It’s exciting to have a much-needed school restoration project started. As we reported last week, work is well underway to retrofit the Wallowa High School’s gym to reinforce it in the event of an earthquake. Superintendent Tammy Jones said there are “hinge points” that would make the building unstable, and the work, funded by a $2.3 million grant from the Oregon Department of Education, will help ensure the building stands, and is necessary given the town is situated at the edge of the Wallowa fault.

Funding for another Wallowa project has taken another step forward, as more money has been raised for a bike playground near the school. Another fundraiser actually starts this week, as Ron Pickens and crew are working hard to see this bike park join the one upgraded in Enterprise last year. 

And, while we’re on the subject of upgrades, a security upgrade has been completed at the district attorney’s office that will better allow the team to serve it’s community and keep it safer.