Thoughts from the Tractor Seat: Labor in Limbo

Join The Dalles Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge as she highlights Fourth of July events and interviews Clare Kirkwood of the newly opened River City Saloon at Washington and Third Streets in downtown The Dalles.

Despite strong objections from victims and the DA, a judge granted Tyson Trezona, accused in repeated thefts, release to rehab, calling it harder than jail and warning failure means prison.

From early-morning runs to late-night fireworks over the Columbia, Gorge communities are celebrating Independence Day with full-day schedules of family-friendly festivities on Thursday, July 4. Whether you're in The Dalles or Stevenson, there’s a celebration nearby for everyone.

Effective July 1, 2025, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) will refer qualifying low-income community members from Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who are seeking home weatherization services to NeighborImpact, a private not-for-profit organization based out of Redmond, Oregon.

Today we speak with "Burton," a 25-year military veteran living with severe PTSD, about his powerful healing journey with psilocybin. Burton shares his transformation—from an angry, unstable, and deeply struggling existence to becoming a calmer, more peaceful version of himself. The psilocybin sessions he experienced at Vital Reset in Hood River reshaped his life in ways that pharmaceuticals and traditional therapy could not. Join us for a deep dive into this raw and profound story of trauma, hope, and healing.

From July to December, Pizza Leona is teaming up with The Next Door for a delicious fundraiser! Over the next 6 months, 15% of every Community Pie sold will go directly to helping fund The Next Door's work to strengthen children and families, support community wellness, and provide culturally responsive services for Gorge residents. 

Remember those old-school Saturday night dating shows—cheesy, dramatic, a little chaotic, and totally addictive? The Gorge Dating Show is bringing that energy back, but with a distinctly local twist. And it’s happening live this Wednesday night, July 2, on the waterfront in The Dalles.

City sends $50k to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation to align with 1977 ordinance that put 2 percent of lodging tax toward parks. The money will assist the district in maintaining 8 community parks totaling more than 200 acres.

Kick off July with a spellbinding mix of music, magic, scavenger hunts, and science. Whether you’re uncovering clues in a Dungeons & Dragons-themed quest, exploring planet-saving puzzles, or enjoying live music at the park, there’s no better place to level up your summer than The Dalles Public Library.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the American dollar. Not the paper itself, but the worth behind it. What should a dollar really be? What should it buy? What does it stand for? From where I sit—on a tractor seat in the cherry orchards of The Dalles—there’s a growing sense that a dollar just doesn’t stretch like it used to. Inputs are up. Groceries are up. Fuel is up. And while prices climb, the value of hard work seems to shrink.

Tax obligation for Google’s first data center gets murky with retooling of site. While tax revenues have dropped in recent years, Google will be on the hook for initial property taxes and fees that will be due on its new data center this coming November.

The Rowena Fire has caused damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment throughout the affected area. This means that your drinking water could potentially be contaminated. Your health and safety come first — please take time to review the following guidance before using your well water.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in west The Dalles on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing into a home around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26. But it was his passenger, who fled the vehicle with a rifle in hand, who triggered a response from about a dozen police officers and a brief manhunt that had neighbors dialing 911.

United Way of the Columbia Gorge kicks off a two-pronged approach to help Rowena Fire Victims while continuing to support local nonprofits in the Mid-Columbia with a dedicated funding site and an Electrifying Concert Fundraiser set for Friday night. Tickets are still available. Don’t miss the auction!

This Week it’s Cover Band Mania - The Beatles, Pink Floyd - and that’s just the start of a Huge Week of Music! Check out the CCCNews events guide calendar for the gorge-wide comprehensive listing.

A Message to Our Community Regarding Wildfire Debris Cleanup June 23, 20525 – We understand that many of you are anxious to begin the daunting task of cleaning up and removing debris from your properties affected by the Rowena Fire. We see your eagerness to start rebuilding, and we share your desire to move forward.

Local couple agrees to suit blaming Union Pacific Railroad for starting the Rowena Fire on June 11; Law firm to hold Town Hall on Thursday in TD as it looks to represent others harmed in the blaze. UP admitting no fault; Oregon Department of Forestry charged with making final determination on cause.

During the recent Rowena wildfire, the City of The Dalles’ upgraded public Wi-Fi network played a vital role in keeping people connected when cell phone service became unreliable.

On June 18, 2025, Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Wasco County to meet with local officials and community members impacted by the Rowena Fire.