Beverly Krueger, Ruth Beecher and Peggy Progler take a little time out with their dogs, Maddie, Tucker and Rupert, this morning. A cold front has cooled things off today with an expected high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. But look out for the blasts. Wind gusts could hit 25 mph. Forecasts are calling for more of the leaf blower until Sunday when top wind speeds are projected to be around 7 mph sand 91 degrees. You might want to buy a fan ;)

Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Fir Mountain Fire. The fire remains 313 acres and is now 50% contained. By the end of yesterday’s day shift, the fire was lined around it’s perimeter by dozer line, handline and roads.

A major renovation project designed to improve work flow and enhance resident meals is nearly complete, to the relief and joy of Columbia Basin Care's food service team who prepare and serve over 200 meals daily.

Firefighters continue to make progress on the Fir Mountain Fire. Overnight the fire was held within the existing footprint and this morning the fire has fireline around 75% of the perimeter.

The city of The Dalles Clay Bouy and Dan Roberts flush out a fire hydrant at the corner of Kelly and 11th streets this morning. The maintenance flushes out sediment that could hamper fire fighting efforts. It’s also not such a bad job on a hot day. Temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit today.

Despite breezy afternoon winds Tuesday, firefighters on the Fir Mountain Fire held the fire within the perimeter and only saw activity from the consumption of unburned fuels within the interior. Fire behavior moderated from the last few days and fire resources were able to focus on establishing and reinforcing firelines. Containment for the fire has increased to 30% this evening. The fire is 313 acres.

Garrison Wolfgang and JJ Uaide take a double back flip into the Columbia River in The Dalles on Tuesday afternoon., Aug. 4, 2020. We’re all trying to beat the heat these dog days of summer. It was 93 degrees Fahrenheit in The Dalles today and just 71 degrees in the water. Water cooling is always a good bet.

Masks do make workouts a bit more complicated. But after the first few minutes , many can ignore the fact that the mask is even there. It just takes some getting used to it. Options abound for those seeking a good physical challenge, whether taking a class, an online option or tackling the outdoors in the Gorge. Get out there. Get moving. And be safe about it.

Air resources were again used to slow the spread of the spotfires in area east of the main fire while crews and equipment were kept busy working to contain any additional spotfires. Winds blowing embers outside the fireline rapidly ignited the dry fuels and challenged firefighters.

Fir Mountain Fire Update on Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Early risers beat the heat. Temps are expected to hit 95 degrees today, a far cry from Thursday's 108. Better put ice in the water bottle.

North Wasco County School District to use the Comprehensive Distance Learning format until October 16th. Thereafter, a possible hybrid of in-class and online education could be utilized if conditions are safe enough.

Steve Palmer has had a busy week. The tow truck driver was dispatched to Freebridge Road at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and found two fishermen with an Enterprise Rental car that had gone over the edge of the road about 200 yards from the bottom in a tight turn. Freebridge is no ordinary road.

Whatever you are doing right now. Stop. Don’t you know what day it is? It’s National Chicken Wing Day. And it’s time to get medieval about it. Five restaurants, six kinds of wings. No limits. Unbuckle your belt and take a flavor vacation.

Columbia Community Connection has just launched its interactive weather, wind and fire feed on our community website - free to all.

Managers of Worldwide Structures Property Company told The Dalles City Counselors on Monday that they want to locate an affordable housing manufacturing plant in The Port because of its close proximity to Native American Tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Counselors approved their bid for a five-year property tax abatement in The Port of The Dalles.

The Dalles City Police received several calls concerning a door-to-door salesman for Dish Satellite television services on Monday.

The Port of The Dalles Board of Commissioners approved an extended enterprise zone for Worldwide Structures Property Company LLC at its Wednesday, July 22, meeting. The tax abatement, already approved by Wasco County, must also be adopted by The Dalles City Council. It is slated to review the agreement on Monday, July 27.