Fire activity intensified across Wasco County on Tuesday as the Grasshopper Fire expanded to 13,612 acres, prompting continued Level 3 evacuations near Wamic, Pine Hollow and Sportsman's Park. Meanwhile, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover firefighting costs, while improving conditions on several other regional wildfires allowed evacuation levels to be reduced or lifted in parts of southern Wasco County and the Hay Creek Complex.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Local Government Academy, a free program that gives community members an inside look at how the City of The Dalles operates.

The Gorge Giggin’ Guide wraps up the last week in July and We’re Not Slowing Down! Get ready for Dancing, Open Mic and Jams, Stage Performances and Music from just about every Genre you can think of!
Get Out There!

Firefighters made significant progress Monday on two major wildfires burning in and near Wasco County, holding critical containment lines on the Grasshopper Fire while increasing containment on the smaller Eightmile Fire west of Dufur.

The Dalles Public Library has a full lineup of free programs for adults, children, teens and families during the final week of July and the start of August. Registration is required for select events.

Mayor Rich Mays will not seek re-election, opening a three-way race for The Dalles' top office as CCCNews begins its 2026 candidate interview series.

A Banks-Vernonia trail advocate says community persistence, partnerships and historic preservation transformed an abandoned railroad into an economic asset, offering lessons for the Deschutes railbed.

As temperatures topped 100 degrees in The Dalles Wednesday, two sweat-soaked cyclists paused to rest before continuing a two-week bicycle adventure toward Yellowstone, proving some journeys are measured in experiences, not miles.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is celebrating a joyful addition to The Annex: a brand-new playground on the facility's family side, made possible through generous donations from Google, Granite Construction, and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.

A 28-year-old motorcyclist was airlifted to a Vancouver hospital after crashing along State Route 14 near the Chamberlain Rest Area in Klickitat County. Washington State Patrol said the crash remains under investigation.

No doubt about it - The Gorge Giggin’ Guide is in Fair and Festival Mode! Whether you’re at the County Fair, the Bluegrass Festival, or one of the special benefit shows coming up this week - You're Gonna Have A Good Time! Get Out There!

Wildfires sparked by last week's lightning storm continue to burn across the Mid-Columbia, with new evacuation notices issued Sunday in Wasco and Gilliam counties as firefighters battle several large fire complexes.

The Dalles City Council is scheduled to consider two special ordinances at its July 27 meeting, including the annexation of property within the city's urban growth boundary and the approval of a non-exclusive telecommunications franchise for Q-Life Intergovernmental Agency. The proposed ordinances will be available for public review in the council agenda packet beginning July 20, and members of the public may register to testify before the meeting.

The Dalles Public Library has a full week of family-friendly activities, crafts, games and performances scheduled July 19–25, along with opportunities for children and teens to get involved through hands-on learning and creative programs.

The City of The Dalles will apply fog seal to streets treated with chip seal last month, requiring temporary daytime closures on dozens of streets July 20-22.

The City of The Dalles Beautification & Tree Committee is pleased to recognize Judy and Ray Smitke as recipients of the July Beautification Award for their outstanding garden at 2311 Radio Way.

An early morning vegetation fire along Highway 197 is under investigation after reports that individuals were shooting fireworks into dry grass, according to Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue.

Multiple wildfires continued burning across Gilliam, Sherman and Wasco counties Friday morning, prompting evacuations, destroying homes and drawing firefighting resources from across the Mid-Columbia

An allegedly impaired Hood River man was arrested Thursday after Oregon State Police say he rammed multiple vehicles while driving eastbound on Interstate 84 from Mosier before being stopped in The Dalles.

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners appointed Rodger Nichols to fill the seat vacated by Phil Brady, citing his experience, public service and commitment to serve.