The Sheriff’s Office has been proactively assessing the situation with the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office as information has become available. At the completion of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office and the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office will review the findings and determine whether or not and what criminal charges will be filed.

Due to the loss of water pressure in the city’s distribution system on July 22, 2024, potentially harmful bacteria could be in the water supply. If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

Preventing financial stress for rural families was a primary goal of the recent Financial Wellness Fair series put on by Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC) and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) with the help of area partners. Over 200 people participated.

With lower wind speeds and subdued fire behavior, crews worked to secure more of the fire’s east end with hand line, dozer line, and water drops from helicopters and other air resources. The fire continued to back down on a north-facing ridge along I-84 just west of Mosier and will likely do so through today. Smoke can be observed along the highway.

“The Wasco County Clerk's Office concluded the demand recount of the District Attorney contest late this afternoon,” said Wasco County Elections Clerk Lisa Gambee in an email. “70 boxes totaling 6,795 ballots have been hand counted. There was no change in the results.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Oregon Department of Forestry and OSU Extension Agency is set to provide information on reducing fire fuels on forest land for landowners at the Pine Grove Grange on Thursday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m.

As of 7/23/2024 at 12:30 PM and most current:  

Level 3 "GO NOW" for North of Alder Creek, West to Crider Valley, East to Peterson; and from East Road to Sand Ridge Rd to the East and Alder Creek south to the  Columbia River.  

Level 2 "GET SET" for Middle Rd to the West, Coleman Rd to the North, Klickitat  County Line to the East; and from Sand Ridge Rd to the Klickitat County Line. 

Level 1 "GET READY" Evacuation for North of Coleman Rd to Stegeman and Van Horn,  West to East Rd, East to Klickitat County Line.

The Oregon Memorial Traveling Wall made a poignant visit to the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, honoring fallen soldiers from Oregon.

Update July 23, 10:30 a.m.: Currently, the fire is threatening residential and agricultural lands, critical infrastructure and a natural gas plant. Level 3 - GO NOW: East Road to Sand Ridge Road to the East and Alder Creek South to the Columbia River.  Level 2 - GET SET: Sand Ridge Road to the Klickitat County Line. 

A Sweep Master lost control and rolled down Case Street near the Wasco County Courthouse today, ultimately flipping and coming to a stop in the middle of E. 7th Street. 

Update, July 23, 10:30 a.m. — 100 structures are within the fire’s immediate reach, estimated Spokesman Andy Dwyer. The fire is in the urban interface bringing in engines and firefighters who will work from a defensive tack to keep homes from burning.

There were 21 correct answers including our own Sheriff, Lane Magill. So, we took those entries to the roundhouse and pounded the names and numbers as flat as a penny left on the tracks. We put those pennies in our hobo bag of chance and boiled it in our Buddy Burner until the train pulled out, and we ran halfway down the tracks reaching for the last open car. Ian Creed was inside the door holding out a hand like a magician. In his palm was the penny, lucky number 17 - our train hoppin’ winner.      

The Basalt Commons is a calculated risk that could anchor the east side, which is now home to a new grocery in The Farm Stand and the urban renewal board is seeking new development on the Tony’s Town & Country site. Is The Dalles on the edge of major change? We’ll see as Councilors hear an appeal on the height of the 116-apartment building with commercial space.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District as operator of The Link Public Transportation, and the City of The Dalles have partnered to offer a free 12-month Gorge Transit Pass to residents living in and employees working in The Dalles’ Central Business Commercial zoning district!

For candidates intending to run in the upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election, packets are now available online and in the City Clerk’s office. Three City Councilor positions are open for election, each with a term of four years.

So put on your Engineer hat and tell us two things: At what restaurant was it stationed in the ‘70s and what was its purpose? Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, July 21 at 7:03 p.m.

After 7 long years, Special Olympics Oregon offered the SUMMER STATE GAMES at Oregon State University July 12-14th.  

Fun’s on a full run at Bargeway with the Josh Day Band on Friday. Gorge Giggin’ Guide growing like Zucchini as Jim Drake brings us another catalog of all things awesome to do this week in The Gorge.

From the foothills of California’s Central Valley, The Josh Day Band combines modern country with timeless classic rock for an entertainment experience at The Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. Find all things entertaining in our gorge guide here.

The North Wasco County School District is pleased to announce Sherri Kilgore as the incoming Principal of The Dalles Middle School.