🌱Viking Beer Festival + Pedestrian, Bike Improvements Coming Downtown

Hello again, everybody. It's Friday in Beaverton, and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Hope you all have a great day. Let's do this...

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and comfortable. High: 77 Low: 56.

Here are the top stories today in Beaverton:

1. Beaverton Police and the Washington County Sheriff's Office are involved in an investigation of a man accused of killing a woman and putting her body in an apartment's garbage. Kaylee Birdzell, 27, was reported missing on August 5, and her body was discovered four days later in a Benton County landfill. Authorities have arrested Fabian Albert Hernandez, who was in a relationship with the victim at the time of her death, on charges of second-degree murder in relation to the crime. (nbc16.com)
2. More info has been released on the catalytic converter theft ring that was recently indicted in a Washington County court. Beaverton police held a press conference on Thursday, revealing that they've seized 3,000 stolen catalytic converters as part of an investigation that began late last year. The parts were allegedly taken by a total of 14 different suspects. Authorities identified Brennan Patrick Doyle of Lake Oswego and Tanner Lee Hellbusch of Beaverton, both age 32, as leaders of the illegal operation. (KGW.com)
3. Beaverton's downtown is set to become friendlier to bikes and pedestrians, thanks to a $2 million grant, U.S. House Representative Suzanne Bonamici and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Wednesday. The proposed "Downtown Loop" project is part of the regional response to dangerous conditions for pedestrians, exemplified sadly by the death of a woman who was hit and killed by a driver as she tried to walk across Southwest Hall Boulevard in March 2022. It's projected to bring wider sidewalks, more protected bike infrastructure and additional bus stops to the district. (BikePortland)
4. Southwest Portland's Nordia House is set to host a unique event next weekend. The Viking Beer Festival promises lively reenactments, a 20-foot replica viking ship, live music and, of course, beer. Costumes are encouraged at the August 20 shindig. Tickets, which include 10 four-ounce pours and souvenir glassware, are $39. (Pamplin, subscription)
5. The Hillsboro Hops celebrated women's contributions to the sport with their first-ever free girl's clinic held Wednesday, August 10. The event welcomed 100 local girls to Ron Tonkin Field to help share inspiration. Special guest Ila Borders, the first female to pitch in and win a professional baseball game, was on hand for tips. Hops management says they hope to continue the tradition in the years to come. (KPTV.com)

Today in Beaverton:

• Inclusive Storytime - Hillsboro Public Library's Brookwood location hosts a supportive storytime for varying learning styles and abilities. Pre-register with mpebly@pdx.edu. (10:15-11 a.m.)
• Age Cafe - Head to Meeting Room A at the Beaverton City Library to discuss issues of aging in a small group setting. This month's theme is boundaries. (11 a.m. - noon)
• Cosmic Bowling @ KingPins Beaverton - The lights go down and the laser glow goes up for a unique bowling experience every Friday night. Regular lane fees apply. (9 p.m. - 1 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• The most recent Beaverton Farmers Market Newsletter is live! Click over to the link for the latest on what's ripe these days. (Hint: It's amazing Oregon peaches, and you'll find plenty of ideas for using them in salads, on the grill and, of course, desserts over at the article.)
• The onset of wildfire season is a good reason to make sure your "go bags" are ready to go! Click over to OregonLive for some tips on creating a fast-grab backpack or duffel that has all your essentials ready in case of a natural disaster.

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! As I mentioned a few months ago, Beaverton Patch hasn't drawn the advertisers necessary to keep it operational, so the daily newsletter will soon be paused for the foreseeable future. It's been lovely getting to spend time with the community each day! Stay in touch!

— Ash DeMello

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