The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays said today, May 31, that he intended to run again for his position this coming fall when his and two other Council seats will be up for grabs in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Poet Lydia Valentine is the 2021-2023 City of Tacoma Poet Laureate and author of Brief Black Candles. Poet Christina Vega is the publisher at Blue Cactus Press and author of a poetry collection, Still Clutching Maps. Christina believes we have the power to reshape our communities with principles of Emergent Strategy, transformative justice, and collective laboring of love.

Find out what is happening at the libraries in Wasco County with this newsletter, which is packed full of events and activities.

Kiwanis meetings are held every Thursday at noon at Spooky’s and visitors are welcome. This month’s events include several presentations on the foster care program from varying points of view.

Not one but two perpetrators were caught on video cameras stealing aluminum cans and bottles at Home At Last humane society on May 25, and the tapes have been handed over to The Dalles Police Department, according to police reports.

The Columbia Gorge Food Bank recently announced the expansion of several hunger relief programs and nutrition services across the region thanks in part to a new $100,000 grant from Google, which operates data centers in The Dalles.

D21 is offering a host of different programs to enhance summer activities and provide opportunities for local students to catch up on credits and improve academic skills.

Our foodie Charles Childs takes us on a wild culinary ride as they adventured down Riverside Trail and were captured by the sounds, sights and smells of the Bargeway Pub. Like Homer, distracted by the siren call, Charles did not return home without getting their hands around some incredible dishes and delightful hazy distractions.

Communities and School Districts across the nation are reeling from the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas Tuesday, May 24th, 2022. Schools throughout the Columbia River Gorge released statements today acknowledging the tragedy, and reminding parents, teachers, and staff of safety protocols.

The Dalles City Council approved a contract to replace the Dog River Pipeline, saw insurance costs jump and decided to bring an attorney on City Staff.

On Saturday, June 11th, the Portland Chamber Orchestra (PCO) will bring their world premiere of “Celilo Falls: We Were There” to The Granada Theatre located in downtown The Dalles, OR.

“He told us he used to be the mascot for the Dodgers and he met celebrities Zach Efron, Larry David and Matthew McConaughey. He was this really tall dude in this Prius. And he had BadAss Billy’s Beef Jerky, and he would sell it to hikers while Ubering. He sold some to my hiking buddy.”

Scholarships will benefit four students enrolled in the college’s Early Childhood Education program this fall, said Wendy Patton, executive director of Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation. The awards will help students complete the program and enter the workforce.

Eli Howard and the Greater Good will play a free outside concert at The Dalles Art Center this Friday, May 27, with festivities starting at 5 p.m. and music at 6 p.m. They are taking over the block - streets closed on Fourth outside TDAC - for the second time in two months.

“I think my advice is, ‘don’t be afraid to just try.’ It’s the same advice I’d give my kids. There’s no harm in pursuing these things because you never know what’s going to click and really resonate with you. Whether it’s a male-dominated field or not, I feel like that’s been my mantra about a lot of things; you might absolutely hate something, but you might just really love it.”

New Urban Renewal grants intend to kickstart the economy, redevelop buildings and add jobs to the central business core in The Dalles. Grants range from $10,000 to $700,000 depending on the project. Property owners are required to match from 30 to 50 percent. “There some real energy coming to downtown and it’s really exciting,” said Renewal Chair Darcy Long.

The Request for Proposals states that Wasco County is looking for a firm to conduct a Sports Facility Market & Financial Feasibility Study, which would inform the County on the economic viability of a new site for a sports facility within The Dalles City Limits.

Nancy Patten, of Child Care Partners, gave a presentation about the state of child care in Wasco County and the feasibility of creating a public child care center to Wasco County Commissioners on May 18th, 2022.

The Fire on West Sixth Street that destroyed Arturo’s Jewelry Repair and Country Insurance on May 11 at about 1 a.m. is still under investigation to determine the cause, local authorities said today, May 17.