From villainous storytelling to sushi-rolling adventures, The Dalles Public Library is buzzing with activities this week. Whether you want to laugh along with a bestselling fantasy author, dive into hands-on crafts, or give kids a taste of kitchen creativity, there’s something to spark every imagination.

Now that the Wasco County Fair has wrapped up for another year, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in our community. By all accounts, it was a very successful event.

PEO Chapter EJ has announced scholarship awards to local women Kylee Rose, Jenny Loughmiller, Piper Neal, Madison Troutt, and Kilee Hoylman,  totaling $8,050. The women were recently recognized at Chapter EJ’s regular luncheon meeting.

Earlier today, August 29, at about 11:12 AM, there was a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 84 eastbound at Milepost 109. Emergency services responded and determined that a commercial truck had lost its brakes while coming down Scott Canyon Road. The driver was able to avoid hitting other vehicles and structures; however, the truck ended up on the interstate.

Emmanuel Baptist Church will distribute free school supplies to families in need on Friday, Aug. 29.

In a wide-ranging conversation on the CCCNews Podcast, Mid-Columbia Center for Living Executive Director Al Barton warned that looming changes to Medicaid could leave rural Oregonians with fewer behavioral health services — even as demand continues to grow.

Thoughts from the Tractor Seat: A Timeline of Trouble, How Our Farms Got Here

From designing solar ovens and folding paper airplanes to creating original characters and exploring ceramics, this week’s library events invite families and individuals to learn, play, and discover together. With special guest programs and off-site movie nights, there’s something for every age to enjoy.

Opening Celebration September 6 for Our New Exhibition, A Sense of Place, Exploring the History and Evolution of the Imperial Stock Ranch - Where Sustainable Sheep Ranching from the High Desert of Central Oregon Meets the World of High Fashion and the Olympics.

The Portland Trail Blazers are bringing Rip City to the Gorge next month as part of their 11th annual Rip City Rally, with a community celebration scheduled in The Dalles on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

With the start of school right around the corner, we are racing to allow traffic to pass through W 10th St for access. Paving is scheduled for the main reconstructed area between Hostetler and Floral on September 2nd; on this day, the street will remain closed, allowing for paving following the attached traffic control plan.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible businesses, private nonprofits, and residents in Oregon of the Sept. 15 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the Rowena Wildfire occurring June 11-19.

The City of The Dalles Public Works Department will be painting the center and side lines on streets throughout the community on Monday, August 18, through Thursday, August 21, 2025, beginning at 6:00 am each day, weather permitting.

Effective September 13, 2025, The Link will introduce redesigned bus routes in The Dalles, known as the Blue and Red Deviated Fixed Routes. Operating weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on an hourly schedule, this new bi-directional design will provide a faster, more efficient route within The Dalles by eliminating stops on the outskirts and offering travel in both directions. The Link will continue to serve Water’s Edge and Port of The Dalles through our Dial-a-Ride service.

From learning the timeless art of storytelling to sipping herbal tea you’ve blended yourself, this week’s events at The Dalles Public Library are packed with creativity, entertainment, and community connection. Whether you’re here for movies, music, or meeting a few live “decomposers,” there’s something to spark curiosity in every age group.

It pains me to read about people starving in countries in Africa and in Gaza. News is overwhelming. Besides human suffering, many pets are devastated. Local posts on Facebook and other social media do a noble job of alerting us to lost pets or those needing new homes.

The Wasco County District Attorney's Office announced a significant partnership with the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) to enhance efforts in combating drug crime within the community. This collaboration will leverage the Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) program, a key initiative designed to strengthen federal and local law enforcement efforts.

The Wasco County Fair & Rodeo opens Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Tygh Valley Fairgrounds, promising four days of rodeo competition, live music, family entertainment, and community traditions. Thanks to Waste Connections, opening-day admission is free for all.

With temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees this week, we encourage the public to take steps to avoid heat-related illness. During severe weather events, supply bundles are available for those in need at The Gloria Center in The Dalles at 2505 W. 7th St. during regular business hours.

From gold panning to puppet making, and from dragon tattoos to movie magic, The Dalles Public Library is bringing summer to life with activities for every age. Whether you’re into crafts, games, music, or just trying something new, there’s something here to make your week unforgettable.