Free Local News ⭑ The Dalles, Hood River, Dufur, Columbia Gorge, White Salmon, Goldendale & More — Columbia Community Connection News

Eleven local people completed Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center’s 40-hour Basic Mediation Training in May of 2024. This training provided students with the philosophy and skills needed to have a working knowledge of the role of an impartial mediator.

Sep 5

Sep 5 Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fire Update – Sept. 5

Hood River County, Home Page, Klickitat County

Fire managers flew over the fire and observed minor fire growth in the east fork of Herman Creek yesterday. Excess hose was pulled from Tomlike Mountain and the northeast side of the fire. Crews repaired hand line and a temporary helicopter landing spot.

Aug 29

Aug 29 Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fire Update - August 29, 2024

Yesterday, after a delay for firefighter safety due to unfavorable weather conditions, the handline on Tomlike Mountain ridge was successfully connected to the fire’s edge, with air resources assisting ground crews on reconnaissance missions.

Aug 28

Aug 28 Whiskey Creek Fire near Cascade Locks 24% contained

Tom Peterson

Due to slick conditions on Tuesday, Aug. 27 following early morning rain showers crews were unable to complete the line along Tomlike Mountain Ridge. Mastication or forest vegetation grinding was completed on contingency lines to the southeast and crews continue to improve lines in these areas.

Aug 27

Aug 27 Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Updates - August 27, 2024

Yesterday, crews monitored the west side of the fire in the Herman Creek area, observing no fire activity. Hand crews continued work on the Tomlike Mountain ridge control line, while on the southeast edges, firefighters monitored and patrolled containment lines.

Aug 26

Aug 26 Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Update - August 26, 2024

Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and monitor along the fire’s contained edge, confirming old spot fires have been completely extinguished. Hand crews extended control lines north on the Tomlike Mountain ridge as mastication efforts along Forest Road 2810 were completed.

Aug 23

Aug 23 NCPHD Names New Health Officer Dr. Kathleen Wilder

Home Page, Wasco County, Hood River County

Dr. Kathleen Wilder has become North Central Public Health District’s (NCPHD) Public Health Officer, replacing Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg, who has served as the Health Officer for both Hood River County Health Department and NCPHD since May 2023.

Aug 23

Aug 23 Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Update - August 23, 2024

Yesterday, crews successfully constructed over half a mile of new fireline near Tomlike Mountain, removing hazard trees while coordinating closely with resource advisors. Resource advisors are subject-matter experts, helping firefighters identify and protect natural and cultural features.

Aug 22

Aug 22 Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Updates - August 22, 2024

Yesterday, crews confirmed that the southern line options were not suitable as control features and were found unsafe due to terrain hazards. However, options near Tomlike Mountain were identified as more feasible and line construction began.

Aug 21

Aug 21 Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Update - August 21, 2024

Today, crews will work to strengthen established containment lines. Heavy equipment operators will utilize masticators, skidders, and feller bunchers to process suppression-generated debris, converting it into more manageable and less flammable material.

Aug 15

Aug 15 Whisky Creek & Sandstone Fire Daily Update Aug. 15, 2024

Home Page, Wasco County, Hood River County

Heavy focus remains on the southeast edge of the Whisky Creek Fire where crews have been able to perform fire suppression activities more directly. The Dozer line has been completed and firefighters are continuing to construct the handline.

Aug 13

Aug 13 Whisky Creek & Sandstone Fire Update Aug. 13, 2024

Crews responded to yesterday's increased fire activity by continuing to construct and improve the direct containment line on the north and east sides of the fire. Today crews will resume mop-up operations and proceed to scout for spot fires across the containment line.

Aug 2

Aug 2 Whisky Creek Fire Daily Update Aug. 2, 2024

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.

Aug 1

Aug 1 Whisky Creek Fire Daily Update Aug. 1, 2024

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.

Aug 1

Aug 1 Gorge Grown Food Network Celebrates National Farmers Market Week 2024

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.

Jul 31

Jul 31 Whisky Creek Fire Daily Update July 31, 2024

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.

Jul 30

Jul 30 Microwave Tower Fire Update July 30, 2024

Home Page, Hood River County, Wasco County

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.

Jul 30

Jul 30 Whisky Creek Fire Update: July 30

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.

Jul 30

Jul 30 Mid-Columbia Economic Development District Seeks Board Members