Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!
All direct lines are now established and in place around the southern fire perimeter. Mop-up operations will continue until these lines no longer pose a threat to perimeter security. Significant operational effort has been put in on the south end of the fire protecting values at risk and fire managers feel great progress has been made in meeting these community objectives.
Noel Betanzos Cruz, Antonio Betanzos Cruz, and Jesus Ayala paint the Pioneer Building at 301 E. Second Street this morning, Aug. 22. The building was purchased in September 2022 for $750,000 and the owners Brandon Rush and Anthony McNamara of Vancouver, Wash., applied for and received approval from the city to convert the second-floor office space into “residential apartment units of varying size” in Jan. 2023.
Yesterday, crews confirmed that the southern line options were not suitable as control features and were found unsafe due to terrain hazards. However, options near Tomlike Mountain were identified as more feasible and line construction began.
The decision gives developers the green light to proceed with the project, barring any additional appeals to the project being made to The Dalles City Council. The project would have an immediate impact on the local housing shortage and is expected to create the equivalent of 478 full-time jobs in its first decade and contribute $16.9 million in payroll, according to developer Mary Hanlon of The Dalles.
Today, crews will work to strengthen established containment lines. Heavy equipment operators will utilize masticators, skidders, and feller bunchers to process suppression-generated debris, converting it into more manageable and less flammable material.
Returning for a third year, El Grito will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on the Washington side of the Gorge on Sunday, September 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rhinegarten Park in White Salmon. Admission is free, and the event is open to all.
Karrisa Gorham and Mark Mobley are rolling in for Waterfront Wednesday at the Bargeway on Aug. 21. We’ve rolled up all the gigs, events, art, movies and even magicians in this tight entertainment guide.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that Lisa Farquharson, CEO of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to participate in the tenth cohort of its premiere business leadership program.
Crews continue to cut and remove hazardous or fallen trees that are blocking access points. Removal of dangerous trees ensures firefighters can access the fire line and have open ingress/egress routes for safe transportation.
Today, crews will patrol the northeast edge of the fire, looking for hot spots near containment lines. Mop up and strengthening of containment lines on the east side of the fire is ongoing. South of the fire near Wahtum Lake, mastication operations along roads will continue.
Just 8 sailors made it to the top deck of this patrol boat in the quest to understand the Hood River Navy... boat. Find out who won Shannon's Trivia Contest here.
Jamie Parke of TD and Todd Nunn of Goldendale are long time friends. Parke has been pit crew for Nunn in demolition derby contest for the past decade. But all bets are off on Sunday at the Wasco County Fair as the friends look to smash each other as Parke takes the wheel for the first time in the crushing battle.
Minimally, what we are looking for is the official name of the vessel in the foreground. Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, Aug. 18 by 4:21 p.m. No messages in bottles. Those sending correct answers will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to Shannon’s Ice Cream. The winner will be announced Monday, Aug. 19.
North of Trout Lake, crews and equipment continue to strengthen primary direct containment lines, and additional resources are on the scene to assist with secondary alternate lines, in the event they are needed. Ongoing mop-up operations, where firefighters search, dig out, and extinguish hotspots, will continue through the next several days on the southern perimeter.
Pacific Northwest Team 10 is taking over the incident today as Northern Rockies Team 2 prepares to head home. Both teams will be working hard today to ensure a smooth transition of command. Weather remains mild and crews continue to establish more direct handline around both fires resulting in increased containment.
The Beautification & Tree Committee proudly honors Sharron Allen and Cameron Larson with the August Beautification Award for their outstanding garden at 412 West 2nd Place.
Family Free Day brought a lot of smiles at the Wasco County Fair on Thursday, Aug. 15. 4-H youths made their showings, tryouts for the next Wasco County Fair Queen were held and games and challenges abounded. That's just the start as the Rodeo starts tonight at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re trying to get the best possible nomination that we can,” said Tiffany Ford with Bicoastal Media. “It’s going to make their life a whole lot easier.” This year, Wheels of Hope will provide a struggling family lacking transportation options with a 2005 Dodge Durango to help them meet their daily travel needs. Nominations of deserving families can be made at GorgeRadio.com
The upcoming Wasco County Fair is set to shine even brighter this weekend, thanks to a drone light show sponsored by Google. The high-tech spectacle, accompanied by music, will take place on both Friday and Saturday nights, offering a stunning and safe alternative to traditional fireworks.
Heavy focus remains on the southeast edge of the Whisky Creek Fire where crews have been able to perform fire suppression activities more directly. The Dozer line has been completed and firefighters are continuing to construct the handline.
