The Microwave Tower Fire expanded into another 400 acres as it burned during the weekend, burning down cliffs to  Interstate 84 on Sunday.

The Whiskey Creek Fire expanded minimally over the weekend but no containment has been reported as forestry mulchers have been brought in to chip up fuel sources as firefighters continue to build lines around the blaze.

“Yesterday, crews concluded their last evening of night shift patrol. Crews monitored the fire lines watching for anything smoking or smoldering. Pine Creek had some smoke, but it was well interior of the fire with the fire edge still holding strong,” reported Hannah Cleverly with the SE Washington Inter-Agency Team.

Incumbents Dan Richardson and Rod Runyon are running unopposed - so far - in their bid to be elected to another term on The Dalles City Council. And no one has yet to file for Long’s open seat.  Those wanting to run for city office have until Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. to file their candidacy.

Discovery Center partners with Forest Service on a birthday bash for Smokey the Bear who turns 80 on Aug. 9. We'll have fun activities, storytime with Forest Service rangers, fire engines spraying hoses, scavenger hunts, a bear education station, and even a chance to hug Smokey, and more. Enjoy cool, refreshing slices of watermelon throughout the party, and don't miss the cake-cutting at noon, with cake for everyone to enjoy! All are welcome, and admission is completely free!

FarmStand held its ribbon-cutting event yesterday, marking the official opening of its location in The Dalles. The event featured several vendors inside the store, offering a variety of complimentary items such as wine, cheeses, bread, and cookies.

Ben Mitchell is selected to take the seat held by the late Tim Counihan. Lawsuit brings ammendment after City’s short-term ordinances is hit with allegations of discrimination towards property owners living out of state.

Long-time Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement officer Russell Spino (Warm Springs) was promoted to chief, replacing the retiring Mitch Hicks. Spino was born and raised in The Dalles, graduating TDHS in ‘97.

As of July 25, more than 1 million acres are estimated to have burned in Oregon as megafires at more than 100,000 acres are burning in three locations in the eastern part of the state.

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.