Good morning, McMinnville.

West Valley firefighter Chris Stash was injured on Sept.

8 when a tree fell on him while fighting the Emigrant Fire in the Willamette National Forest—he was airlifted for treatment and served eight years with the Zigzag Interagency Hotshot Crew.

Sheri King, a volunteer historian at the Hoover-Minthorn Museum, explained how Herbert Hoover grew up as an orphan in Newberg and later fed thousands of children—including a 1919 parade in Poland—that reflected his lifelong humanitarian work.

She noted that local students can now explore his legacy through museum tours and community activities—bridging past hardships with ongoing education.

McMinnville struggles with high home prices that near $475,000 and rising rents that outpace a median income of about $65,000, making affordable housing hard to find.

Local leaders plan to boost affordable housing & job opportunities by developing sites like McMinnville Landing and repurposing former insurance buildings in established neighborhoods.

The Hillside Foundation will present its Adventures in Learning series in October at the Manor building lower level on Tuesdays at 2 p.m., with each talk costing $5.

The program—titled 'Rock' Stars—will feature speakers including Nicholas Kristof on Oct. 7, Scott Burns on Oct. 14, and Robert McBride on Oct. 21, with a final session by Susan Sokol Blosser.

McMinnville’s municipal ambulance service faces a deep funding gap after billing millions and receiving much less for services that cost about $2,500 per ride but only bring in $426 from Medicare/Medicaid.

A local inquiry using an AI tool produced a checklist that could help officials explore new payment options+reduce losses.

Sheridan and Willamina high schools have joined forces to form a cooperative cheer team—setting aside their usual rivalry—and will compete together in upcoming events this season.

McMinnville Chess Club Gathering

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in strategic battles of minds at a community-driven chess club in a historic venue.

3-Day RVer Passes at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

9 AM Sep 26th - 9 AM Sep 29th — Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum — Special $18 admission for two — Enjoy the museum and an air show all weekend long with overnight RV parking options.

McMinnville Chess Club Gathering

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in friendly chess matches at a community hub in a historic setting.

Runtoberfest 2025

8:30-11:00 a.m. — McMinnville High School — Registration fee required — Participate in a 5K run/walk and a kid's mile in support of education.

McMinnville Bluegrass Jam

7-9 p.m. — Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant — Free entry — Weekly acoustic jam welcoming all levels of bluegrass enthusiasts to join the fun.

McMinnville Chess Club Gathering

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in some friendly chess matches at a relaxed community venue.

McMinnville Chess Club Gathering

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in a friendly chess club community with open play and resources for all skill levels.