Thank you for your interest in reading the Hermiston Herald. Here are a few stories that you might have missed this week:

In the recent edition of the Hermiston Herald, reporter Kathy Aney shared the story of a Hermiston man who has had more than his share of medical issues.

An active and seemingly healthy man, Jeff Sepulveda was diagnosed five years ago with an autoimmune disease that attacked his lungs. After undergoing a double lung transplant in January, he still isn’t able to breathe easy — doctors discovered that he has cancer.

However, he remains focused on the most important thing in his life — his family. And his wife, Rebecca, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

Also in this past week’s Herald, readers learned about a $450,000 project in the works in Hermiston. Michael Kane, of Northeast Oregon Now, outlined what residents can expect after Southeast Second Street is realigned.

City Planner Clint Spencer went over the design during the April 10 Hermiston City Council meeting. In addition to beautifying the entrance to downtown, Spencer said it would enhance safety in the area.

Reporter Beau Glynn will share some electrifying news from the Starbucks Corporation in the upcoming Herald. Working in cooperation with Volvo Cars, the two companies are charging forward to provide convenience (and a coffee break) for travelers who own electric vehicles.

Four new EV chargers were installed at the Hermiston Starbucks earlier this month. And the project is revving up to provide EV drivers with a safe and reliable way to travel between Seattle and Denver. It is anticipated that 60 DC fast chargers will be installed at Starbucks locations along the roughly 1,350-mile route by the end of the year.

In news that should spark some interest in North Morrow County, Glynn will report on the Irrigon Chamber of Commerce’s awards banquet. Truly a Time to Shine, the annual event recognizes those that make Irrigon a special place to live and work.

And as the week’s featured Outskirts city, Glynn also will provide a rundown of candidates running for local offices in Irrigon.

And in community news, watch for information about an experiential awareness event hosted by Domestic Violence Services. Held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is April 29 on the walking path at Good Shepherd Medical Center.

Started more than a decade ago, In Her Shoes offers insight into some barriers faced by victims of domestic or sexual violence. The event is held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

It’s all part of the Hermiston Herald’s efforts, both in print and online, to keep you informed about the latest happenings throughout Umatilla and Morrow counties. As always, if you have a news tip to share or want to ask a question about our news coverage, drop a note to Herald publisher Andrew Cutler at this email address: acutler@eomediagroup.com.  

And, finally, let me take this opportunity to thank our subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support. 

Tammy Malgesini is the community editor for the Hermiston Herald.