🌱Beaverton Night Market + Hagg Lake Summer Concert Series Opener

Hello all. It's me, Ash DeMello, your host of the Beaverton Daily — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days.

First, today's weather:

Turning sunny; pleasant. High: 80 Low: 57.

Here are the top five stories today in Beaverton:

1. Authorities are looking in the Beaverton area for victims of a suspected serial rapist, Brandon Lamon Jones. The suspect is accused of raping at least six women in Kennewick, WA. He also visited Beaverton, Seattle, Tacoma and Portland, leading to investigations of Jones' actions in those cities. The alleged attacks occurred between November 2020 and May 2022 against individuals Jones met via an online escort service. (Tri-City Herald)
2. Police arrested a motorcycle driver after tracking his dangerous, erratic driving on Highway 26 over several days last week. Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Air Support Unit located and followed the individual by helicopter Friday morning, directing deputies to his location, where he was arrested for DUII and reckless driving. Police have identified the suspect as Alex Gerkin, 23, of Vancouver. (Flash Alert Newswire)
3. Washington County Sheriff's Office K-9 Stark received some accolades for heroism recently. Deputies said Stark tracked a suspect who was hiding in bushes near Farmington last week. The individual was attempting to evade arrest on multiple warrants. (KATU.com)
4. Good news on the COVID-19 front for Washington County: The CDC downgraded the county's risk factor from 'high' to 'medium' on Thursday, July 21. Meanwhile, several other counties continue to be labeled 'high risk,' including nearby Multnomah. (KOIN.com)
5. Beaverton teachers are facing burnout more than ever before. According to one survey, 80% of teachers in Beaverton couldn't get their weekly workload accomplished during regular hours. Teachers in Portland, Hillsboro and Eugene reported similarly. The data is motivating many districts to consider adjustments, such as late arrival or early dismissal days, increased funding per student and smaller class sizes. (Portland Tribune)

Today in Beaverton:

If you're not headed to the Farmers Market, Washington County Fair or Tigard's Music Fest, give these events a gander...

• Toy, Game & Puzzle Swap Donation & Giveaway Event - Beaverton City Library (main location) offers an opportunity to snag some gently used playthings for free! It's a budget-friendly way to update your household's collection. (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Weekend at the Farm - Hoffman Farms (22242 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.) hosts live music every Saturday and Sunday. Pick some berries, grab a treat from the bakery, snag a drink and make the most of your weekend. (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
• Live Music: Gabe Hess @ Uptown Beer - Come for a growler fill, stay for some tunes at 6620 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. (3-5 p.m.)
• Beaverton Night Market - Explore the stalls, view the performances and enjoy a night out at The Round (12600 SW Crescent St.) during the much-anticipated family-friendly Night Market. (5 p.m.)
• Live at Hagg Lake Summer Concert Series - Head to the park's C-Ramp Recreation Area n Gaston to hear the Hit Machine. Bring a picnic, or enjoy food and drinks from vendors onsite. Free. (7-9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The latest Washington County LUT Newsletter is live! Click over for a list of local paving projects, construction open houses and neighborhood meetings.
• Today is probably the last day you'll want to be outside for any length of time; things are predicted to start heating up on Sunday. (BTW, here are some tips for staying cool.) That means today will be your last opportunity for awhile to enjoy local parks like Hyland Woods, Roger Tilbury Memorial, Camille, Cooper Mountain Nature and Pioneer, all of which boast natural play structures! Studies show that natural play structures can be more mentally stimulating to kids while allowing greater engagement with nature. (Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'm off to pout about the summer cold I'm currently experiencing. It's not so terribly miserable, thanks in large part to the spoils from a recent visit to Blakeslee Vineyard Estate and my family's recent rediscovery of "Weird Al" Yankovic. See you all Monday for another update (here's hoping I make it)!

— Ash DeMello

About me: I've been writing professionally for eight years and still feel like a newb.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Beaverton Daily? Contact me at ash.the.copyartist@gmail.com.