Pressure’s On: Take steps to ensure canning safety

Fair time anticipates the big season for home canners, and with that comes an important safety caution: dial-gauge pressure canners must be tested every year for accuracy, to prevent food-borne illness.

Local Extension offices in both Wasco and Hood River County do this for free and often on-the-spot — though call first if you want to come in and have your canner tested right away. In Hood River call 541-386-3343.

Lauren Kraemer of Master Preservers will discuss testing, and other tips, in a column to run in the Aug. 7 edition, but we offer this one crucial piece of advice for anyone who is about to turn those tomatoes into tasty, and healthful, preserved goods for their dining pleasure this winter.

‘A Tough Loss’: Governor mourns firefighter’s death

Gov. John Kitzhaber on Thursday released the following statement on the passing of central Oregon resident John Hammack, who was part of an emergency crew responding to wildfires burning outside of Sisters.

“My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family of John Hammack, who died on Thursday while bravely responding to a wildfire outside of Sisters. All across Oregon, thousands of men and women are doing difficult and dangerous work to protect their fellow citizens. This is a tough loss for Oregon, and with our state experiencing the most severe wildfire conditions in years, all first responders deserve our gratitude, our appreciation, and our support.”