With two weeks under her belt as a general assignment reporter, Daneli Atilano is settling in nicely at the Hermiston Herald. She helped Reporter Beau Glynn cover MelonFest on Saturday, Aug. 19, in Hermiston, and spent time at the Morrow County Fair in Heppner on Friday, Aug. 18.

She also has given us a preview of this year’s Echo Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch that will feature a fall market inside the corn maze as well as plenty of activities for families.

As for upcoming stories from the two reporters, look for Beau’s story on First Student taking over this school year as Hermiston School District’s new bus company. He is also working on a story about Port of Morrow Board of Commissioner Jerry Healey retiring. And Daneli will have a story about Hermiston’s first day of school, which is Wednesday, Aug. 30. Also check out her story on the Umatilla County Fire District 1 Community Paramedic program. 

Herald freelance reporter Laura Kostad gave us an update on a data center that is planned to be built 11 miles outside of Boardman. Morrow County commissioners tabled a decision on the data center to examine new evidence.

Daneli and I, along with Phil Wright of the Eastern Oregonian, spent this past Thursday having lunch with Hermiston’ Rotary Club. We gave a little history about ourselves and then answered questions from club members. So thanks to the Rotary Club for having us as guests. Along with meeting some new people, I got a couple of story ideas. 

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 me at tsnell@hermistonherald.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. 

Travis Snell is the editor for the Hermiston Herald.