As I write this, I’m getting ready to trot down to the Grant County Fairgrounds to catch the opening night of this year’s ICA Rodeo. It’s been raining today, but I won’t let that stop me. As a visitor to our offices asked me, “What are we gonna do? Whine about it?” It will be tough to top the excitement of last year’s rodeo, when I saw not one but two bronc riders get bucked over the fence (neither was seriously hurt — one even stuck the landing!), but I’m sure there will be plenty of memorable moments.

And of course the rodeo is only the opening act of the Grant County Fair, which will be up and running Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 9-12. It’s hard to overstate the importance of this cherished annual tradition to the people of Grant County. In addition to the fair’s sheer entertainment value, it provides an opportunity for our 4-H and FFA kids to shine, a chance for the grown-ups to kick up their heels and an excuse for people from all over the county to get together and visit with old friends. We hope to see you there.

To help get everyone in the mood, last week’s edition of the Blue Mountain Eagle featured a cover story on Gene Officer, an 85-year-old Canyon City resident who has been to the fair every single year of his life. This year’s event will be his 86th.

Last week’s Eagle also featured stories on the controversy over a disappearing sign in John Day, the resignations of the John Day city recorder and a city councilor, a sentencing hearing in the Brogan McKrola sex crimes case and more. 

Coming up in this week’s paper you’ll find coverage of the ICA Rodeo and Sunday’s Junior Rodeo as well as the latest developments in the stolen sign saga, the decision to pull the plug on a law enforcement levy, Rowdy Israel’s experience at the National High School Rodeo Association queen competition and a local Avon lady who’s been at it for half a century.

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As always, if you have comments or questions about the Eagle, or want to pass along a story idea, send me an email at this address: editor@bmeagle.com.

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— Bennett Hall, Editor