The anticipated opening of Cuppa Yo caught the attention of online readers this past week. Freelance reporter Laura Kostad caught up with Joshua Pine, a Umatilla High School graduate, who along with his wife, Kimberly, are opening the frozen yogurt franchise.

Just in time as the spring weather begins to warm up, it is located at 115 E. Highland Ave., next to Domino’s Pizza and across from Hermiston High School.

Customers will be able to choose from eight rotating flavors, including dairy-free creams and sorbets, as well as low-carb, low-fat and nonfat options, which also will be accompanied by a wide array of toppings.

Also, McKenzie Rose, an Echo High School junior who scours the Herald archives for the weekly Hermiston History feature, wrote a story about a recent project at the school.

Under the direction of Principal Keith Holman, who also is the industrial arts instructor, shop students installed solar lights at the school. In addition to illuminating the parking lot, the project provided students with valuable experience. By tackling the project with students, Holman said the district saved money.

And speaking of Echo, reporter Beau Glynn will share about the town’s citywide cleanup event in this coming week’s Outskirts page. Glynn also will report on the city manager candidates in Boardman. The Boardman City Council hosted a meet-and-greet with candidates on Thursday, April 27.

In community news, look for a story about Hermiston’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. The free event is Sunday, May 7 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center.

And learn about a pair of upcoming events that will raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis. Jessica Brown-Grooms was diagnosed with the genetic disease when she was 18 months old. She launched the Breath of Life Foundation event 10 years ago.

Also, the Eastern Oregon Bearded Villains are holding its third annual Beard Competition Fundraiser to donate to Brown-Grooms’ cause. No facial hair — don’t despair, there is a “build-a-beard” category that allows everyone to participate.

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.