Columbia Community Connection 10/9/26 Columbia Community Connection 10/9/26

Grasshopper Fire recovery could cost $50 million on federal land as Wasco County seeks help

Recovery efforts following the massive Grasshopper Fire could cost nearly $50 million on federal land alone, according to a preliminary estimate discussed Wednesday by the Wasco County Board of Commissioners, prompting county leaders to seek federal assistance while warning that the financial consequences of major wildfires are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Tom Peterson 10/9/26 Tom Peterson 10/9/26

Our Maestro of Flower Power: Flowers, Fun and a Bouquet to Brag About

Do something beautiful: at Apple Core Farm, picking flowers is just the beginning. With a little guidance, plenty of blooms and room to play, visitors discover the joy of creating gorgeous bouquets they never thought possible.

Tom Peterson 10/14/25 Tom Peterson 10/14/25

Intersection to close in 12th St. upgrade; paving begins Oct. 16

The intersection of East 12th and Thompson will close Oct. 15–17 as Crestline crews re-grade and pave. The $1.9M project upgrades drainage, sidewalks, and access at no cost to nearby homeowners.

Columbia Community Connection 10/9/25 Columbia Community Connection 10/9/25

CCCNews Podcast: Curtain Call and Comeback: Chuck Gomez Revives the Granada

When Chuck Gomez and his wife, Deborah Liddell, bought the long-shuttered Granada Theater in 2017, they weren’t just investing in a building. They were betting on The Dalles’ downtown and its history.

Columbia Community Connection 10/9/25 Columbia Community Connection 10/9/25

Northern Wasco County PUD Named Among Oregon's Top 100 Nonprofit Employers for Second Year

Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) has earned a place on Oregon Business magazine's “100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon” for 2025, marking the second consecutive year the utility has received this recognition. The utility improved its standing from last year, ranking 16th among Large Organizations with a score of 572.89 out of 700, up from 21st place and 570.29 in 2024.

Washington Gorge Action Programs 10/9/24 Washington Gorge Action Programs 10/9/24

Joanna Turner shares a passion for prevention

Joanna Turner is inspired to help young people. After raising three children as a single parent and working for a domestic violence shelter in the Columbia River Gorge, she wanted to be upstream working to prevent violence before it started. That meant finding ways to engage teens in rural communities so they are active, have a sense of purpose and belonging, enjoy better mental health, and are more resilient.

Columbia Community Connection 10/8/24 Columbia Community Connection 10/8/24

Harvest Fest and Centennial Celebration

Colonel Wright Elementary is excited to invite families and community members to join in the fun and festivities at our Harvest Fest and Centennial Celebration on Thursday, October 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Columbia Community Connection 10/7/24 Columbia Community Connection 10/7/24

Dead trees to be replaced in downtown TD next week at no additional cost

The City of The Dalles announces that Davey Tree Experts, the contractor for the downtown tree project, will be replanting trees to replace those that have not survived the summer. Trees will be replanted from October 16th through October 18th.

Ken Park 10/9/23 Ken Park 10/9/23

Klickitat Sheriff pushing surveillance cameras; Some say 'System ripe for abuse'

“We have a duty to protect the citizens and visitors of Klickitat County; therefore, using advanced technology such as the Flock Cameras will assist deputies in our mission to protect our residents and visitors to Klickitat County,” Undersheriff Carmen Knopes said. Not all see it that way. “These systems are ripe for abuse and a great tool for authoritarians,” one citizen commented.

Tom Peterson 10/15/21 Tom Peterson 10/15/21

Trooper out four weeks after finger bitten in altercation

A local Oregon State Police Trooper is on medical leave after he lost a chunk of his finger during the apprehension of a man throwing cinder blocks on Interstate 84 west of The Dalles on Saturday, Oct. 9