Chas Hundley

Gov. Kotek declares a statewide wildfire emergency as every Oregon Department of Forestry district enters fire season; plus the Gales Creek Strawberry Festival draws record crowds, a new state law guarantees free books for Oregon kids under 5, and more.

This week: Banks to celebrate July 4 with carnival games, races and fireworks, 1976 in Banks: A community library opens its doors, and politicians, teachers union sue Hillsboro, Washington County over tax breaks to data centers.

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit at the Banks Public Library, plus Fourth of July safety: fireworks rules and who to call — and more around town.

The City of Banks has opened an online open house and survey, running through July 17, on a proposed zoning change that would allow small businesses along a residential stretch of Main Street between downtown and Banks High School.

U-pick blueberries, weekend farmstands and live music are back at the Buxton farm through Aug. 30, with a first-ever blueberry, beer and reggae festival capping the season July 25.

Today around Banks: the Chamber's Fourth of July celebration at Sunset Park, a fire at Sunset Laundry that closed part of Main Street, and Banks Fire crews helping hoist an injured ATV rider to safety in a Coast Range rescue.

9 events this week in Banks, including Banks Public Library: Mah Jongg, Summer Reading Program: Lucky Duck Foam Party and Dirt Sundaes, Bingo, and Timber Water Association Monthly Meeting.

9 events this week in Banks, including Banks Public Library: Mah Jongg, Summer Reading Program: Pool Noodle Rodeo & Jumping, Bingo, and Rural Ramblers Walking Group.

A lightning storm early Thursday knocked out power to thousands across rural western Washington County, sparked a fire at a Cornelius substation and canceled Banks summer school.

Engine 15 and four Banks firefighters joined a Washington County task force headed for the East Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County, the district's second wildfire deployment in five days.