Now that the Wasco County Fair has wrapped up for another year, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in our community. By all accounts, it was a very successful event.

Sidewalks, storm drains and safer access are finally coming to East 12th Street, funded with federal relief dollars and city reserves. Homeowners won’t pay a dime for the $1.9 million project. But while the road work moves ahead, the long-debated 80-unit Grove housing development remains stalled. The subdivision land is now listed for $1.699 million, leaving its future uncertain as the city’s housing needs continue to grow.

PEO Chapter EJ has announced scholarship awards to local women Kylee Rose, Jenny Loughmiller, Piper Neal, Madison Troutt, and Kilee Hoylman,  totaling $8,050. The women were recently recognized at Chapter EJ’s regular luncheon meeting.

Earlier today, August 29, at about 11:12 AM, there was a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 84 eastbound at Milepost 109. Emergency services responded and determined that a commercial truck had lost its brakes while coming down Scott Canyon Road. The driver was able to avoid hitting other vehicles and structures; however, the truck ended up on the interstate.

After sinking in June and sitting for months on the banks of the Columbia River near Horsethief Lake, this sailboat’s saga on the Columbia finally ended today.

What if half of Shakespeare’s plays had been lost forever? Columbia Center for the Arts invites audiences to find out in The Book of Will, a witty and heartwarming historical drama by Lauren Gunderson, opening September 12 in Hood River.

Emmanuel Baptist Church will distribute free school supplies to families in need on Friday, Aug. 29.

U.S. Rep Cliff Bentz addresses concerns about the elimination of the vote-by-mail system under the Trump Administration and he also responds to criticisms that the Republican-dominated house is providing little to no pushback against Trump policies.

In a wide-ranging conversation on the CCCNews Podcast, Mid-Columbia Center for Living Executive Director Al Barton warned that looming changes to Medicaid could leave rural Oregonians with fewer behavioral health services — even as demand continues to grow.

“This indictment reflects the seriousness of the allegations and our office’s intent to seek justice for the victim,” the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families. K-Link Collaborative, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, and the Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) work to create safe teen cultures, safe spaces, and community education in efforts to reduce youth access to substances throughout Klickitat County.

In place of the traditional gate fee, TDHS is asking fans for donations to support those affected by the Rowena Fire. The effort is part of a student-led initiative to show solidarity with local families impacted by the recent tragedy.

Bentz responded that Oregon’s “provider tax,” which the state uses to draw federal matching funds, was a “shell game” but admitted reductions pose a serious threat. “This is an existential issue to my hospitals,” he said.

The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of new staff members and the upcoming swearing-in of its newest K-9, marking a period of growth and expanded services for the department.

Columbia River Gorge, OR & WA. Born during the early days of the pandemic, the Gorge Farmer Collective (GFC) has become a trusted local food source for hundreds of families, allowing customers to source local foods from dozens of farms online with one easy click.

The congressman defended new federal rules requiring states to keep error rates under 5% for SNAP food benefits and requiring most adults to work, volunteer or study 20 hours a week to qualify. He told Mike Ballinger constituents should press state Sen. Daniel Bonham to ease paperwork burdens. “Call him and say, ‘Bentz said to yell at you, Daniel,’” he said.

New! Gorge Gigging Guide Highlights gives you a quick look at the week ahead in music, comedy, performance, festivals, and more! It’s a Great Way to get a handle on planning for the Best in what The Gorge has to offer! 

The Dalles Police confirmed Monday that the remains were identified as Meihong He, known to friends as “Kiki.” She was a resident of the Mid-Columbia area and originally from China.

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz did not plan a town hall when he agreed to speak to The Dalles Rotary Club Wednesday, Aug. 20th., but the majority of his talk was in response to questions “carefully curated” by non-members who were allowed to speak at the rotary meeting, according to club rules. 

Verified sources said there is “good reason to believe the man is connected to the remains found in the U-Haul storage unit.”