Your morning starts here.

The Paradise Fire has grown to 7,700 acres and remains 0% contained, prompting Level 3 and 2 evacuations for areas near Paradise Ridge and along Mill Creek.

Residents in the evacuation zones have been asked to prepare to leave and yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.

A wildfire near Prescott has burned over 1,000 acres and led to Level 2 BE SET evacuations along Casey Rd & Ayer Rd while residents at the Ayer Boat Basin must shelter in place as air support is requested.

The Refinery reopened its new studio at 37 W.

Poplar St. on Aug. 15 with more than double its previous space, now adding non-clay classes like basket weaving and block printing. The nonprofit supports art access and offers classes to nonprofits, schools, and veterans (community groups).

Providence St. Mary Medical Center received the Practice Greenhealth Champion Award for environmental sustainability upgrades including LED lights, an on-demand hot water system, and a 95% reduction in nitrous oxide use *a key move toward carbon negativity*.

The hospital aims to be carbon negative by 2030.

The Little Theatre of Walla Walla received a $482K grant from Allen Family Philanthropies to expand its youth theater programming and upgrade facilities; the funds will support free monthly workshops and a new youth coordinator (with more allocated in the first year).

Tuesday evening, Umatilla County officials extended evacuations for the Paradise Fire, which had burned 5,423 acres and remained 0% contained—ordering residents east of Mill Creek Road and north of Paradise Ridge to leave.

Officials said the Hagen Fire is now 19% contained on 57,678 acres as controlled burns near Highway 204 continue, and a new management team takes command today — as hot and dry weather amplifies risks.

College Place author I.M.

Ramsey will sign her new series at Book and Game Co. Saturday, Aug. 22, inspired by her lively grandsons (the 'three scampering squirrels').