In Our Own Backyard - Pelican’s take flight this morning on the Columbia River below The Dalles Dam. Common and beautiful. And as new as the strain in your forearm when dipping a paddle. 

As spring fades to summer and the days spent in quarantine are literally getting longer, I think it’s important to take the time to adjust our perspectives and recognize the beauty and power in what humans do best: change.

Migrant Education Director Jonathon Fost with the Columbia Gorge Education Service District is working with orchardists and the Oregon Department of Education to reshape the migrant education program offered during cherry harvest in Wasco County.

When it comes to their yard, Gale and Ty Wenzel are swinging for the fences at 104 W. 13th Street in The Dalles. Their roses? Blooming. Their lawn? Manicured. Their planters? Homemade. “Your yard and home are always so well-cared-for- a lovely spot in the neighborhood! Thank You! City Beautification Committee,” read a postcard the couple recently received in the mail.

We are excited to inform you that all launches, take-outs, campgrounds and facilities for the John Day River will reopen beginning May 21, 2020.

The Dalles Police Sergeant Josh Jones was at the end of his shift when he got the call at 7:01 Wednesday morning.

“Skunk is trapped in a neighbor's backyard. There is a trap on his head. Caller is worried the skunk is going to spray.”

“We thought it was going to ruin us,” LaRoque said. “But then I thought about it, and it is going to make us stronger. Being a business owner, it’s like a marriage. There is always a rough patch. But you just say, Alright, this is what we’re going to do.”

Jenna Miller and Sam Alvarez of The Dalles High School, seen here in their prom photo from 2019, will be engaging in the Social Distant Prom set for Saturday, May 16, 7p.m. - 10p.m. Live streaming from Immense Imagery at gorge prom.com in combination with KACI Radio 93.5 FM will broadcast the event for seniors and juniors at high schools throughout the Gorge.

Stuart and Cyndi Reitz recently moved back to The Dalles from North Carolina to purchase a home. They are finding a sellers market with an increasing price tag, despite COVID-19.

Also in the ‘60s, several cars got away from a crew in Bend. They rolled for several miles and reached 80 mph before hitting a train head on at a stop between Bend and Redmond, Conley said. Several were killed, including a brakeman, who was found thrown into a nearby juniper tree. 

It was a salute to Oregonians on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. It boosted morale for locals during a time of severe health and economic impacts.

Dry Hollow Elementary teachers and students reunited on Thursday during a teacher parade that sent students and parents curbside for some fun in the sun.