The Microwave Tower Fire, burning 5 miles west of Mosier, has grown to 1,306 acres with 53% containment. The fire, which started on July 22, 2024, is believed to be human-caused and is still under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, timber, and grass.

The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Whisky Creek Fire on Monday, July 29, 2024. Precipitation occurred over the fire area yesterday, moderating fire behavior. Cloud cover will diminish today over the fire as onshore flow continues, and warmer temperatures begin to develop over the region.

Project to create a welcoming environment at The Annex, while joining in the rich mural tradition in downtown The Dalles. MCCAC looks to families and emerging artists to inspire people to collectively reimagine spaces that serve as the heart of their community.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is seeking interested candidates for openings on the MCEDD Board of Directors, particularly those involved with Agriculture, or the Food and Beverage Industry.

A passion for helping others, and seeing the life-changing work done in both the public health and non-profit sectors guided the career path of recently retired North Central Public Health District Director Shellie Campbell.

Rivermark and Advantis credit unions have been cleared for a merger expected in late 2024 or early 2025. The combined organization will have nearly 180,000 members and manage $3.3 billion in assets, making it the third-largest credit union in Oregon with 19 branches, mostly in the Portland metro area.

Serrato of Serrato Construction said he was taking care of the cleanup as much of the old restaurant was dismantled and placed in the east parking lot during the recent remodel. Pho Sai Gon, a Vietnamese restaurant is set to open at the location shortly.

The Microwave Tower Fire expanded into another 400 acres as it burned during the weekend, burning down cliffs to  Interstate 84 on Sunday.

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.