Mid Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) held a Contractor and Volunteer appreciation lunch at The Annex in The Dalles today, to thank all the folks, including 21 local contractors that have done work on The Annex over the last six months. 

A wind-driven wildfire broke out on the south side of Highway 293 and OR-218 near Antelope, Oregon yesterday, prompting an immediate response from multiple agencies. As of 5:30 pm yesterday, the fire has consumed approximately 380 acres

The Dalles, OR, July 17, 2023— Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) has openings for several boards staffed by the organization, including the MCEDD Board of Directors and the MCEDD Loan Administration Board.

The Dalles City Police Chief Tom Worthy, presented Officer Karrie Call with the department’s Life Saving Award at The Dalles City Council meeting on July 14th. The honor was bestowed upon Call for her swift and life saving actions following a vicious dog attack in April. 

Several families lost their homes in Milepost 86 fire on June 14th, 2023. But while some families GoFundMe’s quickly met their goal, others have been lagging behind. Fortunately, community organizers are working hard to ensure that they don’t get left behind.

Wasco County Commissioners held their regular meeting on July 5th, 2023. Commissioners made decisions regarding drug prevention outreach, Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, and discuss adoption of the Wasco County Transit Development Plan.

A fire has been reported in Mosier near Vensel Rd. A structure fire has also been reported in Dufur and units are on scene.

Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new member, Portland-based Carlos Marroquin. Columbia Riverkeeper’s volunteer board of directors oversees the organization’s advocacy goals and policies, finances, and public relations.

The City of The Dalles Beautification Committee has proudly declared Christina Dauenhauer as the recipient of July's Beautification Award.

This year’s cherry harvest is off to a slow start due to an unusually cool spring and summer weather. Orchardists report that high yields across the region are causing significant market impacts.

As summer temperatures begin to rise, Community Action Agencies in the Gorge are preparing to assist people in need of combating life-threatening weather conditions with individual Cooling Kits delivered by Houseless Outreach Coordinators.

In a turn of events, Jacob David Wilson, 32, was ruled unfit to proceed in court on May 18th, 2023. Wilson had been held on a charge of murder, unlawful use of a weapon, fourth-degree assault, and menacing in connection with the killing of Amber Tracy on April 5th in east The Dalles.

Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance (CGPA) hosted their 2nd annual pride parade and resource fair in The Dalles on June 25th. Over 150 people marched in the parade and about 300 people visited the resource fair at Lewis and Clark Festival Park throughout the day. 

The Dalles Wasco County Library has announced their event line up of July events.

It wasn’t easy. It took Chase Sam two cycles of applications, several years of effort, and multiple interviews with state senators and congressmen, but he has now realized his long-cherished dream. Chase said his experience with the Wasco County 4-H & TDMS underwater robotics (ROV) program and high school football helped prepare him for the Academy.

A fire along I-84 at milepost 97 6 miles east of The Dalles, OR was reported at 7:19 a.m. on June 16, 2023.

Hood River, OR— After 22 years (Hood River) and 5 years (Wasco) of individual county efforts to improve the literacy of underserved children, First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are combining their literacy efforts and adding Klickitat and Skamania Counties to become “Books for Kids Columbia Gorge”.

The Dalles, OR— On June 14, 2023, Mid-Columbia Medical Center and Adventist Health gathered together to officially celebrate the new relationship that advances rural healthcare across The Dalles and Columbia River Gorge. It was revealed that the Mid-Columbia Medical Center will now be known as Adventist Health Columbia Gorge.

Updated June 16, 2023 3:30 p.m. All evacuation areas have been lowered to a Level 1 BE READY and the fire is 80% contained. Crews are still on scene but there are no active fires. As we have seen over the last few days, fire season is ramping up. Stay diligent and help protect our region from wildfires

The City of The Dalles Beautification Committee has announced a new Tree Grants program, aimed at enhancing the natural beauty of the community and promoting environmental sustainability. The program aims to provide grants to residents within the City Limits of The Dalles to beautify and improve their properties with trees.