The Port of The Dalles Board of Commissioners approved an extended enterprise zone for Worldwide Structures Property Company LLC at its Wednesday, July 22, meeting. The tax abatement, already approved by Wasco County, must also be adopted by The Dalles City Council. It is slated to review the agreement on Monday, July 27.

Columbia Cinema at 2727 7th St., The Dalles is offering drive up concessions today on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to help offset costs while awaiting movies to return to the big screen.

Worldwide Structures Property Company LLC is requesting a tax abatement in an extended enterprise zone to be considered by The Port of The Dalles Commissioners on July 22. The company is proposing to build a 35,000 square-foot-facility at 3855 River Road. The manufacturing building will be used to modify building materials, assemble all components of a completed home and some commercial structures, and ship the building to site.

The Columbia Basin Care Foundation has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to seven local students pursuing healthcare careers.

Harvest is officially underway in Wasco County as combines got the reels spinning today.

The Dalles is among a small group of communities that will enjoy a fireworks show this Fourth of July. And it’s going to be big - think comets, bursts, strobes and glitter. Set to go off at around 10 p.m., the display expects to rival some of the largest had in The Dalles with an estimated run of about 20 minutes, said Doug Kirchhofer, member of the Fort Dalles Fourth committee.

While cotton masks are not a silver bullet against the disease, the vast majority of healthcare providers agree they do much to protect the spread of the disease when people are in close contact - less than 6 feet. “Why don’t we all get together and not have COVID.”

The Dalles Planning Commission will continue to take comments tonight, Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m., in an appeal against a high-density housing project on 6.92 acres on Richmond Street, a former orchard previously owned by John Geiger.

Mark Angel, 76, of Redmond, is a white water salvage man and Pacific Northwest icon in search and rescue circles, known for his ability to salvage boats in the worst of currents during the past five decades. A lineman by trade, he has taken troubleshooting to the next level when it comes to white water, utilizing lineman tools to recover boats and people silenced by rushing water.

“We’re Not going to back down,” said Rosie Strange this morning. The Dalles organizer of Gorge-wide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death said there is one goal. “We need to get people of color in those communities to come out and feel safe. We need to create a safe Gorge that is anti-racist - Cascade locks to The Dalles.”

Cascade Singers has begun searching for a new director even as the community choir takes a break for coronavirus precautions. The 2020-’21 season will proceed as restrictions are lifted and gatherings for rehearsals and performances are permitted.

The death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 brought eleven protestors to the streets of The Dalles on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. Protests around the country, marred by burning vehicles and broken windows, were into their third and fourth days.

Sea Scouts tested their mettle against the mighty Columbia River on Friday afternoon in the groups first navigational feat of the season. “We’re always looking for new members,” said Skipper Deidra Baumgarten, noting the unit offers rank and advancement and two rafting trips this summer.

In Our Own Backyard - Pelican’s take flight this morning on the Columbia River below The Dalles Dam. Common and beautiful. And as new as the strain in your forearm when dipping a paddle. 

As spring fades to summer and the days spent in quarantine are literally getting longer, I think it’s important to take the time to adjust our perspectives and recognize the beauty and power in what humans do best: change.

Migrant Education Director Jonathon Fost with the Columbia Gorge Education Service District is working with orchardists and the Oregon Department of Education to reshape the migrant education program offered during cherry harvest in Wasco County.

When it comes to their yard, Gale and Ty Wenzel are swinging for the fences at 104 W. 13th Street in The Dalles. Their roses? Blooming. Their lawn? Manicured. Their planters? Homemade. “Your yard and home are always so well-cared-for- a lovely spot in the neighborhood! Thank You! City Beautification Committee,” read a postcard the couple recently received in the mail.