SHORT DELAYS MAKE BETTER ROADS

Summer season in eastern Oregon can seem a little short when it comes to getting highway construction projects completed before the snow flies. That is why there are usually projects scattered around the region during the height of the tourism season. Don't let such activities dissuade you from enjoying your travels in our beautiful corner of the state. Just be aware of where the activities are occurring and be prepared for any potential delays or detours. You might want to carry some drinking water and snacks. Below is information directly from the Oregon Department of Transportation and you can go to http://www.Tripcheck.com for the latest information. Call our office, Union County Tourism for itinerary recommendations, 1-800-848-9969 or 541-963-8588.

Eastern Oregon ODOT Construction Update:
LA GRANDE, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the middle of coordinating dozens of highway construction projects throughout eastern Oregon this summer. Listed below is a current update on projects throughout the area along with anticipated traffic impacts and construction timeframes.

'Many new projects are starting construction this week, so please be on the lookout for those orange cones and work crews," said ODOT Region 5 Public Affairs Officer Tom Strandberg. "Please plan extra travel time, slow down in work areas and avoid distractions. With traffic fines double the amount in construction zones, it could save you money and maybe your life."

Travelers should visit TripCheck.com for up to date road and weather conditions. Or, call 511, or (800) 977-6368.

Interstate 84
I-84: Upgrade variable message reader boards 5 miles east of Pendleton at eastbound MP 215 & 216. Occasional lane closures, minor delays. Work will begin later this year and be completed by spring 2011.

I-84: Upgrade variable message reader boards 4 miles east of La Grande at eastbound MP 269.4. Occasional lane closures, minor delays. Work will begin later this year and be completed by spring 2011.

I-84: Construct snow fence near Foothill Road south of La Grande. Minor delays. Work will begin later this summer and be completed by end of year.

I-84: Paving upgrades starting 12 miles east of Baker City, MP 318 to 328. Reduced speeds, traffic pattern changes and single lane travel for eastbound and westbound traffic separated by reflective candlestick cones. Work is ongoing with completion expected this fall.

I-84: Variable Message Signs, traffic/road sensor installations around the Burnt River Canyon area 30 miles east of Baker City, MP 328 to 342. Occasional lane closures, reduced speeds and minor delays. Work is ongoing with completion expected later this summer.

I-84: Pavement resurfacing MP 342 - 353, east of Baker City. Traffic pattern changes and single lane travel for eastbound and westbound traffic through the summer. Work is ongoing with completion expected by end of next year.

I-84: Construction of truck climbing lane MP 357- 360, east of Baker City. Single lane travel for eastbound traffic. Work is ongoing with completion expected by end of next year.

US Routes
U.S. 26 (John Day Hwy): Replace John Day River (Coles) Bridge 5 miles west of John Day, MP 157.  Minor delays, single lane travel controlled with temporary traffic signals. Work is ongoing with completion by end of 2011.

U.S. 26 John Day Hwy): Repair John Day River and Dixie Creek bridges near Prairie City, MP 170 & 175. Lane closures, flaggers, up to 20 minute delays. Work is ongoing with completion by end of year.

U.S. 26 (John Day Hwy): Pavement chip seal between Prairie City and Austin Jct., MP 175 - 191. Up to 20 minute delays, single lane travel, 24 hour flaggers, loose rock on the roadway. Work expected to start August 2 with completion by mid August.

U.S. 26 (John Day Hwy.): Replace three Bridge Cr. culverts east of Austin, MP 186 - 189. Up to 20 minute delays, single lane travel controlled with temporary traffic signals or flaggers. Work resumed on this multi-year project July 6 with completion by November.

U.S. 26 (John Day Hwy): Pavement chip seal between Willow Cr. and Vale, MP 268 - 278. No work in downtown Vale. Chip seal work completed. Expect minor delays during striping operations later this summer.

U.S. 30 (Westgate / Court / Dorion Ave in Pendleton): Reconstruct Westgate/Court/Dorion/RR crossing intersection and pave Court and Dorian avenues in downtown Pendleton. Dorion Avenue paving is complete. Paving at intersection and along Court Avenue starts this week. Lane closures, local detours, minor delays. Major paving work to be completed by mid July. All work completed by Aug. 15.

U.S. 395 (Pendleton-John Day Hwy): Replace McKay Cr. Bridge 6 miles south of Pendleton, MP 5.8-B.  Minor delays. Work is ongoing with completion later this summer.

U.S. 395 (Pendleton-John Day Hwy): Replace Camas Creek and North Fork John Day River bridges near Dale, MP 61-B and 64-B. Minor delays, single lane travel controlled with temporary traffic signals.   Work is ongoing with completion by end of 2011.

U.S. 395 (John Day - Burns Hwy): Repair Canyon Creek Bridge 7 miles south of John Day, MP 7-C. Lane closures, flaggers, up to 20 minute delays. Work is ongoing with completion by end of year.

U.S. 395 (John Day - Burns Hwy): Replace Trout Creek Bridge 25 miles north of Burns, MP 43-C. Minor delays, single lane travel controlled with temporary traffic signals. Work will start late Aug. with completion by end of 2011.

U.S. 730 (Umatilla.): Concrete repair / paving upgrades at Umatilla Point of Entry, in Umatilla. Minor impact on US 730. Work will start later this summer with completion by end of year.

Oregon Routes
Oregon 7 (Whitney Hwy): Pavement chip seal from Austin Jct. at MP 0.0 to MP 9.6. Up to 20 minute delays, single lane travel, 24 hour flaggers, loose rock on the roadway. Work expected to start August 2 with completion by mid August.

Oregon 7 (Whitney Hwy): Replace two bridges 10 miles west of Baker City, MP 41 - 42. Intermittent delays and single lane travel at times.  Work is ongoing with completion by end of 2010.

Oregon 7 (Whitney Hwy. /Dewey Street): Construct new ramp for pedestrian crossing over Dewey Street. Intermittent delays and single lane travel at times. Work is ongoing with completion by end of Aug. 

Oregon 19 (John Day Hwy): Replace Goose Rock Bridge 10 miles west of Dayville, MP 119.  Minor delays, single lane travel controlled with temporary traffic signals. Work is ongoing with completion by end of 2011.

Oregon 19 (John Day Hwy): Repair 5 bridges between Service Creek and Spray, MP 79-85. Lane closures, flaggers, up to 20 minute delays. Work is ongoing with completion by end of year.

Oregon 37 (Cold Springs Hwy.): Pavement chip seal between junction of US 730 at MP 0.0 to Pendleton at MP 30.3.  Day and nighttime flaggers/pilot cars, lane closures, loose rock on roadway, up to 20 minute delays. Work will take place in August.

Oregon 82 (Wallowa Lake Hwy.): Storm water, pavement and sidewalk upgrades in Imbler, MP 11.7 - 12.5. Flaggers, lane closures, side street closures, up to 20 minute delays. Speed bumps have been installed on city streets and motorists are advised to NOT use residential street network to detour around project.  Work is ongoing with completion by end of year.

Oregon 82 (Wallowa Lake Hwy.): Pavement chip seal between Imbler at MP 12.47 and Wallowa Lake State Park junction at MP 71.18. Work also continues to park. No work in downtown areas along this route. Up to 20 minute delays, single lane travel, 24 hour flaggers, loose rock on roadway. Chip seal to begin near Imbler on July 12. Work will temporarily stop July 21 to 25 for Chief Joseph Day event. Chip seal is expected to be completed by mid August with all project work completed by end of October.

Oregon 82 (Wallowa Lake Hwy.): Replace Indian Creek Bridge 2 miles west of Elgin, MP 18. Intermittent lane closures with flaggers at times. Work is ongoing with completion by end of 2012.

Oregon 82 (Wallowa Lake Hwy.):  Road realignment 2 miles west of Minam near MP 31 and Minam Bridge Repair at MP 33.6. Flaggers, single lane travel, up to 20 minute delays. Work expected to begin mid July with completion by end of 2012.

Oregon 237 (Cove Hwy.): Pavement chip seal between Island City, Cove and Union (MP zero - 22), starting in Union (MP 22). Day and nighttime flaggers/pilot cars, lane closures, loose rock on roadway, up to 20 minute delays. Work started July 6 in Union and will work towords Cove, then Island City. Project expected to be completed by mid July.

Oregon 351 (Wallowa Lake State Park Road): Pavement chip seal between junction of OR 82 near Joseph and Wallowa State Park, MP 0.3 - 5.9. Up to 20 minute delays, single lane travel, 24 hour flaggers, loose rock on the roadway.   Work will start later this summer with completion by end of October.

### ODOT ###

For updated information on highway work and current travel information throughout Oregon, visit www.tripcheck.com or call the toll-free Oregon road report at 511 or (800) 977-6368.
Visit the ODOT News Media Center at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/.

* * * * * * * * *

NORTH POWDER, OREGON: Wild huckleberries are a family tradition and favorite fruit for many residents of Northeastern Oregon. The flavor-filled purple berry grows on low bushes throughout the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountain ranges that cover much of this scenic corner of the state. Gathering and preserving the berries has been a summer activity since long before pioneers began settling in the valleys in the mid-nineteenth century. That is why North Powder residents decided to honor the fruit with an annual festival the last Saturday in July.

This year's event takes place July 31, with lots of family fun, good food, and entertainment in the works. The day gets under way with the Powder Valley All-School Reunion Breakfast on the school yard, from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Activity then moves to the center of town where food and craft vendors open at 10 a.m. and the popular parade begins at 11; this year's theme is "Huckleberry Hoedown." The rest of the day is filled with a wide range of entertainment and opportunities to visit with old friends and make some new. From a unique underwater puppet show to Celtic games to racing riding lawn mowers to the Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest and Silent Auction to the Firemen's Steak Barbecue, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer day. An addition to the fun this year is the attempt to create a 100' long huckleberry sundae for all to share. After the open mike entertainment ends and things begin to wind down, everyone is invited to throw a blanket on the grass or set up a lawn chair and enjoy Huckleberry Hound cartoons and a family rated movie, projected on the side of a historic downtown building. See the full schedule below and contact Janet, visitlg@eoni.com or 800.848.9969 for additional information or how to get involved.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

7 to 10:30 PVHS All-School Reunion Breakfast - Everyone is welcome!

10 a.m. Craft & Food vendors open & Wolf Creek Grange activities begin

11 "Huckleberry Hoedown " Festival Parade

12 noon to 6 Puppet Show and Entertainment at the park gazebo

12:30 Highland Games Demonstration & Kids-of-all-ages games begin

12:30 Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest entry check-in

1 p.m. Aramark Huckleberry Dessert Contest Judging begins

2 p.m. Lawn mower safety check and lawn mower “Show & Shine”

2 p.m. Aramark Huckleberry Desert Contest Awards & silent auction

2:30 Lawn mower races on Second Street

3 p.m. Giant Huckleberry Sundae - Dive In!

5 to 7 p.m. Firemen’s Steaks & Burgers BBQ

6 to 7 p.m. Open mike music

8:30 p.m. Outdoor cartoons and movie at dusk

North Powder is located between La Grande and Baker City, Oregon, at exit 285 off Interstate 84.

* * *

Excursion Train 2010 Schedule Announced

ELGIN, OREGON__The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority has announced the 2010 schedule for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. The season kicks off with the popular Mother's Day Brunch, May 9, departing from the Elgin boarding site at 10 a.m. Honor Mother and give her a day off and a delicious brunch, catered by Ten Depot Street Restaurant of La Grande. Prices for this train trip are youth, $40; Adult, $80; and Senior, $70. The ticket price includes the brunch, with beverages. This relaxing train ride always features amazing spring scenery along the river shores. Seats are limited.

The regular excursion season has fewer trips this year due to concerns about the cost of doing business and the continuing recession. Passengers can be assured of the same beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere experienced in past years.

2010 Season Schedule:  Saturdays

Mother's Day Brunch, May 9

June 26

July 3, 17, & 31

August 14 & 28

September 11, 18, & 25

October 2 & 16

www.eaglecaptrain.com

All 2010 season excursions depart from Elgin at 10 a.m. for a 3.5 hour trip along the shores of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. The train ride travels through remote river canyons that can't be seen from any road. Towering ridges, basalt cliffs, deep green forests and sparkling water are the scenic highlights. Wildlife and waterfowl are also plentiful. The train crosses the confluence of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers at Rondowa and continues up the Wallowa to the Kimmel siding, then reverses direction and returns to Elgin. Car hosts provide information about the history of the railroad and area, and help you look for wildlife. A lunch and beverage are included in the price. Ticket prices are:  youth, 3 to 16 = $35 / adults = $75 / seniors 60+ = $65. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call Alegre Travel, 1.800.323.7330 or 541.963.9000. 

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is owned and operated by Wallowa Union Railroad (WURR) on a stretch of the historic "Joseph Branch." WURR is assisted by the Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization that preserves and presents the history and enjoyment of the century-old rail line in Oregon's Wallowa and Union Counties.

*    *    *   

BUY LOCALLY

Looking through my old files, I found this article I wrote in December, 2005; my annual reminder to shop at home whenever possible. These reasons seem more appropriate than ever in 2009 as our local businesses need your dedication in order to continue providing all of the excellent gift giving choices we enjoy here in Union County. We encourage you to do your holiday gift buying in Union County as much as possible.  You will find great gift selection and you will be helping to strengthen our local economy.  As the chamber of commerce says, “Put You in Union County!”

Top 9 Reasons for Hometown Buying

#9 - Save gas money.

#8 - Avoid crowds and picked-over selection.

#7 - Less time driving means more time to shop!

#6 - Great gift selection for everyone on your list.

#5 - Support the businesses that sponsor school & community events and projects.

#4 - Enjoy hometown shopping among friends instead of strangers.

#3 - Local stores want your business and show it by providing quality service.

#2 - Keep your hard-earned money turning over & over in your community.

#1 - All of the above!  Save gas money. Avoid Crowds. Save time. Great selection.  Support those who support you. Shop with your friends.  Receive friendly service. Keep your money working at home.  

* * *

JUST WHAT IS “UNION COUNTY TOURISM?”

Ever wonder what this organization does? As the local destination marketing organization, we promote and develop tourism in Union County. To do that, we get involved in a lot of activities that help to put La Grande and Union County, Oregon, on the map and in the minds of people looking for a place to visit. We are funded by allocations from the City of La Grande and the Union County Commission out of money they collect as a lodging tax from people who stay in our motels and RV parks. It is our job to gather and manage information about tourism services, attractions, recreation and events and then present that information to potential visitors through our website and brochures. We advertise in a variety of magazines and newspapers. We respond to requests for visitor information. We send out press releases and pitch stories to media outlets to bring attention to our area and pique people’s curiosity about Union County as a place to visit. We help develop and promote new things to see and do in the area, such as scenic byways, the excursion train, tours, events and attractions. We work with group tour companies and meeting planners, helping them find the service providers and establish itineraries that fit the needs of their clients. And, we help ensure that visitors enjoy their experience while they are here by conducting customer service/hospitality training, operating the visitor center and placing information signs in key locations. We (my assistant and I) do all of this under the guidance of a board of directors made up of representatives from the different sectors of the visitor industry; lodging, retail, restaurants, transportation, attractions, the Forest Service, and the community at large. We work closely with and share an office with the Union County Chamber of Commerce and appreciate their partnership on many projects. If you would like to know more, give us a call at Union County Tourism 541-963-8588 or 1-800-848-9969. We often need volunteers and also welcome your input.