“We’ve had a great first day of school,” said Ann Varkados, Lyle School District Superintendent. “Kids are excited to be there and teachers are excited. We’re looking forward to having kids in class every day.”

Locally, Coastal Farm & Ranch in The Dalles has put up signs warning that its ivermectin products are for animal use only. The sign says, in part, “Despite media reports that Ivermectin could potentially be used to treat people with Covid-19, these products are not safe and are not approved for humans.”

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra is seeking performers for their Sinfonietta, Voci Choir, Jazz Collective Big band, Stages Theatre, Youth Chorus and String Quartet ensembles!

If you have photos of The Dalles, or want to take a few, this is your chance to help the City and possibly earn a cash prize.

Grocery Outlet is helping to feed the hungry in The Dalles.

Governor Kate Brown announced new statewide outdoor mask requirements to help stop the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. Effective Friday, August 27, masks will be required in most public outdoor settings, including large outdoor events, where physical distancing is not possible, and regardless of vaccination status.

North Wasco County Public School District 21 hosted a listening session to hear staff and community questions and concerns about returning to full-time in-person learning on August 30th. Stakeholder feedback was then incorporated into D21’s 2021-2022 Back to School Plan during the school board work session.

The goal of the increase would be to help pay for a rate-discount program for low-income Washingtonians.

The Oregon Health Authority’s daily report on COVID-19 cases in Wasco County shows a continuing rise as the Delta variant of the virus is outpacing peak numbers from last fall. Wasco County registered 105 cases in the past three days, Aug. 23- Aug. 25.

COVID Schmovid! Girl Scout Leader Chrissy Zaugg and her troop persevered to produce a video on free elections and transparency last fall when the pandemic killed social gatherings. The video got rave reviews. And last week, the Oregon Secretary of State awarded Zaugg the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award for her efforts.

A new partnership appears to be brewing in Dufur as some untimely deaths have pushed back the opening of Papa’s Pastime during the past year.

Our Jim Drake zoomed in an interview with Jennifer Batten, whose career as a rock guitarist is most notable for several world tours with the King of Pop, Micheal Jackson. Calling Portland home, Batten has assembled a lineup of NW musicians for her new band, Full Steam, who specialize in 80s rock covers. They’re set to play Thursday in Hood River.

When it comes to live music, Jim Drake can get you plugged in. Our local columnist for entertainment Gorge-wide has a good sampling of coming shows and events, including Lloyd Jones, The Wasco Brothers, Jennifer Batten, Jess Clemens, Becky Kutz and the Richard Morrow Band.

Columbia Gorge Community College is offering $600 “Rebound” scholarships to students enrolling for Fall Term 2021 and who enrolled in CGCC credit classes previously but dropped because of the pandemic. Find out more here.

Trena Gray had a little errand today. She wanted to make a friend happy.

“When I was running to be your Secretary of State, I promised to create a “People’s Commission” of Oregonians who will advise me on redistricting should the task fall to me,” Fagan wrote. “Almost three weeks ago I kept that commitment…”

While the ribbon-cutting is still planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, the college will offer a livestream of the event for people who do not wish to attend in person. The college is encouraging people to participate via the livestream, while still keeping the ribbon-cutting open to those who prefer to attend in person.

Sadly, we are reporting that a sixth person has died of COVID-19 during an outbreak at Columbia Basin Care in The Dalles.

The Dalles High School Football has started practice this week. With a new head coach at the mantle and not many seniors it’s an interesting season we’re heading into. They’re having a full season this year unlike last year where the Riverhawks went 2-3 on the shortened season.

Thousands flocked to Cascade Locks this weekend, Aug. 20-22, as the annual PCT Days kicked into high gear after a hiatus during COVID. Above - “Wild” - that’s his trail name- ran the obstacle course at the Merrell booth. He knocked it off in 20 seconds while the camera person was also blown over. See black shoes.