A complete schedule of Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation’s upcoming events and activities!

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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!

Klickitat County Commissioners have decided to form a new County Department of Corrections which would oversee operational changes and improvement to Klickitat County Jail. Including appointments of a Jail Administrator to run and operate the jail and the establishment of a medical clinic on site. The new Jail Administrator will report directly to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer has opposed the decision.

Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue (MCFR) received a call at around 11:07 a.m. of a structure fire at Celilo Inn. According to MCFR Chief Bob Palmer, the fire started in a  room in the middle of the complex on the upper floor.

North Wasco County School District 21 and Union leaders are still embroiled in difficult negotiations about next year's contracts. The district faces a $1.5 million to $2 million financial deficit due to a decline in enrollment. During recent bargaining meetings D21 has proposed what they feel is the best solution to the budget shortfall: capitalizing on staff attrition to cut 10 positions without doing any layoffs.

Fifth graders at Colonel Wright Elementary enjoyed a fun-filled water race organized by retired teacher Steve Chance. Mr. Chance, who returned to the school as a substitute teacher this year. Mr. Chance volunteered to revive the event, hoping to pass the event on to his son, a current teacher at the school in the future.

The group will discuss how to use Strategic Investment Program money from Google through recent agreements for the two new data centers being built on former aluminum smelter property in The Port of The Dalles.

On Saturday, June 8, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Klickitat County Trout Unlimited will host a Kids Fishing Day event from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is beginner-friendly and open to the public free of charge.