Today Mid-Columbia Center for Living held a private meeting to discuss the end of MCCFL’s contract with the state to act as our local Community Developmental Disabilities Program. Center for Living noted that this was due to current operating costs exceeding state funding.

Military Vehicles in The Dalles on August 27th, 2020, 11:00 AM.

Mid-Columbia Center for Living is handing back the Community Developmental Disabilities Program to the Oregon Department of Human Services due to funding. There is concern over how this will affect those in need of disability services. Employees are also concerned about layoffs.

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.

Rain saved this year’s soft white wheat crop. And quality is excellent. The Pacific Northwest appears to be having a good year. But price per bushel has fallen off 70 cents in the past three months and traders are hoping for a big buy out of Portland.

The Dalles City Council took testimony for three hours tonight, Aug. 24, on an appeal of an 80-unit subdivision in east The Dalles. Attorneys for Legacy Development and the neighbors appealing the subdivision both made arguments and answered questions as councilors are being asked to balance the safety of The Dalles citizens and the need for housing.

Crestline Construction is putting some big moves on Columbia Gorge Community College.
Crews have already leveled the building site for the College’s new skill center and infrastructure is going in for the new dormitory as well. CGCC board members will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, to line out the construction contracts.

The Dalles City Council will hear the appeal of an 80-unit subdivision on 6.92 acres in east The Dalles at 5:30 p.m. this evening, Aug. 24, 2020.

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.

So when she arrived on Monday, Aug. 17, to climb Adams at 12,276 feet with friend David, well, it gave me hope - that we can all fall and get back up, maybe a little stronger.

Joel Hart immediately knew it was strange - the smell of smoke in August on the family homestead three miles south of Mosier. It was a Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 and the tiny-home builder said the smell got his back up. “I was thinking, ‘man, who is burning this time of year. They can’t be burning?’”

Give yourself lots of grace, but also know that you need to be responsible for your own wellbeing! Whether that means seeking out a counselor, setting aside time to meditate, or finding a friend to go on walks with, you need to know how to take that next step.

Jane Burke and Thor Horgenstad with the American Red Cross are assisting evacuees from the Mosier Creek Fire at the Shilo Inn in east The Dalles. There are still five residents awaiting to return to their homes. Evacuation levels were downgraded, but some roads still remain closed. The 985-acre fire is 65 percent contained, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The American Red Cross reports that 31 evacuated Mosier residents sought shelter with the American Red Cross at Shilo Inn in The Dalles. Numbers are approximate because evacuees began showing up at Shilo Inn before Red Cross arrived.

“Wondering why the firefighters hadn't arrived, I tried to call 911. No service.” “I got in my car and drove until I could get through to 911 and explain the situation. That's not exactly accurate. I kind of yelled that we needed help right away, that old people couldn't put out this fire, and that the helicopter needed to dump water closer to the house. The nice dispatcher said he'd send help. I think I was in a bit of a panic.”

Update August 21st, 2020 10:00 AM

The Mosier Creek Fire is fully contained.

The highest number of positive cases by age group shows that the 20's-50's age group had the highest number of cases. "We noticed a spike in some of our younger ages" Mimi McDonnel explained.