The Whiskey Creek Fire expanded minimally over the weekend but no containment has been reported as forestry mulchers have been brought in to chip up fuel sources as firefighters continue to build lines around the blaze.

“Yesterday, crews concluded their last evening of night shift patrol. Crews monitored the fire lines watching for anything smoking or smoldering. Pine Creek had some smoke, but it was well interior of the fire with the fire edge still holding strong,” reported Hannah Cleverly with the SE Washington Inter-Agency Team.

Incumbents Dan Richardson and Rod Runyon are running unopposed - so far - in their bid to be elected to another term on The Dalles City Council. And no one has yet to file for Long’s open seat.  Those wanting to run for city office have until Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. to file their candidacy.

When the temperature dropped from 105 to 85 degrees the other day, I did a little gardening. I got tired and really sweaty. It's too hot to do anything outside. We should be resting, not working. My best models of how to rest are cats. They lounge around, confident we are working to provide their shelter and food. They don't even read a book or watch Netflix

Discovery Center partners with Forest Service on a birthday bash for Smokey the Bear who turns 80 on Aug. 9. We'll have fun activities, storytime with Forest Service rangers, fire engines spraying hoses, scavenger hunts, a bear education station, and even a chance to hug Smokey, and more. Enjoy cool, refreshing slices of watermelon throughout the party, and don't miss the cake-cutting at noon, with cake for everyone to enjoy! All are welcome, and admission is completely free!

FarmStand held its ribbon-cutting event yesterday, marking the official opening of its location in The Dalles. The event featured several vendors inside the store, offering a variety of complimentary items such as wine, cheeses, bread, and cookies.

Ben Mitchell is selected to take the seat held by the late Tim Counihan. Lawsuit brings ammendment after City’s short-term ordinances is hit with allegations of discrimination towards property owners living out of state.

Candidate filings are still being accepted for Hood River Mayor and three City Councilor positions. The filing deadline is no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, and voters will choose in the November 5, 2024, General Election. Paul Blackburn is currently the Mayor and Mark Zanmiller, Megan Saunders, and Gladys Rivera hold the Council seats that are in play.

Long-time Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement officer Russell Spino (Warm Springs) was promoted to chief, replacing the retiring Mitch Hicks. Spino was born and raised in The Dalles, graduating TDHS in ‘97.

As of July 25, more than 1 million acres are estimated to have burned in Oregon as megafires at more than 100,000 acres are burning in three locations in the eastern part of the state.

Heavy equipment was brought in to assist with clearing roads and creating fuel breaks reopening an Eagle Creek Fire contingency line. Conditions were also favorable for an infra-red flight allowing for better mapping of the area and a more accurate number of acres burned.

Today’s weather brings lower temperatures, lower winds and an increase in relative humidity.  All of these work together to reduce the fire’s growth potential. Strike teams, aircraft and dozers are working the estimated 50,000 acre-blaze which is now 21 percent contained and burning 7 miles southeast of Bickleton.

“On the northeast side, last night's successful firing operations in the grass are helping secure fire lines,” the update said. “Due to inaccessible areas and steep terrain, firing operations remain the safest and most effective strategy to remove fuels and prevent the spread of the fire.”

The vision of Q-Life is for every address in Wasco County to enjoy a higher quality of life and participate in education, healthcare, and the economy through a high-speed internet connection at a price point that they can afford.

Bargeway’s pulling for the dogs… and cats as they bring the Johnny Cash Tribute Band Cash’d Out on Saturday in a benefit for the Columbia Gorge Humane Society. And will Afroman’s Bid for President draw a crowd? Find out all about it in this super-sized gorge guide of all things entertaining.

Michelle Yamamoto, owner of the 301 Gallery in Hood River, led a workshop at The Dalles Library where local teens designed and built their own skateboards. 

The Dalles Beautification and Tree Committee is pleased to announce the winner of the June 2024 Beautification Award. The honor goes to the home at 200 West Scenic Drive, recognized for its stunning transformation and exemplary garden design.

The Boil Water Advisory currently in effect for Mosier residents will likely be in place until Tuesday, July 30, according to Engineer John Grim.

In a 5-0 vote Council unanimously affirmed the 60-foot height permit for the Basalt Commons, a mixed-use building for business, and 116 apartments proposed for the former Griffth Motors, a half-acre lot at 523 E. Third Street.

A low-pressure system on Wednesday brought winds at more than 30 mph surging the fire in its southwest corner. Fire managers called in for aerial support as the blaze moved toward the Alderwood area in east Klickitat County.