Studies show that children who learn to read early have a much more likely chance of achieving greater success in their later education as well as in the workforce. Local nonprofit Books for Kids Columbia Gorge is on a mission to increase education equity by providing children in Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties with books to keep as their own and is now embarking on a goal to raise $15,000.

Azure Farms held its annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, bringing the community together for a day of rural traditions and celebrations.

“Are you kidding me,” said Library Board Member Corliss Marsh this afternoon, Sept. 23. “Thanks for the news. It’s really old and has been needing replacement,” Marsh said of the HVAC system. “Any minute it could go out.”

The Former Director of Haven accused of stealing more than $96,000 from the shelter for domestic and sexual violence is asking 10 of her 26 charges be dismissed because she did not try to hide the theft on credit cards and checks.

Our mission is to bring valuable educational resources to people in rural, urban, and suburban areas alike. Extension programs focus primarily on healthy living, sustainable gardening, food systems, resilient forests, agriculture, and youth development. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Read here to find out what is in it for you.

Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief set to retire in December. Bob Palmer started with The Dalles Fire Department in 1980 and was an integral player in merging two districts into the fire service we have today that serves 120 square miles and takes some 3,500 calls for help annually.

The 51-year-old man accused of starting the Larch Creek Fire near Dufur is currently wanted on an arrest warrant after he failed to show up at Wasco County Circuit Court on Monday, Sept. 16.

Four Rivers Family Early Learning & Parenting Hub filled and delivered over 75 backpacks with school supplies for local children graduating from Preschool Promise sites. Preschool Promise sites are located throughout Four Rivers Family  5 county region,  Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.

Before every season as a coach, I do a mental inventory of what worked last time and what to keep for the next. Sharpies for labeling hoodies that will otherwise end in a jumble at the end of a race: check. More water than you think you need on hot days: check. Extra rolls of tape. Double-checking bus availability. Olive oil for brownies. 

Cantwell led a high-speed chase after fleeing detention during a traffic stop near Shaniko in 2021.  After one of Cantwell’s tires blew out, Sergeant Matt Tuia pulled his patrol vehicle in behind Cantwell’s vehicle along the highway.  Cantwell got out of his vehicle and fired multiple rounds at Tuia, striking the driver’s side of the windshield and the hood of Sergeant Tuia’s vehicle. One of the rounds barely missed striking Tuia’s left side.

A 33-year-old former jail guard at NORCOR was sentenced to 60 days jail time and three years probation after pleading guilty to having sex with a female prisoner in April 2023. 

The Oak Canyon Fire, burning east of Tygh Valley in Wasco County, has prompted Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, the Wasco County Sheriff's Office reported. The fire has burned thousands of acres and has prompted the Bureau of Land Managment to close public lands within the vicinity of the fire.

In partnership with Columbia Gorge Community College, Cardinal Glass Industries, and Oregon STEM, a handful of youth participated in career-connected learning experiences during the summer as interns.

Hundreds of local youth stay grounded through 4-H activities throughout the year and all of their hard work recently paid off at the Wasco County Fair - check out all the results right here and be sure to give some congrat pats on the backs of your friends and neighbors.

The Dalles Kiwanis Club hosts its annual Steak Feed Thursday after Labor Day, this year Sept. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sorosis Park.

As a dark storm brewed over The Dalles on Thursday evening, Aug. 22, the thunder seemed to carry an ominous warning for those gathered at the Wasco County Public Library: a murder was about to unfold. 

Dr. Kathleen Wilder has become North Central Public Health District’s (NCPHD) Public Health Officer, replacing Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg, who has served as the Health Officer for both Hood River County Health Department and NCPHD since May 2023.

Today, crews will patrol the northeast edge of the fire, looking for hot spots near containment lines. Mop up and strengthening of containment lines on the east side of the fire is ongoing. South of the fire near Wahtum Lake, mastication operations along roads will continue.

Pacific Northwest Team 10 is taking over the incident today as Northern Rockies Team 2 prepares to head home. Both teams will be working hard today to ensure a smooth transition of command. Weather remains mild and crews continue to establish more direct handline around both fires resulting in increased containment.