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.

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.

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.

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.

Preliminary election results for Wasco County on May 17.

Ticket holders for Rent at the Bingen Theater get a second chance after shows are added later this month. In addition, shows and entertainment for the region are still thumping. Venues include TD Civic, River City Saloon, The Pines, Bargeway Pub, Maupin Daze, Discovery Center, The Dalles Art Center, HR Library, Thunder Island, TD Library, Packer Orchards, HR Elks, Sunshine Mill, TD Eagles, Working Hands Beer, Tabby’s, Double Mountain, TD Granada, Clark and Lewie’s, MoCo, Columbia Gorge Interp. Center, Zim’s, The Ruins,

Carl Carlson, 76, of The Dalles drops off a ballot today, May 16 at the Wasco County Courthouse. He’s one of the few. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 - tomorrow.

Locals sound off about their health care as well as the state of the health care system this week. There is no lack of dialogue on this topic. It’s an issue that touches every resident, every American, and every person on this planet we found out.

Coffis Brothers are playing tonight and bands and entertainment will be bumpin’ in days and weeks to come at Rivertap, Bargeway Pub, Bingen Theatre, Yoga Samadhi, River City Saloon, Thunder Island, TD Library, HR Library, Working Hands Beer, The Pines, Taphouse, TD Arts Center, Discovery Center, Maupin Daze, Red Carpet, Grateful Vineyard, Double Mountain, TD Civic, MCCCA.

Voters in Wasco and Hood River County are slow to the polls this year. “This year we’re dragging behind in voter turnout and I’m not sure why,” said Lisa Gambee, Wasco County Clerk. “There’s a fair amount of candidates in the Governor’s race, so maybe it’s voters fatigue but still it’s been a little bit surprising.”

This is the Youth Empowerment Shelter or YES House, and it's making a comeback after the pandemic temporarily closed its doors. We are the only ones to have a shelter like that east of Multnomah County and East of Deschutes County all the way to the Idaho border. The YES house is our number one diversion from the juvenile justice system.” said Molly Rogers, Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facilities Director.

Just a fledgling business some 12 years ago, Dirt Hugger now boasts 32 employees, a retail and industrial site, and it is pulling 55,000 tons of green waste from local landfills, providing major reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in methane in the Gorge. If you’re not buying their products, maybe, you should be.

Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors unanimously named Lauren Goldberg the organization’s new Executive Director starting August 1. Over the last two decades, the $3.5M organization has grown ten-fold while defeating over a dozen new fossil fuel terminals, reducing toxic pollution, and protecting salmon.

More than 30 downtown businesses in The Dalles are pairing up with food and beverage businesses tonight, May 6, to bring locals a Taste of the Gorge. Beer, wine, meats, cheese, guitars and even hat contests are on tap as TD comes alive for First Friday in its second rendition. Grab your appetite and a lust for fun. And see you there!

Billy Bob Thornton is just the tip of the iceberg this week in local entertainment. TD kicks of its First Friday tonight at 5 p.m. with more than 20 businesses participating and music events abound in the Gorge. Read about all your choices here as well as upcoming shows. They include Bingen Theatre, Discovery Center, Bargeway Pub, Maupin Daze, Zim’s, The Pines, Red Carpet, River City Saloon, Ruins, Everybody’s Brewing, Double Mountain, TD Civic, Working Hands Beer, White Salmon Library, Goldendale.