The upcoming Wasco County Fair is set to shine even brighter this weekend, thanks to a drone light show sponsored by Google. The high-tech spectacle, accompanied by music, will take place on both Friday and Saturday nights, offering a stunning and safe alternative to traditional fireworks.

Heavy focus remains on the southeast edge of the Whisky Creek Fire where crews have been able to perform fire suppression activities more directly. The Dozer line has been completed and firefighters are continuing to construct the handline.

Today, on both the Whiskey Creek Fire and Sandstone Fire, crews will continue holding and securing line. On the Whisky Creek Fire, construction of indirect line around spot fires in the southeast corner of the fire is ongoing and mop up is happening to the northeast and southeast of the fire.

The Wasco County Fairgrounds will be hopping today as check-in for 4-H animals begins. Local kids have been working and learning for months in preparation for showing and selling their animals at the fair, which opens to the public on Thursday, Aug. 15 with Family Free Day. Temps are looking favorable, in the 80s the rest of the week, as the fair runs Aug. 15-18 in Tygh Valley.

The City of The Dalles is launching the second round of its Residential Tree Grant Program, offering grants to residents for planting trees and enhancing property beautification. Managed by the Beautification and Tree Committee (BTC), this program aims to improve the urban forest, increase property values, and provide essential environmental benefits.

The streets of The Dalles were aglow last Friday as classic cars, muscle cars, and custom vehicles took part in the annual Neon Cruise, a highlight of the "Cruise the Gorge" weekend.

The Threshing Bee event in Dufur, Oregon, held on August 10-11, was a vibrant celebration that blended the community’s agricultural roots with a lively festival atmosphere.

The Wasco County Fair may be over 110 years old, but there's always something new to enjoy. The Fair kicks off with Family FREE Day on Thursday (thanks to Waste Connection), so bring your family and enjoy the livestock, crafts, demonstrations, Circus Acts, Interactive Games, and Godfrey The Magician.

Aerial and ground firing operations were successful yesterday. Crews are mopping up and securing the burnout operations from yesterday. Burnout operations may continue today as conditions warrant.

There were no operational burning operations yesterday. A small spot fire located in rough terrain was reported approximately 1.3 miles from the fire edge. Crews continued to improve contingency lines in preparation for future firing operations if conditions warrant.

The much-anticipated Cruise the Gorge event returns from August 9-11, 2024, bringing a thrilling weekend for car enthusiasts and spectators alike.

The Dalles City Park buzzed with excitement last night, Aug. 6th, as the community gathered for the second annual National Night Out event.

Firing operations were successful in the southeast corner of the fire yesterday. Crews were able to construct fireline down to the old Eagle Creek burn scar and connect to established control lines in the northeast part of the fire.

Through seven decades Bob Thouvenel has coached at his hometown high school and to celebrate his 80th birthday a “third and final” Bob-A-Long run will be held at Sorosis Park on Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. You can register now. All donations will benefit The Dalles High School Cross Country Team. Bob was on the first TDHS Cross Country Team in 1959.

Thunderstorms early yesterday morning brought isolated rainfall and lightning with no new fire starts detected near the Whisky Creek Fire. Firing operations were attempted in the northeast corner of the fire, but conditions on the ground were not receptive to fire.

The fire, which appears to have started on the former rodeo grounds just west of Oregon Trail Mini Storage remains under investigation as the Oregon State Police and State Fire Marshal were called in to investigate the scene. 

Fire activity increased yesterday as the relative humidity dropped and dead fuels continued to dry out and become more available for ignition. Smoke was visible from the local communities, which will continue to see an increase in smoke production, despite early morning rain, as drier and warmer temperatures continue over the region.

Google announced more than $70,000 in support for Wasco County school districts and other local organizations that provide services to children and families in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Wasco County Public Library transformed into a magical realm on July 31 to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with an enchanting event that delighted fans of all ages. The date marks the occasion in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when Harry learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday.

Do you have a little time to spare each week to help spark the joy of reading for kids in The Dalles? Children's literacy nonprofit SMART Reading has a high need for volunteer Readers and volunteer Site Coordinators at Chenowith, Colonel Wright, and Dry Hollow Elementary Schools.