In this new column, we take a look at a sampling of newspaper clippings from the Washington County Hatchet, a precursor to the Forest Grove News-Times, examining news that came from the rural communities of Gales City, Glenwood, Mountaindale, Buxton, and more.

Early Tuesday morning, the Oregon Department of Forestry terminated fire season in the Forest Grove, Tillamook, and Astoria Districts, the earliest the agency has ended the official fire season in more than 20 years.

Two people were injured and one person killed in a two vehicle crash on Gales Creek Road near David Hill Road. One vehicle, which came off the road, crashed into the county-owned Rippling Waters property. The highway will remain closed while crews work the scene and investigate.

Gales Creek, 1930. These are the diary entries of Esther Lilly Hundley, who lived in Gales Creek with the Lilly clan after the family moved to Gales Creek in the 1880’s. They paint a picture of what it was like to live in Gales Creek and the surrounding areas. They are published as they were written, with original spelling.

For those in the region with an interest in Irish heritage, an authentic Irish Ceili planned in Banks on September 28 offers a unique way to celebrate and learn more from two Irish nonprofit cultural organizations.

On Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Spiesschaert Farms, located at 3150 NW Thatcher Road on the outskirts of Forest Grove, is hosting a free, family-friendly event exploring the reintroduction of locally-raised whole grains, and introducing local artisans to the community.

The Oregon Transportation Commission has chosen a new leader for the Oregon Department of Transportation: Highway Division Administrator Kris Strickler, who will take over as the head of ODOT pending contract negotiations and Oregon Senate approval.

The local National Weather Service branch located in Portland issued a flood advisory with potential thunderstorms this afternoon for Washington County, warning of the potential for minor flooding in poor drainage areas on Tuesday, September 10 from about 3 p.m. until 5:45 p.m..

Community Participation Organization 13 — usually abbreviated as CPO 13 — took a summer break, but the first meeting of the season will be Wednesday, September 11 at the Gales Creek Church of God, for a discussion on disaster and emergency preparedness.

At least 15 Portland General Electric customers are without power after a rotten tree limb took power lines out on its way down onto Gales Creek Road, where one lane is closed for the cleanup process.

Gales Creek, 1930. These are the diary entries of Esther Lilly Hundley, who lived in Gales Creek with the Lilly clan after the family moved to Gales Creek in the 1880’s. They paint a picture of what it was like to live in Gales Creek and the surrounding areas. They are published as they were written, with original spelling.

In recognition of the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust's supporters, donors, and contributors — as well as to celebrate Highway 6's recent designation as a scenic byway — the organization will host an event at the Tillamook Forest Center on Saturday, September 21.

Dozens gathered to remember time spent learning and playing in the last school left in Gales Creek on Sunday, August 25.

From Gales Creek historian, writer, and community leader Joyce Sauber, a reflection on a recent gathering of young former classmates at the Gales Creek School.

The Tillamook-based nonprofit Wilson River Cleanup Group (WRCG) is holding its annual river cleanup September 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and wants volunteers to help clean the banks of this popular destination.

Gales Creek, 1930. These are the diary entries of Esther Lilly Hundley, who lived in Gales Creek with the Lilly clan after the family moved to Gales Creek in the 1880’s. They paint a picture of what it was like to live in Gales Creek and the surrounding areas. They are published as they were written, with original spelling.

Five small wildfires have been confirmed and contained in Columbia County, with Oregon Department of Forestry officials sending an airplane to scout for more fires this afternoon in Clatsop and Columbia Counties. Anyone who sees smoke is asked to call 911.

A red flag warning, a brush fire extinguished on Kemper Road near Forest Grove, new restrictions on industrial forest use, and OHV trails close - it's all signs of an increase in fire danger this week.

Dante James Halling, 55, the suspected shooter involved in a gunfight that left Halling and two deputies with gunshot wounds was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on Friday, August 23, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced it will resume road restrictions this fall in the western part of the Tillamook State Forest to improve deer and elk escapement during hunting season.

The Banks American Legion officially changed its name to John Kalmbach Post 90, Banks, in memory of the longtime member who passed away April 21, 2019 at his home at age 83.

Gales Creek Gatherings is a column by guest writer, Sharon Hundley. Sharon covers local events and gatherings in the Gales Creek Valley, featuring community events, businesses, and special happenings. If you know of an upcoming event which is outside the regular community calendar events and would like to see it in here, please contact news@galescreekjournal.com, with Sharon Hundley in the subject line.

A free fishing weekend will return to Oregon this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 & 18. On those days, fishing, crabbing, and clamming is free to all residents and non-residents, meaning no fishing licenses or tags, including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement are required.

Deputy Chris Iverson, a 7-year member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Corporal Jeremy Braun, a member of the sheriff's office for 16 years, were both injured during the shooting near Hagg Lake on August 8.

Anne and her husband Rene’ have been growing heirloom organic vegetables at Gales Meadow Farm in Gales Creek since 1999. If you have a question about vegetable gardening, Anne might be able to answer it. Send your question to news@galescreekjournal.com with subject line “Question for Gales Meadow Farm”

While responding to reports of the theft of a long gun at a Hagg Lake area home on Thursday, August 8, two members of the Washington County Tactical Negotiation Team (TNT) were shot. Now, the Washington County Major Crimes Team has released the name of the suspect, who remains in an area hospital.

At the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree & Logging Show today, there's expected to be a show of solidarity from local log truck drivers and logging outfits for a recall effort against Oregon's Governor Kate Brown, who faces two recall efforts

Multiple agencies, including Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District 13, and prison crews from South Fork Forest Camp and more responded to a motor home fire along Highway 6 that sparked a small brush fire near Gales Creek Camp Thursday morning

A brush fire has closed Highway 6 as crews battle flames near Gales Creek Camp

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue battled a small roadside brush fire — and yellow jackets — at the intersection of Stringtown and Ritchey Roads between Dilley and Watts.