American Flags and running shoes had locals up and at ‘em this morning in The Dalles as we celebrate the birth of our country. The day is loaded with music, a parade, a corn hole tournament, and, of course, fireworks at 10 p.m. brought to us by the Fort Dalles Fourth volunteers.

On July 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., they will exhibit their work at Yvonne’s Art Studio, 3735 Klindt Drive in The Dalles.  They will be working on location and invite others to join them in creating in their media of choice.

Ellen Woods Potter brings a background in both philanthropy and business in the Gorge as she takes over for Sally Johnson who was instrumental in leading the Art Center back into a strong financial position. Before her recent hiring at the Art Center, Potter was Co-owner and General Manager at Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River where she managed staff and coordinated events.

Hood River will host its annual 4th of July festivities, starting with a parade at 10 a.m., organized by the Hood River Lions Club. Fireworks will follow at 10 p.m. on the Hood River Waterfront.

Join The Dalles community on Thursday, July 4, for a full day of festivities celebrating Independence Day. Start your morning with the Rocket Run along the scenic Columbia River, followed by a free community breakfast and yoga session. Enjoy the charm of the Hometown USA Parade, a concert in City Park, and a lively block party. Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over the Columbia River. Don’t miss out on this day filled with fun, fitness, and patriotic pride!

Hand count expected later this month in race that is currently split by just 60 votes.

After months of dedicated work, Farm Stand, a community market and farm-to-table café, opened its doors today. The new establishment is committed to providing fresh, organic, and locally sourced food to the community.

Bargeway lights up Huckleberry Road this Fourth of July week; you might also audition for Steel Magnolias and become a famous actor, and Skyraker is in the Gorge as part of a triple rock bill at the Bingen Theater. It’s gonna be a Blast! Plus this week’s entertainment column has a new look!

Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance (CGPA) celebrated LGBT Pride Month in downtown The Dalles on Saturday, June 29. Hundreds flocked to the event to enjoy celebrating LGBTQ resilience and the fight for equal rights.

The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge reopened on Sunday, June 30th, three days after a semi-trick accident that resulted in significant damage to its span lifts.

The City of The Dalles is seeking community input on tourism and the use of Transient Room Tax (TRT) revenues via a survey available on the City’s website and Facebook page, accepting responses until July 15th at 5:00 PM.

The Dalles-Wasco County Library has collected 478 cranes from the community as part of their 1,000 cranes project. The project was a cultural appreciation event for Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.

Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis announced the grand jury indicted Noe Zaragoza, Jr. (23) for Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon With a Firearm, Menacing, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.  Zaragoza, Jr. was indicted on Wednesday, June 26. 

In a move planned nearly two years ago, the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) Board of Directors announced that Jennifer Pauletto will be the new executive director as of July 1, 2024. Juan Reyes has been selected to join her as the new associate director.

A semi-truck crashed on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge this morning, Thursday, June 27, 2024, closing the bridge until further notice. The incident occurred when a semi-truck, pulling an excavator on a flatbed, failed to lower the excavator's arm sufficiently. As the truck crossed the bridge, the excavator's arm struck the span lifts, causing severe damage. 

In a continued effort to restore Sorosis Park’s Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation District (NWPRD) in collaboration with Alpenglow has planted 25 new trees at Sorosis Park.

In anticipation of this summer’s dangerously hot temperatures and wildfire smoke events, Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative partners will have free cooling kits available for houseless residents. They have also compiled lists of local sites where people may seek safety when life-threatening conditions set in.

The Sherman County 4-H Day Camp held June 12 and June 13 at Camp Morrow lakeside facility in Wamic resulted in many happy campers! Thirty campers, nine teen counselors, and eleven adult staff and instructors gave the youth an active, educational, and fun outdoor experience outdoors on Pine Hollow Reservoir.

This Fourth of July, The Dalles High school will host a Fourth of July Rocket Run, on July 4th at 7 a.m. at Bargeway Pub & Catering! (Day of registration open at 6:30 a.m.) This all-day celebration not only commemorates Independence Day but also fosters community spirit and health.

Bargeway hosts United Way Benefit with Hell’s Belles - the rockingest all-girl AC/DC cover band you’ll ever hear will will rock for a cause on June 28 to raise money for United Way! Plus this week’s entertainment column has a new look!