THE DALLES, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — A proposal for a 76-unit affordable housing complex on Chenowith Loop Road is under review by the City of The Dalles, marking one of the largest multifamily housing applications the city has seen in recent years.

The applicant is Amanda Morgan, working with landowner Chenowith GP LLC, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, with offices in Miwaukie, Ore., according to Oregon Secretary of State Business records.

The registered agent of Chenowith GP LLC is Northwest Housing Alternatives, Inc. which was formed by Mark Kantor of Seattle in 2022, according to the company’s articles of organization.

The plans filed with the city’s Community Development Department call for construction of the project at 816 Chenowith Loop Road, the former site of Westgate Market. The site is about 1.76 acres, according to Wasco County property maps.

The development would include apartments along with office space and resident-serving common areas, according to city records.

The application also requests an administrative adjustment to reduce the required 15-foot side yard setback on the property’s western boundary by five feet — a 33% reduction. The adjustment is intended to allow sufficient space for parking and landscaping while accommodating the housing footprint.

The property is zoned General Commercial (CG), and the project will be evaluated under the city’s land-use code, parking standards and required development improvements. Oregon Revised Statute 197.460(1)(a), which addresses affordable housing, will also guide the review.

Community members have until Sept. 19 to submit written comments on the project. After that deadline, staff will prepare a report analyzing the application against municipal code and state law. The city’s Community Development Director will then issue a decision.

If approved, the decision can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 10 days of the notice being mailed.

What it means for you

• 76 new housing units could significantly expand affordable rental options in The Dalles.

• Parking and landscaping trade-off: Developers are seeking a setback reduction to fit required infrastructure.

• Public input window: Residents have until Sept. 19 to file written comments supporting or opposing the project.

• Next steps: A decision from the Community Development Director will follow staff review and can be appealed.

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Sept 7, 2025 — Science experiments in a jar, a family night of monster trucks, dream exploration, virtual talks with nationally known experts, and even a Bluey dance party — the library is buzzing this week. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, play as a family, or be inspired by music and art, you’ll find it here.

Density Jar Experiment Take & Make Kit
Monday, Sept. 8, All Day, Children’s Wing
Pick up a kit and learn about density through a colorful, hands-on science experiment. Kits are limited and available first come, first served.

Dream Study Group: Gifts from Our Subconscious
Monday, Sept. 8, 5:30–7 p.m., Meeting Room
Nancy Turner, M.Ed., leads this four-session workshop on dream interpretation and personal growth. Registration required.

Monster Truck Mayhem: Family Fun Night
Monday, Sept. 8, 6–7 p.m., Children’s Wing
Enjoy games, crafts, and storytime with a high-energy, family-friendly monster truck theme.

Virtual Program: Argue Less and Talk More with Jefferson Fisher
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.–noon, Online
Communication expert Jefferson Fisher shares practical tools to handle tough conversations with confidence and connection. Registration required.

Character Design with Eleanor Key
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 3–4 p.m., Meeting Room
Teens and adults can dive into the art of character creation in this intermediate drawing session.

Bluey Party!
Friday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Meeting Room
Celebrate the world of Bluey with games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, dancing, and even a visit from Bluey herself.

Hello, World!

Movie Night at the Granada: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Friday, Sept. 12, 6–8 p.m., Offsite
A classic musical evening hosted by the library at the Granada Theatre.

Author Talk: Abandoned Railroads of the PNW with D.C. Jesse Burkhardt
Saturday, Sept. 13, 1–2 p.m., Meeting Room
Burkhardt presents photos and stories from the abandoned rail lines of the Pacific Northwest.

Mark Kroos: Guitar with Teens
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2:30–3 p.m., Teen Room
Teens meet acclaimed guitarist Mark Kroos for a Q&A on music, creativity, and perseverance.

Self-Defense Skills for Everyone
Saturday, Sept. 13, 3–4 p.m., Meeting Room
Learn practical self-defense skills in this all-ages workshop.

Mark Kroos: Performance
Saturday, Sept. 13, 5–6 p.m., Main Library
Finish the week with a powerful live performance from guitarist Mark Kroos.

THE DALLES, Ore., Sept. 6, 2025 — A major rewrite of The Dalles’ rules for food carts and transient vendors is headed to City Council, a change that city officials say will bring consistency, reduce fines, and create new incentives for healthier options.

The meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 8, starting at 5:30 p.m. You can watch the meeting live via streaming by clicking here.

What’s in the proposal
The ordinance would replace two decades-old codes with a unified system for mobile vendors. The city defines vendors in two categories:

• Tier 1: Full food service operators such as food carts, trucks, or trailers preparing meals on-site.

• Tier 2: Temporary or limited vendors such as sidewalk stands, pop-ups, or seasonal booths.

Under the proposal:

• A Tier 1 license would cost $165 for a new license, with annual renewals set at $100.

• A Tier 2 license would cost $75 for a new license, with annual renewals set at $50.

Both tiers would now fall under the same application and enforcement framework for the first time, giving vendors a consistent set of rules regardless of size or seasonality.

Discounts and incentives
The overhaul broadens the city’s discount system. Farmers selling their own produce and nonprofits hosting fundraisers would qualify for full fee waivers. Vendors who promote healthy eating would see a break as well: under current rules, carts offering at least 15% healthy menu items qualify for a partial discount. The new ordinance makes that simpler and more generous — any vendor with at least two healthy menu choices gets 50% off their license fee.

Changes to enforcement
Perhaps the biggest shift is in penalties. Under the existing system, each item sold without a license counts as a separate violation. That means a vendor caught selling 20 tacos without the right paperwork could technically be fined for 20 violations. The proposed rules scrap that approach in favor of a flat penalty structure. Violations would now mirror the city’s noxious vegetation code, starting at $165 and escalating up to $2,000 for repeat offenders.

How operators are affected
For operators, the city intends fewer bureaucratic hurdles and less risk of catastrophic fines. Food carts gain clarity on rules and eligibility for discounts, while small-scale or seasonal vendors such as fruit stands or art booths are folded into the same system with simpler paperwork. Nonprofits and farmers stand to benefit the most, with expanded waivers designed to cut costs for community events and local agriculture.

Notices have already gone out to all active pods and license holders to ensure vendors have a chance to weigh in before council takes action.

Other council business
This gets wonky - but hang in there.

Councilors will also take up three resolutions clarifying official compensation policies for elected officials, volunteers, and employees. The move follows guidance from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, which allows cities to explicitly include food, beverages, and incidental items in official compensation packages if formally approved. This vote will essentially clarify that they have taken a public vote to approve such things as providing bottled water or food to elected officials and or city staff or city committee members at meetings.

Due to the inherent conflicts of interest in council approving such measures — the vote will be separated into four different resolutions so that council can maintain a quorum while the affected officials who would see “personal gain” can abstain from voting.

Council will also review a proposed telecommunications franchise agreement with Blue Mountain Networks, granting the company non-exclusive rights to operate within city limits. Blue Mountain purchased internet provider GorgeNet in 2020.

Council is set to meet on Monday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.

At the top of the consent agenda, the council is being asked to authorize a legal services agreement with Stag Liuzza, LLC, a firm representing public water systems in nationwide lawsuits over AFFF, a firefighting foam linked to toxic PFAS chemicals. Under the proposed deal, the firm would cover all testing and legal costs in exchange for one-third of any settlement funds. If The Dalles detects contamination during targeted testing, the city could qualify for compensation from a $13.6 billion settlement reached in 2023 with 3M and DuPont. Any funds would be directed to the city’s Water Fund.

Another law suit involves whether the city opts into new opioid settlements. Councilors will consider participation in a $7.4 billion Purdue Pharma settlement that requires cities to sign on by Sept. 30, as well as an additional $720 million package involving eight pharmaceutical companies with an Oct. 8 deadline. The Dalles has already received $203,746 from seven previous opioid settlements, with another $385,498 expected over the next decade. Future funds must be spent on opioid abatement programs.

The council will also consider accepting a Federal Aviation Administration grant of $355,321 for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport’s Master Plan project. Combined with a $150,000 state grant, the funding leaves the city and Klickitat County responsible for just $4,000 toward the $509,321 planning contract awarded to Mead & Hunt, Inc. in July.

Public Works is seeking approval to replace its stolen 2013 skid-steer loader with a new 2026 CAT 275 model equipped with safety features like PIN-controlled ignition and GPS tracking. Insurance will cover nearly $50,000 of the $120,932 price tag, leaving the city to pay about $71,648.

By Ken Polehn

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 6, 2025 — Not that long ago—within the lifetime of folks still living in Wasco and Sherman Counties—the farm fields echoed with the steady clop of draft horses. Harness jingled at dawn, sweat darkened their hides by noon, and at day’s end, the team pulled the wagon home. It was the rhythm of farm life.

By 1949, the last steady horse teams had all but disappeared from our wheat fields and orchards. The machine shed replaced the horse barn, and tractors became the new power in the field. In less than one generation, an entire way of farming—an entire way of life—vanished.

Think about that. In under a hundred years, agriculture leapt from reins in the hand to steering wheels… and now to GPS auto-steering guided by satellites circling thousands of miles overhead. From the launch of Sputnik in 1957 to today’s tractors that can drive themselves with sub-inch precision, farming has lived through one of the fastest technological revolutions in human history.

Some people call farmers “backwards.” I say the opposite is true. Agriculture has often been the proving ground for new technology.

Rubber tires had to survive farm fields before they showed up on the highway.

Hydraulics were perfected on tractors long before they became common in construction.

Diesel engines were tested under load, pulling plows, long before they powered semis.

GPS auto-guidance, now standard in cars, first became practical when farmers started using it to plant straight rows and reduce overlap.

Farmers didn’t just adopt technology—they helped perfect it before the rest of the world caught on.

Our grandparents plowed behind teams. Our parents broke new ground with steel and diesel. Today, we steer with satellites, computers, and auto-guidance systems that would have looked like science fiction only a generation ago.

That’s why I push back when people say agriculture is slow or behind the times. The truth is, the farm has often been one of the first places new ideas take root. We may work with soil, water, and living plants, but we’ve always been willing to harness the best tools available.

Less than a century separates the horse-drawn cultivator from the self-driving tractor. That kind of change makes me wonder—what will the next fifty years look like? Robotics? Artificial intelligence? Drones tending individual trees or vines? Maybe all of the above.

In fact, some of it is already here. Artificial intelligence isn’t just a future concept—it’s at work today. Packing houses now use AI-powered cameras and sensors to sort fruit faster and more accurately than the human eye, grading for color, size, and even tiny blemishes invisible to most people. What once took teams of workers on a packing line is now being done with incredible speed and precision by machines that are, in a sense, learning how to see.

One thing is certain: farmers won’t be “backwards.” If history teaches us anything, it’s that agriculture is always a step ahead, plowing the way for progress.

THE DALLES, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — A multi-agency narcotics task force seized multiple firearms, body armor and suspected commercial quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana during a search warrant in west The Dalles on Friday, arresting a man with a long history of drug and theft convictions.

The Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Task Force (MINT) served the warrant, with the Northern Oregon Regional Tactical Team (NORTAC) executing the entry and providing scene support, according to a public release. Investigators said the suspect, Anthony Hithe, 50, was not legally permitted to possess guns, ammunition or body armor. Samples of the seized substances were sent to the Oregon State Police crime lab for confirmation.

Hithe now faces eight new charges, including unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, felon in possession of firearms and body armor, and possession of substantial quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine. Correctional staff were still calculating his bail eligibility Friday.

This latest arrest follows a two prior convictions:

• In 2019, Hithe was arrested in The Dalles with more than a pound of methamphetamine and pleaded guilty to avoid federal prosecution. He was sentenced to four years in state prison, completing his term in May 2023. He was released under a three-year post-prison supervision order.

• In July, Hithe was convicted of third-degree theft in Hood River for stealing a car battery from Walmart. He was still wanted on that crime when authorities executed Friday’s search warrant, according to Hood River County court records.

Local officials emphasized the broader safety concerns in the Gorge.

“This case demonstrates our shared commitment to the safety of the Columbia Gorge region,” Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill said in a statement. The Dalles Police Chief Tom Worthy called the outcome encouraging, adding, “we have a lot more work to do in our communities” and that residents should expect to see “many more cases such as this soon.”

Hithe remained in custody at NORCOR Jail at the time of this publication and was expected to be arraigned on charges on Monday, Sept. 8.

The operation drew personnel from across the Gorge. MINT and NORTAC include members of the Wasco, Hood River, Sherman and Gilliam county sheriff’s offices, along with The Dalles Police Department and Hood River Police Department.

Investigators credited community tips for helping make the case and encouraged residents to continue sharing information through The Dalles Police tip platform.

Hithe remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Prosecutors noted that charges may be modified as evidence is processed.

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — Two years after opening Farmstand in the Gorge in downtown The Dalles, owner Bets Stelzer says the venture has grown beyond just a health-food market and cafe — it’s become a catalyst for community.

Stelzer, who also runs the original Farmstand in Hood River, appeared on the CCCNews Podcast to reflect on her journey, her family’s influence, and the revitalization of the downtown block surrounding the historic Chronicle building.

“My grandfather and father transitioned our family farm in Dufur to organic in the 1970s,” said Stelzer, whose father later founded Azure Standard, now the largest independent distributor of organic foods in the U.S. “Wellness is in my blood.”

Though she explored opening a business in The Dalles more than a decade ago, the timing wasn’t right. That changed in 2022 when Stelzer purchased the former Chronicle building with support from family. With a hands-on remodel and minimal budget, the family transformed the space into a wellness hub that includes Farmstand, the Alleyway Coffee Shop, River City Saloon, and Cherry City Property Management. A final retail space is being readied for lease.

“I’ve always wanted to do this in The Dalles,” she said. “It just finally felt like the right moment. I was driving down Third Street and remembered that building — and within a month, we got the ball rolling.”

Stelzer praised the support from fellow downtown business owners and city staff, even though she ended up funding the sidewalk bump-outs now credited with calming traffic and making the area more pedestrian-friendly. She now serves on the city’s Federal Street Plaza Committee, a project she says will create a “living room for downtown.”

“You slow down when a place invites you to linger,” she said. “We want people to park, walk, and explore the whole downtown — not just rush in and out.”

Seltzer credits her success to her upbringing and her family’s work ethic. “We put in a 50-acre orchard as teenagers,” she recalled. “There’s no quitting when you grow up on a farm — you work until the job’s done.”

Her siblings help manage both Farmstand locations, and her younger sister, Crystal, recently opened a bakery in Dufur, which supplies fresh sourdough to the store. “She’s only 20, but she’s already teaching sourdough workshops,” Seltzer said proudly.

Looking ahead, Stelzer hopes to launch a cocktail bar inside the Alleyway space this fall, expand event offerings, and explore whether catering or wellness education could be part of Farmstand’s future.

“There’s still so much potential,” she said. “But we’re taking time to ask: What does this town need next?”

As downtown The Dalles evolves, Stelzer and her family remain committed to investing in its future — one sandwich, one sidewalk table, and one sourdough loaf at a time.

Hood River, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — The History Museum of Hood River County is proud to present Timewinder Tales (formerly Cemetery Tales). This year’s performances are a bit different than those in the past, and we could not be more excited to present this new version of the show! You will hear from four powerful and influential Latina members of our community who will share their stories and inspirations.

Paty Verduzco, Martha Verduzco-Ortega, and Monica Romero, along with Tina Castañares, will share their histories, inform, and entertain. The performances will be in Spanish, with English interpretation.

Performances will be:

• Friday, September 19, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, September 20, at noon

• Sunday, September 21, at 2 p.m.

Performances will be at The History Museum of Hood River County. Doors open 30 minutes before each showtime. Refreshments will be available for purchase/ by donation.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org or at the museum. Buying tickets in advance is recommended. Ticket prices are $25 for adults (or $20 for museum members), and $10 for ages 17 and under. Limited free tickets are available for those with financial need. Email or call the museum (see below) to request free tickets.

The museum is located at 300 E Port Marina Drive, past the Hood River DMV, near the marina. Info at 541-386-6772 or info@hoodriverhistorymuseum.org

When you come to enjoy the Timewinder Tales production, you can also check out the newest addition to the museum’s permanent collection, Nuestras Raíces (Our Roots) Latino history exhibit. This new exhibit has been developed in collaboration with consultant Juan Reyes and artist Michelle Yamamoto. The Nuestras Raíces exhibit shares the history and culture of Mexican immigrants who settled in the Hood River Valley. Learn about the many positive impacts their children and grandchildren are making in our community and how they were inspired by their roots. The exhibit is presented in Spanish, with English translation available. A free exhibit opening celebration will be held on Saturday, September 6, 5-7 p.m., with refreshments and entertainment!

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ABOUT THE HISTORY MUSEUM OF HOOD RIVER COUNTY

The History Museum is a vibrant center for engaging all people in a better understanding of the community’s heritage that preserves the past, relates it to the present, and shapes our future. Led by the non-profit Hood River County Heritage Council, the Museum brings the region’s past and present to life through permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and programs.

This beautiful place along the Columbia River has provided a home for successive peoples and generations. Their intriguing stories and struggles are told through a collection of artifacts, including art, decorative arts, costumes, photographs, tools, agricultural and sporting equipment, and archival documents. From Indigenous baskets and beadwork to the first windsurfing board, the diverse holdings of the museum mirror the area’s diverse people and their interests. The vintage photograph collection of over 20,000 items is a strong part of the collection, which can be enjoyed by all online at hoodriverhistorymuseum.org.

VISITOR INFORMATION:

The History Museum of Hood River County is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $8, or $6 for “honored guests” 65 and over and veterans. Museum admission is free for museum members, children 10 and under, and currently serving military personnel and families. The Museum is located at 300 E. Port Marina Drive, Hood River, OR 97031 (yellow MUSEUM building, past the DMV near the marina). For further information, call 541.386.6772, email info@hoodriverhistorymuseum.org or visit www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org.

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — Downtown businesses will extend hours to 8 p.m. tonight for a “Shop for Schools” fundraiser aimed at putting classroom tools directly in the hands of local students and teachers.

The effort is a partnership between The Dalles Main Street, participating merchants and the North Wasco County Education Foundation’s Classroom Mini-Grant Program. The Dalles Kiwanis Club will match proceeds from tonight’s campaign, effectively doubling donations generated at checkout counters across downtown.

Organizers say the money will support the foundation’s Classroom Mini-Grant Program, which since 2017 has funded nearly 100 projects districtwide. Grants typically range from $300 to $1,500 and are designed to meet practical, immediate needs — items that often fall outside regular school budgets but can have outsized impact in a single semester.

Hello, World!

Past purchases have included take-home books for early readers, ukuleles for music programs, hands-on science and robotics kits, SECRETS Science curriculum support, coding and technology tools, and assistance for field trips. Supporters say small awards at the classroom level allow educators to try novel approaches, supplement core materials and reach students who benefit from tactile and project-based learning.

Tonight’s “Shop for Schools” will channel a portion of sales from participating storefronts to the grant program, with Kiwanis’ match turning each dollar into two. Early commitments include Freebridge Brewing, Vibe Consignment, Brick City Games, Terra Cotta Gorge Co. and Burgerville. Additional shops are expected to participate as the weekend begins.

For residents, the pitch is straightforward: buy local during the events and the purchase helps fund classroom projects in North Wasco County. For downtown, the effort is timed to capture First Friday foot traffic while underscoring the role of small businesses in community philanthropy.

First Friday

First Friday has become a reliable economic driver for local retailers with later hours and coordinated promotions. Pairing that energy with a cause, organizers say, helps maintain momentum heading into the school year while giving shoppers a tangible reason to browse, dine and linger in the core.

From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:

By Nicole Tolmie

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 5, 2025 — For the third consecutive year, the Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) and the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub are teaming up to support competitive robotics in the Columbia Gorge region. United by a shared commitment to equitable STEM education, the two organizations are once again offering mini-grants to robotics teams, helping ensure students from all backgrounds can access hands-on, high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

For the past two years, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and Gorge Technology Alliance have teamed up to provide over $36,000 in funding, supporting more than 400 students! With a new school year underway, coaches and team leaders are invited once again to apply for grant funding to help cover costs related to equipment, registration, travel, and other expenses.

These mini-grants are made possible by generous contributions from GTA member donations and robotics-designated funds from the STEM Hub. The cost of running a competitive robotics team including registration fees, travel, and equipment, can be a significant barrier for many schools and volunteer-led teams. This funding helps ensure that financial limitations aren’t what stand in the way of students accessing the transformative, hands-on learning that robotics provides.

“Our partnership with GTA is about more than funding; it’s about building a future where all students can see themselves in STEM careers,” said Julie Cucuel, Director of the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub. “Every dollar goes toward removing barriers, supporting volunteers, and empowering young people to explore robotics and problem-solving in real-world ways. We’re incredibly proud to continue this work for a third year, and we’re deeply grateful to the GTA board and members for continuing to prioritize investments in youth programming.”

Jason Hartmann, Project Manager with GTA, echoed the excitement. “We’re honored to be in our third year supporting robotics teams across the Gorge. These programs spark curiosity, build technical skills, and create future innovators. The collaboration with the STEM Hub aligns perfectly with GTA’s mission to strengthen the regional tech ecosystem, which starts with students and their access to high-quality, engaging STEM education.”

The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, a department within the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, depends on the support of partners and local donors to expand STEM access across the region. These robotics grants are a key part of that effort.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now open. Coaches and team leaders can learn more and apply by visiting www.gorgestem.org.

To learn more about the Gorge Technology Alliance, visit: https://crgta.org/

Hood River, Ore., Sept. 4, 2025 — Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is proud to present the Northwest Pastel Society Members Show 2025, featuring more than 100 works by 66 artists. This juried exhibition, celebrating the vibrancy and versatility of pastel as a medium, will be on display at CCA September 5–28.

The exhibition was juried and judged by Gail Sibley, a Master Pastelist with both the Pastel Artists of Canada and the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). Known for her HowToPastel blog, the online art community IGNITE!, and her artist mentoring programs, Sibley brings both expertise and inspiration to the showcase. In advance of the show, CCA will also host her three-day workshop, Luminous Layering with a Limited Palette (September 3–5).

The community is invited to join the Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 5, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. 

Visitors can also enjoy live pastel artist demonstrations every Saturday from 12:00–2:00 p.m. during the exhibition run:

• Sept. 13: Christine Knowles 

• Sept. 20: Susan Kuznitsky 

• Sept. 27: Tim Blackwell 

With works by artists including Aleksandra Saronjic, Amanda Houston, Anne Knapp, Bithia Bjurman, Britt Block, Darcie Roberts, Debbie Hughbanks, Deborah Henderson, Denise Page, Donna Nevitt-Radtke, Eileen Holzman, Elizabeth Spona, Gail Christie-Jahn, Genie Aylor, Hap Wertheimer, Harley Talkington, Jan Sogge, Jane Buccola, Janeen Bramwell, Janet Patterson, Janice Carlton, Janice Wall, Janine Cooley, Janis Ellison, Janis Graves, and many more, the exhibition highlights the breadth of creativity across the Northwest.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the luminous world of pastel art, bid on a Christine Knowles original and connect with the talented members of the Northwest Pastel Society.

Exhibition Dates: September 5–28, 2025
Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony: Friday, September 5, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Artist Demonstrations: Saturdays, September 13, 20, and 27, from 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave, Hood River, OR 97031

About Columbia Center for the Arts
Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is a nonprofit in Hood River, Oregon, dedicated to promoting an equitable, accessible, and arts-rich environment in the Columbia Gorge. Guided by a vision of a thriving creative community, CCA connects artists, performers, and audiences through diverse opportunities in visual, performing, and educational arts.

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 4, 2025 — The latest episode of “What’s Up, The Dalles” brought together community leaders and local entrepreneurs to spotlight downtown revitalization efforts, upcoming fall events, and ongoing investments in The Dalles’ cultural and business landscape.

Podcast host Tom Peterson, joined by Main Street coordinator Cynthia Kortge, welcomed Natasha Skov of Copa Di Vino and Sunshine Mill Winery, and Julie Wadsworth of Freebridge Brewing for a lively conversation that underscored the evolving vibrancy of downtown The Dalles.

Skov, whose family redeveloped the long-vacant Sunshine Mill beginning in 2004, reflected on the site’s transformation from shuttered grain facility to regional destination. The venue now hosts weddings, community events, and seasonal festivals—including the upcoming Harvesting Sunshine Festival on Sept. 27. The family-run vineyard’s Pinot Noir harvest will be celebrated with face painting, food vendors, roof tours, and booths from downtown businesses like Revival and Terracotta.

The event follows a successful summer for Sunshine Mill, which sold out a special vintage produced for Trader Joe’s. “It was supposed to last the year, but it’s already gone,” said Skov, noting that orders for 2026 have increased.

Wadsworth shared updates from Freebridge Brewing, including the long-anticipated opening of a new kitchen space and preparations for their annual Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 20. The 10-hour event will include German lagers, bratwurst, pretzels, and games like Hammerschlagen and a stein-holding contest, all streamed alongside Munich’s own Oktoberfest celebration.

Both business owners emphasized the importance of supporting local education. Sunshine Mill and Freebridge Brewing are participating in the Shop and Dine for Schools event during First Friday, with proceeds helping to fulfill teachers’ Amazon wishlists and providing resources for classrooms at Dry Hollow and Chenowith Elementary. “We all know teachers don’t get enough support,” said Wadsworth. “This is a way to step up for them.”

Kortge discussed other upcoming Main Street initiatives, including a Historic Spaces Tour tied to the restoration of the Umatilla House mural and aimed at showcasing both The Dalles’ storied past and its newly revitalized properties. Several downtown buildings—some dating to the 1800s—are being upgraded with support from Oregon Main Street grants and urban renewal programs.

Plans for the Federal Street Plaza and First Street improvements are also moving forward, with groundbreaking expected in spring 2026. Main Street will relocate its office to the plaza, alongside the Veterans Museum, which is gaining additional exhibit space. “It’s going to change how people experience downtown,” said Kortge.

Other fall events previewed included the family-friendly downtown Trick-or-Treat on Halloween, the long-running Witches Walk, and a new adults-only Witches Ball on Oct. 17 at Sunshine Mill.

As The Dalles’ cultural and business districts continue to grow, Neuharth summed up the shared vision: “A rising tide lifts all boats. When we support each other, we build something that lasts.”

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 3, 2025 — Despite multiple obstacles and even stolen equipment, The City of The Dalles has dug in on the sewer and storm water upgrades at the corner of Quinton and Ninth streets. 

They have battled to remove an illegal house, and are dealing with ten feet of basalt to move the project forward. 

Sometimes, you have to push a rock up the hill - or better yet smash it into pieces or use it to build a house.

The East Ninth Street project reflects persistence and tenacity to deliver a modern sewer system designed with capacity for multiple residential connections — a key step toward phasing out aging septic tanks, protecting public health, and bringing more homes onto city infrastructure.

It all started in 2022. 

The city first had to clear the way for any East Ninth Street improvements by ordering the removal of an illegally built house near the corner of Quinton and Ninth. After the council declared the structure a nuisance, demolition crews and heavy equipment were brought in almost immediately to tear down and haul away the dwelling, opening the corridor for future sewer, stormwater and street work.

In January, councilors voted to create the reimbursement district for the East Ninth Street Sanitary Sewer Main Improvements project. Thed reimbursement fee for new connections to the City’s sanitary sewer system within the reimbursement district is $3,856.28 per home.

The following month, on Feb. 24, the council authorized a contract not to exceed $192,710 with McCallum Rock Drilling for rock-drilling work needed to install a new sanitary sewer main and storm main near Quinton and East 10th streets. According to the staff report, crews will pre-drill three-inch holes roughly 10 feet deep across the trench line to ease excavation through basalt. The work started in February.

The sewer runs along the gravel portion of East Ninth Street while the storm system will extend closer to Heck ‘Triangle’ Park. The work is budgeted from the Wastewater Collection fund, which had about $629,929 available for the project as of the January supplemental budget.

Work on the utility installation began in the spring. And it was not long before the City’s Skid Steer went missing.

Avoiding the Rock Rattle and Roll

The drilling plan was chosen to reduce vibration impacts near a historic stacked-rock house at 1830 East Ninth Street, photo below. City staff noted that the pre-drilling method should lessen risks compared to blasting or hammering through solid rock.

While the drilling has been completed, the excavation for the installation of the storm drain is expected to occur in coming weeks.

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 3, 2025 — On Wednesday mornings across the Columbia Gorge, coolers snap open, boxes are labeled, and flats of greens, fruit, eggs, breads, cheeses, and flowers head out the door. By afternoon, those orders—placed through Gorge Farmer Collective, a farmer-owned cooperative of 35+ local farms- are waiting at neighborhood pickup spots from The Dalles to Mosier and Lyle.

For many households in Hood River, White Salmon, Bingen, and Underwood, they may arrive right at the doorstep (see the delivery map to see if you’re in the zone!).

“The idea is simple,” said Kiara fdKashuba, GFC’s Executive Director and co-founder. “Order exactly what you want, when you want it - online shopping meets farmers market. We harvest to order, which means better flavor, less waste—and more of each food dollar stays here in our community.”

How it works

• Order window: Thu 8 a.m. – Mon 10 a.m. at

• GorgeFarmers.com

• Choose: Home delivery or local pickup

• Delivery $10 flat or free over $150; pickup is free

Pickup made easy

Wednesdays, 4–6 p.m. at five local hubs:

• The Dalles — Freebridge Brewing, 710 E 2nd St

• Mosier — Downtown, 1000 First Ave

• Lyle — Lyle Grange Hall, Columbia Grange Rd

• Hood River — Rockford Grange, 4262 Barrett Dr

• White Salmon — Mt. View Grange, 1084 NE Estes Ave

For east-side listeners and readers, pickup often means grabbing a box on the commute home, no subscription required, just order when it fits your week.

What’s available on the Marketplace

Late summer into early fall is peak-season abundance: peaches and pears, vine-ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, tender salad mix, and berries—alongside pasture-raised meats and eggs, fresh breads, and small-batch pantry favorites like honey, jams, pickles, hot sauces, marinades, stocks, and baking mixes. You’ll also find herbs, mushrooms, garlic and onions, squash, cut flowers, and occasional chef add-ons (pasta, bone broth, spice blends) that make weeknight meals snap together.

The best part? You’re not limited to one farm—choose from 100+ weekly items from a cooperative of 35+ local farms, all in one cart. That means more support for Gorge growers and fewer trips to the grocery store.

It doesn’t get more local than this,” said Kiara of GFC. “With one stop online, you can shop dozens of Gorge farms and choose the seasonal products you love. We harvest to order and pack the same day—so what reaches your table is field-fresh and straight from our backyard.

Beyond home kitchens, GFC’s model serves restaurants, schools, and community partners, connecting more of the region’s food economy to nearby farms.

Why a co-op matters

Because GFC is a cooperative, every participating farm owns a stake and has a vote in how the marketplace runs. That structure aims to balance fair pricing for growers with access and convenience for shoppers.

Try it this month

First-time customers can save 20% with code “CCCN20” at checkout. Order Thursday–Monday and make Wednesdays your fresh-food day.

Learn more & order: GorgeFarmers.com

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 3, 2025 — Wasco County Community Development is partnering with Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) staff to modernize disaster recovery in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This collaboration aims to address the recovery needs following the Rowena, Burdoin, Broughton, and Tunnel Fires.

On September 9, 2025, Wasco County and the Columbia River Gorge Commission staff will present a request to the Columbia River Gorge Commission to amend the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan. This proposed Plan Amendment seeks to streamline procedures, offer greater flexibility, and create opportunities for temporary uses to support disaster recovery efforts.

"We appreciate the partnership with the Columbia River Gorge Commission as we work together to find more effective ways to help our communities recover from these devastating fires," said Kelly Howsley-Glover, Community Development Director. "This amendment is a crucial step toward modernizing our approach and ensuring that our residents have the support and resources they need to rebuild."

The discussion comes on the heels of the Rowena and Burdoin fires in June and July, respectively, this summer. The Rowena blaze ravaged the rural area just west of The Dalles, destroying 56 residential homes as it incinerated approximately 3,700 acres—prompting widespread evacuations and scores of families to seek shelter elsewhere.  The Burdoin Fire in July burned across the river near Lyle, Washington, tore through at least 14 residential structures and damaged or destroyed 80 other buildings in the 10,000-acre blaze. 

Families lost not only houses but wells, septic systems, and decades of memories. 

“There is a long road to recovery,” said Wasco County public information officer Stephanie Krell of the Rowena Fire earlier this summer. “We need to keep the momentum. This is not going to end next week. We’re looking at the long game.” 

If the Gorge Commission approves the request, staff will prepare revised Management Plan language. This draft language will then be shared with the public for a 30-day comment period, providing an additional opportunity for community input.

Making rebuilding clearer

Currently, landowners seeking to replace a home lost to wildfire must obtain a new permit — but the rules are not explicit on whether that process should be expedited. Howsley-Glover said the lack of clarity slows down recovery.
“One of the goals is to make that clear, which will help staff process the permit faster because not as many criteria will be in play,” she explained in a recent message to CCCNews.

Longer window, more temporary shelter

Proposals under consideration include extending the timeline for replacement permits from two years to five or seven years, giving families more flexibility before starting construction. Another change would allow temporary living options, such as staying in RVs on-site for longer than the current 60-day annual limit — mirroring allowances adopted outside the Scenic Area under new Oregon law.

Wasco County is urging citizens to show their support for the Plan Amendment request. The community's voice is vital in this process. Citizens are encouraged to share their experiences with the Rowena Fire and its impact on the community, their vision for recovery, their sense of urgency for new options, and their desire to see Rowena continue as a vibrant part of the National Scenic Area. Support for the collaboration between Wasco County and CRGC staff are also welcome.

How to Provide Comments:

• The Commission requires all written materials to be submitted no later than Monday, September 8 at noon.

• Email comments to: PublicComment@Gorgecommission.org

• Subject line: Plan Amendment Request for Disaster Recovery Comment

• Address comments to: The appointed Columbia River Gorge Commissioners. Information about the Commissioners can be found at: https://www.gorgecommission.org/about-crgc/commissioners-staff/

The agenda for the September 9th meeting will be available by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 2nd, at https://www.gorgecommission.org/about- crgc/commission-meetings/.

For questions about how to provide comments, please contact Kelly Howsley-Glover at 541-2560 or kellyg@co.wasco.or.us.

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 2, 2025 — Wasco County Commissioners will meet Wednesday, Sept. 3, to review financial reports and consider a handful of agreements ranging from bus funding to ballfield fencing. Most items fall under routine housekeeping, though the session will also include a presentation from a developer planning a major downtown project.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the county courthouse in The Dalles. An executive session is set for 9:30 a.m. to consider records exempt from public inspection.

Click here to watch the meeting via Zoom.

Transit funding: $281,250

Commissioners will be asked to approve an amendment to an Oregon Department of Transportation contract that keeps deviated fixed-route bus service operating in The Dalles. The revised total is $281,250, made up of $225,000 in federal funds and a $56,250 state match.

Forest Service patrols: $59,305

The county’s cooperative law enforcement agreement with the U.S. Forest Service continues with added funding for the current year. The 2025 operating plan totals $59,305, which includes an additional $18,260 in new money and carried-over funds from prior years.

Kramer Field fence: $19,400

A proposed intergovernmental agreement with the City of The Dalles would allow the city to contribute toward fencing upgrades at Kramer Field. The staff memo lists the award at $19,400, while the agreement itself caps the city’s share at $19,440.

Advisory appointment

The board is expected to appoint Korina Ta’ala to the Public Transportation Advisory Committee.

Other business

• The county will take up a mutual nondisclosure agreement with Hood River County to support work on a joint computer-aided dispatch system. No dollar figures are attached.

• Developer Mary Hanlon is scheduled to brief commissioners on her “Basalt Commons” project in downtown The Dalles.

• Consent items include ratifying minutes from the Aug. 20 meeting.

Financial snapshot

The board will open with a July financial report, the first of the new fiscal year. Highlights include a $2.025 million transfer into the Operating Reserve for a planned PERS side account and road fund spending at 22% of its annual budget, reflecting seasonal purchases of supplies and chemicals.

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 2, 2025 — All North Wasco County School District students return to classrooms Wednesday, Sept. 3, as the 2025–26 school year begins across The Dalles.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution during morning and afternoon commutes. Expect heavier traffic near campuses with more buses, parent drop-offs and students walking and biking to school.

School speed zones will be in effect at 20 miles per hour. Officials remind drivers to watch for crossing guards, yield at marked crosswalks and stop for school buses when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Families are encouraged to review bus routes and school start times ahead of the morning rush.

The Dalles, Sept. 2, 2025 — Incoming Freshmen filled the halls today at The Dalles High School as they received orientation on where classes were located and also received their schedules. Above, students pack the table at the front entrance of the school in order to find their class selection and teachers.

Today also welcomed kindergartners to elementary schools and sixthgraders to The Dalles Middle School. The day is intended to give new students a leg up as they become familiar with their new school and classmates.

School will officially start for all students on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Stevenson, Wash., Sept 2, 2025 — The much-anticipated Stevenson Mushroom Festival returns for its second year, promising a weekend of mushroom-themed adventure, culinary delights, and community celebration in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

Taking place Friday and Saturday, September 26–27, this year’s festival will expand on 2024’s sold-out success with new “Mushroom Hunt” Passport locations, new vendors, fresh educational presentations, and the return of the whimsical Mushroom Gala at the Columbia Gorge Museum.

Hosted by Traverse PNW Market, the festival kicks off Friday evening with the Mushroom Gala, an eclectic 21+ affair celebrating the fungi-forward lifestyle. Guests can expect gourmet bites by Cherry City Catering, adaptogenic cocktails, local beer and wine, and a “Fungi Flare” costume contest — all set to the groove of DJ Elvis. Come dressed to impress and ready to dance!

Saturday’s festivities center around the popular “Mushroom Hunt” Passport Adventure, which invites attendees to explore Stevenson through curated experiences and stamp-earning stops across town. Passport participants can look forward to expanded family-friendly activities like mushroom-themed crafts, story times for kids, and a Wooden Mushroom Hunt for young mushroom lovers at Skamania Lodge.

Local restaurants will serve up mushroom-inspired specials, while shops offer discounts on mushroom and foraging-themed merchandise. Workshops and demonstrations will educate and inspire everyone from amateur foragers to lifelong mycophiles. Passport holders are admitted free to the Columbia Gorge Museum, where Gorge Photo Booths will capture festive memories. To close out the evening, the Stevenson Waterfront Stage will host live music from local legends Joe Schlick and the New Brohemians from 5–7 PM. 

“After more than ten years as a business owner in Stevenson, I understand just how much our small shops and restaurants depend on community and connection,” said Tabatha Wiggins, Event Coordinator. “I created the Stevenson Mushroom Festival to celebrate who we are, to invite visitors to discover our little town, and to give locals something to truly look forward to. Seeing downtown alive with joy, music, and shared experiences in 2024 was beyond rewarding. In 2025, we’re growing that vision even more — creating new opportunities, supporting local businesses, and bringing people together in bigger ways than ever before.”

With a strong community and tourism impact in its first year, the Stevenson Mushroom Festival has quickly become a signature seasonal event for the region. Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations early and purchase tickets in advance at www.stevensonmushroomfestival.com.

Lodging options for the weekend include ArtBliss Hotel, Hotel Stevenson, Skamania Lodge, Hotel Stevenson, and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins — all offering convenient access to festival activities and the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

 Whether you’re a seasoned forager, culinary explorer, or just fungi-curious — come experience this family-friendly celebration of mushrooms in the heart of Stevenson, WA. Don’t miss it!

2025 Event Details
Mushroom Gala
 Columbia Gorge Museum, 990 Rock Creek Drive
 Friday, September 26
 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (21+)

“Mushroom Hunt” Passport Adventure
 Downtown Stevenson, WA
 Saturday, September 27
 Passport Pickup: Starting at 9:00 AM at Traverse PNW Market, 240 SW 1st Street
 Festival Activities: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

 Tickets & Info: www.stevensonmushroomfestival.com

The Dalles, Ore. Aug. 29, 2025 — The Dalles Kiwanis Club will host its annual Steak Feed on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sorosis Park.

The community tradition, now in its 69th year, is the club’s largest fundraiser to support programs benefiting children and families in The Dalles and the Mid-Columbia region.

A $26 ticket includes an 8-ounce sirloin steak, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, dessert and one drink. Children 12 and under, when accompanied by a ticket holder, eat free with a hot dog, chips, dessert and drink.

Tickets are available online at thedalleskiwanis.org/steak-feed, from Kiwanis members, at the Chamber of Commerce, or at the Farmers Market on Aug. 30. A limited number of tickets may also be available at the park on the day of the event.

Proceeds help fund local projects such as Key Club leadership development, the Community Backpack Program for food-insecure students, Challenger Little League, and scholarships for children’s summer art camps. Kiwanis also supports regional efforts including the Doernbecher Children’s Cancer Program at OHSU and Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for adults with disabilities.

“The Steak Feed is more than a meal—it’s a chance to gather with neighbors, enjoy the last days of summer, and give back to the community,” said Kiwanis event organizers.