Pendleton’s Tugg McQuinn exults after a touchdown run during a state playoff game against Mazama on Nov. 8 at the Round-Up Grounds. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Hats off to defense

Pendleton shuts out Mazama in first round By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON — Tugg McQuinn had four touchdowns and Pendleton had a strong opening-round showing with a 41-0 win over Mazama in the 4A state playoffs at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds. “This is a big win for us,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “This is our best team win…

UTPD asking for help finding missing teen

MISSION – Tribal police are asking for help locating a teenaged tribal member who has been missing for more than two weeks. Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) tribal member Kateri Spencer has been missing from the Umatilla Indian Reservation since Oct. 19, according to a CTUIR spokesperson. Spencer, 16, is considered a runaway, authorities say. Her information…

Pendleton volleyball players (far side of net) greet Estacada players before their playoff game on Nov. 2, 2024, at Warberg Court. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Bucks headed to 4A state quarterfinals 

The No. 4 Bucks (19-5), who are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012, will open state play at 11 a.m. Nov. 8, against Stayton at North Bend High School. By ANNIE FOWLER, THE CUJ PENDLETON — After a tumultuous start to the season, Pendleton has done nothing but make memories every time out on the court. The…

Pendleton offensive lineman Landon VanPelt attempts to block La Grande’s Bekham Hibbert on Nov. 1, 2024, at the Round-Up Grounds. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Pendleton ekes out win over La Grande

By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON —Mason Strong scored four touchdowns, and Pendleton sewed up second place in the Greater Oregon League with a 39-35 victory over La Grande on Friday at the Round-Up Grounds. “A great team effort,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “A piecemeal game we were able to pull off. It was a great team win. My…

1A/2A boys blast off of the start line of the SD3 District 3 district championships on Nov. 1, 2024, at Community Park in Pendleton.

Schimmel and Shaul grab state berths

In the girls 3A/2A/1A division, Lindsey Brown of Pine Eagle won the race with a time of 19:10.80, while Enterprise won the team title with 35 points. By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON — Nixyáawii sophomore Sun Schimmel and Weston-McEwen sophomore Arden Shaul each earned a trip to the 2A/1A state cross-country championships after finishing in the top seven Friday…

This undated photo from a court document provided by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana shows golden eagle feet recovered by law enforcement officers from a Washington state man’s vehicle. U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA | COURTESY

Poachers are exploiting the high demand for eagle feathers that are sacred among Native Americans

By MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — America’s golden eagles face a rising threat from a black market for their feathers used in Native American powwows and other ceremonies, according to wildlife officials, researchers and tribal members. The government’s response has been two-pronged: A crackdown on rings illegally trafficking dead eagles coupled with a longstanding program that lawfully…

Native voters could be key to winning Arizona and some of the most contested swing states Nov. 5.

Native voters could swing US elections, but they’re asking politicians: What have you done for us?

BY MEGAN JANETSKY and RODRIGO ABD, Associated Press DILKON, Ariz. (AP) — Felix Ashley’s red Toyota sends a plume of dust billowing along the sloping hills and boulders he traverses hours every week to pump water – the same roadway voters walk miles every four years to cast their ballots in presidential elections. Here on this forgotten swath of the…

Members of the seniors Founding Fathers team exult after winning Pendleton High School’s Mud Wars on Oct. 30, 2024, at the Happy Canyon Arena.

Pendleton HS wraps up 2024 Mud Wars

Congratulations to the Pendleton High School Senior Class Team #3, Founding Fathers, for winning the 2024 Mud Wars. Staff Coach: Karen Demianew Male Captains: Anson Dressler, Kaden Moore & Kael Kennedy Girl Pullers: Nessa Neveau Lexie Willman Adrianne Demianew Megan Fisher McKenna Acevedo Willow Nelson Kiara Ruiz Esra Burnette Ella Sams Josie Jenness Halle Pedersen Madelyn Lieuallen Lilly Noble Katie…