Good morning, Fresno.

The Tower District is getting a temporary library branch at the Ted C.

Wills Community Center that will open by Christmas. County Supervisor Luis Chavez said a $325,000 investment from the county budget will reduce long commutes by providing closer access for residents.

Families can visit local pumpkin patches across the Central Valley this fall including Sunflower Farm Stand in Sanger and Simonian Farms in Fresno, where events will feature corn mazes, hayrides, and seasonal treats from early to late October.

Nine people, including six adults + three children, were forced from their apartment after a fire broke out before 11 p.m. Wednesday at a complex near Shaw and First on Sierra Madre and Fisher, and firefighters quickly contained the flames while a downstairs unit suffered smoke and water damage.

Wildlife officers uncovered evidence of poaching and found a hidden buck (lacking a proper tag) at a hunter camp in the Sierra National Forest in eastern Fresno County on Sept.

19; the hunter received a misdemeanor citation.

Award-winning children’s author Janay Brown-Wood visited Sunnyside Library on Oct.

1 to share her new book, Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale, with local kids. She returned to her roots in Fresno, continuing her commitment to inspiring young readers.

The Great Valley Gathering will celebrate local arts, culture, and diverse roots with live workshops and performances this weekend in Fresno (one of 40 Smithsonian-selected sites nationwide).

Conservation officials reported a river otter was spotted along the San Joaquin River near Sycamore Island on Wednesday.

The sighting signals a healthier river ecosystem as habitat improvements boost water quality.

Aircrews from Strike Fighter Squadrons 14, 41, and 151 returned to NAS Lemoore yesterday after a 10-month deployment with Carrier Air Wing 9.

They flew more than 13,000 sorties and 28,500 flight hours while supporting Operation Epic Fury in the U.S. Central Command area.

Fresno increased its Expanded Lawn to Garden program funding to $4 per sqft by expanding eligibility to residential, commercial (and industrial) customers so that applications for water-savings projects will be approved by Dec.

31.

Community Health System hosted its Valley Pink Patch event on Oct.

1 at 10 a.m. at Clovis Community Medical Center, honoring over 30 breast cancer survivors with beauty consultations, interviews, and a pink carpet celebration as part of a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast care services.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society advises women to begin discussions on mammograms at age 40 and adopt healthy habits like a 30 minute walk + limiting alcohol, as experts note a rise in cases among younger women.