From the editor’s desk: Oct. 16, 2023
Published 9:15 am Monday, October 16, 2023
- THE STORY: I went to Spray in September for a story about the Spray General Store, which has been renovated and turned into a space for community gatherings, concerts and art events. The woman on the left was gazing at some of the artworks in “Home Is Where I Want to Be,” the first art show put on at the Spray General Store, and her expression of intent interest caught my eye.
Last week’s lead story on a new arts center in the Wheeler County community of Spray has generated a strong response from readers, and no wonder: It’s a remarkable facility that respects local history while building community connections and offering a host of new opportunities for artists from throughout the far-flung John Day River territory, including John Day. It’s not hard to find — the building is located at 208 Main St., just off Highway 19 in the middle of town. The hours of operation can be a little sporadic, but Joni Kabana, the driving force behind the center, wants people to know that she’ll be happy to open up for a visit or a tour. To make arrangements, contact Joni at 503-381-6398 or joni@spraygeneralstore.com.
In case you missed it, last week’s paper also featured stories on a plan to relocate 10 wolves from Oregon to Colorado, the finalists for the John Day city manager position, a visit by a traveling circus and a grant for new equipment received by the airport.
This week’s paper will have stories on drastic cutbacks in highway maintenance by the Oregon Department of Transportation and how it will affect our region, a dredging operation at the Seventh Street pond in John Day, and a well-known local bartender.
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— Bennett Hall, Editor
