The higher temperatures and easterly winds caused an uptick in fire activity yesterday, and increased smoke is expected today with the Red Flag conditions. There has been minimal fire growth, and firefighters are well prepared for any increase in fire activity.

A 33-year-old former jail guard at NORCOR was sentenced to 60 days jail time and three years probation after pleading guilty to having sex with a female prisoner in April 2023. 

Federal Marshals are seeking the whereabouts of a local man who has been charged with sex abuse in cases tied to Wasco County and Alabama.

Sue McMahon was smart to get moving early as temperatures are expected to hit 97 today, according to the National Weather Service. At least there will be some breeze to dry the sweat with east wind predicted at 5 to 7 mph. Kiwanis Steak feed starts at 5 p.m. Some schools move to early release due to the heat wave.

Eleven local people completed Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center’s 40-hour Basic Mediation Training in May of 2024. This training provided students with the philosophy and skills needed to have a working knowledge of the role of an impartial mediator.

Fire managers flew over the fire and observed minor fire growth in the east fork of Herman Creek yesterday. Excess hose was pulled from Tomlike Mountain and the northeast side of the fire. Crews repaired hand line and a temporary helicopter landing spot.

The Master of Stratocaster - Bargeway Pub welcomes Oregon Blues Legend Terry Robb for an electric performance on Waterfront Wednesday, Sept. 4. Plug in and turn it up with this week's epic journey into all things awesome in this Giggin' Guide.

We had 24 responders with correct or almost-correct answers. So we gave credit for spelling this week and those who came up with the exact name, of which there were 9, were entered into the raffle. Read here to find out who is going to flavortown.

The Oak Canyon Fire, burning east of Tygh Valley in Wasco County, has prompted Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, the Wasco County Sheriff's Office reported. The fire has burned thousands of acres and has prompted the Bureau of Land Managment to close public lands within the vicinity of the fire.

Despite cool and moist weather yesterday, the fire continued to creep in surface fuels and deep duff layers in the east fork of Herman Creek. Gusty winds and fog prevented aircraft from reconnaissance flights and long-line external cargo missions for equipment backhaul. Water tenders, a hand crew, and a group of sawyers successfully secured the nearby Knebal Fire and returned to the Whisky Creek Fire.

A staggered start for freshmen, sixth-graders and kindergartners brings the first wave of students back to D21 school in The Dalles today, Sept. 3. All students are expected back in class on Wednesday. Drivers should use extra caution as additional kids hit the street.

So, tell us what was the name of the market above. Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Monday at 6:32 p.m. And for the big fish award, tell us the name of the maverick of the Deschutes who eventually purchased it.

Warmer temperatures increased burning in the Williams Mine Fire near Trout Lake, Wash., however the increased activity is not threatening containment lines, according to the latest report from the U.S. Forest Service. 

In partnership with Columbia Gorge Community College, Cardinal Glass Industries, and Oregon STEM, a handful of youth participated in career-connected learning experiences during the summer as interns.

Yesterday, after a delay for firefighter safety due to unfavorable weather conditions, the handline on Tomlike Mountain ridge was successfully connected to the fire’s edge, with air resources assisting ground crews on reconnaissance missions.

The Sense of Place program announces the Bingen Centennial Gameshow, an interactive event to celebrate a century of history, community spirit, and Bingen locals. Hosted by Sarah Fox of Sense of Place, the event swaps traditional festivities for a lively mix of storytelling, trivia, and friendly competition. 

The Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a pivotal Townhall meeting aimed at achieving the aspiration of having Goldendale officially recognized and certified by the State of Washington as a Creative District.

Due to slick conditions on Tuesday, Aug. 27 following early morning rain showers crews were unable to complete the line along Tomlike Mountain Ridge. Mastication or forest vegetation grinding was completed on contingency lines to the southeast and crews continue to improve lines in these areas.

“We’re so excited to finally have this project in place and ready for our families to start using!” said Mayor Marla Keethler. “The splash pad was a park improvement that was included in the city’s 2022 Park System Plan update and received broad community support."

Hundreds of local youth stay grounded through 4-H activities throughout the year and all of their hard work recently paid off at the Wasco County Fair - check out all the results right here and be sure to give some congrat pats on the backs of your friends and neighbors.