Voters in Wasco County will have a chance to hear directly from candidates across local, state and federal races during a public forum April 28.

Excerpt: Families have until April 6 to nominate young participants for a chance to join the Cherry Festival court, with voting, prizes and parade honors on the line.

Webber Street has reopened for the weekend, restoring access to Port-area businesses as the city prepares a new traffic plan tied to the Westside Interceptor project.

It may not pass the ruler test like the neighbor’s perfect lawn, but this clover-filled yard is winning in its own way—less work, less water and plenty of personality.

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.

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming event focused on improving wildfire preparedness and building a more fire-resilient Hood River County.

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.

BLM is accepting applications through April 30 for its Rural Fire Readiness program, offering equipment, training and support to help rural fire agencies improve wildfire response and safety.

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.

As spring returns to the Hood River Valley and orchards and wildflowers come into bloom, the Hood River Cider Fest returns for its 11th year with a new setting and expanded offerings for 2026.

Since 2022, MCCAC has been leading the Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative to streamline the services of some 40 agencies to find people shelter, services, housing, and advocacy.

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.

Jay and Leslie Wilson have been clicking for years - and their passion for games, Lego and bringing people together just got a national nod for finding the real sweat spot in a hobby shop.

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.

The war with Iran motivated many new voices to the No Kings III rally in The Dalles that drew well over 600 people.

But beneath the parade and the crowns, something quieter is happening on the hillsides. Farmers are calculating risk. Workers are preparing for long days. Families are deciding, once again, to trust a season that offers no guarantees.

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.