Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in a partnership with Wasco County Veteran Services, will launch a series of refreshed "Welcome to Wasco County" signs featuring the new byline "We Honor Veterans."

With the continued forecast of cool, wet weather, local Fire Districts, Wasco County, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) have agreed to lift the seasonal burn ban on October 17th at 12:01 a.m.

QLife is pushing the boundaries of rural broadband by seeking $10.4 million in federal funding, a bid to transform Wasco County’s connectivity with fiberoptic infrastructure that leaders say rivals the impact of rural electrification.

Oregon State Police are asking for the public’s help to identify two people caught on camera trespassing on private property near Antelope and unlawfully killing an elk.

Wasco County Community Development is partnering with Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) staff to modernize disaster recovery in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This collaboration aims to address the recovery needs following the Rowena, Burdoin, Broughton, and Tunnel Fires.

Wasco County Commissioners to consider improving internet access for homes, schools, and businesses in underserved areas with the assistance of a $5 million loan.

64 candidates are on the ballot for May 20 in an epic Wasco County election that has challengers in local school boards and fire districts. These people are the bread and butter of our community - choose well with our Meet the Candidates.

The agreements would provide city funding to cover water service costs for the county's Kramer Fields and Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation District, totaling $192,000. The discussion comes after the city cut $320,000 from the Parks budget by eliminating transient room tax funding.

Officer Jeremy Dutton, a 10-plus year member of The Dalles Police force, is accused of first-degree theft of $1,000 or more from the City of The Dalles on four separate time periods between May 2023 and January 2025.

A Wasco County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Ezekial Laclaire of The Dalles alleging three felony counts: Rape in the Second Degree, Sodomy in the Second Degree, and Sex Abuse in the First Degree, according to a press release from the Wasco County District Attorney.

Suspect in 80-mile police chase accused of having burglar tools and is being scrutinized for thefts in Mid-Columbia. Long track record of theft convictions adds to suspicion.

"Her energy, vision and commitment to our community will be invaluable as we work to expand affordable broadband access across Wasco County," added Tyler Stone, Wasco County Administrative Officer. Lance is also the Secretary for Dufur Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.

“Wait so Hood River County votes on taxation in Wasco County…??,” asked one person on Facebook. That’s a yes or no, depending on how you look at it.

The Dalles Lions had a brisk business this morning as dozens of vehicles rolled through the ballot drop-off site next to the Wasco County Courthouse. 

Survivors of violence stay for a multitude of reasons, be they financial, religious, fear, and more.  Survivors of violence are more likely to die after they leave the violent relationship and the perpetrator has lost all control/access to them.  We must stop asking "Why didn't they just leave" and instead start asking the real question of "Why perpetrators of Domestic Abuse choose to abuse"? Because Domestic Violence is always a choice that is being made by the perpetrator.  

Ballot returns thus far in the general election continue to be far off from returns in the 2020 presidential bid in Wasco and Hood River counties. So what is going on? Wasco County Elections Clerk Lisa Gambee provides some insight and theory.

Ballots are trickling into the Wasco County Courthouse after being delivered mostly on Saturday, Oct. 19. 

With the upcoming forecasted cool wet weather, local Fire Districts, Wasco County, and The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) have agreed to lift the seasonal burn ban on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. This will allow for burning in barrels and small debris piles. Burning of larger slash piles is not included in lifting the ban.

Tara Koch who was originally arrested on the allegations more than two years ago pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree theft and five counts of first-degree aggravated theft before Wasco County Circuit Court Judge Marion Weatherford. 

Suspect in sex crimes alleged in Alabama and Wasco County surrenders in Alabama. DA to attain a warrant for his return to Oregon where he faces prosecution. The month-long nationwide manhunt that included state and federal law enforcement agencies ends.