U.S. Rep Cliff Bentz addresses concerns about the elimination of the vote-by-mail system under the Trump Administration and he also responds to criticisms that the Republican-dominated house is providing little to no pushback against Trump policies.

In a wide-ranging conversation on the CCCNews Podcast, Mid-Columbia Center for Living Executive Director Al Barton warned that looming changes to Medicaid could leave rural Oregonians with fewer behavioral health services — even as demand continues to grow.

“This indictment reflects the seriousness of the allegations and our office’s intent to seek justice for the victim,” the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families. K-Link Collaborative, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, and the Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) work to create safe teen cultures, safe spaces, and community education in efforts to reduce youth access to substances throughout Klickitat County.

Bentz responded that Oregon’s “provider tax,” which the state uses to draw federal matching funds, was a “shell game” but admitted reductions pose a serious threat. “This is an existential issue to my hospitals,” he said.

The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of new staff members and the upcoming swearing-in of its newest K-9, marking a period of growth and expanded services for the department.

Columbia River Gorge, OR & WA. Born during the early days of the pandemic, the Gorge Farmer Collective (GFC) has become a trusted local food source for hundreds of families, allowing customers to source local foods from dozens of farms online with one easy click.

The congressman defended new federal rules requiring states to keep error rates under 5% for SNAP food benefits and requiring most adults to work, volunteer or study 20 hours a week to qualify. He told Mike Ballinger constituents should press state Sen. Daniel Bonham to ease paperwork burdens. “Call him and say, ‘Bentz said to yell at you, Daniel,’” he said.

New! Gorge Gigging Guide Highlights gives you a quick look at the week ahead in music, comedy, performance, festivals, and more! It’s a Great Way to get a handle on planning for the Best in what The Gorge has to offer! 

The Dalles Police confirmed Monday that the remains were identified as Meihong He, known to friends as “Kiki.” She was a resident of the Mid-Columbia area and originally from China.

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz did not plan a town hall when he agreed to speak to The Dalles Rotary Club Wednesday, Aug. 20th., but the majority of his talk was in response to questions “carefully curated” by non-members who were allowed to speak at the rotary meeting, according to club rules. 

Verified sources said there is “good reason to believe the man is connected to the remains found in the U-Haul storage unit.”

Thoughts from the Tractor Seat: A Timeline of Trouble, How Our Farms Got Here

From designing solar ovens and folding paper airplanes to creating original characters and exploring ceramics, this week’s library events invite families and individuals to learn, play, and discover together. With special guest programs and off-site movie nights, there’s something for every age to enjoy.

Police say they have seen a sharp increase in micromobility traffic—especially e-bikes ridden by juveniles—and growing confusion about the rules. After a short period of outreach to students, parents and visitors, officers will begin citing violations.

The proposed Dallesport Community Park would sit on a 5.5-acre parcel at Sixth Avenue and D Street, land originally deeded to Klickitat County in 1946 with the intention of becoming a park. That promise stalled for generations, but since 2022, local residents have been organizing to bring the site to life.

Opening Celebration September 6 for Our New Exhibition, A Sense of Place, Exploring the History and Evolution of the Imperial Stock Ranch - Where Sustainable Sheep Ranching from the High Desert of Central Oregon Meets the World of High Fashion and the Olympics.

For the fourth year in a row, the Washington side of the Gorge will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with El Grito, a cultural celebration open to all community members. Admission is free and the event will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon. 

The Portland Trail Blazers are bringing Rip City to the Gorge next month as part of their 11th annual Rip City Rally, with a community celebration scheduled in The Dalles on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

With the start of school right around the corner, we are racing to allow traffic to pass through W 10th St for access. Paving is scheduled for the main reconstructed area between Hostetler and Floral on September 2nd; on this day, the street will remain closed, allowing for paving following the attached traffic control plan.