As I sit here on my tractor seat, the view stretches far beyond my orchard rows. These days, the pressures on family farms stretch just as far—across state lines, trade routes, and policy halls.

Hood River is gearing up to welcome the return of the third annual Hood River Pride Celebration on June 6 and 7. A testament to the community’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the collaboration between Visit Hood River, the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, The Next Door, Inc., and the Hood River Hotel honors the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies through various inclusive and unifying activities. All are invited to join in the festivities and celebrate the region’s vibrant diversity.

Hood River will host its annual 4th of July festivities, starting with a parade at 10 a.m., organized by the Hood River Lions Club. Fireworks will follow at 10 p.m. on the Hood River Waterfront.

The week of June 10, 2024, City and County crews will begin work on several pavement preservation projects. These chip seal projects will require short-duration road closures between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at each location on the date the work is scheduled to take place. Detours will be in place during work hours.

City of The Dalles Public Works crews worked through the night to repair a water line near the intersection of 14th and Quinton Streets, which has officials recommending they turn off the mains to their houses.