Short items from around the area on Friday, July 3, 2026 — community happenings, quick updates, and notes that didn't make a full story.

News in the Grove

Around Town

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Friday, July 3, 2026✦Daily roundup

PUBLIC SAFETY

Fourth of July safety: fireworks rules and who to call

Ahead of Saturday evening's fireworks show at Tom McCall Upper Elementary, Forest Grove Fire and Rescue is asking residents to keep 911 clear: the Fourth brings a surge of calls to Washington County's 911 dispatchers, from fires started by fireworks to noise complaints. "We understand everyone wants to celebrate the birthday of America, but we want everyone to do it responsibly," the department wrote in a Facebook post this week. Fireworks noise and other non-life-threatening complaints should go to the countywide non-emergency line at 503-629-0111; call 911 for fires, injuries or any direct threat to people or property.

In Oregon, any firework that flies, explodes or travels more than six feet along the ground, including bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers, is illegal. Legal fireworks may only be purchased at licensed Oregon stands, and retail sales run only through July 6. The Oregon State Fire Marshal says children under 15 account for 28% of estimated fireworks injuries, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue notes that even legal sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees. Fire officials recommend using fireworks safely: light them one at a time on pavement away from dry vegetation, keep water handy, never relight a dud and soak spent fireworks before disposal. Officers can seize illegal fireworks and issue citations with fines up to $500 per violation, and improper use of any fireworks, legal or illegal, can bring civil liability for damages.

On the roads, the Oregon Health Authority notes alcohol is involved in more than a third of Oregon motor vehicle crashes and urges anyone drinking Saturday to line up a sober ride home before heading out. The Oregon Department of Transportation expects a busy holiday weekend and recommends checking TripCheck for conditions and work zones. And Kids and Car Safety warns that a parked car's interior can climb 20 degrees in 10 minutes: never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for a few minutes. ■

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OUTDOORS

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit at the Banks Public Library

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

Oregon State Parks parking permits can now be checked out from the Banks Public Library, one of 82 public libraries lending the passes under a partnership between the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the State Library of Oregon. Each participating library received up to four of the hang tags, which cover day-use parking for one vehicle at all Oregon State Parks day-use areas. Checking one out takes only a library card.

Participating libraries in Washington County also include North Plains, Tigard and Beaverton; 200 permits are available statewide. An earlier pilot put permits in 28 libraries starting in August 2024, and those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. Find the list of participating libraries and check with your local library, since the state's list only covers permits distributed by the parks department. ■

GOVERNMENT

Sen. Sollman sets three community conversations in Forest Grove

Image courtesy Office of Senator Janeen Sollman

State Sen. Janeen Sollman will hold three community conversations in Forest Grove this summer: Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to noon at Papa Floyd's Doughnuts, Monday, July 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at Zesti Food Carts, and Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Fernhill Wetlands, meeting in the covered shelter area.

Sollman represents Senate District 15, which covers Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro and Rock Creek. Wetlands staff will join the Fernhill session, and the senator suggests bringing binoculars to spot wildlife and walking the trail after the conversation ends. Details are in Sollman's July 3 newsletter and on the News in the Grove events calendar. ■

COMMUNITY

Fireworks return to Forest Grove Saturday for America's 250th birthday

The Downtown Association of Forest Grove caps an evening of live music, food vendors and family activities with a fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School, 1255 Pacific Ave. Gates open at 4 p.m., festivities run from 5 to 11 p.m., and admission is free, rain or shine. It's the city's first organized Fourth of July celebration since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hillsboro classic rock band Got Yer 6 headlines alongside local duo Ky and Maddie, and Ishstar performs a fire show ahead of the fireworks finale. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets; canopies and umbrellas must come down by 9 p.m., and personal fireworks, pets other than service animals, alcohol, vaping, smoking and weapons are prohibited on school grounds.

Our sister publication Banks Post has the details for a similar celebration in Banks! ■

COMMUNITY

Forest Grove Rotary's new officers and board take office

Hector Mendez-Colberg has taken office as president of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove for 2026-27. He is joined by vice president Mallory Hiefield, past president Andrea Stewart, secretary Claire Agner, club and foundation treasurer Sharon Olmstead and fundraising treasurer Janet Peters. The club symbolically passed the gavel June 18, and the changeover took effect July 1.

Serving on the board of directors are Michael Cook, Bruce Cummings, Margie Davidson, Cole Thursam, Sarah Barbour, Kevin Harmon, Amanda Hartmann, Mackenzie Johnston Carey and Carla Kimzey. ■

News in the GroveFriday, July 3, 2026