On June 1st, 2022 Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Primary Care Association, One Community Health (OCH) opened two Test-to-Treat Centers at OCH clinics in Hood River and The Dalles. These centers are “one-stop shops” for COVID services such as rapid diagnostic testing, evaluations, and administering of anti-viral treatments such as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir on site.

Andrew Stanek of Spooky’s Pizza got quite a shock on Thursday morning, June 8, at about 9 a.m. when an employee showed up for work and said there was a man slumped over in a vehicle outside the restaurant.

Heat, wildfires, night hiking and finding a treasure of Natural Light beer buried in the desert. What more could our intrepid hiker want? Well, a slack line for starters, and how about some cool mountain lakes. It’s all on deck, as Emily Peterson surpasses mile 600 on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Opinions range from steadfast opposition to agreement peppered with concerns about traffic and future users of the park. Developers point out that an RV park has been needed in The Dalles for years.

We’ve all been young and made poor decisions, no doubt, but children and youths might not understand the levity of what seems like a harmless action. So, it is important to talk it through with kids so they understand that their idea of fun might land them in pretty hot water. With the last day of school set for Friday, June 10, parents might do well by having a quick discussion with their children about when jokes turn bad.

On May 21st the pro anglers hosted local community members as they took part in a Fish with a Pro Competition. First place went to Dr. Lorelle Davies from Columbia Gorge Community College, second place went to Todd Carpenter from the Last Stop Saloon, and third place went to Deborah Tattershall from Shilo Inn.

Richard Murrow is just one of the dozens of shows to see during the weekend as warm weather has venues popping like bubble wrap. Venues include Bargeway Pub, Maupin, Ruins, Granada, MoCo, Route 30, Double Mountain, Everybody’s Brewing, Grateful Vineyard, St. Peter’s Landmark, Zim’s, TD Library, Thunder Island, HR Library, The Pines, Jackson Park, 64 Taphouse, TD Eagles, White Salmon, Red Carpet Karaoke and Tabby’s Hole.

While she got to the lake early, it was still another 4 miles to the campground after hiking 18 miles. “It was awesome and terrible at the same time. Those last four miles take twice as long because you are just beat. I wanted to jump in so bad,” she said. “But you don’t want to hike wet. You don’t want soggy feet.”

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.