Heavy equipment was brought in to assist with clearing roads and creating fuel breaks reopening an Eagle Creek Fire contingency line. Conditions were also favorable for an infra-red flight allowing for better mapping of the area and a more accurate number of acres burned.

Today’s weather brings lower temperatures, lower winds and an increase in relative humidity.  All of these work together to reduce the fire’s growth potential. Strike teams, aircraft and dozers are working the estimated 50,000 acre-blaze which is now 21 percent contained and burning 7 miles southeast of Bickleton.

“On the northeast side, last night's successful firing operations in the grass are helping secure fire lines,” the update said. “Due to inaccessible areas and steep terrain, firing operations remain the safest and most effective strategy to remove fuels and prevent the spread of the fire.”

The vision of Q-Life is for every address in Wasco County to enjoy a higher quality of life and participate in education, healthcare, and the economy through a high-speed internet connection at a price point that they can afford.

Bargeway’s pulling for the dogs… and cats as they bring the Johnny Cash Tribute Band Cash’d Out on Saturday in a benefit for the Columbia Gorge Humane Society. And will Afroman’s Bid for President draw a crowd? Find out all about it in this super-sized gorge guide of all things entertaining.

In a 5-0 vote Council unanimously affirmed the 60-foot height permit for the Basalt Commons, a mixed-use building for business, and 116 apartments proposed for the former Griffth Motors, a half-acre lot at 523 E. Third Street.

A low-pressure system on Wednesday brought winds at more than 30 mph surging the fire in its southwest corner. Fire managers called in for aerial support as the blaze moved toward the Alderwood area in east Klickitat County.

The Sheriff’s Office has been proactively assessing the situation with the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office as information has become available. At the completion of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office and the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office will review the findings and determine whether or not and what criminal charges will be filed.

Due to the loss of water pressure in the city’s distribution system on July 22, 2024, potentially harmful bacteria could be in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

Preventing financial stress for rural families was a primary goal of the recent Financial Wellness Fair series put on by Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC) and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) with the help of area partners. Over 200 people participated.

With lower wind speeds and subdued fire behavior, crews worked to secure more of the fire’s east end with hand line, dozer line, and water drops from helicopters and other air resources. The fire continued to back down on a north-facing ridge along I-84 just west of Mosier and will likely do so through today. Smoke can be observed along the highway.

“The Wasco County Clerk's Office concluded the demand recount of the District Attorney contest late this afternoon,” said Wasco County Elections Clerk Lisa Gambee in an email. “70 boxes totaling 6,795 ballots have been hand counted. There was no change in the results.

As of 7/23/2024 at 12:30 PM and most current:  

Level 3 "GO NOW" for North of Alder Creek, West to Crider Valley, East to Peterson; and from East Road to Sand Ridge Rd to the East and Alder Creek south to the  Columbia River.  

Level 2 "GET SET" for Middle Rd to the West, Coleman Rd to the North, Klickitat  County Line to the East; and from Sand Ridge Rd to the Klickitat County Line. 

Level 1 "GET READY" Evacuation for North of Coleman Rd to Stegeman and Van Horn,  West to East Rd, East to Klickitat County Line.

The Oregon Memorial Traveling Wall made a poignant visit to the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, honoring fallen soldiers from Oregon.

Update July 23, 10:30 a.m.: Currently, the fire is threatening residential and agricultural lands, critical infrastructure and a natural gas plant. Level 3 - GO NOW: East Road to Sand Ridge Road to the East and Alder Creek South to the Columbia River.  Level 2 - GET SET: Sand Ridge Road to the Klickitat County Line. 

A Sweep Master lost control and rolled down Case Street near the Wasco County Courthouse today, ultimately flipping and coming to a stop in the middle of E. 7th Street. 

Update, July 23, 10:30 a.m. — 100 structures are within the fire’s immediate reach, estimated Spokesman Andy Dwyer. The fire is in the urban interface bringing in engines and firefighters who will work from a defensive tack to keep homes from burning.

There were 21 correct answers including our own Sheriff, Lane Magill. So, we took those entries to the roundhouse and pounded the names and numbers as flat as a penny left on the tracks. We put those pennies in our hobo bag of chance and boiled it in our Buddy Burner until the train pulled out, and we ran halfway down the tracks reaching for the last open car. Ian Creed was inside the door holding out a hand like a magician. In his palm was the penny, lucky number 17 - our train hoppin’ winner.      

The Basalt Commons is a calculated risk that could anchor the east side, which is now home to a new grocery in The Farm Stand and the urban renewal board is seeking new development on the Tony’s Town & Country site. Is The Dalles on the edge of major change? We’ll see as Councilors hear an appeal on the height of the 116-apartment building with commercial space.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District as operator of The Link Public Transportation, and the City of The Dalles have partnered to offer a free 12-month Gorge Transit Pass to residents living in and employees working in The Dalles’ Central Business Commercial zoning district!