🌱Info Sought In 1823 Bar Murder + Suspect Flees Five Oaks Wreck

Hello and welcome back. Wait until you see what we have for you today! My name is Merlin Douglass and here’s the news you need to know to start the day.

Now, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 85 Low: 56.

Here are the top stories today in Beaverton:

1. Hillsboro police are asking the public to come forward with any information they might have about a targeted attack. Mauricio Ponce-Gonzales, 40, was gunned down on August 2, 2021. He was standing outside the 1823 Mystery Bar on Southwest Tualatin Valley Highway when he was attacked. (KPTV)
2. A stolen vehicle crash near Southwest Walker Road and 158th Avenue around noon on Wednesday led to an search by Washington County deputies, when the driver and suspected car thief fled on foot. Neighbors in the area were instructed to stay indoors. The driver, who may have been armed, was described as a man wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and a black mask. Officers suspended the search at about 3 p.m., but they're asking community members who may have information about the incident to call non-emergency dispatch at 503 629-0111. (KATU)
3. Unitus Community Credit Union is the latest business to flee downtown Portland for the `burbs. Unitus announced plans to move from their headquarters and decentralize their administration with the purchase of multiple smaller properties, beginning with one in Tigard on Durham Road that they recently bought for $27 million. The company plans its big move in 2024. (OregonLive)
4. Beaverton School District is about to begin the school year with a bus driver shortage. Even after raising the pay for bus drivers to $23.39 an hour to start, which the district says is the highest wage for such a position in Washington County, they say they are still 15 to 20 drivers short. The district encourages licensed drivers with a good record who want part-time work with vacations, a pension and full benefits to apply. (KGW.com)
5. The pandemic brought out a whole new creative spirit in some people. Case in point: Norm Eder and Jeff Wolfstone, both of Washington County, turned Norm’s driveway into a concert venue during the pandemic and brought in local musicians to play music for tips. They’ve been so successful that there’s another driveway concert this Saturday, but if you want to go, you have to email Norm for the address (norme@cfmdx.com), just so the number of attendees doesn't upset Norm’s neighbors. (Pamplin; subscription)

Today in Beaverton:

• Latin dancing is a great way to start the day. Uptown Dance Studio in Tigard offers a class combo of HIIT and Latin dance on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.The cost is $12 drop in or $50 for a monthly membership which also includes a similar Saturday class at 12:30 P.M.
• There will be stories, movement and music for the 8 and under crowd in the cool of the morning from 10:15 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Murray Scholls library. The event will end with a craft. It’s free, and library staff ask that a parent or guardian attend.
• Take the kids to Shakespeare in the Park with the special Original Practice Shakespeare Festival production. Today they are producing an abridged version of "Comedie of Errors" at Cedar Hills Park from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. It’s free to attend, but the production company requests that you indicate you plan to attend in the link.

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Aditya Sood, who is heading to Stanford after graduating Westview High School and publishing his second book. The new book, “Trailblazing into Data Networking: For Newbies!” was published July 18. His first book explained cryptography, and is currently being used as a supplementary text at Portland Community College.
• Gardeners can order native plants from sparrowhawknativeplants.com this week. Money raised from the plant sale will support improvements and education at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Orders will be accepted until September 12 and plants will be delivered in October.

Thank you all for reading today. It has been my substantial pleasure to bring you community news so that you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you. Peace out.

—Merlin Douglass

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