By Joshuah Albert

Rowena, Ore. June 11, 2025 — Evacuation zones have been significantly expanded in response to the Rowena Fire burning near Mayer State Park, according to a 7 p.m. update from the Wasco County Sheriff's Office.

The wildfire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon along Interstate 84, has led to broadening Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuation orders stretching from Rowena Ferry Road east to River Road, and from Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, south to Chenowith Creek Road and Browns Creek Road, and east to West Seventh Street.

Level 2 "BE SET" evacuations are now in place for the area from Snipes Street west to Chenowith Loop Road and from Chenowith Creek Road to Browns Creek Road.

A new Level 1 "BE READY" notice has been issued for the area extending from the intersection of Seven Mile Hill Road east to Browns Creek Road, then east to Snipes Street and Cherry Heights Road, and south to Browns Creek Road. This includes the Port area of The Dalles.

A Red Cross shelter has been opened at The Dalles Middle School, located at 1100 E. 12th St., to assist displaced residents. The Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Rd. in Tygh Valley is open for livestock, horses, and residents with trailers.

Both Interstate 84 and Highway 30 remain closed from Rowena to milepost 82. Authorities are urging travelers to use alternate routes.

Evacuation maps and real-time updates are available at perimetermap.com.

By Joshuah Albert

Rowena, Ore. June 11, 2025, 4 p.m. — A fast-moving wildfire has The Wasco County Sheriff’s office to warn residents to be set to evacuate in West The Dalles.

LEVEL 3 GO NOW! Evacuation from Rowena Ferry Rd. east to River Rd.

LEVEL 2 BE SET Evacuation Seven Mile Hill Rd to Mountain View Dr., south to Chenowith Creek Rd and Browns Creek Rd., east to W 7th St.

LEVEL 1 BE READY Evacuation Snipes, west to Chenoweth Loop Rd., Chenowith Creek Rd, to Browns Creek Rd.

The Gloria Center will be opened as a temporary shelter until 2000. 2505 W 7th St, The Dalles, OR 97058

The Dalles Middle School will be open at 1630 as a temporary shelter.

I-84 and Hwy 30 are closed from Rowena to MP 82. Use alternate route.

The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon near Mayer State Park, prompting multiple road closures and evacuation orders in the Rowena area, according to the Columbia Gorge Fires’ Facebook Page.

As of 1:45 p.m., the fire was burning along the eastbound side of Interstate 84, which has since been closed at Exit 64. Officials estimate the fire has burned approximately 5 acres. Incident command has been established at Mayer State Park.

Traffic is closed on Interstate 84 from Rowena to Exit 82 in The Dalles.

Emergency crews from multiple agencies—including Zigzag Interagency Hotshots and engines S-431, S-432, E-602, E-9461, E-9462, E-9451, and E-601—are responding. Weather conditions at the time included 73-degree temperatures, 40% humidity, and winds blowing at 15 mph with gusts up to 27 mph.

Evacuation levels escalated quickly:

• At 1:53 p.m., a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation was ordered from Old Cherry Road to Highway 30, including Rowena River Ferry Road.

• At 2 p.m., a Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation was issued for residents from 5500 Hwy 30 to Discovery Road.

• The 5500 block of Hwy 30 was actively being evacuated by 2:05 p.m., according to emergency radio traffic.

The Rowena exit has also been closed, and visibility on Hwy 30 has been severely limited due to smoke, leading to additional closures up to Pinewood.

An evacuation map is available through Wasco County Emergency Management at perimetermap.com.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

By Robin Allens

Hood River, Ore., June 11, 2025 — Black in the Gorge and The Next Door, Inc., are very happy to invite everyone to the 3rd Annual Gorge Juneteenth Celebration! This will be our biggest celebration yet,  with more music, BIPOC vendors with crafts and food, as well as participatory opportunities for all ages, including art, African dance, and drumming!

Many community organizations will be there with information about what they do and kid-friendly activities!

The event will be on Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19th from 3:00-9:00 p.m. Don’t miss the beginning with Red Elk Drum Circle welcoming and connecting us to the land and each other. Then Jujuba will get us up and dancing with their band and infectious African rhythms. 

Singer/songwriter and Black in the Gorge member, Marie Louise, will share some of her meaningful tunes, followed by Chibia, a genre-bending and incredible Portland musician.

We welcome back the Gorge Unity Choir led by dynamic choir director and powerful singer, Cynta Butts and accompanied by jazz pianist, Tim Mayer. In fact, ALL are welcome to come sing with us in this choir! Come to one or both practices (Monday 6/16, and Wednesday, 6/18, 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Church). And then we will sing at the event! No choir experience is necessary to be a part of this joy-filled opportunity!

The evening finishes with the incredible jazz/blues/soul singer, known as Portland’s Queen of the Blues, LaRhonda Steele, and the amazing saxophonist, Eldon T. Jones.

Don’t miss this new Gorge tradition and FREE event, Thursday, June 19th, 3:00-9:00 p.m. at Jackson Park in Hood River.

Dufur Ore., June 10, 2025 — Thanks to the generosity of so many people, our elementary garden is scheduled to have its official introduction to the town on August 9th at 802 NE 5th Street, following the Threshing Bee parade!

Families are invited to help us say thank you to everyone who helped make this a reality: AgWest Farm Credit; Vince and Terry Cobb of Straight Log Milling; The Brewster Family of Todays Rays and Brewster N Sons Landscaping; Dirt Hugger; Neal Creek Forest Products; Three Brothers Landscaping; Jim Hanna of Mountain Shadow Food; the Dufur School Grant Committee; and the Dufur Elementary Garden Committee.

We will celebrate with informational booths, activities, games, freebies, and treats!

Come take part in this day of celebration for our elementary at Dufur School!

From City of The Dalles Public Works Department:

By Jill Hoyenga

The Dalles, Ore., June 10, 2025 — The week of June 16, 2025, City crews and contractors will begin work on several pavement preservation projects. These chip seal projects will require short duration road closures between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at each location on the date the work is scheduled to take place. Detours will be in place during work hours.

This road work is expected to extend the service life of the pavement structure.

Work scheduled for Monday June 16, 2025:

Work scheduled for Tuesday June 17, 2025:

Work scheduled for Wednesday June 18, 2025:

Please proceed with caution in these areas during construction times and observe all temporary traffic control devices. Thank you for your assistance during this work.

A full list of projects and a 2025 The Dalles Pavement Preservation Program map can be viewed at thedalles.org/summerstreetmaintenance.

If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401.

From Hood River County Sheriff's Office:

Odell, Ore. June 10, 2025 — A structure fire in the 3100 block of Lingren Road has led to the death of a 64-year-old woman and the hospitalization of her husband.

At approximately 1:54 A.M. on June 10th, 2025, Hood River County 911 received their first call of a structure fire at 3188 Lingren Road, in Odell. The first fire units with Wy’East Fire District arrived on scene at 2:08 A.M. and reported that the structure was fully involved. A 64-year-old male occupant made it out of the house and was transported by Life Flight to Portland in serious condition. Tragically, a 64-year-old female occupant was located deceased inside the home.

Investigators with the Oregon Fire Marshal’s Office, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police are still on scene investigating the cause of the fire. At this time there is no reason to suspect anything other than a tragic accident.

The response included personnel and apparatus from Wy’East Fire District, Westside Fire District, Parkdale Fire District, Hood River Fire Department, and Cascade Locks Fire Department. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the initial call.

From The Dalles Police Department:

The Dalles, Ore., June 9, 2025 — The Dalles Police is very sorry to report that on Saturday, June 7th at 9:11 am, emergency services received a call of a missing 3 year old from the Columbia River Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Shiloh Inn).

The child was visiting the area with family from Washington. The child, who was almost four, left the room and got outside the hotel. Officers from The Dalles Police, Wasco County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and Intertribal Police all responded to the area, and officers began to search for the child within minutes of the call. Family members were also searching for the child who was located in the Columbia River near the Oregon shoreline.

The child was transported to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Hospital in The Dalles, and life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.

The Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team was activated to investigate this tragic event, and the Wasco County District Attorney was consulted during the death investigation.

The Dalles Police wants to express our profound sorrow to the family and all of those impacted by this tragedy.

From Hood River County:

By Allison Willliams

Hood River, Ore., June 9, 2025 — Fireworks will be prohibited throughout Hood River County beginning at 11:59 p.m. on June 15 this year, following the Regulated Use Closure implemented by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), which is effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 16. The Central Oregon District of ODF declared fire season on June 2nd.

Due to actions taken by Hood River County Fire Defense Board and the Regulated Use Closure declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Hood River County Administrator, under the authority granted by Ordinance 376, is prohibiting the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Hood River County until the Oregon State Forester suspends or terminates the closure.

Beginning 12:01 a.m. June 16th, the Regulated Use Closure (RUC) prohibits open campfires throughout the County Forest. Campfires will only be permitted inside fire rings at the Kingsley Campground through a special waiver until further notice. Portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in forested areas during RUC. All vehicles on County Forest roads must be equipped with either a shovel and a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher or larger.

As part of the RUC restrictions, County Forest trails will be closed to motorized use on Middle Mountain, Pinemont, and Fir Mountain (Eastside) due to fire danger. Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use will still be allowed in Hood River County’s Northwest Area Trail System through a special ODF waiver until further notice.

As the weather warms up, the risk of fire danger increases due to drying fuels. It’s crucial for everyone, whether at home, at work, or enjoying outdoor activities, to prioritize wildfire prevention. Hood River County is home to forests and wildlands that present a significant fire risk, especially during hot and dry conditions.

To help reduce the likelihood of fire starts, the Oregon Department of Forestry enforces the RUC regulations during fire season. For more information, please visit odfcentraloregon.com.

By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., June 8, 2025 — Summer is heating up, and so is the lineup at The Dalles Public Library! From handmade Father’s Day gifts and author talks to teen popsicles, movies, music, and even a contortionist, this week’s events are as dynamic as the community itself. Whether you’re celebrating the end of the school year or kicking off summer with new skills, stories, and surprises, there’s something waiting for everyone.

Maker Monday: Father’s Day Shop Towels
Monday, June 9, multiple sessions from 3–6:45 p.m., Makerspace
Families are invited to create custom shop towels just in time for Father’s Day. Bring a photo or card to transfer onto your towel. Registration is required; sessions fill quickly.

Virtual Author Talk: Lisa Jewell
Tuesday, June 10, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Online
Bestselling author Lisa Jewell offers a thrilling preview of her upcoming novel Don’t Let Him In. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from her writing process and register for this exclusive virtual event.

Teen Event: Last Day of School Popsicles + Summer Bucket List
Wednesday, June 11, 2–5 p.m., Teen Room
Celebrate the last day of school with a sweet treat and start building your summer bucket list at this drop-in event for teens.

Movie Day at The Granada: The Last Unicorn
Thursday, June 12, 2–4 p.m., Offsite at Granada Theatre
All ages are welcome for a free screening of The Last Unicorn. Concessions available for purchase. Admission is free.

Lunchtime Concert on the Deck
Friday, June 13, 12–2 p.m., Lower Parking Lot
Enjoy global music under the Sycamore tree during this free Friday concert series. Light lunch provided while supplies last.

Contortionist Performance and Workshop
Saturday, June 14, 1–2 p.m., Meeting Room
Join Aerial Muse for a short performance followed by a Q&A and interactive movement session. Registration is required.

Self-Defense for Women
Saturday, June 14, 3–4 p.m., Meeting Room
This free class is open to women and teens (with adult supervision) and led by professional trainers from The Dalles. No registration required.

For more details or to register for select programs, visit thedallespubliclibrary.org.

The Dalles, Ore., June 5, 2025 — The Hood River City Council will hold a public hearing Monday evening on the city’s proposed $63.9 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which maintains current service levels while investing in key infrastructure, housing support and technology upgrades.

The spending plan was approved by the city’s Budget Committee on May 21 following three public meetings and will be adopted via Resolutions 2025-12 and 2025-13.

The general fund budget totals $12.6 million, with the largest shares going to fire services ($4.9 million) and police ($3.6 million). The city will also maintain a $2.2 million general fund reserve for future use, which is not included in appropriated totals.

The new budget provides funding for:

• A five-year information technology plan and IT equipment replacement

• A citywide utility rate study

• Storm, water and wastewater line replacements

• Construction on the long-awaited May Street elevated sidewalk project

• A transfer to the Urban Renewal Area to promote housing development

The city’s all-funds appropriations total $52.05 million, with the remaining $11.87 million held in unappropriated reserves.

Also included is a $278,000 transfer from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, which will cover sewer development charges and inspection fees for Big River Community Land Trust’s workforce housing project at 1676 Tucker Road.

The budget adopts a permanent property tax rate of $2.8112 per $1,000 of assessed value and includes the city’s annual acceptance of state shared revenue.

Residents may comment on the proposed budget during the hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, June 9, at City Hall or via Zoom. The full budget document is available at https://cityofhoodriver.gov/administration/finance-reports.

Thoughts from the Tractor Seat

By Ken Polehn

As I sit here on my tractor seat, the view stretches far beyond my orchard rows. These days, the pressures on family farms stretch just as far—across state lines, trade routes, and policy halls.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the recent closure of processing facilities like the Cargill feed mill in Ferndale, Washington, has left farmers scrambling. With only one feed mill left in the region, what used to be a local trip now requires long hauls across the state or even into Idaho. That’s more fuel, more time, and more strain on already thin margins.

Layered on top of this is the weight of tariffs. A 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico—two of our biggest trading partners—has sparked retaliatory tariffs that target what we grow best: apples, cherries, dairy, and potatoes. Our family farm exports cherries every summer, so I know firsthand the anxiety of watching prices get squeezed from both ends—here at home and in foreign markets.

Meanwhile, in Oregon, farmers face a different kind of squeeze: the state’s new overtime laws, which drop the threshold to 48 hours this year and to 40 by 2027. In theory, fair wages for farm workers are a good thing. But the unintended consequence is fewer hours and paychecks for those who want to work, and even more paperwork and cost for those of us trying to keep the farm afloat.

California is a cautionary tale for us all. Their regulatory costs have skyrocketed 1,400% since 2006—outpacing the value of their crops. That’s a hard lesson in what happens when well-meaning policies add up year after year without considering the bigger picture. California farmers also struggle with labor shortages as immigration policy tightens and with billions in lost export sales from renewed tariff fights.

What does it all add up to? A reminder that farming is never just about the dirt under our feet. It’s about infrastructure—like feed mills and canneries—that keep us close to our markets. It’s about labor policies that balance fairness with practicality. It’s about trade deals and regulatory systems that see us not as an afterthought, but as essential to the economy and to the food on America’s tables.

So as I steer this tractor down the row, I’m reminded:

We need policies that keep local processing and transport infrastructure alive, not let them crumble.

We need labor laws that respect workers and the seasonal, specialized nature of farming.

We need trade policies that open doors, not close them, so our harvests feed the world—not rot in a warehouse.

The work ahead is about more than saving one farm or one crop. It’s about protecting the resilience of the entire food system—one decision, one policy, and one tractor seat at a time.

Sitting on my tailgate at lunch, looking over the fields with cherry harvest just days away—these are the thoughts I’d like to share. — Ken Polehn, Thoughts from the Tractor Seat

About the author:

I was born in 1961 into a second-generation farm family in The Dalles. I grew up on a tractor seat, moving irrigation pipe with my sisters before school, and spent my summers picking cherries alongside the children of migrant families who returned year after year. My wife, children, and parents have all worked the same land. I’ve served as county Farm Bureau president, sat on the county fair board, and continue to support 4-H and FFA. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when farmers are squeezed out—not just of business, but of the conversation.

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore. June 6, 2025 — In a recent episode of the CCCNews podcast, licensed professional counselor Colleen Worrell joined our host Tom Peterson to discuss mental health, self-care, and strategies for shifting destructive thought patterns.

Colleen, who practices in both Oregon and Washington and has worked in the field for more than a decade, emphasized that therapy is less about fixing people and more about serving them.

“Therapy comes from the Greek word for servant,” she said. “It’s like offering someone a bowl of soup. If they don’t like that kind, you offer a different one.”

Throughout the conversation, Colleen explained that many harmful behaviors and thoughts are rooted in the brain’s effort to maintain familiar systems, even if those systems are harmful. She likened neural habits to cattle paths worn through a field: the brain prefers what it knows, even if change is healthier.

“If you try to walk a new path, it’s uncomfortable,” she said. “But eventually, that new route becomes the easier one.”

She also addressed the tendency to focus on perceived failures instead of achievements. “When people point out the 1% you got wrong instead of the 99% you got right, it’s often about their own insecurities,” she said. “We have to train ourselves to see the whole picture and offer ourselves some grace.”

Host Tom Petersen reflected on the cultural shift around self-care, saying he grew up thinking it meant being “tough.” Colleen countered that mindset, stressing the importance of small, consistent steps—like movement, hydration, and kindness to oneself—as a way to challenge shame and anxiety.

“You can’t just tell yourself ‘no’ to a bad thought,” she said. “You have to recognize it, call it what it is, and guide your mind elsewhere.”

Colleen also discussed how feelings are typically rooted in either fear or love. “The absence of fear is love,” she said. “It’s about acting with compassion toward others and yourself.”

Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and seeking support from trusted people were offered as tools to help reframe negative thoughts. She emphasized that everyone struggles and that change is a continuous, uneven process.

The episode wrapped with information about Colleen’s counseling services at Strong Tree Counseling, located at 409 Lincoln St. in The Dalles. She encouraged anyone interested in therapy to reach out via her answering service at 541-993-2789, noting she often refers new clients when her schedule is full.

“You’re not weird because you struggle,” she said. “If you didn’t struggle, that would be weird.”

To listen to the full episode, visit cccnews.com or find the CCC News podcast on your preferred streaming platform.

The Dalles, Ore., June 6, 2025 — The Hood River City Council will consider authorizing a $2 million loan from the Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank (OTIB) to help fund the long-awaited replacement of the May Street elevated sidewalk during its regular meeting Monday, June 9, at 6 p.m.

The project, initially estimated at $2.08 million when approved for state funding in 2019, has since ballooned to $3.7 million. Design and right-of-way work are now complete, and construction is set to begin June 10. The proposed loan—secured by the city's full faith and credit—would cover a portion of the city's $2.2 million share, with an interest rate of 3.47% over 20 years.

The May Street sidewalk was originally built in 1945 to navigate steep terrain between 13th Street and Katie’s Lane. Federal and state funds will provide $1.5 million toward the replacement, with the balance coming from city sources including the proposed OTIB loan.

Councilors will vote on Resolution 2025-14, authorizing the City Manager to finalize the loan agreement.

Waiver of First Friday fees

Council will also consider a fee waiver request from Visit Hood River, the Chamber of Commerce’s tourism arm, to waive $2,643 in fees for First Friday street closures this summer. The events, which feature cultural themes in June, August and September, are free to the public and vendors. City staff estimate public works labor alone for the events will cost around $1,250.

Presentations

The meeting will include two scheduled presentations:

• “Somos Inmigrantes” Proclamation: Mayor Paul Blackburn will issue a proclamation reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusion and support of immigrant communities, urging residents and businesses to display “Somos Inmigrantes” signs.

• Budget Overview: Finance Director Chris Longinetti will present the finalized FY2025-26 budget before council votes on adoption.

Consent Agenda

• Authorization of a $36,589 contract with Rick Williams Consulting to conduct a parking analysis of the Waterfront District

The full meeting agenda and budget documents are available on the city’s website: https://cityofhoodriver.gov.

From The Dalles Main Street:

By Cynthia Kortge

The Dalles, Ore., June 6, 2025 — Main Street First Friday is Celebrating Summer this month as we kick off the hot weather season with Dads, Grads and all things summer. Join us downtown starting Friday evening for late openings at your favorite shops as well as hot eats and cool treats. The fun starts at 5 pm with a variety of music, specials, promotions and activities.

Skookum Outfitters & Wasco County Mercantile have some great gifts for Father’s Day and all the Graduates on your list.

New in the store are Oregon made Benchmade Knives and of course all the supplies for your fly fishing needs, but they have much more than that for all of your summer fun! Check out their sunglasses, sleeping bags, clothing, camping supplies, sunscreen and much much more.

Don’t forget the Reef sandals, Birkenstocks, Frye Boots & Sorel Shoes.

First Friday will have some special deals and of course Pizza The Gathering will be there with specialty pizza.

Down at Meraki Beauty PNW they are offering 10% off in store while just a few doors down at Vibe Consignment Kaahreena and her team have Banjovi performing and a special guest, style activist Judith Rizzio there to give personal styling tips for customers to celebrate Pride!

At the Artisan Market they are featuring local photographer Fred Loring who specializes in prints on aluminum, wood and postcard along with a selection of red sunflower starters for $3.00, fresh popcorn, water, treats and fresh flowers.

Luise at Lines of Design is introducing the first phase of a fabric store featuring apparel fabric and you can learn more about future plans along with ice tea samples from the Tea Travelers Nook!

Urban Paper is joining in on the fun with summer discounts showcasing new products and a make and take activity and Breezeway Antiques will be doing a raffle drawing for a $100 gift certificate!

Finally a big welcome to La Golosa Postres, one of our newest businesses downtown located next to 15 Mile Winery, where they will be offering up some of their delicious strawberry and creme specials and street dogs as we all Celebrate Summer!

The Dalles Main Street is a community driven organization dedicated to creating and maintaining a vibrant and thriving downtown. We foster community awareness of our unique history and work cooperatively with other organizations and businesses on projects that benefit The Dalles and the downtown core. The Main Street 4-Point Approach is a nationally recognized process to improve the health of the downtown area and create a prosperous community for all. Since implementation in 2013, The Dalles Main Street has seen great success in a number of areas including community clean up, beautification projects, historic preservation and revitalization. Join us this year for a stellar line up of First Fridays and fundraising events in beautiful historic downtown The Dalles.

Parkdale, Ore., June 5, 2025 — Get ready to celebrate summer in Parkdale with a family-friendly community gathering. Enjoy music with your neighbors in the shade of the cherry trees. All are welcome! Show off your dance moves at the dance contest or your vocal skills at karaoke. Join a pie-eating contest with famous Parkdale Grange pies.

This event is hosted by the Parkdale Grange, the Hutson Museum, and the Hood River Latino Network. “I had a great time at the last gathering,” said volunteer Kathy Goe. “I am excited about getting together in the park.” The Hood River County Library bookmobile and One Community Health will join the summer party too. The event will be held in the Red Barn Park, home of the oldest building in Parkdale, an old logging truck and a lovely wire sculpture. This park once served as a train stop for the Mt. Hood Railroad, when it hauled logs, fruit and workers up and down the valley.

The Parkdale Grange is a local arm of the National Grange organization. The Grange is a family and community organization with its roots in agriculture.  The grange supports many organizations, including the Parkdale Elementary School teachers, the SMART reading program, Helping Hands against Violence, and the FISH Food Bank.

The Hutson Museum is a small history museum located in Parkdale, Oregon. The museum was built in 1992 to house a remarkable collection of rocks and minerals collected by Jess Hutson, a self-taught rockhound. The museum collection also contains an extensive array of indigenous tools and artifacts from early Parkdale.

The Hood River Latino Network is a social justice organization that works closely with the Rural Organizing Project, a group that advocates for rural communities and rural Oregonians. The network pulls together other resources, including the FISH Food Bank, One Community Health, and the Next Door, to name a few. This group has organized other fun and successful community gatherings.

For more information, contact Judy Zimmerman at (541) 402-1860 or Kathy Goe at 541-386-5043, info@hutsonmuseum.org

The Dalles, Ore., June 5, 2025 — On the latest episode of What’s Up The Dalles, local business leaders Cynthia Kortge, Luise Langheinrich and podcast host Tom Peterson discussed the changing face of downtown The Dalles—celebrating economic developments, previewing First Friday events, and addressing challenges in the retail supply chain.

Langheinrich, owner of Lines of Designs boutique, announced the launch of a mini fabric store within her shop at 107 E Second Street. Stocked with apparel fabrics and sewing supplies—including a repurposed thread rack from JoAnn Fabrics—the new addition aims to serve local sewing enthusiasts. “It’s sort of great to have First Friday happening tomorrow because we’re going to be showcasing a mini fabric store inside Lines of Designs,” Langheinrich said, adding that a larger fabric store is in the works with plans for classroom space.

Kortge, of The Dalles Main Street, emphasized the value of supporting locally owned businesses. “We have everything we could always want here,” she said. “Let’s concentrate and keep those dollars local and keep the economy booming here.”

Langheinrich, who has been active in downtown revitalization since 2004, reflected on the transformation over the years.

“The mix we have downtown is the best I have ever seen,” she said. “Every block has some really strong shops.”

That growth was evident in previews for June’s First Friday, themed “Dads and Grads.” Highlights included local music, art, food, and promotions from a variety of downtown businesses. From handmade knives and fly fishing gear at Skookum Outfitters to live music at Vibe Consignment, the event showcases the variety that’s drawing residents and visitors alike.

The podcast also explored larger shifts in downtown real estate. Tom Peterson noted that the historic Rose Building is under contract with Shadowbuck Winery owner Tom Peters, who has plans for a rooftop space. Additionally, David Brown of ThreeMile Vineyards is eyeing development in the former Craig Building, while the Sunshine Mill project continues to move toward a proposed spa and resort.

Langheinrich and Kortge also touched on the broader vision for The Dalles as a regional destination. Langheinrich emphasized the city’s deep roots as a trade hub: “We’ve got an 80-mile trade radius…

“ haven’t we been the trade center for 10,000 years?” Kortge added.

However, economic uncertainty looms. Langheinrich noted how international tariffs are affecting supply chains, with fabric and notions prices increasing dramatically. “I see it like a 38 to 50 percent hike in price,” she said. “And then you also have no supply.”

Still, the tone of the podcast was overwhelmingly optimistic. From the return of tour boat visitors to ongoing Main Street grant-funded renovations like the Sigman’s Building and the Umatilla House mural restoration, hosts agreed that momentum is building again downtown.

“Every big change starts with dedicated people,” Peterson said. “And downtown The Dalles is full of them.”

The Dalles, Ore., June 5, 2025 — Join The Dalles Main Street's Cynthia Kortge and Creative Entrepreneur Luise Langheinrich of Lines of Designs in this month's podcast on everything Downtown The Dalles. Langheinrich dishes on her move to open a fabric shop as Kortge spills the details on Tomorrow's First Friday events.  We also squeeze the grapes on the latest moves by local wineries.

Short on time?

Click here for a written recap.

Chamber of Commerce Tourism Contract

Council unanimously authorized the city manager to enter into a $465,000 contract with The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce for tourism promotion services.

The Chamber’s proposal includes hiring an executive tourism director and applying for a $93,000 Travel Oregon grant to help create a destination development plan.

The new contract includes provisions for cruise ship coordination, visitor services, and marketing, and allows a maximum 3% annual increase in future years.

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Agreements

Two key airport items were approved under the consent agenda:

• Enabled a Small Business Administation loan for Planecave, LLC to support an the development of two hangars with capacity for up to 18 planes. Council essentially vouched for Planecave stating the LLC is a tenant is in good standing, and it establish the rights of the SBA if the Planecave defaults.

• The city also authorized an Agreement and Mortgage and Covenant of Purpose and Use to help Klickitat County secure a $5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant for an aviation workforce training hangar. The agreements ensure the city and Klickitat County, as joint property owners, remain eligible for federal funds.

Library HVAC Replacement

Council approved a contract with AireX to replace the HVAC system at The Dalles-Wasco County Library.

The total project cost is $423,640.

It will be jointly funded by the city and the library district, with $115,000 in additional funding secured through a federal energy grant.

The 1967 HVAC system will be replaced this fall, improving the library's role as a clean air shelter during emergencies.

Youth Essay Winner & Robotics Team Recognized

The council meeting opened with recognition of two student achievements.

"If I Were Mayor" Essay Winner

Samson Masten, a freshman, was honored as the city’s 2025 "If I Were Mayor" contest winner for his video essay. His ideas included forming a volunteer pothole committee and enhancing environmental efforts through better trash disposal strategies.

Syntax Error Robotics Team

The Dalles High School robotics team, Syntax Error, was honored for winning its third straight Oregon state robotics title and placing in the top 5% at the VEX World Championships. Senior Zach Banks was recognized for earning admission to OSU’s engineering program, continuing the team’s tradition of academic excellence.

Council members praised both students and the robotics team for bringing pride to the community.

From The City of The Dalles:

The Dalles, Ore., June 4, 2025 — Two of the City’s three wells that are used to meet summer demands, are currently out of service due to unexpected mechanical failures. To avoid any water supply challenges, City of The Dalles water customers are encouraged to minimize or avoid unnecessary outdoor water use for the next two weeks. If that timeline changes, the City will provide additional updates.

Chenowith Water PUD customers are not affected by this advisory. Customers can confirm their water provider at thedalles.org/waterdistrictmap.

Some of the things that customers can do to reduce outdoor water use include:

• Temporarily reducing lawn and garden watering.

• Using a sprinkler, drip irrigation or soaker hose for landscape and garden watering rather than an open hose.

• Using a commercial car wash that recycles much of its water rather than washing vehicles at home. If washing vehicles at home, using a spring-loaded nozzle rather than an open hose is recommended.

Repairs to the wells are expected to be completed by the end of June. This water use advisory may be extended if there are changes to the repair schedule.

If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401.

The Dalles, Ore., May 4, 025 — The Dalles City Council will consider the adoption of a $111.4 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year at its regular meeting set for June 9.

The largest share of the budget—about $21 million—will fund general operations, including police, city administration, planning, legal, technology, and public facilities. The police department is set to receive $7.3 million, making it the single largest departmental allocation within the General Fund.

Other major allocations include $13 million for Special Grants, $8.7 million for water operations, and $8.4 million for wastewater services. The city also set aside more than $7.8 million for sewer plant construction and $6.3 million for its Special Enterprise Zone Fund.

Public infrastructure and development remain a key focus. The Capital Projects Fund is budgeted at nearly $5.5 million, while the Street Fund will receive $4.9 million for public works and road maintenance. The Transportation System Reserve and Sewer Capital Reserve are set at $5.2 million each.

Tourism and library services will be supported with $1.46 million and $2.74 million respectively. The airport, a joint project with Klickitat County, is budgeted at just under $4.9 million, with a separate $290,000 allocated for airport debt service.

The budget maintains the city's existing tax rate of $3.0155 per $1,000 of assessed property value and includes unappropriated ending fund balances for the General, Library, and Airport funds.

The City Council is being asked to authorize City Manager Matthew Klebes to carry out all adopted budget measures and certify the budget to Wasco County and the State of Oregon.

Budget Committee Discussion May 5, 2025

The Dalles Budget Committee opened deliberations for the city’s proposed 2025-26 budget on May 5 with a focus on allocations from the general fund, sparking the most discussion around the city council’s contractual services line item—particularly how the city funds local nonprofits and tourism-related initiatives.

The city council’s budget includes nearly $520,000 in general fund allocations to local organizations, including the Main Street program, Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation, Link Public Transit, and the Columbia Gorge Humane Society, among others. But the way those dollars were selected—particularly how they align with tourism goals and council priorities—was the subject of debate among committee members.

City Manager Matthew Klebes noted that this year’s budget reflects a shift in accounting structure: for the first time, transient lodging tax revenues were routed through a newly created tourism promotion fund, with about 44.6% of those funds later transferred to the general fund.

“These are general fund dollars,” Klebes clarified. “They are not transient lodging tax dollars anymore once transferred.”

The transient lodging tax in The Dalles was established in 1977, which precedes state statutes that mandate a 70/30 - tourism/general fund split.

This gives The Dalles greater flexibility in spending transient lodging taxes, meaning:

• They can allocate funds more freely across city services

• They can support local park districts, even if those projects are not tourism-related

• They are not legally required to spend a specific portion on tourism marketing or infrastructure

Greater Accountability

The budget allocation process prompted calls for a clearer grant making structure. Some committee members supported the city’s efforts to require deliverables and end-of-year reporting from groups receiving funding, including Main Street and the Beautification Committee. Others raised concerns about the nearly doubled discretionary budget compared to previous years and asked for more transparent definitions around “miscellaneous” reserves.

Also debated was a $143,000 allocation to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation, reduced from an original request of $335,000. The reduction of $192,000 was justified by Klebes as Wasco County reclaimed the responsibility of maintaining and watering Kramer Field.

Beyond the council’s budget, the meeting covered key highlights of the broader $67 million spending plan, including investments in the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan, ongoing updates to water infrastructure funded in part through Google's Strategic Investment Program (SIP), and a restructured IT department to centralize costs.