The geographic breadth of our newspapers is one of the strongest elements of our total news coverage blueprint.

If you think about it, the EO Media Group newspapers stretch from the edge of Hermiston all the way to southern Baker County.

That’s a lot of real estate.

Our newspaper stories and front pages also show that our area is maybe a little more diverse than most would think.

That’s a good thing.

I am continually amazed how well our staff of reporters and photographers manage to capture so much activity and so much local news every week. I think it’s a testament to a very deep sense of responsibility to reflect, as best we can, the fundamental elements of our culture in this little corner of Oregon.

Our job doesn’t get easier as the year progresses. There are a host of events on the horizon, including the Pendleton Round-Up.

The Round-Up is more than just another event or rodeo. It is a multi-day festival that encompasses so many different elements it would be difficult to pick out which one is the most significant.

The Round-Up is also more than just an Umatilla County event. The Round-Up is really, in many ways, a celebration of Eastern Oregon’s culture.

We hope everyone enjoys the great celebration and Let ‘er Buck.

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If you missed one or more issues of The Observer this week, here are a couple of stories you might have missed.

Reporter Dick Mason had a report on 370 adults and youth with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Union, Wallowa, Baker and Grant counties who participated in a pioneer trek in early August. The trek was a small-scale reenactment of pioneers who pulled handcarts while crossing the plains and moving into the Salt Lake Valley in Utah from 1856 to 1860.

The Double Creek Fire in Wallowa County is the largest fire in the state, ballooning to more than 100,000 acres and requiring a number of personnel to help battle the blaze. The fire nearly doubled in size in recent days largely because of the high winds that hit the area Sept. 7.

Reporter Shannon Golden reported on the how the Housing Resource Center, based at the administration office of Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, is working to inform and support homebuyers around the region.

The HRC is a nonprofit organization that helps low- and moderate-income clients realize their dreams of homeownership, learn savvy budgeting skills and avoid foreclosure.

Coming next week, look for a story on how the Union High School music room has been converted into an indoor recess room for children.

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The Observer is a community project that relies on your continuing support. We hope to continue ensuring it remains a true reflection of community life and we appreciate your partnership in this mission.