Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is partnering with Mid Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) and other agencies and nonprofits to provide Emergency Cooling Shelters and relief from unhealthy air quality events for vulnerable populations during this summer’s expected extreme conditions.

The City of The Dalles Wastewater Treatment Plant discharged effluent (liquid waste or sewage discharged into a the Columbia River) on July 12th that exceeded the plant’s limit for E. coli (Escherichia coli) due to incomplete disinfection. The event has lead to several beach closures in The Columbia River Gorge.

With so many people recreating outdoors on a daily basis, it is up to each and every one of us to be responsible recreationalists and stewards for the lands we get to enjoy. Keep these tips in mind and play responsibly!

The Dalles City Council gave the green light on the purchase of equipment and lease of computers costing in total some $440,000 at their regular meeting on Monday, July 11.

A grass fire that took out some trees near Mosier on Wednesday, July 13, set the Fire Boss scooper planes into action for the first time this fire season. The planes, stationed at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport, are fitted with pontoons that can scoop water from the Columbia River and then make quick strikes on fires. The blaze near Mosier did not have a chance.

Zach Ryan pays a tribute to Waylon Jennings tonight, July 14, at the Bargeway Pub in The Dalles. It is just one of many great music options this week as art and music is alive and well in the Mid-Columbia. Venues featured this week include Ruins, Everybody’s Brewing, Granada, Double Mountain, TDAC, Zim’s, TD Library, Taphouse, TD Eagles, Stave & Stone, Mt. Hood Winery, WS Library, Jacob Williams, Sunshine, Arlington, TD United Church of Christ, Route 30, Working Hands Beer, River City Saloon, Solera, Grass Valley, White Buffalo, Grateful Vineyard, MC Senior Center, HR Library, HR Elks, Klickitat Canyon Days, Skamania Lodge, Kickstand Coffee

Cherry Harvest has been a difficult thing to forecast this year due to cold and wet weather which resulted in later harvest dates. But according to Northwest Cherry Growers we are now one-third of the way through cherry harvest. And at the rate things are going this might be the latest running crop on record.

A crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 61 on Saturday, July 9, highlights the need to really cinch loads down when hauling items in vehicles through the windy and gusty gorge.

An abandoned RV caught fire in Dallesport the evening of July 11th, 2022. "When we got on scene it was fully engulfed in flames," said Darren Lacock, Assistant Fire Chief.

The Dalles Art Center has some really exciting things happening right now, here’s a quick run-down: They’s recently published a book about The Dalles, they’ve got a show from acclaimed folk artist Tony Furtado and Summer Art Camps are just around the corner!

Bringing Jennifer Batten, lead guitarist for Michael Jackson for four world tours, to The Dalles for a fundraiser. That’s just being a Smooth Criminal. Doing it all in the Backyard of the Bargeway Pub this Friday night while supporting The United Way of the Columbia Gorge? Cue the pyrotechnics. And that’s a go on the guitar solo!

Oregon businesses sent a letter asking Oregon elected officials to help remove Lower Snake River dams. The letter signed by close to 70 businesses—addressed to Representative DeFazio, Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden and others—calls on them to support an ongoing collaboration between Tribes, state and federal policymakers, and the Biden Administration to remove the Lower Snake River dams and re-invest in river communities and infrastructure.

White River Falls is a vision of beauty and brute strength, and one that has taken multiple lives over the years for those that choose to swim illegally or are enticed to hike past the safety boundaries into its upper reaches. Saturday, July 9th, was slightly different. It came with a much happier ending. And it highlights the need for those exploring the park to use their best judgment.

"On June 14, 2022, at about 6:30 p.m., Officer Reams, with his field training officer, Perez responded to a report of a swimmer in distress in the Columbia River near the ferry dock,” said The Dalles Police Chief Tom Worthy. “The Columbia River was extremely high due to continual rains, and there were areas of flooding in the city. Water temperature was 56 degrees in the river.”

St. Vincent de Paul Society’s downtown location is undergoing a beautification process. Volunteer painters Lance Pardee and Galen Ballinger have painted the once gray building a sky colored blue and brightened up the entrance with a mural of a friendly and welcoming sun.

Leaving the Hook in Hood River, guests will launch on the Columbia River, paddling and exploring the landscape with guides from Hood River SUP and Kayak. Guides and educators will lead discussions on local birds and the cultural and ecological history of the area throughout the excursion. All kayaking gear and guides are included with the trip reservation.

HAVEN from Domestic and Sexual Violence, in The Dalles released an official statement today about the secret indictment of former HAVEN Executive Director, Tara Koch. Koch was arrested Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in Washington County on 26 counts including theft, identity theft and forgery. HAVEN alleges that Koch stole more than $96,200* from HAVEN. Koch will be tried in Wasco County on all 26 charges.

District wildlife biologists will present proposed statewide and local changes to the 2023 hunting seasons, answer questions and ask for attendees’ feedback. A meeting is slated for Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. in The Dalles.

Tara Koch, former Executive Director of HAVEN from Domestic and Sexual Violence in The Dalles was arrested Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in Washington County on 26 counts including theft, identity theft and forgery.

Oregon Tradeswomen’s Mary Ann Naylor said it is a perfect time for women and people of color to enter the trade industry. Major projects in the gorge could call for huge demand from skilled professionals. A recent $150,000 grant from Google is opening up opportunities at both state and local levels. “Tell them to be tough-skinned to get through their apprenticeship and the world is your oyster, said local Electrician Brennah Miller, “and you can go anywhere.”