Despite the loss of track meets, basketball, volleyball, and football games, athletes in The Dalles are digging in, attending grueling training, and working out for when the competition will reboot.

Audrey Stephens, a bus driver for District 21 for the past 32 years, enjoyed a little gardening detail this morning, Tuesday, Oct. 6. She and fellow bus driver, Cathy Parke, 23 years a bus driver, said they were working on the flowerbed at the entrance of Dry Hollow Elementary.

Recycling has always had its struggles, and China’s “National Sword” policy, enacted in January of 2018, has continued to place more limitations on local recycling facilities. The Dalles Disposal Service Center receives between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of recyclables a day, so where does it all go? Jim Winterbottom is the district manager of Waste Connections. He takes us over the pitfalls of recycling in our community, and how we can work together to better improve it.

TD Kiwanis announce October programs

It’s that time of year again; the leaves have begun changing colors and the air is getting crisper. Fall is nearing and winter is to follow. Already thinking spring and the sunshine to come? Read on to learn how to best prep your garden for the winter months ahead.

Gorge residents who live or work in Klickitat or Skamania Counties, are encouraged to participate in the 10-minute survey for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) and then enjoy a free slice of pizza at one of three local restaurants, Beneventi’s Pizza in Bingen, Andrew’s Pizza in Stevenson or Uncle Tony’s Pizza in Goldendale. Surveys are available in English and Spanish online at www.wagap.org or you can pick up a paper copy at one of WAGAP’s Offices in Bingen, Stevenson or Goldendale.

Edited to include comments from NWASCO School Board Chair John Nelson on September 21st, 2020 12:00 PM

Colonel Wright Elementary School may be getting a new name! And it's about time, as many former students will tell you learning to spell “Colonel” correctly at any age is difficult. But even worse for many community members is the history attached to the name of the elementary school. For years community members have expressed discomfort over the name of the school, saying it honors a legacy of bloodshed instead of learning, growth, and community.

Starting to exercise or beginning a healthy meal plan can be challenging. It’s easy to slip up and go back to your old ways if you don’t have people to hold you accountable. The best way to get started is to have someone, or a group of people, who are ready and excited to start on their health journey with you.

Wildfires are a part of nature; they play a key role in shaping ecosystems by serving as an agent of renewal and change. But the fires we are currently seeing burning in Oregon shouldn’t be reaching their current size and severity, according to a wildfire management student researcher Sima Safavi-Bayat.

Our first priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. We ask staff to return to their homes and not be in district buildings at this time.

Despite the many difficulties that have already faced teachers due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, Erin Peter’s says her teaching team is doing their best to make the best of it for their students.

“Even though this year looks completely different, I love getting to ‘see’ my students get excited about learning on Zoom.”

When you’re looking to eat healthier and be more intentional, stay away from diets that will dictate and restrict what you eat. Find ways to modify eating what you already enjoy, and create a plan that you can stick to and feel good about!

District 21 Teachers and support staff in asked for and received additional days to prepare for the upcoming school year, which is set to begin in The Dalles, Thursday, Sept. 3., 2020. Interim Superintendent Theresa Peters said the decision was made after speaking with multiple teachers who were overwhelmed with preparations for starting the year with on-line classes.

South Wasco County School District #1 is asking taxpayers to pass a $4-milliion school bond in the Nov. 3 general election to do major renovations to the schools and district buildings in Maupin. Essentially, taxpayers will get a 50 cent match on the dollar should they choose to approve the bond.

With a decrease in COVID-19 cases during the past several weeks, Wasco County is stepping closer to being able to open some schools if trends continue. Of course, each school district will ultimately make their own decision on when they can open up safely. But, recent health news is a good sign we are moving in the right direction.

Dufur School is nearing completion on upgrades on school buildings, the football field, parking and sidewalks. An $8-million bond approved by 68 percent of voters in 2018 made it possible. Check out the photos and progress here.

Riverbend Community School will be housed on the Columbia Gorge Community campus this year. Formerly called Wahtonka Community School, it will start the year both with a fresh name and a new location.

North Wasco County School District to use the Comprehensive Distance Learning format until October 16th. Thereafter, a possible hybrid of in-class and online education could be utilized if conditions are safe enough.

Ajay Rundell has been selected as the Interim Principal of Dry Hollow Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year. Kara Flath has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer for North Wasco School District. Learn more about them here.