. Law enforcement was called again to the same business shortly before 2:30 p.m. with reports describing three people wearing gloves and masks approaching the business, the release said.

While law enforcement was on its way to the scene, a Bullseye Muzzleloaders and More employee confronted the suspects. During the confrontation, shots were fired, the release said. The suspects fled in a vehicle, and sheriff’s deputies immediately began a pursuit. During the course of the pursuit, occupants in the fleeing vehicle fired rounds at the pursuing law enforcement vehicles, disabling one.

An Oregon State Police trooper was set up for a spike strip deployment, and after learning of the active shooting situation, fired his weapon at the suspects and their vehicle as they came by his location. Troopers were able to successfully spike the vehicle, which ultimately came to a stop on Indian Creek Road near Rinehart Lane outside Elgin.

The three suspects fled from the vehicle into the dense brush and vegetation. As a result, additional law enforcement was called to the scene and a perimeter was set up.

The Northeast Oregon Regional SWAT Team and the Oregon State Police SWAT Team responded to the area and ultimately located and arrested two suspects in the late evening hours.

Romine, 26, of Clarkston, Washington, and Spalinger, 31, of Walla Walla, Washington, were booked early July 18 into the Union County Jail.

Romine was arrested for reckless endangering and for misdemeanor and felony fleeing, while Spalinger is in jail for first-degree assault, hit-and-run with injury, recklessly endangering and misdemeanor fleeing from police.

Montez, 36, was identified on Tuesday, July 19, by a motorist, who reported seeing an individual wearing a black hoodie crawl out of a field outside Elgin. The responding deputy found Montez sitting along Highway 82. He was charged with attempted murder, first degree attempted robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm as a felon, criminal mischief, reckless endangering and misdemeanor fleeing.

8. Friends, family of Doug Trice salute him at a celebration of life service

LA GRANDE — A ribbon cutting ceremony for a field named in Doug Trice’s honor was conducted Saturday, July 30, at Pioneer Park as part of a celebration of life ceremony saluting the revered community volunteer who died May 6, 2020, at age 68.

The field was renamed in Trice’s honor by the La Grande City Council on Sept. 7, 2020, but a ribbon cutting ceremony and the celebration of life service were delayed until last weekend because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trice’s sister, Gwen, said the service helped bring her a sense of closure she had not experienced until now. “It was hard to put a lid on the grief, spirit and emotions,” she said.

Gwen Trice said her brother was a man of remarkable humility. “He never sought the spotlight. He always focused the shine of the spotlight on others,” she said.

Frank Thomas, of Cove, who grew up with Trice, described him as his best friend, a man who had remarkable concern for everyone and an uncommon temperament.

“In 68 years, I never saw him get mad, even once,” he said.

Gwen Trice credited her brother with treating everyone like a family member.

“Doug belonged to all of us,” she said.

Trice was a star running back at La Grande High School in the late 1960s before leaving for Monmouth where he attended Western Oregon University, then named Oregon College of Education. Trice enjoyed a sterling football career at Western and was later named to its athletic hall of fame. His teammates at Western included Kurt Davis, who now lives in Central Oregon.

“Doug was an amazing football player and an even better person,” Davis said at the celebration of life service.

9. Local businesses switch gears as Oregon drops indoor mask mandate

LA GRANDE — In the wake of COVID-19 rates showing a steady decline in recent months, the state is set to end its statewide indoor mask mandate on Saturday, March 12.

Local businesses will be required to shift gears again with the upcoming change but for the most part they see it as a positive development.

“I think a lot of customers are going to be really happy with the ability to choose for themselves,” said Liberty O’Dell, manager of La Grande Liquor and Smoke Shoppe. “That will probably spur more business.”

Businesses have perhaps been most impacted by the indoor mask mandate passed down from the state government. As of March 12, businesses will be able to decide for themselves whether people are required to wear masks while indoors at their establishments.

La Grande Liquor and Smoke Shoppe faced not only a statewide mandate but requirements from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

“As an agent of the state liquor commission, we have an agreement with them that we’ll follow what they ask us to do with their liquor,” O’Dell said. “We hold that agreement to be mutually beneficial, so when they ask us to do something we follow through with that.”

The local store will now stop policing mask usage by customers on the premises, but leave the decision up to employees whether they want to wearing a face mask. According to O’Dell, the store encourages customers to continue to wear masks if they choose.

“If people still feel uncomfortable about their safety, they can wear a mask,” he said. “We did get quite a few people who were thankful we were requiring masks, but we also got way more vocal people who were against the mask mandate.”

One common theme among local businesses was fatigue among employees, who were tasked with policing the mandate.

“I think everybody is going to be really appreciative of not having to enforce it,” O’Dell said. “I feel like that burden was put on essential workers to enforce this mask mandate. It added to the essential workers’ burden of responsibility.”

10. La Grande police identify victim of hit-and-run

LA GRANDE — A La Grande man was killed in a hit-and-run collision on 16th Street during the night of Aug. 12.

Maison Andrew, 24, was identified as the victim during the course of the investigation.

“We all have heartfelt sorrow for Maison Andrew’s family and friends,” La Grande Police Lt. Jason Hays said in a statement released to the media.

The investigation began after La Grande police responded to a report at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, of a dead male on the side of 16th Street. La Grande police officers responded and immediately confirmed the individual had died.

The investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling south on 16th Street struck Andrew as he was walking on the street sometime during the night, according to Hays. The driver fled the scene without contacting emergency services.

The area where Andrew was found was immediately secured and La Grande Police Department investigators were dispatched to the scene. Over the course of the day, 20 personnel were assigned to the case, which also included volunteers.

More than 60 items of evidence were collected at the scene and will be sent to the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory for analysis, according to Hays. Residents were interviewed and individuals came forward with information. Investigators are following up on leads and are working to identify the vehicle and driver.

The La Grande Police Department received assistance from the Oregon State Police, the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Union County District Attorney’s Office. Additional logistical support was provided by Union County Search and Rescue and La Grande Fire Department. Investigators were supported by local residents, who brought refreshments to the crew.