Hello again John Day! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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• Pre-commercial thinning to occur near Beech Creek in Grant County (elkhornmediagroup.com) — Work is underway on a major forest-thinning project near Beech Creek and Highway 395, just north of Mt. Vernon and close to John Day, aimed at reducing wildfire risk to nearby communities. Through August 2027, crews will thin over 1,600 acres in the wildland-urban interface, lowering hazardous fuels and improving forest health in coordination with private landowners around Grant County.
• Junior High Prospectors Fall 20-14 to Hines (koin.com) — John Day's junior high Prospectors football team narrowly lost 20–14 to Hines in a home game at Grant Union High School, but still delivered some big moments. Cooper Cobb rushed for about 100 yards and a touchdown, while Chance Timko turned an interception into a pick-six, giving local fans an exciting mix of offensive and defensive highlights despite the close defeat.
• 2.1 million acres, $1.4 billion: How two lightning storms set Oregon ablaze (centraloregondaily.com) — John Day residents endured some of Oregon's worst wildfire smoke this summer, with air quality rated unhealthy or worse on 20 different days. A pair of July lightning storms helped drive a record 2.1 million acres burned statewide, straining firefighting resources, exposing management gaps, and sparking debate over forest thinning and environmental lawsuits that could shape future fire policy in eastern Oregon.
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Ok John Day! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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