Fire activity increased yesterday as the relative humidity dropped and dead fuels continued to dry out and become more available for ignition. Smoke was visible from the local communities, which will continue to see an increase in smoke production, despite early morning rain, as drier and warmer temperatures continue over the region.

Well puzzlers, 23 of you got it right this week. Alas, there could only be one winner. But, we got some great stories about “cruise the gutters” and a little extra cheese on the history of this busy block.

So tell us what business is now operating in the former location of the Economy Grocery? Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, Aug. 4 at 4:23 p.m. Those sending correct answers will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to Shannon’s Ice Cream. If you answer in the chat, you will be notorious and regarded as folk hero, a titan known for stealing fire from the gods.

Hot and dry weather yesterday further dried out forest floor fuels and led to a slight increase in fire activity. A helicopter was used to drop water along the northern edge of the fire to mitigate any potential flare-ups along the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire area while crews continued work on containment lines to the south.

Google announced more than $70,000 in support for Wasco County school districts and other local organizations that provide services to children and families in the Columbia River Gorge.

Moderate fire behavior was observed over the fire yesterday. A ridge of high pressure will build over the region today bringing warmer and drier temperatures to the area. Visible increased smoke production is expected. There have been no recent IR flights over the fire. The acreage size of the fire will be updated as information becomes available.

Hot and dry conditions are forecasted for today and residual pockets of vegetation will continue to burn producing visible flame and smoke.

“We will be having a home blessing on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.,” said Sonia Chavez. “We invite anyone who supports Habitat for Humanity to come celebrate this great accomplishment! with us. Jeanette and Guillermo Chavez applied for the home last year and were selected to take ownership.

Gorge Grown Food Network joins farmers and organizers across the county in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4 - 10, 2024. Gorge residents are invited to join in on the fun with numerous opportunities to shop at local farmers’ markets this week.

Zac Grooms, Bill Burke and Joe Smart bring their trio of energy and great music to the Bargeway on Friday. The entertainment bounty runneth over in this latest edition of all things entertaining.

Do you have a little time to spare each week to help spark the joy of reading for kids in The Dalles? Children's literacy nonprofit SMART Reading has a high need for volunteer Readers and volunteer Site Coordinators at Chenowith, Colonel Wright, and Dry Hollow Elementary Schools.

Crews took advantage of a break in fire activity brought on by cool, wet weather to continue work on contingency lines across the area south of the fire. Fire activity is expected to increase in the next few days as hot and dry conditions return to the area. Forest visitors are reminded to stay out of closure areas to allow crews to safely prepare protective barriers to the surrounding forest and local communities.

For nearly 25 years, Jan Pearo has been on a journey to support her community, making her the longest-running employee at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).  In January 2000, Pearo began helping people in Skamania and Klickitat counties. She had recently moved to Stevenson, Washington, from Portland, Oregon.

Yesterday, all crews ended their shifts and were demobilized. Some resources went home to rest while many were reassigned to different fires. All roads are open and there are no evacuation warnings. The fire is 100% contained as of Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM and turned back over to the local jurisdictions.

Today, efforts to manage the fire will transition back to local agencies. Line crews and equipment will start being released. Many resources will be reassigned to support other fires in the area, while others will return to their home units.

The Microwave Tower Fire, burning 5 miles west of Mosier, has grown to 1,306 acres with 53% containment. The fire, which started on July 22, 2024, is believed to be human-caused and is still under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, timber, and grass.

The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Whisky Creek Fire on Monday, July 29, 2024. Precipitation occurred over the fire area yesterday, moderating fire behavior. Cloud cover will diminish today over the fire as onshore flow continues, and warmer temperatures begin to develop over the region.

Project to create a welcoming environment at The Annex, while joining in the rich mural tradition in downtown The Dalles. MCCAC looks to families and emerging artists to inspire people to collectively reimagine spaces that serve as the heart of their community.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is seeking interested candidates for openings on the MCEDD Board of Directors, particularly those involved with Agriculture, or the Food and Beverage Industry.

A passion for helping others, and seeing the life-changing work done in both the public health and non-profit sectors guided the career path of recently retired North Central Public Health District Director Shellie Campbell.