One treated after Boise Cascade fire

ISLAND CITY -One person was treated for smoke inhalation late Saturday night as result of a fire that caused moderate damage at the Boise Cascade particleboard plant.

A spark created by a sander started the fire at 8:30 p.m. The fire then went through two pipes filled with dry dust and into a bag house and a hopper bin. The blaze caused an explosion in the hopper bin.

“A chunk of metal from the hopper bin was found 150 to 200 yards away (after the explosion),” said La Grande Rural Fire Chief Larry Wooldridge.

One Boise Cascade employee was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by a La Grande Fire Department EMT. The individual did not need to be taken to a hospital.

The La Grande Fire and the La Grande Rural fire departments were assisted at the fire by crews from the Imbler, Cove and North Powder fire departments.

The fire was contained around midnight and firefighters remained at the scene until 3 a.m. Sunday, Wooldridge said.

Community invited to picnic in park

The Union County Senior Center is hosting a community picnic lunch at Riverside Park July 24. The free event, which is open to all, will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

City seeks award nominations

The City of La Grande Community Landscape and Forestry Commission recognizes efforts to maintain and improve the beauty of La Grande’s environment through exemplary and outstanding landscape maintenance and design. Seasonal awards are given to residential and commercial properties. The city is now accepting nominations for awards.

These landscapes must be seen from public access and can include one or more the following criteria: integrating colors and textures, appropriate use of hardscapes, good use of space, resource conservation, wildlife habitat, dynamic through the seasons, food production, ownersthat have overcome special circumstances.

Nomination forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Department at 2402 Cedar St. or online at www.cityoflagrande.org. Return nominations to the Parks Department or by email to trees@cityoflagrande.org. The deadline for the summer awards is Aug. 1.

Library sponsors Upcycle Contest

Create something new from something old for Cook Memorial Library’s Upcycle Contest. Upcycling is reusing old materials to make an item with greater value and a new purpose. Entry forms are available at the library. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 4.

School board meets Wednesday night

The La Grande School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Willow Elementary School conference room. District policies will be discussed.

Employer seminar slated for Wednesday

An Oregon Employer Council employer training seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the La Grande Fire Station, 1806 Cove Ave. The subject is managing generations.Grant Axtell of the Oregon Employment Department is the speaker.

Pre-registration is appreciated. To register, call 541-963-7111 ext. 230