Thoughts from the Tractor Seat: Labor in Limbo

A little rain and a brisk breeze couldn’t dampen the spirit of patriotism in The Dalles on Friday as hundreds of residents lined the streets and filled City Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Join The Dalles Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge as she highlights Fourth of July events and interviews Clare Kirkwood of the newly opened River City Saloon at Washington and Third Streets in downtown The Dalles.

From early-morning runs to late-night fireworks over the Columbia, Gorge communities are celebrating Independence Day with full-day schedules of family-friendly festivities on Thursday, July 4. Whether you're in The Dalles or Stevenson, there’s a celebration nearby for everyone.

Effective July 1, 2025, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) will refer qualifying low-income community members from Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who are seeking home weatherization services to NeighborImpact, a private not-for-profit organization based out of Redmond, Oregon.

Today we speak with "Burton," a 25-year military veteran living with severe PTSD, about his powerful healing journey with psilocybin. Burton shares his transformation—from an angry, unstable, and deeply struggling existence to becoming a calmer, more peaceful version of himself. The psilocybin sessions he experienced at Vital Reset in Hood River reshaped his life in ways that pharmaceuticals and traditional therapy could not. Join us for a deep dive into this raw and profound story of trauma, hope, and healing.

From July to December, Pizza Leona is teaming up with The Next Door for a delicious fundraiser! Over the next 6 months, 15% of every Community Pie sold will go directly to helping fund The Next Door's work to strengthen children and families, support community wellness, and provide culturally responsive services for Gorge residents. 

Kick off July with a spellbinding mix of music, magic, scavenger hunts, and science. Whether you’re uncovering clues in a Dungeons & Dragons-themed quest, exploring planet-saving puzzles, or enjoying live music at the park, there’s no better place to level up your summer than The Dalles Public Library.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the American dollar. Not the paper itself, but the worth behind it. What should a dollar really be? What should it buy? What does it stand for? From where I sit—on a tractor seat in the cherry orchards of The Dalles—there’s a growing sense that a dollar just doesn’t stretch like it used to. Inputs are up. Groceries are up. Fuel is up. And while prices climb, the value of hard work seems to shrink.

The Rowena Fire has caused damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment throughout the affected area. This means that your drinking water could potentially be contaminated. Your health and safety come first — please take time to review the following guidance before using your well water.

The Fort Dalles Museum is calling on community members and visitors to help preserve a rare piece of local and national history: a hand-sewn American flag dating back to 1868.

Classical meets contemporary this weekend as Porchello – a unique ensemble of three cellists and a contrabass – brings its eclectic sound to the historic St. Paul’s Chapel in downtown The Dalles.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in west The Dalles on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing into a home around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26. But it was his passenger, who fled the vehicle with a rifle in hand, who triggered a response from about a dozen police officers and a brief manhunt that had neighbors dialing 911.

A Message to Our Community Regarding Wildfire Debris Cleanup June 23, 20525 – We understand that many of you are anxious to begin the daunting task of cleaning up and removing debris from your properties affected by the Rowena Fire. We see your eagerness to start rebuilding, and we share your desire to move forward.

During the recent Rowena wildfire, the City of The Dalles’ upgraded public Wi-Fi network played a vital role in keeping people connected when cell phone service became unreliable.

On June 18, 2025, Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Wasco County to meet with local officials and community members impacted by the Rowena Fire.

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) proudly celebrated the achievements of its 2025 graduating class during an in-person commencement ceremony held Friday, June 14, at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center on The Dalles Campus. This year, CGCC awarded a total of 131 diplomas and certificates to students who completed their studies during the 2024-25 academic year.

Adventure awaits this week at The Dalles-Wasco County Library! From building your own stuffed pal to battling with Magic decks, crafting tie-dye tees to joining a live otter-inspired author talk, the library has something for every explorer, creator, and curious mind. Whether you're a kid, a teen, or just young at heart, this is your invitation to level up your summer, one library visit at a time.

MCCAC is working hard to assess the emerging needs of the community following the Rowena fire. With a large influx of tourism due to multiple community events this weekend, hotels in The Dalles are booked, and many fire survivors who’ve lost their homes are having difficulty finding somewhere to stay.

The Dalles Art Center's Annual Auction and Sock Hop takes place this Saturday, June 21, at the National Neon Sign Museum. Doors open at 6:30 PM for a lively evening that brings together food, music, and community, all in support of local art!