Wasco County commissioner candidate Lisa Gambee said the county must focus on transparency, infrastructure and long-term planning as it navigates growth driven by new revenue and development.

Gambee, who is running for Position No. 1 in the May 19 primary election, outlined her priorities during a recent CCCNews podcast interview, pointing to housing affordability, wildfire preparedness and responsible use of public funds.

On March 19, 2026, nearly 60 educators, industry leaders, and community partners gathered at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) for the third Regional Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee meeting. The event marked continued momentum in aligning education and industry to expand meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students across the Columbia Gorge.

Wasco County commissioner candidate Dick Schaffeld said the county must rethink how it spends public dollars, arguing for a more balanced approach that benefits the entire region rather than select projects or communities.

Schaffeld, who is running for Position No. 3 in the May 19 primary election, shared his views during a recent CCCNews podcast interview, where he addressed housing, wildfire preparedness, economic development and the county’s growing revenue from data centers.

Wasco County commissioner candidate John Grant said he would prioritize tax relief, business-friendly policies, and housing development as the county manages growth and new revenue tied to data center expansion.

This Week the Gorge Giggin’ Guide is Not Foolin’ - we’re taking you on a tour of the Week’s Best Music, Art, and Comedy shows. Have Fun and Get Out There! County Line tribute to Johnny Cash at Trout Lake Hall on Friday, April 3.

The Dalles Public Library offers a full week of hands-on programs, performances and family events, including crafts, dance, storytime and a community-wide “Wild Robot” theme.

Wasco County commissioner candidate Nichole Biechler said she would focus on collaboration, fiscal responsibility and workforce development as the county navigates growth, housing shortages and rising revenues tied to data center development.

Wasco County commissioner candidate Robb Van Cleave said collaboration, long-term planning, and disciplined use of public funds will be key as the county navigates growth, housing shortages, and rising revenues tied to data center development.

Voters in Wasco County have a crowded and competitive races in the May 19 primary election for Wasco County Commissioner. Two seats are open And it comes at a turning point for the county’s future. Four candidates — Lisa Gambee, John Grant, Nichole Biechler, and Robb E. Van Cleave — are running for Position No. 1, currently held by Scott Hege. Incumbent Phil Brady is facing Dick Schaffeld and Mike Urness in the race for Position No. 3.

The Dalles Disposal, in partnership with Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon, announced expanded curbside recycling service for the City of The Dalles, launching March 30, 2026. The Dalles is the first Oregon community to expand curbside recycling access using producer funding available through the state’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).

Kiwanis Programs for April 2026

This Week the Gorge Giggin’ Guide is diving into March Music Madness -featuring shows from Barn Burning Jam Bands, AC/DC Cover Bands and Top Notch Broadway Vocal Groups that will jumpstart your Spring into Overdrive. Have Fun and Get Out There!

Spring break heats up at The Dalles Public Library with free food, games, reptiles, music and hands-on fun for teens, kids, and families all week long.

Oregon’s statewide early childhood literacy nonprofit SMART Reading gave away its 5 millionth book to a child in Oregon at an event at Hayhurst Elementary on March 12, 2026. This marked a major milestone in the organization’s mission to help Oregon students build confidence, improve literacy skills, and develop a lifelong passion for reading.

After a highly successful HOOT fest in The Dalles, Jonathan Zilka and his group of volunteers are bringing the second rendition of The Grand Dalles Music Fest, a 3-day fest featuring jams, dancing and some incredible bands at the end of May.

Move over, Gordon Ramsay! Students from D21 elementary schools transformed the kitchen into a high-stakes arena yesterday, March 18, to battle for the legendary title of Top Chef.

On February 24 & 26, 200 eighth grade students from North Wasco gathered at Columbia Gorge Community College for Next Steps: Careers in the Gorge, a hands-on career exploration experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities close to home.

Early childhood education professionals are invited to an engaging, day-long learning experience at the upcoming Journey to the Stars: Building Brains and Supporting Big Feelings conference.

The Dalles High School senior Jonathan Rodriguez Mota received an exciting and unexpected honor yesterday when representatives from Oregon State University’s College of Engineering surprised him on campus with the announcement that he has been selected as a recipient of the highly competitive Engineering Catalyst Scholarship.

The 38th Annual Spring Community Clean Up will take place on the first Saturday of May. The Dalles residents are encouraged to join in our annual spring cleaning event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.