The front page of the June 21 Hermiston Herald provided an update about the Hat Rock Fire, which started June 13. After scorching nearly 17,000 acres, the wildfire is 100% contained. 

Michael Kane, of Northeast Oregon Now, caught up with Scott Stanton of Umatilla County Fire District No. 1. The chief discussed the challenges firefighters faced and also expressed appreciation for the team effort with personnel from across the state assisting with the blaze. 

Also, sportswriter Annie Fowler wrote about Hermiston’s David Bothum, who will be inducted into the St. Paul Rodeo Hall of Fame on June 29. Bothum wrangled in nine trips to the National Finals Rodeo during his professional career. And in 1988, he co-founded Hermiston’s Farm-City Pro Rodeo with Butch Knowles.

In the coming edition, reporter Beau Glynn shines a spotlight on a 2019 Hermiston High School graduate. Andrew James, who turned the tassel on June 17 at Eastern Oregon University, received the President’s Scholar Award. The honor is presented to one EOU graduate each year.

In addition to quarterbacking the Mountaineers football team, James maintained a 4.0 grade point average while earning degrees in business/economics and accounting.

Glynn also nailed a story about the Columbia Basin Student Homebuilders Program. For nine years, the Hermiston School District has coordinated an opportunity for local students to gain hands-on experience. The newly-completed house is on Southwest Angus Court in Hermiston.

And in community news, readers can learn about area activities planned for the Fourth of July. Also, look for a story about a July 15 fundraiser that will reel in support for veterans and their families in Morrow, Umatilla and Union counties.

The Pacific Northwest Veterans Alliance is hosting a fishing contest. The family-friendly event also features shore activities at Umatilla Marina Park.

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.