The Dalles is among a small group of communities that will enjoy a fireworks show this Fourth of July. And it’s going to be big - think comets, bursts, strobes and glitter. Set to go off at around 10 p.m., the display expects to rival some of the largest had in The Dalles with an estimated run of about 20 minutes, said Doug Kirchhofer, member of the Fort Dalles Fourth committee.

The trail has been resealed from the bridge over Chenoweth Creek to The Dalles Marina, according to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation Executive Director Scott Baker. Additional repairs and sealing are set to occur on the section between Chenoweth Creek and the Discovery center in weeks to come.

While cotton masks are not a silver bullet against the disease, the vast majority of healthcare providers agree they do much to protect the spread of the disease when people are in close contact - less than 6 feet. “Why don’t we all get together and not have COVID.”

Momiji Express Gourmet Japanese & Chinese Cuisine next to Coastal in The Dalles is set to open on Wednesday, June 24. The 2500-square foot restaurant, 2632 W. Sixth St., offers both sushi and Chinese food.  Yakisoba, Lo-Mein, Chow mein, Lunch combos, sushi, nigiri, rolls and bento are all on the menu. Go to momijitd.com to see the menu.

Large and primarily white, the American white pelican has the longest wingspan of any bird in Oregon. It also has an enormous orange bill, and flies with neck withdrawn. This pelican makes unusually long flights for feeding and migration, and at great distances, soaring flocks have been reported as UFOs.

Belle Webb Beatie had no time for whiners or crying. She drove a red Pontiac Firebird when she was in her 80’s. And if not for her, you would have never heard of the Hi-Way House.

Several homemade banners promoting social justice and Black Lives Matter were put up this morning starting in Cascade Locks and ending at Rowena Loops. The banners come on Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

The Dalles Planning Commission will continue to take comments tonight, Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m., in an appeal against a high-density housing project on 6.92 acres on Richmond Street, a former orchard previously owned by John Geiger.

Ajay Rundell has been selected as the Interim Principal of Dry Hollow Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year. Kara Flath has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer for North Wasco School District. Learn more about them here.

Mark Angel, 76, of Redmond, is a white water salvage man and Pacific Northwest icon in search and rescue circles, known for his ability to salvage boats in the worst of currents during the past five decades. A lineman by trade, he has taken troubleshooting to the next level when it comes to white water, utilizing lineman tools to recover boats and people silenced by rushing water.

Details for The Dalles High School graduation have the ceremony starting at 9:15 a.m. at Sorosis Park. Learn more about it here.

“We’re Not going to back down,” said Rosie Strange this morning. The Dalles organizer of Gorge-wide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death said there is one goal. “We need to get people of color in those communities to come out and feel safe. We need to create a safe Gorge that is anti-racist - Cascade locks to The Dalles.”

Cascade Singers has begun searching for a new director even as the community choir takes a break for coronavirus precautions. The 2020-’21 season will proceed as restrictions are lifted and gatherings for rehearsals and performances are permitted.

The death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 brought eleven protestors to the streets of The Dalles on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. Protests around the country, marred by burning vehicles and broken windows, were into their third and fourth days.

“I had to remind myself that I was not dying or crying,” said Jill Pearson after crossing the finish line in her homemade marathon on Saturday morning. The 29-year-old high school teacher said running the 26.2 miles was her way of celebrating her birthday that occurred several weeks ago.

Sea Scouts tested their mettle against the mighty Columbia River on Friday afternoon in the groups first navigational feat of the season. “We’re always looking for new members,” said Skipper Deidra Baumgarten, noting the unit offers rank and advancement and two rafting trips this summer.