Just four years after the pine beetle devastation of 2020, Sorosis Park is making a comeback thanks to grants and community fundraising efforts that have paved the way to revitalize the crown jewel of the North Wasco County Parks and Recreation District (NWPRD). Here’s a look at what’s in store for Sorosis Park this season including: a new pavilion, play structure, electrical hookups and more!

The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) recently marked a significant milestone with the first two student graduations of 2024 at its alternative high schools, Klahre House and Kelly Avenue School. These schools serve as beacons of hope for at-risk and disenfranchised youth who have struggled within the traditional public education system.

The City Council of The Dalles has passed Special Ordinance No. 24-601, temporarily banning the use of fireworks within city limits, effective immediately.

Eric Kallio, performed a live outdoor concert at The Dalles Wasco County Library today June, 14 as a part of the library’s "Lunchtime Concerts on the Deck" series featuring different musicians every Friday in June from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Concert goers enjoyed Kallio’s original folk music and tacos from Tacos Tumbras on the deck.

But the Beatles, the Fab Four, hated? Mark Thomas said the albums were burned in the bible belt. But why?

The Dalles Moose Lodge 2075, in partnership with the Last Stop Saloon, is gearing up to host "Mom Prom 2024 – A Benefit for Valeria” on June 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event aims to rally community support for three-year-old Valeria Alvarez, who is currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Proceeds from the event will help support Valeria’s ongoing treatment at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland

“#GoFish” may be the hottest hashtag this summer for families in the Mid-Columbia Gorge area because of a free art engagement program for kids at The Dalles Art Center (TDAC). The School of Fish program is the name of the summer program designed to reel in families that provides free take-home art kits packed with art supplies and instructions to make colorful paper salmon!

June 14, 2024 is the last day for the public to submit public comments on the proposed solid waste permit for Waste Connections Wasco County Landfill to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

For the fourth year in a row, the North Wasco County Education Foundation solicited nominations for their Golden Apple Awards. These awards recognize excellent teachers and other staff in the North Wasco County School District. The program was created to incentivize excellence and honor outstanding staff.

While the national Braver Angels organization was established in 2016, the Columbia Gorge Alliance of Braver Angels is celebrating its first year of operation in July of 2024. Braver Angels is dedicated to bridging the political divide, holding America together, and preserving our democratic republic.

Sherman County’s Violet Woods and The Dalles’ Roberto Rodriguez Perez, and Elizabeth Areco Dorado were awarded scholarships this year through NewSun Energy’s 2nd Annual Climate + Ag Essay Contest.

From the Columbia River to the shores of Mexico, three-time Stand Up Paddleboard World Champion Fiona Wylde has navigated waters around the globe. Now she’s making a splash in her hometown of Hood River with Wylde Wind & Water, a non-profit which aims to create equitable access to water sports through water safety education, youth water sports programs, free community programs for all ages and much more!

“I have the best job in The Dalles,” said Executive Director Scott Baker. “I work with awesome people who wake up every day with the goal of making The Dalles an awesome place to live.” There could be a paid position for you on the team. Check out these job opportunities.

The Hood River Urban Renewal District heard a staff presentation on a Middle Housing Incentive Concept proposal that would encourage developers to construct more “middle housing” in Hood River. Middle housing refers to medium-density housing options such as single family homes, cottage clusters and multi-family homes like duplexes, triplexes and quadruplexes. 

The Dalles Kiwanis Club congratulates our graduating High School Key Club members and thanks them and their advisors for their contribution to the community through service projects this year. Under the supervision of their advisors, Kayla Magill and Christina Burk, each of the following members earned a Key Club Graduation Medallion in special recognition of their hard work.

Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, formerly known as Mid-Columbia Medical Center, is proud to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of its pioneering on-site childcare, Great N Small. Founded with the vision of recruiting and retaining staff in the rural community of The Dalles, Oregon, the daycare has grown into an esteemed institution.

Hood River’s First Friday event served rainbow accented looks, prideful allyship, music, fun, and community resources on June 7 in downtown Hood River. The event aimed to foster community acceptance, raise awareness of local resources, and promote local businesses.

Over 250 students from North Wasco County School District (both TDHS and Innovations Academy), grades 9-12, gathered together for an event focused on mental health, wellness, and resilience on June 4th.

Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center will be open daily starting June 8th! The community is invited to come out and swim to celebrate the start of the summer season! More of a land lover than a swimmer? Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation has plenty of other events planned for this summer!

Ok, puzzlers, tell us the make and model of the vehicle and send your answer to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, June 9 at 7:23 p.m. Hint: the recently retired City of The Dalles Clerk shares almost the same name (sp) with the car.