Cheers: To a new apple. Many of us are old enough to remember when there were two types of apples at the grocery store — red and green. Now, the varieties are too numerous to count, with textures and flavors to appease even the most discerning apple snob. Adding to that bounty, researchers at Washington State University have unveiled the WA 64, a cross between Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink (better known as Pink Lady).
“The WA 64 is more like its Cripps Pink parent but has better texture, inherited from its Honeycrisp parent,” said a researcher with the WSU apple breeding program. The new apple is years away from landing on the market. So consumers will have to be content with Cosmic Crisp, Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, McIntosh Red . . .
Jeers: To fireworks damage. Fourth of July fireworks sparked six fires in unincorporated Clark County, causing nearly $1 million in damage, according to fire investigators. In one instance, a home near Yacolt was destroyed. Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency dispatchers took 136 reports of outside fires Tuesday night, including grass or brush fires and bark dust fires.
Meanwhile, a regional hotline received 166 complaints about fireworks Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Reports from Vancouver, where fireworks are illegal, were not yet available. The public will be interested in how many calls generated a response and how many citations were issued for illegal fireworks use. Regardless of the numbers, it is clear that hot, dry weather does not mix with fireworks.
Cheers: To Camp Spark. As detailed in a story by Columbian reporter Griffin Reilly, the camp offers recreational opportunities for blind participants from throughout the Northwest. Run by the Vancouver-based Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, the camp is located near Sandy, Ore., and has been operating since 2016.
“We use sports and physical activity as a catalyst for greater independence and increased quality of life,” camp director Kirsten French said. Campers from ages 8 to 21 take part in running, tandem biking, swimming and more. As one participant said, the counselors and fellow campers can be inspiring: “They help me set goals. Running faster, doing more laps on the bicycle. Yesterday I did four laps.”
Jeers: To “forever” chemicals. Vancouver is the latest city to find harmful chemicals in a well, discovering the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid in southwest Clark County. Tests in March found the chemical in the well, which has been offline since September and is used during periods of high demand.
The level of contamination is extremely low. But the issue points out the insidiousness of “forever” chemicals, which do not naturally dissipate. The state has adopted stricter limits on the chemicals and has taken steps to ban their use in an effort to protect our environment.
Cheers: To beer talk. We’re not only good at brewing beer in these parts, we’re good at talking about it. The BrewDeck Podcast from Country Malt Group has been honored with a Craft Beer Marketing Award for best beer-related podcast.
Country Malt Group operates 13 distribution centers around the country, including one in Vancouver. Also in Vancouver are the company’s Great Western Malting facility and its United Malt headquarters. Vancouver-based Hailey Nelson said: “We’re building and connecting a community of industry experts to share their stories, advice and resources.” They can find an attentive audience in the Northwest.
